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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10351 ***
+
+THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,
+
+VOLUME THE TENTH.
+
+MDCCCXXV.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+Debate on the bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn.
+
+Debate on a seditious paper.
+
+Debate on incorporating the new-raised men into the standing regiments.
+
+Debate on taking the state of the army into consideration.
+
+Debate respecting officers on half-pay.
+
+Debate on an address for papers relating to admiral Haddock.
+
+Debate regarding the departure of the French and Spanish squadrons.
+
+Debate on addressing his majesty for the removal of sir R. Walpole.
+
+Debate on cleansing the city of Westminster.
+
+Debate on the bill to prevent inconveniencies arising from the insurance
+of ships.
+
+Debate on the bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen.
+
+Debate on the bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion.
+
+Debate on addressing the king.
+
+Debate on supporting the queen of Hungary.
+
+Debate on choosing a speaker.
+
+Debate on the address.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+
+
+The government of this country has long and justly been considered the
+best among the nations of Europe; and the English people have ever
+evinced a proportionate desire for information in its proceedings. But
+in the earlier days of our constitution, we shall find that much
+jealousy on the part of our rulers debarred the people from access to
+the national deliberations. Queen Elizabeth, with a sagacity that
+derived no assurance from the precedents of former times, foresaw the
+mighty power of the press, as an engine applied to state purposes, and
+accordingly aroused the spirit of her subjects, by causing the first
+gazettes to be published in the year of the armada [Footnote: See sir J.
+Mackintosh's Defence in the Peltier case.]: and D'Ewes's journals of her
+parliaments contain the earliest reports of parliamentary debates.
+
+The first volume of the commons' journals comprises the debates from the
+accession of James the first, to the cessation of parliaments under
+Charles the first. The publication, in 1766, of a member's notes,
+furnished authentic debates of the session in 1621. Rushworth, in his
+voluminous collections, presents us with many of the debates during the
+civil wars. Gray's more regular debates succeeded. From these, until the
+times that followed the glorious revolution in 1688, we have no reports
+of parliamentary proceedings, interesting as they must have been, on
+which we can place any more reliance, than on those of Dr. Johnson,
+which, we shall presently see, cannot pretend to the character of
+faithful reports, however deservedly eminent they are as eloquent and
+energetic compositions. But the revolution was not immediately followed
+by a liberal diffusion of parliamentary intelligence, for the newspapers
+of William's reign only give occasionally a detached speech. That
+sovereign scarcely allowed liberty of speech to the members of
+parliament themselves, and was fully as tyrannical in disposition as his
+predecessor on the throne; but, happily for the English nation, he was
+tied and bound by the strong fetters of law.
+
+The stormy period that ensued on William's death, is somewhat
+illustrated by Boyer's POLITICAL STATE. The HISTORICAL REGISTERS which
+appeared on the accession of George the first, may be considered as more
+faithful depositories of political information than Boyer's partial
+publication. The spirited opposition to sir Robert Walpole excited an
+unprecedented anxiety in the nation to learn the internal proceedings of
+parliament. This wish on the part of constituents to know and scrutinize
+the conduct of their representatives, which to us appears so reasonable
+a claim, was regarded in a different light by our ancestors. But the
+frown of authority in the reign of George the second began to have less
+power to alarm a people whose minds were undergoing progressive
+illumination. A general desire was then loudly expressed for
+parliamentary information, which Cave sought to gratify by the insertion
+of the debates in the GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. The jealousy of the houses,
+however, subjected that indefatigable man to the practices of stratagem
+for the accomplishment of his design. He held the office of inspector of
+franks in the postoffice, which brought him into contact with the
+officers of both houses of parliament, and afforded him frequent and
+ready access to many of the members. Cave, availing himself of this
+advantage, frequented the houses when any debate of public interest was
+expected, and, along with a friend, posted himself in the gallery of the
+house of commons, and in some retired station in that of the lords,
+where, unobserved, they took notes of the several speeches. These notes
+were afterwards arranged and expanded by Guthrie, the historian, then in
+the employment of Cave, and presented to the public, monthly, in the
+Gentleman's Magazine. They first appeared in July, 1736 [Footnote: Gent.
+Mag. vol. vi.], and were perused with the greatest eagerness. But it was
+soon intimated to Cave, that the speaker was offended with this freedom,
+which he regarded in the light of a breach of privilege, and would
+subject Cave, unless he desisted, to parliamentary censure, or perhaps
+punishment. To escape this, and likewise to avoid an abridgment of his
+magazine, Cave had recourse to the following artifice. He opened his
+magazine for June, 1738, with an article entitled, "Debates in the
+senate of Magna Lilliputia;" in which he artfully deplores the
+prohibition that forbids him to present his readers with the
+consultations of their own representatives, and expresses a hope that
+they will accept, as a substitute, those of that country which Gulliver
+had so lately rendered illustrious, and which untimely death had
+prevented that enterprising traveller from publishing himself. Under
+this fiction he continued to publish the debates of the British
+parliament, hiding the names of persons and places by the transposition
+of letters, in the way of anagram. These he contrived to explain to his
+readers, by annexing to his volume for 1738, feigned proposals for
+printing a work, to be called Anagrammata Rediviva. This list, and
+others from different years, we give in the present edition, though we
+have rejected the barbarous jargon from the speeches themselves. A
+contemporary publication, the LONDON MAGAZINE, feigned to give the
+debates of the Roman senate, and adapted Roman titles to the several
+speakers. This expedient, as well as Cave's contrivance, sufficed to
+protect its ingenious authors from parliamentary resentment; as the
+resolution of the commons was never enforced.
+
+The debates contained in the following volumes, commence with the 19th
+November, 1740, and terminate with the 23d February, 1742-3. The
+animated attempts that were made to remove sir Robert Walpole from
+administration, seemed, in Cave's opinion, to call for an abler reporter
+than Guthrie. Johnson was selected for the task; and his execution of it
+may well justify the admiration which we have so often avowed for those
+wonderful powers of mind, which, apparently, bade defiance to all
+impediments of external fortune.
+
+He was only thirty-two years of age, little acquainted with the world;
+had never, perhaps, been in either house, and certainly had never
+conversed with the men whose style and sentiments he took upon himself
+to imitate. But so well and skilfully did he assume, not merely the
+sedate and stately dignity of the lords, and the undaunted freedom of
+the commons, but also the tone of the respective parties, that the
+public imagined they recognised the individual manner of the different
+speakers. Voltaire, and other foreigners of distinction, compared
+British with Greek and Roman eloquence; and ludicrous instances are
+detailed by Johnson's biographers, of praises awarded to Pulteney or to
+Pitt, in the presence of the unsuspected author of the orations which
+had excited such regard [Footnote: See Boswell, and sir John Hawkins.]!
+For Johnson confessed, that he composed many of the speeches entirely
+from his own imagination, and all of them from very scanty materials.
+
+This confession he undoubtedly made from his love of truth, and not for
+the gratification of vanity. When he heard that Smollett was preparing
+his History of England, he warned him against relying on the debates as
+authentic; and, on his death-bed, he professed that the recollection of
+having been engaged in an imposture was painful to him. That this was a
+refined scrupulosity the most rigid moralist must allow; but,
+nevertheless, it is matter for congratulation, that the liberality of
+parliament no longer subjects its reporters to the subterfuges which we
+have thus briefly attempted to describe. And a comparison of this age
+and its privileges with the restrictions of former times, may not be
+without its use, if, by reminding us that we were not always free, it
+teaches us political contentment, suggests to us the policy of
+moderation, and enables us to love liberty, and yet be wise.
+
+OXFORD, NOVEMBER, 1825.
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Terms used by Cave to disguise the real Names
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Abingdon, Ld. ... Adonbing or Plefdrahn
+  Ambrose, Captain ... Ambreso
+  Archer ... Arech
+  Argyle, Duke of ... Agryl
+  Arthur ... Aruth
+  Anne ... Nuna
+  Aston ... Anots
+  Aylesford, Lord ... Alysfrop
+  Baltimore, Lord ... Blatirome
+  Barnard, Sir John ... Branard
+  Barrington ... Birrongtan
+  Bath, Earl of ... Baht
+  Bathurst, Lord ... Brustath
+  Bedford, Duke of ... Befdort
+  Berkeley, Lord ... Berelky
+  Bishop ... Flamen
+  Bladen, Mr. ... Bledna
+  Bootle, Mr. ... Butul
+  Bowles, Mr. ... Bewlos
+  Bristol, Lord ... Broslit
+  Bromley, Mr. ... Bormlye
+  Brown, Mr. ... Brewon or Buron
+  Burleigh ... Bruleigh
+  Burrell, Mr. ... Berrull
+  Campbell ... Campobell
+  Carew, Mr. ... Cawar
+  Carlisle, Earl of ... Carsilel
+  Carteret, Lord ... Quadrert
+  Castres, Mons ... Cahstrehs
+  Cavendish ... Candevish
+  Charles ... Chorlo
+  Chesterfield, Earl of ... Castroflet
+  Cholmondeley, Earl of ... Sholmlug
+  Churchill ... Chillchurch
+  Clutterbuck, Mr. ... Cluckerbutt
+  Cocks ... Cosck
+  Coke, Mr. ... Quoke
+  Cooke ... Coeko
+  Cooper, Mr. ... Quepur
+  Corbet, Mr. ... Croteb
+  Cornwall, Mr. ... Carnwoll
+  Cromwell ... Clewmro
+  Danes ... Danians
+  Danvers ... Dranevs
+  Delawarr, Lord ... Devarlar
+  Devonshire, Duke of ... Dovenshire
+  Digby ... Dibgy
+  Drake, Mr. ... Dekra
+  Earle, Mr. ... Eral
+  Edmund ... Emdond
+  Edward ... Eddraw
+  Elizabeth ... Ezila
+  Erskine, Mr. ... Eserkin
+  Eugene, Prince ... Eunege
+  Falconberg, Lord ... Flacnobrug
+  Falkland ... Flakland
+  Fanshaw, Mr. ... Fashnaw
+  Fazakerly ... Fakazerly
+  Fenwick, Mr. ... Finweck
+  Ferrol ... Ferlor
+  Fox, Mr. ... Feaux
+  Francis ... Farncis or Friscan
+  Gage, Lord ... Gega
+  George ... Gorgenti
+  Gibbon, Mr. ... Gibnob
+  Gloucester, Duke of ... Glustre
+  Godolphin, Lord ... Golphindo
+  Gore ... Gero
+  Gower, Lord ... Gewor
+  Grenville, Mr. ... Grevillen
+  Gybbon, Mr. ... Gybnob
+  Halifax, Lord ... Haxilaf
+  Haddock, Admiral ... Hockadd
+  Handasyd, Mr. ... Hasandyd
+  Harding, Mr. ... Hadringe
+  Hardwick, Lord ... Hickrad
+  Harrington ... Hargrinton
+  Hay, Mr. ... Heagh
+  Heathcote ... Whethtoc
+  Henry ... Hynrec
+  Herbert ... Hertreb
+  Hervey, Lord ... Heryef
+  Hessian ... Hyessean
+  Hind Cotton ... Whind Cotnot
+  Hindford ... Honfryd
+  Hinton ... Hwenton
+  Hobart ... Hobrat
+  Holdernesse, Lord ... Hodrelness
+  Hooper ... Horeop
+  Hosier, Admiral ... Hozeri
+  Howe ... Hewo
+  Islay, Lord ... Yasli
+  Isham ... Ishma
+  Ilchester ... Itchletser
+  James ... Jacomo
+  Jekyl ... Jelyco
+  Jenkins ... Jenkino
+  John ... Juan
+  Joseph ... Josippo
+  Keene, Mr. ... Knee
+  Ledbury, Mr. ... Lebdury
+  Lindsay ... Lisnayd
+  Litchneld ... Liftchield
+  Lockwood ... Lodowock
+  Lombe ... Lebom
+  Lonsdale, Lord ... Lodsneal
+  Lovel ... Levol
+  Lymerick, Lord ... Lyromick
+  Lyttleton ... Lettyltno
+  Marlborough, Duke of ... Maurolburgh
+  Malton, Lord ... Matlon
+  Manley ... Manly
+  Mary ... Marya
+  Montrose, Duke of ... Morontosse
+  Mordaunt ... Madrount
+  Morton ... Motron
+  Newcastle, Duke of ... Nardac secretary
+  Noel ... Neol
+  Norris, Admiral ... Nisror
+  Nugent ... Netgun
+  Ogle, Admiral ... Oleg
+  Onslow ... Olswon
+  Orange ... Organe
+  Ord, Mr. ... Whord
+  Orford, Earl of ... Orfrod
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ormond, Duke of ... Omrond
+  Oxford, Earl of ... Odfrox
+  Oxenden ... Odnexen
+  Paxton ... Pantox
+  Pelham, Mr. ... Plemahm
+  Perry ... Peerur
+  Peterborough ... Petraborauch
+  Pitt, Mr. ... Ptit
+  Plumer, Mr. ... Plurom
+  Polwarth ... Polgarth
+  Portland, Duke of ... Poldrand
+  Powlett ... Powltet or Pletow
+  Pretender ... Rednetrep
+  Puffendorf ... Pudenfforf
+  Pulteney ... Pulnub
+  Quarendon ... Quenardon
+  Rainsford ... Rainsfrod
+  Ramelies ... Ramles
+  Raymond ... Ramonyd
+  Robert ... Retrob
+  Rochester ... Roffen
+  Saint Aubyn ... St. Aybun
+  Salisbury ... Sumra
+  Samuel ... Salvem
+  Sandwich, Earl of ... Swandich
+  Sandys, Mr. ... Snadsy
+  Scarborough, Lord ... Sarkbrugh
+  Scroop, Mr. ... Screop
+  Sidney, Lord ... Sedyin
+  Selwin, Mr. ... Slenwy
+  Shaftsbury, Lord ... Shyftasbrug
+  Shippen, Mr. ... Skeiphen
+  Sloper ... Slerop
+  Somers ... Sosrem
+  Somerset ... Sosermet
+  Southwell ... Suthewoll
+  Strafford ... Stordraff
+  Stair ... Stari
+  Stanislaus ... Stasinlaus
+  Sundon ... Snodun
+  Talbot ... Toblat
+  Thomas ... Tsahom
+  Thomson, Mr. ... Thosmon
+  Tracey ... Tryace
+  Trenchard ... Trachnerd
+  Trevor, Mr. ... Tervor
+  Turner ... Truron
+  Tweedale, Marquis of ... Tewelade
+  Tyrconnel, Lord ... Trinocleng
+  Vernon, Admiral ... Venron
+  Vyner, Mr. ... Vynre or Venry
+  Wade ... Weda
+  Wager, Admiral ... Werga
+  Wakefield ... Wafekeild
+  Waller, Mr. ... Welral
+  Walpole, Sir Robert ... Walelop
+  Walpole, Mr. ... Walelop
+  Walter, Mr. ... Gusbret
+  Watkins, Mr. ... Waknits
+  Wendover ... Wednevro
+  Westmoreland ... Westromland
+  William ... Wimgul
+  Willimot, Mr. ... Guillitom
+  Winchelsea, Lord ... Wichensale
+  Winnington, Mr. ... Wintinnong
+  Wortley, Mr. ... Wolresyt or Werotyl
+  Wyndham ... Gumdahm
+  Wynn ... Ooyn
+  Yonge ... Yegon
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Places
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Almanza ... Almanaz
+  America ... Columbia
+  Amsterdam ... Amstredam
+  Aschaffenburg ... Aschafnefburg
+  Austria ... Aurista
+  Barbadoes ... Bardosba
+  Barcelona ... Bracolena
+  Brittany ... Brateney
+  Bavaria ... Baravia
+  Blenheim ... Blehneim or Blenhem
+  Bourbon ... Buorbon
+  Brandenburg ... Brangburden
+  Bristol ... Broslit
+  Britain ... Lilliput
+  Cadiz ... Cazid
+  Cambridge ... Guntar
+  Campechy ... Capemchy
+  Carolina ... Carolana
+  Carthagena ... Carthanega
+  Cologne ... Colgone
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Connecticut ... Contecticnu
+  Cressy ... Cerlsy
+  Cuba ... Cabu
+  Denmark ... Dancram
+  Dettingen ... Detteneg
+  Dunkirk ... Donkirk
+  Dutch ... Belgians
+  Edinburgh ... Edina
+  Europe ... Degulia
+  Flanders ... Flandria
+  France ... Blefuscu
+  Georgia ... Gorgentia
+  Germany ... Allemanu
+  Gibraltar ... Grablitra
+  Guastalla ... Gua Stalla
+  Guernsey ... Guensrey
+  Hanover ... Hanevro
+  Haversham ... Havremarsh
+  Hesse Cassel ... Hyesse Clessa
+  Hispaniola ... Iberionola
+  Holland ... Belgia
+  Hungary ... Hungruland
+  India ... Idnia
+  Ireland ... Ierne
+  Italy ... Itlascu
+  Jamaica ... Zamengol
+  Jucatan ... Jutacan
+  Leghorn ... Lehgron
+  London ... Mildendo
+  Madrid ... Mardit
+  Malplaquet ... Malpalquet
+  Mardyke ... Mardryke
+  Martinico ... Marnitico
+  Mediterranean ... Middle Sea
+  Minorca ... Minocra
+  Munster ... Munstru
+  Muscovy ... Mausqueeta
+  New York ... Noveborac
+  Orkney ... Orkyen
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ostend ... Odsten
+  Parma ... Par Ma
+  Pennsylvania ... Pennvasilia
+  Poland ... Poldrand
+  Portugal ... Lusitania
+  Port Mahon ... Port Mohan
+  Prussia ... Parushy
+  Prague ... Praga
+  Sardinia ... Sadrinia
+  Schellembourg ... Schemelbourg
+  Seville ... Sebfule
+  Sicily ... Cilisy
+  South Sea ... Pacific Ocean
+  Spain ... Iberia
+  Straits ... Narrow Seas
+  Sweden ... Swecte
+  Turkey ... Korambec
+  Utrecht ... Ultralt
+  Vienna ... Vinena
+  Virginia ... Vegrinia
+  Westminster ... Belfaborac
+  Wolfenbuttle ... Wobentuffle
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Names of
+Things that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Admiral ... Galbet
+  Baronet ... Hurgolen
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Duke ... Nardac
+  Earl ... Cosern
+  Esquire ... Urg
+  Gentleman ... Urgolen
+  High Heels or Tory ... Tramecsan
+  Knight ... Hurgolet
+  Legal ... Snilpal
+  Lord ... Hurgo
+  Penny ... a Grull
+  Popery ... Missalsm
+  Prophet ... Lustrug
+  Sprug ... a Pound
+  Squire ... Urg
+  Viscount ... Comvic
+  Years ... Moons
+
+
+REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+
+  Abingdon, Lord,
+  Archer, Mr. Hy.
+  Argyle, Duke of,
+  Attorney General,
+  Bathurst, Mr.
+  Baltimore, Lord,
+  Barnard, Sir John,
+  Barrington, Mr.
+  Bedford, Duke of,
+  Bladen, Mr.
+  Bowles, Mr.
+  Brown, Mr.
+  Burrel, Mr.
+  Campbell, Mr.
+  Carew, Mr.
+  Carlisle, Lord,
+  Carteret, Lord,
+  Cholmondeley, Lord,
+  Clutterbuck, Mr.
+  Cocks, Mr.
+  Cornwall, Capt.
+  Cornwall, Mr.
+  Cotton, Sir Hind,
+  Devonshire, Duke of,
+  Digby, Mr.
+  Earle, Mr.
+  Fazakerly, Mr.
+  Fox, Mr.
+  Gage, Lord,
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gower, Lord,
+  Gybbon, Mr.
+  Halifax, Lord,
+  Hardwick, Lord,
+  Harrington, Lord,
+  Hay, Mr.
+  Hervey, Lord,
+  Howe, Mr.
+  Littleton, Mr.
+  Lockwood, Mr.
+  Lord Chancellor,
+  Lovel, Lord,
+  Marlborough, Duke of,
+  Mordaunt, Col.
+  Newcastle, Duke of,
+  Norris, Admiral,
+  Onslow, Mr.
+  Ord, Mr.
+  Pelham, Mr.
+  Pitt, Mr.
+  Pulteney, Mr.
+  Quarendon, Lord,
+  Salisbury, Bishop of,
+  Sandys, Mr.
+  Shippen, Mr.
+  Sloper, Mr.
+  Southwell, Mr.
+  Talbot, Lord,
+  Thompson, Lord,
+  Tracey, Mr.
+  Tyrconnel,
+  Vyner, Mr.
+  Wade, General,
+  Wager, Sir Charles,
+  Waller, Mr.
+  Walpole, Sir Robert,
+  Walpole, Mr.
+  Westmoreland, Lord,
+  Willimot, Mr.
+  Winnington, Mr.
+  Yonge, Sir Wm.
+
+
+
+
+DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+
+PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATE, WITH REGARD TO THE BILL FOR PROHIBITING THE
+EXPORTATION OF CORN, ETC.
+
+
+On the first day of the session, his majesty, in his speech from the
+throne, recommended to parliament to consider of some good law to
+prevent the growing mischief of the exportation of corn to foreign
+countries.
+
+On the fourth day, a bill for preventing, for a limited time, the
+exportation, etc, was read a first time in the house of commons, and the
+question put, whether it should be printed, which passed in the
+negative.
+
+This day the agent for the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
+presented a petition against the said corn bill, which was referred to
+the committee.
+
+Another petition was also presented by the agent for the colony of
+Connecticut, in New England, setting forth that the chief trade of that
+colony arose from supplying other British colonies with corn, so that
+unless that colony be excepted from the restraints intended by this
+bill, both that and those which are supplied by it will be reduced to
+great distress, and praying, therefore, that such exception may be
+allowed.
+
+The allegations in this petition were confirmed by another, from one of
+the provinces supplied by the colony of Connecticut.
+
+Another petition was presented by the agent for South Carolina, setting
+forth, that unless the rice produced in that province were allowed to be
+exported, the colony must be ruined by the irretrievable loss of their
+whole trade, as the countries now supplied from thence might easily
+procure rice from the French settlements, already too much their rivals
+in trade.
+
+This petition was supported by another, offered at the same time by the
+merchants of Bristol.
+
+A petition was likewise presented by the agent for the sugar islands, in
+which it was alleged, that if no provisions be imported thither from
+Britain, they must, in one month, suffer the extremities of famine.
+
+All these petitions were referred to the committee for the bill.
+
+A printed paper was also delivered to the members, entitled,
+'considerations on the embargo,' which enumerated many dangerous
+consequences likely to be produced by an embargo on provisions, and
+suggested that it was no better than a wicked scheme for private profit,
+with other reflections, for which the paper was deemed a libel, and the
+author committed to prison.
+
+The bill being read in the committee, produced the following memorable
+debate.
+
+Mr. PULTNEY spoke to this effect:--Sir, after all the attention which
+has been bestowed upon the bill now before us, I cannot yet conceive it
+such as can benefit the nation, or such as will not produce far greater
+inconveniencies than those which it is intended to obviate, and
+therefore, as those inconveniencies may be prevented by other means, I
+cannot but declare that I am far from approving it.
+
+Our ancestors, sir, have always thought it the great business of this
+house to watch against the encroachments of the prerogative, and to
+prevent an increase of the power of the minister; and the commons have
+always been considered as more faithful to their trust, and more
+properly the representatives of the people, in proportion as they have
+considered this great end with more attention, and prosecuted it with
+more invariable resolution. If we inquire into the different degrees of
+reputation, which the several assemblies of commons have obtained, and
+consider why some are remembered with reverence and gratitude, and
+others never mentioned but with detestation and contempt, we shall
+always find that their conduct, with regard to this single point, has
+produced their renown or their infamy. Those are always, by the general
+suffrage of mankind, applauded as the patterns of their country, who
+have struggled with the influence of the crown, and those condemned as
+traitors, who have either promoted it by unreasonable grants, or seen it
+increase by slow degrees, without resistance.
+
+It has not, indeed, sir, been always the practice of ministers to make
+open demands of larger powers, and avow, without disguise, their designs
+of extending their authority; such proposals would, in former times,
+have produced no consequences but that of awakening the vigilance of the
+senate, of raising suspicions against all their proceedings, and of
+embarrassing the crown with petitions, addresses, and impeachments.
+
+They were under a necessity, in those times, of promoting their schemes;
+those schemes which scarcely any ministry has forborne to adopt, by more
+secret and artful and silent methods, by methods of diverting the
+attention of the publick to other objects, and of making invisible
+approaches to the point in view, while they seemed to direct all their
+endeavours to different purposes.
+
+But such, sir, have been the proofs of implicit confidence, which the
+administration has received from this assembly, that it is now common to
+demand unlimited powers, and to expect confidence without restriction,
+to require an immediate possession of our estates by a vote of credit,
+or the sole direction of our trade by an act for prohibiting, during
+their pleasure, the exportation of the produce of our lands.
+
+Upon what instances of uncommon merit, of regard to the publick
+prosperity, unknown in former times, or of discernment superior to that
+of their most celebrated predecessors, the present ministers found their
+new claims to submission and to trust, I am, indeed, at a loss to
+discover; for, however mankind may have determined concerning the
+integrity of those by whom the late memorable convention was transacted,
+defended, and confirmed, I know not that their wisdom has yet appeared
+by any incontestable or manifest evidence, which may set their abilities
+above question, and fix their reputation for policy out of the reach of
+censure and inquiries.
+
+The only act, sir, by which it can be discovered that they have any
+degree of penetration proportionate to their employments, is the embargo
+lately laid upon provisions in Ireland, by which our enemies have been
+timely hindered from furnishing themselves, from our dominions, with
+necessaries for their armies and their navies, and our fellow-subjects
+have been restrained from exposing themselves to the miseries of famine,
+by yielding to the temptation of present profit; a temptation generally
+so powerful as to prevail over any distant interest.
+
+But as nothing is more contrary to my natural disposition, or more
+unworthy of a member of this house, than flattery, I cannot affirm that
+I ascribe this useful expedient wholly to the sagacity or the caution of
+the ministry, nor can I attribute all the happy effects produced by it
+to their benign solicitude for the publick welfare.
+
+I am inclined to believe that this step was advised by those who were
+prompted to consider its importance by motives more prevalent than that
+of publick spirit, and that the desire of profit which has so often
+dictated pernicious measures, has, for once, produced, in return, an
+expedient just and beneficial; and it has, for once, luckily fallen out,
+that some of the friends of the administration have discovered that the
+publick interest was combined with their own.
+
+It is highly probable, sir, that the contractors for supplying the navy
+with provisions, considering, with that acuteness which a quick sense of
+loss and gain always produces, how much the price of victuals would be
+raised by exportation, and, by consequence, how much of the advantage of
+their contracts would be diminished, suggested to the ministry the
+necessity of an embargo, and laid before them those arguments which
+their own observation and wisdom would never have discovered.
+
+Thus, sir, the ministers, in that instance of their conduct, on which
+their political reputation must be founded, can claim, perhaps, no
+higher merit, than that of attending to superiour knowledge, of
+complying with good advice when it was offered, and of not resisting
+demonstration when it was laid before them.
+
+But as I would never ascribe to one man the merit of another, I should
+be equally unwilling to detract from due commendations, and shall
+therefore freely admit, that not to reject good counsel, is a degree of
+wisdom, at which I could not expect that they by whom the convention was
+concluded would ever have arrived.
+
+But whatever proficiency they may have made in the art of government
+since that celebrated period, however they may have increased their
+maxims of domestick policy, or improved their knowledge of foreign
+affairs, I cannot but confess myself still inclined to some degree of
+suspicion, nor can prevail upon myself to shut my eyes, and deliver up
+the publick and myself implicitly to their direction.
+
+Their sagacity, sir, may, perhaps, of late, have received some
+improvements from longer experience, and with regard to their integrity,
+I believe, at least, that it is not much diminished; and yet I cannot
+forbear asserting the right of judging for myself, and of determining
+according to the evidence that shall be brought before me.
+
+I have, hitherto, entertained an opinion that for this purpose only we
+are deputed by our constituents, who, if they had reposed no confidence
+in our care or abilities, would have given up, long since, the vexatious
+right of contesting for the choice of representatives. They would have
+furnished the ministry with general powers to act for them, and sat at
+ease with no other regard to publick measures, than might incite them to
+animate, with their applauses, the laudable endeavours of their
+profound, their diligent, and their magnanimous governours.
+
+As I do not, therefore, check any suspicions in my own mind, I shall not
+easily be restrained from uttering them, because I know not how I shall
+benefit my country, or assist her counsels by silent meditations. I
+cannot, sir, but observe that the powers conferred by this bill upon the
+administration are larger than the nation can safely repose in any body
+of men, and with which no man who considers to what purposes they may be
+employed will think it convenient to invest the negotiators of the
+convention.
+
+Nor do my objections to this act, arise wholly from my apprehensions of
+their conduct, who are intrusted with the execution of it, but from my
+reflections on the nature of trade, and the conduct of those nations who
+are most celebrated for commercial wisdom.
+
+It is well known, sir, how difficult it is to turn trade back into its
+ancient channel, when it has by any means been diverted from it, and how
+often a profitable traffick has been lost for ever, by a short
+interruption, or temporary prohibition. The resentment of disappointed
+expectations inclines the buyer to seek another market, and the civility
+to which his new correspondents are incited by their own interest,
+detains him, till those by whom he was formerly supplied, having no
+longer any vent for their products or their wares, employ their labours
+on other manufactures, or cultivate their lands for other purposes.
+
+Thus, sir, if those nations who have hitherto been supplied with corn
+from Britain, should find a method of purchasing it from Denmark, or any
+other of the northern regions, we may hereafter see our grain rotting in
+our storehouses, and be burdened with provisions which we can neither
+consume ourselves, nor sell to our neighbours.
+
+The Hollanders, whose knowledge of the importance or skill in the arts
+of commerce will not be questioned, are so careful to preserve the
+inlets of gain from obstruction, that they make no scruple of supplying
+their enemies with their commodities, and have been known to sell at
+night those bullets which were next day to be discharged against them.
+
+Whether their example, sir, deserves our imitation I am not able to
+determine, but it ought at least to be considered, whether their conduct
+was rational or not, and whether they did not, by a present evil, ensure
+an advantage which overbalanced it.
+
+There are, doubtless, sir, sometimes such exigencies as require to be
+complied with at the hazard of future profit, but I am not certain that
+the scarcity which is feared or felt at present, is to be numbered
+amongst them; but, however formidable it may be thought, there is surely
+no need of a new law to provide against it: for it is one of those
+extraordinary incidents, on which the king has the right of exerting
+extraordinary powers. On occasions like this the prerogative has
+heretofore operated very effectually, and I know not that the law has
+ever restrained it.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, most prudent to determine nothing
+in so dubious a question, and rather to act as the immediate occasion
+shall require, than prosecute any certain method of proceeding, or
+establish any precedent by an act of the senate.
+
+To restrain that commerce by which the necessaries of life are
+distributed is a very bold experiment, and such as once produced an
+insurrection in the empire of the Turks, that terminated in the
+deposition of one of their monarchs.
+
+I therefore willingly confess, sir, that I know not how to conclude: I
+am unwilling to deprive the nation of bread, or to supply our enemies
+with strength to be exerted against ourselves; but I am, on the other
+hand, afraid to restrain commerce, and to trust the authors of the
+convention.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, to the following purport:--Sir, I am always in
+expectation of improvement and instruction when that gentleman engages
+in any discussion of national questions, on which he is equally
+qualified to judge by his great abilities and long experience, by that
+popularity which enables him to sound the sentiments of men of different
+interests, and that intelligence which extends his views to distant
+parts of the world; but, on this occasion, I have found my expectations
+frustrated, for he has inquired without making any discovery, and
+harangued without illustrating the question before us.
+
+He has satisfied himself, sir, with declaring his suspicions, without
+condescending to tell us what designs or what dangers he apprehends. To
+fear, without being able to show the object of our terrours, is the
+last, the most despicable degree of cowardice; and to suspect, without
+knowing the foundation of our own suspicions, is surely a proof of a
+state of mind, which would not be applauded on common occasions, and
+such as no man but a patriot would venture to confess.
+
+He has, indeed, sir, uttered some very ingenious conceits upon the late
+convention, has alluded to it with great luxuriancy of fancy, and
+elegance of diction, and must, at least, confess that whatever may be
+its effects upon the interest of the nation, it has to him been very
+beneficial, as it has supplied him with a subject of raillery when other
+topics began to fail him, and given opportunity for the exercise of that
+wit which began to languish, for want of employment.
+
+What connexion his wonderful sagacity has discovered between the
+convention and the corn bill, I cannot yet fully comprehend, but have
+too high an opinion of his abilities to imagine that so many
+insinuations are wholly without any reason to support them. I doubt not,
+therefore, sir, but that when some fitter opportunity shall present
+itself he will clear their resemblance, and branch out the parallel
+between them into a thousand particulars.
+
+In the mean time, sir, it may be proper for the house to expedite the
+bill, against which no argument has yet been produced, and which is of
+too much importance to be delayed by raillery or invectives.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the bill before
+us, as it is of too great importance to be negligently delayed, is
+likewise too dangerous to be precipitately hurried into a law.
+
+It has been always the practice of this house to consider money bills
+with particular attention, because money is power in almost the highest
+degree, and ought not, therefore, to be given but upon strong assurances
+that it will be employed for the purposes for which it is demanded, and
+that those purposes are in themselves just.
+
+But if we consider, sir, the bill now before us, it will appear yet more
+than a money bill, it will be found a bill for regulating the disposal
+of that, which it is the great use of money to procure, and is,
+therefore, not to be passed into a law without a close attention to
+every circumstance that may be combined with it, and an accurate
+examination of all the consequences that may be produced by it.
+
+Some of these circumstances or consequences, it is the duty of every
+member to lay before the house, and I shall, therefore, propose that the
+inducements to the discovery of any provisions illegally exported, and
+the manner of levying the forfeiture, may be particularly discussed; for
+by a defect in this part, the regulation lately established by the
+regency, however seasonable, produced tumults and distractions, which
+every good government ought studiously to obviate.
+
+By their proclamation, sir, half the corn that should be found designed
+for exportation was to be given to those who should discover and seize
+it. The populace, alarmed at once with the danger of a famine, and
+animated by a proclamation that put into their own hands the means of
+preventing it, and the punishment of those from whose avarice they
+apprehended it, rose in throngs to execute so grateful a law. Every
+man, sir, whose distress had exasperated him, was incited to gratify his
+resentment; every man, whose idleness prompted him to maintain his
+family by methods more easy than that of daily labour, was delighted
+with the prospect of growing rich on a sudden by a lucky seizure. All
+the seditious and the profligate combined together in the welcome
+employment of violence and rapine, and when they had once raised their
+expectations, there was no small danger lest their impatience of
+disappointment should determine them to conclude, that corn, wherever
+found, was designed for exportation, and to seize it as a lawful prize.
+
+Thus, sir, by an imprudent regulation, was every man's property brought
+into hazard, and his person exposed to the insults of a hungry, a
+rapacious, and ungovernable rabble, let loose by a publick proclamation,
+and encouraged to search houses and carriages by an imaginary law.
+
+That we may not give occasion to violence and injustice of the same
+kind, let us carefully consider the measures which are proposed, before
+we determine upon their propriety, and pass no bill on this important
+occasion without such deliberation as may leave us nothing to change or
+to repent.
+
+Mr. EARLE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, notwithstanding the dangers
+which have been represented as likely to arise from any errour in the
+prosecution of this great affair, I cannot but declare my opinion, that
+no delay ought to be admitted, and that not even the specious pretence
+of more exact inquiries, and minute considerations, ought to retard our
+proceedings for a day.
+
+My imagination, sir, is, perhaps, not so fruitful as that of some other
+members of this house, and, therefore, they may discover many
+inconveniencies which I am not able to conceive. But, as every man ought
+to act from his own conviction, it is my duty to urge the necessity of
+passing this bill, till it can be proved to me, that it will produce
+calamities equally to be dreaded with the consequences of protracting
+our debates upon it, equal to the miseries of a famine, or the danger of
+enabling our enemies to store their magazines, to equip their fleets,
+and victual their garrisons.
+
+If it could be imagined, that there was in this assembly a subject of
+France or Spain, zealous for the service of his prince, and the
+prosperity of his country, I should expect that he would summon all his
+faculties to retard the progress of this bill, that he would employ all
+his sophistry to show its inconveniency and imperfections, and exhaust
+his invention to suggest the dangers of haste; and certainly he could do
+nothing that would more effectually promote the interest of his
+countrymen, or tend more to enfeeble and depress the power of the
+British nation.
+
+If this would naturally be the conduct of an enemy, it is unnecessary to
+prove that we can only be safe by acting in opposition to it, and I
+think it superfluous to vindicate my ardour for promoting this bill,
+when it is evident that its delay would be pleasing to the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BURREL then spoke as follows:--Sir, if this law be necessary at any
+time, it cannot now be delayed, for a few days spent in deliberation,
+may make it ineffectual, and that evil may be past of which we sit here
+contriving the prevention.
+
+That many contracts, sir, for the exportation of provisions are already
+made in all the maritime parts of the empire, is generally known; and it
+requires no great sagacity to discover that those by whom they are made,
+and made with a view of immense profit, are desirous that they may be
+executed; and that they will soon complete the execution of them, when
+they are alarmed with the apprehension of a bill, which, in a few days,
+may take from them the power of exporting what they have already
+collected, and snatch their gain from them when it is almost in their
+hands.
+
+A bill for these purposes, sir, ought to fall upon the contractors like
+a sudden blow, of which they have no warning or dread; against which
+they, therefore, cannot provide any security, and which they can neither
+elude nor resist.
+
+If we allow them a short time, our expedients will be of little benefit
+to the nation, which is every day impoverished by the exportation of the
+necessaries of life, in such quantities, that in a few weeks the law, if
+it be passed, may be without penalties, for there will be no possibility
+of disobeying it.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I cannot
+discover the necessity of pressing the bill with such precipitation, as
+must necessarily exclude many useful considerations, and may produce
+errours extremely dangerous; for I am not able to conceive what
+inconveniencies can arise from a short delay.
+
+The exportation of provisions from Ireland is at present stopped by the
+proclamation; and the beef which was designed for other nations, has
+been prudently bought up by the contractors, by which those murmurs have
+been in a great measure obviated which naturally arise from
+disappointments and losses.
+
+There is, therefore, sir, no danger of exportations from that part of
+our dominions, which is the chief market for provisions, and from whence
+our enemies have been generally supplied: in Britain there is less
+danger of any such pernicious traffick, both because the scarcity here
+has raised all provisions to a high price, and because merchants do not
+immediately come to a new market.
+
+The bill, at least, ought not to be passed without regard to the general
+welfare of our fellow-subjects, nor without an attentive consideration
+of those petitions which have been presented to us; petitions not
+produced by panic apprehensions of imaginary dangers, or distant
+prospects of inconveniencies barely possible, but by the certain
+foresight of immediate calamities, the total destruction of trade, and
+the sudden desolation of flourishing provinces.
+
+By prohibiting the exportation of rice, we shall, sir, in one year,
+reduce the colony of South Carolina below the possibility of subsisting;
+the chief product of that country, the product which induced us
+originally to plant it, and with which all its trade is carried on, is
+rice. With rice the inhabitants of that province purchase all the other
+necessaries of life, and among them the manufactures of our own country.
+This rice is carried by our merchants to other parts of Europe, and sold
+again for large profit.
+
+That this trade is very important appears from the number of ships which
+it employs, and which, without lading, must rot in the harbours, if rice
+be not excepted from the general prohibition. Without this exception,
+sir, it is not easy to say what numbers, whose stations appear very
+different, and whose employments have no visible relation to each other,
+will be at once involved in calamity, reduced to sudden distress, and
+obliged to seek new methods of supporting their families. The sailor,
+the merchant, the shipwright, the manufacturer, with all the
+subordinations of employment that depend upon them, all that supply them
+with materials, or receive advantage from their labours, almost all the
+subjects of the British crown, must suffer, at least, in some degree, by
+the ruin of Carolina.
+
+Nor ought the danger of the sugar islands, and other provinces, less to
+alarm our apprehensions, excite our compassion, or employ our
+consideration, since nothing is more evident than that by passing this
+bill without the exceptions which their petitions propose, we shall
+reduce one part of our colonies to the want of bread, and confine the
+other to live on nothing else; for they subsist by the exchange of those
+products to which the soil of each country is peculiarly adapted: one
+province affords no corn, and the other supplies its inhabitants with
+corn only.
+
+The necessity of expediting this bill, however it has been exaggerated,
+is not so urgent but that we may be allowed time sufficient to consider
+for what purpose it is to be passed, and to recollect that nothing is
+designed by it, but to hinder our enemies from being supplied from the
+British dominions with provisions, by which they might be enabled more
+powerfully to carry on the war against us.
+
+To this design no objection has been made, but it is well known, that a
+good end may be defeated by an absurd choice of means, and I am not able
+to discover how we shall increase our own strength, or diminish that of
+our enemies, by compelling one part of our fellow-subjects to starve the
+other.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to prohibit the exportation of corn to the ports
+of our enemies, and of those nations by which our enemies will be
+supplied, but surely it is of no use to exclude any part of our own
+dominions from the privilege of being supplied from another. Nor can any
+argument be alleged in defence of such a law, that will not prove with
+equal force, that corn ought to remain in the same granaries where it is
+now laid, that all the markets in this kingdom should be suspended, and
+that no man should be allowed to sell bread to another.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, a possibility that the liberty for which I
+contend, may be used to wicked purposes, and that some men may be
+incited by poverty or avarice to carry the enemy those provisions, which
+they pretend to export to British provinces. But if we are to refuse
+every power that may be employed to bad purposes, we must lay all
+mankind in dungeons, and divest human nature of all its rights; for
+every man that has the power of action, may sometimes act ill.
+
+It is, however, prudent to obstruct criminal attempts even when we
+cannot hope entirely to defeat them, and, therefore, I am of opinion,
+that no provisions ought to be exported without some method of security,
+by which the governours of every place may be assured that they will be
+conveyed to our own colonies. Such securities will easily be contrived,
+and may be regulated in a manner that they shall not be defeated without
+such hazard, as the profit that can be expected from illegal commerce,
+will not be able to compensate.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, proper to delay the bill so long, at least, as
+that we may produce by it the ends intended, and distress our enemies
+more than ourselves; that we may secure plenty at home, without the
+destruction of our distant colonies, and without obliging part of our
+fellow-subjects to desert to the Spaniards for want of bread.
+
+Mr. BOWLES spoke in this manner:--Sir, the necessity of excepting rice
+from the general prohibition, is not only sufficiently evinced by the
+agent of South Carolina, but confirmed beyond controversy or doubt, by
+the petition of the merchants of Bristol, of which the justice and
+reasonableness appears at the first view, to every man acquainted with
+the nature of commerce.
+
+How much the province of South Carolina will be distressed by this
+prohibition, how suddenly the whole trade of that country will be at a
+stand, and how immediately the want of many of the necessaries of life
+will be felt over a very considerable part of the British dominions, has
+already, sir, been very pathetically represented, and very clearly
+explained; nor does there need any other argument to persuade us to
+allow the exportation of rice.
+
+But, from the petition of the merchants of Bristol, it appears that
+there are other reasons of equal force for this indulgence, and that our
+regard for the inhabitants of that particular province, however
+necessary and just, is not the only motive for complying with their
+request.
+
+It is shown, sir, in this petition, that the prohibition of rice will
+very little incommode our enemies, or retard their preparations; for
+they are not accustomed to be supplied with it from our plantations. We
+ought, therefore, not to load our fellow-subjects with embarrassments
+and inconveniencies, which will not in any degree extend to our enemies.
+
+It appears, sir, not only that a very important part of our commerce
+will be obstructed, but that it will, probably, be lost beyond recovery;
+for, as only a small quantity of the rice of Carolina is consumed at
+home, and the rest is carried to other countries, it is easy to conceive
+that those who shall be disappointed by our merchants will procure so
+necessary a commodity from other places, as there are many from which it
+may be easily purchased; and it is well known that trade, if it be once
+diverted, is not to be recalled, and, therefore, that trade which may be
+without difficulty transferred, ought never to be interrupted without
+the most urgent necessity.
+
+To prove, sir, that there is now no such necessity, by a long train of
+arguments, would be superfluous, for it has been shown already, that our
+enemies will not suffer by the prohibition, and the miseries that
+inevitably arise from a state of war, are too numerous and oppressive,
+to admit of any increase or aggravation upon trivial motives.
+
+The province of Carolina, sir, has already suffered the inconveniencies
+of this war beyond any other part of his majesty's dominions, as it is
+situate upon the borders of the Spanish dominions, and as it is weak by
+the paucity of the inhabitants in proportion to its extent; let us,
+therefore, pay a particular regard to this petition, lest we aggravate
+the terrour which the neighbourhood of a powerful enemy naturally
+produces, by the severer miseries of poverty and famine.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, nothing is
+more absurd than for those who declare, on all occasions, with great
+solemnity, their sincere zeal for the service of the publick, to
+protract the debates of this house by personal invectives, and delay the
+prosecution of the business of the nation, by trivial objections,
+repeated after confutation, and, perhaps, after conviction of their
+invalidity.
+
+I need not observe how much time would be spared, and how much the
+despatch of affairs would be facilitated by the suppression of this
+practice, a practice by which truth is levelled with falsehood, and
+knowledge with ignorance; since, if scurrility and merriment are to
+determine us, it is not necessary either to be honest or wise to obtain
+the superiority in any debate, it will only be necessary to rail and to
+laugh, which one man may generally perform with as much success as
+another.
+
+The embargo in Ireland was an expedient so necessary and timely, that
+the reputation of it is thought too great to be allowed to the
+administration, of whom it has been for many years the hard fate, to
+hear their actions censured only because they were not the actions of
+others, and to be represented as traitors to their country for doing
+always what they thought best themselves, and perhaps sometimes what was
+in reality approved by those who opposed them.
+
+This, sir, they have borne without much uneasiness, and have contented
+themselves with the consciousness of doing right, in expectation that
+truth and integrity must at last prevail, and that the prudence of their
+conduct and success of their measures would at last evince the justice
+of their intentions.
+
+They hoped, sir, that there would be some occasions on which their
+enemies would not deny the expedience of their counsels, and did not
+expect that after having been so long accused of engrossing exorbitant
+power, of rejecting advice, and pursuing their own schemes with the most
+invincible obstinacy, they should be supposed on a sudden to have laid
+aside their arrogance, to have descended to adopt the opinions, and give
+themselves up to the direction of others, only because no objection
+could be made to this instance of their conduct.
+
+How unhappy, sir, must be the state of that man who is only allowed to
+be a free agent, when he acts wrong, and whose motions, whenever they
+tend to the proper point, are supposed to be regulated by another!
+
+Whether such capricious censurers expect that any regard should be paid
+by the publick to their invectives, I am not able to determine, but I am
+inclined to think so well of their understandings, as to believe that
+they intend only to amuse themselves, and perplex those whom they
+profess to oppose. In one part of their scheme I know not but they may
+have succeeded, but in the other it is evident how generally they have
+failed. It must, at least, sir, be observed of these great patrons of
+the people, that if they expect to gain them by artifices like this,
+they have no high opinion of their discernment, however they may
+sometimes magnify it as the last appeal, and highest tribunal.
+
+With regard, sir, to the manner in which the embargo was laid, and the
+expedients made use of to enforce the observation of it, they were not
+the effects of a sudden resolution, but of long and deliberate
+reflection, assisted by the counsels of the most experienced and
+judicious persons of both nations; so that if any mistake was committed,
+it proceeded not from arrogance or carelessness, but a compliance with
+reasons, that if laid before the house, would, whether just or not, be
+allowed to be specious.
+
+But, sir, it has not appeared that any improper measures have been
+pursued, or that any inconveniencies have arisen from them which it was
+possible to have avoided by a different conduct; for when any expedient
+fails of producing the end for which it was proposed, or gives occasion
+to inconveniencies which were neither expected nor designed, it is not
+immediately to be condemned; for it might fail from such obstacles as
+nothing could surmount, and the inconveniencies which are complained of
+might be the consequences of other causes acting at the same time, or
+cooperating, not by the nature of things, but by the practices of those
+who prefer their own interest to that of their country.
+
+But though it is, in my opinion, easy to defend the conduct of the
+ministry, I am far from thinking this a proper time to engage in their
+vindication. The important business before us, must now wholly engage
+us, nor ought we to employ our attention upon the past, but the future.
+Whatever has been the ignorance or knowledge, whatever the corruption or
+integrity of the ministry, this bill is equally useful, equally
+necessary. The question is now concerning an act of the senate, not of
+the ministry, and the bill may proceed without obstructing future
+examinations.
+
+If the bill, sir, now before us be so far approved as to be conceived of
+any real benefit to the nation, if it can at all contribute to the
+distress or disappointment of our enemies, or the prevention of those
+domestic disturbances which are naturally produced by scarcity and
+misery, there is no need of arguments to evince the necessity of
+despatch in passing it. For if these effects are to be produced by
+preventing the exportation of provisions, and a law is necessary for
+that purpose, it is certain that the law must be enacted, while our
+provisions are yet in our own hands, and before time has been given for
+the execution of those contracts which are already made.
+
+That contracts, sir, are entered into for quantities that justly claim
+the care of the legislative power, I have been informed by such
+intelligence as I cannot suspect of deceiving me. In one small town in
+the western part of this kingdom, fifty thousand barrels of corn are
+sold by contract, and will be exported, if time be allowed for
+collecting and for shipping them.
+
+A few contracts like this will be sufficient to store an army with
+bread, or to furnish garrisons against the danger of a siege; a few
+contracts like this will produce a considerable change in the price of
+provisions, and plunge innumerable families into distress, who might
+struggle through the present difficulties, which unsuccessful harvests
+have brought upon the nation, had we not sold the gifts of providence
+for petty gain, and supported our enemies with those provisions which
+were barely sufficient for our own consumption.
+
+I have not heard many objections made against the intention of the bill,
+and those which were offered, were mentioned with such diffidence and
+uncertainty, as plainly showed, that even in the opinion of him that
+proposed them, they were of little weight; and I believe they had no
+greater effect upon those that heard them. It may, therefore, be
+reasonably supposed that the propriety of a law to prevent the
+exportation of victuals is admitted, and surely it can be no question,
+whether it ought to be pressed forward, or to be delayed till it will be
+of no effect.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, as the bill now under
+our consideration is entangled with a multitude of circumstances too
+important to be passed by without consideration, and too numerous to be
+speedily examined; as its effects, whether salutary or pernicious, must
+extend to many nations, and be felt in a few weeks to the remotest parts
+of the dominions of Britain, I cannot but think, that they who so much
+press for expedition on this occasion, consult rather their passions
+than their reason, that they discover rather enthusiasm than zeal, and
+that by imagining that they have already traced the effects of a law
+like this to their utmost extent, they discover rather an immoderate
+confidence in their own capacity than give any proofs of that anxious
+caution, and deliberate prudence, which true patriotism generally
+produces.
+
+There is another method, sir, of proceeding, more proper on this
+occasion, which has been already pointed out in this debate; a method of
+exerting the prerogative in a manner allowed by law, and established by
+immemorial precedents, and which may, therefore, be revived without
+affording any room for jealousy or complaints.
+
+An embargo imposed only by the prerogative may be relaxed or enforced as
+occasion may require, or regulated according to the necessity arising
+from particular circumstances; circumstances in themselves variable, and
+subject to the influence of a thousand accidents, and which, therefore,
+cannot be always foreseen, or provided against by a law positive and
+fixed.
+
+Let us not subject the commonwealth to a hazardous and uncertain
+security, while we have in our hands the means of producing the same
+end, with less danger and inconveniency; and since we may obviate the
+exportation of our corn by methods more speedily efficacious than the
+forms of making laws can allow, let us not oppress our fellow-subjects
+by hasty or imprudent measures, but make use of temporary expedients,
+while we deliberate upon the establishment of a more lasting regulation.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke to the following purpose;--Sir, that an embargo on
+merchandise or provisions may, upon sudden emergencies, or important
+occasions, be imposed by the prerogative, cannot be doubted by any man
+whose studies have made him acquainted with the extent of the regal
+power, and the manner in which it has been exerted in all ages. The
+chief use of the prerogative is to supply the defects of the laws, in
+cases which do not admit of long consultations, which do not allow time
+to convoke senates or inquire into the sentiments of the people.
+
+For this reason, in times of war the imperial power is much enlarged,
+and has still a greater extent as exigencies are more pressing. If the
+nation is invaded by a foreign force, the authority of the crown is
+almost without limits, the whole nation is considered as an army of
+which the king is general, and which he then governs by martial laws, by
+occasional judicature, and extemporary decrees.
+
+Such, sir, is the power of the king on particular emergencies, and such
+power the nature of human affairs must, sometimes, require; for all
+forms of government are intended for common good, and calculated for the
+established condition of mankind, but must be suspended when they can
+only obstruct the purposes for which they were contrived, and must vary
+with the circumstances to which they were adapted. To expect that the
+people shall be consulted in questions on which their happiness depends,
+supposes there is an opportunity of consulting them without hazarding
+their lives, their freedom, or their possessions, by the forms of
+deliberation.
+
+The necessity of extending the prerogative to the extremities of power,
+is, I hope, at a very great distance from us; but if the danger of the
+exportation of victuals be so urgent as some gentlemen have represented
+it, and so formidable as it appears to the whole nation, it is surely
+requisite that the latent powers of the crown should be called forth for
+our protection, that plenty be secured within the nation, by barring up
+our ports, and the people hindered from betraying themselves to their
+enemies, and squandering those blessings which the fertility of our soil
+has bestowed upon them.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied in the following manner:--Sir, it is so
+unusual among the gentlemen who have opposed my opinion to recommend an
+exertion of the regal authority, or willingly to intrust any power to
+the administration, that, though they have on this occasion expressed
+their sentiments without any ambiguity of language, or perplexity of
+ideas, I am in doubt whether I do not mistake their meaning, and cannot,
+without hesitation and uncertainty, propose the motion to which all
+their arguments seem necessarily to conduct me; arguments of which I do
+not deny the force, and which I shall not attempt to invalidate by
+slight objections, when I am convinced, in general, of their
+reasonableness and truth.
+
+The necessity of that despatch which I have endeavoured to recommend, is
+not only universally admitted, but affirmed to be so pressing, that it
+cannot wait for the solemnity of debates, or the common forms of passing
+laws. The danger which is every moment increasing, requires, in the
+opinion of these gentlemen, to be obviated by extraordinary measures,
+and that pernicious commerce, which threatens the distress of the
+community, is to be restrained by an immediate act of the prerogative.
+
+If this be the opinion of the house, it will be necessary to lay it
+before his majesty, by a regular address, that the nation may be
+convinced of the necessity of such extraordinary precautions, and that
+the embargo may be imposed, at once, with the expedition peculiar to
+despotick power, and the authority which can be conferred only by
+senatorial sanctions.
+
+Whether this is the intention of the members, from whose declarations I
+have deduced it, can only be discovered by themselves, who, if they have
+any other scheme in view, must explain it in clearer terms, that the
+house may deliberate upon it, and reject or adopt it, according to its
+conformity to the laws of our country, and to the present state of our
+affairs.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke thus:--Sir, whatever may be the meaning of other
+gentlemen, who must undoubtedly be left at full liberty to explain their
+own expressions, I will freely declare, that I am sufficiently
+understood by the right honourable gentleman, and that, in my opinion,
+no remedy can be applied to the present distemper of the nation, a
+distemper by which it is hourly pining away, by which its vitals are
+impaired, and the necessary nourishment withdrawn from it, that will
+operate with sufficient efficacy and speed, except an embargo be imposed
+by the prerogative.
+
+That this opinion, if received by the house, must be the subject of an
+address, is in itself manifest, and the reason for which an embargo is
+required, proves that an address ought not to be delayed.
+
+I cannot omit this opportunity of remarking, how plainly it must now
+appear that many of us have been unjustly charged with obstructing the
+progress of the bill for pernicious purposes, with views of raising
+discontents in the nation, of exposing the administration to publick
+hatred, of obstructing the measures of the government, or hindering the
+success of the war, when we have receded from our general principles,
+and suspended the influence of our established maxims, for the sake of
+facilitating an expedient which may promote the general advantage, by
+recommending his majesty to the affections of his people.
+
+Mr. PELHAM here replied, to this effect:--Sir, I am far from blaming any
+gentleman for asserting, on all occasions, the integrity of his designs,
+or displaying the reasonableness of his conduct; and of what I do not
+disapprove I shall not decline the imitation.
+
+It is not uncommon, in the heat of opposition, while each man is
+convinced of his own honesty, and strongly persuaded of the truth of his
+own positions, to hear each party accused by the other of designs
+detrimental to the publick interest, of protracting debates by artful
+delays, of struggling against their own conviction, and of obscuring
+known truth by objections which discover themselves to be without force.
+
+These accusations, which are on both sides frequent, are, I hope, on
+both sides generally false; at least, it must appear on this occasion,
+that those who press the bill had no views of strengthening their party
+by a victory, of wearying their opponents by obstinacy, or of promoting
+any private purposes by a new law; since an expedient, by which time may
+be gained, and the avowed end of hastening this necessary bill secured,
+is no sooner proposed on one part, than received on the other.
+
+At the close of the debate, a form of an address was proposed by Mr.
+CLUTTERBUCK; which, being approved by the house, was presented to his
+majesty: and an embargo was laid on all provisions accordingly.
+
+On the 17th day of sitting the house proceeded on the bill for
+preventing exportation; and ordered an account of the corn which had
+been exported for six years last past to be laid before the committee.
+
+The house also addressed his majesty to take off the embargo on ships
+laden with fish or rice, which his majesty had before ordered to be
+done.
+
+On the 21st the corn bill was again the subject of deliberation, and
+some amendments were offered by Mr. SANDYS, containing not only
+exceptions of rice and fish, which had been before admitted, but
+likewise of butter, as a perishable commodity, which, if it were not
+allowed to be exported, would corrupt and become useless in a short
+time.
+
+He proposed, likewise, that the two islands of Jersey and Guernsey might
+continue to be supplied, with certain restrictions, from the port of
+Southampton.
+
+It was proposed, likewise, in favour of some other colonies, that they
+might receive provisions from Britain, lest there should be a necessity
+for the inhabitants of those provinces to abandon their settlements.
+
+The penalties of this law, and the manner in which they should be
+recovered and applied, were likewise settled on this day.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 25, 1740.
+
+The consideration of the corn bill was resumed; and it was particularly
+debated from what time it should commence, which some of the members
+were inclined to fix on the 9th day of the session, on which occasion
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:
+
+Sir, that the laws may be observed by the nation without daily violence
+and perpetual compulsion, that our determinations may be received with
+reverence, and the regulations which we establish confirmed by the
+concurrence of our constituents, it is necessary that we endeavour to
+preserve their esteem, and convince them that the publick prosperity may
+be safely trusted in our hands.
+
+This confidence is to be gained as well in high stations, as in lower
+conditions, by large assemblies, as by individuals, only by a constant
+practice of justice, and frequent exertion of superiour wisdom. When any
+man finds his friend oppressive and malicious, he naturally withdraws
+his affections from him; when he observes him advancing absurd opinions,
+and adhering to them with obstinacy incapable of conviction, he falls
+unavoidably into a distrust of his understanding, and no longer pays any
+deference to his advice, or considers his conduct as worthy of
+imitation.
+
+In the same manner, sir, if the legislative powers shall, in making
+laws, discover that they regard any motives before the advantage of
+their country, or that they pursue the publick good by measures
+inadequate and ill-concerted, what can be expected from the people, but
+that they should set up their own judgment in opposition to that of
+their governours, make themselves the arbiters in all doubtful
+questions, and obey or disregard the laws at discretion?
+
+If this danger may arise from laws injudiciously drawn up, it may surely
+be apprehended from a compliance with this proposal; a proposal that the
+operation of the law should commence eleven days before the law itself
+is in being.
+
+I have, hitherto, sir, regarded it as a principle equally true in
+politicks as in philosophy, that nothing _can act_ when it does _not
+exist_; and I did not suspect that a position so evident would ever
+stand in need of a proof or illustration.
+
+We live, indeed, in an age of paradoxes, and have heard several notions
+seriously defended, of which some would, not many years ago, have
+condemned their abetter to a prison or a madhouse, and would have been
+heard by the wisest of our ancestors with laughter or detestation; but I
+did not expect that the most hardy innovator would have shocked my
+understanding with a position like this, or have asserted that a law may
+operate before it is made, or before it is projected.
+
+That where there is no law there is no transgression, is a maxim not
+only established by universal consent, but in itself evident and
+undeniable; and it is, sir, surely no less certain, that where there is
+no transgression there can be no punishment.
+
+If a man may be punished, sir, by a law made after the fact, how can any
+man conclude himself secure from the jail or the gibbet? A man may
+easily find means of being certain that he has offended no law in being,
+but that will afford no great satisfaction to a mind naturally timorous;
+since a law hereafter to be made, may, if this motion be supposed
+reasonable, take cognizance of his actions, and how he can know whether
+he has been equally scrupulous to observe the future statutes of future
+senates, he will find it very difficult to determine.
+
+Mr. PELHAM rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, notwithstanding the absurdity
+which the honourable gentleman imagines himself to have discovered in
+this proposal, and which he must be confessed to have placed in a very
+strong light, I am of opinion, that it may, with very little
+consideration, be reconciled to reason and to justice, and that the wit
+and satire that have been so liberally employed, will appear to have
+been lost in the air, without use and without injury.
+
+The operation of the law may, very properly, commence from the day on
+which the embargo was laid by his majesty's proclamation, which surely
+was not issued to no purpose, and which ought not to be disobeyed
+without punishment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but be
+somewhat surprised, that a gentleman so long conversant in national
+affairs, should not yet have heard or known the difference between a
+proclamation and a penal law.
+
+By a proclamation, his majesty may prevent, in some cases, what he
+cannot punish; he may hinder the exportation of our corn by ordering
+ships to be stationed at the entrance of our harbours; but if any should
+escape with prohibited cargoes, he can inflict no penalties upon them at
+their return.
+
+To enforce this prohibition by the sanction of punishments is the
+intention of the present bill, but a proclamation can make nothing
+criminal, and it is unjust and absurd to punish an action which was
+legal when it was done.
+
+The law ought, sir, in my opinion, not to commence till time is allowed
+for dispersing it to the utmost limits of this island; for as it is
+unreasonable to punish without law, it is not more equitable to punish
+by a law, of which, they who have unhappily broken it, could have no
+intelligence.
+
+A future day was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+
+DEBATE RELATING TO A SEDITIOUS PAPER OF THE SAME KIND WITH THE
+CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS.
+
+
+Lord THOMSON took notice of a paper which he had in his hand, and said
+he received it at the door, where it was given to the members as they
+came in, and, complaining of it as an indignity offered to the house,
+desired that it might be read. Which being done, he rose up, and spoke
+in substance as follows:
+
+Sir, the crime of exasperating the people against their governours, of
+raising discontent, and exciting murmurs in a time of general danger,
+and of attempting to represent wise and salutary measures, which have
+received the approbation of the whole legislature, as mean artifices,
+contrived only to raise the fortunes of some favourites of the minister,
+and aggrandize the officers of state, by the miseries of the people, is
+a crime too enormous to require or admit any aggravation from rhetorick,
+and too dangerous to hope for any excuse from candour and lenity.
+
+To read or hear this paper is sufficient for a full conviction of its
+pernicious tendency, and of the malice of its author; a charge not fixed
+upon particular expressions capable of a doubtful meaning, and which
+heat or inadvertency might casually have produced, but supported by the
+general design of the whole paper, and the continued tenour of the
+argument, which is evidently intended to show, that an act of
+government, which cannot but appear necessary and seasonable in the
+present state of our affairs, an act ratified by the concurrence of all
+the powers of the legislature, is nothing but a scheme of avarice to
+grow rich by oppression.
+
+Nor is this scandalous libel written with more confidence and insolence
+than it is dispersed. Not content, sir, with vilifying the proceedings
+of the state, the author has industriously published his calumny at our
+door: the time has been when defamation skulked in secret, and calumnies
+against the government were dispersed by whispers or private
+communication; but this writer adds insults to his injuries, and at once
+reproaches and defies us.
+
+I beg leave to move, therefore, that the house do censure this paper as
+"a malicious and scandalous libel, highly and injuriously reflecting
+upon a just and wise act of his majesty's government, and also upon the
+proceedings of both houses of senate; and tending to create jealousies
+in the minds of the people." I also move, "that the author may be
+ordered to attend, to be examined at our bar."
+
+[This was unanimously agreed to by the house. The doorkeeper was called
+in, and, being shown the paper, was asked from whom he received it? who
+answered, that he believed the person who delivered it to him, was then
+detained in one of the committee rooms, upon which he was ordered to
+look for, and fetch him to the bar.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS, taking notice that the person was already in custody, said,
+that he should be glad to know by what authority. It was not reasonable
+to punish first, and judge afterwards.
+
+Upon which sir William YONGE replied, that he had caused him to be
+detained, in order to know the pleasure of the house; and that he
+thought it his duty to secure so enormous an offender from escaping.
+
+Soon after, the doorkeeper brought the man in, when he declared, upon
+examination, his name and his profession, which was that of a scrivener,
+and owned with great openness, that he was the author of the paper. He
+was then asked who was the printer, and answered that he printed it
+himself. Which he explained afterwards, by saying, that as he had
+carried it to the printer's, he might be said, in the general
+acceptation of the term, as applied to an author, to be the printer. He
+then discovered the printer, and was asked, where was the original
+manuscript, which he said he had destroyed, as he did any other useless
+paper.
+
+It having been observed by some of the members, that it was printed in
+one of the daily papers, he was asked, who carried it thither? and
+answered, that he carried it himself. It was then demanded, what he gave
+for having it inserted, and he answered that he gave nothing.
+
+[After many questions, Mr. Henry ARCHER desired that he might be asked,
+whether on the Friday before he was in the gallery; at which some of the
+members expressed their disapprobation, and the man being ordered to
+withdraw, the following debate ensued upon the propriety of the
+question.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke first, in substance as follows:--Sir, those who are
+intrusted by their country with the authority of making laws, ought,
+undoubtedly, to observe them with the utmost circumspection, lest they
+should defeat their own endeavours, and invalidate, by their example,
+their own decrees.
+
+There is no part, sir, of our civil constitution more sacred, none that
+has been more revered by those that have trampled upon other forms of
+justice, and wantoned in oppression without restraint, than that
+privilege by which every Briton is exempted from the necessity of
+accusing himself, and by which he is entitled to refuse an answer to any
+question which may be asked, with a view to draw from him a confession
+of an offence which cannot be proved.
+
+Whether this great privilege, sir, is not violated; whether the
+unalienable right of a free subject is not infringed, by the question
+put to the person at our bar, the house must decide. The punishment to
+which intruders are subject by the orders of this house, proves that his
+presence in the house is considered as a crime, of which, as we have no
+proof of it, a confession ought not to be extorted by an artful and
+insidious question, of which he may not discover the intention or the
+consequence. Such treatment, sir, is rather to be expected by slaves in
+the inquisition of Spain, than a Briton at the bar of this house; a
+house instituted to preserve liberty, and to restrain injustice and
+oppression.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the opinion of the honourable gentleman, that, in requiring an answer to
+this question, we shall expose a man to a punishment against whom we
+have no evidence, but what is extorted from himself; and, consequently,
+no knowledge of his crime upon which we can proceed to inflict censures
+or penalties, without the manifest infraction of our constitution.
+
+It cannot be imagined, sir, that he intends to confess himself guilty of
+a crime of which no proof has been brought, or that he will voluntarily
+subject himself to punishments. It must, therefore, follow, that he is
+entrapped in his examination, by an artifice, which, I hope, will never
+find any countenance in this house.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON answered to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+impossible that the honourable gentlemen, having not lately looked into
+the orders of the house, may mistake the tendency of the question; I,
+therefore, move that the order may be read.
+
+[The order being read by the clerk, he proceeded.]
+
+It is evident, sir, that by the order now read, the serjeant at arms
+attending on this house, may take into custody all strangers that shall
+be found in the house or gallery while we are assembled; and that this
+order is not always put in practice, must be attributed to the lenity of
+the house. But that this order extends to past offences, and subjects
+any man to imprisonment for having been present in some former day,
+cannot be conceived. For how far may such a retrospect be extended? or
+at what time, after having intruded into the house, can any man presume
+to consider himself as exempt from the danger of imprisonment?
+
+Our order, sir, only decrees present punishment for present offences,
+and, therefore, the question asked by the honourable gentleman, may be
+insisted on without scruple, and answered without hazard. Let then the
+honourable gentlemen reserve their laudable zeal for our constitution
+till it shall be invaded by more important occasions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied:--Sir, what victory the honourable gentleman imagines
+himself to have gained, or whence proceeds all his wantonness of
+exultation, I am not able to discover. The question only relates to the
+interpretation of one of our own orders, and is, therefore, not of the
+highest importance; nor can his success, in so trivial a debate, entitle
+him to great applause from others, or produce, in a person of his
+abilities, any uncommon satisfaction to himself.
+
+But, whatever may be the pleasure of the victory, it must, at least, be
+gained before it can be celebrated; and it is by no means evident, that
+he has yet any reason to assure himself of conquest.
+
+His interpretation, sir, of the order, which he has so confidently laid
+before the house, seems to me to have no foundation in reason or
+justice; for if it be an offence against the house to be present at our
+consultations, and that offence be justly punishable, why should any man
+be exempt from a just censure by an accidental escape? or what makes the
+difference between this crime and any other, that this alone must be
+immediately punished, or immediately obliterated, and that a lucky
+flight is equivalent to innocence?
+
+It is surely, sir, more rational to believe, that the house may punish
+any breach of its orders at a distant time, that if our censure is once
+eluded, it may be afterwards enforced; and, therefore, that the question
+put to the person at the bar ought not to be asked, because it cannot
+safely be answered.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, in words to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+conceive that our order may extend its influence beyond the present
+moment, and that intrusions may be punished by the house on another day
+than that on which they were committed.
+
+I am so far, sir, from being of opinion, that, to make the execution of
+this order valid, the house must sit, without interruption, from the
+time of the offence to that of the punishment, that if the gentlemen in
+the gallery were to be taken into custody, I should advise the serjeant
+to wait till the house should break up, and seize them as they should
+come out.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, if any such
+punishment were now intended, I should advise the gentlemen in the
+gallery to retire, indeed, but not to hide themselves like felons, or
+men proscribed by proclamation; for as the power of seizing any man in
+the house is sufficient to secure us from intrusion, there is no reason
+to extend it farther; and penalties are not, without reason, to be
+inflicted, neither has the house ever coveted the power of oppressing;
+and what else is unnecessary punishment?
+
+If, therefore, an intruder is not seized in the act of intrusion, he
+cannot legally be imprisoned for it. And any of the strangers, who now
+hear this debate, may retire to a very small distance from the house,
+and set the serjeant at arms at defiance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, whether the question
+be proper or not, it seems very unnecessary to debate; because, however
+it be answered, it cannot be of great importance: the man has already
+confessed himself the author of the libel, and may, therefore, be
+punished without farther examination.
+
+That he is the real author, sir, I am not, indeed, convinced by his
+assertion, with whatever confidence it was made; for so far as his
+appearance enables me to judge of his education and sphere of life, it
+is not probable that he should be much versed in political inquiries, or
+that he should engage in the discussion of questions like this.
+
+There appears, sir, in the paper before us, a more extensive knowledge
+of facts, a more accurate attention to commerce, more artful reasoning,
+and a more elevated style, than it is reasonable to expect from this
+man, whom, without pretending to determine the limits of his capacity,
+or the compass of his knowledge, I am, for my part, inclined to look
+upon as an agent to some other person of higher station, and greater
+accomplishments.
+
+It is not uncommon, sir, for gentlemen to exercise their abilities, and
+employ their pens, upon political questions, and when they have produced
+any thing, which their complaisance for themselves equally hinders them
+from owning and suppressing, they are known to procure some person of
+inferiour rank, to take upon him, in publick, the character of the
+author, and to stand the danger of the prosecution, contenting
+themselves with the applause and admiration of their chosen friends,
+whom they trust with the important secret, and with whom they sit and
+laugh at the conjectures of the publick, and the ignorance of the
+ministry.
+
+This, sir, is a frequent practice, not only with those who have no other
+employment, but, as I have sufficient reasons to believe, among some
+gentlemen who have seats in this house; gentlemen, whose abilities and
+knowledge qualify them to serve the publick in characters much superiour
+to that of lampooners of the government.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY answered in terms to the following purpose:--Sir, whether
+the man who confessed himself the author of the paper, has accused
+himself of what he did not commit, or has ingenuously and openly
+discovered the truth, it is beyond my penetration absolutely to decide;
+the frankness and unconcern with which he made the declaration, gave it,
+at least, the appearance of truth, nor do I discover any reason for
+doubting his sincerity. Is there any improbability in the nature of the
+fact, that should incline us to suspect his veracity? Is there any
+apparent advantage to be gained by assuming a false character? Neither
+of those circumstances can be produced against him, and an assertion is
+to be admitted for its own sake, when there is nothing to invalidate it.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, sir, appears to have a very particular
+reason for his doubts; a reason, which will, I hope, have no weight with
+any but himself. By denying the paper to this man, he gives room for
+conjecture and suspicion to range far and wide, and wanton with whatever
+characters he shall think proper subjects for his amusement. An author
+is now to be sought, and many diverting arguments may be brought by the
+dullest inquirer for fixing it upon one man, or denying it to another.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has given us a bold specimen of this kind
+of wit, by insinuating that it is the production of some one of the
+members of this house; a conjecture of which I am not able to find the
+foundation, and therefore imagine, that raillery rather than argument
+was intended. But let the honourable gentleman recollect, that the chief
+excellence of raillery is politeness, to which he has surely paid little
+regard, in supposing that what has been unanimously condemned as a
+libel, has one of those who censured it for its author.
+
+If I am particularly hinted at in this sagacious conjecture, I take this
+opportunity of declaring that I am equally ignorant of the whole affair
+with any other gentleman in this house; that I never saw the paper till
+it was delivered to me at the door, nor the author till he appeared at
+the bar. Having thus cleared myself, sir, from this aspersion, I declare
+it as my opinion, that every gentleman in the house can safely purge
+himself in the same manner; for I cannot conceive that any of them can
+have written a libel like this. There are, indeed, some passages which
+would not disgrace the greatest abilities, and some maxims true in
+themselves, though perhaps fallaciously applied, and at least such an
+appearance of reasoning and knowledge, as sets the writer far above the
+level of the contemptible scribblers of the ministerial vindications: a
+herd of wretches whom neither information can enlighten, nor affluence
+elevate; low drudges of scurrility, whose scandal is harmless for want
+of wit, and whose opposition is only troublesome from the
+pertinaciousness of stupidity.
+
+Why such immense sums are distributed amongst these reptiles, it is
+scarce possible not to inquire; for it cannot be imagined that those who
+pay them expect any support from their abilities. If their patrons would
+read their writings, their salaries would quickly be withdrawn; for a
+few pages would convince them, that they can neither attack nor defend,
+neither raise any man's reputation by their panegyrick, nor destroy it
+by their defamation.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke in the following manner:--I hope it is not
+expected, that the heat with which one class of our political writers
+have been attacked by the honourable gentleman, should engage me to
+undertake their defence with the same earnestness. I have neither
+interest enough in the question to awaken my passions, nor curiosity or
+leisure sufficient for such an examination of the writings on each side,
+as is necessary, before the superiority of any author above his brethren
+can he justly asserted.
+
+It is no part, sir, of my employment or amusement to compare their
+arguments, or to balance their abilities; nor do I often read the papers
+of either party, except when I am informed by some that have more
+inclination to such studies than myself, that they have risen by some
+accident above their common level.
+
+Yet that I may not appear entirely to desert the question, I cannot
+forbear to say, that I have never, from these accidental inspections of
+their performances, discovered any reason to exalt the authors who write
+against the administration, to a higher degree of reputation than their
+opponents. That any of them deserve loud applauses, I cannot assert, and
+am afraid that all, which deserves to be preserved of the writings on
+either side, may be contracted to a very few volumes.
+
+The writers for the opposition appear to me to be nothing more than the
+echoes of their predecessors, or, what is still more despicable, of
+themselves, and to have produced nothing in the last seven years, which
+had not been said seven years before.
+
+I may, perhaps, be thought by some gentlemen of each class to speak
+contemptuously of their advocates, nor shall I think my own opinion less
+just for such a censure; for the reputation of controversial writers
+arises, generally, from the prepossession of their readers in favour of
+the opinions which they endeavour to defend. Men easily admit the force
+of an argument which tends to support notions, that it is their interest
+to diffuse, and readily find wit and spirit in a satire pointed at
+characters which they desire to depress: but to the opposite party, and
+even to themselves, when their passions have subsided, and their
+interest is disunited from the question, those arguments appear only
+loud assertions, or empty sophistry; and that which was clamorously
+praised, discovers itself to be only impudence or low conceits; the
+spirit evaporates, and the malignity only remains.
+
+If we consider, sir, what opposition of character is necessary to
+constitute a political writer, it will not be wondered that so few excel
+in that undertaking. He that will write well in politicks, must at the
+same time have a complete knowledge of the question, and time to digest
+his thoughts into method, and polish his style into elegance; which is
+little less than to say, he must be at once a man of business, and a man
+of leisure; for political transactions are not easily understood, but by
+those who are engaged in them, and the art of writing is not attainable
+without long practice, and sedentary application.
+
+Thus it happens that political writings are generally defective: for
+they are drawn up by men unacquainted with publick business, and who
+can, therefore, only amuse their readers with fallacious recitals,
+specious sophistries, or an agreeable style; or they are the hasty
+productions of busy negotiators, who, though they cannot but excel the
+other class of writers in that which is of most importance, the
+knowledge of their subject, are yet rarely at leisure to display that
+knowledge to advantage, or add grace to solidity.
+
+Writers of the latter sort appear but seldom, and most of our political
+papers are the amusements of leisure, or the expedients of want.
+
+Whether the paper now before us is the produce of ease, or of necessity,
+I shall not determine; I have already offered my opinion, that the man
+who claims it is not the author, nor do I discover any reason for
+changing my sentiment: the question is a question merely of conjecture,
+since neither I nor the honourable gentleman attempt to offer any
+demonstrative proofs of our opinion. If he has any to produce in favour
+of his own notions, let him lay them before you, but let him always
+forbear to impute to me assertions which I never uttered, and beware of
+representing me as declaring that I believe this paper the composition
+of some member of this house.
+
+[It was then debated, whether this offence should be punished by the
+authority of the house, or referred to the cognizance of some of the
+courts of judicature in Westminster hall, on which occasion Mr. HOWE
+spoke as follows:]
+
+Sir, it is the duty of every part of the legislature, not only to
+preserve the whole system of our government unaltered and unimpaired,
+but to attend particularly to the support of their own privileges,
+privileges not conferred upon them by our ancestors, but for wise
+purposes.
+
+It is the privilege of this house that we, and we only, are the judges
+of our own rights, and we only, therefore, can assign the proper
+punishment when they shall be presumptuously invaded.
+
+If we remit this offender, who has attempted to debase the house in the
+opinion of the nation, to any inferiour court, we allow that court to
+determine, by the punishment that shall be inflicted, the importance of
+this assembly, and the value of the collective character of this house.
+
+It therefore concerns us, in regard to our own dignity, and to the
+privileges of our successours, that we retain the cognizance of this
+crime in our own hands, in which it is placed by perpetual prescription
+and the nature of our constitution.
+
+[The house agreed to this, and the libeller was sent to the common jail
+of Middlesex, by warrant from the speaker.]
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am pleased with
+finding that the malice and indecency of this libel, has raised in the
+house a just resentment, and that the wretch, who, with a confidence so
+steady, and such appearance of satisfaction in his countenance,
+confesses, or rather proclaims himself the author, is treated as he
+deserves. But let us not forget that the same degree of guilt always
+requires the same punishment, and that when the author of scandal is in
+prison, the printer and propagator of it ought not to be at liberty.
+
+The printer of the daily news is surely the proper object of your
+indignation, who inserted this libel in his paper, without the fondness
+of an author, and without the temptation of a bribe; a bribe, by the
+help of which it is usual to circulate scurrility. To this man the
+expense or labour of aspersing the government was recompensed by the
+pleasure, and he could not prevail on himself to omit any opportunity of
+incensing the people, and exposing at once the whole legislature to
+censure and contempt.
+
+Those, therefore, that have concurred in the imprisonment of the author,
+will doubtless join with me in requiring the attendance of his officious
+accomplice, and I cannot forbear expressing my hopes, that he will not
+meet with kinder treatment.
+
+It is far from being the first offence of his licentious press; and the
+lenity of the government, by which he has been so long spared, has had
+no other effect upon him, than to add confidence to his malice, and
+incite him to advance from one degree of impudence to another.
+
+He has for several weeks persisted in misrepresenting the intention of
+the embargo, by letters pretended to be written by friends of the
+government who are injured by it. He has vented his insinuations
+hitherto, as without punishment, so, as it appears, without fear. It is
+time, therefore, to disturb his security, and restrain him from adding
+one calumny to another.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up hereupon, and opposed this motion in terms to
+the following effect:--Sir, the end of punishment is to prevent a
+repetition of the same crime, both in the offender, and in those who may
+have the same inclinations; and when that end is accomplished, all
+farther severities have an appearance rather of cruelty than justice.
+
+By punishing the author of this libel, we have, in my opinion,
+sufficiently secured our dignity from any future attacks, we have
+crushed the head of the confederacy, and prevented the subordinate
+agents from exerting their malice. Printers can do no injury without
+authors; and if no man shall dare to write a libel, it is not worthy of
+our inquiry how many may be inclined to publish it.
+
+But if the printer must necessarily be punished before the resentment of
+the house can be satisfied; if it shall not be thought sufficient to
+punish him without whose assistance the other could not have offended;
+let us, at least, confine our animadversion to the present fault,
+without tracing back his life for past misdemeanours, and charging him
+with accumulated wickedness; for if a man's whole life is to be the
+subject of judicial inquiries, when he shall appear at the bar of this
+house, the most innocent will have reason to tremble when they approach
+it.
+
+Even with regard, sir, to the offence of which he is now accused,
+somewhat may, perhaps, be said in extenuation of his guilt, which I do
+not offer to gratify any personal affection or regard for him, to whom I
+am equally a stranger with any other gentleman in this house, but to
+prevent a punishment which may be hereafter thought disproportioned to
+the crime.
+
+It is, sir, to be remembered, that he was not the original printer of
+the libel, which he only reprinted from a paper, of which he knew that
+it was to be dispersed at our door, and in which he could not naturally
+suspect any seditious or dangerous assertions to be contained. It is,
+therefore, probable that he fell into the offence by ignorance, or, at
+worst, by inadvertency; and, as his intention was not criminal, he may
+properly be spared.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke, in answer, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+think the honourable gentleman betrayed, by his zeal for the defence of
+this man, into some assertions not to be supported by law or reason. If
+it be innocent to print a paper once printed, will it not inevitably
+follow, that the most flagitious falsehoods, and the most enormous
+insults on the crown itself, the most seditious invectives, and most
+dangerous positions, may be dispersed through the whole empire, without
+any danger but to the original printer? And what reason, sir, can be
+assigned, why that which is criminal in one man, should be innocent in
+another?
+
+Nor is this the only position which has been advanced contrary to the
+laws of our country; for it has been asserted, that the general
+character of an offender is a consideration foreign from that of his
+immediate crime; and that whatever any man's past life has been, he is
+only to be judged according to the evidence for the offence which is
+then the subject of examination.
+
+How much this opinion is consistent with the practice of our courts, a
+very slight knowledge of their methods of proceeding will readily
+discover. Is any villain there convicted but by the influence of his
+character? And is not the chief question at a trial the past conduct of
+the person at the bar?
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose here, and spoke thus:--Sir, I rise up only to
+answer a question, which is, whether properly or not, put to me, and
+hope the irregularity will not be imputed to me, by the house, but to
+the occasion which produces it.
+
+I am asked, whether it is not the chief question at the bar of our
+courts of justice, what is the character of the prisoner? and cannot but
+feel some amazement that any man should be so ignorant of common
+proceedings, and so much unacquainted with the execution of our laws, as
+to have admitted a notion so chimerical.
+
+The character of the prisoner is never examined, except when it is
+pleaded by himself, and witnesses are produced to offer testimony in his
+favour; that plea, like all others, is then to be examined, and is
+sometimes confuted by contrary evidence. But, the character of a
+criminal, though it may be urged by himself as a proof of his innocence,
+is never to be mentioned by his prosecutor as an aggravation or proof of
+his guilt. It is not required by the law, that the general character of
+a criminal, but that the particular evidence of the crime with which he
+stands charged, should be examined; nor is his character ever mentioned
+but by his own choice.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, to prove
+the malignity of the intention with which this libel was inserted in the
+daily paper, it cannot be improper to observe, that the embargo has been
+for many days past the favourite topic of this printer, and that,
+therefore, it was not by accident that he admitted so zealous an
+advocate for his opinions to be seasonably assisted by the circulation
+of his paper, but that he, doubtless, was delighted with an opportunity
+of dispersing sedition by means of greater abilities than his own.
+
+Nor can it be justly pleaded, sir, in his favour, that he was encouraged
+to publish it by the confidence with which he saw it dispersed; for it
+was printed by him in the morning, and not brought hither till the
+afternoon. I cannot, therefore, but conclude, that his intentions were
+agreeable to his practice, and that he deserves to accompany the author
+in his present confinement.
+
+The advocate, CAMPBELL, spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, I hope it
+will not be imputed to me as disregard of the government, or neglect of
+the honour of this house, that I declare myself, on all occasions like
+this, inclined to lenity, and think it necessary always to proceed by
+regular methods, and known forms of justice, not by capricious
+determinations, and orders variable at pleasure.
+
+I opposed the imprisonment of the man who just now appeared at the bar
+of our house, and am still more unwilling to proceed to severities
+against another, who is criminal only in a subordinate degree. The
+loudest declaimers against these men cannot have stronger detestation of
+falsehood and sedition than myself; but however flagrant may be the
+crimes, they may be punished with unjustifiable rigour, and, in my
+opinion, we have already proceeded with severity sufficient to
+discourage any other attempts of the same kind.
+
+Whether it will promote the advantage of the publick, and the efficacy
+of our deliberations, to deter any man from the common practice of
+giving us information by delivering papers at our door, must be
+considered by the house.
+
+Nor is it less worthy of our most attentive inquiry, whether it is not
+more reasonable to prosecute this offender in the common forms of
+justice, than to punish him by any act of uncontroulable, unaccountable
+authority? Whether it is not more reasonable to have him prosecuted
+before a judge unprejudiced, and a disinterested jury, than to act at
+once as party, evidence, and judge? I have no desire, sir, of
+diminishing the privileges of this house; and yet less would I
+contribute to establish any precedents of unlimited power or arbitrary
+punishments.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whence so
+much tenderness can arise for an offender of this kind, I am at a loss
+to discover, nor am I able to conceive any argument that can be produced
+for exempting from punishment the printer of a paper, which has been
+already determined, by the vote of the house, to be a scandalous libel,
+tending to promote sedition.
+
+It has been, indeed, agreed, that there are contained in the paper some
+true positions, and some passages innocent, at least, and perhaps
+rational and seasonable. But this, sir, is nothing more than to say,
+that the paper, flagitious as it is, might have been swelled to a
+greater degree of impudence and scurrility; that what is already too
+heinous to be borne, might, by greater virulence, become more enormous.
+
+If no wickedness, sir, is to be checked till it has attained the
+greatest height at which it can possibly arrive, our courts of criminal
+judicature may be shut up as useless; and if a few innocent paragraphs
+will palliate a libel, treason may be written and dispersed without
+danger or restraint; for what libel was ever so crowded with sedition,
+that a few periods might not have been selected, which, upon this
+principle, might have secured it from censure.
+
+The danger of discouraging intelligence from being offered at the door
+of our house, does not alarm me with any apprehensions of disadvantage
+to the nation; for I have not so mean an opinion of the wisdom of this
+assembly, as to imagine that they can receive any assistance from the
+informations of their officious instructors, who ought, in my opinion,
+sir, rather to be taught by some senatorial censure to know their own
+station, than to be encouraged to neglect their proper employments, for
+the sake of directing their governours.
+
+When bills, sir, are depending, by which either the interest of the
+nation, or of particular men, may be thought to be endangered, it is,
+indeed, the incontestable right of every Briton to offer his petition at
+the bar of the house, and to deliver the reasons upon which it is
+founded. This is a privilege of an unalienable kind, and which is never
+to be infringed or denied; and this may always be supported without
+countenancing anonymous intelligence, or receiving such papers as the
+authors of them are afraid or ashamed to own, and which they, therefore,
+employ meaner hands to distribute.
+
+Of this kind, sir, undoubtedly, is the paper now under our
+consideration, of which I am far from imagining that it was drawn up by
+the man who declares himself the writer, and am, therefore, convinced of
+the necessity of calling the printer to the bar, that whatever the
+lenity or justice of this assembly may determine with regard to his
+punishment, he may be examined with respect to the real authors of the
+libel; and that our resentment may fall upon him, who has endeavoured to
+shelter himself by exposing another.
+
+Counsellor ORD spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am inclined to believe,
+that the persons associated in writing and dispersing this paper,
+whosoever they may be, are of no high rank, or considerable influence;
+as it is not likely that any man who had much to hazard, would expose
+himself to the resentment of the whole legislature; but let us not for
+that reason exert our superiority in wanton punishments, or tyrannise
+merely because we cannot be resisted. Let us remember that the same
+justice and the same humanity is due to the meanest, as the highest of
+our fellow-subjects; and that there is even less necessity of rigorous
+measures, as the attack is less formidable.
+
+But, sir, there is one motive to moderation that has seldom been found
+less efficacious than the consideration of the laws of justice or
+humanity. We ought to be withheld by regard to our posterity, and even
+to ourselves, from any exorbitant extension of our privileges. We know,
+that authority once exerted, is claimed afterwards by prescription. And
+who knows by what sudden rotation of power he may himself suffer by a
+precedent which he has concurred to establish, and feel the weight of
+that oppressive power which he first granted for the punishment of
+another?
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke thus:--Sir, I am always unwilling to oppose any proposal
+of lenity and forbearance, nor have now any intention of heightening the
+guilt of this man by cruel exaggerations, or inciting the house to
+rigour and persecution.
+
+But let us remember, sir, that justice and mercy are equally to be
+regarded, and while we pity the folly of a misguided, or, perhaps, a
+thoughtless offender, let us not suffer ourselves to be betrayed, by our
+compassion, to injure ourselves and our posterity.
+
+This house, sir, has always claimed and exerted the privilege of judging
+of every offence against itself, a privilege so long established, and so
+constantly exercised, that I doubt whether the inferiour courts of
+judicature will take cognizance of an attack upon us; for how can they
+venture to decide upon a question of such importance without any form or
+precedent for their proceedings.
+
+There seems also to be at this time, sir, an uncommon necessity for
+tenaciousness of our privileges, when, as some whispers, which have been
+wafted from the other house, inform us, a motion has been made in terms
+which might imply the subordination of this assembly, an assertion
+without foundation either in reason or justice, and which I shall always
+oppose as destructive to our rights, and dangerous to our constitution.
+
+Let us, therefore, sir, retain in our hands the cognizance of this
+affair, and let the criminal either suffer his punishment from _our_
+sentence, or owe his pardon to _our_ mercy.
+
+[It was agreed that the printer of the daily paper should attend next
+day, when, being called in, it was proposed that he should be asked,
+whether he printed the paper complained of. It was objected to, for the
+same reason as the question about the author's being in the gallery,
+because the answer might tend to accuse himself; and he being withdrawn,
+a debate of the same nature ensued, and the question being put whether
+he should be asked, if he be the person that printed the daily paper
+shown to him, which paper the house the day before resolved to contain a
+malicious and scandalous libel, etc. it was, on a division, carried in
+the affirmative, by two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and
+sixty-three: accordingly he was called in again, and being asked the
+question, he owned that he printed the said paper from a printed copy
+which was left for him with one of his servants; and being asked what he
+had to allege in his justification or excuse for printing the said
+libel, he said that as he had before printed several other things which
+he had received from the said person, which had not given offence, he
+inserted part of the paper in his news, and which he should not have
+inserted, if he had thought it would have given offence to the house,
+and that he forbore to print the remainder, having heard that it had
+given offence. Upon which he withdrew, and the house, after some debate,
+on a division, one hundred and eighty-eight to one hundred and
+forty-five, not only ordered him into the custody of the serjeant, but
+resolved to present an address to his majesty, that he would be pleased
+to give directions to his attorney general to prosecute him at law.
+
+The first printer of the libel was also ordered into custody. This was
+on the 3d of December, but the next day presenting his petition,
+expressing his sorrow for the offence, whereby he had justly incurred
+the displeasure of the house, and praying to be discharged, he was
+brought to the bar on the following day, received a reprimand on his
+knees, and was ordered to be discharged, paying his fees.]
+
+On the 12th, lord BARRINGTON presented a petition from the printer of
+the daily paper, expressing his sorrow, promising all possible care not
+to offend for the future, and praying to be discharged.
+
+This petition being read, a motion was made, that the serjeant at arms
+do carry the petitioner to some court of law, to give security for his
+appearance to the prosecution to be carried on against him by the
+attorney general; which done, that he be discharged, paying his fees.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, I know not for what reason
+this enormous offender is entitled to so much regard, or by what
+interest he has engaged so many, who, I doubt not, abhor his crimes, to
+pity his sufferings.
+
+Had he been young and unexperienced, and seduced into the commission of
+this offence by artifice or persuasion, his act might have been
+reasonably considered rather as an errour than a crime, and it might
+have been proper to treat with lenity a delinquent neither obstinate nor
+malicious.
+
+But how, sir, can this plea be urged in favour of a man, whose daily
+employment it has been, for these two years past, to misrepresent the
+public measures, to disperse scandal, and excite rebellion, who has
+industriously propagated every murmur of discontent, and preserved every
+whisper of malevolence from perishing in the birth.
+
+The proper judge, sir, of this affair, is his majesty's attorney
+general, who is not now in the house. I am, therefore, for detaining him
+in custody, and for referring the consideration of farther proceedings
+against him to that gentleman, whose proper province it is to prosecute
+for the crown.
+
+Mr. WALLER spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is
+undoubtedly the duty of every man to oppose the introduction of new
+laws, and methods of oppression and severity, which our constitution
+does not admit; and what else is the mention of a prisoner's character
+as an aggravation of his present offence?
+
+It is well known, and has been already asserted, upon this occasion,
+that in the lower courts of justice, though the prisoner may plead his
+character, in his own defence, his prosecutor is not at liberty to
+produce it to his disadvantage. Even those who are cited to the bar for
+murder or for treason, are tried only by the evidence of that crime for
+which they are indicted.
+
+That this house is not bound to strict forms, and is not accountable for
+the exercise of its power, is easily granted; but authority cannot
+change the nature of things, and what is unjust in a lower court, would
+be in us not less unjust, though it may not be punishable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was replied that this question had been before sufficiently
+discussed.
+
+The attorney general not being present, the debate was adjourned to the
+next sitting.
+
+On the next day of the session, the lord BARRINGTON proposed, that the
+adjourned debate might be resumed, and several members interceded for
+the petitioner, that he might be released; to which it was objected,
+that it was not proper to release him, unless an information was lodged
+against him, without which he could not be held to bail; and the
+question being put, whether he should be released, was determined in the
+negative.
+
+At the sixth sitting, the author of the libel, who was committed to the
+common prison of Middlesex, petitioned the house to permit him to
+implore pardon on his knees, and promising, by the strongest and most
+solemn assurances, not to offend again, was ordered to be discharged the
+next day, paying his fees.
+
+On the forty-seventh sitting, the printer of the daily paper again
+petitioned the house, representing, that he most heartily bewailed his
+offence, that he was miserably reduced by his confinement, having
+borrowed money of all his friends to support himself, his wife, and
+children, and praying the mercy of the house. He was then ordered to be
+discharged, paying his fees, and giving security for his appearance to
+answer the prosecution.
+
+On the eighty-fifth day, Mr. George Heathcote offered another petition
+for the said printer, and represented, that the fees amounting to one
+hundred and twenty-one pounds, he was not able to pay them, that,
+therefore, he hoped the house would consider his case; but the petition
+was not allowed to be brought up. On which he remained in custody
+fourteen days longer, till the end of the session, and, the authority of
+the senate ceasing, had his liberty without paying any fees.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+
+ON INCORPORATING THE NEW-RAISED MEN INTO THE STANDING REGIMENTS.
+
+
+On the 4th of December, sir William YONGE, secretary at war, having
+presented to the house of commons an estimate of the expense of raising
+ten thousand men, the same was taken into consideration in a committee
+on the supply, and after debate agreed to. At the report of this
+proceeding, on the 11th, another debate happened on a motion that the
+new-raised men should be incorporated into the standing regiments, etc.
+
+As in these two debates the arguments were the same, they are thrown
+into one, to prevent unnecessary repetitions.
+
+Sir William YONGE opened the debate with respect to what he had
+delivered in the estimate, after the manner following:--Sir, as this
+estimate has been drawn up after very accurate calculations and careful
+inquiries, I hope that no objections will be raised against it, and that
+the sum necessary for raising the new regiments will be very readily
+granted by that house, which voted the war necessary for which they are
+designed.
+
+I hope it will be admitted as some proof of frugality, that this
+estimate requires less money than one that was laid before the senate in
+the reign of king William; for if it be considered, that since that
+time, the necessaries of life are become dearer, and that, therefore,
+all expenses are increased, it will appear to be the effect of the
+exactest economy, that the sum required for the same service is less.
+
+I have heard, indeed, sir, that in conversation, the method of raising
+troops on this occasion has been censured as improper, and that in the
+opinion of some, whose judgment cannot be entirely disregarded, it would
+be more reasonable to add more men to our regiments already established,
+than to raise new regiments with new officers.
+
+The chief argument, sir, produced in support of their method of
+augmentation, is drawn from the necessity of publick frugality, a very
+popular topick, which never fails to produce favour and attention; for
+every man is naturally inclined to hear his friend, and to consider that
+man as performing the office of friendship, who proposes methods of
+alleviating his taxes.
+
+Frugality is undoubtedly a virtue very necessary to the happiness of the
+nation, and such as there occur frequent occasions of inculcating to
+those who are intrusted with the superintendence of publick
+disbursements, but I am far from thinking that this estimate affords any
+opportunity for declamations of this kind, and am of opinion that the
+addition of new soldiers to each regiment, would, in reality, be more
+expensive.
+
+It cannot be denied, sir, that by augmenting the regiments, there would
+be immediately saved to the publick the expense of the officers which
+are necessary in the method now proposed; but it is to be considered how
+much the number of officers contributes to the regularity and discipline
+of the troops, and how much discipline and order promote their success.
+It is to be considered, sir, that the most successful method of making
+war is undoubtedly the cheapest, and that nothing is more expensive than
+defeats.
+
+If by raising the same number of men under fewer officers, we should
+give our enemies any advantage, if a single party should be cut off, a
+garrison forced, an expedition rendered fruitless, or the war protracted
+but a few months, where will be the advantage of this admired frugality?
+What would be the consequence, but the same or a greater expense, not to
+gain advantages, but to repair losses, and obviate the effects of our
+former parsimony?
+
+In private life, sir, it is common for men to involve themselves in
+expense, only by avoiding it; to repair houses at greater charges than
+new ones might be built, and to pay interest, rather than the debt. Weak
+minds are frighted at the mention of extraordinary efforts, and decline
+large expenses, though security and future affluence may be purchased by
+them; as tender bodies shrink from severe operations, though they are
+the certain methods of restoring health and vigour. The effects of this
+timidity are the same in both cases, the estate is impaired insensibly,
+and the body languishes by degrees, till no remedy can be applied.
+
+Such examples, sir, are frequent, and the folly of imitating them is
+therefore greater, for who would pursue that track by which he has seen
+others led to destruction? Nor need we search for remote illustrations
+to discover the destructive tendency of unseasonable tenderness for the
+publick, for I believe the whole history of the wars of king William
+will prove, that too close an attention to parsimony is inconsistent
+with great achievements.
+
+It may be expected that I, who cannot claim any regard in this
+disquisition, from my own experience, should produce some decisive
+evidence in favour of the method which I have taken upon me to defend;
+this expectation I shall endeavour to satisfy, by alleging the authority
+of the greatest commander of later ages, whom neither his friends nor
+his enemies will deny to have been well versed in these subjects, and
+whose success is a sufficient proof of the soundness of his principles.
+
+The illustrious duke of MARLBOROUGH was of opinion, that the whole force
+of the French armies consisted in the number of the officers, and that
+to be always equal to them in the field, it was necessary to form our
+troops nearly upon the same plan; to this scheme he conformed in his
+practice of war, and how much his practice confirmed his opinion, let
+Blenheim and Ramillies attest.
+
+As I pretend not to have determined myself on this question, otherwise
+than by authority, and, as I know not any authority equal to that of the
+duke of MARLBOROUGH, I cannot discharge the trust reposed in me by my
+country, any otherwise, than by proposing, that, on this occasion, we
+agree to grant his majesty the sum calculated for raising the new
+regiments, as I believe that method of augmentation most likely to
+produce success in our undertakings, and consequently to procure a
+speedy conclusion of the war.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have been so
+long accustomed to the debates of this house, and have so often attended
+to the eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, that I am never
+startled at paradoxes, nor shocked at absurdities; I can now hear with
+great tranquillity an harangue upon the necessity of placemen in this
+house, upon the usefulness of standing armies, and the happiness of a
+general excise.
+
+I am no longer offended with facts quoted in opposition to history, nor
+with calculations drawn up without regard to the rules of arithmetick; I
+know that there are persons in this house, who think themselves obliged
+to speak, even when in their own opinion nothing can be said with weight
+or with propriety; who come hither prepared against the shame of
+confutation, and determined not to be convinced.
+
+To reason with such men, sir, is, indeed, no pleasing task; it is to
+fight with enchanted heroes, upon whom the common weapons of argument
+have no effect, and who must be softened by a countercharm, before they
+can be attacked with any prospect of success.
+
+There are some, however, of whom I am willing to believe that they
+dispute only for truth, and inquire with the view of attaining a
+solution of their doubts. For the sake of these, sir, I think it
+necessary to declare my sentiments, as I shall be desirous, in my turn,
+to hear their sentiments; but with regard to those whose opinion I know
+already by their posts, I should think it of great advantage to the
+despatch of publick affairs, if they would content themselves with
+voting for their pay, without any ambition of other service, or adding
+the praise of volubility to that of steadiness.
+
+Having this opportunity, sir, of declaring my opinion of the measures
+pursued in regulating our military preparations, I shall not confine
+myself entirely to the present question, but lay before the house my
+thoughts upon some parts of the establishment, which may, perhaps,
+require a reform, and which are at least proper objects of
+consideration, though not absolutely necessary to the determination of
+our opinion upon the present motion.
+
+I have long ago, sir, declared, what, therefore, it is scarcely of any
+use to repeat, that I know not any advantage to be hoped from a standing
+army, nor can discover why the ablest and most vigorous of the
+inhabitants of this kingdom should be seduced from the loom, the anvil
+and the plough, only to live at ease upon the labour of industry, only
+to insult their landlords, and rob the farmers. I never could find why
+any body of men should be exempt from the common labour of social
+duties, or why they should be supported by a community, who contribute
+neither to its honour nor its defence.
+
+I doubt not, sir, but I shall hear, on this occasion, of the service of
+our troops in the suppression of riots; we shall be told, by the next
+pompous orator who shall rise up in defence of the army, that they have
+often dispersed the smugglers; that the colliers have been driven down
+by the terrour of their appearance to their subterraneous
+fortifications; that the weavers, in the midst of that rage which hunger
+and oppression excited, fled at their approach; that they have at our
+markets bravely regulated the price of butter, and, sometimes, in the
+utmost exertion of heroick fury, broken those eggs which they were not
+suffered to purchase on their own terms.
+
+Some one, perhaps, of more penetration, may inform us of the use which
+has been made of them at elections, where the surly burgesses have been
+sometimes blind to the merit of those worthy gentlemen, whom the
+soldiers have known how to esteem according to their desert; nor,
+indeed, do I see how those can refuse their votes in favour of our
+troops, who are indebted for the power of giving them, to their kind
+interposition.
+
+To these arguments, sir, I shall content myself with answering, that
+those who are versed in the history of Britain, know that we have had
+colliers and weavers for many years before a standing army was heard of
+among us, and that it is, nevertheless, nowhere recorded that any of our
+kings were deposed by those formidable bodies of men, or that any
+remarkable changes were made by them in the form of our government; and,
+therefore, till some reason shall be alleged, why such insurrections are
+now more dangerous, and our civil magistrates more impotent than in
+former ages, I humbly conceive, that even without the protection of a
+standing army, we might yet sleep in security, notwithstanding the plots
+of the colliers, and the combinations of the weavers.
+
+But I must own, sir, these are not our only enemies, for there is
+somewhere, yet in existence, a person that lays claim to the dominion of
+these kingdoms, and pleads an hereditary title to dispose of our wealth,
+to subvert our liberties, and destroy our religion.
+
+If any foreigner, sir, unacquainted with our affairs, were to be present
+at our debates, and to hear with what ardour we animate each other to an
+obstinate resistance of this pretender to the throne, how often he is
+represented as hovering over us, and how often we have caught a general
+panick, and imagined ourselves upon the verge of destruction, how often
+our most zealous patriots take opportunities of declaring their
+resolution to die in defence of their liberties; and how pathetically
+our most elegant declaimers have expatiated on the misery of that
+unhappy race, whom they should leave behind to groan under the
+oppression of absolute power, what would be his opinion of this
+pretender, whom he saw so perpetually dreaded, against whom so many
+alliances were formed, so many armies were levied, and so many navies
+equipped?
+
+Would he not believe him to be some formidable tyrant in a neighbouring
+country, the lord of wide dominions, and the master of numerous armies
+and powerful fleets? Would he not imagine that he could assemble half
+the continent at his call, that he was supported by powerful alliances,
+and that nothing but a fair wind was required to land him on our coasts
+at the head of millions? And would he not, even on that supposition, be
+inclined to censure us as timorous, as somewhat regardless of the honour
+of our nation, and condemn us for giving way to such suspicions and
+exclamations, as have a natural tendency to heighten the apprehension of
+danger, and depress the spirits of the people?
+
+But what would be his conclusion, sir, when he should be told, what in
+reality is true, that this dreadful pretender is an unhappy fugitive,
+driven in his infancy from this country, and by consequence without any
+personal interest; that he is supported by the charity of a prince whose
+name is hated almost by every inhabitant of the kingdom; that he has
+neither sovereignty, nor money, nor alliances, nor reputation in war,
+nor skill in policy; that all his actions are watched by British spies;
+and that the few friends that remain to support the farce of a court,
+are such only as dare not return to their native country, and are,
+therefore, without fortune, and without dependants?
+
+What could a wise man conceive of a nation held in continual alarms by
+an enemy like this; of a nation always watchful against an invasion from
+a man who has neither dominions to supply, nor money to hire a single
+regiment; from a man whose title all the neighbouring princes disown,
+and who is at such a distance from them, that he cannot be assisted by
+them without open preparations, of which we cannot fail of having
+intelligence, and which may be defeated, without danger, by the vessels
+regularly stationed on our coasts?
+
+Would not any stranger imagine, sir, that we were a nation infected with
+a general phrensy, that cowardice had perverted our imaginations, filled
+us with apprehensions of impossible invasions, raised phantoms before
+our eyes, and distracted us with wild ideas of slavery and tyranny,
+oppression and persecution?
+
+I have dwelt thus long on this point, because I know the pretender is
+the last refuge of those who defend a standing army; not that I propose
+to convince any man of the folly of such apprehensions, or to fortify
+him against such terrours for the time to come; for if any man, in
+reality, now dreads the pretender, fear must be his distemper; he is
+doomed to live in terrours, and it is of no importance whether he dreads
+an invasion or a goblin, whether he is afraid to disband the army, or to
+put out his candle in the night; his imagination is tainted, and he must
+be cured, not by argument, but by physick.
+
+But the greatest part of those who disturb our consultations with the
+mention of the pretender, are men of a very different character, men
+equally unconcerned about his designs, or his motions, with those who
+are most desirous of setting the nation free from the burden of an army,
+and very often such as we may discover, from their conduct, to be
+determined to comply with every government; and such as have, therefore,
+nothing to fear from a change of masters.
+
+The men, for whose sake I am now speaking, sir, laugh equally with
+myself at the apprehensions of those whom they contribute to terrify;
+they know too well the impotence of the pretender to dread an invasion
+from him, and affect only to continue their outcries, that they may not
+be deprived of a topick, on which, by long practice, they have attained
+an uncommon facility of haranguing, which they know how to diversify
+with various combinations of circumstances, and how to accommodate to
+any emergent occasion, without the pain of torturing their inventions.
+
+It may be useful, sir, to inform these men, that their disguise ought at
+last to be thrown off, because it deceives no longer, and that the
+nation cannot be cheated but at the expense of more cunning than they
+are willing, or perhaps able, to display. A mask must necessarily be
+thrown aside, when, instead of concealing, it discovers him by whom it
+is used.
+
+Those who are attempting, sir, to deceive others, and whose character is
+exalted, in their own opinion, in proportion to the success of their
+endeavours, have surely a sense of shame, though they have none of
+virtue, and cannot, without pain, find their artifices detected, and
+themselves made the objects of ridicule, by those stratagems which they
+employ for the deception of others.
+
+I hope, therefore, sir, that, for their own sakes, these declaimers on
+the exploded story of the pretender, will change their bugbear, that if
+it be necessary to frighten those whom they want art or eloquence to
+persuade, they will find out some other object of terrour, which, after
+a little practice in private meetings, they may first produce in the
+court, and then turn loose in the senate.
+
+The world, methinks, allows them a sufficient choice of tyrants more
+formidable than the pretender. Suppose they should revive the history of
+the Mohocks. The Mohocks are a dreadful race, not to be mentioned
+without horrour, by a true lover of his country, and a steady adherent
+to the house of Hanover; they might then very easily increase our army,
+or enhance our taxes; for who would not be urged by his wife and
+daughter to agree to any measures that might secure them from the
+Mohocks?
+
+But as an army is, at present, likely to be kept up for our defence,
+against an enemy less formidable, it may be more seasonable to propose
+the regulation than the dismission of our troops, and to mention those
+evils which arise from the present establishment, rather than those
+which are inseparable from the expense of a standing force.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to support soldiers, I suppose that it will not
+be denied by the advocates for an army, that we ought to levy such
+troops as may be of use; yet in their practice they seem to have paid
+very little regard to this principle. Our troopers are mounted upon
+horses which can serve no purpose but that of show, which may, indeed,
+wheel about in the park with a formidable air, but can neither advance
+upon an enemy with impetuosity, nor retreat from him with expedition;
+and which, therefore, though purchased by the nation at a very high
+price, and supported at a large expense, can only grace a review, but
+are of very little use in an enemy's country, and must perish in the
+march, or stand unactive in the battle.
+
+Nor is much more service to be expected, sir, from their riders, than
+from the horses, for there are very few of them acquainted with the
+first elements of their profession, or who have ever learned more than a
+few postures of exercise, and the meaning of a few words of command, but
+have a number of officers with large appointments.
+
+The French troops, sir, if they are doubly officered, are officered and
+maintained at a less expense, and to greater effect; for the soldiers
+are better instructed, and the same number of men cost not, perhaps,
+much more than half the charge of a British regiment.
+
+The guards, sir, that are maintained about this metropolis, for no other
+purpose than to keep up the splendour of a modern court, cost the
+nation, yearly, such a sum as would be sufficient to support an army of
+Frenchmen, for the protection of their frontier towns, or the invasion
+of neighbouring countries.
+
+For my part, I cannot see what injury would be done to the nation by
+abolishing an establishment, at the same time useless and expensive, and
+employing that money which is at present squandered upon idlers without
+effect, upon levies of useful soldiers for marching regiments, who might
+be employed, when occasion should require them, in the service of their
+country.
+
+It will, doubtless, be objected, that the officers of this body of men,
+many of whom are persons of the highest merit, and who have, generally,
+purchased their commissions, might very justly complain of being
+deprived, without a crime, of that which they have bought at its full
+value, and to which, therefore, they imagine themselves entitled, till
+they shall forfeit their right by some offence against the laws, or some
+neglect of their duty.
+
+I shall not, sir, at present, inquire into the justness of this plea,
+nor examine, whether he who purchases an employment, which he knows to
+be useless, and therefore burdensome to the publick, deserves that the
+publick should be solicitous to support him in the enjoyment of it; but
+I shall declare, on this occasion, with confidence, that I know many of
+the officers of the guards to be men of honour, who would gladly
+exchange their posts, so chargeable to the nation, for an opportunity of
+serving it, and who are not very anxious for the increase of their pay,
+so they may not be degraded from their present rank.
+
+If these gentlemen, sir, might, in the regiments that should be raised
+by disbanding the guards, be advanced to higher commissions, though with
+some diminution of their pay, they would imagine themselves abundantly
+compensated by the happiness of becoming useful subjects, and serving
+that nation by which they have been, hitherto, supported only to fill up
+the pomp of levees, and add to the magnificence of drawing-rooms, to
+loiter in antechambers, and to quarrel at gaming tables.
+
+If this scheme should not be approved, the method eligible, in the next
+degree, seems to be that of incorporating our new levies into the
+regiments already raised, that being associated with men already
+acquainted with discipline, they may learn their duty much more
+expeditiously than in separate bodies, where one officer will be obliged
+to attend to the instruction of great numbers, and where no man will be
+excited to application, because no man will see any degree of excellence
+which he may be ambitious of attaining.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no reason alleged for the necessity of new levies,
+which appeared likely to convince even those by whom it was produced. It
+appears to me that our present army is more than sufficient for the
+publick service, without an augmentation, and that some of our regiments
+might immediately embark, not only without danger to the nation, but
+with far greater hopes of success, as our enemies would have less time
+to strengthen their fortifications, and collect their troops, and as
+disciplined forces are more formidable than troops newly levied; for
+discipline must be of great efficacy to the success of military
+undertakings, or all arguments which have been used in the defence of a
+standing army fall to the ground.
+
+In answer to this proposal, we shall probably be once again intimidated
+with an invasion, whether from the pretender, the Spaniards, the French,
+or any other power, it is of no great importance. An invasion is a
+formidable sound; the sack of towns, the destruction of villages, the
+captivity of our children, the ruin of our fortunes, and the desolation
+of our country, are frightful images, and may, therefore, be
+successfully produced, on this occasion, to perplex our thoughts, and
+embarrass our inquiries.
+
+To remove, therefore, this panick, and to dissipate, for ever, the
+phantoms of invasion, I will lay before the house the opinion of the
+great commander whose name has already been introduced in this debate.
+In the late reign, on a day when the great officers of the crown, and
+many of the council, were at a publick feast in the city, a report was
+suddenly spread that the duke of Ormond had landed in the west, with two
+thousand men. This account was, in appearance, well attested, and
+universally believed; all jollity was, therefore, at an end, the company
+departed, the council was summoned, and every man offered such
+expedients as his present thoughts, confused and oppressed with the
+proximity of the danger, suggested to him. One proposed, that a body of
+troops should be sent to a distant part of the kingdom, to restrain the
+seditions of the populace; another apprehended more danger from a
+different quarter, and advised that the inhabitants should be awed by
+another detachment sent thither; the most experienced easily saw the
+unprofitableness of the measures proposed, but could not so easily
+strike out more efficacious expedients, and therefore sat in great
+perplexity. Lord Somers, particularly, shook his head, and seemed to
+consider the kingdom as in the hands of the invaders, and the dreadful
+pretender as seated on the throne.
+
+At last, the duke of MARLBOROUGH, who had hitherto sat silent, asked
+calmly, whether they were certain that any forces were really landed,
+and was answered, that though it might not be absolutely certain, yet
+they were to consult and send orders upon that supposition. Then, says
+he, I will lay down this great rule to be observed invariably, whenever
+you are invaded. Attend only to one point, nor have any other purpose in
+view than that of destroying the regular forces that shall be landed in
+the kingdom, without any regard to petty insurrections, which may be
+always easily quelled, and which will probably cease of themselves, when
+the army by which they were excited is cut off. For this end, let it be
+your rule, to keep your army undivided, and to make no motion but
+towards the enemies; fight them with the utmost expedition before they
+can fortify themselves, or receive reinforcements from the continent. By
+the observation of this plain method of operation, continued he, I will
+engage, without any other force than the regiments generally stationed
+about the capital, to put a stop to any troops that shall be landed on
+the coast of Britain.
+
+So far was this great officer, who was acquainted with the whole art of
+war, from sinking into astonishment at the sound of an invasion, and so
+far from thinking it necessary that the nation should be harassed by
+standing troops, to preserve it from being plundered by a foreign army.
+
+But though our troops, sir, should not be necessary to prevent an
+invasion, they may be useful in services of equal importance; the
+ministry may think the suffrages of the officers more serviceable than
+their swords, and may be more afraid of exposing themselves than the
+nation by any detachment of their forces.
+
+Such is, at present, sir, the state of this unhappy country, that
+neither in peace nor war are any measures taken, but with a view of
+increasing or confirming the power of the ministry; for this purpose
+those troops whose officers have seats here, are to be retained at home,
+and the fate of our American settlements to be committed to new-levied
+forces, without military skill.
+
+For this reason is an army to be raised without necessity, and raised in
+a manner that may furnish the court with an opportunity of extending its
+influence, by the disposal of great numbers of new commissions. By this
+plan every family that is burdened with a relation whose vices have
+ruined his fortune, or whose stupidity disqualifies him for employment,
+will have an opportunity of selling, for a commission, its interest at
+the approaching election; dependence will be propagated, and the
+troublesome spirit of liberty be depressed.
+
+To little purpose will it be objected, that soldiers and officers will
+be equally ignorant, that discipline is not infused instantaneously,
+that a military dress will not make a soldier, that men can only know
+their duty by instruction, and that nothing is to be hoped from
+ploughmen and manufacturers, commanded by schoolboys. The success of the
+expedition is not so much considered by those who have the direction of
+the levies, as that of the election, and while they keep their posts,
+they are very little concerned about the affairs of America.
+
+In defence of this method, it has, indeed, been affirmed, that it was
+preferred by the duke of MARLBOROUGH; but we are not informed to whom,
+or upon what occasion he declared his opinion, and, therefore, are left
+at liberty to doubt, whether his authority is not produced for a method
+which he did not approve, or approved only at some particular time for
+some extraordinary service.
+
+It is urged, that he recommended it by his practice, and that his
+success is a sufficient proof that his practice was founded upon right
+maxims. But if it be remembered what was, in that time, the method of
+obtaining commissions, and who it was that had the disposal of them, it
+will appear not absolutely certain, that his practice ought to be
+produced as a decisive proof of his opinion.
+
+If the success of troops be properly urged as an argument for the form
+of their establishment, may not the victories of prince Eugene afford a
+proof, equally convincing, that a few officers are sufficient? And if
+the arguments which arise from success are equal on both sides, ought
+not the necessity of saving the publick money to turn the balance?
+
+War, sir, is in its own nature a calamity very grievous to the most
+powerful and flourishing people, and to a trading nation is particularly
+destructive, as it at once exhausts our wealth, and interrupts our
+commerce, at once drinks up the stream and chokes up the fountain. In
+those countries whose affairs are wholly transacted within their own
+frontiers, where there is either very little money, or where their
+wealth is dug out of their own mines, they are only weakened by the loss
+of men, or by the diminution of their dominions, and, in general, can
+only suffer by being overcome.
+
+But the state of Britain is far different; it is not necessary to our
+ruin that an enemy should be stronger than ourselves, that he should be
+able to pour armies into our country, to cover the sea with fleets, to
+burn our villages by incursions, or destroy our fortresses with bombs;
+for he that can secure his own dominions from our attacks, to which
+nothing but distance and some advantages of situation are necessary, may
+support a war against us, and he that can fit out privateers to
+interrupt our trade, may, without obtaining a victory, reduce us to
+distress.
+
+Our situation, sir, as it preserves us from the danger of an invasion,
+except from that powerful monarch, the pretender, who is, indeed, always
+to be dreaded, has, likewise, the effect of securing other nations from
+being invaded by us; for it is very difficult to transport in one fleet,
+and to land at one time, a number sufficient to force their way into a
+country where the ports are fortified, and the inhabitants in arms.
+
+Our wars, sir, are, therefore, to be determined by naval battles, and
+those nations have very little to fear from us who have no trade to be
+disturbed, and no navies to be destroyed; if they can only fit out
+cruisers, which may always be done by granting commissions to foreign
+adventurers, they may ruin our merchants by captures, exhaust the nation
+by the necessity of convoys, and give neutral traders an opportunity of
+establishing their credit at those markets which have been, hitherto,
+supplied by our manufactures.
+
+This is, indeed, far from being at present an exact account of the state
+of Spain, whose wide-extended dominions are liable to insults, and from
+whom many of her most wealthy provinces may be torn without great hazard
+or difficulty. The particular state of her commerce, which, being only
+carried on from one part of her dominions to another, can only be for a
+time interrupted, but is in no danger of being invaded by any rival, or
+lost by disuse, at least requires our consideration, and we ought to
+make war with the utmost frugality, against a people whom no hostilities
+can really impoverish, whose commerce may be said to lie at rest rather
+than to be shackled, as it will rise into greater vigour at the end of
+the war, and whose treasures, though the want of them is a present
+inconvenience, are only piled up for a time of security.
+
+As the only method, sir, of reducing this nation, must be that of
+invading its colonies, and dismembering its provinces, by which the
+chief persons will be deprived of their revenues, and a general
+discontent be spread over the people, the forces which are levied for
+this expedition, an expedition on which so much of the honour of our
+arms and the prosperity of our trade must necessarily depend, ought to
+be selected with the greatest care, and disciplined with the exactest
+regularity.
+
+On this occasion, therefore, it is surely improper to employ troops
+newly collected from shops and villages, and yet more irrational to
+trust them to the direction of boys called on this occasion from the
+frolicks of a school, or forced from the bosoms of their mothers, and
+the softness of the nursery. It is not without compassion, compassion
+very far extended, that I consider the unhappy striplings doomed to a
+camp, from whom the sun has hitherto been screened, and the wind
+excluded, who have been taught, by many tender lectures, the
+unwholesomeness of the evening mists and the morning dews, who have been
+wrapt in furs in winter, and cooled with fans in summer, who have lived
+without any fatigue but that of dress, or any care but that of their
+complexion.
+
+Who can forbear, sir, some degree of sympathy, when he sees animals like
+these taking their last farewell of the maid that has fed them with
+sweetmeats, and defended them from insects; when he sees them drest up
+in the habiliments of soldiers, loaded with a sword, and invested with a
+command, not to mount the guard at the palace, nor to display their lace
+at a review; not to protect ladies at the door of an assembly room, nor
+to show their intrepidity at a country fair, but to enter into a kind of
+fellowship with the rugged sailor, to hear the tumult of a storm, to
+sustain the change of climates, and to be set on shore in an enemy's
+dominions?
+
+Surely, he that can see such spectacles without sorrow, must have
+hardened his heart beyond the common degrees of cruelty, and it may
+reasonably be expected, that he who can propose any method by which such
+hardships may be escaped, will be thought entitled to gratitude and
+praise.
+
+For my part, I should imagine, sir, that an easy method might be
+discovered of obviating such misery, without lessening that number of
+officers, which, perhaps, in opposition to reason and experience, some
+gentlemen will continue to think necessary, and hope that this may be no
+improper time to declare my opinion.
+
+I have observed, that for some time no private centinel has ever risen
+to any rank above that of a serjeant, and that commissions have been
+reserved as rewards for other services than those of the camp. This
+procedure I cannot but think at once impolitick and unjust.
+
+It is impolitick, sir, as it has a natural tendency to extinguish in the
+soldiery all emulation and all industry. Soldiers have an equal genius
+with other men, and undoubtedly there might be found among them great
+numbers capable of learning and of improving the military sciences; but
+they have, likewise, the same love of ease, and the desire of honour and
+of profit, and will not condemn themselves to labour without the
+prospect of reward, nor sacrifice their time to the attainment of that
+knowledge, which can have no other effect than to make them discover the
+stupidity of their commanders, and render their obedience more
+difficult, as it will destroy that reverence which is necessary to
+subordination.
+
+It is unjust, sir, because it is not to be doubted, that some soldiers,
+by the natural force of their faculties, or by a laudable activity of
+mind, have extended their knowledge beyond the duties of a private
+station; and he that excels in his profession, has an equitable claim to
+distinction and preferment. To advance any man in the army, because his
+father is an orator in the senate, or the chief inhabitant of a borough,
+seems not more rational, than to make another man a judge, because some
+of his ancestors were skilled in gunnery; nor would the lawyers have
+juster reasons for complaint in one case, than the soldiers in the
+other.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, necessary to the advancement of
+military knowledge, that, as a centinel is, for excelling in his
+profession, advanced to the degree of a serjeant, the serjeant, who
+continues his application, and performs his duty, should, in time, be
+honoured with a commission.
+
+It may be objected, indeed, that serjeants, though they are skilful
+commanders in war, can very seldom arrive at any remarkable skill in
+politicks, and though they should be so fortunate as to gain estates,
+could never be of any use as the representatives of a borough; and to
+what purpose should those men be advanced, who can only serve their
+country, but can contribute very little to the support of the court?
+
+This is, I own, sir, an objection, which I despair of answering to the
+satisfaction of those by whom it will be raised. The hardy serjeant
+would never cringe gracefully at a levee, would never attain to any
+successful degree of address in soliciting votes; and if he should by
+mere bribery be deputed hither, would be unable to defend the conduct of
+his directors.
+
+In vindication of the present scheme, I believe few of those rugged
+warriours would find many arguments; they would not recommend to the
+nation a troop of boys, under the command of boys, as the most proper
+forces to be sent to make conquests in distant countries, nor would
+imagine, that unskilful soldiers could, under the direction of officers
+equally ignorant with themselves, attain the knowledge of their duty in
+the same time as if they were incorporated with regular troops, in which
+every man might receive instructions, and learn his business from his
+comrade.
+
+I had lately, sir, the opportunity of hearing the opinion of one of the
+greatest generals in the world, on this subject, who declared, with the
+utmost confidence of certainty, that raw troops could be disciplined in
+a short time, only by being incorporated with those that had been
+already taught their duty, and asserted, that with an army so mixed, he
+should think himself sufficiently enabled to meet any forces of the same
+number, and should not fear to acquit himself successfully, either in
+attacking or defending.
+
+Such are the sentiments of this great man, to whom I know not whether
+any name can be opposed that deserves equally to be reverenced. He has
+had the honour of defending the rights of his country in the senate as
+well as in the field, has signalized himself equally in the debate and
+in the battle, and, perhaps, deserves less regard for having hazarded
+his life, than for having been divested of his employments.
+
+Since, therefore, it is apparent that great numbers of officers are by
+no means necessary to success in war, since they are dangerous to our
+liberty in time of peace, since they are certainly expensive, and at
+best not certainly useful; and since the greatest general of the present
+age has declared, that our new levies ought to be mingled with our
+standing forces, I shall think it my duty to vote against the present
+scheme of raising new regiments, and shall agree to no other supplies
+than such as may be sufficient for adding the same numbers to the
+present army.
+
+General WADE then spoke as follows:--Sir, though I cannot pretend to
+pursue the honourable gentleman through the whole compass of his
+argument, nor shall attempt to stand up as his rival, either in extent
+of knowledge, or elegance of language, yet as my course of life has
+necessarily furnished me with some observations relating to the question
+before us, and my present station in the army may, in some measure, be
+said to make it my duty to declare my opinion, I shall lay before the
+house a few considerations, with the artless simplicity of a plain
+soldier, without engaging in a formal debate, or attempting to overthrow
+the arguments of others.
+
+It is observed, sir, that for the greatest part, the farther any man has
+advanced in life, the less confidence he places in speculation, and the
+more he learns to rest upon experience, as the only sure guide in human
+affairs; and as the transactions in which he is engaged are more
+important, with the greater anxiety does he inquire after precedents,
+and the more timorously does he proceed, when he is obliged to regulate
+his conduct by conjecture or by deliberation.
+
+This remark, sir, though it may be just with regard to all states of
+life, is yet more constantly and certainly applicable to that of the
+soldier; because, as his profession is more hazardous than any other, he
+must with more caution guard against miscarriages and errours. The old
+soldier, therefore, very rarely ventures beyond the verge of experience,
+unless in compliance with particular accidents, which does not make any
+change in his general scheme, or in situations where nothing can
+preserve him but some new stratagem or unprecedented effort, which are
+not to be mentioned as part of his original plan of operation, because
+they are produced always by unforeseen emergencies, and are to be
+imputed, not to choice, but to necessity; for, in consequence of my
+first principle, an old soldier never willingly involves himself in
+difficulties, or proceeds in such a manner as that he may not expect
+success by the regular operations of war.
+
+It will not, therefore, be strange, if I, who, having served in the
+army, in the wars of king William, may justly claim the title of an old
+soldier, should not easily depart from the methods established in my
+youth; methods of which their effects have shown me, that they at least
+answer the intention for which they were contrived, and which,
+therefore, I shall be afraid of rejecting, lest those which it is
+proposed to substitute in their place, however probable in speculation,
+should be found defective in practice, and the reasonings, which,
+indeed, I cannot answer, should be confuted in the field, where
+eloquence has very little power.
+
+The troops of Britain, formed according to the present establishment,
+have been found successful; they have preserved the liberties of Europe,
+and driven the armies of France before them; they have appeared equally
+formidable in sieges and in battles, and with strength equally
+irresistible have pressed forward in the field, and mounted the breach.
+It may be urged, that this vigour, alacrity, and success, cannot be
+proved to have been produced by the number of officers by whom they were
+commanded; but since, on the contrary, it cannot be shown that the
+number of officers did not contribute to their victories, I think it not
+prudent to try the experiment, which, if it should succeed, as it
+possibly may, would produce no great advantage; and if it should fail,
+and that it may fail no man will deny, must bring upon us, not only the
+expense which we are so solicitous to avoid, but disgrace and losses, a
+long interruption of our trade, and the slaughter of great numbers of
+our fellow-subjects.
+
+Thus far, sir, I have proceeded upon a supposition that the balance of
+argument is equal on both sides, and that nothing could be alleged on
+one part but experience, or objected to the other but the want of it;
+but as I am now called to declare my opinion in a question relating to
+my profession, a question of great importance to the publick, I should
+think that I had not discharged my duty to my country with that fidelity
+which may justly be exacted from me, if I should omit any observation
+that my memory may suggest, by which the house may be better enabled to
+proceed in this inquiry.
+
+I think it, therefore, proper to declare, that we not only, in the last
+great war, experienced the usefulness of numerous officers, but that we
+have likewise felt the want of them on a signal occasion, and that the
+only great advantage which our enemies obtained, was gained over an army
+rendered weak by the want of the usual number of officers. Such were the
+forces that were defeated at the fatal battle of Almanza, by which
+almost all Spain was recovered from us. And it is, sir, the opinion of
+very skilful commanders, that the Germans, only by having fewer officers
+than the French, did not succeed in those long and obstinate battles of
+Parma and Guastalla.
+
+It is, indeed, natural to imagine, that a greater number of officers
+must promote success, because courage is kindled by example, and it is,
+therefore, of use to every man to have his leader in his view. Shame, at
+one time, and affection at another, may produce the effects of courage
+where it is wanted, and those may follow their commander, who are
+inclined to desert their duty; for it is seldom known that, while the
+officers appear confident, the soldiers despair, or that they think of
+retreating but after the example of their leaders.
+
+Where there are only few officers, it is apparent that more is left to
+chance, in which it becomes not a wise man to place any confidence; for
+if the officers are killed at the beginning of the action, the soldiers
+must become an useless, defenceless herd, without order, without
+unanimity, and without design; but by the present method, if an officer
+happens to fall, his place is immediately supplied by another, the
+action goes forward, and the enemy receives no advantage from confusion
+or delay.
+
+I am, therefore of opinion, that in raising troops for the expedition
+now intended, the established method ought to be followed, and that we
+ought not to hazard the success of our attempt by new regulations, of
+which no human sagacity can fortell the event.
+
+Though it cannot be denied, that some addition might be made to our
+companies without any visible or certain inconvenience, yet the
+augmentation now intended is too numerous to be so incorporated without
+some neglect of discipline, as the officers would be charged with more
+men than they could properly superintend.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, another method of incorporation, by adding new
+companies to each regiment; but of this method the advantage would be
+small, because the number of captains and inferiour officers must be the
+same, and the pay of only the field officers would be saved, and this
+trifling gain would be far over-balanced by the inconveniencies which
+experience has shown to arise from it. There have been regiments formed
+of thirteen companies, instead of ten; but it was found, that as the
+officers of a company may be over-charged with soldiers, a colonel may
+likewise have more companies than he can conveniently inspect, and the
+ancient regulation was restored, as the least liable to difficulties and
+objections.
+
+Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the manner in which our new troops
+are proposed to be levied, it may be expected that I should now make
+some observations on the service in which they are to be employed, which
+I cannot think liable to any unanswerable objection. It is now, sir, in
+our choice whether we will send the new regiments abroad or keep them at
+home; and our choice may easily be determined by comparing the value of
+our colonies with that of their mother country. If it be not necessary
+to have any army here to defend us against insults and invasions, the
+question about the manner of raising or employing new regiments is
+superfluous, because none ought to be raised, as our old troops are
+sufficiently numerous for foreign service. But if the security of the
+nation requires an army, would it not be madness to send those troops to
+a distant part of the world, in which we can confide most! Would not
+those, who speak with such contempt of an expedition undertaken by boys,
+have a better reason for their censure, if only boys were stationed on
+our coasts to repel the veterans of France? Would not such measures
+animate our enemies, and invite an invasion?
+
+It may, perhaps, be urged farther, that the troops which are sent into
+America, are more likely to succeed in their design, than any regiment
+of ancient establishment. The chief danger to be feared in that part of
+the world, is not from the enemy but the climate, with which young men
+are most able to contend, though they may not be equally qualified for
+attempts in which skill is equally necessary with vigour.
+
+I am convinced, sir, that this war has hitherto been prosecuted with
+ardour and fidelity, and that no measures have been taken but such as
+experience and reason have supported, and therefore affirm, without
+scruple, that if we are not successful, our miscarriages must be imputed
+to the chance of war, from which no prudence can exempt us.
+
+Lord QUARENDON spoke next, in the following manner, being his first
+speech:--Sir, having-but very lately had the honour of a seat in this
+assembly, I am conscious how little I am acquainted with either the
+subjects or forms of debate, and should, therefore, continue to listen
+to the sentiments of persons more experienced, with silent veneration,
+did I not observe with how much indulgence they are heard who mean well,
+however deficient in knowledge, or in eloquence.
+
+As the honourable gentleman who spoke last, sir, professes to have
+formed his opinion rather from facts than arguments, I hope I shall be
+indulged by the house, in an attempt to examine those facts which he has
+produced, because I think them not sufficient to support his positions,
+which must, therefore, be established by some other proofs, before a
+decision of this question can be fixed by them.
+
+With regard to his experience, to which undoubtedly no small degree of
+veneration is due, he confesses that we have tried only one of the two
+forms of establishment now in competition, and that, therefore, though
+he has had reason to approve that with which he is most acquainted, he
+has no certain proofs of the inefficacy or imperfection of the other.
+
+But experience, sir, may be extended much farther than our own personal
+transactions, and may very justly comprehend those observations which we
+have had opportunities of making upon the conduct and success of others.
+This gentleman, though he has only commanded in the armies of Britain,
+has seen the forces of other nations, has remarked their regulations,
+and heard of their actions with our confederates in the last war; he has
+probably acted in conjunction, and though it is known that they differ
+from us in the proportion of soldiers and officers, he has mentioned no
+disadvantage which might be supposed to arise from their establishment,
+and therefore, I suppose, he cannot deny that their behaviour and
+success was the same with that of our own troops.
+
+The battles of Almanza, Parma, and Guastalla, which he has particularly
+mentioned, were lost, as he informs us, by armies not officered
+according to the establishment which he recommends to us: but it is
+observable that his argument is defective in an essential part; for
+though he affirms that the armies which were defeated had fewer officers
+than the enemy, he has neither shown, nor attempted to show, that the
+want of officers occasioned the defeat, or that the loss would have been
+prevented by a greater number.
+
+These instances, therefore, can be of no effect on the determination of
+the present question; for though it is certain that at Germany, and at
+other places, armies with few officers have lost the battle, it is not
+less common for those troops that are more liberally supplied, to be
+overthrown by others which are differently modelled.
+
+With regard, sir, to the troops of Germany, I have heard them praised,
+in many parts of Europe, as not inferiour either to those of France, or
+of any other nation, and have been informed, that their ill success,
+both at Parma and Guastalla, may be justly imputed to other causes than
+the want of officers.
+
+There has, perhaps, sir, seldom been an example of firmness, discipline,
+and resolution, beyond that which was shown by the Germans at the action
+of Parma, where they attacked the trenches of the French, sustained the
+fire of the ramparts of the city, and though they lost their
+commander-in-chief and two others, towards the beginning of the action,
+they continued the fight for eleven hours, and at last retired only at
+the approach of night.
+
+At Guastalla, sir, they attacked the French in their trenches, even with
+forces inferiour in number, so far were they from any diffidence in the
+form of their establishment; and after a fight of seven hours, in which
+their loss was, under all their disadvantages, not greater than that of
+their enemies, they retreated to their former camp unmolested and
+unpursued. The French, sir, were preserved in both these battles, not by
+the number of their officers, but by their situation, by woods,
+cassines, ditches, and intrenchments.
+
+Nor do I discover, sir, what can be inferred from his observation of the
+influence of example in time of action, but that officers should be
+selected with great care, and not be promoted by favour, or interest, or
+caprice; for an example of cowardice in a leader must be pernicious, in
+proportion as that of bravery is beneficial; and as, where more officers
+are supposed necessary, there is less room for choice, it must be
+allowed that the troops, which have more officers than other forces, are
+in more danger of being infected with cowardice.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me that the expense of the present
+establishment is a certain evil, and that the advantages are very
+doubtful: it appears that the present state of the nation requires
+frugality, and, therefore, I shall vote for the incorporation of our new
+levies with the old regiments.
+
+By this incorporation, sir, our new-levied troops will be no longer
+distinguished from our veterans; they will be equally acquainted with
+discipline, and will learn, from the conversation of their associates, a
+spirit of enterprise, and a contempt of danger; we may then employ
+forces equally formidable in all parts of the publick service, and
+invade the dominions of our enemies, without leaving our own country
+desolate.
+
+The arguments which the honourable gentleman has offered in defence of
+sending our younger troops to America, which may likewise be used
+against an incorporation, is, in my opinion, sir, far from being
+conclusive; for it supposes, what will not be granted, that a cold
+climate may be changed for a hotter with more safety by a young than an
+old man. I have been told, on the contrary, that superabundant heat is
+the great disease of youth, and that the want of it produces most of the
+infirmities of age; and every one has known the lives of persons
+languishing with age, prolonged by a removal into warm countries. I am,
+therefore, of opinion, that the honourable gentleman's argument is
+defective in all its parts, and hope that I shall not be charged with
+obstinacy or perverseness for dissenting from him.
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, before I engage in a
+discussion of the question, I cannot but think it necessary to observe,
+that the honourable gentleman who spoke the second in this debate, has
+been very far from consulting either policy or justice in his
+declamation, and that he deviated from the subject only to ridicule his
+country, to exalt our enemies, and depress our efforts.
+
+He has described, sir, the British youth, the sons of noble families,
+and the hopes of the nation, in terms too contemptuous to be heard
+without indignation; he has amused himself with displaying their
+ignorance and their effeminacy, and has indulged his imagination in a
+malignant kind of gaiety, which, however it may divert himself, is very
+far from contributing either to the reformation or prevention of those
+practices which he censures.
+
+I believe, sir, it will be granted, that nothing ought to please but in
+proportion to its propriety and truth; and, if we try the satire that we
+have lately heard, by this test, it will be found to have very little
+claim to applause; for our armies must be composed of the youth of the
+nation; and, for my part, I cannot discover what advantage we shall gain
+over the Spaniards, by informing them how little our troops are
+accustomed to danger, how short a time they have been acquainted with
+fatigue, how tenderly they have been nursed, how easily they may be
+frighted, and how certainly they will be conquered, if they but meet
+with opposition.
+
+Nor, sir, is such an account of the youth of Britain more true, in my
+opinion, than it is prudent. I am far from discovering any such
+remarkable degeneracy in the age, or any great prevalence of cowardice
+and unmanly delicacy; nor do I doubt of hearing that our youth, if they
+are sent upon any expedition, have shown that the British courage is not
+yet extinguished, and that, if they are ranged on the plains of America,
+they will discover themselves the sons of those that forced those
+passes, and those trenches, that other troops would have failed in
+attempting.
+
+That the degeneracy of the British youth, is, at least, not universal,
+we have just now sir, received an incontestable proof from the gentleman
+who spoke last, and spoke with so much elegance of language, and
+justness of reasoning, as shows, that there are to be found, among the
+youth of Britain, persons very well qualified for the senate; and I have
+never heard that a post in the army required greater abilities.
+
+The pleasure, however, with which I have attended to his remarks, has
+not so far prejudiced me in favour of his opinion, as that I shall
+easily consent to change that method of discipline, to which our troops
+have been accustomed, and of which we know by experience, that it is, at
+least, not less efficacious than that of any other nation. Customs, if
+they are not bad, are not to be changed, because it is an argument in
+favour of a practice that the people have experienced it, and approved
+it, and every change is disagreeable to those who judge only by
+prejudice, of whom I need not say how great is the number.
+
+Many arguments may, sir, in my opinion, be added to our experience in
+favour of the present establishment. The number of officers--but I find
+myself unable to pursue my design, because I can no longer read my
+notes, which, being written by another hand, somewhat embarrass me in
+this decline of the light. I shall, therefore, only make some
+observations upon the speech of the gentleman who spoke the second in
+this debate, and hope that I shall be allowed to deviate from the
+principal question, since I do it only in pursuit of another.
+
+He has observed, that our troopers are mounted upon horses that are of
+no use; a remark, sir, which I never heard from any other person, and
+for which, I believe, no authority can be produced: they are mounted,
+indeed, upon horses very different from those which are used by other
+nations, because scarcely any other country breeds horses of equal size
+and strength, and, therefore, I am informed that the French have
+purchased horses from this island, and believe that all the cavalry of
+Europe would be mounted upon our horses if they could procure them. I
+have been informed, that their pressure in the shock of battle is such,
+as no forces in the world are able to sustain; and that it was not less
+by the strength of our horses than the spirit of our soldiers, that the
+squadrons of France were, in the battle of Blenheim, pushed into the
+Danube.
+
+Nor do I less disapprove his censure of the choice which has been made
+of the troops intended for the American service, which, though I
+ardently desire its success, I cannot think of equal importance with the
+defence of our own country; for though we may be disgraced by a defeat,
+we can be endangered only by an invasion; and, therefore, I think it
+necessary to retain those troops on which we may best rely for the
+security of this island, lest our enemies should take the advantage of
+their absence, and set the pretender on the throne.
+
+Sir William YONGE next rose, and spoke to the effect following:--Sir, it
+is a standing maxim, both in private life and public transactions, that
+no man can obtain great advantages who is afraid of petty
+inconveniencies; and that he that will hope to obtain his end without
+expense, will languish for ever in fruitless wishes, and have the
+mortification of seeing the adventurous and the liberal enjoy that
+felicity, which, though it is within his reach, he is afraid of seizing.
+
+When the depredations of the Spaniards became first the subject of our
+debates, nothing was heard amongst us but threats of vengeance, demands
+of reparation, assertions of sovereignty, and resolutions to obtain
+security: the importance of our commerce, the necessity of rigorous
+measures, the danger of pusillanimity, the meanness of negotiation, and
+the disadvantages of delay, were thundered from every part of the house.
+Every man seemed to imagine that there was no mean between victory and
+ruin, and that not to humble Spain was to betray our country to insults,
+ignominy, and slavery.
+
+Far was I then, sir, from suspecting, that when the war, thus vehemently
+urged, should be declared, that the prosecution of it would produce any
+debates. I doubted not but that every man would be desirous of
+signalizing his zeal for the prosperity of commerce, by expediting the
+supplies, and forwarding the preparations; and that the only contention
+among us would be, who should appear the most ardent enemy of Spain.
+
+But no sooner are hostilities begun against this insolent and oppressive
+nation, than those who expressed most resentment at the prudence and
+moderation by which they were delayed, those that accused every attempt
+for an accommodation, of cowardice, and charged the ministry with
+conniving at the rapine of pirates, begin to inquire into the necessity
+of the expenses occasioned by the war, to harangue on the advantages of
+parsimony, and to think it of more importance to ease our taxes than to
+subdue our enemies.
+
+In pursuance of this new doctrine they are now endeavouring to embarrass
+the measures of his majesty, that they may save, according to their own
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, which, in reality, I can
+easily show to be no more than fifteen thousand.
+
+For the sake of this important sum, our army is to be modelled by a new
+regulation, and the success of the war is to be impeded, the security of
+our commerce to be hazarded, and our colonies are to be endangered.
+
+Frugality is, undoubtedly, a virtue, but is, like others, to be
+practised on proper occasions: to compute expenses with a scrupulous
+nicety, in time of war, is to prefer money to safety, and, by a very
+perverse kind of policy, to hazard the whole for the preservation of a
+part.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who have most endeavoured to distinguish themselves
+as the constant opponents of the administration, have charged it, on all
+occasions, with giving encouragement to the Spaniards, but can charge it
+with nothing so likely to raise the confidence and confirm the obstinacy
+of the enemy, as the objections which they themselves have made to the
+present scheme of levying forces; for to how great a degree of poverty
+must they believe that nation reduced, of which the warmest patriots
+struggle to save a sum so inconsiderable, by an experiment of so much
+uncertainty? And how easily will the Spaniards promise themselves, that
+they shall gain the victory only by obliging us to continue in a state
+of war, a state which, by our own confession, we are not able to
+support?
+
+Had any other argument, sir, been produced than the necessity of
+parsimony, it had been less dangerous to have agreed to this new scheme;
+but to adopt it only for the sake of sparing fifteen thousand pounds,
+would be to make ourselves contemptible, to intimidate our allies, and
+to unite all those against us, who are inclined to trample on misery,
+and to plunder weakness.
+
+I am inclined to judge so favourably, sir, of the intentions of those
+whom I am now opposing, that I believe they have only used this
+argument, because they were able to produce no other, and that if either
+reason or experience had been on their side, the poverty of the nation
+had not been mentioned.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, who has been so long engaged in military
+employments, has shown that all our success has been obtained by the
+present establishment, and that the battle in which we suffered most,
+was lost by our unfortunate deficiency of officers.
+
+Nor do his reasons, sir, however modestly offered, deserve less regard
+than his experience, for he has shown that a greater number of officers
+naturally contribute to preserve discipline, and excite courage; and it
+is not necessary that a man should be much a soldier to discover, that
+discipline and courage united, must generally prevail. To the examples
+which he has produced in favour of his opinion, it has been objected,
+that victories equally wonderful have been gained with fewer officers,
+and, by the honourable gentleman that spoke the second on this occasion,
+the actions of Eugene were opposed to those of the duke of MARLBOROUGH.
+
+That victories have been gained by troops differently regulated, I
+cannot deny; victories have likewise been gained, sir, under every
+circumstance of disadvantage; victories have been gained by inferiour
+numbers, and by raw troops, over veteran armies, yet no prudent general
+ever produced these instances as arguments against the usefulness of
+discipline, or as proofs that superiority of numbers was no advantage.
+
+The success of prince Eugene, in the late war, was far from convincing
+the British general, that the German establishment was preferable to our
+own; for he required that the Hessian troops, which were paid by
+Britain, should be officered like our national troops. In this he could
+be influenced only by his own opinion; for he neither nominated their
+officers, nor could advance his interest at home by creating new posts
+to which he did not recommend; he could, therefore, only regard the
+success of the war, and changed their model only because he thought it
+defective.
+
+The Germans themselves, sir, are far from imagining that their armies
+might not be made more formidable by approaching nearer to the British
+methods; for one of their officers, a man of great reputation and
+experience, has informed me, that they were convinced of their defect,
+and that nothing hindered them from adding more officers, but the fear
+of expenses; that they imputed all their defeats to the necessity of
+parsimony, that their men wanted not courage but leaders, and that their
+enemies gained advantages merely by the superiority of their opulence.
+
+In the late war, it was common for the auxiliary troops, when they were
+sent upon any expedition of importance, to be supplied with officers
+either from their other regiments, or by the British forces; so
+necessary did the duke of MARLBOROUGH think a larger number of officers
+in time of action, that where he could not alter the establishment, he
+deviated from the common methods of war, and transferred his officers
+occasionally into troops over which they had no settled authority.
+
+It is, therefore, most evident, sir, that the model on which our troops
+are formed, was, by this great commander, preferred to that which is now
+so warmly recommended, and I know not why we should recede from his
+practice, if we are desirous of his success.
+
+Nor can I discover, sir, any better method of selecting officers than
+that which has of late been followed, however some may censure or
+ridicule it. To advance gentlemen to command, seems to be the most
+likely way to unite authority with rank, for no man willingly obeys
+those to whom he has lately seen himself equal, or whose conduct in
+lower stations he has, perhaps, had opportunities of examining too
+nearly.
+
+The distinction of birth, however chimerical in itself, has been so long
+admitted, and so universally received, that it is generally imagined to
+confer on one man an indelible and evident superiority over another, a
+superiority, which those who would easily imagine themselves equal in
+merit cannot deny, and which they allow more willingly, because, though
+it be an advantage to possess it, to want it cannot be justly considered
+as a reproach.
+
+For this reason, sir, men cheerfully obey those to whom their birth
+seems to have subjected them, without any scrupulous inquiries into
+their virtue or abilities; they have been taught from their childhood to
+consider them as placed in a higher rank than themselves, and are,
+therefore, not disgusted at any transient bursts of impatience, or
+sudden starts of caprice, which would produce, at least, resentment,
+and, perhaps, mutiny, in men newly exalted from a low station. The more
+attentively, sir, we look upon the world, the more strongly shall we be
+convinced of the truth of these assertions, and the more evidently shall
+we discover the influence which operates, in a degree scarcely credible,
+even to those who have experienced its power, and which is, indeed, one
+of the chief means of subordination, by which society is held together.
+
+Nor are officers of birth, sir, to be preferred to men who are
+recommended by nothing but military service, only because they are more
+cheerfully obeyed, but for another reason of equal importance. It has
+been observed, that, in reality, they discharge the duty of commanders
+in a manner more likely to preserve dignity and increase reverence; that
+they discover, on all occasions, a sense of honour, and dread of
+disgrace, which are not easily to be found in a mind contracted by a
+mean education, and depressed by long habits of subjection.
+
+It is not, indeed, sir, universally and unvariably certain, that a man,
+raised from meanness and poverty, will be insolent and oppressive; nor
+do I doubt but there are many now languishing in obscurity, whose
+abilities might add new lustre to the highest honours, and whose
+integrity would very faithfully discharge the most important trust, and
+in their favour, wherever they can be discovered, some exceptions ought
+to be made; but as general rules are generally to be followed, as well
+in military regulations as other transactions, it will be found, upon
+the exactest inquiry, by no means improper to advance gentlemen to posts
+of command rather than private sentinels, however skilful or courageous.
+
+It is to be considered, sir, that the present state of the continent,
+has for many years made it necessary to support an army, even when we
+are not engaged in an actual war; that this army, though of late it has,
+for the ease of the people, been sometimes encamped during the summer,
+is, for the greatest part, quartered in towns, and mingled with the rest
+of the community, but governed, at the same time, by the officers, and
+subject to the martial law. It has often been observed by those who have
+argued against standing forces, that this difference of government makes
+different societies, which do not combine in the same interest, nor much
+favour one another; and it is, indeed, certain, that feuds are sometimes
+produced, that when any private quarrel happens, either by drunkenness
+or accident, or claims really disputable, between a soldier and any
+other, person, each applies for support and assistance to those in the
+same condition with himself, the cause becomes general, and the soldiers
+and townsmen are not easily restrained from blows and bloodshed.
+
+It is true, likewise, that the rhetorick of the patriots has been so
+efficacious, that their arguments have been so clamorously echoed, and
+their weekly productions so diligently dispersed, that a great part of
+the nation, as men always willingly admit what will produce immediate
+ease or advantage, believes the army to be an useless burden imposed
+upon the people for the support of the ministry; that the landlord,
+therefore, looks upon the soldier as an intruder forced into his house,
+and rioting in sloth at his expense; and the farmer and manufacturer
+have learned to call the army the vermin of the land, the caterpillars
+of the nation, the devourers of other men's industry, the enemies of
+liberty, and the slaves of the court.
+
+It is not to be supposed, sir, that the soldiers entertain the same
+ideas of their profession, or that they do not conceive themselves
+injured by such representations: they undoubtedly consider themselves as
+the bulwark of their country, as men selected for the defence of the
+rest of the community, as those who have engaged, at the hazard of their
+lives, to repel invasion, and repress rebellion, and who contribute more
+than their part to the general felicity, by securing property, and
+preventing danger.
+
+It is not to be doubted, sir, but sentiments so widely different, must
+produce an equal contrariety of claims, and diversity of conduct: the
+trader imagines, that the man who subsists upon the taxes which are
+raised only from his labour, ought to consider himself as his inferiour,
+at least, if not as his hireling and his servant; the soldier wonders
+how he can ever conceive himself sufficiently grateful to him that has
+devoted his life to his defence, and to whom he must fly for protection
+whenever danger shall approach him, and concludes, that he has an
+incontestable right to the better part of that, of which the
+preservation of the whole depends upon him.
+
+Thus does self-love magnify every man in his own eyes, and so
+differently will men determine when each is to judge in his own cause.
+Which of these competitors thinks most justly of his own station and
+character, or whether both are not mistaken in their opinion, I think it
+by no means necessary to decide. This, at least, is evident, that to
+preserve peace and harmony between two bodies of men obliged to live
+together with sentiments so opposite, there is required an uncommon
+degree of prudence, moderation, and knowledge of mankind, which is
+chiefly to be exerted on the part of the soldiers, because they are
+subject to more rigorous command, and are more easily governed by the
+authority of their superiours.
+
+Let us suppose any dispute of this kind, sir, to happen where the
+soldiers were commanded only by private sentinels, disguised in the
+dress of officers, but retaining, what it cannot be expected that they
+should suddenly be able to lay aside, the prejudices which they had
+imbibed in the ranks, and all the ardour of trifling competition in
+which their station had once engaged them. What could be expected from
+their councils and direction? Can it be imagined that they would inquire
+impartially into the original cause of the dispute, that they would
+attend equally to the parties, endeavour, by mildness and candour, to
+soften the malevolence of each, and terminate the dispute by some
+addressful expedient, or decent accommodation? He, surely, must be very
+little acquainted with the vulgar notions of bravery and honour, that
+could form any hopes of such conduct.
+
+The plain soldier, sir, has not accustomed himself to regulate his
+motions by reason, nor has learned any more of honour, than that it
+consists in adhering invariably to his pretensions, even though he
+should discover that they are false; and in resenting affronts with the
+utmost rigour, even when they were provoked by himself, he is taught,
+that it is his business to conquer in whatever cause, and that to desist
+from any of his attempts, or retract any of his assertions, is unworthy
+of a man of honour.
+
+Warm with such notions as these, sir, would such officers, as have been
+recommended by the honourable gentleman, apply themselves to the
+termination of differences? Without any knowledge of the laws of
+society, without any settled ideas of the different rights of different
+persons, they would have nothing in view but the honour of their
+profession, nor endeavour to support it by any other method than that of
+violence. If a soldier was affronted by a farmer, they would probably
+lay his territories waste, and ravage his plantations like an enemy's
+country; if another disagreed with his landlord, they would advise him
+to _make good his quarters_, to invade the magazines of provision
+without restraint, to force the barricadoes of the cellar, and to forage
+in the stables without controul.
+
+But gentlemen, sir, are proper judges of debates between the army and
+the rest of the community, because they are equally related to both
+parties, as men who possess or expect estates, or who are allied to
+those whose influence arises from their property. As men bred in
+affluence and freedom, and acquainted with the blessings of our
+constitution, and the necessity of civil government, they cannot
+willingly contribute to the increase of the military power, and as
+members of the army they cannot but be desirous to support their own
+rank, and to hinder their profession from sinking into contempt; it is,
+therefore, their care to repress insolence on one part, and to prevent
+oppression on the other, to stop dissensions in their beginning, and
+reconcile all the different pretensions of Britons and soldiers.
+
+I am, indeed, surprised, sir, to hear the promotion of serjeants
+recommended by the honourable gentleman who has so often strained his
+lungs, and exhausted his invention, to explain how much our constitution
+is endangered by the army, how readily those men will concur in the
+abolition of property who have nothing to lose, and how easily they may
+be persuaded to destroy the liberties of their country, who are already
+cut off from the enjoyment of them, who, therefore, can only behold with
+envy and malevolence those advantages which they cannot hope to possess,
+and which produce in them no other effects than a quicker sense of their
+own misery.
+
+Upon what principles, sir, any gentleman can form those notions, or with
+what view he can so long and so studiously disperse them, it is his
+province to explain; for the only reason that can be offered by any
+other person for his incessant declamations, the desire of securing his
+country from the oppression of a standing army, is now for ever
+overthrown by this new proposal; which, if it were to be received, would
+in a very few years produce an army proper to be employed in the
+execution of the most detestable designs, an army that could be of no
+other use than to gratify an ambitious prince, or a wicked ministry, as
+it would be commanded, not by men who had lost their liberty, but by men
+who never enjoyed it, by men who would abolish our constitution without
+knowing that they were engaged in any criminal undertaking, who have no
+other sense of the enjoyment of authority than that it is the power of
+acting without controul, who have no knowledge of any other laws than
+the commands of their superiours.
+
+To men like these, sir, to men raised up from poverty and servility to
+rank and power, to ignorance invested with command, and to meanness
+elated with preferment, would any real patriot, any zealous assertor of
+liberty, any inflexible enemy to the corruptions of the ministry,
+consign the protection of his country, and intrust to these our
+happiness, properties, and our lives?
+
+Whether the honourable gentleman has changed any of the sentiments which
+he has hitherto appeared to admit with regard to the army, whether this
+new determination is only an instance of that inconsistency which is
+scarcely to be avoided in the vindication of a bad cause, or whether he
+was betrayed to it only by his hatred of the administration, which would
+prompt him to recant his own advice, if it should happen to be approved,
+I will not pretend to determine, but I must lament, on this occasion,
+the entertainment which the house will lose, by the eternal cessation of
+any harangues on the army, since he cannot now declaim on either part
+without contradicting his former declarations.
+
+Nor will the honourable gentleman find less difficulty in proving, that
+justice, rather than policy, requires the promotion of Serjeants to
+commissions. Military preferments are always at the disposal of the
+crown, nor can any right be pretended to them, but such as arises from
+the custom which has been generally followed in conferring them, which
+is not only variable at pleasure, but has never been, at any time,
+regularly observed. The order of rotation has been suffered sometimes to
+proceed, because of two persons, otherwise equal, he that has served
+longest may plead the most merit; but the plea of service has been
+always overruled by birth or powerful recommendation. And though, sir,
+it is natural for men disappointed to complain, yet as those officers,
+whose preferment has been delayed, were not thought, in reality, to have
+received any injury, their murmurs have been the less regarded.
+
+It might be expected, sir, from a patriot, a lamenter of the degeneracy
+of mankind, and an inflexible opponent of corruption, that he should
+consider rather facts than persons, that he should regulate his decision
+by the unvariable principles of reason and justice, and that, therefore,
+he should not applaud at one time what he condemns at another.
+
+But this gentleman seems to have established some new maxims of conduct,
+and, perhaps, upon new notions of morality; for he seems to imagine,
+that his friends may seize, as their right, what his adversaries cannot
+touch without robbery, though the claim of both be the same.
+
+It is well known, sir, to the whole army, that a noble person, whose
+abilities are so loudly celebrated, whose virtues are so liberally
+praised, and whose removal from his military employments is so solemnly
+lamented as a publick calamity, obtained his first preferments by
+pretensions very different from military merit, and that at the age only
+of seventeen, a time of life in which, whatever might be his abilities,
+very little prudence or experience could be expected, he was advanced to
+the command of a regiment, and exalted above many officers whose known
+bravery and frequent hazards entitled them to favour.
+
+I do not assert that he was undeservedly promoted, or condemn those who
+either solicited or granted his commission; I maintain only, that what
+was then reasonable and just, is not now either iniquitous or
+ridiculous, and different persons in the same circumstances have a right
+to the same treatment.
+
+In the reign of queen Anne, a reign, sir, which every Briton recollects
+with so much satisfaction, and which will for ever afford examples of
+the wisest councils, and most successful wars, when new regiments were
+to be raised, it was far from being thought necessary to observe this
+gentleman's favourite method of rotation; posts were filled, not with
+the officers of other regiments, that room might be left for the
+promotion of serjeants, but with gentlemen who had never seen a battle,
+or learned any part of the military discipline.
+
+But though, sir, the regulation of our army be thus violently attacked,
+the greatest crime of the ministry is, in this gentleman's opinion, that
+of levying new troops, when we have no employment for our standing
+forces, of laying unnecessary impositions upon the nation, and alarming
+with the fears of an invasion, only that the army might be increased.
+
+On this head, sir, a declaration of the duke of MARLBOROUGH has been
+produced, with a great pomp of circumstances, and such a seeming
+accuracy of narration, that the attention of the house was engaged, and
+the account was received with all the solemnity of universal silence,
+and with the veneration due to so high an authority in a question of so
+much importance.
+
+The subject is, indeed, so worthy of regard, that I think, sir, every
+man ought to contribute to its elucidation, and, therefore, I take the
+liberty of adding to the honourable gentleman's relation, what I hope
+will be heard with equal curiosity, the method by which that great
+commander proposed to put a stop to an invasion with so small a number.
+
+He was very far, sir, from imagining that he should be able to repel
+them by open force, he was far from being so confident of his
+superiority in military skill, as to imagine that he should defeat them
+by stratagem, and, therefore, he designed, by burning the villages, and
+destroying the country, to deprive them of the means of subsistence, and
+harass them with famine; to hover at a distance, and cut off those
+parties which necessity should force out to forage, till a body of
+troops could be assembled sufficient to overthrow them in a battle, or
+to drive them back to their ships.
+
+Such was the scheme, sir, as I have been informed, of this great man,
+nor, perhaps, can any other be struck out by human abilities, where
+greater numbers are to be opposed by smaller. But this scheme, though
+preferable, in the last extremities, to slavery, is such as cannot be
+mentioned without horrour, and of which the execution ought to be
+avoided by every expedient that can be practised without the danger of
+our liberties. We ought, certainly, not to reject a nauseous medicine,
+by which that health is preserved, which, if lost, can only be restored
+by the amputation of a limb.
+
+As it was, therefore, necessary, sir, to secure our coasts from an
+invasion, it was necessary to raise new troops for the American
+expedition; nor did this method produce any delay, for the regiments
+were completed a long time before the ships of war and the transports
+were ready to convoy and receive them, nor could the utmost ardour and
+diligence despatch them sooner from our coasts.
+
+The ships, sir, were, by the violence of a frost, scarcely exampled,
+retained, for a long time, in the harbours, without a possibility of
+being put to sea; when they were all assembled at the place appointed
+for their conjunction, they waited for a wind; all the delay that can be
+objected, was produced by the seasons, of which the regulation was in no
+man's power.
+
+But the time, sir, which was unwillingly spent in the camp, was not,
+however, lost or misemployed, for the troops were, by the order of the
+general, every day exercised, and instructed in the art of war, so that
+what was lost in time, was more than recompensed by the advantage of
+better discipline.
+
+Nor did these troops appear an herd so ignorant and contemptible, as
+they have been represented by malicious invectives and ludicrous
+descriptions; there were not, indeed, among them many grey-headed
+warriours, nor were their former campaigns and past exploits the
+subjects of their conversation; but there was not one amongst them who
+did not appear ready to suffer, in the cause of his country, all that
+the most hardened veteran could undergo, or whose alacrity and eagerness
+did not promise perseverance in the march, and intrepidity in the
+battle.
+
+Their general, sir, who saw them pursue their exercises, declared how
+much he was satisfied with their proficiency, applauded their
+appearance, and expressed his confidence in their courage; nor do I
+doubt, but our enemies will find, that it is not necessary to send out
+our most formidable forces to humble them, and that the youth of Britain
+will compensate their want of experience by their courage.
+
+If I, sir, have been drawn aside from the present question, it is by
+following, perhaps, with an exactness too scrupulous, the honourable
+gentleman, whose propositions I have now shown to be erroneous, and
+whose reproaches will, I believe, now appear rather the effects of
+disappointment than of zeal, and, therefore, I think it now necessary to
+return to the business before us, the consideration of the present
+establishment, from which, as it was approved by the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and has been defended with very strong arguments, by one of
+the most experienced officers of this time, I cannot think it safe or
+prudent to depart.
+
+Mr. GRENVILLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, as a noble
+person has been frequently hinted at in this debate, to whom my relation
+is well known, and whom, as I know him well, I have the strongest
+motives to reverence and honour, I cannot forbear to give, on this
+occasion, an attestation which he will be allowed to deserve by all
+those whom interest has not blinded, and corruption depraved.
+
+It will be allowed, sir, that he is one of those who are indebted for
+their honours only to merit, one whom the malice of a court cannot
+debase, as its favour cannot exalt; he is one of those whose loss of
+employments can be a reproach only to those who take them from him, as
+he cannot forfeit them but by performing his duty, and can only give
+offence by steady integrity, and a resolution to speak as he thinks, and
+to act as his conscience dictates.
+
+There are, sir, men, I know, to whom this panegyrick will seem romantick
+and chimerical, men, to whom integrity and conscience are idle sounds,
+men, who are content to catch the word of their leader, who have no
+sense of the obligation of any law but the supreme will of him that pays
+them, and who know not any virtue but diligence in attendance, and
+readiness in obedience.
+
+It is surely, sir, no loss to the noble person to be debarred from any
+fellowship with men like these. Nothing can be more unpleasing to virtue
+than such a situation as lays it under a necessity of beholding
+wickedness that cannot be reformed; as the sight of a pesthouse must
+raise horrour, though we should suppose the spectator secure from the
+contagion.
+
+Mr. ORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as I cannot approve
+the scheme now proposed, for augmenting our forces, I shall endeavour to
+show why the arguments, by which it has hitherto been supported, have
+failed to convince me, and shall lay before the house some reasons
+against it, to which I shall expect an answer, before I shall think that
+I can agree to it, without squandering the money of which my
+constituents have intrusted me with the disposal.
+
+The argument, sir, with which this motion was introduced, which is,
+indeed, the strongest that has yet been offered, was, that this estimate
+is less expensive than one that was laid before the house in a late
+reign, and that, therefore, it could not reasonably be charged with
+extravagance.
+
+Let us now consider this argument with that care which is required by
+the importance of the question, let us inquire what consequences will
+follow from it, and to what previous suppositions it must owe its force.
+
+The argument, sir, evidently supposes that the estimate in king
+William's reign was drawn up without any intention to deceive the house,
+or to raise money for purposes different from those for which it was
+really expended. But if we suppose that estimate to be fraudulently
+calculated, this may contain the same fallacies in a lower degree, and
+the only merit that can be claimed by the authors of it, will be, that
+they are not the most rapacious plunderers of their country, that,
+however they may be charged with profusion of publick money, they are
+yet more modest than some of their predecessors.
+
+But it is known, sir, that in king William's reign, very few estimates
+were honestly computed; it is known that the rotation of parties, and
+fluctuation of measures, reduced the ministry to subsist upon artifices,
+to amuse the senate with exorbitant demands, only that they might obtain
+the necessary grants, and to pretend expenses which never were incurred,
+that the supplies which the publick affairs really required, might not
+be withheld; as fraudulent tradesmen fix immoderate prices, that the
+buyer may make offers proportionate to their demands.
+
+The estimates, therefore, of that reign are of very little authority,
+though they might sometimes pass the house without censure; for it is to
+be considered, that by the frequency of new elections, the greatest part
+of the members were often unacquainted with the state of publick
+accounts, and that an army was so little known to this kingdom, that the
+true expense of it might easily be concealed.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only fallacy of this argument; for it supposes,
+likewise, that the nation is no less wealthy than in the time when that
+computation was offered, with which this is so triumphantly compared.
+For every man knows that publick as well as private expenses are to be
+proportioned to the revenue by which they are supplied, and that the
+charges which are easily supported at one time, may threaten ruin at
+another.
+
+But unhappily, sir, it is evident, that, since the days of that
+sovereign, the nation has been exhausted by a long and wasteful war, and
+since, by a peace equally destructive, it is embarrassed with an
+enormous debt, and entangled in treaties, of which the support may call
+every day for new expenses; it has suffered since that time a thousand
+losses, but gained no advantage, and yet the expenses of that time are
+mentioned as an example to be compared with those which are proposed in
+this.
+
+The difference of the condition of the British nation at those two
+periods of time, sir, is not less than that of the strength of the same
+man in the vigour of youth and the frigidity of old age, in the flush of
+health and the languor of disease, of the same man newly risen from rest
+and plenty, and debilitated with hunger and fatigue.
+
+To make such a comparison, sir, betrays, at least, a very criminal
+insensibility, of the publick misery, if it may not be charged with
+greater malignity. I know not whether those who shall hear of this
+debate, may not impute such reflections rather to cruelty than
+negligence, and imagine that those who squander the treasure of the
+nation take pleasure in reproaching that poverty which their counsels
+produce, and indulge their own vanity by contemplating the calamities
+from which they are themselves secure, and to which they are indebted
+for opportunities of increasing their own fortunes, and gratifying their
+ambition. It is evident, that an estimate which requires less than that
+which has been mentioned, may yet exact more than the nation can now
+raise, without feeling too great inconveniencies to be compensated by
+the advantages which can be expected from our new forces. Nor is it
+sufficient that it is lower than those of former times; for, as it ought
+to be the care of the government to preserve the ease and happiness of
+the people, it should be reduced in proportion to the diminution of the
+national wealth.
+
+The right honourable gentleman confesses, sir, that frugality is a
+virtue, and his argument supposes that to contract expenses is an
+argument of prudent measures; why then is he afraid of carrying virtue
+to a greater height, of making the burden still more light, and
+preferring the cheapest estimate that can be proposed, when it is
+asserted by those whose authority is most worthy of regard, that it will
+produce no weakness in our troops, nor give our enemies any superiority?
+
+I do not pretend any other skill in military affairs, than may be gained
+by casual conversation with soldiers, and by a cursory observation of
+daily occurrences; but I speak with greater confidence on this occasion,
+because I do not think any other qualifications necessary for the
+determination of this question, than a habit of just reasoning, and
+freedom from the prejudices of interest.
+
+Every man knows, sir, without a military education, that it is imprudent
+to purchase any thing at a greater price which may be procured at a
+less, and that when the same sum will buy two things, of which one is
+evidently preferable to the other, the best ought to be chosen.
+
+If the application of either of these two positions will decide this
+controversy, there will be no need of recurring to experience, of citing
+the authority of foreign commanders, of comparing the actions of the
+German and British generals, or of inquiring how battles have been lost,
+or to what victories are to be ascribed.
+
+It is evident, sir, that the scheme now proposed, is twice as costly as
+that which is recommended in opposition to it, and therefore, unless it
+will produce twice the advantage, it must be acknowledged to be
+imprudently chosen. The advantage in war, is to be rated by comparing
+the strength of different numbers in different circumstances, and
+inquiring what degree of superiority will be found.
+
+If we suppose, sir, two bodies of men, equally armed and disciplined,
+opposed to each other without any advantage of situation, we must
+conceive that neither party could be conquered, that the balance of the
+day must remain equal, and that the contest would continue undecided.
+
+It cannot be objected to this supposition, sir, that no such event is
+recorded in history, because in war many causes really act which cannot
+be estimated; one army may consist of soldiers more courageous, and more
+confident in the justice of their cause; unforeseen accidents may
+operate, orders may be mistaken, or leaders may be misinformed; but all
+these considerations are to be set aside in speculation, because they
+may equally be alleged on either part.
+
+Two bodies of men, sir, equally numerous, being, therefore, supposed
+equal, it is to be inquired how either may be superiour to the other. It
+is proposed, on one part, to produce this effect by doubling the number
+of officers rather than increasing that of the soldiers; on the other,
+to double the soldiers under the same officers, the expense being the
+same of both methods.
+
+When two armies, modelled according to these different schemes, enter
+the field, what event can be expected? Either five thousand men, with a
+double number of officers, must be equal to ten thousand, differently
+regulated, or the publick has paid more for assistance of the officers
+than its real value, and has chosen, of two methods equally expensive,
+that which is least efficacious.
+
+This, sir, is the state of the question now before us; our present
+deficiency is not of men but money, and we may procure ten thousand men
+regulated like the foreign troops, at the same expense as five thousand
+in the form proposed; but I am afraid that no man will be found to
+assert, that the addition of officers will be equivalent to a double
+number of soldiers.
+
+Thus it is evident, sir, evident to demonstration, that the most
+expensive method is, at the same time, the least advantageous, and that
+the proposal of new regiments is intended to augment the strength of the
+ministry rather than of the army.
+
+If we suppose, sir, what is more than any foreigner will grant, that the
+additional officers raise a body of five thousand men to an equality
+with six thousand, is not the pay of four thousand men apparently thrown
+away? And do not the officers receive a reward which their service
+cannot deserve? Would it not be far more rational to raise seven
+thousand, by which our army would be stronger by a seventh part, and as
+the pay of three thousand would be saved, the publick would be richer by
+almost a third.
+
+Surely, sir, numerical arguments cannot but deserve some consideration,
+even from those who have learned by long practice to explain away mere
+probability at pleasure, to select the circumstances of complicated
+questions, and only to show those which may be produced in favour of
+their own opinions.
+
+In the present question, sir, there is very little room for fallacy; nor
+do I see what remains to the decision of it, but that those gentlemen
+who have been acquainted with military operations, inform us, what
+degree of superiority is conferred by any assignable number of officers;
+that we may compare their service with the price, and discover whether
+the same money will not purchase greater advantages.
+
+The experience of the late war may evince, sir, that those troops which
+have the greatest number of officers are not always victorious; for our
+establishment never admitted the same, or nearly the same number with
+that of the French, our enemies; nevertheless, we still boast of our
+victories; nor is it certain that we might not have been equally
+successful, though the number of our officers had been yet less.
+
+Foreigners, sir, are very far from discovering the defect of their own
+establishment, or imagining that they should become more formidable by
+imitating our methods. When I travelled, I took opportunities of
+conversing with the generals of those nations which are most famous for
+the valour of their troops, and was informed by them, that they thought
+a multitude of officers by no means useful, and that they were so far
+from desiring to see their own regulation changed, that they should make
+no scruple of recommending it to other nations, who, in their opinion,
+squandered their treasure upon useless commissions, and increased the
+calamities of war by unnecessary burdens.
+
+I hope no man will think it sufficient to reply to these arguments with
+general assertions, or will deny the necessity of frugality, and extol
+the opulence of the nation, the extent of our commerce, and the
+happiness of our condition. Such indeed, sir, is the method of
+argumentation made use of by the hireling scribblers of the court, who,
+because they feel none of the publick calamities, represent all
+complaints as criminal murmurs, and charge those with sedition who
+petition only for relief. Wretches like these would celebrate our
+victories, though our country should be overrun by an invader, would
+praise the lenity of any government by which themselves should be
+spared, and would boast of the happiness of plenty, when half the people
+should be languishing with famine.
+
+I do not suppose, sir, that the despicable sophistry of prostitutes like
+these has any effect here, nor should I have thought them worthy of the
+least notice, had it not been proper to inquire, whether those may not
+be justly suspected of some inclination to deceive, even in this
+assembly, by whom the most profligate of mankind are openly paid for the
+promulgation of falsehood, and the patronage of corruption.
+
+It is indeed, sir, artful, in those who are daily impairing our honour
+and influence, to endeavour to conceal from the people their own
+weakness, that weakness which is so well known in foreign countries,
+that every nation is encouraged to insult us, and by which it may
+reasonably be imagined that new enemies will, in a short time, be
+raised.
+
+The late changes in our military regulations have, indeed, taken away
+all the terrour of our arms; those troops are now no longer dreaded, by
+which the liberties of Europe were recovered, and the French reduced to
+abandon their schemes of universal empire, for the defence of their own
+country, because the officers by whom they were formerly conducted to
+glory and to victory, are now dismissed, and men advanced to their
+posts, who are neither feared nor known.
+
+When the duke of ARGYLE was lately deprived of his command, the
+Spaniards could not conceal their satisfaction; they bestowed, however
+unwillingly, the highest panegyrick upon his bravery and conduct, by
+showing that he was the only Briton of whom they were afraid. Nor did
+their allies, the French, discover less exultation; for by them it was
+declared, that the nation was now disarmed, that either no war was
+intended, or that none could be successfully prosecuted, since, as they
+made no scruple to assert, though I know not whether I ought to repeat
+it, we have no other man capable of commanding armies, or conducting any
+great design.
+
+I am informed that this illustrious warriour, whose abilities are
+sufficiently attested by these enemies, that have felt their prevalence,
+is of opinion, that the number of officers now required is not
+necessary, and has declared that he should with equal confidence
+undertake either invasion or defence, with forces modelled after the
+German custom; and since I have shown, that, unless the troops so
+regulated, are equivalent to a double number, added to the standing
+regiments, part of the expense of the officers is evidently squandered,
+I shall vote against the motion, unless it be proved, which I believe
+will not be attempted, that the force of a regiment is doubled by
+doubling the officers.
+
+General WADE then spoke, to the purpose following:--Sir, the learned
+gentleman who spoke last, must be acknowledged to have discovered a very
+specious method of reasoning, and to have carried his inquiry as far as
+speculation without experience can hope to proceed, but has, in my
+opinion, admitted a false principle, by which all his argument has been
+perplexed.
+
+He supposes, that the advantages must be always in proportion to the
+money expended in procuring them, and that, therefore, if five thousand
+men, raised at any given cost, will be equal to five thousand, they
+ought, if they are regulated according to an establishment of double the
+charge, to be able to encounter ten thousand.
+
+But in this supposition, sir, he forgets that the possibility of loss is
+to be thrown into the balance against the advantage of the expense
+saved, and that though the strength of the troops be not increased in
+proportion to the increase of the cost, yet the additional security
+against a great loss may justly entitle the most expensive regulation to
+the preference.
+
+Suppose five thousand men to be brought into the field against six
+thousand; if they can, by multiplying their officers at a double
+expense, be enabled to engage successfully a body superiour in number by
+only a sixth part, the nation may be justly said to gain all that would
+have been lost by suffering a defeat.
+
+That we ought not to choose a worse method when we can discover a
+better, is indisputably true, but which method is worse or better, can
+be discovered only by experience. The last war has taught us, that our
+troops in their present establishment are superiour to the forces of
+France, but how much they might suffer by any alteration it is not
+possible to foresee.
+
+Success is gained by courage, and courage is produced by an opinion of
+superiority; and it may easily be imagined, that our soldiers, who judge
+of their own strength only by experience, imagine their own
+establishment and discipline advanced to the highest perfection; nor
+would they expect any other consequences from an alteration of it, but
+weakness and defeats. It is, therefore, dangerous to change the model of
+our forces, because it is dangerous to depress the spirit of our
+soldiers.
+
+Though it is confessed, sir, that the French, whose officers are still
+more numerous, have been conquered by our troops, it must be likewise
+alleged, that they had yielded us far easier victories had their
+officers been wanting; for to them are they indebted for their conquests
+wherever they have been successful, and for their resistance wherever
+they have been with difficulty defeated; their soldiers are a spiritless
+herd, and were they not invigorated by the example of their leaders, and
+restrained by the fear of instant punishment, would fly at the approach
+of any enemy, without waiting for the attack.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but be of opinion, that the necessity of a
+large number of officers, may be learned even from the behaviour of
+those troops which have been unsuccessful, since it is certain, that
+though they have been often overcome, they have generally resisted with
+great steadiness, and retired with great order.
+
+If those, who are only speculative warriours, shall imagine that their
+arguments are not confuted, I can only repeat what I declared when I
+first attempted to deliver my sentiments in this debate, that I do not
+pretend to be very skilful in the arts of disputation. I, who claim no
+other title than that of an old soldier, cannot hope to prevail much by
+my oratory; it is enough for me that I am confident of confuting those
+arguments in the field, which I oppose in the senate.
+
+Mr. FOX spoke next, in this manner:--Sir, I am far from thinking that
+this question has been hitherto fully explained by those who have either
+considered it only as a dispute about money, or a question merely
+speculative concerning the proportions between different degrees of
+expense, and probability of success. In a war of this kind, expense is
+the last and lowest consideration, and where experience may be
+consulted, the conjectures of speculation ought to have no weight.
+
+The method, sir, by which our troops have hitherto been regulated, is
+well known to have produced success beyond our expectations, to have
+exalted us to the arbitration of the world, to have reduced the French
+to change their threats of forcing a monarch upon us, into petitions for
+peace, and to have established the liberties of almost every nation of
+the world that can call itself free.
+
+Whether this method, sir, so successful, so easy, and so formidable,
+shall be changed, whether it shall be changed at a time when the whole
+continent is in commotion, and every nation calling soldiers to its
+standard; when the French, recovered from their defeats, seem to have
+forgotten the force of that hand that crushed them in the pride of
+victory; when they seem to be reviving their former designs, and
+rekindling their extinguished ambition; whether, at such a time, the
+regulations of our army shall be changed to save, upon the highest
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, is the present question.
+
+On such a question, sir, I cannot observe, without astonishment, any man
+deliberating for a single moment. To suspend our opinion in this case,
+would be to balance our lives, our liberties, our patrimonies, and our
+posterity, against thirty thousand pounds.
+
+The effects of our present method, sir, are well known to ourselves, our
+confederates, our enemies, to every man that has heard the name of
+Blenheim and Ramillies; the consequences of the establishment, now
+contended for, our most experienced commanders own themselves unable to
+foresee, and I am far from believing that theoretical disquisitions can
+enable any man to make great discoveries in military affairs.
+
+Our own inexperience of the method which is so warmly recommended, is
+not the strongest objection to it, though even this ought, in my
+opinion, to restrain us from trying it at this hazardous conjuncture.
+But since arguments, merely negative, may be thought over-balanced by
+the prospect of saving money, I shall lay before the house, what effects
+the want of officers has produced, with regard to those nations whose
+poverty has laid them under a necessity of parsimonious establishments.
+
+When the Germans were defeated by the French, in the late war, I was at
+the Sardinian court, where the battle was, as it may easily be supposed,
+the reigning subject of conversation, and where they did not want
+opportunities of informing themselves minutely of all the circumstances
+which contributed to the event; it was there, sir, universally
+determined, that the Germans lost the day merely for want of officers.
+
+It was observed also, sir, that some troops, which were once courted and
+feared by all the neighbouring potentates, had lost their reputation in
+later times, of which no reason could be alleged, but that they had
+lessened the number of their officers; such is the change in the model
+of the Walloons, and such is the consequence produced by it.
+
+I am very far, sir, from thinking, that reason is not to be consulted in
+military operations, as in other affairs, and have no less satisfaction
+than the learned gentleman who spoke last but one, in clear and
+demonstrative deductions; but in this question, reason itself informs
+me, that regard ought only to be had to experience, and that authority
+unsupported by practice, ought to have no prevalence.
+
+I shall, therefore, sir, make no inquiry into the abilities of the
+generals, by whom these contrary opinions are defended, nor draw any
+parallel between their actions or their knowledge. It is sufficient for
+me that the one is proposing a new scheme, and that the opinion of the
+other can plead the practice of king William, and the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and the success of the last war.
+
+Yet, sir, if parsimony be a virtue at this time so eminently necessary,
+it may be urged in favour of this estimate, that it will be less
+expensive than those that have been formerly offered, and that as all
+changes ought to be gradual, this may be considered as the first step
+towards a general reduction of the publick charge.
+
+Mr. HEATHCOTE spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not without
+astonishment, that I heard the honourable gentleman who spoke lately,
+conclude his remarks with an attempt to renew our apprehensions of the
+pretender, a chimerical invader, an enemy in the clouds, without spirit,
+and without forces, without dominions, without money, and without
+allies; a miserable fugitive, that has not a friend in this kingdom, or
+none but such as are exasperated by those whom the men that mention him
+with so much terrour are attempting to vindicate.
+
+The vanity, sir, of such fears, the folly of admitting them, if they are
+real, and of counterfeiting them, if they are false, has been
+sufficiently exposed in this debate, by my honourable friend; but as he
+thought it unnecessary to employ arguments in proof of what cannot be
+denied, and believed it sufficient to ridicule a panick which he
+supposed merely political, I, who judge, perhaps, more favourably of the
+sincerity of some, and more tenderly of the cowardice of others, shall
+endeavour to show, that the frequent revolutions which have happened in
+this nation, afford us no reason for fearing another, equally sudden and
+unforeseen in favour of the pretender.
+
+The government, sir, is always stronger, as it is complicated with the
+private interest of more individuals; because, though there are few that
+have comprehension sufficient to discern the general advantage of the
+community, almost every man is capable of attending to his own; and
+though not many have virtue to stand up in opposition to the approach of
+general calamities, of which every one may hope to exempt himself from
+his particular share, yet the most sanguine are alarmed, and the most
+indolent awakened at any danger which threatens themselves, and will
+exert their utmost power to obviate or escape it.
+
+For this reason, sir, I have long considered the publick funds
+established in this nation, as a barrier to the government, which cannot
+easily be broken: a foreign prince cannot now be placed upon the throne,
+but in opposition almost to every wealthy man, who, having trusted the
+government with his money, has reposited a pledge of his own fidelity.
+
+But to this gentleman, sir, whom I am now answering, arguments can be of
+very little importance, because, by his own confession, he is retained
+as a mere machine, to speak at the direction of another, and to utter
+sentiments which he never conceived, and which his hesitation and abrupt
+conclusion shows him to admit with very little examination. He had not
+even allowed himself time to know the opinion which he was to assert, or
+to imprint upon his memory those arguments to which he was to add the
+sanction of his authority. He seems to have boldly promised to speak,
+and then to have inquired what he was to say. Yet has this gentleman
+often declaimed here with all the apparent ardour of integrity, and been
+heard with that regard which is only due to virtue and independence.
+
+Some of his assertions are such, however, as require confutation, which
+is, perhaps, more necessary since he has produced an authority for them,
+which many of those who heard him may think of much greater weight than
+his own. He affirms, that we can suffer only by an invasion, and infers
+from this position, that we need only to guard our own coasts. I am of
+an opinion very different, and having not yet prevailed upon myself to
+receive notes from any other person, cannot forbear to speak what I
+think, and what the publick prosperity requires to be generally known.
+We may surely suffer by many other causes, by the ignorance, or
+treachery, or cowardice of the ministry, by the negligence of that
+person to whom this gentleman was probably indebted for his notes. We
+may suffer by the loss of our sugar colonies, which may be justly valued
+at ten millions.
+
+These plantations, which afford us almost all the profitable trade that
+is now left us, have been exposed to the insults of the enemy, without
+any other guard than two ships, almost unfit for service. They have been
+left to the protection of chance, with no other security, at a time when
+the Spaniards had fitted out a squadron, to infest and ravage our
+American dominions.
+
+The admiral, who was sent into America, was confined for almost a year
+in the ports, without forces, ships, or ammunition, which yet might have
+been sent in a few months, had not pretences of delay been studiously
+invented, had not the preparations been obstructed by clandestine
+expedients, and had not every man been tacitly assured, that he should
+recommend himself to his superiours, by raising difficulties, rather
+than by removing them.
+
+Such was the conduct of those who now stand up in the face of their
+country, and, without diffidence or shame, boast of their zeal, their
+assiduity, and their despatch; who proclaim, with an air of triumphant
+innocence, that no art or diligence could have been more expeditious,
+and that the embarkation was only impeded by the seasons and the winds.
+
+With assertions equally intrepid, and arguments equally contemptible,
+has the same person, who boasted his expedition, endeavoured to defend
+the establishment of new regiments, in opposition to the practice of
+foreign nations, and to the opinion of the greatest general among us;
+and, to show how little he fears confutation, has recommended his scheme
+on account of its frugality.
+
+It is not to be wondered, sir, that such an orator should undertake to
+defend the model of the troops sent to America, that he should prefer
+boys to veterans, and assert the propriety of intrusting new levies to
+unexperienced commanders; for he has given us in this debate such proofs
+of controversial courage, that nothing can be now imagined too arduous
+for him to attempt.
+
+His strength, sir, is, indeed, not equal to his spirit, and he is
+frequently unsuccessful in his most vigorous efforts, but it must be
+confessed that he is generally overborne only by the force of truth, by
+a power which few can resist so resolutely as himself, and which,
+therefore, though it makes no impression upon him, prevails upon others
+to leave him sometimes alone in the vindication of his positions.
+
+The examples, sir, of those noble persons who were advanced early to
+commissions, will be produced by him without effect, because the cases
+are by no means parallel. They were not invested with command till they
+had spent some time in the service, and exhibited proofs of their
+courage and their capacity; and it cannot be doubted, but some men may
+discover at seventeen, more merit than others in the full strength of
+manhood.
+
+But, sir, there is another consideration of more importance, which will
+annihilate the parallel, and destroy the argument founded upon it. At
+the time in which these persons were preferred, the nation had but newly
+seen an army, and had, therefore, very few old officers whose experience
+could be trusted, or whose services required to be rewarded: the
+ministers were obliged to select those, who, though they did not
+understand the military sciences, were likely to attain them in a short
+time, and the event has sufficiently proved, that in the choice no
+greater regard was paid to interest than to judgment.
+
+It was prudent, likewise, sir, to choose young persons, supposing their
+abilities equal with those of others, because the nation was likely to
+possess them longer, and would not be reduced, by an interval of peace,
+to make war again with raw forces, under the direction of ignorant
+commanders.
+
+But this provision, however reasonable, the wisdom of this ministry has
+found means to defeat, by detaining at home the disciplined troops, and
+depriving the most experienced generals of their commands, at a time
+when they are most necessary, at a time when the whole world is in arms,
+when the ambition of France is reviving its claims, and the Spaniards
+are preparing to invade our colonies.
+
+But, sir, though our generals are discarded, we are sufficiently
+informed, that it is not because we are imagined to be in a state of
+safety; for the increase of our army betrays our fear, of which, whether
+it will be dispelled or increased by such measures, it is not difficult
+to determine.
+
+An army thus numerous, sir, is, in the opinion of every honest Briton,
+of every man that reveres the constitution, or loves his liberty, an
+evil more to be dreaded, than any from which we can be defended by it.
+The most unpopular act of the most unpopular of our monarchs, was the
+establishment of a standing-army; nor do I know any thing to be feared
+from the exaltation of the dreadful pretender to the throne, but that he
+will govern the nation with an armed force.
+
+If our troops continue to be increased, which we may reasonably suspect,
+since, if arguments like these be admitted, pretences for augmentations
+can never be wanting, the consequences are easily foreseen; they will
+grow too numerous to be quartered in the towns, and, with an affectation
+of easing them of such unwelcome guests, it will be proposed, that after
+having spent the summer in a camp, they shall retire in winter to
+barracks. Then will the burden of a standing army be imposed for ever on
+the nation; then may our liberties be openly invaded, and those who now
+oppress us by the power only of money, will then throw aside the mask,
+and deliver themselves from the constraint of hypocrisy; those who now
+sooth us with promises and protestations, will then intimidate us with
+threatenings, and, perhaps, revenge the opposition of their schemes by
+persecution and sequestrations.
+
+Mr. GAGE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, if the weakness of
+arguments proved the insincerity of those who produce them, I should be
+inclined to suspect the advocates for the establishment of new
+regiments, of designs very different from the defence of their country;
+but as their intentions cannot be known, they cannot be censured, and I
+shall, therefore, confine myself to an examination of the reasons which
+they have offered, and the authorities which they have cited.
+
+The German general, who has been mentioned on this occasion with so much
+regard, is not less known to me than to the honourable gentleman, nor
+have I been less diligent to improve the hours in which I enjoyed his
+friendship and conversation. Among other questions, which my familiarity
+with him entitled me to propose, I have asked him to what causes he
+imputed the ill success of the last war, and he frankly ascribed the
+miscarriages of it to the unhappy divisions by which the German councils
+were at that time embarrassed.
+
+Faction produces nearly the same consequence in all countries, and had
+then influenced the imperial court, as of late the court of Great
+Britain, to dismiss the most able and experienced commanders, and to
+intrust the conduct of the war to men unequal to the undertaking; who,
+when they were defeated for want of skill, endeavoured to persuade their
+patrons and their countrymen, that they lost the victory for want of
+officers.
+
+They might, perhaps, think of their countrymen, what our ministers seem
+to imagine of us, that to gain belief among them, it was sufficient to
+assert boldly, that they had not any memory of past transactions, and
+that, therefore, they could not observe, that the same troops were
+victorious under Eugene, which were defeated under the direction of his
+successours; nor could discover that the regulation was the same, where
+the effects were different.
+
+Thus, in every place, it is the practice of men in power, to blind the
+people by false representations, and to impute the publick calamities
+rather to any other cause than their own misconduct. It is every where
+equally their practice to oppress and obscure those who owe their
+greatness to their virtue or abilities, because they can never be
+reduced to blind obedience, or taught to be creatures of the ministry,
+because men who can discover truth, will sometimes speak it, and because
+those are best qualified to deceive others, who can be persuaded that
+they are contending for the right.
+
+But it is surely time for this nation to rouse from indolence, and to
+resolve to put an end to frauds that have been so long known. It is time
+to watch with more vigilance the distribution of the publick treasure,
+and to consider rather how to contract the national expenses, than upon
+what pretences new offices may be erected, and new dependencies created.
+It is time to consider how our debts may be lessened, and by what
+expedients our taxes may be diminished.
+
+Our taxes, sir, are such, at present, as perhaps no nation was ever
+loaded with before, such as never were paid to raise forces against an
+invader, or imposed by the insolence of victory upon a conquered people.
+Every gentleman pays to the government more than two thirds of his
+estate, by various exactions.--This assertion is received, I see, with
+surprise, by some, whose ample patrimonies have exempted them from the
+necessity of nice computations, and with an affected appearance of
+contempt by others, who, instead of paying taxes, may be said to receive
+them, and whose interest it is to keep the nation ignorant of the causes
+of its misery, and to extenuate those calamities by which themselves are
+enriched.
+
+But, sir, to endeavour to confute demonstration by a grin, or to laugh
+away the deductions of arithmetick, is, surely, such a degree of
+effrontery, as nothing but a post of profit can produce; nor is it for
+the sake of these men, that I shall endeavour to elucidate my assertion;
+for they cannot but be well informed of the state of our taxes, whose
+chief employment is to receive and to squander the money which arises
+from them.
+
+It is frequent, sir, among gentlemen, to mistake the amount of the taxes
+which are laid upon the nation, by passing over, in their estimates, all
+those which are not paid immediately out of the visible rents of their
+lands, and imagining that they are in no degree interested in the
+imposts upon manufactures or other commodities. They do not consider
+that whenever they purchase any thing of which the price is enhanced by
+duties, those duties are levied upon them, and that there is no
+difference between paying ten shillings a year in land taxes, and paying
+five shillings in land taxes, and five shillings to manufacturers to be
+paid by them to the government.
+
+It would be, in reality, equally rational for a man to please himself
+with his frugality, by directing half his expenses to be paid by his
+steward, and the event is such as might be expected from such a method
+of economy; for, as the steward might probably bring in false accounts,
+the tradesman commonly adds twopence to the price of his goods for every
+penny which is laid on them by the government; as it is easy to show,
+particularly in the prices of those two great necessaries of life,
+candles and leather.
+
+Now, sir, let any gentleman add to the land tax the duties raised from
+the malt, candles, salt, soap, leather, distilled liquors, and other
+commodities used in his house; let him add the expenses of travelling so
+far as they are increased by the burden laid upon innkeepers, and the
+extortions of the tradesmen which the excises have occasioned, and he
+will easily agree with me that he pays more than two-thirds of his
+estate for the support of the government.
+
+It cannot, therefore, be doubted that it is now necessary to stop in our
+career of expenses, and to inquire how much longer this weight of
+imposts can possibly be supported. It has already, sir, depressed our
+commerce, and overborne our manufactures, and if it be yet increased, if
+there be no hope of seeing it alleviated, every wise man will seek a
+milder government and enlist himself amongst slaves that have masters
+more wise or more compassionate.
+
+We ought to consider, sir, whether some of our present expenses are not
+superfluous or detrimental, whether many of our offices are not merely
+pensions without employment, and whether multitudes do not receive
+salaries, who serve the government only by their interest and their
+votes. Such offices, if they are found, ought immediately to be
+abolished, and such salaries withdrawn, by which a fund might be now
+established for maintaining the war, and afterwards for the payment of
+our debts.
+
+It is not now, sir, in my opinion, a question whether we shall choose
+the dearest or the cheapest method of increasing our forces, for it
+seems to me not possible to supply any new expenses. New troops will
+require more money to raise and to pay them, and more money can only be
+obtained by new taxes; but what now remains to be taxed, or what tax can
+be increased? The only resource left us is a lottery, and whether that
+will succeed is likewise a lottery; but though folly and credulity
+should once more operate according to our wishes, the nation is, in the
+meantime, impoverished, and at last lotteries must certainly fail, like
+other expedients. When the publick wealth is entirely exhausted,
+artifice and violence will be equally vain. And though the troops may
+possibly be raised, according to the estimate, I know not how we shall
+pay them, or from what fund, yet unmortgaged, the officers who will be
+entailed upon us, can hope to receive their half-pay.
+
+For my part, sir, I think the question so easy to be decided, that I am
+astonished to see it the subject of a debate, and imagine that the
+controversy might be ended only by asking the gentleman, on whose
+opinion all his party appear to rely, without any knowledge or
+conviction of their own, whether, if he were to defend a nation from its
+enemies, and could procure only a small sum for the war, he would not
+model his forces by the cheapest method.
+
+Mr. SLOPER then spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot, without the highest
+satisfaction, observe any advances made in useful knowledge, by my
+fellow-subjects, as the glory of such attainments must add to the
+reputation of the kingdom which gives rise to such elevated abilities.
+
+This satisfaction I have received from the observations of the right
+honourable member, whose accurate computations cannot but promise great
+improvements of the doctrine of arithmetick; nor can I forbear to
+solicit him, for the sake of the publick, to take into his consideration
+the present methods of traffick used by our merchants, and to strike out
+some more commodious method of stating the accoinpts between those two
+contending parties, debtor and creditor. This he would, doubtless,
+execute with great reputation, who has proved, from the state of our
+taxes, that new forces require new funds, and that new funds cannot be
+established without a lottery.
+
+I am, indeed, inclined to differ from him in the last of his positions,
+and believe the nation not yet so much exhausted but that it may easily
+bear the expense of the war, and shall, therefore, vote for that
+establishment of our troops which will be most likely to procure
+success, without the least apprehension of being censured either by the
+present age, or by posterity, as a machine of the ministry, or an
+oppressor of my country.
+
+General WADE spoke again, thus:--Sir, since the right honourable member
+has been pleased to insinuate, that by answering a plain question I may
+put an end to the debate, I am willing to give a proof of my desire to
+promote unanimity in our councils, and despatch in our affairs, by
+complying with his proposal.
+
+If I were obliged with a small sum to raise an army for the defence of a
+kingdom, I should, undoubtedly, proceed with the utmost frugality; but
+this noble person's ideas of frugality would, perhaps, be very different
+from mine; he would think those expenses superfluous, which to me would
+seem indispensably necessary, and though we should both intend the
+preservation of the country, we should provide for its security by
+different methods.
+
+He would employ the money in such a manner as might procure the greatest
+numbers; I should make my first inquiry after the most skilful officers,
+and should imagine myself obliged, by my fidelity to the nation that
+intrusted me with its defence, to procure their assistance, though at a
+high price.
+
+It is not easy for persons who have never seen a battle or a siege,
+whatever may be their natural abilities, or however cultivated by
+reading and contemplation, to conceive the advantage of discipline and
+regularity, which is such, that a small body of veteran troops will
+drive before them multitudes of men, perhaps equally bold and resolute
+with themselves, if they are unacquainted with the rules of war, and
+unprovided with leaders to direct their motions.
+
+I should, therefore, in the case which he has mentioned, prefer
+discipline to numbers, and rather enter the field with a few troops,
+well governed and well instructed, than with a confused multitude,
+unacquainted with their duty, unable to conduct themselves, and without
+officers to conduct them.
+
+Mr. VINER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I am not very
+solicitous what may be the determination of the house upon this
+question, because I think it more necessary to resolve against an
+augmentation of the army, than to inquire, whether it shall be made by
+one method or another.
+
+Every addition to our troops, I consider as some approach towards the
+establishment of arbitrary power, as it is an alienation of part of the
+British people, by which they are deprived of the benefits of the
+constitution, and subjected to rigorous laws, from which every other
+individual is exempt.
+
+The principal of these laws, which all the rest are intended to enforce,
+requires from every soldier an unlimited and absolute obedience to the
+commands of his officers, who hold their commission, and expect
+advancement, by the same compliance with the orders of the ministry.
+
+The danger of adding to the number of men, thus separated from their
+fellow-subjects, and directed by the arbitrary determinations of their
+officers, has been often explained with great strength and perspicuity;
+nor should I have taken this occasion of recalling it to the attention
+of the house, but that I think it a consideration, to which, in all
+debates on the army, the first regard ought to be paid.
+
+Colonel MORDAUNT spoke to the purpose following:--Sir, the objection
+which the honourable gentleman has raised, will be most easily removed,
+by considering the words of the act by which the military authority is
+established, where it is by no means declared, that either officers or
+soldiers are obliged indiscriminately to obey all the orders which they
+shall receive, but that they shall, on pain of the punishments there
+enacted, obey all the _lawful_ orders of their commanders.
+
+The obedience, therefore, sir, required from a soldier, is an obedience
+according to law, like that of any other Briton, unless it can be
+imagined that the word _lawful_ is, in that place, without a meaning.
+Nor does his condition differ from that of his fellow-subjects by an
+exemption from any law, but by a greater number of duties, and stricter
+obligations to the performance of them; and I am not able to conceive
+how our constitution can be endangered by augmenting an army, which, as
+it can only act in conformity to it, can act only in defence of it.
+
+[The question at last was put, that the new-raised troops be
+incorporated into the standing corps, but it passed in the negative, 232
+to 166.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+
+DEBATE ON TAKING THE STATE OF THE ARMY INTO CONSIDERATION.
+
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose first, and spoke to the following effect:--My
+lords, as the present situation of our affairs may require an
+augmentation of our forces, and as the success of our arms, and the
+preservation of our liberties, may equally depend upon the manner in
+which the new forces shall be raised, there is, in my opinion, no
+question more worthy the attention of this august assembly, than what
+may be the most proper method of increasing our army.
+
+On this question, my lords, I shall offer my own sentiments with greater
+confidence, as there are few men who have had more opportunities of
+being acquainted with it in its whole extent, as I have spent great part
+of my life in the field and in the camp. I commanded a regiment under
+king William, and have long been either the first, or almost the first
+man in the army.
+
+I hope, my lords, it will be allowed, without difficulty, that I have,
+at least, been educated at the best school of war, and that nothing but
+natural incapacity can have hindered me from making some useful
+observations upon the discipline and government of armies, and the
+advantages and inconveniencies of the various plans upon which other
+nations regulate their forces.
+
+I have always maintained, my lords, that it is necessary, in the present
+state of the neighbouring countries, to keep up a body of regular
+troops, that we may not be less able to defend ourselves, than our
+enemies to attack us.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that states must secure themselves by
+different means, as they are threatened by dangers of different kinds:
+policy must be opposed by policy, and force by force; our fleets must be
+increased when our neighbours grow formidable by their naval power, and
+armies must be maintained at a time like this, in which every prince on
+the continent estimates his greatness by the number of his troops.
+
+But an army, my lords, as it is to be admitted only for the security of
+the nation, is to be so regulated, that it may produce the end for which
+it is established; that it may be useful without danger, and protect the
+people without oppressing them.
+
+To this purpose, my lords, it is indispensably necessary, that the
+military subordination be inviolably preserved, and that discipline be
+discreetly exercised without any partial indulgence, or malicious
+severities; that every man be promoted according to his desert, and that
+military merit alone give any pretensions to military preferment.
+
+To make the army yet more useful, it ought to be under the sole command
+of one man, exalted to the important trust by his known skill, courage,
+justice, and fidelity, and uncontrouled in the administration of his
+province by any other authority, a man enabled by his experience to
+distinguish the deserving, and invested with power to reward them.
+
+Thus, my lords, ought an army to be regulated, to which the defence of a
+nation is intrusted, nor can any other scheme be formed which will not
+expose the publick to dangers more formidable than revolutions or
+invasions. And yet, my lords, how widely those who have assumed the
+direction of affairs have deviated from this method is well known. It is
+known equally to the highest and meanest officers, that those who have
+most opportunities of observing military merit, have no power of
+rewarding it; and, therefore, every man endeavours to obtain other
+recommendations than those of his superiours in the army, and to
+distinguish himself by other services than attention to his duty, and
+obedience to his commanders.
+
+Our generals, my lords, are only colonels with a higher title, without
+power, and without command; they can neither make themselves loved nor
+feared in their troops, nor have either reward or punishment in their
+power. What discipline, my lords, can be established by men, whom those
+who sometimes act the farce of obedience, know to be only phantoms of
+authority, and to be restrained by an arbitrary minister from the
+exercise of those commissions which they are invested with? And what is
+an army without discipline, subordination, and obedience? What, but a
+rabble of licentious vagrants, set free from the common restraints of
+decency, exempted from the necessity of labour, betrayed by idleness to
+debauchery, and let loose to prey upon the people? Such a herd can only
+awe the villages, and bluster in the streets, but can never be able to
+oppose an enemy, or defend the nation by which they are supported.
+
+They may, indeed, form a camp upon some of the neighbouring heaths, or
+pass in review with tolerable regularity; they may sometimes seize a
+smuggler, and sometimes assist a constable with vigour and success. But
+unhappy would be the people, who had no other force to oppose against an
+army habituated to discipline, of which every one founds his hopes of
+honour and reward upon the approbation of the commander.
+
+That no man will labour to no purpose, or undergo the fatigue of
+military vigilance, without an adequate motive; that no man will
+endeavour to learn superfluous duties, and neglect the easiest road to
+honour and to wealth, merely for the sake of encountering difficulties,
+is easily to be imagined. And, therefore, my lords, it cannot be
+conceived, that any man in the army will very solicitously apply himself
+to the duties of his profession, of which, when he has learned them, the
+most accurate practice will avail him nothing, and on which he must lose
+that time, which might, have been employed in gaining an interest in a
+borough, or in forming an alliance with some orator in the senate.
+
+For nothing, my lords, is now considered but senatorial interest, nor is
+any subordination desired but in the supreme council of the empire. For
+the establishment of this new regulation, the honours of every
+profession are prostituted, and every commission is become merely
+nominal. To gratify the leaders of the ministerial party, the most
+despicable triflers are exalted to an authority, and those whose want of
+understanding excludes them from any other employment, are selected for
+military commissions.
+
+No sooner have they taken possession of their new command, and gratified
+with some act of oppression the wantonness of new authority, but they
+desert their charge with the formality of demanding a permission to be
+absent, which their commander dares not deny them. Thus, my lords, they
+leave the care of the troops, and the study of the rules of war, to
+those unhappy men who have no other claim to elevation than knowledge
+and bravery, and who, for want of relations in the senate, are condemned
+to linger out their lives at their quarters, amuse themselves with
+recounting their actions and sufferings in former wars, and with reading
+in the papers of every post, the cormissions which are bestowed on those
+who never saw a battle.
+
+For this reason, my lords, preferments in the army, instead of being
+considered as proofs of merit, are looked on only as badges of
+dependence; nor can any thing be inferred from the promotion of an
+officer, but that he is in some degree or other allied to some member
+of the senate, or the leading voters of a borough.
+
+After this manner, my lords, has the army been modelled, and on these
+principles has it subsisted for the last and the present reign; neither
+myself, nor any other general officer, have been consulted in the
+distribution of commands, or any part of military regulations. Our
+armies have known no other power than that of the secretary of war, who
+directs all their motions, and fills up every vacancy without
+opposition, and without appeal.
+
+But never, my lords, was his power more conspicuous, than in raising the
+levies of last year; never was any authority more despotically exerted,
+or more tamely submitted to; never did any man more wantonly sport with
+his command, or more capriciously dispose of posts and preferments;
+never did any tyrant appear to set censure more openly at defiance,
+treat murmurs and remonstrances with greater contempt, or with more
+confidence and security distribute posts among his slaves, without any
+other reason of preference than his own uncontroulable pleasure.
+
+And surely no man, my lords, could have made choice of such wretches for
+military commands, but to show that nothing but his own private
+inclinations should influence his conduct, and that he considered
+himself as supreme and unaccountable: for we have seen, my lords, the
+same animals to-day cringing behind a counter, and to-morrow swelling in
+a military dress; we have seen boys sent from school in despair of
+improvement, and intrusted with military command; fools that cannot
+learn their duty, and children that cannot perform it, have been
+indiscriminately promoted; the dross of the nation has been swept
+together to compose our new forces, and every man who was too stupid or
+infamous to learn or carry on a trade, has been placed, by this great
+disposer of honours, above the necessity of application, or the reach of
+censure.
+
+Did not sometimes indignation, and sometimes pity, check the sallies of
+mirth, it would not be a disagreeable entertainment, my lords, to
+observe, in the park, the various appearances of these raw commanders,
+when they are exposing their new scarlet to view, and strutting with the
+first raptures of sudden elevation; to see the mechanick new-modelling
+his mien, and the stripling tottering beneath the weight of his cockade;
+or to hear the conversation of these new adventurers, and the
+instructive dialogues of schoolboys and shopkeepers.
+
+I take this opportunity, my lords, of clearing myself from any suspicion
+of having contributed, by my advice, to this stupendous collection. I
+only once interposed with the recommendation of a young gentleman, who
+had learned his profession in two campaigns among the Muscovians, and
+whom yet neither his own desert, nor my patronage could advance to a
+commission. And, I believe, my lords, all the other general officers
+were equally unconsulted, and would, if their advice had been asked,
+equally have disapproved the measures that have been pursued.
+
+But thus, my lords, were our new regiments completed, in which, of two
+hundred and fifty officers who have subsisted upon half-pay, only
+thirty-six have been promoted, though surely they might have pleaded a
+juster claim to employment, who had learned their profession in the
+service of their country, and had long languished in penury, than those
+who had neither knowledge nor capacity, who had neither acted nor
+suffered any thing, and who might have been destined to the hammer or
+the plough, without any disreputation to their families, or
+disappointment to themselves.
+
+I have been told, indeed, my lords, that to some of these officers
+commissions were offered, which they refused, and for this refusal every
+reason is alleged but the true: some, indeed, excused themselves as
+disabled by age and infirmities from military service; nor can any
+objection be made to so just a plea. For how could those be refused in
+their age the comforts of ease and repose, who have served their country
+with their youth and vigour?
+
+Others there are, my lords, who refused commissions upon motives very
+different, in which, nevertheless, some justice cannot be denied. They
+who had long studied and long practised their profession; they, who had
+tried their courage in the breach, and given proofs of their skill in
+the face of the enemy, refused to obey the command of novices, of
+tradesmen, and of schoolboys: they imagined, my lords, that they ought
+to govern those whom they should be obliged to instruct, and to lead
+those troops whom they must range in order. But they had forgot that
+they had outlived the time when a soldier was formed by study and
+experience, and had not heard, in their retreats, that a colonel or a
+captain was now formed in a day; and, therefore, when they saw and heard
+their new commanders, they retired back to their half-pay, with surprise
+and indignation.
+
+But, my lords, the follies of last year cannot be easily rectified, and
+are only now to be exposed that they may not be repeated. If we are now
+to make new levies, and increase the number of our land-forces, it is,
+in my opinion, incumbent upon us to consider by what methods we may best
+augment our troops, and how we may be able to resist our foreign
+enemies, without exposing the nation to intestine miseries, and leaving
+our liberties at the mercy of the court.
+
+There are, my lords, two methods of increasing our forces; the first is,
+that of raising new regiments; the other, of adding new men to those
+which already subsist.
+
+By raising new regiments, my lords, we shall only gratify the minister
+with the distribution of new commissions, and the establishment of new
+dependents; we shall enlarge the influence of the court, and increase
+the charge of the nation, which is already loaded with too many taxes to
+support any unnecessary expense.
+
+By the other method, of adding a hundred men to every company, we shall
+not only save the pay of the officers, which is no slight consideration,
+but what seems, if the reports raised by the ministry of our present
+danger be true, of far more importance, shall form the new forces with
+more expedition into regular troops; for, by distributing them among
+those who are already instructed in their duty, we shall give them an
+opportunity of hourly improvement; every man's comrade will be his
+master, and every one will be ambitious of forming himself by the
+example of those who have been in the army longer than themselves.
+
+If it be objected, my lords, that the number of officers will not then
+bear a just proportion to that of the soldiers, it may be answered, that
+the foreign troops of the greatest reputation have no greater number of
+officers, as every one must know who is acquainted with the constitution
+of the most formidable armies of Europe. Those of the Prussian monarch,
+or of the various nations by which we were assisted in the late war,
+either as confederates or mercenaries, have but few officers. And I very
+well remember, my lords, that whenever they were joined by parties of
+our own nation, the inequality in the number of the officers produced
+contests and disputes.
+
+The only troops of Europe, my lords, that swarm with officers, are those
+of France, but even these have fewer officers, in proportion to their
+private men, in time of war; for when they disband any part of their
+forces, they do not, like us, reduce their officers to half-pay, but add
+them to the regiments not reduced, that the families of their nobility
+may not be burdened with needy dependents, and that they may never want
+officers for new levies.
+
+There are many reasons, my lords, that make this practice in France more
+reasonable than it would be in our kingdom. It is the chief view of
+their governours to continue absolute, and therefore their constant
+endeavour to keep great numbers in dependence; it ought to be our care
+to hinder the increase of the influence of the court, and to obstruct
+all measures that may extend the authority of the ministry, and
+therefore those measures are to be pursued by which independence and
+liberty will be most supported.
+
+It is likewise to be remembered, my lords, that a French officer is
+supported with pay not much larger than that of a private soldier among
+us, and that, therefore, the argument which arises from the necessity of
+frugality is not of the same force in both nations.
+
+There is yet another reason why the French are under the necessity of
+employing more officers than any other nation: the strength of their
+armies consists in their gentlemen, who cannot be expected to serve
+without some command: the common soldiers of the French army are a mean,
+spiritless, despicable herd, fit only to drudge as pioneers, to raise
+intrenchments, and to dig mines, but without courage to face an enemy,
+or to proceed with vigour in the face of danger.
+
+Their gentlemen, my lords, are of a very different character; jealous of
+their honour, and conscious of their birth, eager of distinction, and
+ambitious of preferment. They have, commonly, their education in the
+army, and have no expectations of acquiring fortunes equal to their
+desires by any other profession, and are, therefore, intent upon the
+improvement of every opportunity which is offered them of increasing
+their knowledge and exalting their reputation.
+
+To the spirit of these men, my lords, are the French armies indebted for
+all their victories, and to them is to be attributed the present
+perfection of the art of war. They have the vigilance and perseverance
+of Romans joined with the natural vivacity and expedition of their own
+nation.
+
+We are, therefore, not to wonder, my lords, that there is in the French
+armies an establishment for more gentlemen than in other countries,
+where the disparity between the military virtues of the higher and lower
+classes of men is less conspicuous. In the troops of that nation nothing
+is expected but from the officers, but in ours the common soldier meets
+danger with equal intrepidity, and scorns to see himself excelled by his
+officer in courage or in zeal.
+
+We are, therefore, my lords, under no necessity of burdening our country
+with the expense of new commissions, which, in the army, will be
+superfluous, and, in the state, dangerous, as they will fill our senate
+with new dependents, and our corporations with new adherents to the
+minister, whose steady perseverance in his favourite scheme of
+senatorial subordination, will be, perhaps, the only occasion of these
+new levies, or, at least, has hindered the right application of our
+standing troops. For what reason, my lords, can invention or imagination
+assign, why the troops, who had been for some time disciplined, were not
+rather sent to the assistance of Vernon than the new marines, except
+that some of them were commanded by men who had obtained seats in the
+other house, and who, by their settled adherence and avowed fidelity to
+the minister, had recommended themselves too powerfully to be rashly
+exposed in the service of their country to the bullets of the Spaniards.
+
+So great, my lords, has been the minister's regard to senatorial
+abilities, and so strict his gratitude to his friends, that I know of
+but one member of the other house that has been hazarded in this
+expedition, and he a hopeless, abandoned patriot, insensible of the
+capacity or integrity of our ministry, and whom nothing has been able to
+reconcile to our late measures. He, therefore, who has never exerted
+himself in defence of the ministry, was, in his turn, thought unworthy
+of ministerial protection, and was given up to the chance of war without
+reluctance.
+
+But I hope your lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that it is
+not always necessary to gratify the ministry, but that our country
+claims some part of our regard, and, therefore, that in establishing our
+army we should pursue that method which may be most accommodated to our
+constitution, and, instead of imitating the military policy of the
+French, follow the example of those nations by whose troops they have
+been conquered.
+
+Had this scheme been hitherto followed, had our new levies, instead of
+being put under the command of boys, been distributed in just
+proportions among the standing regiments, where they might soon have
+been qualified for service by the inspection of experienced officers, we
+might now have seen an army capable of awing the court of Spain into
+submission, or, if our demands had been still refused, of revenging our
+injuries, and punishing those who have insulted and despised us.
+
+From an army thus raised and disciplined, detachments, my lords, ought
+to have been sent on board of all our fleets, and particularly that
+which is now stationed in the Mediterranean, which would not then have
+coasted about from one port to another, without hurting or frighting the
+enemy, but might, by sudden descents, have spread terrour through a
+great part of the kingdom, harassed their troops by continual marches,
+and, by frequent incursions, have plundered all the maritime provinces,
+driven the inhabitants into the inland country, and laid the villages in
+ashes.
+
+There is yet, my lords, no appearance of a peace, for our success has
+not enabled us to prescribe terms, and I hope we are not yet fallen so
+low as to receive them; it is, therefore, proper to form such
+resolutions as may influence the conduct of the war, and enable us to
+retrieve the errours of our past measures.
+
+The minister, my lords, is not without panegyrists, who may, perhaps,
+endeavour to persuade us, that we ought to resign all our understandings
+to his superiour wisdom, and blindly trust our fortunes and our
+liberties to his unshaken integrity. They will, in proof of his
+abilities, produce the wonderful dexterity and penetration which the
+late negotiations have discovered, and will confirm the reputation of
+his integrity by the constant parsimony of all his schemes, and the
+unwillingness with which he at any time increases the expenses of the
+nation.
+
+But, my lords, it is the great duty of your high station to watch over
+the administration, and to warn those, who are more immediately
+intrusted with the publick affairs, against measures which may endanger
+the safety or happiness of the nation; and, therefore, if I have proved
+to your lordships, that to raise new regiments is dangerous to our
+liberties, that a multitude of officers is of no use in war, and that an
+army may be more expeditiously disciplined by adding new men to every
+company, I hope your lordships will agree to this resolution, which I
+have drawn up with the utmost brevity, and of which the meaning cannot
+be mistaken:
+
+"That the augmenting the army by raising regiments, as it is the most
+unnecessary and expensive method of augmentation, is also the most
+dangerous to the liberties of the nation."
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE next spoke, to this effect:--My lords, as my
+education and employments have afforded me no opportunity of acquiring
+any skill in military affairs, it will not be expected by your
+lordships, that I should be able to confute the arguments of the noble
+duke, whose acknowledged superiority in the art of war, and the
+abilities which he has displayed in the administration of every province
+which he has undertaken, give him a claim to the highest deference.
+
+But, my lords, as I cannot assume the province of disputing on this
+question, so I cannot, without longer consideration, form any resolution
+concerning it; for arguments may be fallacious, which, yet, I cannot
+confute, and to approve without knowledge is no less weak than to
+censure.
+
+There is not any present necessity, my lords, of forming a resolution on
+this subject; we are not now called upon particularly to consider it,
+and certainly it cannot be prudent, by so determinate a decision,
+pronounced without reflection or deliberation, to preclude a fuller
+examination of this important question.
+
+Lord CARTERET rose, and spoke in this manner:--My lords, the noble duke
+who made the present motion has supported it by such strength of
+argument, and so fully explained the advantages of the method which it
+tends to recommend, that not only the present age, but posterity may,
+probably, be indebted to him, for juster notions of a military
+establishment, than have been yet attained even by those whose
+profession obliges them to such inquiries.
+
+Nor, my lords, could we expect less from his long experience and
+extensive capacity; experience gained in the heat of war, and in the
+midst of danger; a capacity not only cultivated by solitary
+disquisitions in retirement and security, but exercised by difficulties,
+and quickened by opposition.
+
+Such abilities, my lords, matured by such an education, have justly made
+the noble duke the oracle of war, and procured him the esteem and
+reverence of all the powers upon earth.
+
+As I did not receive from my education any military knowledge, I am not
+able to add much to the arguments which your lordships have already
+heard; but, nevertheless, having been under the necessity of regulating
+the army when I had the honour to be employed in Ireland, and having
+made, in those countries where I transacted the business of the crown,
+some observations upon the different forms of military establishments, I
+hope I shall be allowed to offer what my experience or my remarks may
+suggest to me, in confirmation of the sentiments of the noble duke.
+
+When I was in Ireland, my lords, the troops of that kingdom consisted of
+twenty-one regiments, of which ten were, as last year, brought into
+Britain, and the Irish forces were to be filled up by new levies, which
+were raised in the manner now proposed, by increasing every regiment
+from three hundred and forty to six hundred men; so that the eleven
+regiments remaining composed a body of nearly the same number with the
+twenty-one regiments, as formerly constituted.
+
+Of the Swedish establishment, my lords, the reputation and success of
+their troops are an uncontrovertible vindication, attd I have often had
+an opportunity of comparing the number of officers with that of ours,
+and found their private men to be far more numerous in proportion to the
+officers.
+
+In Hanover, my lords, I have seen his majesty's troops remarkable for
+the elegance of their appearance; and being once asked, by the
+commander, at what expense one of those gallant troopers and his horse
+was supported, was told, after confessing my ignorance, that he cost no
+more than fourteen pounds a year, who could not, in this country, be
+maintained for less than forty.
+
+I believe, my lords, that the French forces are not more expensive than
+those of Hanover, and, therefore, we are by no means to imitate their
+establishment, for the price of provisions and habits of life do not
+admit of any diminution of the pay of either our officers or soldiers,
+and we can only lessen our expenses by reducing their numbers, to which
+I shall, for my part, most willingly contribute.
+
+But as this, my lords, is not the proper time for disbanding our forces,
+of which the present state of our affairs may, perhaps, demand an
+augmentation, it is necessary to compare the state of our forces with
+that of foreign troops, and supply, by prudent methods, the
+disadvantages to which we are subject, by the peculiar condition of our
+country. For, if the French can support an army at a fourth part of our
+expense, what must be the consequence of a war, supposing the wealth of
+the two nations nearly equal? It will be to little purpose that we
+boast, however justly, of the superiority of our troops; for though it
+should be granted that the British cannot be resisted by an equal
+number, yet it can never be expected that they should conquer troops
+four times as numerous as themselves.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears, with all the evidence of arithmetical
+demonstration, that the method now proposed is highly expedient, nor can
+any objection, in my opinion, be made to the resolution offered to your
+lordships.
+
+That this is not a proper time for this inquiry has been, indeed, urged,
+but surely no time can be more proper than when we may, by a resolution
+unanimously passed, regulate, in some degree, the conduct of the other
+house, and faint to them the opinion of this assembly on a question
+which is, perhaps, to-morrow to be brought before them.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY then spoke thus:--My lords, though I was once honoured
+with a command in the army, and consequently ought to have attained some
+military knowledge, yet I have so long resigned my commission, possessed
+it for so short a time, and have suffered my attention to be diverted
+from inquiries on that subject by employments of so different a kind,
+that I cannot presume to oppose any knowledge of my own to the reasons
+which have been offered; but I cannot think that the conclusions drawn
+by the noble duke, are so evidently true as to force conviction, and
+exclude all possibility of reply; nor can I conceive it consistent with
+the dignity of this assembly, to yield implicitly to any man's
+assertions, or to pass any resolution without an accurate inquiry.
+
+Some objections, my lords, arise, upon reflection, from my narrow
+observation and transient reading, and these I shall lay before your
+lordships, with an open acknowledgment of my insufficiency to discuss
+the question, and a sincere desire of being instructed where I may be
+mistaken.
+
+The subordination of the army, my lords, appears to me, in general, to
+be sufficiently maintained, nor is it ever infringed but by particular
+partiality, that can never be prevented, or a casual difference in the
+circumstances of the officers, which, though not relative to their
+military characters, will always produce some degree of influence.
+
+I know not, my lords, how the general regulation of our forces, and the
+distribution of military honours, can be condemned, without extending
+some degree of censure to a person who ought not to be mentioned as
+concurring in any measures injurious to the publick. Our army, my lords,
+is maintained by the parliament, but commanded by the king, who has not
+either done or directed any thing of which his people may justly
+complain.
+
+Here the duke of ARGYLE interrupted him:--My lords, it is necessary to
+clear myself from misrepresentations, and to preserve, at the same time,
+the order of this assembly, by reminding the noble lord, that his
+majesty is never to be introduced into our debates, because he is never
+to be charged with wrong; and by declaring to your lordships, that I
+impute no part of the errours committed in the regulation of the army to
+his majesty, but to those ministers whose duty it is to advise him, and
+whom the law condemns to answer for the consequences of their counsels.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY resumed:--My lords, if I misrepresented any assertion
+of the noble duke, it was by misapprehension, or failure of memory, and
+not by malice or design; and if in any other objections which I shall
+make, I shall fall into any errour of the same kind, I desire that it
+may be ascribed to the same cause.
+
+The ignorance and inexperience of our present officers have been exposed
+with great gaiety of imagination, and with the true spirit of satirical
+rhetorick, nor can I presume to support them against so formidable
+censures. But, my lords, I cannot discover any method of protracting the
+lives of our old officers beyond the usual term, nor of supplying the
+loss of those whom death takes away from the army, but by substituting
+others, who, as they have seen no wars, can have little experience.
+
+With regard to the number of officers in the foreign troops, I have been
+informed, that they were, by an express stipulation, to be constituted
+in the same manner with the British and Dutch forces.
+
+Then the duke of ARGYLE again interrupted him:--My lords, as it was my
+province in the late war to superintend the payment of the foreign
+troops, I may be allowed to have some knowledge of the establishment,
+and hope I shall not be imagined to need any information on that
+subject.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY said:--My lords, I do not presume to dispute any
+assertion of the noble duke, for whose knowledge I have the highest
+veneration, but only to offer such hints for inquiry as may be pursued
+by other lords of greater abilities, and to show, that as some
+difficulties may be raised, the resolution ought not to be agreed to
+without farther deliberation; since it not only tends to prescribe the
+measures which shall be hereafter taken, and prohibit a method of
+raising forces, which, when diligently examined, may, perhaps, appear
+most eligible, but to censure the methods, which, when they were put in
+practice the last year, received the approbation of all the powers of
+the legislature.
+
+Lord WESTMORELAND spoke next, as follows:--My lords, I have, for my own
+satisfaction, stated the difference of the expense between the two
+methods of raising forces, and find it so great, that the method
+proposed by the noble duke ought, undoubtedly, to be preferred, even
+though it were attended with some inconvenience, from which he has shown
+it to be free.
+
+Frugality, my lords, is one of the chief virtues of an administration; a
+virtue without which no government can be long supported: the publick
+expense can never be too accurately computed, or the first tendency to
+profusion too rigorously opposed; for as in private life, so in
+political economy, the demands of necessity are easily supplied; but if
+once the calls of wantonness and caprice are complied with, no limits
+can be fixed, nor will any treasure be sufficient.
+
+Whether the burdens under which the people are now toiling were all
+imposed by necessity, I will not inquire, but I think, my lords, we may
+readily determine, that whatever is not necessary is cruel and
+oppressive, and that, therefore, since the expense of raising new
+regiments appears, at least, not to be necessary, it ought to be
+opposed; and how can it be opposed more properly or effectually than by
+the noble duke's resolution?
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke to this effect:--My lords, I do not claim any
+superiority of knowledge in any affairs that relate to the publick, but
+have less acquaintance with the military establishment than with any
+other part of the government, and can, therefore, neither oppose the
+resolution now offered to your lordships by such arguments as may
+deserve your attention, nor agree to it with that degree of conviction
+which the importance of it seems to require.
+
+That the chief argument which has been produced against raising new
+regiments, is less formidable than it has been represented, will, I
+believe, appear to your lordships, when it is considered that the
+officers are always gentlemen of the first families in the empire, who,
+therefore, cannot be supposed voluntarily to give up their relations and
+posterity to the power of any ministry, or, for the sake of their
+commissions, to betray that constitution by which their own properties
+are secured.
+
+Whether every other argument may not with equal justice be controverted,
+is not, without longer consideration, possible to be determined, and,
+therefore, it cannot be reasonably expected that we should agree to the
+resolution, which would be only to decide without examination, and to
+determine what we don't understand; for I am under no apprehension of
+being imagined to reflect unjustly on this assembly, in supposing that
+many of your lordships may be strangers to the question, which, when the
+last levies were made, was neither discussed nor proposed.
+
+I therefore move, that the previous question may be put, which may,
+perhaps, gain time sufficient for a more exact inquiry upon this
+important subject.
+
+Lord TALBOT replied to this purport:--My lords, if, in imitation of some
+noble lords, I profess my ignorance of the subject on which I am to
+speak, may it not yet be allowed me, after the example of others, to
+employ the little knowledge which I have in the defence of a resolution,
+which appears to have no other tendency than the advantage of the
+publick, and to show my zeal for the happiness of my country, though,
+perhaps, without the true knowledge of its interest?
+
+The noble lord, who spoke last, is too great a master of eloquence not
+to be heard with all the attention which pleasure naturally produces,
+and a reasoner too formidable not to raise in his hearers all the
+anxiety which is produced by the fear of being deceived by partial
+representations, and artful deductions. I am always afraid, my lords,
+lest errour should appear too much like truth in the ornaments which his
+lordship's imagination may bestow, and lest sophistry should dazzle my
+understanding whilst I imagine myself only guided by the light of
+reason.
+
+I shall, therefore, endeavour, my lords, to review his ornaments, and
+try whether they owe their influence to the force of truth, or to that
+of eloquence.
+
+His lordship has observed, that the objections which are now made to the
+method of raising new regiments, were not produced last year upon a like
+occasion. I know not, indeed, what can be inferred from this assertion;
+for, surely, it will not maintain, that an errour, once admitted, is to
+become perpetual.
+
+But, my lords, another reason may be assigned, for which the objections
+that occurred last year might not be produced. The ministry, after a
+long course of disgraceful negotiations, and artful delays, were, at
+length, compelled to a war, by the general clamours of the whole nation;
+but they acted as men unwilling to execute what they did not approve.
+They proceeded so slowly in their preparations, and were so languid in
+all their motions, that it was evident how willingly they would have
+improved every opportunity of retarding the vengeance which they were
+forced to threaten; and with what artifices they would have protracted
+any delay, which they could have imputed to those by whom they were
+opposed. It was, therefore, to the last degree, improper to embarrass
+their measures of themselves sufficiently perplexed, or to lay any
+obstacle in the way of those who would gladly be stopped.
+
+That the army is filled with gentlemen, is so far, my lords, from
+proving that there is nothing to be feared from it, that it is the only
+foundation of all our solicitude. For none but gentlemen can injure our
+liberties, and while the posts of the army are bestowed as rewards of
+senatorial slavery, gentlemen will always be found who will be corrupted
+themselves, and can corrupt a borough; who will purchase a vote in the
+house, and sell it for military preferments. By the posts of the army
+the senate may be corrupted, and by the corruption of the senate the
+army be perpetuated.
+
+Those, my lords, who are the warmest opponents of the army, apprehend
+not any danger from their swords, but from their votes. As they have
+been of late regulated without discipline or subordination, I should not
+feel such anxiety at seeing them led on by their new commanders against
+a body of honest ploughmen, united in the cause of virtue and of
+liberty; I should, with great alacrity, draw my sword against them, and
+should not doubt of seeing them in a short time heaped upon our fields.
+
+But, my lords, they are employed to ruin us by a more slow and silent
+method; they are directed to influence their relations in the senate,
+and to suborn the voters in our small towns; they are dispersed over the
+nation to instil dependence, and being enslaved themselves, willingly
+undertake the propagation of slavery.
+
+That the army is instrumental in extending the influence of the ministry
+to the senate, cannot be denied, when military preferments are held no
+longer than while he that possesses them gives a sanction, by his vote,
+to the measures of the court; when no degree of merit is sufficient to
+balance a single act of senatorial opposition, and when the nation is
+rather to be left to the defence of boys, than the minister be suspected
+of misconduct.
+
+Could either bravery or knowledge, reputation, or past services, known
+fidelity to his majesty, or the most conspicuous capacity for high
+trust, have secured any man in the enjoyment of his post, the noble duke
+who made the motion, had carried his command to his grave, nor had the
+nation now been deprived either of his arms, or of his counsels.
+
+But, as he has now offered his advice to his country, and supported his
+opinion with proofs from reason and experience, which even those who
+oppose them have confessed themselves unable to answer; as the justness
+of his reasoning, and the extent of his knowledge, have silenced those
+whose prejudices will not suffer them to own themselves convinced; let
+us not, my lords, reject what we cannot condemn, nor suffer our country
+to be defrauded of the advantage of this resolution, by that low
+senatorial craft, the previous question.
+
+Then the CHANCELLOR spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, I am far
+from suspecting that an open profession of my inability to examine the
+question before us, in its full extent, will be imputed to an
+affectation of modesty, since any knowledge of military affairs could
+not be acquired in those stations in which I have been placed, or by
+those studies, in which the greatest part of my life is known to have
+been spent.
+
+It will not be expected, my lords, that I should attempt a formal
+confutation of the noble duke's positions, or that I should be able to
+defend my own opinion against his knowledge and experience; nor would I,
+my lords, expose myself to the censure of having harangued upon war in
+the presence of Hannibal.
+
+The noble duke has explained his sentiments to your lordships with the
+utmost accuracy of method, and the most instructive perspicuity of
+language; he has enforced them with a strength of reasoning rarely to be
+found, and with an extent of knowledge peculiar to himself. Yet, my
+lords, as his arguments, however powerful in themselves, do not strike
+me with the same force with which others may be affected, who are more
+capable of receiving them, I hope that your lordships will allow me to
+mention such objections as occur to me, that in voting on this question
+I may, at least, preserve my conscience from violation, and neither
+adopt the opinion of another, however great, without examination, nor
+obstinately reject the means of conviction.
+
+Every lord who has spoken either in support of the noble duke's opinion,
+or in opposition to it, has confessed that he is very little acquainted
+with the subject of our debate; and it may not, therefore, be an
+improper or useless attempt, if I endeavour by objections, however
+injudicious, or by arguments, however inconclusive, to procure some
+illustration of a question so important, and, at the same time, so
+little understood.
+
+The objections, my lords, which I shall produce, are such as I have
+heard in conversation with those whose long acquaintance with military
+employments give them a just claim to authority in all questions which
+relate to the art of war; among whom I find no uniformity of opinion
+with regard to the most proper method of augmenting our forces. And, my
+lords, when we observe those to differ in their sentiments, whose
+education, experience, and opportunities of knowledge have been nearly
+the same, and who have all obtained a very great degree of reputation in
+their profession, what can be inferred, but that the question is in its
+own nature obscure and difficult? That it involves a multitude of
+relations, and is diffused through a great variety of circumstances?
+And that, therefore, it is prudent for every man, who can judge only
+upon the authority of others, to suspend his opinion?
+
+The chief argument, or that, at least, which impressed itself most
+strongly on my mind, against any innovation in our military
+constitution, was drawn from the success of our armies in their present
+form, with that proportion of soldiers and officers, which the present
+motion tends to abolish. Our forces, say the advocates for the present
+establishment, have afforded us a sufficient testimony of the propriety
+of their regulation, by their frequent victories over troops, whose
+discipline has been studied with the utmost vigilance, and which have
+been trained up to war with a degree of attention not disproportioned to
+the mighty design for which they were raised, the subjection of the
+world, and attainment of universal monarchy. These troops, who have been
+taught, almost from their infancy, that cowardice and flight are the
+greatest crimes, and persuaded, by national prejudices, and principles
+studiously instilled, that no foreign forces could withstand them, have
+fled before equal numbers of Britons, and been driven from one province
+to another, till, instead of grasping at general dominion, they were
+reduced to defend their wives and children.
+
+How much of this success was to be ascribed to that part of the
+regulation which this motion proposes to be changed, it is not, my
+lords, within my province to determine; the great commander whom I have
+the honour to oppose, can best explain to your lordships the province of
+every officer in the field, and how far the number of inferiour officers
+may influence the success of a battle and the fate of a kingdom.
+
+But to me, my lords, the establishment of our armies, comprising
+different views, and connecting various subordinate regulations, may be
+compared to a medicine composed of different ingredients, and found
+infallibly efficacious in a dangerous disease, in which, though some of
+the parts may seem to physicians of the profoundest learning,
+superfluous or improper, it would be no less than the folly of
+preferring experiments to life, to make any alteration.
+
+The wantonness of innovation, my lords, is a dangerous disease of the
+mind; in a private station, it prompts men to be always discontented
+with what they find, and to lose the enjoyment of good in search of
+something better; it incites them to leave the safe and beaten tracks of
+life, in search of those which they imagine nearer, but, which are, at
+best, less secure, and which generally lead them to points far different
+from that to which they originally intended to direct their course.
+
+It is dangerous, my lords, to admit any alteration which is not
+absolutely necessary, for one innovation makes way for another. The
+parts of a constitution, like a complicated machine, are fitted to each
+other, nor can one be changed without changing that which corresponds to
+it. This necessity is not always foreseen, but when discovered by
+experience is generally complied with; for every man is more inclined to
+hazard farther changes, than to confess himself mistaken by retracting
+his scheme. Thus, my lords, one change introduces another, till the
+original constitution is entirely destroyed.
+
+By the ambition of innovation, my lords, have almost all those empires
+been destroyed, of which nothing now is left but the memory. Every human
+establishment has its advantages and its inconveniencies, and by weak
+attempts to remedy these defects, which, notwithstanding the utmost
+attention, will embarrass the machine of government, alterations have
+been introduced which have been quickly followed by a total dissolution.
+
+There seem, my lords, to be few regulations on which it is more
+dangerous to make experiments than on that of the armies of a nation. We
+are sufficiently convinced how much of success is the consequence of
+courage, and that courage is only an opinion of our own superiority,
+arising from certain circumstances, either imaginary or real.
+
+The courage which at present animates our forces, arises, my lords, from
+a very proper ground, their former victories over the enemies which they
+are now to combat, and will, therefore, doubtless, continue while they
+can consider themselves as enjoying the same advantage with those
+particular men by whom the victories were obtained. But, my lords, if
+any essential part of their establishment be changed, they will be
+considered, both by themselves and their enemies, as a different army;
+they will then charge with less alacrity, and be opposed with less
+dejection; they will consider themselves as fighting without that
+certainty of success which arises from experience, and their enemies
+will resolve to try, by an obstinate resistance, whether they are now
+equally formidable as in their former state.
+
+Thus, my lords, I have attempted, however weakly, to represent the
+arguments which I have heard for the continuance of the establishment,
+of which your lordships will examine the validity, and shall now proceed
+to consider the noble duke's system of a military subordination in time
+of peace.
+
+Whether a standing army in time of peace is made necessary to the change
+of conduct in foreign courts, it is now useless to inquire; but it will
+be easily granted by your lordships, that no motive but necessity,
+necessity absolute and inevitable, ought to influence us to support a
+standing body of regular forces, which have always been accounted
+dangerous, and generally found destructive to a free people.
+
+The chief reason, my lords, of the danger arising from a standing army,
+may be ascribed to the circumstances by which men, subject to military
+laws, are distinguished from other members of the same community; they
+are, by the nature of martial government, exposed to punishment which
+other men never incur, and tried by forms of a different and more
+rigorous kind than those which are practised by the civil power. They
+are, if not exempted from the jurisdiction of a magistrate, yet subject
+to another authority which they see more frequently and more severely
+exerted, and which, therefore, they fear and reverence in a higher
+degree. They, by entering into the army, lay aside, for the most part,
+all prospect of advantage from commerce or civil employments, and, in a
+few years, neither fear nor hope any thing but from the favour or
+displeasure of their own officers.
+
+For these, my lords, or for other reasons, the soldiers have always been
+inclined to consider themselves as a body distinct from the rest of the
+community, and independent on it, a government regulated by their own
+laws, without regard to the general constitution of their country; they
+have, therefore, been ready to subvert the constitution, from which they
+received little advantage, and to oppress the civil magistrates, for
+whom they had lost their reverence.
+
+And how soon, my lords, might such outrages be expected from an army
+formed after the model of the noble duke, released from the common
+obligations of society, disunited from the bulk of the nation, directed
+solely by their own officers, and ultimately commanded by a man who had
+the right of commanding no other? Would they not soon consider
+themselves as a separate community, whose interests were, no less than
+their laws, peculiar to themselves? Would they not consider him, from
+whom they received all their rewards, and all their punishments, as the
+proper object of their supreme regard, and endeavour to exalt him to the
+same dominion over others, which he enjoyed in regard to themselves,
+that they might share in his superiority?
+
+A body of men, my lords, thus separated from the rest of the people,
+must consider themselves as either ennobled or degraded by such
+distinction, and would soon find themselves inclined to use the power of
+their arms, either in the exertion of their privileges, or the revenge
+of their disgrace. Then, my lords, would they set at defiance the laws
+of the nation, nor would one of these noble lords be able to disband,
+nor the other to resist them.
+
+The army, my lords, is, in time of peace, then best regulated when it is
+kept under the strictest subordination to the civil power, that power
+which it is instituted to protect and to preserve.
+
+Thus, my lords, have I examined the proposal and reasons of the noble
+duke, perhaps not much to the information of your lordships; but it
+cannot be expected that any capacity should be able, in an unexpected
+and sudden debate, to dispute on a subject, which the noble duke's
+education gave him particular opportunities of understanding far beyond
+almost every other man, and which he has had time to consider with
+respect to this present motion.
+
+For this reason, my lords, I cannot but think the previous question
+highly expedient, but not for this reason alone; for as the state of the
+army, and the proper methods of augmenting it, are soon to be examined
+by the other house, to prejudice their determinations, may raise a
+contest about privileges, and oblige us either to persist, for our own
+honour, in opposition to measures necessary to the security of the
+publick, or, in compliance with the present exigence, accept their
+scheme, however opposite to our own resolution.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke in substance as follows:--My lords, the known
+abilities of that noble lord incline me always to hear him with uncommon
+expectation and attention, which seldom fail to be rewarded by such
+pleasure and information as few other men are able to afford. But his
+observations on the question before us, my lords, have only convinced
+me, that the greatest abilities may be sometimes betrayed into errour,
+and the most candid disposition be vitiated by accidental prejudices.
+For his own arguments neither appear just, nor his representation
+impartial, of those advanced in favour of the motion.
+
+With regard to the number of officers necessary in time of war, his
+lordship asserted nothing from his own knowledge, nor do I believe that
+any other lord will imagine himself qualified to dispute with the noble
+duke upon questions purely military. His experience entitles him to the
+highest authority, in debates of this kind; and if every man has a claim
+to credit in his own profession, surely, he who has given evidence of
+his proficiency in the art of war in the eyes of the whole world, will
+not be denied, in this house, that superiority which would readily be
+allowed him in any other part of the universe.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can it be suspected, that he intends to deceive
+us, than that he can be deceived himself; for not only his probity, his
+love of his country, and his fidelity to the crown, concur to secure him
+from any temptations to make an ill use of his credit, but his own
+interest obliges him to offer that scheme for the regulation of our
+forces, which, in his own opinion, will most certainly contribute to
+their success. For it is not to be doubted, my lords, that when we shall
+be engaged in war too far for negotiations and conventions, when we
+shall be surrounded by enemies, and terrified at the near approach of
+danger, he will be called upon to lead our armies to battle, and attack,
+once more, those enemies that have fled so often before him.
+
+Then, my lords, if he has contributed to form a weak plan of our
+military constitution, must he atone for it with the loss of his
+reputation; that reputation, for which he has undergone so many
+fatigues, and been exposed to so many dangers.
+
+But, my lords, it is ridiculous to suspect where nothing appears to
+provoke suspicion, and I am very far from imagining that the dangers of
+innovation, however artfully magnified, or the apprehensions of the
+soldiers, however rhetorically represented, will be thought of any
+weight.
+
+The establishment of the army, my lords, is an innovation, and, as the
+noble lord has justly represented it, an innovation that threatens
+nothing less than the destruction of our liberties, and the dissolution
+of our government. Our vigilance ought, therefore, to be very anxiously
+employed in regulating this new part of our government, and adapting it,
+in such a manner, to the national constitution, that no detriment may
+arise from it, and that our civil rights may be protected, not
+oppressed, by the military power.
+
+To this purpose, says the noble lord, the soldiers are to be restrained
+by a due subordination to the magistrate, a position undoubtedly true,
+but now superfluously urged: for it was never controverted by the noble
+person whose opinion he intended to oppose.
+
+Should any man assert, my lords, that the army ought to be formed into a
+distinct and independent society, which should receive laws only from a
+council of war, and have no other governour than their officers, none
+should oppose such an assertion with more ardour or constancy than
+myself, but what was never advanced it is unnecessary to confute.
+
+Yet, my lords, to obviate those dangers from the army which have been so
+strongly and justly represented, it is necessary, not only that a legal
+subordination to the civil authority be firmly established, but that a
+personal dependence on the ministry be taken away.
+
+How readily men learn to reverence and obey those on whom their fortunes
+depend, has been already shown by the noble lord, and therefore it will
+follow, that a minister who distributes preferments at his pleasure, may
+acquire such an influence in the army, as may be employed to secure
+himself from justice by the destruction of liberty. And unless it can be
+proved, that no such minister can ever exist; that corruption, ambition,
+and perfidy, have place only in the military race; every argument that
+shows the danger of an army, dependent only on the general, will show
+the danger, likewise, of one dependent only on the minister.
+
+The influence of the minister, my lords, is known to arise from the
+number of the officers, and to be proportioned to the value of the
+preferment, which it is in his power to bestow; it is, therefore,
+evident, by adding new officers to our army, we shall throw weight into
+the scale, which already is, at least, an equal balance to our
+constitution, and enable the ministry either to employ an army in
+defence of their measures, or to obtain such an influence in the senate,
+as shall make any other security superfluous.
+
+Such, my lords, is the danger of a multitude of officers, a danger which
+surely deserves more attention than the imaginary prejudice of the
+soldiers in favour of the present establishment; a prejudice represented
+so powerful, both in our own forces, and those of our enemies, that the
+future success of our arms may probably depend upon it.
+
+Surely, my lords, that cause may be allowed indefensible, which such a
+patron defends so weakly. What can be more chimerical than to imagine
+that men would lay down their arms, and forsake their standards, because
+there are twenty more in a company than have formerly been? That such a
+panick, from such a cause, was never found, I need not prove; and I
+scarce think it necessary to assert, that, without supposing a universal
+depravity of reason, it never can be found.
+
+The establishment proposed by the noble duke, is the same with that of
+most foreign troops, and particularly with that of his majesty's forces
+in his foreign dominions, and, therefore, cannot but be approved by him,
+if it should be proposed by your lordships. For why should he imagine a
+greater number of officers necessary to the troops of Britain, than to
+those of any other nation.
+
+The expediency of the motion, my lords, is, in my opinion, so obvious
+and incontestable, as to require no farther consideration, and,
+therefore, it is no argument against it, that we were not previously
+informed of the question.
+
+Much less, my lords, can I discover the force of the assertion, that by
+such a resolution we shall excite the displeasure of the other house; we
+have, my lords, at least, an equal right with them to examine any
+position relating to the publick security, a right which we may exert
+with less danger of disgusting them, while they have yet formed no
+determination, and with less danger to the nation, than when their
+opinion, whatever it may be, cannot be controverted without retarding
+the important bill against mutiny.
+
+We are never offended, my lords, at receiving the opinions of the other
+house, which we often adopt without any alteration, and often make use
+of for our own instruction, and now are become so contemptible as that
+no regard should be paid by them to our resolutions.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that this assembly is an essential and
+constituent part of the legislature of this kingdom, and that we
+received from our ancestors a great extent of power, which it ought to
+be our care not to suffer to be contracted by degrees, till this
+assembly shall become merely formal, and sit only to ratify implicitly
+the determinations of the other house.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in the debate, and the president having put
+the previous question, "Whether the question should be then put?" upon a
+division, it passed in the negative. Content, 42. Not content, 59.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+
+RESPECTING OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY.
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day moved for an humble address to his majesty, that,
+for the future ease of his majesty's subjects, all officers now
+subsisting upon half-pay, etc. might be employed in the army, and
+supported it to the following effect:
+
+Sir, though I have often known motions opposed without any just
+objections, or at least without any proof of such inconveniencies likely
+to arise from them, as were equivalent to the advantages which they
+would have produced, yet I cannot but confess, that any opposition to
+this will be unexpected and surprising; for it is, in my opinion,
+supported by every law of justice and humanity. If we regard the publick
+in general, it cannot but produce some alleviation of the national
+expense; and if we consider the particular persons to whom it
+immediately relates, they have certainly a just claim to that regard
+which it is the tendency of this motion to procure them.
+
+To burden with superfluous officers, and unnecessary expenses, a people
+already overwhelmed with taxes, and overrun with the dependents on the
+crown, is, surely, to the highest degree cruel and absurd. And to
+condemn those men to contempt and penury, who have served their country
+with bravery and fidelity, to prefer unexperienced striplings to those
+commissions, which would gladly be accepted by men who have already
+tried their courage in the battle, and borne the fatigues of marches,
+and the change of climates, is surely not only to oppress the deserving,
+and scatter promotion without just distinction; but, what is yet more
+enormous, it is to wanton with the publick safety, and expose us to our
+enemies.
+
+Nor does it appear to me sufficient, that the veteran officers be
+restored to the commissions which they formerly enjoyed; they ought,
+upon an augmentation of our troops, to be recompensed by some
+advancement for their services and their sufferings; the ensign ought to
+become a lieutenant, and the lieutenant be exalted to a captain;
+stations which they will surely fill with more dignity and greater
+abilities, than boys newly discharged from school, and intrusted with
+unexpected authority.
+
+If it be reasonable, sir, that expense should be spared in a time of
+general poverty, if it be politick to carry on war in the manner most
+likely to produce success, if it be just, that those who have served
+their country should be preferred to those who have no merit to boast,
+this motion cannot be rejected.
+
+Sir William YONGE answered to this purpose:--Sir, to the motion now
+made, it will not, I believe, be objected, that it is unreasonable, or
+unjust, but that it is unnecessary, and that it is not drawn up with
+sufficient consideration.
+
+It is unnecessary, because his majesty is advised by it to no other
+measures than those which he has already determined to pursue; for he
+has declared to me, sir, his intention of conferring the new commissions
+upon the officers who receive half-pay, before any other officers shall
+be promoted.
+
+The motion appears to me not to be very attentively considered, or drawn
+up with great propriety of expression; for it supposes all the half-pay
+officers fit for the service, which cannot be imagined by any man, who
+considers that there has been peace for almost thirty years; a space of
+time, in which many vigorous constitutions must have declined, and many,
+who were once well qualified for command, must be disabled by the
+infirmities of age. Nor is the promotion of one of these gentlemen
+considered always by him as an act of favour; many of them have, in this
+long interval of peace, engaged in methods of life very little
+consistent with military employments, many of them have families which
+demand their care, and which they would not forsake for any advantages
+which a new commission could afford them, and therefore it would not be
+very consistent with humanity to force them into new dangers and
+fatigues which they are now unable to support.
+
+With regard to these men, compassion and kindness seem to require that
+they should be suffered to spend their few remaining days without
+interruption, and that the dangers and toils of their youth should be
+requited in their age with ease and retirement.
+
+There are others who have less claim to the regard of the publick, and
+who may be passed by in the distribution of new preferments without the
+imputation of neglecting merit. These are they who have voluntarily
+resigned their commissions for the sake of half-pay, and have preferred
+indolence and retreat to the service of their country.
+
+So that it appears, that of those who subsist upon half-pay, some are
+unable to execute a commission, some do not desire, and some do not
+deserve it; and with regard to the remaining part, which can be no great
+number, I have already stated the intention of his majesty, and
+therefore cannot but conclude that the motion is needless.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke as follows:--Sir, I know not by what fatality it is,
+that all the motions made by one party are reasonable and necessary, and
+all that are unhappily offered by the other, are discovered either to be
+needless, or of pernicious tendency. Whenever a question can be clouded
+and perplexed, the opponents of the ministry are always mistaken,
+confuted, and, in consequence of the confutations, defeated by the
+majority of votes. When truth is too notorious to be denied, and too
+obvious to be contested, the administration claim the honour of the
+first discovery, and will never own that they were incited to their duty
+by the remonstrances of their opponents, though they never, before those
+remonstrances, had discovered the least intention of performing it.
+
+But that the motion is allowed to be just and proper, is sufficient; the
+importance of it will be easily discovered. For my part I shall always
+consider that motion as important, which tends to contract the expenses
+of the publick, to rescue merit from neglect, and to hinder the increase
+of the dependents on the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE answered:--Sir, there is no temper more opposite to
+that incessant attention to the welfare of the publick, which is the
+perpetual boast of those who have signalized themselves by opposing the
+measures of the administration, than a lust of contradiction, and a
+disposition to disturb this assembly with superfluous debates.
+
+Whether this disposition is not discovered in the reply made to the
+declaration of his majesty's intentions, and the confession of the
+propriety of the motion, let the house determine. It must surely be
+confessed, that it is not necessary to advise what is already
+determined.
+
+Nor is it less evident, that many of the officers whose interest is now
+so warmly solicited, must be incapacitated by their age for service, and
+unable to receive any benefit from the offer of new commissions. To deny
+this, is to question the flux of time, or to imagine that the
+constitution of a soldier is exempt from its injuries.
+
+Mr. SANDYS explained himself to this effect:--Sir, I am far from
+intending by this motion to fill the army with decrepit officers, or to
+obstruct in any manner the service of the publick; nor have I any other
+intention, than to secure to those whose years permit, and whose
+inclinations incite them to enter once more into the army, that
+preferment to which they have a claim, not only from their past
+services, but from the state of penury and obscurity in which they have
+languished.
+
+I desire to preserve those, whose valour has heretofore made our nation
+the terrour of the world, from the mortification of seeing themselves
+insulted by childhood, and commanded by ignorance; by ignorance exalted
+to authority by the countenance of some rhetorician of the senate, or
+some mayor of a borough.
+
+Whoever has observed the late distribution of military honours, will
+easily discover that they have been attained by qualifications very
+different from bravery, or knowledge of the art of war; he will find
+that regiments and companies are the rewards of a seasonable vote, and
+that no man can preserve his post in the army, whether given him as the
+reward of acknowledged merit, or sold him for the full value, any longer
+than he employs all his influence in favour of the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then said:--Sir, it has been already admitted, that
+the motion can only be objected to as superfluous, and, therefore, all
+farther debate is mere waste of time, without any prospect of advantage;
+nor is any thing now necessary, but to review the motion, and correct
+such expressions as may be thought inaccurate or improper.
+
+That _all_ the half-pay officers are not able to enter into the service,
+has been already shown, and, therefore, I should imagine, that, instead
+of _all the officers_, we might very justly substitute _officers
+properly qualified_.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, though I cannot discover the necessity
+of any alteration, since it cannot be conceived that the senate can
+advise impossibilities, yet since so much accuracy is affected, it may
+be allowed that the word _all_ shall be left out, as seeming to imply
+more than can be intended.
+
+But the honourable gentleman is not, in my opinion, so happy in his
+amendment, as in his objection; for the words _properly qualified_
+convey to me no distinct idea. He that is qualified is, I suppose,
+_properly qualified_, for I never heard of _improper qualifications_;
+but if the word _properly_ be omitted, I have no objection to the
+amendment.
+
+This motion was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON AN ADDRESS FOR PAPERS RELATING TO ADMIRAL HADDOCK.]
+
+
+Mr. WALLER this day offered the following motion in writing, That an
+humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be graciously
+pleased to give directions that there may be laid before this house
+copies of two particular letters written by his majesty's secretary of
+state to admiral Haddock, which had been addressed for before, and of
+the letters received from admiral Ogle mentioned therein; together with
+all letters written by admiral Haddock to either of his majesty's
+secretaries of state, concerning the said letters, and the execution of
+the orders contained therein.
+
+This motion he supported by arguments to the following effect:--Sir, no
+man who considers the present situation of our foreign affairs, the
+expense and inefficacy of our military preparations, the appearance of
+negligence in our naval expeditions, and the general disappointment of
+the hopes which the nation had conceived of victories, vengeance, and
+reparations, can, in my opinion, doubt the expediency of the motion
+which I have taken the liberty to make.
+
+When the expectations of the nation are deceived, it certainly becomes
+those who are deputed to watch over the prosperity of the publick, to
+inquire whence the disappointment proceeds, and either to inform their
+constituents that their uneasiness arises from their own errour, and
+that their hopes are destroyed because they had no rational foundation;
+or to detect the weak management of those by whom the publick measures
+have been ill-conducted, or the national treasure has been misapplied.
+
+With regard, sir, to the present war, I know not how the nation can be
+charged with having formed unreasonable expectations. If they considered
+the speech from the throne, the most authentick declaration of the
+intentions of the government, they found there the warmest resentments
+of the injuries which they had sustained, and the strongest assurances
+of a vigorous prosecution of all those measures which might produce
+speedy recompense, and inviolable security.
+
+If they reflect, sir, on the preparations for war, on the multitude of
+ships, the demand of materials for naval equipments, and the high prices
+at which workmen were retained, they could not but imagine that either
+some mighty attempt was designed, or some formidable enemy dreaded, and
+as they know not whom they had to fear, they ascribed the vigour of our
+proceedings to a resolution of humbling our enemies by one fatal blow,
+and re-establishing our naval dominion by a single effort.
+
+And justly, sir, might they indulge this pleasing imagination; with
+reason might they anticipate a triumph over an enemy whose strength
+bears no proportion to the force that was fitted out against them, and
+expect that in a few months they should see the ambassadors of Spain
+supplicating for peace.
+
+To raise their expectations yet higher, their trade was suspended by an
+embargo, long continued, and in the strictest manner enforced, and the
+impresses were let loose upon the sailors; they saw nothing omitted,
+however grievous to the nation, that could contribute to make it
+formidable, and bore part of the miseries of war without impatience, in
+hopes of being rewarded by military glory, and repaid by the plunder of
+Spain.
+
+But, sir, when so long a time has elapsed, and no account is brought of
+either a victory or a battle, when they hear nothing but that our fleets
+have visited several neutral ports, and those of the enemy sailed
+unmolested from coast to coast, and when they are every day told of the
+losses of our merchants, are insulted in our own channel by the Spanish
+privateers, and receive no relations of our success upon the shores of
+our enemies, can it be wondered that they suspect the reality of our
+designs, or inquire whence it proceeds that their money has been wasted,
+their trade interrupted, and the liberty of their fellow-subjects
+invaded to no purpose?
+
+But how much more justly, sir, are they inflamed when they hear of the
+lucky stratagems, or daring enterprises of those enemies, which a just
+sense of their own superiority, had induced them to consider as
+vanquished before the battle, and of whom they had no apprehensions but
+that their cowardice would always secure them from vengeance? How
+justly may they murmur when they read, that our fleets leave every part
+of the enemy's coast where their presence is necessary, and have
+afforded the Spaniards an opportunity of changing one port for another,
+as it is most convenient, and at length of joining the French squadrons,
+and sailing to the defence of their American dominions?
+
+May they not justly, sir, require of their representatives some reason
+for such inexplicable conduct? May they not reasonably demand an account
+of the arguments which procured their approbation of measures, which, so
+far as they can be examined by those who have no opportunity of perusing
+the necessary papers, appear either cowardly or treacherous?
+
+And what answer, sir, can we return to such remonstrances, unless this
+motion be agreed to? How can we appease the discontents of our
+constituents, or discharge the trust reposed in us, without a very
+minute and attentive inquiry into questions thus obscure and thus
+important?
+
+Are we to tell our constituents, that we absolutely rely upon the
+prudence and fidelity of the ministry and admirals, and recommend to
+them the same implicit dependence? Are we to confess that we have now
+for two sessions voted in the dark, and approved what we were not
+suffered to examine and understand?
+
+Such answers, sir, to questions so reasonable, will not contribute to
+increase the veneration of the people either for ourselves, or our
+constitution; and yet this answer, and this only, they can receive from
+us, if the papers mentioned in the motion I have made are denied.
+
+Mr. CLUTTERBUCK replied in the following manner:--Sir, this motion,
+though so warmly urged, and so artfully supported, I can consider only
+as a repetition of a former motion which was approved by the assembly,
+so far as it could properly be complied with, nor was any paper then
+concealed which it would not have been an injury to the nation to have
+divulged.
+
+If the design of this motion be to promote the success of the present
+war, and the zeal with which it has been pressed, be incited only by the
+ardour of true patriotism, I doubt not but it will easily be withdrawn
+by those who are now most inclined to support it, when they shall
+reflect that it tends to the discovery of our schemes, and to the
+overthrow of our designs, that it will expose all our consultations to
+our enemies, and instruct them how to annoy us with most success, and
+how to shelter themselves from our intended attacks.
+
+It is the first care, sir, of every administration, that their military
+designs should only be discovered by the execution of them, and that
+their enemies, by being obliged to guard all parts, should be weak in
+all. If, by laying our papers before this house, the Spaniards should
+come to be informed against what part of their dominions our expeditions
+are designed, will they not increase their strength, improve their
+fortifications, and double their vigilance? And if we are thus obliged
+to form new schemes, must we not impute the defeat of the former to our
+own imprudent zeal, or unseasonable curiosity?
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to this effect:--Sir, that we should demand the schemes
+laid for the future conduct of the war with Spain was never proposed,
+nor, as it may reasonably be concluded, ever imagined; for what is
+mentioned in the motion but the papers relating to the transactions of
+the two last years.
+
+That it should be necessary to remind gentlemen of the difference
+between the _future_ and the _past_, would hardly be suspected by any
+man not accustomed to senatorial controversies and artifices of state;
+and yet in the argument which has been offered against the motion,
+nothing has been asserted but that the orders relating to past
+transactions are not to be laid before us, lest the enemy should thereby
+gain intelligence of what we now design against them.
+
+The necessity of secrecy in war needs not be urged, because it will not
+be denied; but when designs have been laid, and miscarried, the reasons
+of that miscarriage may surely be inquired, without danger of betraying
+the councils of our country.
+
+If the negligence of our councils, and the misconduct of our commanders,
+has been such, that no designs have been premeditated; if a war has been
+carried on by chance, and nothing has succeeded, because nothing has
+been attempted; if our commanders have not done ill, and have only done
+nothing; if they have avoided loss by avoiding danger; we may surely
+inquire to whom such proceedings are to be imputed, whether the defeat
+of our designs is to be charged upon the strength of our enemy, or the
+cowardice of our officers; or whether the inactivity and apparent
+neutrality of our forces is occasioned by the negligence of our
+admirals, or the irresolution of our own ministry.
+
+There have been, sir, many incidents in these two last years, of which
+the examination can be of very little advantage to the Spaniards. I do
+not know what pernicious intelligence they can glean from an inquiry
+into the reasons for which Haddock's fleet was divided, and Ogle sent to
+the defence of Minorca, or for which he afterwards returned.
+
+Nor can I conceive that any advantage, except that of merriment and
+diversion, can be thrown into the hands of our enemies, though we should
+seriously inquire into what no man has yet pretended to understand, the
+wonderful escape of the Spanish squadron. A transaction on which we had
+dwelt long enough with that admiration which ignorance produces, and on
+which it may not be improper at length to enable us to reason.
+
+This is an affair, perhaps, much better understood by our enemies than
+by ourselves, and surely we cannot, therefore, be afraid of informing
+them of it; at least since the fleet has long since sailed out, and left
+their coast, we can hardly be restrained in our inquiries by the fear of
+discovering our _future_ designs.
+
+If, therefore, it be the incontestable right of the senate to examine
+the conduct of publick affairs, which I suppose will scarcely be denied,
+this motion cannot be rejected as unseasonable, nor can the papers be
+refused, without increasing those suspicions which are already too
+prevalent throughout the nation.
+
+Nor, indeed, for our own sakes, ought we to delay this inquiry any
+longer, lest by having long acted without being accountable, the
+minister should form a prescription against our privilege, and, in time,
+tell us in plain terms that we are his slaves, and that we are not to
+presume to carry our examinations, however solemn and important they may
+continue to appear, farther than he shall be pleased to permit; and
+that, whatever may be the opinion of the people that deputes us, or,
+whatever ancient claims we may plead to authority, we are now to
+consider ourselves only as the oppressors of the nation, and the
+panegyrists of the court.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE next rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, it cannot be
+denied to be reasonable that all those papers should be laid before the
+senate, which can be communicated without injury to the publick. Of this
+number we may justly imagine the orders sent to the admirals, in which
+the time of their departure is fixed, and many others which may be of
+use to inform the house, but cannot enable the enemy to judge either of
+our force or our designs.
+
+But it is evident, that there must be others included in this motion,
+which our regard for the success of the war, and the prosperity of our
+country, ought to determine us to conceal, and such as are never exposed
+by any administration; it is, therefore, proper to limit the address to
+papers of a certain kind, or a certain date, which may be considered by
+the house without benefit to our enemies, and for the examination of
+which a day or two will be more than sufficient.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I know not what
+number of papers the wisdom of the administration will allow us, but, if
+we judge by the time proposed to be spent in examination, we shall not
+be distracted with a great diversity of subjects; intelligence will be
+very penuriously dealt out, and if we submit to their choice of the
+writings which shall be laid before us, our inquiry will probably end
+without any discoveries made either by our enemies or ourselves.
+
+But I hope, sir, we shall not be so cheaply satisfied, nor exposed by
+the fear of one enemy, to the insolence of another. I hope we shall
+resolutely continue our demands of information, while a single line is
+concealed, from which any light can be expected.
+
+There may, indeed, be circumstances in which our demands, however loud,
+will necessarily be vain. It is not impossible that we may suspect those
+transactions of deep art, and secret contrivance, which have been the
+consequences of mere indolence, and want of consideration. Our great
+ministers have been, perhaps, only doing nothing, while we have imagined
+that they were working out of sight.
+
+Misled, sir, by this notion, we may call for the orders that have been
+despatched in these two last years, when, perhaps, our secretaries of
+state have been fattening on their salaries without employment, and have
+slept without care, and without curiosity, while we have been
+congratulating ourselves upon their vigilance for our preservation.
+
+Or if orders have been given, it is to be considered, that the end of
+inspecting orders is to compare them with the conduct of the admirals to
+whom they were directed: from this comparison, I doubt not but many
+gentlemen expect uncommon discoveries; but to check all unreasonable
+hopes before they have taken possession of their hearts, for
+unreasonable hopes are the parent of disappointment, I think it proper
+to remind them, that to draw any conclusions from the orders, it is
+necessary to understand them.
+
+This consideration alone is sufficient to redress the ardour of inquiry,
+for every man that has had opportunities of knowing the wonderful
+accomplishments of our ministry, the depth of their designs, the
+subtilty of their stratagems, and the closeness of their reasoning, will
+easily conceive it probable that they might send such orders as none but
+themselves could understand; and what then will be the consequence of
+our idle curiosity, but that we be led into a labyrinth of endless
+conjectures? For we have long ago found that no explanations are to be
+expected, and that our ministry are too wise to discover their secrets
+to their enemies.
+
+Let us, therefore, examine the naked facts which have fallen within our
+observation, and endeavour to inform ourselves of the meaning of these
+secret orders by the execution of them.
+
+Admiral Ogle was despatched from Haddock's fleet to protect Minorca,
+and, in his absence, the Spanish squadron sailed away. Perhaps he was
+ordered to watch Ferrol and Minorca at the same time, and not
+understanding how that was to be done, neglected one part of his charge,
+by an attention to the other: as a watchman who should be employed to
+guard at once the bank in London, and the treasury in Westminster.
+
+Admiral NORRIS, sir, sailed lately forth, I suppose, in pursuance of
+orders, with a very formidable fleet, and after having lost sight for
+some days of the British coast, sailed back again with great
+precipitation. Whether his orders were only to sail forth, or whether,
+when he examined them farther, he could not understand them, I pretend
+not to determine; but it may reasonably be imagined that his orders were
+of the same kind with those of our other admirals, because they produced
+the same consequences.
+
+I have been told, that formerly our commanders were ordered to _burn_,
+_sink_, and _destroy_; and that in those times it was not uncommon for a
+British admiral to do much mischief with a strong fleet; but it is
+evident that the style is since changed, for our admirals are now very
+inoffensive, and go out only to come back. I, therefore, think the
+motion highly necessary, and such as ought to be complied with.
+
+Admiral NORRIS here rose up, and spoke thus:--Sir, I am not conscious
+that my conduct in any part of my life has exposed me to be justly
+treated with contempt and ridicule, and what I have not deserved I will
+not bear.
+
+If any gentleman in this house can accuse me of having neglected my
+duty, or deserted it, let him not spare insults or invectives, let him
+now expose my cowardice or my carelessness, let him prove me unworthy of
+trust or of command.
+
+But my own conscience acquits me, and I defy any man to produce and
+support his accusation; nor can you, sir, [Footnote: Addressing himself
+to Mr. PULTENEY.] who have thus contemptuously treated me, allege any
+thing against me that may justify your neglect of decency: that you have
+transgressed the rules of decency is the softest censure that your
+behaviour admits, and I think it may with equal propriety be asserted,
+that you have broken the laws of justice.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY replied in this manner:--Sir, I shall submit to you and all
+who hear me, whether I have treated the honourable gentleman's name with
+any contemptuous freedom of speech. The usual method of mentioning an
+expedition is that of naming the commander, who is not thereby
+necessarily included in the censure of an unsuccessful attempt, and I am
+very far from calling his courage and capacity into question.
+
+Not that I shall ever think it necessary to make an apology for
+expressing my sentiments with freedom as a member of this house, in
+which I shall always speak what I think, and in what manner it shall
+appear to me most proper, nor shall I fear to repeat without doors what
+I say here.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose up, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, as I
+am not acquainted with any measures pursued by the administration, which
+it is their particular interest to conceal, I am desirous that all
+papers should be laid before the house which will not afford our enemies
+any opportunity of obviating our designs.
+
+What necessity there is for this address I cannot, indeed, discover,
+because I know not any foundation for suspicion of either negligence or
+treachery, which have been both insinuated in this debate.
+
+Nor are the ministry, however ludicrously their abilities have been
+treated, afraid of discovering their ignorance, by laying before the
+house the orders which they have given to our admirals; orders of which
+they are far from doubting that they will appear, upon a candid
+examination, rational and proper.
+
+The chief objection to this motion arises from its unreasonableness, and
+the necessity which it will produce of assigning to a fruitless inquiry
+those hours that may be more usefully employed.
+
+Mr. PITT replied in terms to the effect following:--Sir, it is my
+opinion, that our time cannot be more usefully employed during a war,
+than in examining how it has been conducted, and settling the degree of
+confidence that may be reposed in those to whose care are intrusted our
+reputations, our fortunes, and our lives.
+
+There is not any inquiry, sir, of more importance than this; it is not a
+question about an uncertain privilege, or a law, which, if found
+inconvenient, may hereafter be repealed; we are now to examine whether
+it is probable that we shall preserve our commerce and our independence,
+or whether we are sinking into subjection to a foreign power.
+
+But this inquiry, sir, will produce no great information, if those,
+whose conduct is examined, are allowed to select the evidence. For what
+accounts will they exhibit but such as have often already been laid
+before us, and such as they now offer without concern: accounts obscure
+and fallacious, imperfect and confused, from which nothing can be
+learned, and which can never entitle the minister to praise, though they
+may screen him from punishment.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke as follows:--Sir, I am confident that no man engaged in
+the administration desires to be _screened_ from the most rigorous
+inquiry, or would defer to exhibit the papers a moment for any other
+reason than his regard for the publick.
+
+I am confident, that nothing could so much contribute to advance the
+particular and distinct interest of the ministry as the publication of
+all the writings that relate to the present war, by which it would
+incontestably appear that nothing has been omitted that could promote
+our success, that our commanders have been sent out with orders to act
+with the utmost vigour, and that our preparations have been not
+disproportioned to the importance of our design.
+
+It will appear that no former ministry have given greater proofs of
+their zeal for the publick interest, or have more steadily pursued the
+most proper measures by which it might be advanced.
+
+I am not, indeed, certain that those who now call so loudly for
+information would be prevailed on by any degree of evidence to suspend
+their censures. Them, who are now dissatisfied, I shall despair of
+influencing by reason or testimony; for they seem to inquire only to
+condemn; nor is this motion, perhaps, made so much for the sake of
+obtaining information, as of harassing the ministry with delays, and
+suspending affairs of greater importance.
+
+This motion was agreed to, and upon another motion made by Mr. SANDYS,
+it was resolved,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons sent by admiral Cavendish, in pursuance
+of an order from the commissioners of the admiralty, which had retarded
+the sailing of admiral Ogle's squadron, so much beyond expectation."
+
+Likewise,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons transmitted by admiral Ogle, that did
+prevent him from sailing, pursuant to his repeated orders for that
+purpose, and particularly to those sent him by the commissioners of the
+admiralty."
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE REGARDING THE DEPARTURE OF THE FRENCH AND SPANISH SQUADRONS.]
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day presented a motion in writing, for petitioning his
+majesty to inform them when the regency received intelligence that the
+French and Spanish squadrons sailed, which was seconded, as follows, by
+Mr. WALLER:--
+
+Sir, the information now moved for, appears to me so necessary in their
+deliberations on the conduct of the war, that without it we can only
+conjecture in the dark, and entangle ourselves in an inextricable
+labyrinth.
+
+It is well known, that in war all motions are, in a great degree, to be
+regulated by those of the enemy, and that, therefore, no vigilance is to
+be spared by which any knowledge can be gained of their designs, nor any
+methods omitted of communicating them to those who have the direction of
+the war.
+
+A ministry may, in conducting military operations, disappoint the
+expectations of their country, either by neglecting to procure
+intelligence, or by failing to make use of those opportunities which
+seasonable information puts into their power, and they may, when their
+designs fail of success, justify themselves, by proving that they were
+deceived by intelligence which it was reasonable to believe, or that
+better intelligence was not attainable, or that they made use, however
+unsuccessfully, of all the forces that could then be employed, and of
+all the advantages that were then in their possession.
+
+But how shall we judge of our administration, how shall we know what
+confidence we ought to repose in their prudence and fidelity, and what
+miscarriages are to be attributed to the chance of war or superiour
+force of our enemies, if we cannot be informed with what diligence they
+endeavour at information, and how early they have notice of the motions
+of the enemy?
+
+The sailing, or rather escape of the Ferrol squadron, and departure of
+the French fleet, are the most important events of the present war;
+events that threaten very dangerous consequences, no less than descents
+upon our American colonies, the conquest of our dominions, the slavery
+of our fellow-subjects, and perhaps the destruction of the brave Vernon,
+who is secure in the imagined vigilance of the other commanders, and
+may, perhaps, in a few days see himself surrounded by formidable
+squadrons of different nations, and exposed to the attack of forces to
+which his little fleet bears no proportion.
+
+Nothing appears more evident, than that we had opportunities of
+observing, at least, all the preparations of the French, and of watching
+the moment of their departure, and that our force on the coast of Spain
+was sufficient to have confined their fleets for ever in their harbours,
+or to have destroyed them at their first entrance into the open seas, of
+which we may justly inquire, why it was not attempted, but shall inquire
+to no purpose till we know when they departed, that we may consider the
+state of our own forces, and whether our enemies escaped by our
+negligence, cowardice, or weakness.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, that we
+cannot deliberate upon subjects which we do not understand, and that,
+therefore, no necessary or useful information ought to be denied to the
+house, I shall readily admit; but must observe, at the same time, that
+the reputation of the house would be very little consulted, in demanding
+information which cannot be given.
+
+To address his majesty to inform us of the time at which the squadrons
+of our enemies sailed, is to inquire of him what it ought to be the
+highest care of those princes to conceal from him, and which he can only
+know by having spies in their privy councils.
+
+And of what importance is it to inquire what intelligence was brought
+him, or when he received it, if it appears that his intelligence must be
+in its own nature uncertain and dubitable?
+
+That they have left their ports is now certain, because they have been
+twice discovered in different parts of the world; but, as we can now
+only form conjectures on their designs and courses, so, before they
+sailed, it was impossible to know when they were fully equipped, or what
+time was fixed for their departure. It is to be remembered, that they
+form their measures, and make their preparations in their own dominions,
+and therefore, have more advantages of concealing their schemes than we
+of discovering them.
+
+Mr. Advocate CAMPBELL then spoke thus:--Sir, this motion, which has been
+represented as unreasonable and absurd, is, in my opinion, not only
+proper, but important.
+
+It is important, because it will enable us to judge, upon sufficient
+foundations, of the conduct of the ministry, who are censured by the
+voice of the nation, for having been either defective in vigilance or in
+activity, for having been either ignorant by their own fault of the
+designs of the enemy, or perfidiously passive in permitting the
+execution of them.
+
+I am far from believing that such intelligence as our ministry is
+expected to procure, requires any uncommon subtilty, or any other agents
+than are always employed by every minister, to transmit to them
+informations from foreign courts. Such, I am afraid, are always hovering
+about our consultations, and I know not why our ministers should be less
+diligent or less successful than those of other princes.
+
+If, therefore, such intelligence might have been obtained, it was
+criminal not to obtain it; and if the departure of the Spanish squadron
+was foreseen, it ought to be inquired, why it was not prevented; and if
+it was only known when it was too late to hinder it from sailing, why it
+was not pursued, or why succours were not immediately despatched to
+admiral Vernon.
+
+All these questions can only be resolved, in consequence of the
+information which his majesty shall give us; and for which it is,
+therefore, in my opinion, necessary to petition.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, how the regency
+could be informed of the intention of the Spaniards to leave their ports
+till it appeared by their departure, or by what means it can be expected
+that his majesty should be now acquainted with their particular course,
+or farther designs, I confess myself unable to conceive.
+
+With regard, sir, to the intelligence transmitted from foreign courts by
+agents and spies, a little consideration will easily discover that it is
+not to be trusted. For what can be generally expected from them, but
+that they should catch flying reports, or by chance intercept uncertain
+whispers, that they should inquire timorously, and, therefore, for the
+greatest part, of those from whom no satisfactory accounts can be
+received, and that they should often endeavour to deserve their salaries
+by such information as is rather pleasing than true.
+
+All the knowledge that can be obtained of an enemy's designs, must arise
+from a diligent comparison of one circumstance with another, and from a
+general view of his force, his interest, and his opportunities. And that
+such conjectures will be often erroneous, needs not be told.
+
+Probability, therefore, is, in such inquiries, all that can be attained,
+and he that sits idle in the time of war, expecting certain
+intelligence, will see his enemies enjoying the advantages of his folly,
+and laying hold on a thousand opportunities which he has neglected to
+improve.
+
+The war in which we are now engaged, has been carried on by the
+administration with the utmost diligence and vigour; nor have any
+measures been omitted that could probably produce success, and the
+success of the wisest measures is only probable.
+
+Should the great admiral, who is now present in the house, have met the
+French and Spaniards in the open seas, by what art could he arrive at a
+certain knowledge of their designs? He might by his acquaintance with
+the situation and state of neighbouring countries, the observation of
+their course, the periods of particular winds, and other hints of
+observation, form probable conjectures, but could never reach to
+certainty or confidence.
+
+It seems to me, therefore, highly improper, to petition his majesty for
+intelligence which he cannot be imagined to have received, and I cannot
+agree to any motion for that purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then made another motion, to address his majesty, that there
+may be laid before the house copies of all letters received from, or
+written to, admiral Vernon since his going to the West Indies. Which
+being seconded,
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, this motion, if the intention of
+it be limited by proper restrictions, is doubtless reasonable and just;
+for the right of this house to examine into the conduct of publick
+affairs, and, consequently, for calling for the papers necessary to
+enlighten their inquiries, is not to be disputed.
+
+But, as the end of all such inquiries is the promotion of the publick
+welfare, so they are not to be made in a manner by which that end may be
+defeated. Papers are not to be demanded, which cannot be produced
+without discovering our own secrets, and acquainting our enemies either
+with that weakness which we ought carefully to conceal, or that force
+which will be most effectually employed if it is not known, and,
+therefore, no preparations are made to oppose it.
+
+It cannot be imagined, but that many of the papers which have passed
+between the admiralty and the commander in America, contain plans for
+the prosecution of the war, observations on the conditions of our own
+colonies, and, perhaps, intelligence of the estate of the Spanish
+fortresses and towns. Many informations of the utmost consequence to our
+enemies may be collected from those papers, but nothing can be expected
+from them, that will enable us to prosecute a senatorial inquiry with
+more success, that will put it in our power to discover frauds,
+negligence, or treachery.
+
+There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
+without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
+ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
+stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
+are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
+restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
+engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
+propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
+supply of ships, marines, or land forces."
+
+The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.
+
+
+The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
+the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
+and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
+occasioned the following debate:
+
+Lord CARTERET began in this manner:--My lords, as the motion which I am
+about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
+consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
+prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
+it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
+without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
+by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
+it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
+suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
+private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
+abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
+the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
+and, generally, to be obeyed.
+
+To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
+who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
+executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
+And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
+either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
+with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
+general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
+combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
+privilege of your lordships, is too evident to be doubted.
+
+How often this privilege has been exerted by this house, and how often
+it has rescued our country from oppression, insolence, and rapine; how
+often our constitution has been reanimated, and impending ruin been
+averted by it, a superficial acquaintance with history may inform us.
+And we are now called upon by the universal cry of the nation, and urged
+by the perplexed and uncertain state of our foreign affairs, and
+declension of our wealth, and attacks upon our liberties at home, to
+recollect these precedents of magnanimity and justice, and to make
+another effort for the relief of our country.
+
+This house, my lords, has proceeded against ministers, whose conduct
+they disapproved, by methods of greater or less severity, according to
+the necessity of affairs, or the supposed malignity of the crimes
+alleged against them; and, therefore, have sometimes thought it
+necessary to deter posterity from imitating them by rigorous censures,
+and exemplary punishments, and sometimes have thought it sufficient to
+set the nation free from its distresses, without inflicting any
+penalties on those by whose misconduct they imagined them produced.
+
+What were the more violent and vindictive methods of proceeding, it is
+not necessary, with regard to this motion, to examine; since I shall
+only propose, that we should, in imitation of our predecessors, in cases
+of this nature, humbly address his majesty to remove the minister from
+his presence and councils.
+
+Nothing, my lords, can be more moderate or tender than such an address,
+by which no punishment is inflicted, nor any forfeiture exacted. The
+minister, if he be innocent, if his misconduct be only the consequence
+of his ignorance or incapacity, may lay down in peace an office for
+which nature has not designed him, enjoy the vast profits of long
+employment in tranquillity, and escape the resentment of an unhappy
+people; who, when irritated to the highest degree, by a continuation of
+the same miscarriages, may, perhaps, in the heat of a more malevolent
+prosecution, not sufficiently distinguish between inability and guilt.
+
+Those, therefore, among your lordships, that think him honest but
+mistaken, must willingly agree to a motion like this, as the best
+expedient to appease the people without the ruin of the minister. For
+surely no man who has read the history, or is acquainted with the temper
+of this nation, can expect that the people will always bear to see
+honours, favours, and preferments, distributed by the direction of one
+universally suspected of corruption, and arbitrary measures; or will
+look only with silent envy upon the affluence of those whom they believe
+to be made great by fraud and plunder, swelled to insolence by the
+prosperity of guilt, and advanced to wealth and luxury by publick
+miseries.
+
+Such of your lordships who join with the people in ascribing our present
+unhappy state not to the errours, but to the crimes of the minister, and
+who, therefore, think a bare removal not sufficient to satisfy the
+demands of justice, must, doubtless, give their consent to the motion,
+for the sake of obtaining proper evidence of his wickedness, which
+cannot be expected while he stands exalted in prosperity, and
+distributes the riches of the nation, and the gifts of his sovereign at
+his own choice; while he is in possession of every motive that can
+influence the mind, enforce secrecy, and confirm fidelity; while he can
+bribe the avaricious, and intimidate the fearful; while he can increase
+the gratification of luxury, and enlarge the prospects of ambition. For,
+my lords, if it be considered from whom this evidence must be drawn, it
+will soon appear that no very important discoveries can be made, but by
+those whom he has intrusted with his secrets, men whose disregard of
+virtue recommended them to his favour, and who, as they are moved only
+by interest, will continue faithful while they can hope for recompense;
+but may, perhaps, be willing to buy their own security by sacrificing
+their master, when they shall see no farther prospect of advantage from
+serving him, or any other method of escaping punishment.
+
+But, my lords, all must allow this motion to be reasonable, whatever
+they think of the minister's conduct, who are of opinion that a free
+people have a right of complaining when they feel oppression, and of
+addressing the crown to remove a minister that has incurred their
+universal detestation. That such is the condition of the present
+minister, I believe, will scarcely be denied, or may be discovered by
+those who find themselves inclined to doubt it, by asking any man whom
+they shall accidentally meet, what are his sentiments on the situation
+of national affairs, and of the hands by which they are administered.
+What answer he will receive is well known to most of your lordships. Let
+him not be satisfied with a single suffrage, let him repeat the question
+to ten thousand persons, different in their ages, their conditions, and
+religious opinions, in every thing that produces contrariety of
+dispositions and affections, he will yet find them unanimous in
+complaining of publick misconduct, and in censuring one gentleman as the
+author of it.
+
+Let us not imagine, my lords, that these accusations and murmurs are
+confined to the lowest class of the people, to men whose constant
+attention to more immediate distresses, hinder them from making
+excursions beyond their own employments. For though, perhaps, it might
+be made evident from the accounts of past times, that no general
+dissatisfaction, even among men of this rank, was ever groundless;
+though it might be urged that those who see little can only clamour,
+because they feel themselves oppressed; and though it might not
+unseasonably be hinted that they are at least formidable for their
+numbers, and have, sometimes, executed that justice which they had not
+interest to procure, and trampled upon that insolence that has dared to
+defy them; yet I shall not insist upon such motives, because it is
+notorious that discontent is epidemical in all ranks, and that condition
+and observation are far from appeasing it.
+
+Whether the discontent, thus general, is groundless, whether it is
+raised only by the false insinuations of the disappointed, and the
+wicked arts of the envious, whether it is, in exception to all the
+maxims of government, the first dislike of an administration that ever
+overspread a nation without just reasons, deserves to be inquired into.
+
+In this inquiry, my lords, it will be necessary to consider not only the
+state of domestick affairs, increase or diminution of our debts, the
+security or violation of our liberties, the freedom or dependence of our
+senates, and the prosperity or declension of our trade, but to examine
+the state of this nation, with regard to foreign powers; to inquire,
+whether we are equally feared and equally trusted now as in former
+administrations; whether our alliances have contributed to secure us
+from our inveterate and habitual enemies, or to expose us to them;
+whether the balance of Europe be still in our hands; and whether, during
+this long interval of peace, our power has increased in the same
+proportion with that of our neighbours. France, my lords, is the
+constant and hereditary enemy of Britons, so much divided from her in
+religion, government, and interest, that they cannot both be prosperous
+together; as the influence of one rises, that of the other must, by
+consequence, decline. Alliances may form a temporal show of friendship,
+but it cannot continue; for their situation produces a natural
+rivalship, which every accidental circumstance has contributed to
+increase. Long wars, for many reigns after the conquest, established a
+radical and insuperable hatred between us, nor did those wars cease till
+the reformation produced new occasions of jealousy and aversion. France
+was, by these reasons, obliged for many ages to employ all her influence
+and policy in strengthening herself against us, by treaties and
+alliances; and in our times, has given us a new reason for jealousy by
+extending her commerce, and improving her manufactures.
+
+It has been, therefore, my lords, the settled principle of every wise
+administration, of every Briton, whose opinions were not regulated by
+some other motives than those of reason, to attend, with the highest
+degree of vigilance, to all the designs of the French, and oppose, with
+incessant diligence, every attempt to increase their force, or extend
+their influence, and to check their conquests, obstruct their alliances,
+and forestal their trade.
+
+For this great end it has been our constant endeavour to support the
+Austrian family, whose large dominions and numerous forces make a
+counterbalance on the continent to the power of France. For this end we
+entered into a long war, of which we still languish under the
+consequences, squandered the lives of our countrymen, and mortgaged the
+possessions of our posterity. For failing in the prosecution of this
+purpose, for leaving France too formidable, and neglecting the interests
+of the emperour, was the treaty of Utrecht censured, and the authors of
+it prosecuted by the present minister; but how much he has improved the
+errours of his predecessors to his own advantage, how diligent he has
+been to rectify the miscarriages of their conduct, and supply the
+defect, I shall endeavour to explain.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that during the regency of the duke of
+Orleans, we had nothing to apprehend from French machinations; his
+interest, a tie which that nation is seldom found to break, held him
+steady to his engagements with us; nor is it less known how much he
+distrusted Spain, and how little, by consequence, he favoured her. We
+had, at that time, no necessity of anxiously attending to every whisper
+of the French court, which was sufficiently engaged in regulating their
+domestick affairs, and repairing the ruins of a destructive war; but, my
+lords, we ought to observe, that it had been happy for us had our
+minister laboured with equal address at the same employment.
+
+After the death of this duke, the affairs of France were restored to
+their former situation, her old schemes were revived, her ancient
+alliances cultivated, and her general interest pursued. Spain was again
+considered as the power which had the same views with her, and which
+could never rival, but might always assist her.
+
+This alliance, my lords, was intended to have been unalterably confirmed
+by a marriage, but as no human policy can form measures certain of
+success, an irreconcilable hatred was nearly produced by the measure
+intended to confirm a settled and indissoluble friendship. The infanta
+was sent back after her arrival in France, an affront which no nation
+would soon have forgot, but which the general character and habitual
+sentiments of the Spaniards inclined them to resent beyond any other
+people. To any one acquainted with their character in this respect, it
+will readily appear, that no other insult or injury could so sensibly
+affect them, or excite so eager a desire of revenge, This, my lords, the
+sagacity of our minister should have discovered, this opportunity should
+have been improved with the utmost care, by which Spain and France might
+possibly have been disunited for ages, and Britain have gained such
+advantages as would have made her the sole arbitress of Europe.
+
+The Spaniards were not deficient on their side, nor did they neglect to
+court our friendship, but gave us the highest proof of their confidence
+by offering us the sole mediation of their differences with the emperour
+of Germany: but at this time it was, that the gentleman whose conduct I
+am examining, obtained the chief influence in our councils, and by his
+peculiar penetration discovered, that nothing was to be done which might
+give the least offence to the French. We, therefore, refused to mediate,
+unless French ministers might be associated with ours, which the
+Spaniards had too much spirit to consent to.
+
+Thus, my lords, was neglected the first opportunity of forming against
+the French an alliance by which they might have been awed in all their
+designs, and by which the peace of Europe might have been long
+preserved.
+
+The Spaniards, finding that we would not undertake to reconcile their
+differences with the emperour of Germany, and continuing their
+abhorrence of French mediators, concluded, without the intervention of
+any other power, a treaty both of peace and alliance with his imperial
+majesty.
+
+This, my lords, was the famous treaty of Vienna, the source of so many
+projects and expedients, of so much terrour and solicitude, of such
+immense expenses, and perplexed negotiations. This treaty, a paper
+innocent and well-meaning, which related only to the contracting
+parties, kept, for some time, this nation in alarms, in apprehensions of
+conspiracies, and expectations of invasions.
+
+To this treaty, had we singly regarded our own affairs, without applying
+to France for instructions, we ought to have acceded, by which we should
+have divided the interest of the house of Bourbon, broken the
+combination of these pontifical powers, and, by improving one lucky
+incident, obtained what our arms and our politicks had never, hitherto,
+been able to accomplish.
+
+But the French, sensible of their danger, and well acquainted with our
+minister, contrived an expedient which, indeed, would not often have
+succeeded, but which was so well adapted to the intellects of this
+gentleman, that it extricated them from all their difficulties.
+
+They told us, my lords, and, what is yet more wonderful, they prevailed
+upon us to believe, that in this dreadful treaty of Vienna, it was
+stipulated between the German emperour and Spain, that they should
+employ their joint forces against Britain, that they should exalt the
+pretender to the throne, take immediate possession of Gibraltar, and,
+without mercy, debar us for ever from our trade both in Spain and in the
+Western Indies. This his late majesty was advised to assert in his
+speech from the throne, which I desire may be read.
+
+Of which the following clauses were read:
+
+"My lords and gentlemen,
+
+"The distressed condition of some of our religious brethren abroad, and
+the negotiations and engagements entered into by some foreign powers,
+which seem to have laid the foundation of new troubles and disturbances
+in Europe, and to threaten my subjects with the loss of several of the
+most advantageous branches of their trade, obliged me, without any loss
+of time, to concert with other powers such measures as might give a
+check to the ambitious views of those who are endeavouring to render
+themselves formidable, and put a stop to the farther progress of such
+dangerous designs. For these ends I have entered into a defensive
+alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
+other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
+and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
+treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.
+
+"By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
+shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
+many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
+most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
+of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.
+
+"It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
+hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
+offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
+already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
+whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
+promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
+notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
+received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
+the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
+any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
+abortive.
+
+"When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
+nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
+happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
+us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
+circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
+strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
+desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
+against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
+measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
+preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
+prosperity."
+
+Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
+religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
+reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
+resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
+promised to shelter them from the storm?
+
+There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
+such a representation, would have considered, that Britain was an
+island, that the pretender could not be forced upon us without an army,
+and that an army could not be transported without ships, that the
+emperour of Germany had neither navies nor ports, that Gibraltar might
+be easily supplied with every thing requisite for its defence, and that
+any attempt made by Spain to injure our trade, might easily be punished
+by intercepting their Plate fleets.
+
+They would then have considered whether attempts so improbable, and
+stipulations so absurd and ridiculous, ought to be credited upon the
+information of an ambassadour's secretary, who, as he proposed to reveal
+his master's secrets for a bribe, might as probably take another reward
+for imposing upon those whom he pretended to inform. Those, therefore,
+who advised his majesty to assert to the senate what they knew from no
+better authority, those whose daring insolence could make their
+sovereign instrumental in alarming the people with false terrours, and
+oppressing them with unnecessary burdens, well deserve to feel a
+senatorial censure.
+
+But our ministers, my lords, were too much frighted to make such
+reflections: they imagined that destruction was hanging over us, and, in
+a dread of arbitrary government, oppression, and persecution, concluded
+at Hanover a treaty with the French.
+
+Thus the French gained our confidence, and raised in us a distrust of
+both the powers with whom it was our interest to be united: but the
+alliance of the emperour of Germany with Spain made them still uneasy;
+and, therefore, they determined, once more, to make our credulity
+instrumental in procuring a reconciliation between them and the
+Spaniards.
+
+To effect this, they kindly gave us intelligence, that when the
+Spaniards should receive their treasures from the Western Indies, they
+designed to employ it in favour of the pretender, and that, therefore,
+it was necessary to intercept it. This advice was thankfully listened
+to, a fleet was fitted out, and thousands were sacrificed without any
+advantage; for the French not only forbore to assist us in the
+expedition, but forbade us to seize the treasure when we had found it.
+
+The Spaniards, apprehending themselves attacked, omitted no opportunity
+of showing their resentment; they seized our ships, and laid siege to
+Gibraltar, while our new allies looked quietly on, and expected the
+event of their own scheme, which was far from being defeated by our
+policy; for the Spaniards, finding the return of their American revenues
+insuperably obstructed, and knowing that the emperour of Germany, that
+emperour who was to invade Britain, had not any power even to assist
+them, were obliged to have recourse to the nation which they then hated,
+and to forgive the past affront, that they might obtain their good
+offices in this exigence.
+
+But, my lords, it was not sufficient for the designs of the French, that
+they had recovered their ancient allies the Spaniards, unless they could
+disunite them from the emperour of Germany: this it was, likewise, our
+interest to prevent, and yet this, likewise, we enabled them to effect;
+for they prevailed upon us to promise, in our stipulations with the
+Spaniards, what they had not the least claim to demand, that Spain,
+instead of neutral troops, should be introduced into Italy, to secure
+certain successions there to a son of the queen of Spain.
+
+With what reluctance the emperour of Germany would consent to see troops
+placed in the provinces bordering upon his dominions, which would
+certainly, on the first occasion, be employed to invade them, it was
+easy to foresee, and with what degree of good-will he would regard those
+by whom they were introduced; yet, my lords, such was the influence of
+France, and so ardent our desire of diverting Spain from setting the
+pretender upon the throne of Britain, that we complied at all events,
+without any prospect or promise of advantage.
+
+Thus were the Spaniards, by being persuaded to make this demand, and we,
+by granting it, brought equally to ill terms with the emperour of
+Germany; and France was, by procuring such agreeable conditions to the
+Spaniards, again considered as their most useful ally.
+
+That nation, my lords, is in a very unhappy state, which is reduced to
+admit such terms as mediators are pleased to prescribe. We durst not
+refuse the introduction of Spanish troops, nor durst we introduce them
+without the emperour of Germany's consent, which, however, he granted at
+an easy rate, for he demanded only that we should become guarantees of
+the Pragmatick sanction. This we gladly agreed to, and thought ourselves
+so happy in purchasing, so cheaply, an opportunity of ingratiating
+ourselves with Spain, that we desired no other recompense.
+
+This treaty with the emperour of Germany, was, however, by no means
+improper, nor could we, after the errours which had been committed, do
+any thing more effectual to preserve the balance of Europe, and
+reestablish our credit.
+
+But, my lords, this only treaty, which it was for our interest to make,
+seems to have been made without any intention of observing it; for about
+this time all the northern powers were alarmed by the approaching
+election of Poland, and every nation that had any thing either to hope
+or fear from the event of it, endeavoured to influence it.
+
+How this election was determined, my lords, and by what means, it is
+unnecessary to relate; but it may not be improper to remark, that
+whatever cause we may have to congratulate ourselves upon the choice, it
+does not appear that we had any part in promoting it. Nay, as it is not
+common for ministers to keep the best part of their conduct secret,
+there is reason for suspecting that they were not altogether without
+foundation reported to have favoured France.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sensible of his own interest, promoted the
+election with vigour and resolution, proportioned to the greatness of
+the danger that might have arisen from neglecting it. By this conduct he
+drew upon himself the resentment of the French, who had now a pretence
+for taking measures which might effectually reunite them to Spain, and,
+as the event showed, alienate us from the emperour, and, therefore, in
+vindication of the claim of Stanislaus, declared war upon Germany, in
+conjunction with Spain.
+
+Now, my lords, the emperour learned to set the true value upon his
+alliance with Britain, and all Europe had an opportunity of remarking
+our spirit, our power, and our vigilance. The troops which we prevailed
+upon his imperial majesty to admit into Italy, were now drawn out of the
+garrisons against him, his dominions were attacked on each side, by
+formidable enemies, and his British allies looked with tranquillity and
+unconcern upon the difficulties into which they had betrayed him. The
+liberties of Europe were endangered by a new combination of the houses
+of Bourbon; and Britain, the great protectress of the rights of mankind,
+the great arbitress of the balance of power, either neglected or feared
+to interpose.
+
+Of the event of the war, my lords, I need only observe, that it added
+new strength to France, and contributed to such an union between her and
+Spain, as the most artful politician cannot hope to dissolve.
+
+Thus, my lords, whether by negligence, ignorance, cowardice, or
+treachery, it is not easy to determine, we were made the instruments of
+the French policy. Thus was that power enabled by our assistance to
+retrieve all that she had lost by the ill success of her arms, and by
+her indecent and contemptuous treatment of Spain. Thus was the German
+emperour dispirited and weakened; thus were we deprived at once of our
+allies and our reputation.
+
+Our loss of reputation, the greatest loss that bad measures can bring
+upon a nation, is made evident beyond controversy, by the insolence with
+which the Spaniards have treated us while we were flattering, enriching,
+and supporting them. While we were fitting out squadrons to convey their
+princes to Italy, and increasing their dominions at our own expense,
+they seem to have considered our good offices, not as the benefits of
+friends, but the drudgery of slaves, and, therefore, could scarcely
+refrain from insults while they employed us, at least when they no
+longer wanted our immediate assistance. They renewed their contempt and
+cruelty, their robberies and oppressions; they prescribed laws to our
+navigation, and laid claim to our colonies.
+
+To these ravages and injuries what did we oppose? What but humble
+intreaties, pacifick negotiations, and idle remonstrances? Instead of
+asserting our just claims, and incontestable possessions, instead of
+preventing war by threatening it, and securing ourselves from a second
+injury by punishing the first, we amused ourselves with inquiries,
+demands, representations, and disputes, till we became the jest of that
+nation which it was in our power to distress, by intercepting their
+treasure, and to reduce to terms almost without bloodshed.
+
+Thus, my lords, did we proceed, new questions ever arose, and the
+controversy became more intricate; commissaries were despatched to
+Spain, who returned without obtaining either restitution or security,
+and in the mean time no opportunity was neglected of plundering our
+merchants, and insulting our flag: accounts of new confiscations and of
+new cruelties daily arrived, the nation was enraged, and the senate
+itself alarmed, and our ministers, at length awakened from their
+tranquillity, sent orders to the envoy at the Spanish court to expedite
+an accommodation; these directions were immediately obeyed, and produced
+the celebrated convention.
+
+What was given up, or what was endangered by this detestable treaty,
+your lordships have often had occasion to observe, and the consequences
+of it were so obvious, that the nation was astonished. Every man saw
+that we were either treacherously betrayed by our own ministry, or that
+the ministers were almost the only men in the kingdom utterly
+unacquainted with our claims, our injuries, and our danger.
+
+A war could now no longer be avoided, it was not in the power of the
+ministry any longer to refuse to send out our fleets, and make an
+appearance of hostile measures; but they had still some expedients
+remaining to shelter the Spaniards from our resentment, and to make
+their country yet more contemptible: they could contrive such orders for
+their admirals as should prevent them from destroying their enemies with
+too little mercy; and if any one was suspected of intentions less
+pacifick, there were methods of equipping his fleet in such a manner as
+would effectually frustrate his schemes of revenge, reprisals, and
+destruction.
+
+These, my lords, are not the murmurs of the disappointed, nor the
+insinuations of the factious; it is well known to our countrymen and to
+our enemies, how ill admiral Vernon was furnished with naval and
+military stores, and how little his importunate demands of a supply were
+regarded. What opportunities were lost, and what advantages neglected,
+may be conjectured from the success of his inconsiderable force. A very
+little reflection on the situation and state of those countries will
+easily satisfy your lordships, how far a small body of land-forces might
+have penetrated, what treasures they might have gained, and what
+consternation they might have spread over the whole Spanish America.
+
+That our squadrons in the Mediterranean have been, at least, useless,
+that they have sailed from point to point, and from one coast to
+another, only to display the bulk of our ships, and to show the opulence
+of our nation, can require no proof: I wish, my lords, there was less
+reason for suspecting that they acted in concert with our enemies, that
+they retired from before their ports only to give them an opportunity of
+escaping, and that they, in reality, connived at some attempts which
+they were, in appearance, sent to prevent.
+
+There are some miscarriages in war, my lords, which every reasonable man
+imputes to chance, or to causes of which the influence could not be
+foreseen; there are others that may justly be termed the consequences of
+misconduct, but of misconduct involuntary and pardonable, of a
+disregard, perhaps, of some circumstances of an affair produced by too
+close an attention to others. But there are miscarriages, too, for which
+candour itself can find no excuses, and of which no other causes can be
+assigned than cowardice or treachery. From the suspicion of one, the
+past actions of the admiral who commands our fleet in those seas will
+secure him, but I know not whether there are now any that will attempt
+to clear the minister's character from the imputation of the other.
+
+All the insolence of the Spaniards, a nation by no means formidable, is
+the consequence of the reunion of the houses of Bourbon; a reunion which
+could not easily have been accomplished, but by the instrumental
+offices of our ministry, whom, therefore, the nation has a right to
+charge with the diminution of its honour, and the decay of its trade.
+
+Nor has our trade, my lords, been only contracted and obstructed by the
+piracies of Spain, but has been suffered to languish and decline at
+home, either by criminal negligence, or by their complaisance for
+France, which has given rise to our other calamities. The state of our
+woollen manufactures is well known, and those whose indolence or love of
+pleasure keeps them strangers to the other misfortunes of their country,
+must yet have been acquainted with this, by the daily accounts of riots
+and insurrections, raised by those who, having been employed in that
+manufacture, can provide for their families by no other business, and
+are made desperate by the want of bread.
+
+We are told, my lords, by all parties, and told with truth, that our
+manufactures decline, because the French have engrossed most of the
+foreign markets; and it is not denied even by those whose interest it
+might be to' deny it, that the cloth which they ruin us by vending, is
+made of our own wool, which they are suffered to procure either by the
+folly of an unskilful, or the connivance of a treacherous
+administration.
+
+If our own manufactures, my lords, had been carefully promoted, if the
+whole influence of our government had been made to cooperate with the
+industry of our traders, there had always been such a demand for our
+wool, that they could not have afforded to purchase it at a price
+equivalent to the danger of exporting it: and if any means were now
+steadily practised to prevent the exportation, our trade must
+consequently revive, because cloth is one of the necessaries of life
+which other nations must have from Britain, when France can no longer
+supply them.
+
+But, my lords, notwithstanding the decay of trade, our expenses have
+never been contracted; we have squandered millions in idle preparations,
+and ostentatious folly; we have equipped fleets which never left the
+harbour, and raised armies which were never to behold any other enemy
+than the honest traders and husbandmen that support them. We have,
+indeed, heard many reasons alleged for oppressing the empire with
+standing troops, which can have little effect upon those who have no
+interest to promote by admitting them: sometimes we are in danger of
+invasions, though it is not easy to imagine for what purpose any prince
+should invade a nation, which he may plunder at pleasure, without the
+least apprehension of resentment, and which will resign any of its
+rights whenever they shall be demanded: sometimes, as we have already
+heard, the pretender is to be set upon the throne by a sudden descent of
+armies from the clouds; and sometimes the licentiousness and
+disobedience of the common people requires the restraint of a standing
+army.
+
+That the people are, to the last degree, exasperated and inflamed, I am
+far from intending to deny, but surely they have yet been guilty of no
+outrage so enormous as to justify so severe a punishment; they have
+generally confined themselves to harmless complaints, or, at least, to
+executions in effigy. The people, my lords, are enraged because they are
+impoverished, and, to prevent the consequences of their anger, their
+poverty is increased by new burdens, and aggravated by the sight of an
+useless, despicable herd, supported by their industry, for no other
+purpose than to insult them.
+
+By these useless armaments and military farces, our taxes, my lords,
+have been continued without diminishing our debts, and the nation seems
+condemned to languish for ever under its present miseries, which, by
+furnishing employment to a boundless number of commissioners, officers,
+and slaves, to the court, under a thousand denominations, by diffusing
+dependence over the whole country, and enlarging the influence of the
+crown, are too evidently of use to the minister for us to entertain any
+hopes of his intention to relieve us.
+
+Let it not be boasted that nine millions are paid, when a new debt of
+seven millions appears to be contracted; nothing is more easy than to
+clear debts by borrowing, or to borrow when a nation is mortgaged for
+the payment.
+
+But the weight of the present taxes, my lords, though heavier than was
+perhaps ever supported by any nation for so long a time, taxes greater
+than ever were paid, to purchase neither conquests nor honours, neither
+to prevent invasions from abroad, nor to quell rebellions at home, is
+not the most flagrant charge of this wonderful administration, which,
+not contented with most exorbitant exactions, contrives to make them yet
+more oppressive by tyrannical methods of collection. With what reason
+the author of the excise scheme dreads the resentment of the nation is
+sufficiently obvious; but surely, in a virtuous and benevolent mind, the
+first sentiments that would have arisen on that occasion, would not have
+been motions of anger, but of gratitude. A whole nation was condemned to
+slavery, their remonstrances were neglected, their petitions ridiculed,
+and their detestation of tyranny treated as disaffection to the
+established government; and yet the author of this horrid scheme riots
+in affluence, and triumphs in authority, and without fear, as without
+shame, lifts up his head with confidence and security.
+
+How much, my lords, is the forbearance of that people to be admired,
+whom such attacks as these have not provoked to transgress the bounds of
+their obedience, who have continued patiently to hope for legal methods
+of redress, at a time when they saw themselves threatened with legal
+slavery, when they saw the legislative power established only for their
+protection, influenced by all possible methods of corruption to betray
+them to the mercy of the ministry?
+
+For, that corruption has found its way into one of the houses of the
+legislature, is universally believed, and, without scruple, maintained
+by every man in the nation, who is not evidently restrained from
+speaking as he thinks; and that any man can even be of a different
+opinion, that any man can even affirm that he thinks otherwise, would
+be, in any other age, the subject of astonishment. That an immense
+revenue is divided among the members of the other house, by known
+salaries and publick employments, is apparent; that large sums are
+privately scattered on pressing exigencies, that some late transactions
+of the ministry were not confirmed but at a high price, the present
+condition of the civil list, a civil list vastly superiour to all the
+known expenses of the crown, makes highly probable. That the commons
+themselves suspect the determinations of their assembly to be influenced
+by some other motives than justice and truth, is evident from the bill
+this day sent hither for our concurrence; and, surely, no aggravation
+can be added to the crimes of that man who has patronised our enemies,
+and given up our navigation, sunk his country into contempt abroad, and
+into poverty at home, plundered the people, and corrupted the
+legislature.
+
+But, my lords, the minister has not only contributed, by his wickedness
+or his ignorance, to the present calamities, but has applied all his art
+and all his interest to remove from posts of honour and trust, to banish
+from the court, and to exclude from the legislature all those whose
+counsels might contribute to restore the publick affairs, without any
+regard to the popularity of their characters, the usefulness of their
+talents, or the importance of their past services to the crown. Had any
+of these considerations prevailed, we had not seen the greatest general
+in Britain dispossessed of all his preferments, dispossessed at a time
+when we are at war with one nation, and in expectation of being attacked
+by another far more powerful, which will, doubtless, be encouraged, by
+his removal, to more daring contempt, and more vigorous measures.
+
+What were the motives of this procedure it is easy to discover. As his
+open defence of the present royal family in the late rebellion, exempts
+him from the imputation of being disaffected to the crown, the only
+crime with which he can be charged is disaffection to the minister.
+
+Perhaps, my lords, the minister may have determined to have no need of
+generals in his transactions with foreign powers; but in proportion as
+he relies less upon the sword, he must depend more upon the arts of
+peaceable negotiation, and, surely, there has been another person
+dismissed from his employments, whose counsels it had been no reproach
+to have asked, and to have followed.
+
+The nature of my motion, my lords, makes it not necessary to produce
+evidence of these facts, it is sufficient that any minister is
+universally suspected; for when did an innocent man, supported by power,
+and furnished with every advantage that could contribute to exalt or
+preserve his character, incur the general hatred of the people? But if
+it could ever happen by a combination of unlucky accidents, what could
+be more for the happiness of himself, his master, and the nation, than
+that he should retire and enjoy the consciousness of his own virtue.
+
+His own interest, in such a retirement, I have already considered, and
+that both of the prince and the people is no less apparent: while a
+hated minister is employed, the king will always be distrusted by the
+nation, and, surely, nothing can so much obstruct the publick happiness,
+as a want of confidence in those who are intrusted with its
+preservation.
+
+That common fame is, in this case, sufficient, will not be questioned,
+when it is considered that common fame is never without a foundation in
+facts, that it may spread disquiet and suspicion over all the kingdom,
+and that the satisfaction of millions is very cheaply purchased by the
+degradation of one man, who was exalted only for their benefit.
+
+The objection, that there is no sole minister, will create no greater
+difficulty; if there be many concerned in these transactions,
+_respondeat superior:_ but it is too apparent that there is, in reality,
+one whose influence is greater than that of any other private man, and
+who is arrived at a height not consistent with the nature of the British
+government; it is uncontested that there is one man to whom the people
+impute their miseries, and by whose removal they will be appeased.
+
+The affairs of Europe, my lords, will probably be so much embarrassed,
+and the struggles between the different designs of its princes be so
+violent, that they will demand all our attention, and employ all our
+address, and it will be to the highest degree dangerous to be distracted
+at the same time with apprehensions of domestick troubles; yet, such is
+the present unhappy state of this nation, and such is the general
+discontent of the people, that tranquillity, adherence to the
+government, and submission to the laws, cannot reasonably be hoped,
+unless the motion I shall now take leave to make your lordships, be
+complied with: and I move, "That an humble address be presented to his
+majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that he will be
+most graciously pleased to remove the right honourable sir Robert
+WALPOLE, knight of the most noble order of the blue riband, first
+commissioner of his majesty's treasury, and chancellor of the exchequer,
+and one of his majesty's most honourable privy council, from his
+majesty's presence and councils for ever."
+
+He was seconded by lord ABINGDON in the following manner:--My lords, the
+copiousness and perspicuity with which the noble lord has laid down the
+reasons of his motion, make it neither easy nor necessary to enlarge
+upon them. I shall, therefore, only offer to your lordships a few
+thoughts upon the authority of common fame, as the evidence upon which
+the motion is in part founded.
+
+That all the miscarriages of our late measures are by common fame
+imputed to one man, I suppose, will not be denied; nor can it, in my
+opinion, be reasonably required, that in the present circumstances of
+things any other proof should be brought against him.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is admitted in courts of law as a kind of
+auxiliary or supplemental evidence, and is allowed to corroborate the
+cause which it appears to favour. The general regard which every wise
+man has for his character, is a proof that in the estimation of all
+mankind, the testimony of common fame is of too great importance to be
+disregarded.
+
+If we consider the nature of popular opinions on publick affairs, it
+will be difficult to imagine by what means a persuasion not founded on
+truth should universally take possession of a people; it will be yet
+more difficult to believe that it should preserve its empire, and that
+in opposition to every art that can be made use of to undeceive them,
+they should pertinaciously adhere to an errour not imbibed in their
+education, nor connected with their interest. And how has any man been
+originally prejudiced against the present minister? Or what passion or
+interest can any man gratify, by imagining or declaring his country on
+the verge of ruin? The multitude, my lords, censure and praise without
+dissimulation, nor were ever accused of disguising their sentiments;
+their voice is, at least, the voice of honesty, and has been termed the
+voice of heaven, by that party of which those affect to be thought whom
+it now condemns.
+
+Let it not be urged, that the people are easily deceived, that they
+think and speak merely by caprice, and applaud or condemn without any
+calm inquiry or settled determination; these censures are applicable
+only to sudden tumults, and gusts of zeal excited by fallacious
+appearances, or by the alarms of a false report industriously
+disseminated, but have no relation to opinions gradually propagated, and
+slowly received.
+
+If the credulity of the people exposes them to so easy an admission of
+every report, why have the writers for the minister found so little
+credit? Why have all the loud declamations, and the laboured arguments,
+the artful insinuations, and positive assertions, which have been for
+many years circulated round the nation, at the expense of the
+government, produced no effect upon the people, nor convinced any man,
+who was not apparently bribed, to resign his private opinion to that of
+his patrons? Whence comes it, my lords, that falsehood is more
+successful than truth, and that the nation is inclined to complain
+rather than to triumph? It is well known that the people have been
+charged in all former ages, with being too much dazzled by the glitter
+of fortune, and the splendour of success, and bestowing their applauses
+not according to the degrees of merit, but prosperity. The minister, my
+lords, has defeated his opponents in almost all their attempts; his
+friends have sounded victory every session, and yet the people declare
+against him; his adversaries have retired into the country with all the
+vexation of disappointment, and have been rewarded for their
+unsuccessful efforts with general acclamations. What is it, my lords,
+but the power of truth, that can preserve the vanquished from ridicule,
+and influence the nation to believe them the only patrons of their
+commerce and liberty, in opposition to all the writers and voters for
+the ministry?
+
+If we consult history, my lords, how seldom do we find an innocent
+minister overwhelmed with infamy? Innocent men have sometimes been
+destroyed by the hasty fury, but scarcely ever by the settled hatred of
+the populace. Even that fury has generally been kindled by real
+grievances, though imputed to those who had no share in producing them;
+but when the tempest of their first rage has subsided, they have seldom
+refused to hear truth, and to distinguish the patriot from the
+oppressor.
+
+But though it should be acknowledged, my lords, that the people have
+been blinded by false representations, and that some causes yet
+undiscovered, some influence which never has been known to operate in
+any state before, hinder them from beholding their own felicity; yet, as
+publick happiness is the end of government, and no man can be happy that
+thinks himself miserable, it is, in my opinion, necessary to the honour
+of his majesty, and to the tranquillity of the nation, that your
+lordships should agree to the present motion.
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE answered to this effect:--My lords, it is not
+without wonder that I hear a motion so uncommon and important, a motion
+which may be reasonably supposed to have been long premeditated, and of
+which such affecting expectations have been raised, so weakly supported
+by evidence. I cannot think that any other attestation is needful for
+the vindication of the right honourable gentleman, whose conduct is this
+day to be examined, than the declaration of the noble lord, that there
+appears no positive evidence against him.
+
+The pretence that no evidence can be expected while he continues in his
+present station, is too openly fallacious to impose upon your lordships;
+for why should his influence be greater, and his power less resistible
+than that of other ministers, who are well known to have found accusers
+in the height of their authority, and to have been dragged to punishment
+almost from behind the throne?
+
+It is sufficiently known, that during the continuance of this
+administration, many have been dismissed from their employments, who
+appear not altogether unaffected with the loss, and from whose
+resentment a discovery of wicked measures might be reasonably expected,
+as their acquaintance with the secrets of the government must have given
+opportunities of detecting them. If, therefore, no particular crimes are
+charged upon him, if his enemies confine themselves to obscure surmises,
+and general declamations, we may reasonably conclude, that his behaviour
+has been at least blameless. For what can be a higher encomium than the
+silence of those who have made it the business of years to discover
+something that might be alleged against him on the day of trial.
+
+I suppose that no man can question the penetration of those noble lords
+who have opened this debate, and I, my lords, shall be very far from
+insinuating that cowardice suppresses any of their sentiments. As the
+highest reproach that can be thrown upon any man, is to suggest that he
+speaks what he does not think; the next degree of meanness would be to
+think what he dares not speak, when the publick voice of his country
+calls upon him.
+
+When, therefore, popular reports are alleged as the foundation of the
+address, it is probable that it is not founded, in reality, upon known
+crimes or attested facts, and if the sudden blasts of fame may be
+esteemed equivalent to attested accusations, what degree of virtue can
+confer security?
+
+That the clamour is so loud and so general as it is represented, I can
+discover no necessity of admitting; but, however the populace may have
+been exasperated against him, we are surely not to be influenced by
+their complaints, without inquiring into the cause of them, and
+informing ourselves whether they proceed from real hardships,
+unnecessary severities, and calamities too heavy to be borne, or from
+caprice, and inconstancy, idle rumours, and artful representations.
+
+I very readily allow, my lords, that nothing has been left unattempted
+that might fill the people with suspicion and discontent. That
+inevitable calamities have been imputed to misconduct, or to treachery,
+and even the inconstancy of the winds and severity of the weather
+charged upon the right honourable gentleman, the daily libels that are
+in every man's hand, are a standing evidence; and though I should grant
+that the people never complain without cause, and that their burdens are
+always heavy before they endeavour to shake them off, yet it will by no
+means follow, that they do not sometimes mistake the cause of their
+miseries, and impute their burdens to the cruelty of those whose utmost
+application is employed to lighten them.
+
+Common fame is, therefore, my lords, no sufficient ground for such a
+censure as this, a censure that condemns a man long versed in high
+employments, long honoured with the confidence of his sovereign, and
+distinguished by the friendship of the most illustrious persons in the
+nation, to infamy and contempt, unheard, and even unaccused; for he
+against whom nothing is produced but general charges, supported by the
+evidence of common fame, may be justly esteemed to be free from
+accusation.
+
+That other evidence will appear against him when he shall be reduced, in
+consequence of our agreeing to this motion, to the level with his
+fellow-subjects, that all informations are now precluded by the terrours
+of resentment, or the expectations of favour, has been insinuated by the
+noble lord, who made the motion: whether his insinuation be founded only
+upon conjecture, whether it be one of those visions which are raised by
+hope in a warm imagination, or upon any private informations
+communicated to his lordship, I pretend not to determine; but if we may
+judge from the known conduct of the opposition, if we consider their
+frequent triumphs before the battle, and their chimerical schemes of
+discoveries, or prosecutions and punishments, their constant assurance
+of success upon the approach of a new contest, and their daily
+predictions of the ruin of the administration, we cannot but suspect
+that men so long accustomed to impose upon themselves, and flatter one
+another with fallacious hopes, may now, likewise, be dreaming of
+intelligence which they never will receive, and amusing themselves with
+suspicions which they have no reasonable expectation of seeing
+confirmed.
+
+And to confess the truth, my lords, if I may be allowed, in imitation of
+these patrons of their country, to indulge my own imagination, and
+presume to look forward to the future conduct of those who have exerted
+such unwearied industry in their attempts upon the administration, and
+so long pursued the right honourable gentleman with inquiries,
+examinations, rhetorick, and ridicule, I cannot but find myself inclined
+to question whether, after their motion shall have been received in this
+house, and their petition granted by his majesty, they will very
+solicitously inquire after evidence, or be equally diligent in the
+discovery of truth, as in the persecution of the minister.
+
+I am afraid, my lords, that they will be too deeply engaged in the care
+of making a dividend of the plunder in just proportions, to find leisure
+for pursuit of the enemy, and that the sight of vacant posts, large
+salaries, and extensive power, will revive some passions, which the love
+of their country has not yet wholly extinguished, and leave in their
+attention no room for deep reflections, and intricate inquiries. There
+have formerly, my lords, been patriots, who, upon a sudden advancement
+to a place of profit, have been immediately lulled into tranquillity,
+learned to repose an implicit confidence in the ministers, forgotten to
+harangue, threaten, inquire, and protest, and spent the remaining part
+of their lives in the harmless amusement of counting their salaries,
+perquisites, and gratuities.
+
+How great, my lords, would be the disappointment of the people, that
+unhappy people which has been long neglected and oppressed, which so
+justly detests the minister, and calls so loudly for vengeance, when
+they shall see their defenders remit the vigour of the pursuit, when
+once the minister flies before them, and instead of driving him into
+exile, contend about his places!
+
+Unhappy then surely, my lords, would the nation be: the administration,
+we are told, is already universally abhorred, and its hope is only in
+the opposition; but should the zeal of the patriots once grow cold,
+should they discover to the publick, that they have been labouring not
+for general liberty, but for private advantage; that they were enemies
+to power only because it was not in their hands; and disapproved the
+measures of the government only because they were not consulted; how
+inevitably must the people then sink into despair; how certain must they
+then imagine their destruction?
+
+It seems, therefore, my lords, equally prudent and just to reject this
+motion, till better proof shall be brought to support it; lest, by
+complying with it, we should heighten rather than appease the discontent
+of the people; lest we should too soon deprive them of their only
+consolation, and expose the patriots to censure, without vindicating the
+ministry.
+
+In my opinion, my lords, all who have approved the conduct of the
+present ministry, must necessarily join in rejecting the motion, as
+cruel and unequitable, and incline to support a just, and continue a
+wise administration; and all those whom the restless clamours of the
+opposite party have persuaded to regard them as arbitrary, corrupt, and
+perfidious, must, if they are true friends to their country, and steady
+exacters of justice, resolve to defer their compliance, in order to
+bring to light the evidences necessary for a legal conviction, and
+severer punishment.
+
+That these evidences will never be found, and that, therefore, no legal
+punishment will ever be inflicted, we may reasonably collect from the
+injustice of the laboured charge which your lordships have now heard; a
+charge drawn up with all the assistance of senatorial and political
+knowledge, and displayed with all the power of eloquence, a collection
+of every occurrence for many years, of which any circumstance could be
+shown in an unfavourable light, and a recapitulation of all the measures
+which have miscarried by unforeseen events, or which the populace have
+been persuaded to dislike.
+
+In the administration of governments, my lords, many measures reasonable
+and just, planned out in pursuance of a very exact knowledge of the
+state of things then present, and very probable conjectures concerning
+future events, have yet failed to produce the success which was
+expected; they have been sometimes defeated by the inconstancy or
+dishonesty of those who are equally engaged in them, and sometimes
+frustrated by accidents, of which only providence has the disposal. It
+will even be allowed, my lords, that the ministry have been sometimes
+mistaken in their conjectures, and, perhaps, deceived by their
+intelligence, but I will presume to say, it never will be discovered
+that they willingly betrayed, or heedlessly neglected their trust, that
+they ever oppressed their country with unnecessary burdens, or exposed
+it to be insulted by foreign powers. Nor will it, perhaps, be found that
+they ever appeared grossly ignorant of the publick interest, or failed
+to discover any obvious truth, or foresee any probable contingencies.
+
+But, my lords, I am willing to confess that they cannot judge of events
+to come with such unerring and demonstrative knowledge as their
+opponents can obtain of them after they have happened; and they are
+inclined to pay all necessary deference to the great sagacity of those
+wonderful prognosticators, who can so exactly _foresee_ the _past_. They
+only hope, my lords, that you will consider how much harder their task
+is than that of their enemies; they are obliged to determine very often
+upon doubtful intelligence, and an obscure view of the designs and
+inclinations of the neighbouring powers; and as their informers may be
+either treacherous or mistaken, and the interests of other states are
+subject to alterations, they may be sometimes deceived and disappointed.
+But their opponents, my lords, are exempt, by their employment, from the
+laborious task of searching into futurity, and collecting their
+resolutions, from a long comparison of dark hints and minute
+circumstances. Their business is not to lead or show the way, but to
+follow at a distance, and ridicule the perplexity, and aggravate the
+mistakes of their guides. They are only to wait for consequences, which,
+if they are prosperous, they misrepresent as not intended, or pass over
+in silence, and are glad to hide them from the notice of mankind. But if
+any miscarriages arise, their penetration immediately awakes, they see,
+at the first glance, the fatal source of all our miseries, they are
+astonished at such a concatenation of blunders, and alarmed with the
+most distracting apprehensions of the danger of their country.
+
+Accusation of political measures is an easy province; easy, my lords, in
+the same proportion as the administration of affairs is difficult; for
+where there are difficulties there will be some mistakes; and where
+there are mistakes, there will be occasions of triumph, to the factious
+and the disappointed. But the justice of your lordships will certainly
+distinguish between errours and crimes, and between errours of weakness
+and inability, and such as are only discoverable by consequences.
+
+I may add, my lords, that your wisdom will easily find the difference
+between the degree of capacity requisite for recollecting the past, and
+foreknowing the future; and expect that those whose ambition incites
+them to endeavour after a share in the government of their country,
+should give better proofs of their qualifications for that high trust,
+than mere specimens of their memory, their rhetorick, or their malice.
+
+Even the noble lord, who must be confessed to have shown a very
+extensive acquaintance with foreign affairs, and to have very accurately
+considered the interests and dispositions of the princes of Europe, has
+yet failed in the order of time, and by one errour very much invalidated
+his charge of misconduct in foreign affairs.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, was not produced by the rejection of the
+infanta, unless a treaty that was made before it could be the
+consequence of it; so that there was no such opportunity thrown into our
+hands as the noble lord has been pleased to represent. Spain had
+discovered herself our enemy, and our enemy in the highest degree,
+before the French provoked her by that insult; and, therefore, how much
+soever she might be enraged against France, there was no prospect that
+she would favour us, nor could we have courted her alliance without the
+lowest degree of meanness and dishonour.
+
+See then, my lords, this atrocious accusation founded upon false dates,
+upon a preposterous arrangement of occurrences; behold it vanish into
+smoke at the approach of truth, and let this instance convince us how
+easy it is to form chimerical blunders, and impute gross follies to the
+wisest administration; how easy it is to charge others with mistakes and
+how difficult to avoid them.
+
+But we are told, my lords, that the dangers of the confederacy at Vienna
+were merely imaginary, that no contract was made to the disadvantage of
+our dominions, or of our commerce, and that if the weakness of the
+Spaniards and Germans had contrived such a scheme, it would soon have
+been discovered by them to be an airy dream, a plan impossible to be
+reduced to execution.
+
+We have been amused, my lords, on this occasion with great profusion of
+mirth and ridicule, and have received the consolation of hearing that
+Britain is an island, and that an island is not to be invaded without
+ships. We have been informed of the nature of the king's territories,
+and of the natural strength of the fortress of Gibraltar; but the noble
+lord forgot that though Britain has no dominions on the continent, yet
+our sovereign has there a very extensive country, which, though we are
+not to make war for the sake of strengthening or enlarging it, we are,
+surely, to defend when we have drawn an invasion upon it.
+
+The weakness of the Spaniards, my lords, has been also much enlarged
+upon, but the strength of the jacobites at home has been passed over in
+silence, though it is apparent how easily the pretender might have
+landed here, and with what warmth his cause would have been espoused,
+not only by those whose religion avowed and professed makes them the
+enemies of the present royal family, but by many whom prospects of
+interest, the love of novelty, and rage of disappointment, might have
+inclined to a change.
+
+That no such stipulations were made by that treaty, that no injury was
+intended to our commerce, nor any invasion proposed in favour of the
+pretender, are very bold assertions, and though they could be supported
+by all the evidence that negatives admit of, yet will not easily be
+believed by your lordships, in opposition to the solemn assurances of
+his late majesty. It is evident, from this instance, how much prejudice
+prevails over argument; they are ready to condemn the right honourable
+gentleman to whom they give the title of sole minister, upon the
+suffrage of common fame, yet will not acquit him upon the testimony of
+the king himself.
+
+But, my lords, the arguments alleged to prove the improbability of such
+a confederacy, are so weak in themselves, that they require no such
+illustrious evidence to overbalance them. For upon what are they
+founded, but upon the impossibility of executing such designs?
+
+It is well known, my lords, how differently different parties consider
+the same cause, the same designs, and the same state of affairs. Every
+man is partial in favour of his own equity, strength, and sagacity. Who
+can show that the same false opinion of their own power, and of our
+intestine divisions, which now prompts the Spaniards to contend with us,
+might not then incite them to invade us, or at least to countenance the
+attempts of one, whom they are industriously taught to believe the
+greatest part of the nation is ready to receive?
+
+That they might have injured our trade is too evident from our present
+experience, and that they would have supported the Ostend company, which
+they espoused in an open manner, is undeniable. Nor is it in the least
+unlikely, that, elated with the certain power of doing much mischief,
+and with the imaginary prospects of far greater effects, they might
+engage in a confederacy, and farther attempts against us.
+
+I am far from imagining, my lords, that it was in the power of the
+Germans and Spaniards united to force the pretender upon us, though we
+had stood alone against them; but the impossibility of succeeding in
+their design was not then so apparent to them as it is at present to us;
+they had many reasons to wish, and therefore would not be long without
+some to believe it practicable; and it was not the danger but the insult
+that determined his late majesty to enter into an alliance with France.
+
+War, my lords, is always to be avoided, if the possessions and
+reputation of a people can be preserved without it; it was, therefore,
+more eligible to oblige them to lay aside their scheme while it was yet
+only in idea, than to defeat it in its execution. And an alliance with
+France effectually restrained the emperour, as our fleets in America
+reduced the Spaniards to desire peace.
+
+Why we did not seize the cargo of the galleons, has been often asked,
+and as often such answers have been returned as ought to satisfy any
+rational examiner. We did not seize them, my lords, because a larger
+part belonged to other nations than to the Spaniards, and because the
+interests of our trade made it convenient not to exasperate the
+Spaniards, so far as to render a reconciliation very difficult.
+
+In the terms of this reconciliation, my lords, it is charged upon the
+ministry, that they were guilty of contributing to the power of the
+house of Bourbon, by stipulating that Spain, instead of neutral troops,
+should be introduced into Italy. That those troops were less agreeable
+to the emperour cannot be denied, but it has already been shown how
+little reason we had to consult his satisfaction; and with regard to the
+advantages gained by the French and Spaniards in the late war, a very
+small part of them can be ascribed to six thousand troops.
+
+With as little reason, my lords, is the charge advanced of neglecting to
+preserve the balance of Europe, by declining to assist the emperour
+against the French; for the intention of the war seems to have been
+rather revenge than conquest, and the emperour rather exchanged than
+lost his dominions.
+
+That we declined engaging too far in the affairs of the continent,
+proceeded, my lords, from a regard to the trade of the nation, which is
+not only suspended and interrupted during the time of war, but often
+thrown into another channel, out of which it is the business of many
+years to recover it.
+
+Nor have the ministry, my lords, deviated from their regard to trade, in
+their transactions with Spain, which have been the subject of so much
+clamour, and such pathetick declamations; they always knew what the
+nation now feels, that the merchants would suffer much more from a war
+than from piracies and depredations, which, however, they were far from
+submitting to, and for which they constantly made demands of
+satisfaction. To these demands they received such answers, as, if they
+had been sincere, would have left the nation no room to complain; but
+when it was discovered that nothing but verbal satisfaction was to be
+expected, the security of our trade, and the honour of our country,
+demanded that war should be declared.
+
+The conduct of the war, my lords, has been frequently the subject of
+censure; we are told of the inactivity of one fleet, and the imperfect
+equipment of another, the escape of our enemies, and the interception of
+our trading ships. War, my lords, is confessed to be uncertain, and ill
+success is not always the consequence of bad measures: naval wars are by
+the nature of the element on which they are to be conducted, more
+uncertain than any other; so that, though it cannot but be suspected
+that the common people will murmur at any disappointment, call every
+misfortune a crime, and think themselves betrayed by the ministry, if
+Spain is not reduced in a single summer, it might be reasonably hoped,
+that men enlightened by a long familiarity with the accounts of past,
+and instructed by personal experience in national transactions, will
+produce stronger arguments than want of success, when they charge the
+ministry with misconduct in war.
+
+But, my lords, they have not any misfortunes to complain of; nor is the
+accusation, that we have been defeated ourselves, but that we have not
+enough molested our enemies. Of this, my lords, it is not easy to judge,
+at a distance from the scene of action, and without a more accurate
+knowledge of a thousand minute circumstances, which may promote or
+retard a naval expedition. It is undoubtedly true, my lords, that many
+of our merchant ships have been taken by the enemy; but it is not
+certain that they do not murmur equally that they have been obstructed
+in their commerce, and have been so little able to interrupt ours, since
+they have so many advantages from the situation of their coasts. When we
+reckon those that are lost, let us not forget to number those that have
+escaped. If admiral Vernon's fleet was ill provided with arms and
+ammunition, even then, let all censure be suspended till it can be
+proved that it was ill furnished by the fault of the ministry.
+
+Nothing is more common, my lords, in all naval wars, than sudden changes
+of fortune; for on many occasions an accidental gust of wind, or
+unexpected darkness of the weather, may destroy or preserve a fleet from
+destruction, or may make the most formidable armaments absolutely
+useless; and in the present disposition of some people towards the
+ministry, I should not wonder to hear an alteration of wind charged upon
+them.
+
+For what objections may they not expect, my lords, when all the
+disadvantages which the nation suffers from the enemies of his majesty,
+are imputed to them; when daily endeavours are used to make them
+suspected of favouring arbitrary power, for maintaining an army which
+nothing has made necessary but the struggles of those men whose
+principles have no other tendency than to enslave their country. Let not
+our domestick animosities be kept alive and fomented by a constant
+opposition to every design of the administration, nor our foreign
+enemies incited by the observation of our divisions, to treat us with
+insolence, interrupt our trade, prescribe bounds to our dominions, and
+threaten us with invasions--and the army may safely be disbanded.
+
+For the ministry, my lords, are not conscious of having consulted any
+thing but the happiness of the nation, and have, therefore, no
+apprehensions of publick resentment, nor want the protection of an armed
+force. They desire only the support of the laws, and to them they
+willingly appeal from common fame and unequitable charges.
+
+I mention the ministry, my lords, because I am unacquainted with any man
+who either claims or possesses the power or title of sole minister. I
+own, in my province, no superiour but his majesty, and am willing and
+ready to answer any charge which relates to that part of the publick
+business which I have had the honour to transact or direct.
+
+A great part of what I have now offered was, therefore, no otherwise
+necessary on the present occasion, than because silence might have
+appeared like a consciousness of misconduct, and have afforded a new
+subject of airy triumph to the enemies of the administration; for very
+few of the transactions which have been so severely censured, fell under
+the particular inspection of the right honourable gentleman against whom
+the motion is levelled; he was not otherwise concerned in counselling or
+in ratifying, than as one of his majesty's privy council; and,
+therefore, though they should be defective, I do not see how it is
+reasonable or just, that he should be singled out from the rest for
+disgrace or punishment.
+
+The motion, therefore, my lords, appears to me neither founded on facts,
+nor law, nor reason, nor any better grounds than popular caprice, and
+private malevolence.
+
+If it is contrary to law to punish without proof; if it is not agreeable
+to reason that one should be censured for the offences of another; if it
+is necessary that some crime should be proved before any man can suffer
+as a criminal, then, my lords, I am convinced that your lordships will
+be unanimous in rejecting the motion.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke next, as follows:--My lords, if we will
+obstinately shut our eyes against the light of conviction; if we will
+resolutely admit every degree of evidence that contributes to support
+the cause which we are inclined to favour, and to reject the plainest
+proofs when they are produced against it, to reason and debate is to
+little purpose: as no innocence can be safe that has incurred the
+displeasure of partial judges, so no criminal that has the happiness of
+being favoured by them, can ever be in danger.
+
+That any lord has already determined how to vote on the present
+occasion, far be it from me to assert: may it never, my lords, be
+suspected that private interest, blind adherence to a party, personal
+kindness or malevolence, or any other motive than a sincere and
+unmingled regard for the prosperity of our country, influences the
+decisions of this assembly; for it is well known, my lords, that
+authority is founded on opinion; when once we lose the esteem of the
+publick, our votes, while we shall be allowed to give them, will be only
+empty sounds, to which no other regard will be paid than a standing army
+shall enforce.
+
+The veneration of the people, my lords, will not easily be lost: this
+house has a kind of hereditary claim to their confidence and respect;
+the great actions of our ancestors are remembered, and contribute to the
+reputation of their successours; nor do our countrymen willingly suspect
+that they can be betrayed by the descendants of those, by whose bravery
+and counsels they have been rescued from destruction.
+
+But esteem must languish, and confidence decline, unless they are
+renewed and reanimated by new acts of beneficence; and the higher
+expectations the nation may have formed of our penetration to discover
+its real advantages, and of our steadiness to pursue them, the more
+violent will be its resentment, if it shall appear, on this important
+question, that we are either ignorant or timorous, that we are
+unconcerned at the miseries of the people, or content ourselves with
+pitying what our ancestors never failed to redress.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, for our own interest, attend impartially to
+the voice of the people; let us hear their complaints with tenderness,
+and if, at last, we reject them, let it be evident that they were
+impartially heard, and that we only differed from them because we were
+not convinced.
+
+Even then, my lords, we shall suffer, for some time, under the suspicion
+of crimes, from which I hope we shall always be free; the people will
+imagine that we were influenced by those whose interest it appears to
+continue their miseries, and, my lords, all the consolation that will be
+left us, must arise from the consciousness of having done our duty.
+
+But, my lords, this is to suppose what I believe no history can furnish
+an example of; it is to conceive that we may inquire diligently after
+the true state of national affairs, and yet not discover it, or not be
+able to prove it by such evidence as may satisfy the people.
+
+The people, my lords, however they are misrepresented by those who, from
+a long practice of treating them with disregard, have learned to think
+and speak of them with contempt, are far from being easily deceived, and
+yet farther from being easily deceived into an opinion of their own
+unhappiness: we have some instances of general satisfaction, and an
+unshaken affection to the government, in times when the publick good has
+not been very diligently consulted, but scarcely any of perpetual
+murmurs and universal discontent, where there have been plain evidences
+of oppression, negligence, or treachery.
+
+Let us not, therefore, my lords, think of the people as of a herd to be
+led or driven at pleasure, as wretches whose opinions are founded upon
+the authority of seditious scribblers, or upon any other than that of
+reason and experience; let us not suffer them to be at once oppressed
+and ridiculed, nor encourage, by our example, the wretched advocates for
+those whom they consider as their enemies, nor represent them as
+imputing to the misconduct of the ministry the late contrariety of the
+winds, and severity of the winter.
+
+The people, my lords, if they are mistaken in their charge, are mistaken
+with such evidence on their side, as never misled any nation before; not
+only their reason but their senses must have betrayed them; and those
+marks of certainty that have hitherto established truth, must have
+combined in the support of falsehood.
+
+They are persuaded, my lords, too firmly persuaded, to yield up their
+opinions to rhetorick, or to votes, or any proof but demonstration, that
+there is a _first_, or, to speak in the language of the nation, a _sole_
+minister, one that has the possession of his sovereign's confidence, and
+the power of excluding others from his presence, one that exalts and
+degrades at his pleasure, and distributes, for his own purposes, the
+revenues of his master, and the treasure of the nation.
+
+Of this, my lords, can it be maintained that they have no proof? Can
+this be termed a chimerical suspicion, which nothing can be produced to
+support? How can power appear but by the exercise of it? What can prove
+any degree of influence or authority, but universal submission and
+acknowledgment? And surely, my lords, a very transient survey of the
+court and its dependents, must afford sufficient conviction, that this
+man is considered by all that are engaged in the administration, as the
+only disposer of honours, favours, and employments.
+
+Attend to any man, my lords, who has lately been preferred, rewarded, or
+caressed, you will hear no expressions of gratitude but to that _man_;
+no other benefactor is ever heard of, the royal bounty itself is
+forgotten and unmentioned, nor is any return of loyalty, fidelity, or
+adherence professed, but to the minister; the minister! a term which,
+however lately introduced, is now in use in every place in the kingdom,
+except this house.
+
+Preferments, my lords, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military, are
+either wholly in his hands, or those who make it the business of their
+lives to discover the high road to promotion, are universally deceived,
+and are daily offering their adorations to an empty phantom that has
+nothing to bestow; for, no sooner is any man infected with avarice or
+ambition, no sooner is extravagance reduced to beg new supplies from the
+publick, or wickedness obliged to seek for shelter, than this man is
+applied to, and honour, conscience, and fortune offered at his feet.
+
+Did either those whose studies and station give them a claim to
+advancement in the church, or those whose bravery and long service
+entitle them to more honourable posts in the army; did either those who
+profess to understand the laws of their own country, or they who declare
+themselves versed in the interests and transactions of foreign powers,
+apply to any other man for promotion or employment, he might then,
+indeed, be called the _chief_, but not properly the _sole_ minister.
+
+But it is well known, my lords; many of us know it too well, that
+whatever be the profession or the abilities of any person, there is no
+hope of encouragement or reward by any other method than that of
+application to this man, that he shall certainly be disappointed who
+shall attempt to rise by any other interest, and whoever shall dare to
+depend on his honesty, bravery, diligence, or capacity, or to boast any
+other merit than that of implicit adherence to his measures, shall
+inevitably lie neglected and obscure.
+
+For this reason, my lords, every one whose calmness of temper can enable
+him to support the sight, without starts of indignation and sallies of
+contempt, may daily see at the levee of this great man, what I am
+ashamed to mention, a mixture of men of all ranks and all professions,
+of men whose birth and titles ought to exalt them above the meanness of
+cringing to a mere child of fortune, men whose studies ought to have
+taught them, that true honour is only to be gained by steady virtue, and
+that all other arts, all the low applications of flattery and servility
+will terminate in contempt, disappointment, and remorse.
+
+This scene, my lords, is daily to be viewed, it is ostentatiously
+displayed to the sight of mankind, the minister amuses himself in
+publick with the splendour, and number, and dignity of his slaves; and
+his slaves with no more shame pay their prostrations to their master in
+the face of day, and boast of their resolutions to gratify and support
+him. And yet, my lords, it is inquired why the people assert that there
+is a _sole_ minister?
+
+Those who deny, my lords, that there is a _sole_ minister to whom the
+miscarriages of the government may justly be imputed, may easily
+persuade themselves to believe that there have been no miscarriages,
+that all the measures were necessary, and well formed, that there is
+neither poverty nor oppression felt in the nation, that our compliance
+with France was no weakness, and that our dread of the treaty of Vienna
+was not chimerical.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, which has been the parent of so many
+terrours, consultations, embassies, and alliances is, I find, not yet to
+be acknowledged, what it certainly was, a mere phantom, an empty
+illusion, sent by the arts of the French to terrify our ministry. His
+late majesty's testimony is cited to prove that stipulations were really
+entered into by the two powers allied by that treaty, to destroy our
+trade, subvert our constitution, and set a new king upon the throne,
+without consent of the nation.
+
+Such improbabilities, my lords, ought, indeed, to be proved by a high
+testimony, by a testimony which no man shall dare to question or
+contradict; for as any man is at liberty to consult his reason, it will
+always remonstrate to him, that it is no less absurd to impute the folly
+of designing impossibilities to any powers not remarkable for weak
+counsels, than unjust to suspect princes of intending injuries, to which
+they have not been incited by any provocation.
+
+But, my lords, nowithstanding the solemnity with which his late majesty
+has been introduced, his testimony can prove nothing more than that he
+believed the treaty to be such as he represents, that he had been
+deceived into false apprehensions and unnecessary cautions by his own
+ministers, as they had been imposed upon by the agents of France.
+
+This is all, my lords, that can be collected from the royal speech, and
+to infer more from it is to suppose that the king was himself a party in
+the designs formed against him; for if he was not himself engaged in
+this treaty, he could only be informed, by another, of the stipulations,
+and could only report what he had been told upon the credit of the
+informer, a man, necessarily of very little credit. Thus, my lords, all
+the evidence of his late majesty vanishes into nothing more than the
+whisper of a spy.
+
+But as great stress ought, doubtless, to be laid upon intelligence which
+the nation is believed to purchase at a very high price, let it be
+inquired, what proofs those have who dare to suspect the sagacity of our
+ministers, to put in the balance against their intelligence, and it will
+be discovered, my lords, that they have a testimony no less than that of
+the German emperour himself, who could not be mistaken with regard to
+the meaning of the treaty concluded at his own court, and to whom it
+will not be very decent to deny such a degree of veracity as may set him
+at least on the level with a traitor and a hireling.
+
+If the treaty of Vienna was an imposture, most of our misfortunes are
+evidently produced by the weakness of the minister; but even supposing
+it real, as it was only a formidable mockery, an idle threat, that could
+never be executed, it was not necessary, that in order to obviate it, we
+should give ourselves implicitly into the hands of France.
+
+It was not necessary, my lords, that we should suffer them first to
+elude the treaty of Utrecht, by making a port at Mardyke, and then
+directly and openly to violate it by repairing Dunkirk. That this latter
+is a port contrary to treaty, the bills of entry at the custom-house
+daily show; and as the customs are particularly under the inspection of
+the commissioners of the treasury, this man cannot plead ignorance of
+this infraction, were no information given him by other means. If it
+should now be asked, my lords, what, in my opinion, ought to be done, I
+cannot advise that we should attempt to demolish it by force, or draw
+upon ourselves the whole power of France by a declaration of war, but
+what it may be difficult now to remedy, it was once easy to obviate.
+
+Had we shown the same contempt of the French power with our ancestors,
+and the same steadiness in our councils, the same firmness in our
+alliances, and the same spirit in our treaties, that court would never
+have ventured to break a known solemn stipulation, to have exasperated a
+brave and determined adversary by flagrant injustice, and to have
+exposed themselves to the hazard of a war, in which it would have been
+the interest of every prince of Europe who regarded justice or posterity
+to wish their defeat.
+
+Now they see us engaged in a war, my lords, they may be animated to a
+more daring contempt of the faith of treaties, and insult us with yet
+greater confidence of success, as they cannot but remark the cowardice
+or the ignorance with which we have hitherto carried on this war. They
+cannot but observe that either our minister means in reality to make war
+rather upon the Britons than the Spaniards, or that he is totally
+unacquainted with military affairs, and too vain to ask the opinion of
+others who have greater knowledge than himself.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more apparent than that the minister was forced,
+by the continual clamours of the nation, to declare war, contrary to his
+own inclination, and that he always affected to charge it upon others,
+and to exempt himself from the imputation of it. It is, therefore,
+probable that he has not acted on this occasion so wisely as even his
+own experience and penetration might, if they were honestly employed,
+enable him to act, and that he has suffered our counsels to be
+embarrassed; that he sees with great tranquillity those suffering by the
+war, at whose request it was begun, and imagines it a proof of the
+excellence of his own scheme, that those who forced him to break it, may
+in time repent of their importunities.
+
+For that in the management of the war, my lords, no regard has been had
+either to the advantages which the course of our trade inevitably gives
+to our enemies, or to the weakness to which the extent of their
+dominions necessarily subjects them, that neither the interest of the
+merchant has been consulted, nor the ease of the nation in general
+regarded, that the treasure of the publick has been squandered, and that
+our military preparations have intimidated no nation but our own, is
+evident beyond contradiction.
+
+It is well known, my lords, to every man but the minister, that we have
+nothing to fear from either the fleets or armies of the Spaniards, that
+they cannot invade us except in America, and that they can only molest
+us by intercepting our traders. This they can only effect by means of
+their privateers, whose vessels, being light and active, may be easily
+fitted out, nimbly seize their prey, and speedily retire.
+
+The experience of the last French war, my lords, might have taught us
+how much we have to fear from the activity of men incited by prospects
+of private gain, and equipped with that care and vigilance, which,
+however omitted in national affairs, the interest of particular men
+never fails to dictate. It is well known, my lords, how much we lost
+amidst our victories and triumphs, and how small security the merchants
+received from our magnificent navies, and celebrated commanders. It was,
+therefore, surely the part of wise men, not to miscarry twice by the
+same omission, when they had an opportunity to supply it.
+
+I need not inform your lordships of what every reader of newspapers can
+tell, and which common sense must easily discover, that privateers are
+only to be suppressed by ships of the same kind with their own, which
+may scour the seas with rapidity, pursue them into shallow water, where
+great ships cannot attack them, seize them as they leave the harbours,
+or destroy them upon their own coasts.
+
+That this is, in its own nature, at once obvious to be contrived, and
+easy to be done, must appear upon the bare mention of it, and yet that
+it has been either treacherously neglected, or ignorantly omitted, the
+accounts of every day have long informed us. Not a week passes in which
+our ships are not seized, and our sailors carried into a state of
+slavery. Nor does this happen only on the wide ocean, which is too
+spacious to be garrisoned, or upon our enemies' coasts, where they may
+have, sometimes, insuperable advantages, but on our own shores, within
+sight of our harbours, and in those seas of which we vainly style our
+nation the sovereign.
+
+Who is there, my lords, whose indignation is not raised at such
+ignominy? Who is there by whom such negligence will not be resented? It
+cannot be alleged that we had not time to make better preparations; we
+had expected war long before we declared it, and if the minister was the
+only man by whom it was not expected, it will make another head of
+accusation.
+
+Nor was his disregard of our dominions less flagrant than that of our
+trade: it was publickly declared by don Geraldino, that his master would
+never give up his claim to part of our American colonies, which yet were
+neither fortified on the frontiers, nor supplied with arms, nor enabled
+to oppose an enemy, nor protected against him.
+
+One man there is, my lords, whose natural generosity, contempt of
+danger, and regard for the publick, prompted him to obviate the designs
+of the Spaniards, and to attack them in their own territories; a man,
+whom by long acquaintance I can confidently affirm to have been equal to
+his undertaking, and to have learned the art of war by a regular
+education, who yet miscarried in his design, only for want of supplies
+necessary to a possibility of success.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, much probability that the forces sent lately to
+Vernon will be more successful; for this is not a war to be carried on
+by boys: the state of the enemy's dominions is such, partly by
+situation, and partly by the neglect of that man whose conduct we are
+examining, that to attack them with any prospect of advantage, will
+require the judgment of an experienced commander; of one who had learned
+his trade, not in Hyde-park, but in the field of battle; of one that has
+been accustomed to sudden exigencies and unsuspected difficulties, and
+has learned cautiously to form, and readily to vary his schemes.
+
+An officer, my lords, an officer qualified to invade kingdoms is not
+formed by blustering in his quarters, by drinking on birth-nights, or
+dancing at assemblies; nor even by the more important services of
+regulating elections, and suppressing those insurrections which are
+produced by the decay of our manufactures. Many gallant colonels have
+led out their forces against women and children, with the exactest
+order, and scattered terrour over numerous bodies of colliers and
+weavers, who would find difficulties not very easily surmountable, were
+they to force a pass, or storm a fortress.
+
+But, my lords, those whom we have destined for the conquest of America,
+have not even flushed their arms with such services, nor have learned,
+what is most necessary to be learned, the habit of obedience; they are
+only such as the late frost hindered from the exercise of their trades,
+and forced to seek for bread in the service; they have scarcely had time
+to learn the common motions of the exercise, or distinguish the words of
+command.
+
+Nor are their officers, my lords, extremely well qualified to supply
+those defects, and establish discipline and order in a body of
+new-raised forces; for they are absolutely strangers to service, and
+taken from school to receive a commission, or if transplanted from other
+regiments, have had time only to learn the art of dress. We have sent
+soldiers undisciplined, and officers unable to instruct them, and sit in
+expectation of conquests to be made by one boy acting under the
+direction of another.
+
+To their commander-in-chief, my lords, I object nothing but his
+inexperience, which is by no means to be imputed to his negligence, but
+his want of opportunities; though of the rest, surely it may be said,
+that they are such a swarm as were never before sent out on military
+designs; and, in my opinion, to the other equipments, the government
+should have added provisions for women to nurse them.
+
+Had my knowledge of war, my lords, been thought sufficient to have
+qualified me for the chief command in this expedition, or had my advice
+been asked with regard to the conduct of it, I should willingly have
+assisted my country with my person or my counsels; but, my lords, this
+man, who engrosses all authority, seems, likewise, to believe that he is
+in possession of all knowledge, and that he is equally capable, as he is
+equally willing, to usurp the supreme and uncontroulable direction both
+of civil and military affairs.
+
+Why new forces were raised, my lords, it is very easy to judge; new
+forces required new commissions, and new commissions produced new
+dependencies, which might be of use to the minister at the approaching
+election; but why the new-raised troops were sent on this expedition
+rather than those which had been longer disciplined, it is very
+difficult to assign a reason, unless it was considered that some who had
+commands in them had likewise seats in the senate; and the minister was
+too grateful to expose his friends to danger, and too prudent to hazard
+the loss of a single vote. Besides the commander-in-chief, there is but
+one senator in the expedition, and, my lords, he is one of too great
+integrity to be corrupted, and, though sensible of the weakness of the
+troops, too brave to quit his post. How much our country may suffer by
+such absurd conduct, I need not explain to your lordships; it may easily
+be conceived how much one defeat may dispirit the nation, and to what
+attempts one victory may excite our enemies; those enemies whom, under a
+steady and wise administration, we should terrify into submission, even
+without an army.
+
+I cannot forbear to remark on this occasion, how much the ignorance of
+this man has exposed a very important part of our foreign dominions to
+the attempts of the Spaniards. Gibraltar, my lords, is well known to be
+so situated, as to be naturally in very little danger of an attack from
+the land, and to command the country to a great distance; but these
+natural advantages are now taken away, or greatly lessened, by new
+fortifications, erected within much less than gunshot of the place,
+erected in the sight of the garrison, and while one of our admirals was
+cruizing upon the coast.
+
+The pretence, my lords, upon which they were erected, was, that though
+Gibraltar was granted to Britain, yet there was no district appendent to
+it, nor did the British authority extend beyond the walls of the town:
+this poor excuse did the chicanery of the Spaniards invent, and with
+this, my lords, was our minister contented, either not knowing or not
+appearing to know what, I hope, the children whom we have despatched to
+America have been taught, and what no man, versed in national affairs,
+can be ignorant of without a crime, that when a fortress is yielded to
+another nation, the treaty always virtually includes, even without
+mentioning it, an extent of land as far as the guns of the fortification
+can reach.
+
+Whether this man, my lords, was so ignorant as to be deceived thus
+grossly, or so abandoned as willingly to deceive his country, he is
+equally unqualified to support the office of first minister, and almost
+equally deserves to be prosecuted by the indignation and justice of this
+assembly, in the severest manner; for how great must be his wickedness
+who undertakes a charge above his abilities, when his country may be
+probably ruined by his errours?
+
+Your lordships cannot but observe, that I make use rather of the term
+minister than that of the administration, which others are so desirous
+to substitute in its place, either to elude all inquiry into the
+management of our affairs, or to cover their own shameful dependence.
+
+Administration, my lords, appears to me a term without a meaning, a wild
+indeterminate word, of which none can tell whom it implies, or how
+widely it may extend: a charge against the administration may be
+imagined a general censure of every officer in the whole subordination
+of government, a general accusation of instruments and agents, of
+masters and slaves: my charge, my lords, is against the minister,
+against that man, who is believed by every one in the nation, and known
+by great numbers, to have the chief, and, whenever he pleases to require
+it, the sole direction of the publick measures; he, to whom all the
+other ministers owe their elevation, and by whose smile they hold their
+power, their salaries, and their dignity.
+
+That this appellation is not without sufficient reason bestowed upon
+that man, I have already proved to your lordships; and as it has already
+been made appear that common fame is a sufficient ground of accusation,
+it will easily be shown that this man has a just claim to the title of
+minister; for if any man be told of an accusation of the minister; he
+will not ask the name of the person accused.
+
+But there is in the motion one title conferred upon him, to which he has
+no pretensions; for there is no law for styling him the first
+commissioner of the treasury. The commissioners, my lords, who
+discharge, in a collective capacity, the office of lord high treasurer,
+are constituted by the same patent, invested with equal power and equal
+dignity, and I know not why this man should be exalted to any
+superiority over his associates.
+
+If we take, my lords, a review of our affairs, and examine the state of
+the nation in all its relations and all its circumstances, we cannot,
+surely, conceive that we are in a state of prosperity, unless discontent
+at home, and scorn abroad, the neglect of our allies, and insolence of
+our enemies, the decay of trade, and multitude of our imposts, are to be
+considered as proofs of a prosperous and nourishing nation.
+
+Will it be alleged, my lords, has this man one friend adventurous enough
+to assert, in open day, that the people are not starving by thousands,
+and murmuring by millions, that universal misery does not overspread the
+nation, and that this horrid series of calamities is not universally,
+among all conditions, imputed to the conduct of this man?
+
+That great evils are felt, my lords, no Briton, I am certain, who
+converses promiscuously with his countrymen, will attempt to dispute,
+and until some other cause more proportioned to the effect shall be
+assigned, I shall join the publick in their opinion, and while I think
+this man the author of our miseries, shall conclude it necessary to
+comply with the motion.
+
+Lord HARDWICK spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, though I
+very readily admit that crimes ought to be punished, that a treacherous
+administration of publick affairs is, in a very high degree, criminal,
+that even ignorance, where it is the consequence of neglect, deserves
+the severest animadversion, and that it is the privilege and duty of
+this house to watch over the state of the nation, and inform his majesty
+of any errours committed by his ministers; yet I am far from being
+convinced either of the justice or necessity of the motion now under
+consideration.
+
+The most flagrant and invidious part of the charge against the right
+honourable gentleman appears to consist in this, that he has engrossed
+an exorbitant degree of power, and usurped an unlimited influence over
+the whole system of government, that he disposes of all honours and
+preferments, and that he is not only _first_ but _sole_ minister.
+
+But of this boundless usurpation, my lords, what proof has been laid
+before you? What beyond loud exaggerations, pompous rhetorick, and
+specious appeals to common fame; common fame, which, at least, may
+sometimes err, and which, though it may afford sufficient ground for
+suspicion and inquiry, was never yet admitted as conclusive evidence,
+where the immediate necessities of the publick did not preclude the
+common forms of examination, where the power of the offender did not
+make it dangerous to attack him by a legal prosecution, or where the
+conduct of the accusers did not plainly discover that they were more
+eager of blood than of justice, and more solicitous to destroy than to
+convict.
+
+I hope none of these circumstances, my lords, can at present obstruct a
+candid and deliberate inquiry: with regard to the publick, I am not able
+to discover any pressing exigencies that demand a more compendious
+method of proceeding, than the established laws of the land, and the
+wisdom of our ancestors have prescribed. I know not any calamity that
+will be aggravated, nor any danger that will become move formidable, by
+suffering this question to be legally tried.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, in the circumstances of the person accused, any
+thing that can incite us to a hasty process; for, if what is alleged by
+the noble lords is not exaggerated beyond the truth, if he is
+universally detested by the whole nation, and loaded with execrations by
+the publick voice; if he is considered as the author of all our
+miseries, and the source of all our corruptions; if he has ruined our
+trade, and depressed our power, impoverished the people, and attempted
+to enslave them, there is, at least, no danger of an insurrection in his
+favour, or any probability that his party will grow stronger by delays.
+For, my lords, to find friends in adversity, and assertors in distress,
+is only the prerogative of innocence and virtue.
+
+The gentleman against whom this formidable charge is drawn up, is, I
+think, not suspected of any intention to have recourse either to force
+or flight; he has always appeared willing to be tried by the laws of his
+country, and to stand an impartial examination; he neither opposes nor
+eludes inquiry, neither flies from justice, nor defies it.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can I suspect, that those by whom he is accused,
+act from any motive that may influence them to desire a sentence not
+supported by evidence, or conformable to truth; or that they can wish
+the ruin of any man whose crimes are not notorious and flagrant, that
+they persecute from private malice, or endeavour to exalt themselves by
+the fall of another.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, inquire before we determine, and suffer
+evidence to precede our sentence. The charge, if it is just, must be, by
+its own nature, easily proved, and that no proof is brought may,
+perhaps, be sufficient to make us suspect that it is not just.
+
+For, my lords, what is the evidence of common fame, which has been so
+much exalted, and so confidently produced? Does not every man see that,
+on such occasions, two questions may be asked, of which, perhaps,
+neither can easily be answered, and which, yet, must both be resolved
+before common fame can be admitted as a proof of facts.
+
+It is first to be inquired, my lords, whether the reports of fame are
+necessarily or even probably true? A question very intricate and
+diffusive, entangled with a thousand, and involving a thousand,
+distinctions; a question of which it may be said, that a man may very
+plausibly maintain either side, and of which, perhaps, after months or
+years wasted in disputation, no other decision can be obtained than what
+is obvious at the first view, that they are often true, and often false,
+and, therefore, can only be grounds of inquiry, not reasons of
+determination.
+
+But if it appear, my lords, that this oracle cannot be deceived, we are
+then to inquire after another difficulty, we are to inquire, _What is
+fame?_
+
+Is fame, my lords, that fame which cannot err? a report that flies, on a
+sudden, through a nation, of which no man can discover the original; a
+sudden blast of rumour, that inflames or intimidates a people, and
+obtains, without authority, a general credit? No man versed in history
+can inquire whether such reports may not deceive. Is fame rather a
+settled opinion, prevailing by degrees, and for some time established?
+How long, then, my lords, and in what degree must it have been
+established, to obtain undoubted credit, and when does it commence
+infallible? If the people are divided in their opinions, as in all
+publick questions it has hitherto happened, fame is, I suppose, the
+voice of the majority; for, if the two parties are equal in their
+numbers, fame will be equal; then how great must be the majority before
+it can lay claim to this powerful auxiliary? and how shall that majority
+be numbered?
+
+These questions, my lords, may be thought, perhaps with justice, too
+ludicrous in this place, but, in my opinion, they contribute to show the
+precarious and uncertain nature of the evidence so much confided in.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is to every man only what he himself commonly
+hears; and it is in the power of any man's acquaintance to vitiate the
+evidence which they report, and to stun him with clamours, and terrify
+him with apprehensions of miseries never felt, and dangers invisible.
+But, without such a combination, we are to remember, that most men
+associate with those of their own opinions, and that the rank of those
+that compose this assembly naturally disposes such as are admitted to
+their company, to relate, or to invent, such reports as may be
+favourably received, so that what appears to one lord the general voice
+of common fame, may, by another, be thought only the murmur of a petty
+faction, despicable, with regard to their numbers, and detestable, if we
+consider their principles.
+
+So difficult is it, my lords, to form any solid judgment concerning the
+extent and prevalence of any particular report, and the degree of credit
+to be given to it. The industry of a party may supply the defect of
+numbers, and some concurrent circumstances may contribute to give credit
+to a false report.
+
+But, my lords, we are ourselves appealed to as witnesses of the truth of
+facts, which prove him to be sole minister, of the number of his
+dependents, the advancement of his friends, the disappointments of his
+opponents, and the declarations made by his followers of adherence and
+fidelity.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that there is nothing in these
+representations exaggerated beyond the truth, and that nothing is
+represented in an improper light, what consequence can we draw, but that
+the followers of this gentleman, make use of those arts which have
+always been practised by the candidates of preferment, that they
+endeavour to gain their patron's smile by flattery and panegyrick, and
+to keep it by assiduity and an appearance of gratitude. And if such
+applications exalted any man to the authority and title of first
+minister, the nation has never, in my memory, been without some man in
+that station, for there is always some one to whom ambition and avarice
+have paid their court, and whose regards have been purchased at the
+expense of truth.
+
+Nor is it to be wondered at, my lords, that posts of honour and profit
+have been bestowed upon the friends of the administration; for who
+enriches or exalts his enemies? who will increase the influence that is
+to be exerted against him, or add strength to the blow that is levelled
+at himself?
+
+That the right honourable gentleman is the only disposer of honours, has
+never yet appeared; it is not pretended, my lords, that he distributes
+them without the consent of his majesty, nor even that his
+recommendation is absolutely necessary to the success of any man's
+applications. If he has gained more of his majesty's confidence and
+esteem than any other of his servants, he has done only what every man
+endeavours, and what, therefore, is not to be imputed to him as a crime.
+
+It is impossible, my lords, that kings, like other men, should not have
+particular motions of inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
+may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
+their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
+and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
+and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
+desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
+effect.
+
+This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
+confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
+pretended that he assumes the title of _prime minister_, or indeed, that
+it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
+conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
+if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
+against it.
+
+Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
+against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
+that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
+injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
+was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
+country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
+or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
+upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
+honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
+treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
+able to discover.
+
+Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
+have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
+spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
+blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
+lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
+administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
+the decisions of my own judgment.
+
+In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
+accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
+cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
+confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
+conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
+corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if every man's regard to
+his own safety and reputation will prevent him from betraying his trust,
+or abusing his power, much more will it incite him to prevent any
+misconduct in another for which he must himself be accountable. Men are,
+usually, sufficiently tenacious of power, and ready to vindicate their
+separate rights, when nothing but their pride is affected by the
+usurpation, but surely no man will patiently suffer his province to be
+invaded when he may himself be ruined by the conduct of the invader.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears to me to be not only without proof, but
+without probability, and the first minister can, in my opinion, be
+nothing more than a formidable illusion, which, when one man thinks he
+has seen it, he shows to another, as easily frighted as himself, who
+joins with him in propagating the notion, and in spreading terrour and
+resentment over the nation, till at last the panick becomes general, and
+what was at first only whispered by malice or prejudice in the ears of
+ignorance or credulity, is adopted by common fame, and echoed back from
+the people to the senate.
+
+I have hitherto, my lords, confined myself to the consideration of one
+single article of this complicated charge, because it appears to me to
+be the only part of it necessary to be examined; for if once it be
+acknowledged that the affairs of the nation are transacted not by the
+minister but the administration, by the council in which every man that
+sits there has an equal voice and equal authority, the blame or praise
+of all the measures must be transferred from him to the council, and
+every man that has advised or concurred in them, will deserve the same
+censure or the same applause; as it is unjust to punish one man for the
+crimes of another, it is unjust to choose one man out for punishment
+from among many others equally guilty.
+
+But I doubt not, my lords, when all those measures are equitably
+considered, there will be no punishment to be dreaded, because neither
+negligence nor treachery will be discovered. For, my lords, with regard
+to the treaty of Vienna, let us suppose our ministers deceived by
+ignorant or corrupt intelligence, let us admit that they were cautious
+where there was no danger, and neglected some opportunities, which, if
+they had received better information, they might have improved to the
+advantage and security of the nation. What have they done, even under
+all these disadvantageous suppositions, but followed the lights which
+they judged most clear, and by which they hoped to be conducted to
+honour and to safety?
+
+Policy, my lords, is very different from prescience; the utmost that can
+be attained is probability, and that, for the most part, in a low
+degree. It is observed, that no man is wise but as you take into
+consideration the weakness of another; a maxim more eminently true of
+political wisdom, which consists, very often, only in discovering
+designs which could never be known but by the folly or treachery of
+those to whom they are trusted. If our enemies were wise enough to keep
+their own secrets, neither our ministers nor our patriots would be able
+to know or prevent their designs, nor would it be any reproach to their
+sagacity, that they did not know what nobody would tell them.
+
+If therefore, my lords, the princes, whose interest is contrary to our
+own, have been at any time served by honest and wise men, there was a
+time when our ministers could act only by conjecture, and might be
+mistaken without a crime.
+
+If it was always in our power to penetrate into the intentions of our
+enemies, they must necessarily have the same means of making themselves
+acquainted with our projects, and yet when any of them are discovered we
+think it just to impute it to the negligence of the minister.
+
+Thus, my lords, every man is inclined to judge with prejudice and
+partiality. When we suffer by the prudence of our enemies, we charge our
+ministers with want of vigilance, without considering, that very often
+nothing is necessary to elude the most penetrating sagacity, but
+obstinate silence.
+
+If we inquire into the transactions of past times, shall we find any
+man, however renowned for his abilities, not sometimes imposed upon by
+falsehoods, and sometimes betrayed by his own reasonings into measures
+destructive of the purposes which he endeavoured to promote? There is no
+man of whose penetration higher ideas have been justly formed, or who
+gave more frequent proofs of an uncommon penetration into futurity than
+Cromwell; and yet succeeding times have sufficiently discovered the
+weakness of aggrandizing France by depressing Spain, and we wonder now
+how so much policy could fall into so gross an errour, as not rather to
+suffer power to remain in the distant enemy, than transfer it to another
+equally divided from us by interest, and far more formidable by the
+situation of his dominions.
+
+Cromwell, my lords, suffered himself to be hurried away by the near
+prospect of present advantages, and the apprehension of present dangers;
+and every other man has been, in the same manner, sometimes deluded into
+a preference of a smaller present advantage, to a greater which was more
+remote.
+
+Let it not be urged, my lords, that politicks are advanced since the
+time of Cromwell, and that errours which might then be committed by the
+wisest administration, are now gross and reproachful; we are to remember
+that every part of policy has been equally improved, and that if more
+methods of discovery have been struck out, there have been likewise more
+arts invented of eluding it.
+
+When, therefore, we inquire into the conduct, or examine the abilities
+of a minister, we are not to expect that he should appear never to have
+been deceived, but that he should never be found to have neglected any
+proper means of information, nor ever to have willingly given up the
+interest of his country; but we are not to impute to his weakness what
+is only to be ascribed to the wisdom of those whom he opposed.
+
+If this plea, my lords, is reasonable, it will be necessary for those
+who support the motion, to prove, not only that the treaty of Vienna was
+never made, but that the falsehood of the report either was or might
+have been known by our ministers; otherwise, those who are inclined to
+retain a favourable opinion of their integrity and abilities, may
+conclude, that they were either not mistaken, or were led into errour by
+such delusions as would no less easily have imposed on their accusers,
+and that by exalting their enemies to their stations, they shall not
+much consult the advantage of their country.
+
+This motion, therefore, my lords, founded upon no acknowledged, no
+indisputable facts, nor supported by legal evidence; this motion, which,
+by appealing to common fame, as the ultimate judge of every man's
+actions, may bring every man's life, or fortune, into danger; this
+motion, which condemns without hearing, and decides without examining, I
+cannot but reject, and hope your lordships will concur with me.
+
+Lord CARLISLE spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords, the state
+of the question before us has, in my opinion, not been rightly
+apprehended by the noble lord who spoke last, nor is the innocence or
+guilt of the minister the chief question before us, because a minister
+may possibly mean well, and yet be, in some particular circumstances,
+unqualified for his station.
+
+He may not only want the degree of knowledge and ability requisite to
+make his good intentions effectual, but, my lords, however skilful,
+sagacious, or diligent, he may be so unfortunate, in some parts of his
+conduct, as to want the esteem and confidence of the people.
+
+That a very able and honest minister may be misinformed by his
+intelligence, disappointed by his agents, or baffled by other men of
+equal capacity and integrity with himself, cannot be controverted; but
+it must surely be owned likewise, that when this has happened so often,
+and in cases of such importance, as to deprive him entirely of the
+regard and affection of the people; when he is reduced to intrench
+himself behind his privileges, to employ all the influence of the crown
+for his own security, and make it his daily endeavour to create new
+dependencies, he ought to be pitied and discarded.
+
+That this is the state of the minister whose removal is desired by the
+motion, cannot be denied; the exaltation of his adherents to places and
+preferments, the noble lord has been so far from questioning, that he
+has endeavoured to justify it, and has in plain terms inquired, who
+would have acted otherwise?
+
+Every man, my lords, would have acted otherwise, whose character had not
+been blasted by general detestation; every man would have acted
+otherwise, who preferred the publick good to his own continuance in
+power; and every man has acted otherwise who has distinguished himself
+as a friend to the publick.
+
+It is the interest of the nation, my lords, that every office should be
+filled by that man who is most capable of discharging it, whatever may
+be his sentiments with regard to the minister; and that his attention
+should be confined to his employment, rather than distracted by various
+concerns and opposite relations. It is, therefore, an injury to the
+publick, to thrust a skilful commissioner into the senate, or to
+embarrass an industrious senator with a post or commission.
+
+Yet, my lords, that multitudes have obtained places, who have no
+acquaintance with the duties of their offices, nor any other pretensions
+to them, than that they have seats in the other house, and that by
+distinguishing himself in that assembly, any man may most easily obtain
+the preferments of the crown, is too obvious for controversy.
+
+This practice, my lords, is a sufficient foundation for the motion; a
+practice so injurious to the nation, so long continued, and so openly
+avowed, requires to be vigorously opposed, lest it should become
+established by long custom, and entangle itself with our constitution.
+
+If the minister, my lords, has made it necessary to employ none but his
+adherents and blind followers, this necessity is alone a sufficient
+proof how little he confides in his own prudence or integrity, how
+apprehensive he is of the censure of the senate, and how desirous of
+continuing his authority, by avoiding it. And, surely, my lords, it is
+our duty, as well as our right, to address the throne, that a minister
+should be removed who fears the people, since few men fear without
+hating, and nothing so much contributes to make any man an enemy to his
+country, as the consciousness that he is universally abhorred.
+
+But, my lords, if this is done by him without necessity, if the general
+preference of his friends is only the consequence of mistaken judgment,
+or corrupt gratitude, this address is equally necessary, because the
+effects are equally pernicious.
+
+When a minister, suspected of ill intentions, is continued in
+employment, discontent must naturally spread over the nation; and if the
+end of government be the happiness of the people; if suspicion and
+jealousy be contrary to a state of happiness; and if this suspicion
+which generally prevails, this discontent which fills the whole nation,
+can only be appeased by the removal of the minister; prudence, justice,
+and the examples of our ancestors, ought to influence us to endeavour
+that the affairs of the nation may be transferred to such whose greater
+integrity or wisdom has recommended them to the affection of the people.
+
+In this motion, therefore, we need not be supposed to imply that the
+minister is either ignorant or corrupt, but that he is disliked by the
+people, disliked to such a degree, my lords, that it is not safe for his
+majesty to employ him.
+
+It is, doubtless, our duty, my lords, to guard both the rights of the
+people, and the prerogatives of the throne, and with equal ardour to
+remonstrate to his majesty the distresses of his subjects, and his own
+danger. We are to hold the balance of the constitution, and neither to
+suffer the regal power to be overborne by a torrent of popular fury, nor
+the people to be oppressed by an illegal exertion of authority, or the
+more insupportable hardships of unreasonable laws.
+
+By this motion, my lords, the happiness of the people, and the security
+of his majesty, are at once consulted, nor can we suppress so general a
+clamour without failing equally in our duty to both.
+
+To what, my lords, is the untimely end of so many kings and emperours to
+be imputed, but to the cowardice or treachery of their counsellors, of
+those to whom they trusted that intercourse, which is always to be
+preserved between a monarch and his people? Were kings honestly informed
+of the opinions and dispositions of their subjects, they would never,
+or, at least rarely, persist in such measures, as, by exasperating the
+people, tend necessarily to endanger themselves.
+
+It is the happiness of a British monarch, that he has a standing and
+hereditary council, composed of men who do not owe their advancement to
+the smiles of caprice, or the intrigues of a court; who are, therefore,
+neither under the influence of a false gratitude, nor of a servile
+dependence, and who may convey to the throne the sentiments of the
+people, without danger, and without fear. But, my lords, if we are
+either too negligent, or too timorous to do our duty, how is the
+condition of our sovereign more safe, or more happy than that of an
+emperour of Turkey, who is often ignorant of any complaints made against
+the administration, till he hears the people thundering at the gates of
+his palace.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, whatever may be our opinion of the conduct
+of the minister, inform his majesty of the discontent of his subjects,
+since, whether it is just or not, the danger is the same, and whenever
+any danger threatens the king, we ought either to enable him to oppose,
+or caution him to avoid it.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, I
+cannot but observe in this debate an ambition of popularity, in my
+opinion not very consistent with the freedom of debate, and the dignity
+of this assembly, which ought to be influenced by no other motive than
+the force of reason and truth.
+
+It has been a common method of eluding the efficacy of arguments, to
+charge the opponent with blind adherence to interest, or corrupt
+compliance with the directions of a court; nor has it been less frequent
+to prevent inquiries into publick measures, by representing them as the
+clamours of faction, the murmurs of disobedience, and the prelude to
+rebellion.
+
+So necessary, my lords, has it been always thought to be uninfluenced in
+our examinations by dependence or interest, that the most irrefragable
+reasons have lost the power of conviction, by the condition and
+characters of those by whom they were produced; and so much is it
+expected from innocence and justice to despise all foreign assistance,
+and to stand the test of inquiry without asking the support of power,
+that every man has been concluded guilty that has fled for shelter to
+the throne.
+
+And surely, my lords, if that man's suffrage is of little weight, who
+appears determined to subscribe to the dictates of a minister, no
+greater credit can be assigned to another, who professes himself only
+the echo of the clamours of the populace. If it be a proof of a weak
+cause, and consciousness of misconduct, to apply to the crown for
+security and protection, it may be accounted an acknowledgment of the
+insufficiency of arguments, when the people is called in to second them,
+and they are only to expect success from the violence of multitudes.
+
+That all government is instituted for the happiness of the people, that
+their interest ought to be the chief care of the legislature, that their
+complaints ought patiently to be heard, and their grievances speedily
+redressed, are truths well known, generally acknowledged, and, I hope,
+always predominant in the mind of every lord in this assembly. But, that
+the people cannot err, that the voice of fame is to be regarded as an
+oracle, and every murmur of discontent to be pacified by a change of
+measures, I have never before heard, or heard it only to disregard it.
+
+True tenderness for the people, my lords, is to consult their advantage,
+to protect their liberty, and to preserve their virtue; and perhaps
+examples may be found sufficient to inform us that all these effects are
+often to be produced by means not generally agreeable to the publick.
+
+It is possible, my lords, for a very small part of the people to form
+just ideas of the motives of transactions and the tendency of laws. All
+negotiations with foreign powers are necessarily complicated with many
+different interests, and varied by innumerable circumstances, influenced
+by sudden exigencies, and defeated by unavoidable accidents. Laws have
+respect to remote consequences, and involve a multitude of relations
+which it requires long study to discover. And how difficult it is to
+judge of political conduct, or legislative proceedings, may be easily
+discovered by observing how often the most skilful statesmen are
+mistaken, and how frequently the laws require to be amended.
+
+If then, my lords, the people judge for themselves on these subjects,
+they must necessarily determine without knowledge of the questions, and
+their decisions are then of small authority. If they receive,
+implicitly, the dictates of others, and blindly adopt the opinions of
+those who have gained their favour and esteem, their applauses and
+complaints are, with respect to themselves, empty sounds, which they
+utter as the organs of their leaders. Nor are the desires of the people
+gratified when their petitions are granted; nor their grievances
+overlooked when their murmurs are neglected.
+
+As it is no reproach to the people that they cannot be the proper judges
+of the conduct of the government, so neither are they to be censured
+when they complain of injuries not real, and tremble at the apprehension
+of severities unintended. Unjust complaints, my lords, and unreasonable
+apprehensions, are to be imputed to those who court their regard only to
+deceive them, and exalt themselves to reputation by rescuing them from
+grievances that were never felt, and averting dangers that were never
+near.
+
+He only who makes the happiness of the people his endeavour, loves them
+with a true affection and a rational tenderness, and he certainly
+consults their happiness who contributes to still all groundless
+clamours, and appease all useless apprehensions, who employs his care,
+not only to preserve their quiet and their liberty, but to secure them
+from the fear of losing it, who not only promotes the means of
+happiness, but enables them to enjoy it.
+
+Thus, it appears, my lords, that it is possible to be a friend, at the
+same time, to the people and the administration, and that no man can
+more deserve their confidence and applause, than he that dissipates
+their unreasonable terrours, and contributes to reconcile them to a good
+government.
+
+That most of the clamours against the present government arise from
+calumnies and misrepresentations, is apparent from the sanction of the
+senate, which has been given to all the measures that are charged as
+crimes upon the administration.
+
+That the army is supported by the consent of the senate, that the senate
+has approved the convention, and that our taxes are all imposed and
+continued by the senate, cannot be denied. What then is demanded by
+those that censure the conduct of publick affairs, but that their
+opinion should be considered as an overbalance to the wisdom of the
+senate, that no man should be allowed to speak but as they dictate, nor
+to vote but as they shall influence them by their rhetorick or example?
+
+To repeat the particular topicks of accusation, and recapitulate the
+arguments which have been produced to confute it, would be a tedious and
+unnecessary labour; unnecessary, because it is well known that they once
+had the power of convincing this house, and that nothing has since
+happened to lessen their force, and because many of them now have been
+already repeated by the noble lords that have opposed the motion.
+
+To search far backward for past errors, and to take advantage of later
+discoveries in censuring the conduct of any minister, is in a high
+degree disingenuous and cruel; it is an art which may be easily
+practised, of perplexing any question, by connecting distant facts, and
+entangling one period of time with another.
+
+The only candid method of inquiry is to recur back to the state of
+affairs, as it then appeared, to consider what was openly declared, and
+what was kept impenetrably secret, what was discoverable by human
+sagacity, and what was beyond the reach of the most piercing politician.
+
+With regard to the Hanover treaty, it is not, my lords, requisite that
+we should engage ourselves in a very minute examination; for it was not
+only not transacted by the right honourable gentleman whose behaviour is
+the subject of this debate, but cannot be proved to have been known by
+him till it was formally ratified. If he afterwards approved it either
+in the council or the senate, he cannot justly, how destructive or
+ridiculous soever that treaty may be thought, be charged with more than
+his share of the guilt, the bare guilt of a single vote.
+
+But there is one accusation yet more malicious, an accusation not only
+of crimes which this gentleman did not commit, but which have not yet
+been committed, an accusation formed by prying into futurity, and
+exaggerating misfortunes which are yet to come, and which may probably
+be prevented. Well may any man, my lords, think himself in danger, when
+he hears himself charged not with high crimes and misdemeanours, not
+with accumulative treason, but with misconduct of publick affairs, past,
+present, and future.
+
+The only charge against this gentleman, which seems to relate more to
+him than to any other man engaged in the administration, is the
+continuance of the harbour of Dunkirk, which, says the noble duke, he
+must be acquainted with as commissioner of the treasury; but if the
+title of first commissioner be denied, if his authority be but the same
+with that of his associates, whence comes it, my lords, that he is more
+particularly accused than they? Why is his guilt supposed greater if his
+power is only equal?
+
+But, my lords, I believe it will appear, that no guilt has been
+contracted on this account, and that Dunkirk was always intended, even
+by those that demanded the demolition of it, to continue a harbour for
+small trading vessels, and that if larger ever arrived from thence, they
+lay at a distance from the shore, and were loaded by small vessels from
+the town.
+
+With regard to other affairs, my lords, they were all transacted by the
+council, not by his direction, but with his concurrence; and how it is
+consistent with justice to single him out for censure, I must desire the
+noble lords to show who approve the motion.
+
+If the people, my lords, have been, by misrepresentations industriously
+propagated, exasperated against him, if the general voice of the nation
+condemns him, we ought more cautiously to examine his conduct, lest we
+should add strength to prejudice too powerful already, and instead of
+reforming the errours, and regulating the heat of the people, inflame
+their discontent and propagate sedition.
+
+The utmost claim of the people is to be admitted as accusers, and
+sometimes as evidence, but they have no right to sit as judges, and to
+make us the executioners of their sentence; and as this gentleman has
+yet been only condemned by those who have not the opportunities of
+examining his conduct, nor the right of judging him, I cannot agree to
+give him up to punishment.
+
+Lord HALIFAX spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, though I do
+not conceive the people infallible, yet I believe that in questions like
+this they are seldom in the wrong, for this is a question not of
+argument but of fact; of fact discoverable, not by long deductions and
+accurate ratiocinations, but by the common powers of seeing and feeling.
+
+That it is difficult to know the motives of negotiations, and the
+effects of laws, and that it requires long study and intense meditation
+to discover remote consequences, is indubitably true. And, with regard
+to the people in general, it cannot be denied, that neither their
+education qualifies them, nor their employments allow them to be much
+versed in such inquiries.
+
+But, my lords, to refer effects to their proper causes, and to observe,
+when consequences break forth, from whence they proceed, is no such
+arduous task. The people of the lowest class may easily feel that they
+are more miserable this year than the last, and may inquire and discover
+the reason of the aggravation of their misery; they may know that the
+army is increased, or our trade diminished; that the taxes are heavier,
+and penal laws become more grievous.
+
+Nor is it less easy for them to discover that these calamities are not
+brought upon them by the immediate hand of heaven, or the irresistible
+force of natural causes; that their towns are not ruined by an invasion,
+nor their trade confined by a pestilence; they may then easily collect,
+that they are only unhappy by the misconduct of their governours; they
+may assign their infelicity to that cause, as the only remaining cause
+that is adequate to the effect.
+
+If it be granted, my lords, that they may be mistaken in their
+reasoning, it must be owned, that they are not mistaken without
+probabilities on their side: it is probable that the ministry must
+injure the publick interest when it decays without any other visible
+cause; it is still more probable, when it appears that among those whose
+station enables them to enter into national inquiries, every man imputes
+his calamities to the minister, who is not visibly dependent on his
+favour. It becomes more probable, yet, when it appears that it is the
+great business of the minister to multiply dependencies, to list
+accomplices, and to corrupt his judges.
+
+At least, my lords, if it be granted, which, surely, cannot be denied,
+that the people may be sensible of their own miseries, it is their part
+to declare their sufferings, and to apply to this house for relief, and
+it is our business to discover the authors of them, and bring them to
+punishment.
+
+That the people are very loud and importunate in their complaints, is
+daily evident; nor is it less apparent, that their complaints are just;
+if, therefore, their miseries must have an author, let the defenders of
+this gentleman point out the man whom they may more properly accuse.
+
+But, my lords, nothing is more evident, than that the crimes and the
+criminal are equally known, that there is one man predominant in his
+majesty's councils, and that it has long been the practice of that man
+at once to oppress and ridicule the people, to plunder them, and set
+them at defiance.
+
+Nothing is more known than that this man pretends to a superiour
+knowledge, and exerts a superiour power in the management of the publick
+revenues, and that they have been so ill managed for many years, that
+the expenses of peace have been almost equal to those of a most vigorous
+and extensive war.
+
+Nothing is more probable, than that most of the foreign negotiations are
+conducted by his direction, nor more certain, than that they have
+generally tended only to make us contemptible.
+
+That the excise was projected in his own head, that it was recommended
+by him upon his own conviction, and pressed upon the legislature by his
+influence, cannot be questioned; and if this were his only crime, if
+this were the only scheme of oppression that ever he planned out, it is
+such a declaration of war upon the publick liberty, such an attack of
+our natural and constitutional rights, as was never, perhaps, pardoned
+by any nation.
+
+Nor is it less notorious, that the late infamous convention was
+transacted by one of his own dependents, that he palliated or concealed
+the losses of our merchants, that he opposed the declaration of war, and
+has since obstructed its operations.
+
+On this occasion, my lords, it may be useful to remark the apparent
+partiality of this gentleman's vindicators, who declare, that measures
+are not to be censured as imprudent, only because they are unsuccessful,
+and yet when other instances of his conduct fall under our examination,
+think it a sufficient defence to exclaim against the unreasonableness of
+judging before the event.
+
+To deny that, in the conduct both of civil and military affairs, he has
+obtained, I know not by what means, an authority superiour to that of
+any other man, an authority irresistible, uncontroulable, and regal, is
+to oppose not only common fame, but daily experience. If as commissioner
+of the treasury he has no more power than any of his associates, whence
+is it, that to oppose or censure him, to doubt of his infallibility, to
+suspect his integrity, or to obstruct his influence, is a crime punished
+with no lighter penalty than forfeiture of employment, as appears, my
+lords, from the late dismission of a gentleman, against whom nothing can
+be alleged but an obstinate independence and open disregard of this
+arbitrary minister.
+
+But happy would it be, my lords, for this nation, if he endeavoured not
+to extend his authority beyond the treasury or the court; if he would
+content himself with tyrannising over those whose acceptance of salaries
+and preferments has already subjected them to his command, without
+attempting to influence elections, or to direct the members of the other
+house.
+
+How much the influence of the crown has operated upon all publick
+councils since the advancement of this gentleman, how zealously it has
+been supported, and how industriously extended, is unnecessary to
+explain, since what is seen or felt by almost every man in the kingdom
+cannot reasonably be supposed unknown to your lordships.
+
+Nothing can be more contrary to the true notion of the British
+constitution, than to imagine, that by such measures his majesty's real
+interest is advanced. The true interest, my lords, of every monarch, is
+to please the people, and the only way of pleasing Britons, is to
+preserve their liberties, their reputation, and their commerce. Every
+attempt to extend the power of the crown beyond the limits prescribed by
+our laws, must in effect make it weaker, by diverting the only source of
+its strength, the affection of his subjects.
+
+It is, therefore, my opinion, my lords, that we ought to agree to this
+motion, as a standing memorial not only of our regard for the nation,
+but of our adherence to our sovereign; that his councils may be no
+longer influenced by that man whose pernicious advice, and unjustifiable
+conduct, has added new hopes and new strength to his enemies,
+impoverished and exasperated his subjects, inflamed the discontent of
+the seditious, and almost alienated the affection of the loyal.
+
+The bishop of SALISBURY spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords,
+after all the exaggerations of the errours, and all the representations
+of the malconduct of the right honourable gentleman; after the most
+affecting rhetorick, and the most acute inquiries, nothing has appeared
+of weight sufficient to prevail with me to agree to the present motion;
+a motion, if not of an unprecedented, yet of a very extraordinary kind,
+which may extend in its consequences to futurity, and be, perhaps, more
+dangerous to innocence than guilt.
+
+I cannot yet discover any proof sufficient to convict him of having
+usurped the authority of _first_ minister, or any other power than that
+accidental influence which every man has, whose address or services have
+procured him the favour of his sovereign.
+
+The usurpation, my lords, of regal power must be made evident by
+somewhat more than general assertions, must appear from some publick act
+like that of one of the prelates left regent of the kingdom by Richard
+the first, who, as soon as the king was gone too far to return, in the
+first elevations of his heart, began his new authority by imprisoning
+his colleague.
+
+To charge this gentleman with the dismission of any of his colleagues,
+can, after the strongest aggravations, rise no higher than to an
+accusation of having advised his majesty to dismiss him, and even that,
+my lords, stands, at present, unsupported by evidence; nor could it,
+however uncontestably proved, discover either wickedness or weakness, or
+show any other authority than every man would exercise, if he were able
+to attain it.
+
+If he had discharged this gentleman by his own authority, if he had
+transacted singly any great affair to the disadvantage of the publick,
+if he had imposed either upon the king or the senate by false
+representations, if he had set the laws at defiance, and openly trampled
+on our constitution, and if by these practices he had exalted himself
+above the reach of a legal prosecution, it had been worthy of the
+dignity of this house, to have overleaped the common boundaries of
+custom, to have neglected the standing rules of procedure, and to have
+brought so contemptuous and powerful an offender to a level with the
+rest of his fellow-subjects by expeditious and vigorous methods, to have
+repressed his arrogance, broken his power, and overwhelmed him at once
+by the resistless weight of an unanimous censure.
+
+But, my lords, we have in the present case no provocations from crimes
+either openly avowed, or evidently proved; and certainly no incitement
+from necessity to exert the power of the house in any extraordinary
+method of prosecution. We may punish whenever we can convict, and
+convict whenever we can obtain evidence; let us not, therefore, condemn
+any man unheard, nor punish any man uncondemned.
+
+The duke of BEDFORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, it
+is easy to charge the most blameless and gentle procedure with injustice
+and severity, but it is not easy to support such an accusation without
+confounding measures widely different, and disguising the nature of
+things with fallacious misrepresentations.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that neither condemnation nor punishment is
+intended by the motion before us, which is only to remove from power a
+man who has no other claim to it than the will of his master, and who,
+as he had not been injured by never obtaining it, cannot justly complain
+that it is taken from him.
+
+The motion, my lords, is so far from inflicting punishment, that it
+confers rewards, it leaves him in the possession of immense wealth,
+however accumulated, and enables him to leave that office in security,
+from which most of his predecessors have been precipitated by national
+resentment, or senatorial prosecution.
+
+There is no censure, my lords, made of his conduct, no charge of
+weakness, or suspicion of dishonesty, nor can any thing be equitably
+inferred from it, than that in the opinion of this house his majesty may
+probably be served by some other person, more to the satisfaction of the
+British nation.
+
+Though it is not just to punish any man without examination, or to
+censure his conduct merely because it has been unpleasing or
+unsuccessful; though it is not reasonable that any man should forfeit
+what he possesses in his own right, without a crime, yet it is just to
+withdraw favours only to confer them on another more deserving; it is
+just in any man to withhold his own, only to preserve his right, or
+obviate an injurious prescription, and it is, therefore, just to advise
+such a conduct whenever it appears necessary to those who have the right
+of offering advice.
+
+To advise his majesty, my lords, is not only our right but our duty; we
+are not only justifiable in practising, but criminal in neglecting it.
+That we should declare our apprehensions of any impending danger, and
+our disapprobation of publick misconduct, is expected both by our
+sovereign and the people, and let us not, by omitting such warnings,
+lull the nation and our sovereign into a dangerous security, and, from
+tenderness to one man, prolong or increase the miseries of our country,
+and endanger or destroy the honour of our sovereign.
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke next, in effect as follows:--My lords, this is surely
+a day destined by the noble lords who defend the motion, for the support
+of paradoxical assertions, for the exercise of their penetration, and
+ostentation of their rhetorick; they have attempted to maintain the
+certainty of common fame in opposition to daily observation; the
+existence of a sole minister in contradiction to the strongest evidence;
+and having by these gradations arrived at the highest degree of
+controversial temerity, are endeavouring to make it appear that the
+publick censure of the house of lords is no punishment.
+
+If we take the liberty, my lords, of using known words in a new sense,
+in a meaning reserved to ourselves only, it will, indeed, be difficult
+to confute, as it will be impossible to understand us; but if punishment
+be now to be understood as implying the same idea which has hitherto
+been conveyed by it, it will not be easy to show that a man thus
+publickly censured is not severely punished, and, if his crimes are not
+clearly proved, punished in opposition to law, to reason, and to
+justice.
+
+It has been hitherto imagined, my lords, that no punishment is heavier
+than that of infamy; and shame has, by generous minds, been avoided at
+the hazard of every other misery. That such a censure as is proposed by
+the motion, must irreparably destroy the reputation of the person
+against whom it is directed, that it must confirm the reports of his
+enemies, impair the esteem of his friends, mark him out to all Europe as
+unworthy of his sovereign's favour, and represent him to latest
+posterity as an enemy to his country, is indisputably certain.
+
+These, my lords, are the evident consequences of the address moved for
+by the noble lord; and, if such consequences are not penal, it will be
+no longer in our power to enforce our laws by sanctions of terrour.
+
+To condemn a man unheard, is an open and flagrant violation of the first
+law of justice, but it is still a wider deviation from it to punish a
+man unaccused; no crime has been charged upon this gentleman
+proportioned to the penalty proposed by the motion, and the charge that
+has been produced is destitute of proof.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, reverence the great laws of reason and
+justice, let us preserve our high character and prerogative of judges,
+without descending to the low province of accusers and executioners; let
+us so far regard our reputation, our liberty, and our posterity, as to
+reject the motion.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in this debate, which lasted eleven hours; at
+length the question was put, and, on a division, carried in the
+negative. Content, 59. Not content, 108.]
+
+After the determination of the foregoing question, the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH rose up, and spoke as follows:--My lords, though your
+patience must undoubtedly be wearied by the unusual length of this day's
+debate, a debate protracted, in my opinion, not by the difficulty of the
+question, but by the obstinacy of prejudice, the ardour of passion, and
+the desire of victory; yet, I doubt not but the regard which this
+assembly has always paid to the safety and happiness of the state, will
+incline you to support the fatigue of attention a little longer, and to
+hear with your usual impartiality another motion.
+
+The proposition which I am about to lay down, my lords, is not such as
+can admit of controversy; it is such a standing principle as was always
+acknowledged, even by those who have deviated from it. Such a known
+truth as never was denied, though it appears sometimes to have been
+forgotten.
+
+But, my lords, as it never can be forgotten, without injury to
+particular persons, and danger to the state in general, it cannot be too
+frequently recollected, or too firmly established; it ought not only to
+be tacitly admitted, but publickly declared, since no man's fortune,
+liberty, or life, can be safe, where his judges shall think themselves
+at liberty to act upon any other principle. I therefore move, "That any
+attempt to inflict any kind of punishment on any person without allowing
+him an opportunity to make his defence, or without any proof of any
+crime or misdemeanour committed by him, is contrary to natural justice,
+the fundamental laws of this realm, and the ancient established usage of
+the senate, and is a high infringement of the liberties of the subject."
+
+He was seconded by the duke of DEVONSHIRE:--My lords, though the motion
+made by the noble duke is of such a kind, that no opposition can be
+expected or feared, yet I rise up to second it, lest it should be
+imagined that what cannot be rejected is yet unwillingly admitted.
+
+That where this maxim is not allowed and adhered to, rights and
+liberties are empty sounds, is uncontestably evident; if this principle
+be forsaken, guilt and innocence are equally secure, all caution is
+vain, and all testimony useless. Caprice will, in our courts, supply the
+place of reason, and all evidence must give way to malice, or to favour.
+
+I hope, therefore, my lords, that your regard to justice, to truth, and
+to your own safety, will influence you to confirm this great and
+self-evident principle by a standing resolution, that may not only
+restrain oppression in the present age, but direct the judiciary
+proceedings of our successors.
+
+Lord LOVEL rose next, and spoke as follows:--My lords, liberty and
+justice must always support each other, they can never long flourish
+apart; every temporary expedient that can be contrived to preserve or
+enlarge liberty by means arbitrary and oppressive, forms a precedent
+which may, in time, be made use of to violate or destroy it. Liberty is
+in effect suspended whenever injustice is practised; for what is
+liberty, my lords, but the power of doing right without fear, without
+control, and without danger.
+
+But, my lords, if any man may be condemned unheard, if judgment may
+precede evidence, what safety or what confidence can integrity afford?
+It is in vain that any man means well, and acts prudently; it is even in
+vain that he can prove the justice and prudence of his conduct.
+
+By liberty, my lords, can never be meant the privilege of doing wrong
+without being accountable, because liberty is always spoken of as
+happiness, or one of the means to happiness, and happiness and virtue
+cannot be separated. The great use of liberty must, therefore, be to
+preserve justice from violation; justice, the great publick virtue, by
+which a kind of equality is diffused over the whole society, by which
+wealth is restrained from oppression, and inferiority preserved from
+servitude.
+
+Liberty, general liberty, must imply general justice; for wherever any
+part of a state can be unjust with impunity, the rest are slaves. That
+to condemn any man unheard is oppressive and unjust, is beyond
+controversy demonstrable, and that no such power is claimed by your
+lordships will, I hope, appear from your resolutions.
+
+Lord GOWER spoke next:--My lords, to the principle laid down by those
+noble lords, I have no objection, and concur with them in hoping that
+all our proceedings will contribute to establish it; but why it should
+be confirmed by a formal resolution, why the house should solemnly
+declare their assent to a maxim which it would be madness to deny, it is
+beyond my penetration to discover.
+
+Though the noble lord's position cannot be controverted, yet his motion,
+if it is designed to imply any censure of the proceedings of this day,
+may reasonably be rejected, and that some censure is intended we may
+conjecture, because no other reason can be given why it was not made at
+some other time.
+
+Lord HALIFAX then rose:--My lords, that a censure is intended, will, I
+suppose, not be denied, and that such a censure is unjust must doubtless
+be the opinion of all those who are supposed to have incurred it, and it
+will, therefore, not be wondered that the motion is opposed by them, as
+indecent and calumnious: late as it is, my lords, I will not, for my
+part, suffer such an indignity without opposition, and shall think my
+conscience and my honour require, that I should not be overborne by
+perseverance or by numbers, but that I should, if I cannot convince the
+noble lords by argument, of the impropriety of the motion, record my
+reasons against it, which may, perhaps, be more candidly received by
+posterity.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke to this effect:--My lords, it is not without
+indignation that I hear a motion so injurious to my own honour, and to
+that of the noble lords who have concurred with me in the last debate,
+nor without contempt that I observed the motion confounded with the
+positions contained in it; the low subtilty of such conduct is no less
+to be despised than the malice to be abhorred.
+
+Fifty-nine lords are here branded as strangers, or enemies to the first
+principle of judicial equity, for doing what will entitle them to the
+general applause of every man in the kingdom that has the full
+possession of his understanding, or the free use of his senses; of every
+man that can distinguish truth, or feel oppression.
+
+They have endeavoured to rescue their country from the rapine of
+pensioners and the tyranny of an army, from perpetual taxes, and useless
+expenses; they have attempted to expose the errours of arrogant
+ignorance, and to depress the power of greatness, founded on corruption,
+and swelling beyond legal restraints.
+
+That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
+observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
+nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
+who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
+
+Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
+whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
+their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
+ascribed, their places, their dependence--
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, I rise
+thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
+publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
+assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
+methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
+preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
+solemn grandeur of its procedure.
+
+The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
+avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
+transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
+abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
+
+It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
+preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
+remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
+same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
+reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
+right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
+the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
+
+Lord TALBOT then resumed:--My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
+me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
+For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
+lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
+
+Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
+to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
+character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
+endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
+court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
+
+Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
+should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
+submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
+restrain me.
+
+I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
+merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
+examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
+that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
+
+When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
+observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
+authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
+I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
+speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable--
+But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
+endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
+been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
+of your lordships.
+
+Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:--My lords, the present motion is
+undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
+the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
+established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
+which I know not that it has ever departed.
+
+As there is, therefore, no particular necessity of confirming it by a
+new resolution, and as the present time seems less proper than any
+other, I cannot but declare my opinion, that to resume it at some other
+time will be more prudent, than to give the lords, who think their
+conduct censured, any occasion of resentment or discontent.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the maxim laid
+down in the present motion, is in itself incontestable, and so far from
+any inconsistency with the former, that as there was no reason for
+making, there is, in my opinion, none for opposing it; as it may at any
+time be made, it may at any time be properly passed. And I hope that our
+unanimity on this occasion will show that truth, however unseasonably
+advanced, will, in this house, be always received.
+
+But, lest the noble lords who have opposed the motion, should think
+their honour engaged in continuing the opposition, I take the liberty,
+my lords, to move that the previous question may be put.
+
+[Other lords spoke on each side; at last the previous question was put
+by the president, who demanded, "Is it your lordships' pleasure, that
+the question be now put? Those lords who are for it, say, Content:
+those who are against it, say, Not content." There was, accordingly, a
+cry of both; after which the president declared, "the contents have it;"
+and some lords replying, "the non-contents have it," his lordship said,
+"the non-contents must go below the bar:" which is the manner of
+dividing the house. Those who remained being told in their seats, and
+those who went out being told at coming in again, there were Content,
+81; Not content, 54: so that the resolution moved for, passed without a
+division.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON CLEANSING THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.]
+
+
+Lord TYRCONNEL made a motion for bringing in a bill for the better
+cleansing and paving the streets of Westminster, and the liberties
+thereof; in support of which motion he spoke to the following purpose:--
+
+Sir, though the grievance which I am about to lay before the house is
+not of the most formidable or dangerous kind, yet as it is such as grows
+every day greater, and such as every day endangers the lives of
+thousands, I hope it will not be thought useless or improper to propose
+it to the consideration of this assembly, to offer my thoughts on the
+methods by which it may be most easily removed, and to endeavour to
+incite others to the same considerations.
+
+It is impossible, sir, to come to this assembly, or to return from it
+without observations on the present condition of the streets of
+Westminster; observations forced upon every man, however inattentive, or
+however engrossed by reflections of a different kind.
+
+The warmest zeal for publick happiness, the most anxious vigilance
+against general dangers, must, I believe, sometimes give way to objects
+of immediate, though of less importance, nor will the most
+publick-spirited senators deny, that they have often been in the streets
+alarmed with obstructions, or shocked with nuisances.
+
+The filth, sir, of some parts of the town, and the inequality and
+ruggedness of others, cannot but in the eyes of foreigners disgrace our
+nation, and incline them to imagine us a people, not only without
+delicacy, but without government, a herd of barbarians, or a colony of
+hottentots.
+
+The most disgusting part of the character given by travellers, of the
+most savage nations, is their neglect of cleanliness, of which, perhaps,
+no part of the world affords more proofs, than the streets of the
+British capital; a city famous for wealth, and commerce, and plenty, and
+for every other kind of civility and politeness, but which abounds with
+such heaps of filth, as a savage would look on with amazement.
+
+If that be allowed which is generally believed, that putrefaction and
+stench are the causes of pestilential distempers, the removal of this
+grievance may be pressed from motives of far greater weight than those
+of delicacy and pleasure; and I might solicit the timely care of this
+assembly for the preservation of inuumerable multitudes, and intreat
+those, who are watching against slight misfortunes, to unite their
+endeavours with mine, to avert the greatest and most dreadful of
+calamities.
+
+Not to dwell, sir, upon dangers, which may, perhaps, be thought only
+imaginary, I hope that it will be at least considered, how much the
+present neglect of the pavement is detrimental to every carriage,
+whether of trade, or pleasure, or convenience, and that those who have
+allowed so much of their attention to petitions, relating to the roads
+of the kingdom, the repair of some of which is almost every session
+thought of importance sufficient to produce debates in this house, will
+not think the streets of the capital alone unworthy of their regard.
+
+That the present neglect of cleansing and paving the streets is such as
+ought not to be borne, that the passenger is every where either
+surprised and endangered by unexpected chasms, or offended or obstructed
+by mountains of filth, is well known to every one that has passed a
+single day in this great city; and that this grievance is without remedy
+is a sufficient proof that no magistrate has, at present power to remove
+it; for every man's private regard to his own ease and safety, would
+incite him to exert his authority on this occasion.
+
+I humbly propose, therefore, that a bill may be brought into the house,
+to enable his majesty's justices of peace for the liberties of
+Westminster, to inspect the publick ways of this city, and punish the
+neglect of cleansing and paving them; or that a new officer be
+appointed, and vested with full authority for the same purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I believe the grievance, so
+much complained of by the right honourable member, is not difficult to
+be removed without a new act of the legislature, being, perhaps, more
+properly to be imputed to the negligence of the justices, than a defect
+of their authority; for they have already sufficient power to regulate
+this disorder: and I may be allowed to hope, sir, that they do not want
+leisure to observe it, for their number is so great, that if we suppose
+them to be wholly engaged by the common business of their office, a
+foreigner would have occasion of reproaching us with defects more
+important than want of delicacy, and might justly censure us as a people
+corrupt beyond the common rate of human wickedness, a nation divided
+only into two classes, magistrates and criminals.
+
+But they, in reality, abound so much among us, that most of them are
+only nominal magistrates, vested with authority which they never exert,
+or exert to bad purposes, and which it were well if they were obliged to
+employ in the real service of their country, by superintending the
+paviers and the scavengers.
+
+For this reason it is unnecessary to erect a new officer, as an
+inspector of our streets, since every office that is not necessary is
+pernicious. Were the consequences of this grievance such as they have
+been represented, I should, perhaps, willingly erect a new office,
+though I should not be surprised to hear the wisest man declare rather
+for a pestilence than an increase of officers.
+
+As I neither think the grievance insupportable, nor the methods proposed
+for removing it necessary or proper, I declare myself against the
+motion.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, as the grievance cannot
+be denied to be real, and the motion, therefore, may reasonably be
+imagined to have been made without any other intention than of
+benefiting the publick by an useful law, I cannot discover any
+sufficient reason for a rejection so peremptory and contemptuous.
+
+That every man is disgusted, and almost every man daily endangered in
+our streets, has not been denied; nor will any man, I suppose, question
+what, if he has not yet experienced it, he may, perhaps, be fully
+convinced of, in his next visit or excursion.
+
+Those evils, which every man feels, though slight, are worthy of the
+attention of the legislature; and that danger that threatens multitudes,
+though distant, ought to be averted: for a small disorder, like a small
+expense, when it extends to multitudes, becomes a national affair.
+
+But though this motion may, perhaps, be liable to some objections, there
+is, certainly, no such absurdity to be found in it, as may justify us in
+rejecting it without examination; to reject a motion when it is first
+offered, is a proof of prejudice, next to that of rejecting it unheard;
+it is to determine a question, before it is discussed, or can be fully
+understood.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, I cannot but differ
+very widely in opinion from the right honourable member that spoke last,
+with regard to the propriety of opposing a motion when it is first made;
+a practice, which I can by no means think inconsistent with either
+decency or prudence, and which would, perhaps, be of use to the publick,
+if it was more frequent.
+
+When any motion is made, it is subjected to the consideration of this
+assembly, and every member is at full liberty to examine and discuss it.
+If it appears to deserve farther attention, it may be admitted, but if
+the subject be either improper or unseasonable, or the measures proposed
+injudicious or dangerous, it is then to be rejected; and if it is at
+last to be rejected, it is apparent that no time ought to be thrown away
+upon it.
+
+The hours, and days, and weeks, that have been improfitably spent upon
+bills which after all our endeavours could not be passed; the delays of
+real benefits to the publick, which have been produced by long pursuits
+of shadowy advantages, have inclined me to a more expeditious method of
+proceeding, and determined me speedily to reject what I cannot hope to
+amend.
+
+[The question being put, passed in the negative, 142 against 109.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF A BILL TO PREVENT INCONVENIENCIES
+ARISING FROM INSURANCE OF SHIPS.
+
+
+The bill being read, sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, there cannot be
+brought before this house any questions more difficult in themselves,
+more entangled with a multiplicity of relations, or more perplexed with
+an endless diversity of circumstances, than those which relate to
+commercial affairs; affairs on which the most experienced often
+disagree, and on which the most sagacious may deceive themselves with
+erroneous conjectures.
+
+There are no questions, sir, which require so much personal knowledge of
+the subject to which they relate, nor is there any subject with which so
+few gentlemen in this house have had opportunities of being acquainted.
+There are no questions, sir, which their variety of relations to
+different persons exposes to be so easily misrepresented without
+detection, nor any in which the opposition of particular interests so
+much incites a false representation. In all these cases, deceit is easy,
+and there is a strong temptation to deceive.
+
+Nor are these questions, sir, always perplexed by intentional fraud, or
+false assertions, of which they that utter them are themselves
+conscious.
+
+Those who deceive us, do not always suppress any truth of which they are
+convinced, nor set facts before us in any other light, than that in
+which themselves behold them; they for the most part err with an honest
+intention, and propagate no mistakes but those which they have
+themselves admitted.
+
+Of this kind, sir, are, doubtless, the measures proposed in the bill
+before us, which those by whom they are promoted may easily think to be
+of benefit to the publick, but which, I believe, will appear the result
+of imperfect views, and partial consideration.
+
+The great and fundamental errour, sir, of the patrons of this bill,
+seems to be an opinion that the practice of insuring is not known to
+other nations, nor can be carried on in any other place; and from this
+principle they deduce consequences, which, if they were inevitably
+certain, might easily influence us to an immediate approbation of the
+bill, as necessary to secure our commerce, and distress our enemies.
+
+They conclude, sir, with sufficient justness, that very few merchants
+would hazard their fortunes in long voyages or distant commerce, or
+expose themselves to the dangers of war, without the security which
+insurances afford them; and having persuaded themselves that such
+security is to be obtained from no other nation, they imagine that we
+might, by prohibiting it, confine all the foreign vessels in their
+ports, and destroy, by one resolution, the trade of both our rivals and
+our enemies.
+
+That our East India company may desire the ratification of this bill, I
+cannot deny, because they might, perhaps, receive from it some temporary
+advantage by the short inconveniencies which those whom they consider as
+the enemies of their commerce would feel from it. They may desire it,
+because the experiment, if it fails, as it must, cannot injure them; and
+if it succeeds, may produce great advantages to them: they may wish it,
+because they will feel the immediate benefit, and the detriment will
+fall upon others.
+
+I shall not inquire whether our merchants are inclined to look with
+malevolence on all those who cultivate the same branches of commerce
+with themselves, though they have neither the violation of natural
+rights, nor the infringement of national treaties, to complain of. I
+should be unwilling to suspect a British merchant, whose acquaintance
+with the constitution of his own country ought to show him the value of
+liberty, who ought to be above narrow schemes, by the knowledge which
+his profession enables him to gain, of a desire to encroach upon the
+rights of others, or to engross the general benefits of nature; and
+shall only observe, that several other nations can plead a claim to the
+East India trade, a claim of equal validity with our own; that the Danes
+have their settlement there, and that the Portuguese discovered the way
+to those regions of wealth, from which some, perhaps, are inclined to
+exclude them.
+
+But nothing is more vain than to attempt to exclude them by refusing to
+ensure their ships, because the opinion that they can be insured by no
+other nation is entirely without foundation. There are at this time
+offices of insurance along the whole coasts of the midland sea, among
+the Dutch, and even among the French. Nothing can debar any nation from
+the trade of insurance but the want of money; and that money is not
+wanted by foreigners for this purpose, appears from the great sums which
+they have deposited in our funds.
+
+That this trade is now carried on chiefly by this nation, though not
+solely, is incontestable; but what can be inferred from that, but that
+we ought not to obstruct our own gain; that we ought not to make a law
+to deprive ourselves of that advantage of which either favourable
+accidents or our own sagacity have put us in possession.
+
+For this reason it appears that it would not contribute to the wealth of
+the publick to debar us from insuring the ships even of those with whom
+we are at war, for it is always to be remembered that they will receive
+no detriment from such prohibitions, nor will feel any other consequence
+from them than a necessity of transferring to some other nation the
+profit which we receive from it.
+
+What the profit is which arises to the nation from the trade of
+insurance it is not possible exactly to determine, but that the trade is
+really advantageous may be reasonably conceived, because after many
+years' experience it is diligently followed, and a law was never
+necessary to prohibit the pursuit of a business by which nothing was to
+be gained. But could the gain of the insurer be a doubtful point, there
+is a certain advantage to the nation by the money paid for commission,
+brokerage, stamps, and the credit of the premium deposited here.
+
+I might add, sir, another considerable sum yearly arising to the
+government from the additional letters, occasioned by this trade, which
+increase the revenues of the post-office, without any deduction for
+additional charge.
+
+That the loss of this profit, and the gain of insuring, will ensue upon
+the ratification of this bill, cannot be denied; nor does it appear,
+that this loss will be counterbalanced by any advantage that will be
+gained over our rivals or our enemies.
+
+Whether this bill, sir, would produce to the merchants of that city by
+which it is promoted, the advantages which they expect from it, or
+remove any of the grievances of which they complain, I am not able
+positively to determine; but know, that it is not uncommon for
+merchants, as well as other men, to confound private with publick
+grievances, and to imagine their own interest the interest of the
+nation.
+
+With regard, sir, to the practice of insuring, _interest or no
+interest_, as the term is, when an imaginary value is put upon the ship
+or cargo, often much above its real worth, it cannot be denied, that
+some opportunities may be given by it for wicked practices. But there
+will always be circumstances in which there can be no security against
+frauds, but common faith; nor do I see how we can secure the insurers
+against the possibility of being defrauded.
+
+I cannot, indeed, discover, sir, how this method of insuring can be
+prevented; for how can the value of a cargo be estimated, which is to be
+collected in a long voyage, at different ports, and where the success of
+the adventurers often depends upon lucky accidents, which are, indeed,
+always hoped for, but seldom happen. An imaginary value must, therefore,
+be fixed upon, when the ship leaves the port; because the success of
+that voyage cannot be foreknown, and the contracting parties may be
+safely trusted to set that value, without any law to direct or restrain
+them.
+
+If the merchants are oppressed by any peculiar inconveniencies, and can
+find means of redressing them without injuring the publick commerce, any
+proposal for that purpose ought to be favourably received; but as the
+bill now before us proposes general restraints, and proposes to remove
+grievances which are not felt, by remedies, which those upon whom they
+are to operate, do not approve, I think it ought not to be referred to a
+committee, but rejected.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, when I first
+proposed this bill to the house, I lamented the absence of that
+honourable gentleman, from whose discussions and arguments I expected
+great information; and for whose judgment, in all commercial questions,
+I have the highest esteem, as his penetration not only enables him to
+discover the consequences of methods which have not yet been tried, but
+as his extensive acquaintance with many branches of trade, cannot but
+have informed him of the success of many expedients tried, as well in
+other nations as our own, for the advancement of it.
+
+Trade, sir, is a subject, of which it has been justly observed, that
+very few gentlemen have attained knowledge sufficient to qualify
+themselves to judge of the propriety of any new regulation; and I cannot
+but confess, that I have no uncommon skill in these questions. What I
+have to offer on this occasion, has been suggested to me, not so much by
+my own observations, as by the intelligence which I have very
+industriously sought, and by which, as I endeavoured to inquire of those
+whose opinion was least likely to be perverted by their interest, I hope
+I have not been misled.
+
+The merchants, sir, to whom it has been my fortune to apply, have
+generally concurred in the opinion that the present practice of insuring
+is prejudicial to our commerce, nor have I found any disagreement
+between my constituents and the traders of this great metropolis.
+
+I am unwilling to imagine that there can be any evil for which the
+wisdom of this assembly cannot discover a remedy, and am, therefore, of
+opinion, that if the grievance is real, some expedient may be discovered
+for removing it; and that it is real, I cannot but be convinced by the
+declarations of so many men, who can have no interest in complaining
+when they suffer nothing, and whose known abilities exempt them from the
+suspicion of imputing any part of their uneasiness to a cause which
+cannot produce it.
+
+The bill before us, sir, requires, in my opinion, some amendments, and
+in its present state might, perhaps, produce more detriment than
+advantage; but since it is necessary at least to attempt something for
+the relief of men so useful to this nation, it appears to me necessary
+to form a committee, and to deliberate on this subject with more
+attention.
+
+Mr. LOCKWOOD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, though I am not
+of opinion that the bill in its present state ought to be passed into a
+law, yet I am far from thinking it so imperfect as not easily to be
+amended, and, therefore, am desirous that it should be considered in a
+committee.
+
+I have not, indeed, sir, often observed, that bills injudiciously drawn
+up at first have received great improvements from a second
+consideration, and have found it more easy to form a new bill, than to
+make alterations in one that is laid before us; for some original errour
+will commonly remain, and the sentiments of different men, pursuing
+different views, can seldom be modelled into one consistent scheme. But
+I am far from considering this bill as one of those that cannot be
+amended, for I can discover but few objections to the regulations
+proposed in it, and those not relating to any of the essential parts,
+but slight and circumstantial, such as will easily be removed, or,
+perhaps, answered.
+
+The grievance, sir, for which this bill proposes a remedy, is so
+generally known, and so universally lamented, that, I believe, there is
+not any thing more worthy of the attention of the legislature than an
+inquiry into the cause of it, and the proper method of redressing it.
+
+In our inquiry into the causes of this obstruction of trade, I am of
+opinion, sir, that the practice of insuring, _interest or no interest_,
+will appear to be the foundation of this general uneasiness; it will be
+found a practice of so natural a tendency to fraud, and so easily
+susceptible of dishonest artifices, that I believe every member of this
+house will desire its suppression.
+
+To confirm my assertion, sir, and illustrate the question before us, I
+shall mention some particular instances of fraud to which this custom
+has given occasion; of fraud so evident and so detestable that it cannot
+be related without indignation.
+
+The Royal George was a large ship belonging to the South sea company,
+which, having been a voyage to Vera Cruz, put in at Jamaica in her
+return; and being there refitted to proceed on her voyage homewards, set
+sail, and came within a week's sailing of the port, when, upon a sudden,
+the officers entered into a consultation, and determined to go back a
+month's voyage to Antigua; for what reason, sir, may easily be guessed,
+when it was told that a ship was insured upon a supposed value of sixty
+thousand pounds.
+
+This resolution, sir, was no sooner formed, than orders were given to
+change the course and steer to Antigua, in opposition to all the
+remonstrances of the carpenter, who is the proper judge of the condition
+of a vessel, and who declared, with honesty and resolution, against
+their whole procedure. But they pursued their new scheme without any
+regard to his murmurs or assertions; and when they arrived at Antigua,
+found some method of influencing the officers of that island to declare
+the ship unfit for the prosecution of the voyage.
+
+Their design, sir, was now happily completed. To confirm the
+determination which had been pronounced in their favour, they stranded
+the ship upon a bank of sand, forced out the iron that grapples the
+timber together, and having first taken away the masts and rigging, and
+whatever else could be used or sold, threw the ballast to each end, and
+so broke the vessel in the middle.
+
+By this well-contrived shipwreck, having, as they imagined, raised their
+fortunes, they came home triumphantly from their prosperous voyage, and
+claimed the money for which the ship was insured. The insurers, startled
+at a demand so unexpected, inquired into the affair with all the
+industry which its importance might naturally incite, and, after some
+consultation, determined to try whether the ship might not be refitted
+and brought to Britain.
+
+In pursuance of this resolution, they sent workmen and materials, and,
+without much expense, or any difficulty, brought it hither.
+
+I believe, sir, this relation is sufficient at once to prove the
+practice, and explain the nature of the frauds to which this method of
+insurance gives occasion; but as the frequency of them is such, that
+many instances may be produced, I shall offer another short narrative of
+the same kind.
+
+A ship that belonged to the East India company, insured after this
+method, was run ashore by the captain, in such a manner that he imagined
+none but himself able to recover it, and therefore, though it cost five
+thousand pounds, sold it for five hundred; but the purchaser, no less
+expert than the captain, found means very speedily to disengage it, to
+restore it to a proper condition with little expense, and was much
+enriched by his fortunate bargain.
+
+I cannot but observe, sir, that this kind of fraud is more formidable,
+as it may be practised without a possibility of detection: had the
+captain, instead of stranding, destroyed his vessel, how could his
+wickedness ever have been discovered; or how could the South sea
+company's ship have been brought home, had it been sunk in some distant
+corner of the world.
+
+This practice, sir, and the frauds which it has occasioned, and the
+suspicions which the easy practice of frauds always creates, have
+produced so many trials, and filled the courts of justice with such
+intricate contentions, that the judges, who know, perhaps, nothing of
+this practice but from its effects, have often declared it to be so
+pregnant with contests and cheats, that it ought not to be suffered, and
+that a law for suppressing it would much contribute to the establishment
+of peace, and the security of property.
+
+I am not insensible, sir, of the force of the argument made use of by
+the honourable gentleman who spoke in favour of this practice, and
+cannot but allow it that regard which his reasonings always deserve; it
+is the strongest, and perhaps the only argument that can be produced.
+His assertion of the impossibility of estimating the real value of a
+ship, or of foreknowing the success of a voyage, is incontestable: but
+perhaps it will follow from thence, not that an imaginary value ought to
+be admitted, but that no insurance ought to be allowed, where there is
+no rational method of ascertaining it; or, at least, that all such
+insurance ought to be rather below the probable value than above it.
+
+If the grievance complained of has been proved not to be imaginary, we
+ought, doubtless, to consult how it may be remedied; nor do I believe
+that our consultations will be ineffectual, if we engage in them, not
+with an intention to perplex, but to inform each other. I am of opinion,
+sir, that the importance of the question requires a committee; nor can I
+discover any essential defect in the bill, which should hinder it from
+passing into a law.
+
+Mr. BURRELL spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am convinced by experience, as
+well as reason, that so many inconveniencies arise from this method of
+insurance, that it affords so many opportunities of fraud, and gives
+such encouragement to negligence, that I shall willingly concur in any
+measures that may effectually suppress it.
+
+It is, sir, too well known to require proof, that interest is the parent
+of diligence, and that men attend to the performance of their duty, in
+proportion as they must suffer by the neglect of it; and, therefore,
+every practice that deprives honesty of its reward is injurious to the
+publick.
+
+But that this is the consequence of estimating ships at an imaginary
+value in the offices of insurance, is, to the highest degree, evident.
+When a ship is estimated above its real value, how will the commander
+suffer by a wreck, or what shall restrain him from destroying his
+vessel, when it may be done with security to himself, except that
+integrity, which, indeed, ought to be generally diffused, but which is
+not always to be found, and to which few men think it safe to trust upon
+occasions of far less importance.
+
+To show, sir, that I do not indulge groundless suspicions, or magnify
+the bare possibility of fraud into reality; that I do not blacken human
+nature, or propose laws against wickedness that has not yet existed; it
+may be proper to mention some letters, in which I have been informed, by
+my correspondent at Leghorn, of the state of the ships which have
+arrived there; ships so weakly manned, and so penuriously or negligently
+stored, so much decayed in the bottoms, and so ill fitted with rigging,
+that he declares his astonishment at their arrival.
+
+It may deserve our consideration, sir, whether the success of the
+Spanish privateers may not be, in great part, attributed to this
+pernicious practice; whether captains, when their vessels are insured
+for more than their value, do not rashly venture into known danger?
+whether they do not wilfully miss the security of convoys? whether they
+do not direct their courses where privateers may most securely cruise?
+whether they do not surrender with less resistance than interest would
+excite? and whether they do not raise clamours against the government
+for their ill success, to avoid the suspicion of negligence or fraud?
+
+That other frauds are committed in the practice of insuring, is well
+known to the honourable gentleman: it is a common practice to take money
+upon bottomry, by way of pledge, for the captain's fidelity, and to
+destroy this security by insuring above the real value; so that the
+captain may gain by neglecting the care of his vessel, or, at least,
+secure himself from loss, and indulge his ease or his pleasure without
+any interruption from the fear of diminishing his fortune.
+
+The whole practice of insurance, sir, is, in its present state, I
+believe, so perplexed with frauds, and of such manifest tendency to the
+obstruction of commerce, that it absolutely requires some legal
+regulations.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to this purpose:--Of frauds in the practice
+of insurance, with regard to which the honourable gentleman has appealed
+to me, I can confidently affirm that I am totally ignorant: I know not
+of any fraudulent practices openly carried on, or established by custom,
+which I suppose are meant: for with regard to single acts of fraud,
+committed by particular men, it is not to be supposed but that they have
+been detected in this, as in all other branches of traffick: nor can I
+conceive that any argument can be drawn from them against the practice;
+for if every part of commerce is to be prohibited, which has furnished
+villains with opportunities of deceit, we shall contract trade into a
+narrow compass.
+
+With regard, sir, to the instance of the Royal George, though the
+proceedings of the officers are not wholly to be vindicated, yet part of
+their conduct is less inexplicable than it has been represented. Their
+return to Antigua, when they were bound for Britain, and were within a
+week's sailing of their port, is easily to be defended, if the wind was
+contrary to their intended course; for it is not difficult to conceive
+that they might reach a distant port, with a favourable wind, much
+sooner than one much nearer, with the wind against them.
+
+I have always observed, sir, that the gentlemen engaged in the trade to
+the East Indies, assume an air of superiority, to which I know not what
+claim they can produce, and seem to imagine, that their charter gives
+them more extensive knowledge, and more acute sagacity, than falls to
+the lot of men not combined in their association.
+
+But however these gentlemen may disapprove my arguments, and however
+they may misrepresent them, I shall be satisfied, that they will have,
+with the disinterested and impartial, their just weight, and that this
+affair will not be hastily determined upon an imperfect examination.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to this effect:--Whether the merchants are
+satisfied with the present methods of insuring, or what is the opinion
+of any separate body of men, I think it absolutely unnecessary to
+inquire. We are constituted for the publick advantage, and are engaged
+by our senatorial character to consider, not the private interest of
+particular men, but the general advantage of our country.
+
+In our pursuit, sir, of national interest, we shall be obliged
+frequently to oppose the schemes which private men or separate
+fraternities, have formed for their own advantage, and which they may be
+expected to defend with all their art; both because every man is
+unwilling to imagine that the publick interest and his own are opposite,
+and because it is to be feared, that many may consider the publick only
+in subordination to themselves, and be very little solicitous about the
+general prosperity of their country, provided none of the calamities
+which afflict it extend their influence to themselves.
+
+We are in the discussion of this question, sir, to consider that we are
+engaged in a war against a nation from which insults, depredations,
+oppressions, and cruelties, have been long complained of, and against
+which we are, therefore, to act with a resolution proportioned to the
+injuries which we have suffered, and to our desire of vengeance. We are
+to practice every method of distressing them, and to promote the success
+of our arms even at the expense of present gain, and the interest of
+private men.
+
+It is well known, sir, to all who have either heard or read of the
+Spaniards, that they live in carelessness and indolence, neglect all the
+natural advantages of their own country, despise the gain of foreign
+commerce, and depend wholly on their American settlements, for all the
+conveniences, and, perhaps, for most of the necessaries of life.
+
+This is the particular circumstance that makes a war with Britain so
+much to be dreaded by them. A nation superiour to them by sea holds them
+besieged, like a garrison surrounded by an army, precludes them from
+supplies, intercepts their succours, and if it cannot force their walls
+by attack, can, at least, by a blockade, starve them to a capitulation.
+
+Thus, sir, by a naval war with an enemy of superiour strength, they must
+at length be subdued, and subdued, perhaps, without a battle, and
+without the possibility of resistance; against such an enemy their
+courage or their discipline is of no use; they may form armies, indeed,
+but which can only stand upon the shore, to defend what their enemies
+have no intention of invading, and see those ships seized in which their
+pay is treasured, or their provisions are stored.
+
+Such, sir, is our natural superiority over the Spaniards, a species of
+superiority that must inevitably prevail, if it be not defeated by our
+own folly; and surely a more effectual method of defeating it, the
+Spaniards themselves could not have discovered, than that of insuring,
+their ships among our merchants.
+
+When a ship thus insured is taken, which, notwithstanding all
+precautions, must sometimes happen, we examine the cargo, find it
+extremely valuable, and triumph in our success; we not only count the
+gain to ourselves, but the loss to our enemies, and determine that a
+small number of such captures will reduce them to offer us peace upon
+our own terms.
+
+Such are the conclusions which are made, and made with reason, by men
+unacquainted with the secret practices of our merchants, and who do not
+suspect us to be stupid enough to secure our enemies against ourselves;
+but it is often found, upon a more close examination, that our ships of
+war have only plundered our merchants, and that our privateers may,
+indeed, have enriched themselves, but impoverished their country. It is
+discovered that the loss of the Spaniards is to be repaid, and, perhaps,
+sometimes with interest, by the British insurers.
+
+If it be urged, that we ought not to enact any laws which may obstruct
+the gain of our fellow-subjects, may it not be asked, why all trade with
+Spain is prohibited; may not the trade be equally gainful with the
+insurance, and may not the gain be more generally distributed, and,
+therefore, be more properly national?
+
+But this trade was prohibited, because it was more necessary to our
+enemies than to ourselves; it was prohibited, because the laws of war
+require, that a less evil should be suffered to inflict a greater; it is
+upon this principle that every battle is fought, and that we fire our
+own ships to consume the navies of the enemy.
+
+For this reason, sir, it appears to me evident beyond contradiction,
+that the insurance of Spanish ships ought to be prohibited: we shall,
+indeed, lose the profit of the insurance, but we shall be reimbursed by
+the captures, which is an argument that cannot be produced for the
+prohibition of commerce.
+
+It is urged, sir, that they may insure their ships in other countries;
+an assertion, of which, whether it be true or not, I am not able to
+decide; but it is acknowledged, that the necessity of establishing new
+correspondence will be at least a temporary obstruction of their trade,
+and an obstruction of even a short continuance may lay them at our
+mercy.
+
+But let us, sir, reflect upon the weakness of this argument,--_they
+must be allowed to insure here, because they may insure in other
+places;_ will it not be equally just to urge, that _they must trade with
+us, because they may trade with other nations?_ And may it not be
+answered, that though we cannot wholly suspend their commerce, it is yet
+our business to obstruct it as far as we are able?
+
+May it-not, sir, be farther affirmed, that by insuring in other nations,
+they may injure their allies by falling into our hands, but do not the
+less benefit us? that if they do not grow weaker, we at least are
+strengthened; but that by insuring among us, whatever steps are taken,
+the equilibrium of the war is preserved always the same?
+
+It is asserted, and I suppose with truth, that we insure at a lower rate
+than others, and it will, therefore, follow, that the Spaniards,
+whenever their ships shall escape us, will suffer more by having-insured
+amongst foreigners, than if they had contracted with our merchants.
+
+Thus it appears, sir, that there are stronger reasons for prohibiting
+the insurance of Spanish ships, than for putting a stop to our commerce
+with them; and that whether their ships are taken by us, or escape us,
+it is the general interest of the nation, that they shall be insured by
+foreign merchants.
+
+With respect, sir, to the East India company, I have no regard to their
+interest, considered as distinct from that of the rest of the nation;
+nor have received any solicitations from them to promote this bill, or
+to espouse their interest; but cannot, without concealing my real
+sentiments, deny, that as they have the grant of an exclusive trade to
+the East Indies, to insure the ships that are sent thither without their
+permission, is to invade their rights, and to infringe their charter;
+and that the practice, if the validity of their charter be admitted, is
+illegal, and ought to be discountenanced.
+
+The practice, sir, of insuring, _interest or no interest_, or of
+assigning to ships an imaginary value, is nothing more than a particular
+game, a mere solemn species of _hazard_, and ought, therefore, to be
+prohibited, for every reason that can be urged against games of chance.
+
+With regard to this bill in general, it is, in my opinion, highly
+necessary, nor can I discover any important objection that can be made
+against it. Some law of this kind, and to this purpose, I have long
+intended to offer to the consideration of this assembly, and since it is
+now before us, I think we ought to consider it with the attention which
+may be justly expected from us.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, I know not how properly the practice of
+insuring may be termed a species of hazard, nor do I think any thing
+more is to be considered, than whether the game be gainful to the
+nation, or not, for I cannot discover that there is any absurdity in
+enriching ourselves at the expense of other nations, whether enemies or
+allies. That we ought to prefer the general good to the advantage of
+individuals, is undoubted, but I cannot conceive that in this case there
+can be any opposition between private and publick interest. If our
+insurers gain by securing the ships of our enemies, the nation is
+benefited, for all national gain must circulate through the hands of
+individuals.
+
+No man will assert that we ought to assist our enemies, nor will any man
+imagine that we assist them by impoverishing them, and if our insurers
+gain by their practice, the Spaniards must undoubtedly be losers.
+
+Mr. WILLIMOT spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I have
+conversed on the question to which this bill relates, with men engaged
+in various kinds of traffick, and who have no common interest but that
+of their country. I have dispersed among the merchants, most eminent for
+their acquaintance with the whole extent of commerce, and for their
+knowledge of the true interest of the nation, copies of this bill, and
+cannot find any of them so sensible of the grievance of which we have so
+loud complaints, as to desire that it should be redressed by the
+measures now proposed.
+
+That frauds are practised on every side, in this, as well as in other
+trades, the general corruption of our age gives us sufficient reason to
+suspect; but what is common to every sort of traffick, cannot be
+produced as an argument for the prohibition of any.
+
+That the practice of insuring an imaginary value may give opportunity
+for greater frauds than can be practised in common dealings, is likewise
+evident, but I cannot discover such frauds to require the interposition
+of the legislature.
+
+If they are practised only by those of our own nation, the publick does
+not suffer; for property is only transferred from one subject to
+another: the fraud ought, indeed, to be severely punished in the courts
+of criminal justice, but the custom which gave the opportunity of
+practising it, ought not to be restrained, any more than any other
+profession not criminal in itself, but liable to accidental abuses.
+
+If our insurers are defrauded by foreigners, the nation is then, indeed,
+more nearly affected, but even in that case, it is to be remembered,
+that the private interest of the insurers, who must be immediately
+ruined, is a sufficient security for the publick. For it cannot, sir, be
+conceived that any man will obstinately carry on a business, by which he
+becomes every day poorer, or, that when he desists he will be succeeded
+by another, who cannot but know that he engages in that traffick to his
+certain ruin.
+
+The true state of this affair is, that frauds are, indeed, often
+committed, and are for that reason always suspected, and that the
+insurers, when they insure the ship and cargo against accidents, reckon,
+among other chances, the probability of being cheated, and proportion
+their demands, not only to the length and danger of the voyage, but to
+the character, likewise, of the man with whom they contract.
+
+This, sir, is always the practice of those whom experience has made
+acquainted with the danger of implicit confidence and unsuspecting
+credulity, nor do any but the young and unskilful suffer themselves to
+be so exposed to frauds, as that their fortunes should be injured, or
+the general gain of their business overbalanced, by a few deceits.
+
+Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the ease and safety with which the
+present methods of insurance admit fraud to be practised, the insurers,
+by a proportionate degree of caution, secure themselves from being
+injured, and, by consequence, the nation.
+
+The insurance of foreign ships is now to be considered, by which great
+profit arises to the nation. We insure, sir, as it has been observed, at
+lower rates than other nations, because we have more business of this
+kind, and the smallness of our profit is compensated by the frequency;
+the cheapness of insurances, and eagerness of foreigners to insure here,
+reciprocally contribute to each other; we are often applied to, because
+we insure at an easy rate, and we can insure at an easy rate, because we
+are often applied to.
+
+Nor is the cheapness of British insurance the only motive to the
+preference which it preserves among foreigners, who are induced to apply
+to this nation, by the reputation which our merchants have deservedly
+gained for probity and punctuality superiour to that of any other
+traders. Our merchants, sir, bargain without artifice, pay without
+subterfuges, and are ready on all occasions to preserve their character
+at the hazard of their profit.
+
+From these two considerations we may draw unanswerable arguments against
+any restraints upon the practice of insuring: if foreigners are once
+disappointed in their applications to us, our business will in a great
+part cease, and as we shall not then be able to insure at lower rates
+than other nations, we shall never recover that branch of our trade. And
+as the character of the British merchants exempts them from any
+suspicion of practices pernicious to the publick, why should they be
+restrained? Why, sir, should they appear to be suspected by the
+legislature of their own country, whom foreigners trust without
+hesitation.
+
+It has been objected to them with great warmth, and urged with much
+rhetorical exaggeration, that they assist the enemies of their country,
+that they prolong the war, and defeat those advantages which our
+situation and commerce have given us; imputations sufficiently
+atrocious, if they were founded upon truth.
+
+But let us, sir, examine the arguments by which this accusation has been
+supported, and inquire whether this triumph of eloquence has been
+occasioned by any real superiority of evidence or reason; it is urged,
+that we have already prohibited commerce with the Spaniards, and that,
+therefore, we ought, likewise, to prohibit the insurance of their ships.
+
+It will not require, sir, an imagination very fertile, or a knowledge
+very extensive, to supply arguments sufficient to refute the supposed
+demonstration; in opposition to which it may be urged, that this kind of
+commerce is of a peculiar nature, that it subsists upon opinion, and is
+preserved by the reputation of our insurers; a reputation that the
+insurers of other nations may obtain by the same means, and from whom we
+shall, therefore, never recover it.
+
+It may be observed, sir, that other commodities are the peculiar product
+of different countries, and that there is no danger of losing our other
+trade by suspending it, because it depends upon the excellence of our
+manufactures; but that insurance may be the commodity of any country,
+where money and common honesty are to be found.
+
+This argument may, perhaps, be yet more effectually invalidated, or,
+perhaps, entirely subverted, by denying the expedience of that
+prohibition which is produced as a precedent for another restraint. Nor,
+indeed, does it appear why we should preclude ourselves from a gainful
+trade, because the money is drawn by it out of the hands of our enemies;
+or why the product of our lands should lie unconsumed, or our
+manufactures stand unemployed, rather than we should sell to our enemies
+what they will purchase at another place, or by the intervention of a
+neutral power.
+
+To sell to an enemy that which may enable him to injure us, that which
+he must necessarily obtain, and which he could buy from no other, would,
+indeed, be to the last degree, absurd; but that may surely be sold them
+without any breach of morality or policy, which they can want with less
+inconvenience than we can keep. If we were besieging a town, I should
+not advise our soldiers to sell to the inhabitants ammunition or
+provisions, but cannot discover the folly of admitting them to purchase
+ornaments for their houses, or brocades for their ladies.
+
+But, without examining with the utmost accuracy, whether the late
+prohibition was rational or not, I have, I hope, suggested objections
+sufficient to make the question doubtful, and to incline us to try the
+success of one experiment, before we venture upon another more
+hazardous.
+
+I am never willing, sir, to load trade with restraints; trade is, in its
+own nature, so fugitive and variable, that no constant course can be
+prescribed to it; and those regulations which were proper when they were
+made, may, in a few months, become difficulties and obstructions. We
+well know, that many of the measures which our ancestors pursued for the
+encouragement of commerce, have been found of pernicious consequence;
+and even in this age, which, perhaps, experience, more than wisdom, has
+enlightened, I have known few attempts of that kind which have not
+defeated the end for which they were made.
+
+It is more prudent to leave the merchants at liberty to pursue those
+measures which experience shall dictate upon every occasion, and suffer
+them to snatch the present opportunity of honest gain, whenever it shall
+happen; they will never injure their own interest by the use of this
+liberty, and by preserving themselves, they will preserve the nation
+from detriment; nor will they need to be restrained by a law proposed
+without their solicitation, and of which they cannot discover any
+beneficial consequences.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, for the bill now
+before us I have no particular fondness, nor desire that it should be
+promoted by any other means than rational arguments, and the
+representation of indubitable facts.
+
+I have no regard, sir, in this inquiry, to any private interest, or any
+other desire than that of securing the interest of my country, which, in
+my opinion, evidently requires that we should give no assistance to our
+enemies, that our merchants should cooperate with our navies, and that
+we should endeavour to withhold every thing that may make the war less
+burdensome to them, and, consequently, of longer continuance.
+
+It was observed, sir, in the beginning of the debate, by a gentleman
+eminently skilled in mercantile affairs, that insurance was practised by
+many nations; but he did not inform us of what one of the clauses makes
+it proper to inquire, whether they allowed the method of insuring
+_interest or no interest_, and rating ships at an imaginary value. This
+is, I know, prohibited by the Dutch, a nation whose authority on
+commercial questions will not be disputed, nor do they allow their East
+Indian ships to be insured at all.
+
+The difficulty of estimating the value of any cargo has been urged in
+defence of this practice, nor is the defence wholly without weight,
+because the cargo in many voyages cannot be ascertained. I shall,
+however, take this opportunity of observing, though I may somewhat
+digress from the present argument, how necessary it is that some of our
+exported cargoes should be exactly specified.
+
+I have been lately informed, sir, that six ships laden with British
+wool, have entered at one time into a port of France; nor do I know how
+this practice, which is justly complained of as pernicious to our trade,
+and threatening the ruin of our country, can be prevented but by a
+constant and regular particularization of every cargo carried to France.
+
+I admit, sir, that some cargoes which are imported cannot be
+particularly registered; such is the gold with which we are daily
+supplied by our commerce with the Portuguese, in opposition to their
+laws, and which our merchants are, therefore, under the necessity of
+concealing.
+
+It is not, indeed, easy to foresee all the inconveniencies that may
+arise from new regulations of commerce; but the difficulty is not so
+great as has been represented, nor can I conceive why all our
+consultations on trade should be without effect. Gentlemen may obtain
+some knowledge of commerce from their own observation, which they may
+enlarge by an unconfined and indifferent conversation with traders of
+various classes, and by inquiries into the different branches of
+commerce; inquiries, sir, which are generally neglected by those whose
+employments confine their attention to particular parts of commerce, or
+whose application to business hinders them from attending to any
+opinions but those which their own personal experience enables them to
+form.
+
+From these informations impartially collected, and diligently compared,
+a man not engaged in the profession of a merchant may form general
+principles, and draw consequences, more certain, and more extensive in
+their relations, than those which are struck out only from the
+observation of one subdivided species of commerce.
+
+A member of this house, sir, thus enlightened by inquiry, and whose
+judgment is not diverted from its natural rectitude by the impulse of
+any private consideration, may judge of any commercial debate with less
+danger of errour or partiality than the merchants, of whom,
+nevertheless, I have the highest esteem, and whose knowledge, or
+probity, I do not intend to depreciate, when I declare my fears that
+they may sometimes confound general maxims of trade with the opinions of
+particular branches, and sometimes mistake their own gain for the
+interest of the publick.
+
+The interest of the merchants ought, indeed, always to be considered in
+this house; but then it ought to be regarded only in subordination to
+that of the whole community, a subordination which the gentleman who
+spoke last seems to have forgotten. He may, perhaps, not intend long to
+retain his senatorial character, and, therefore, delivered his opinion
+only as a merchant.
+
+He has distinguished between the conduct of experienced and unskilful
+insurers, with how much justice I shall not determine. I am afraid that
+a vigorous inquiry would discover, that neither age nor youth has been
+able to resist strong temptations to some practices, which neither law
+nor justice can support, and that those, whose experience has made them
+cautious, have not been always equally honest.
+
+But this is a subject upon which I am not inclined to dwell, and only
+mention as the reason which convinces me of the propriety of the bill
+before us.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, there appears no
+probability that the different opinions which have been formed of this
+bill will be reconciled by this debate; nor, indeed, is there any reason
+for wondering at this contrariety of sentiments.
+
+The several clauses of the bill have relations and consequences so
+different, that scarce any one man can approve them all; and in our
+present deliberation, an objection to a particular clause is considered
+as an argument against the whole bill.
+
+It is, therefore, necessary, to prevent an unprofitable expense of time,
+to resolve the house into a committee, in which the bill may be
+considered by single clauses, and that part which cannot be defended may
+be rejected, and that only retained which deserves our approbation. In
+the committee, when we have considered the first clause, and heard the
+objections against it, we may mend it; or, if it cannot be amended,
+reject or postpone it, and so proceed through the whole bill with much
+greater expedition, and at the same time, with a more diligent view of
+every clause, than while we are obliged to take the whole at once into
+our consideration.
+
+I shall, for my part, approve some clauses, and make objections to
+others; but think it proper to reserve my objections, and the reasons of
+my approbation, for the committee into which we ought to go on this
+occasion.
+
+[The bill was referred to a committee, but not forty members staying in
+the house, it was dropped.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND INCREASE OF SEAMEN.
+
+
+The bill was ordered to be read the second time, and to be printed for
+the use of the members, that it might be thoroughly examined and
+understood.
+
+On the forty-fourth day, the second reading of the bill was postponed to
+the fiftieth; but the grand motion being debated on that day, nothing
+else was heard.
+
+On the fifty-first it was again put off; but
+
+On the fifty-sixth day, being read a second time, it was, after some
+opposition, referred to a committee of the whole house, to sit five days
+after. In the meanwhile,
+
+On the fifty-seventh, it was ordered that the proper officers do lay
+before this house an account of what persons were authorized, by virtue
+of the act in the 4th of queen Anne, for "the encouragement and increase
+of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning her fleet;" to
+conduct seamen or seafaring men taken upon privy searches made by
+applications to justices; and what number of seamen or seafaring men
+were returned; also, the charge attending the same.
+
+On the sixty-first day, moved that the said account should be read;
+which being done, the house resolved itself into a grand committee on
+the present bill; and the first clause being read, proposing the blanks
+to be filled thus: that every volunteer seamen, after five years'
+service, be entitled to six pounds per year, during life.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, as it is our duty to
+provide laws, by which all frauds and oppressions may be punished, when
+they are detected, we are no less obliged to obviate such practices as
+shall make punishments necessary; nor are we only to facilitate the
+detection, but take away, as far as it is possible, the opportunities of
+guilt. It is to no purpose that punishments are threatened, if they can
+be evaded, or that rewards are offered, if they may by any mean
+artifices be withheld.
+
+For this reason, sir, I think it necessary to observe, that the intent
+of this clause, the most favourable and alluring clause in the bill, may
+lose its effect by a practice not uncommon, by which any man, however
+inclined to serve his country, may be defrauded of the right of a
+volunteer.
+
+Many men have voluntarily applied to the officers of ships of war, and
+after having been rejected by them as unfit for the service, have been
+dragged on board within a few days, perhaps within a few hours
+afterwards, to undergo all the hardships, without the merit, of
+volunteers.
+
+When any man, sir, has been rejected by the sea officers, he ought to
+have a certificate given him, which shall be an exemption from an
+impress, that if any other commander shall judge more favourably of his
+qualifications, he may always have the privilege of a volunteer, and be
+entitled to the reward which he deserved, by his readiness to enter the
+service.
+
+If such provisions are not made, this hateful practice, a practice, sir,
+common and notorious, and very discouraging to such as would enter the
+service of the publick, may so far prevail, that no man shall be able to
+denominate himself a volunteer, or claim the reward proposed by the
+bill.
+
+Admiral WAGER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, it is not
+common for men to receive injuries without applying for redress, when it
+may certainly be obtained. If any proceedings like those which are now
+complained of, had been mentioned at the board of admiralty, they had
+been immediately censured and redressed; but as no such accusations were
+offered, I think it may probably be concluded, that no such crimes have
+been committed.
+
+For what purpose oppressions of this kind should be practised, it is not
+easy to conceive; for the officers are not at all rewarded for
+impressing sailors. As, therefore, it is not probable that any man acts
+wickedly or cruelly without temptation: as I have never heard any such
+injury complained of by those that suffered it, I cannot but imagine,
+that it is one of those reports which arise from mistake, or are forged
+by malice, to injure the officers, and obstruct the service.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--That the
+practice now complained of, sir, is very frequent, and, whatever may be
+the temptation to it, such as every day produces some instances of, I
+have reasons for asserting with great confidence. I have, within these
+few days, as I was accidentally upon the river, informed myself of two
+watermen ignominiously dragged by force into the service to which they
+had voluntarily offered themselves a few days before. The reasons of
+such oppression, it is the business of those gentlemen to inquire, whom
+his majesty intrusts with the care of his fleet; but to interrupt the
+course of wickedness, to hinder it from frustrating the rewards offered
+by the publick, is the province of the representatives of the people.
+And I hope, sir, some proviso will be made in this case.
+
+Admiral NORRIS rose and said:--Sir, if any such practices had been
+frequent, to what can it be imputed, that those who employ their lives
+in maritime business should be strangers to them? Why have no complaints
+been made by those that have been injured? Or why should officers expose
+themselves to the hazard of censure without advantage? I cannot
+discover why these hardships should be inflicted, nor how they could
+have been concealed, and, therefore, think the officers of the navy may
+be cleared from the imputation, without farther inquiry.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke again, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is in
+vain that objections are made, if the facts upon which they are founded
+may be denied at pleasure: nothing is more easy than to deny, because
+proofs are not required of a negative. But as negatives require no
+proof, so they have no authority, nor can any consequence be deduced
+from them. I might, therefore, suffer the facts to remain in their
+present state, asserted on one side by those that have reasons to
+believe them, and doubted on the other without reasons; for surely he
+cannot be said to reason, who questions an assertion only because he
+does not know it to be true.
+
+But as every question, by which the liberty of a Briton may be affected,
+is of importance sufficient to require that no evidence should be
+suppressed by which it may be cleared, I cannot but think it proper that
+a committee should be formed to examine the conduct of the officers in
+this particular; and in confidence of the veracity of those from whom I
+received my information, I here promise to produce such evidence as
+shall put an end to controversy and doubt.
+
+If this is not granted, sir, the fact must stand recorded and allowed;
+for to doubt, and refuse evidence, is a degree of prejudice and
+obstinacy without example. Nor is this the only objection to the clause
+before us, which appears very imperfect, with regard to the
+qualifications specified as a title to the reward. The reward ought not
+to be confined to those who shall hereafter be invited by the promise of
+it to engage in the service, while those who entered into it without any
+such prospect, are condemned to dangers and fatigues without a
+recompense. Where merit is equal, the reward ought to be equal; and,
+surely, where there is greater merit, the reward proposed by the senate,
+as an encouragement to bravery, ought not to be less. To be excluded
+from the advantages which others have obtained, only by avoiding the
+service, cannot but depress the spirit of those whose zeal and courage
+incited them, at the beginning of the war, to enter into the fleet; and
+to deject those from whom we expect defence and honour, is neither
+prudent nor just.
+
+Nor is it, in my opinion, proper to offer the same reward
+indiscriminately to all that shall accept it; rewards ought to be
+proportioned to desert, and no man can justly be paid for what he cannot
+perform; there ought, therefore, to be some distinction made between a
+seaman by profession, one that has learned his art at the expense of
+long experience, labour, and hazard, and a man who only enters the ship
+because he is useless on land, and who can only incommode the sailors
+till he has been instructed by them.
+
+It appears, sir, to me, a considerable defect in our naval regulations,
+that wages are not proportioned to ability; and I think it may not be
+now unseasonably proposed, that sailors should be paid according to the
+skill which they have acquired; a provision by which an emulation would
+be raised among them, and that industry excited, which now languishes
+for want of encouragement, and those capacities awakened which now
+slumber in ignorance and sloth, from the despair of obtaining any
+advantage by superiority of knowledge.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then rose, and spoke as follows:--That this charge,
+sir, however positively urged, is generally unjust, the declarations of
+these honourable gentlemen are sufficient to evince, since it is not
+probable that the injured persons would not have found some friend to
+have represented these hardships to the admiralty, and no such
+representations could have been made without their knowledge.
+
+Yet, sir, I am far from doubting that by accident, or, perhaps, by
+malice, some men have been treated in this manner; for it is not in the
+power of any administration to make all those honest or wise whom they
+are obliged to employ; and when great affairs are depending, minute
+circumstances cannot always be attended to. If the vigilance of those
+who are intrusted with the chief direction of great numbers of
+subordinate officers be such, that corrupt practices are not frequent,
+and their justice such, that they are never unpunished when legally
+detected, the most strict inquirer can expect no more. Power will
+sometimes be abused, and punishment sometimes be escaped.
+
+It is, sir, easy to be conceived that a report may become general,
+though the practice be very rare. The fact is multiplied as often as it
+is related, and every man who hears the same story twice, imagines that
+it is told of different persons, and exclaims against the tyranny of the
+officers of the navy.
+
+But these, in my opinion, sir, are questions, if not remote from the
+present affair, yet by no means essential to it. The question now before
+us is, not what illegalities have been committed in the execution of
+impresses, but how impresses themselves may become less necessary? how
+the nation may be secured without injury to individuals? and how the
+fleet may be manned with less detriment to commerce?
+
+Sir, the reward now proposed is intended to excite men to enter the
+service without compulsion; and if this expedient be not approved,
+another ought to be suggested: for I hope gentlemen are united in their
+endeavours to find out some method of security to the publick, and do
+not obstruct the proceedings of the committee, that when the fleets lie
+inactive and useless, they may have an opportunity to reproach the
+ministry.
+
+Admiral NORRIS spoke next, in substance:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to enter into an accurate examination of the gentleman's
+proposal, yet I cannot but observe, that by making it, he discovers
+himself unacquainted with the disposition of seamen, among whom nothing
+raises so much discontent as the suspicion of partiality. Should one
+man, in the same rank, receive larger wages than another, he who thought
+himself injured, as he who is paid less will always think, would be so
+far from exerting his abilities to attain an equality with his
+associate, that he would probably never be prevailed on to lay his hand
+upon the tackling, but would sit sullen, or work perversely, though the
+ship were labouring in a storm, or sinking in a battle.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke as follows:--Sir, the danger of introducing
+distinctions among men in the same rank, where every man that imagines
+his merit neglected, may have an opportunity of resenting the injury,
+is, doubtless, such as no prudent commander will venture to incur.
+
+Every man, in this case, becomes the judge of his own merit; and as he
+will always discover some reason for the preference of another very
+different from superiority of desert, he will, by consequence, be either
+enraged or dispirited, will either resolve to desert his commander, or
+betray him to the enemies, or not oppose them.
+
+I remember, sir, though imperfectly, a story which I heard in my
+travels, of an army in which some troops received a penny a day less
+than the rest; a parsimony which cost dear in the day of battle; for the
+disgusted troops laid down their arms before the enemy, and suffered
+their general to be cut in pieces.
+
+General WADE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the honourable gentleman in his opinion, that those who are already
+engaged in the service, who have borne the fatigues of a long voyage,
+and perhaps are, at this hour, exposing their lives in battle to defend
+the rights of their country, ought to have the same claim to the reward
+proposed, with those who shall hereafter offer themselves. Nor, in my
+opinion, ought those who have hitherto been pressed into our fleets to
+be discouraged from their duty by an exclusion from the same advantage.
+For if they were compelled to serve in the fleet, they were compelled
+when there was not this encouragement for volunteers, which, perhaps,
+they would have accepted if it had been then proposed, Every man, at
+least, will allege, that he would have accepted it, and complain he
+suffers only by the fault of the government; a government which he will
+not be very zealous to defend, while he is considered with less regard
+than others, from whom no greater services are expected.
+
+A prospect of new rewards, sir, will add new alacrity to all the forces,
+and an equal distribution of favour will secure an unshaken and
+inviolable fidelity. Nothing but union can produce success, and nothing
+can secure union but impartiality and justice.
+
+Mr. SANDYS rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the efficacy of rewards,
+and the necessity of an impartial distribution, are no unfruitful
+subjects for rhetorick; but it may, perhaps, be more useful at present
+to consider, with such a degree of attention as the question must be
+acknowledged to deserve, to whom these rewards are to be paid, and from
+what fund they are expected to arise.
+
+With regard to those who are to claim the reward, sir, they seem very
+negligently specified; for they are distinguished only by the character
+of having served five years; a distinction unintelligible, without
+explanation.
+
+It is, I suppose, sir, the intent of the bill, that no man shall miss
+the reward but by his own fault; and, therefore, it may be inquired,
+what is to be the fate of him who shall be disabled in his first
+adventure, whom in the first year, or month, of his service, an unlucky
+shot shall confine for the remaining part of his life to inactivity: as
+the bill is now formed, he must be miserable without a recompense; and
+his wounds, which make him unable to support himself, will, though
+received in defence of his country, entitle him to no support from the
+publick.
+
+Nor is this the only difficulty that may arise from the specifying of so
+long a service; for how can any man that shall enter on board the fleet
+be informed that the war will continue for five years? May we not all
+justly hope, that alacrity, unanimity, and prudence, may, in a much
+shorter time, reduce our enemies to beg for peace? And shall our sailors
+lose the reward of their hazards and their labours, only because they
+have been successful? What will this be less than making their bravery a
+crime or folly, and punishing them for not protracting the war by
+cowardice or treachery?
+
+But let us suppose, sir, those defects supplied by a more explicit and
+determinate specification; there will yet arise an objection far more
+formidable; an objection, which the present state of our revenues will
+not suffer to be answered. The consideration of the greatness of the
+annual payment which this proposal requires, ought to incite every man
+to employ all his sagacity in search of some other method, equally
+efficacious, and less expensive.
+
+We have already, sir, forty thousand seamen in our pay, to whom eight
+thousand more are speedily to be added: when each of these shall demand
+his stipend, a new burden of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand
+pounds must be laid upon the nation; upon a nation, whose lands are
+mortgaged, whose revenues are anticipated, and whose taxes cannot be
+borne without murmurs, nor increased without sedition.
+
+The nation has found, by experience, that taxes once imposed for just
+reasons, and continued upon plausible pretences, till they are become
+familiar, are afterwards continued upon motives less laudable, are too
+productive of influence, and too instrumental towards facilitating the
+measures of the ministry, to be ever willingly remitted.
+
+Mr. BLADEN spoke next, as follows:--Sir, it is obvious, that when the
+balance is unequal, it may be reduced to an equilibrium, as well by
+taking weight out of one scale, as adding it to the other. The wages
+offered by the merchants overbalance, at present, those which are
+proposed by the crown; to raise the allowance in the ships of war, will
+be, to lay new loads upon the publick, and will incommode the merchants,
+whose wages must always bear the same proportion to the king's. The only
+method, then, that remains, is to lighten the opposite scale, by
+restraining the merchants from giving wages, in time of war, beyond a
+certain value; for, as the service of the crown is then more immediately
+necessarv to the general advantage than that of the merchants, it ought
+to be made more gainful. Sailors, sir, are not, generally, men of very
+extensive views; and, therefore, we cannot expect that they should
+prefer the general good of their country before their own present
+interest; a motive of such power, that even in men of curious
+researches, refined sentiments, and generous education, we see, too
+often, that it surmounts every other consideration.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke again:--Sir, to the expedient which the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last has suggested, and which he must be
+confessed to have placed in the strongest light, many objections may be
+raised, which I am afraid will not easily be removed.
+
+The first, sir, which occurs to me on this short reflection is not less
+than the impossibility of putting his scheme in execution. The
+prescription of wages which he proposes, may be eluded by a thousand
+artifices, by advanced money, by gratuitous acknowledgments, the payment
+of money for pretended services, or by secret contracts, which it would
+be the interest of both parties to conceal.
+
+But if this objection could be surmounted by severity and vigilance,
+would not this expedient help to defeat the general intention of the
+bill? A bill not designed as an immediate resource, a mere temporary
+project to supply our fleets for the present year, but as a method for
+removing the only obstruction of the British power, the difficulty of
+manning our ships of war.
+
+It is, I hope, sir, the intention of every man who has offered his
+sentiments on this occasion, to contrive some general encouragement for
+seamen, which shall not only invite them to assist their country at the
+first summons, but shall allure others to qualify themselves for the
+publick service, by engaging in the same profession.
+
+This is only to be done by making the condition of sailors less
+miserable, by entitling them to privileges, and honouring them with
+distinctions. But by limiting the merchant's wages, if such limitations
+are, indeed, possible, though we may palliate the present distress, we
+shall diminish the number of sailors, and thereby not only contract our
+commerce but endanger our country.
+
+Mr. TRACEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I know not for
+what reasons the present method of advancing rewards at entrance is
+practised, of which, however specious it might appear, the success by no
+means encourages the continuance. The sailors, though not a generation
+of men much disposed to reflection, or qualified for ratiocination, are
+not yet so void of thought as not easily to perceive that a small
+increase of constant wages is of more value than several pounds to be
+paid only at once, and which are squandered as soon as they are
+received.
+
+Instead, therefore, of restraining the wages of the merchants, it seems
+probable, that by raising those of the king, we may man the fleet with
+most expedition; and one method of raising the wages will be to suppress
+the advanced money.
+
+The ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, if the sum of money now paid by
+way of advance can be supposed to have any effect, if it can be imagined
+that any number of seamen, however inconsiderable, are allured by it
+into the fleet, it is more usefully employed than it can be supposed to
+be when sunk into the current wages, and divided into small payments.
+
+The advance money is only paid to those that enter: if no volunteers
+present themselves, no money is paid, and the nation doth not suffer by
+the offer: but if the wages are raised, the expense will be certain,
+without the certainty of advantage; for those that enter voluntarily
+into the fleet, will receive no more than those that are forced into it
+by an impress; and therefore there will be no incitement to enter
+without compulsion. Thus every other inconvenience will remain, with the
+addition of a new burden to the nation; our forces will be maintained at
+a greater expense, and not raised with less difficulty.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE said:--Sir, I cannot but concur in opinion with the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last, from my own acquaintance with the
+sentiments and habits that unalterably prevail among those who have been
+accustomed to the sea, a race of men to the last degree negligent of any
+future events, and careless about any provision against distant evils;
+men who have no thoughts at sea, but how to reach the land; nor at land,
+but how to squander what they have gained at sea. To men like these, it
+may easily be imagined that no encouragement is equal to the temptation
+of present gain, and the opportunity of present pleasure.
+
+Of this any man, sir, may convince himself, who shall talk to a crew but
+half an hour; for he shall find few among them, who will not, for a
+small sum of present money, sell any distant prospect of affluence or
+happiness.
+
+Whether I am mistaken in my opinion, the honourable members who have
+long commanded in the naval service can easily determine, and I doubt
+not but they will agree that no motive can be proposed to a sailor
+equivalent to immediate reward.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next:--Sir, that some distinction ought to be
+made to the advantage of volunteers, if we intend to man our fleet
+without compulsion, is obvious and incontestable; and to avoid the
+necessity of compulsion ought to be the chief end of this bill; for
+nothing can be less to the advantage of the nation, than to continue the
+use of such ungrateful methods, and yet increase the publick expense.
+
+We ought, therefore, in my opinion, to determine upon some peculiar
+reward, either to be advanced upon their entrance into the service, or
+paid at their dismission from it.
+
+But as I see, sir, no reason for hoping that all the encouragement which
+can be offered, will raise volunteers in a sufficient number to secure
+our navigation, and assert our sovereignty, it seems not proper to
+confine our consultations to this part of the bill; for since compulsion
+is on many occasions apparently necessary, some method requires to be
+considered, in which it may be legal.
+
+What new power ought to be placed in the magistrate, for what time, and
+with what restrictions, I am far from assuming the province of
+determining; but that some measures must be taken for compelling those
+who cannot be persuaded, and discovering those that will not offer
+themselves, cannot admit of doubt; and as the magistrate is at present
+without any authority for this purpose, it is evident that his power
+must be extended, for the same reason as it was given in its present
+degree--the general benefit of the whole community.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, if the
+intent of this bill be to enable one part of the nation to enslave the
+other; if the plausible and inviting professions of encouraging and
+increasing seamen, are to terminate in violence, constraint, and
+oppression; it is unnecessary to dwell longer upon particular clauses.
+The intention of the bill is detestable, and deserves not the ceremony
+of debate, or the forms of common regard.
+
+If a man, sir, is liable to be forced from the care of his own private
+affairs, from his favourite schemes of life, from the engagements of
+domestick tenderness, or the prospects of near advantage, and subjected,
+without his consent, to the command of one whom he hates, or dreads, or
+perhaps despises, it requires no long argument to show, that by whatever
+authority he is thus treated, he is reduced to the condition of a slave,
+to that abject, to that hateful state, which every Englishman has been
+taught to avoid at the hazard of his life.
+
+It is therefore evident, that a law which tends to confer such a power,
+subverts our constitution as far as its effects extend; a constitution,
+which was originally formed as a barrier against slavery, and which one
+age after another has endeavoured to strengthen.
+
+Such a power, therefore, in whatever hands it may be lodged, I shall
+always oppose. It is dangerous, sir, to intrust any man with absolute
+dominion, which is seldom known to be impartially exercised, and which
+often makes those corrupt, and insolent, whom it finds benevolent and
+honest.
+
+The bill proposes only encouragement, and encouragement may be given by
+his majesty, without a new law; let us, therefore, draw up an address,
+and cease to debate, where there is no prospect of agreement.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, the payment of an annual salary
+will, in my opinion, be to the last degree inconvenient and dangerous.
+The yearly expense has been already estimated, and arises to a sum very
+formidable in our present state. Nor is the necessity of adding to the
+publick burden, a burden which already is hard to be borne, the only
+objection to this proposal.
+
+Nothing can more contribute to dispirit the nation, than to protract the
+consequences of a war, and to make the calamity felt, when the pleasures
+of victory and triumph have been forgotten; we shall be inclined rather
+to bear oppression and insult than endeavour after redress, if we
+subject ourselves and our posterity to endless exactions.
+
+The expenses of the present provision for superannuated and disabled
+sailors, is no inconsiderable tax upon the publick, which is not less
+burdened by it for the manner of collecting it by a deduction from the
+sailors' wages; for, whoever pays it immediately, it is the ultimate
+gift of the nation, and the utmost that can be allowed for this purpose.
+
+It must be confessed, sir, the persons entitled to the pension are not
+sufficiently distinguished in the bill; by which, as it now stands, any
+of the worthless superfluities of a ship, even the servants of the
+captains, may, after five years, put in their demand, and plunder that
+nation which they never served.
+
+Nor do I think, sir, the efficacy of this method will bear any
+proportion to the expense of it; for I am of opinion, that few of the
+sailors will be much affected by the prospect of a future pension. I am,
+therefore, for dazzling them with five pounds, to be given them at their
+entrance, which will be but a single payment, and probably fill our
+fleets with greater expedition, than methods which appear more refined,
+and the effects of deeper meditation.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, nothing is more clear
+than that a yearly pension will burden the nation, without any
+advantage; and as it will give occasion to innumerable frauds, it is a
+method which ought to be rejected.
+
+As to the new power, sir, which is proposed to be placed in the hands of
+the magistrates, it undoubtedly reduces every sailor to a state of
+slavery, and is inconsistent with that natural right to liberty, which
+is confirmed and secured by our constitution. The bill, therefore, is,
+in my opinion, defective in all its parts, of a tendency generally
+pernicious, and cannot be amended but by rejecting it.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but think it
+necessary, that on this occasion, at least, gentlemen should remit the
+ardour of disputation, and lay the arts of rhetorick aside; that they
+should reserve their wit and their satire for questions of less
+importance, and unite, for once, their endeavours, that this affair may
+meet with no obstructions but from its natural difficulty.
+
+We are now, sir, engaged in a war with a nation, if not of the first
+rank in power, yet by no means contemptible in itself; and, by its
+alliances, extremely formidable. We are exposed, by the course of our
+trade, and the situation of our enemies, to many inevitable losses, and
+have no means of preventing our merchants from being seized, without any
+danger or expense to the Spaniards, but by covering the sea with our
+squadrons.
+
+Nor are we, sir, to satisfy ourselves with barely defeating the designs
+of the Spaniards; our honour demands that we should force them to peace
+upon advantageous terms; that we should not repulse, but attack them;
+not only preserve our own trade and possessions, but endanger theirs.
+
+It is by no means certain, sir, that in the prosecution of these designs
+we shall not be interrupted by the interest or jealousy of a nation far
+more powerful, whose forces we ought, therefore, to be able to resist.
+
+A vigorous exertion of our strength will probably either intimidate any
+other power that may be inclined to attack us, or enable us to repel the
+injuries that shall be offered: discord and delay can only confirm our
+open enemies in their obstinacy, and animate those that have hitherto
+concealed their malignity to declare against us.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in no degree prudent to aggravate the
+inconveniencies of the measures proposed for accomplishing what every
+man seems equally to desire; to declaim against the expedients offered
+in the bill as pernicious, unjust, and oppressive, contributes very
+little to the production of better means. That our affairs will not
+admit of long suspense, and that the present methods of raising seamen
+are not effectual, is universally allowed; it, therefore, evidently
+follows, sir, that some other must be speedily struck out.
+
+I think it necessary to propose, that the house be resolved into a
+committee to-morrow morning; and hope all that shall assemble on this
+occasion, will bring with them no other passion than zeal for their
+country.
+
+[The speaker having taken the chair, the chairman of the committee
+reported, that they had made some progress; and desiring leave to sit
+again, it was resolved to go into the committee again on the morrow.]
+
+
+MARCH 4, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-second day the affair was put off; but on the sixty-third,
+the house resolving itself into a committee, a clause was offered, by
+which five pounds were proposed to be advanced to an able seaman, and
+three pounds to every other man that should enter voluntarily into his
+majesty's service, after twenty days, and within sixty.
+
+After which, Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, this is a clause in
+which no opposition can be apprehended, as those gentlemen who declared
+their disapprobation of the former, were almost unanimous in proposing
+this expedient, as the least expensive, and the most likely to succeed.
+
+The time for the reception of volunteers upon this condition, is, sir,
+in my opinion, judiciously determined. If it was extended to a greater
+length, or left uncertain, the reward would lose its efficacy, the
+sailors would neglect that which they might accept at any time, and
+would only have recourse to the ships of war when they could find no
+other employment.
+
+Yet I cannot conceal my apprehensions, that this bounty will not alone
+be sufficient to man our fleets with proper expedition; and that as
+allurements may be useful on one hand, force will be found necessary on
+the other; that the sailors may not only be incited to engage in the
+service by the hopes of a reward, but by the fear of having their
+negligence to accept it punished, by being compelled into the same
+service, and forfeiting their claim by staying to be compelled.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, to the reward
+proposed in this clause, I have declared in the former conference on
+this bill, that I have no objection, and, therefore, have no amendment
+to propose, except with regard to the time limited for the payment.
+
+As our need of seamen, sir, is immediate, why should not a law for their
+encouragement immediately operate? What advantage can arise from
+delays? Or why is not that proper to be advanced now, that will be
+proper in twenty days? That all the time between the enaction and
+operation of this law must be lost, is evident; for who will enter for
+two pounds, that may gain five by withholding himself from the service
+twenty days longer?
+
+Nor do I think the time now limited sufficient; many sailors who are now
+in the service of the merchants, may not return soon enough to lay claim
+to the bounty, who would gladly accept it, and who will either not serve
+the crown without it, or will serve with disgust and complaints; as the
+loss of it cannot be imputed to their backwardness, but to an accident
+against which they could not provide.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, though I think the time now fixed by the
+bill sufficient, as I hope that our present exigency will be but of
+short continuance, and that we shall soon be able to raise naval forces
+at a cheaper rate, yet as the reasons alleged for an alteration of the
+time may appear to others of more weight than to me, I shall not oppose
+the amendment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD next rose, and said:--Sir, with regard to the duration
+of the time fixed for the advancement of this bounty, we may have
+leisure to deliberate; but surely it must be readily granted by those
+who have expatiated so copiously upon the present exigencies of our
+affairs, that it ought immediately to commence. And if this be the
+general determination of the house, nothing can be more proper than to
+address his majesty to offer, by proclamation, an advance of five
+pounds, instead of two, which have been hitherto given; that while we
+are concerting other measures for the advantage of our country, those in
+which we have already concurred may be put in execution.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY rose up next, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I take this
+opportunity to lay before the house a grievance which very much retards
+the equipment of our fleets, and which must be redressed before any
+measures for reconciling the sailors to the publick service can be
+pursued with the least probability of success.
+
+Observation, sir, has informed me, that to remove the detestation of the
+king's service, it is not necessary to raise the wages of the seamen; it
+is necessary only to secure them; it is necessary to destroy those
+hateful insects that fatten in idleness and debauchery upon the gains of
+the industrious and honest.
+
+When a sailor, sir, after the fatigues and hazards of a long voyage,
+brings his ticket to the pay-office, and demands his wages, the
+despicable wretch to whom he is obliged to apply, looks upon his ticket
+with an air of importance, acknowledges his right, and demands a reward
+for present payment; with this demand, however exorbitant, the
+necessities of his family oblige him to comply.
+
+In this manner, sir, are the wives of the sailors also treated when they
+come to receive the pay of their husbands; women, distressed,
+friendless, and unsupported; they are obliged to endure every insult,
+and to yield to every oppression. And to such a height do these
+merciless exacters raise their extortions, that sometimes a third part
+of the wages is deducted.
+
+Thus, sir, do the vilest, the meanest of mankind, plunder those who have
+the highest claim to the esteem, the gratitude, and the protection of
+their country. This is the hardship which withholds the sailors from our
+navies, and forces them to seek for kinder treatment in other countries.
+This hardship, sir, both justice and prudence call upon us to remedy;
+and while we neglect it, all our deliberations will be ineffectual.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL then spoke to this effect:--Sir, of the hardships
+mentioned by the honourable gentleman who spoke last, I have myself
+known an instance too remarkable not to be mentioned. A sailor in
+Ireland, after his voyage, met with so much difficulty in obtaining his
+wages, that he was at length reduced to the necessity of submitting to
+the reduction of near a sixth part. Such are the grievances with which
+those are oppressed, upon whom the power, security, and happiness of the
+nation are acknowledged to depend.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE, the prime minister, then rose, and spoke as
+follows:--Sir, it is not without surprise that I hear the disgust of the
+sailors ascribed to any irregularity in the payment of their wages,
+which were never, in any former reign, so punctually discharged. They
+receive, at present, twelve months' pay in eighteen months, without
+deduction; so that there are never more than six months for which any
+demand remains unsatisfied.
+
+But, sir, the punctuality of the payment has produced of late great
+inconveniencies; for there has been frequently a necessity of removing
+men from one ship to another; and it is the stated rule of the
+pay-office, to assign every man so removed his full pay. These men, when
+the government is no longer indebted to them, take the first opportunity
+of deserting the service, and engaging in business to which they are
+more inclined.
+
+This is not a chimerical complaint, founded upon rare instances, and
+produced only to counterbalance an objection; the fact and the
+consequences are well known; so well, that near fourteen hundred sailors
+are computed to have been lost by this practice.
+
+The PRESIDENT of the commons, who always in a committee takes his seat
+as another member, rose here, and spoke to the following effect, his
+honour being paymaster of the navy:--Mr. Chairman, the nature of the
+employment with which I am intrusted makes it my duty to endeavour that
+this question may be clearly understood, and the condition of the
+seamen, with regard to the reception of their pay, justly represented.
+
+I have not been able to discover that any sailor, upon producing his
+ticket, was ever obliged to submit to the deduction of any part of his
+wages, nor should any clerk or officer under my inspection, escape, for
+such oppression, the severest punishment and most publick censure: I
+would give him up to the law without reserve, and mark him as infamous,
+and unworthy of any trust or employment.
+
+But there are extortions, sir, by which those unhappy men, after having
+served their country with honesty and courage, are deprived of their
+lawful gains of diligence and labour. There are men to whom it is usual
+amongst the sailors to mortgage their pay before it becomes due, who
+never advance their money but upon such terms as cannot be mentioned
+without indignation. These men advance the sum which is stipulated, and
+by virtue of a letter of attorney are reimbursed at the pay-office.
+
+This corruption is, I fear, not confined to particular places, but has
+spread even to America, where, as in his own country, the poor sailor is
+seduced, by the temptation of present money, to sell his labour to
+extortioners and usurers.
+
+I appeal to the gentleman, whether the instance which he mentioned was
+not of this kind. I appeal to him without apprehension of receiving an
+answer that can tend to invalidate what I have asserted.
+
+This, sir, is, indeed, a grievance pernicious and oppressive, which no
+endeavours of mine shall be deficient in attempting to remove; for by
+this the sailor is condemned, notwithstanding his industry and success,
+to perpetual poverty, and to labour only for the benefit of his
+plunderer.
+
+[The clauses were then read, "empowering the justices of the peace, etc.
+to issue warrants to the constables, etc. to make general privy
+searches, by day or night, for finding out and securing such seamen and
+seafaring men as lie hid or conceal themselves; and making it lawful for
+the officers appointed to make such searches, to force open the doors of
+any house, where they shall _suspect_ such seamen to be concealed, if
+entrance be not readily admitted; and for punishing those who shall
+harbour or conceal any seaman."]
+
+Sir John BARNARD upon this rose up, and spoke to the following
+effect:--Mr. Chairman, we have been hitherto deliberating upon
+questions, in which diversity of opinions might naturally be expected,
+and in which every man might indulge his own opinion, whatever it might
+be, without any dangerous consequences to the publick. But the clauses
+now before us are of a different kind; clauses which cannot be read
+without astonishment and indignation, nor defended without betraying the
+liberty of the best, the bravest, and most useful of our
+fellow-subjects.
+
+If these clauses, sir, should pass into a law, a sailor and a slave will
+become terms of the same signification. Every man who has devoted
+himself to the most useful profession, and most dangerous service of his
+country, will see himself deprived of every advantage which he has
+laboured to obtain, and made the mere passive property of those who live
+in security by his valour, and owe to his labour that affluence which
+hardens them to insensibility, and that pride that swells them to
+ingratitude.
+
+Why must the sailors alone, sir, be marked out from all the other orders
+of men for ignominy and misery? Why must they be ranked with the enemies
+of society, stopped like vagabonds, and pursued like the thief and the
+murderer by publick officers? How or when have they forfeited the common
+privilege of human nature, or the general protection of the laws of
+their country? If it is a just maxim, sir, that he who contributes most
+to the welfare of the publick, deserves most to be protected in the
+enjoyment of his private right or fortune; a principle which surely will
+not be controverted; where is the man that dares stand forth and assert,
+that he has juster claims than the brave, the honest, the diligent
+sailor?
+
+I am extremely unwilling, sir, to engage in so invidious an undertaking
+as the comparison of the harmless, inoffensive, resolute sailor, with
+those who think themselves entitled to treat him with contempt, to
+overlook his merit, invade his liberty, and laugh at his remonstrances.
+
+Nor is it, sir, necessary to dwell upon the peculiar merit of this body
+of men; it is sufficient that they have the same claims, founded upon
+the same reasons with our own, that they have never forfeited them by
+any crime, and, therefore, that they cannot be taken away without the
+most flagrant violation of the laws of nature, of reason, and of our
+country.
+
+Let us consider the present condition of a sailor, let us reflect a
+little upon the calamities to which custom, though not law, has already
+made him subject, and it will surely not be thought that his unhappiness
+needs any aggravation.
+
+He is already exposed to be forced, upon his return from a tedious
+voyage, into new hardships, without the intermission of a day, and
+without the sight of his family; he is liable, after a contract for a
+pleasing and gainful voyage, to be hurried away from his prospects of
+interest, and condemned amidst oppression and insolence, to labour and
+to danger, almost without the possibility of a recompense. He has
+neither the privilege of choosing his commander, nor of leaving him when
+he is defrauded and oppressed.
+
+These, sir, I say, are the calamities to which he is now subject, but
+there is now a possibility of escaping them. He is not yet deprived of
+the right of resistance, or the power of flight; he may now retire to
+his friend, and be protected by him; he may take shelter in his own
+cottage, and treat any man as a robber, that shall attempt to force his
+doors.
+
+When any crews are returning home in time of war, they are acquainted
+with the dangers of an impress, but they comfort themselves with
+contriving stratagems to elude it, or with the prospect of obtaining an
+exemption from it by the favour of their friends; prospects which are
+often deceitful, and stratagems frequently defeated, but which yet
+support their spirits, and animate their industry.
+
+But if this bill, sir, should become a law, the sailor, instead of
+amusing himself on his return with the prospects of ease, or of
+pleasure, will consider his country as a place of slavery, a residence
+less to be desired than any other part of the world. He will probably
+seek, in the service of some foreign prince, a kinder treatment; and
+will not fail, in any country but his own, to see himself, at least, on
+a level with other men.
+
+Nor will this bill, sir, only give the seamen new reasons of disgust,
+but it will tend, likewise, to aggravate those grievances, which already
+have produced a detestation of the publick service, scarcely to be
+conquered.
+
+The officers of the navy, sir, will hardly be made less insolent by an
+increase of power; they whose tyranny has already alienated their
+fellow-subjects from the king's service, though they could only depend
+upon the character of probity and moderation for the prospect of manning
+their ships in succeeding expeditions, will probably, when they are
+animated by a law like this, and made absolute both by land and sea,
+indulge themselves in the enjoyment of their new authority, contrive new
+hardships and oppressions, and tyrannise without fear and without mercy.
+Thus, sir, will the bill not only be tyrannical in itself, but the
+parent of tyranny; it will give security to the cruel, and confidence to
+the arrogant.
+
+That any man, at least any man bred from his infancy to change his
+residence, and accustomed to different climates and to foreign nations,
+will fix by choice in that country where he finds the worst reception,
+is hardly to be imagined. We see indeed, that men unqualified to support
+themselves in other countries, or who have, by long custom, contracted a
+fondness for particular methods of life, will bear very uncomfortable
+circumstances, without endeavouring to improve their conditions by a
+change of their habitations. But the temper of a sailor, acquainted with
+all parts, and indifferent to all, is of another kind. Such, sir, is his
+love of change, arising either from wantonness, or curiosity, that he is
+hard to be retained by the kindest treatment and most liberal rewards;
+and will, therefore, never struggle with his habitual dispositions, only
+to continue in a state of slavery.
+
+I think it, therefore, sir, very evident that this new method of
+_encouraging_ sailors will be so far from _increasing_ them, that it may
+probably drive them out of the empire, and at once ruin our trade and
+our navy; at once beggar and disarm us.
+
+Let me now suppose, sir, for a moment, the bill less pernicious in its
+consequences, and consider only the difficulties of executing it. Every
+seafaring man is to be seized, at pleasure, by the magistrate; but what
+definition is given of a seafaring man? Or by what characteristick is
+the magistrate to distinguish him? I have never been able to discover
+any peculiarities in the form of a seaman that mark him out from the
+rest of the species. There is, indeed, less servility in his air, and
+less effeminacy in his face, than in those that are commonly to be seen
+in drawing-rooms, in brothels, and at reviews; but I know not that a
+seaman can be distinguished from any other man of equal industry or use,
+who has never enervated himself by vice, nor polished himself into
+corruption. So that this bill, sir, if it shall pass into a law, will
+put it at once in the power of the magistrate to dispose of seamen at
+his pleasure, and to term whom he pleases a seaman.
+
+Another expedient, sir, has been offered on this occasion, not equally
+tyrannical, but equally inadequate to the end in view. It is proposed to
+restrain the merchants from giving wages beyond a certain rate, on the
+supposition that the sailors have no motive but that of larger wages, to
+prefer the service of the merchants to that of the crown.
+
+This, sir, is a mistake which might easily arise from a partial and
+imperfect knowledge of the affair, with which very few gentlemen have
+opportunities of being well acquainted. The wages, sir, are the smallest
+inducements which fix the seamen in their choice. The prospect of kinder
+treatment, the certainty of returning home in a fixed time, and the
+power of choosing what voyages they will undertake, cannot but be
+acknowledged very reasonable motives of preference.
+
+On the contrary, sir, when they are once engaged in a ship of war, they
+know neither whither they are going, what dangers they shall encounter,
+what hardships they shall suffer, nor when they shall be dismissed.
+
+Besides, sir, I do not think it possible by any law to limit the wages
+to be paid by merchants, since they will change the term of wages into
+that of a present, or admit the sailors to a small share in the freight,
+and so all the precaution we can take will become ineffectual.
+
+In the mean time, sir, how much shall we embarrass our own commerce, and
+impair our natural strength--the power of our fleets? We shall terrify
+our sailors on the one hand, and endeavour to starve them on the other;
+we shall not only drive them from us by unheard-of severities, but take
+away every motive that can induce them to expose themselves to the
+danger of suffering them.
+
+If we consider, sir, with what effect methods nearly approaching these
+were practised in the reign of the late queen, we shall find that not
+more than one thousand five hundred seamen were raised, and those at the
+expense of more than four thousand pounds; so that the effects bore no
+proportion to the means; our laws were infringed, and our constitution
+violated to no purpose.
+
+But what reason, sir, can be assigned for which it must be more
+difficult to supply the fleet now with sailors than at any other time?
+This war, sir, was demanded by the publick voice, in pursuance of the
+particular remonstrances of the merchants, and it is not to be supposed
+that the sailors or any other body of men engage in it with a particular
+reluctance.
+
+I am, therefore, inclined to believe that the suspicion of great numbers
+hid in the country, at a distance from the coast, is merely chimerical;
+and that if we should pass this bill, we should do nothing more than
+grant an oppressive and unconstitutional power of search for what, in
+reality, is not to be found.
+
+How oppressive this power may become in the hands of a corrupt or
+insolent magistrate, any man may discover, who remembers that the
+magistrate is made judge without appeal, of his own right to denominate
+any man a sailor, and that he may break open any man's doors at any
+time, without alleging any other reason than his own suspicion; so that
+no man can secure his house from being searched, or, perhaps, his person
+from being seized.
+
+It may, indeed, be alleged, sir, that this will be only a temporary law,
+and is to cease with the exigence that made it necessary: but long
+experience has informed us, that severe laws are enacted more readily
+than they are repealed; and that most men are too fond of power to
+suffer willingly the diminution of it.
+
+But, sir, though this law should not be perpetuated, every precedent of
+an infringement of our constitution, makes way for its dissolution; and
+the very cessation of an oppressive law, may be a plea, hereafter, for
+the revival of it.
+
+This bill, therefore, must be confessed to be at once violent and
+ineffectual; to be a transgression of the laws of justice to particular
+men, without any prospect of real benefit to the community; and,
+therefore, cannot be passed without deviating at once from prudence and
+our constitution.
+
+Captain CORNWALL then rose, and spoke to this effect:--I have observed,
+sir, that every man is apt to think himself ill treated, who is not
+treated according to his own opinion of his deserts, and will endeavour
+to diffuse his own notion of the partiality and tyranny of the naval
+officers; general clamours, therefore, are little to be regarded.
+
+I have had, from my early years, a command in the sea service, and can
+assert, that I never knew more than one instance of injustice, and that
+was punished with the severity which it deserved.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER rose next, and spoke to this effect:--Mr. Chairman,
+it is with uncommon satisfaction that I see every clause of this bill
+regularly debated, without unbecoming impatience, or passionate
+exclamations. I am willing to collect from this conduct, that the
+disposition of every gentleman is, on this occasion, the same with my
+own; and that every expedient here proposed will be diligently examined,
+and either be seriously approved, or be calmly rejected.
+
+Such coolness and impartiality, sir, is certainly required by the
+importance of the present question; a question which cannot but
+influence the prosperity of the nation for many years.
+
+It is not necessary to remind any gentleman of the importance of our
+trade, of the power of the enemy against whom we have declared war in
+defence of it, or of the necessity of showing the world that our
+declarations of war are not empty noises, or farces of resentment. But
+it may be proper, sir, to remark, that this is not the only enemy, nor
+the most powerful, whose attempts we have reason to provide against, and
+who may oblige us to exert our whole power, and practise every expedient
+to increase our forces.
+
+The war has been, hitherto, prosecuted with the utmost vigour, with all
+the attention that its importance requires, and with success not
+disproportioned to our preparations; nor will it ever be suffered to
+languish, if the powers necessary for carrying it on are not denied.
+
+Nothing is more evident, sir, than that the natural power of the nation
+consists in its fleets, which are now, by the care of the government, so
+numerous, that the united power of many nations cannot equal them. But
+what are fleets unfurnished with men? How will they maintain the
+dominion of the sea, by lying unactive in our harbours?
+
+That no methods, hitherto used, have been sufficient to man our navies,
+and that our preparations have, therefore, been little more than an
+expensive show of war, the whole nation is sufficiently informed; it is,
+therefore, not doubtful that some new measures must be taken; whether
+any better can be suggested than are offered in this bill, must be
+inquired.
+
+With regard, sir, to the clause now under our consideration, it is to be
+remembered, that little more is proposed by it, than to add the sanction
+of legality to a power which has long been exercised by the admiralty,
+without any other authority than that of long prescription, the power of
+issuing warrants of impress upon emergent occasions, by which sailors
+are forced into the publick service.
+
+This power, in its present state, must be allowed to have no foundation
+in any law, and, by consequence, to be unlimited, arbitrary, and easily
+abused, and, upon the whole, to be justifiable only by necessity: but
+that necessity is so frequent, that it is often exercised, and,
+therefore, ought to be regulated by the legislature; and by making such
+regulations, we may rather be said to remove than introduce a grievance.
+
+The power of searching for sailors, however it has been represented, is
+far from setting them on a level with felons, murderers, or vagabonds;
+or, indeed, from distinguishing them, to their disadvantage, from the
+rest of the community, of which every individual is obliged to support
+the government.
+
+Those that possess estates, or carry on trades, transfer part of their
+property to the publick; and those ought, by parity of reason, to serve
+the publick in person, that have no property to transfer. Every man is
+secured by the constitution in the enjoyment of his life, his liberty,
+or his fortune; and, therefore, every man ought reciprocally to defend
+the constitution to which he is himself indebted for safety and
+protection.
+
+I am, therefore, sir, unable to discover in what consists the hardship
+of a law by which no new duties are enjoined, nor any thing required,
+which is not already every man's duty. Every man, indeed, who is
+desirous of evading the performance of any of the duties of society,
+will consider every compulsion as a hardship, by which he is obliged to
+contribute to the general happiness; but his murmurs will prove nothing
+but his own folly and ingratitude, and will certainly deserve no regard
+from the legislative power.
+
+There is in the bill before us, sir, encouragement sufficient for
+volunteers, and an offer of greater rewards than some gentlemen think
+consistent with the present state of the national revenues; and what
+remains to be done with respect to those who are deaf to all
+invitations, and blind to all offers of advantage? Are they to sit at
+ease only because they are idle, or to be distinguished with indulgence
+only for want of deserving it?
+
+It seems generally granted, sir, that such drones are the proper objects
+of an impress. Let us then suppose that every man who is willing to
+serve his country, has laid hold of the reward proposed, and entered a
+volunteer. The fleets are not yet sufficiently manned, and more sailors
+must be procured. Warrants are issued out in the common form. The
+negligent, the imprudent, the necessitous, are taken. The vigilant, the
+cunning, and those that have more money, find shelter and escape. Can it
+be said, that those whose circumstances, or good fortune, enable them to
+secure themselves from the officers of the impress, deserve any
+exemption from the publick service, or from the hardships to which their
+companions are exposed? Have they discharged their debt of gratitude to
+the publick so effectually by running away from its service, that no
+search ought to be made after them? It seems evident, that if it was
+right to seize the one, it is likewise right to pursue the other; and if
+it be right to pursue him, it is likewise right to hinder him from
+escaping the pursuers. It is then right to vest some persons with the
+power of apprehending him, and in whom is that power to be lodged, but
+in the civil magistrate?
+
+Every man, sir, is obliged by compulsive methods to serve his country,
+if he can be prevailed upon by no other. If any man shall refuse to pay
+his rates or his taxes, will not his goods be seized by force, and sold
+before his face? If any particular methods are proposed for obliging
+seamen to contribute to the publick safety, it is only because their
+service is necessary upon more pressing occasions than that of others;
+upon occasions which do not admit of delay, without the hazard of the
+whole community.
+
+I must confess, sir, there are instances in which the hardships of the
+seafaring part of the nation are peculiar, and truly calamitous. A
+sailor, after the dangers and toils of a long voyage, when he is now in
+the sight of the port, where he hopes to enjoy that quiet which he has
+deserved by so long a series of fatigues, to repair the injuries which
+his health has suffered, by change of climate, and the diet of the
+ships, and to recover that strength which incessant vigilance has worn
+away; when he is in expectation of being received by his family with
+those caresses, which the succours that he brings them naturally
+produce, and designs to rest awhile from danger and from care; in the
+midst of these pleasing views, he is, on the sudden, seized by an
+impress, and forced into a repetition of all his miseries, without any
+interval of refreshment.
+
+Let no man who can think without compassion on such a scene as this,
+boast his zeal for freedom, his regard for bravery, or his gratitude to
+those who contribute to the wealth and power of their country; let every
+man who declares himself touched with the pity which the slightest
+reflection upon such a disappointment must naturally produce, sincerely
+endeavour to obviate the necessity of such oppressive measures, which
+may, at least in part, be prevented, by assigning to magistrates the
+power of hunting out of their retreats, those who neglect the business
+of their callings, and linger at once in laziness and want.
+
+There are great numbers who retire not from weariness but idleness, or
+an unreasonable prepossession against the publick service; and, surely,
+nothing is more unreasonable, than that bad dispositions should be
+gratified, and that industry should expose any man to penalties.
+
+Upon the whole, sir, I am not able to discover, that any man should be
+exempted from an impress merely because he finds means to escape it, or
+because idleness or disinclination to the publick service prompts him to
+abscond.
+
+If any men deserve indulgence, in opposition to the demands of the
+publick, they are rather those who have already, in some degree,
+discharged their duty to it, by contributing to bring in that wealth
+which is the consequence of a prosperous and well-regulated commerce,
+and without which war cannot be supported.
+
+It is not without grief and regret, that I am obliged to represent, on
+this occasion, the obstructions which the war has suffered from those at
+whose request it was undertaken; and to declare, that the conduct of the
+merchants, has afforded proof that some law of this tendency is
+absolutely necessary.
+
+The merchants, sir, who have so loudly complained of the decline of
+trade, the interruption of navigation, and the insolence, rapacity, and
+cruelty of the Spaniards; the merchants, who filled the nation with
+representations of their hardships, discouragements, and miseries, and
+lamented in the most publick manner, that they were the only body for
+whom the legislature had no regard, who were abandoned to the caprice of
+other nations, were plundered abroad, and neglected at home; the
+merchants, after having at length by their importunities engaged the
+state in a war, of which they have themselves certainly not the least
+pretensions to question either the justice or necessity, now, when by
+the natural consequences of a naval armament, sailors become less
+numerous, and ships more difficult to be equipped, contract in private
+with such sailors as they are inclined to employ, and conceal them in
+garrets, hired for that purpose, till the freight is ready, or the
+danger of an impress is past, and thus secure their own private affairs
+at the hazard of the publick, and hinder the operations of a war, which
+they, and they only, solicited.
+
+The danger of having other enemies than the Spaniards, enemies, sir,
+more active, more powerful, and more ambitious, has already been
+mentioned; a danger so near, and so formidable, that he will not be
+thought very solicitous for his country, whom the bare mention of it
+does not alarm. This danger we are, therefore, to obviate by vigorous
+preparations, and unanimous resolutions; nor do I doubt but both our
+enemies, if they find us united, will repent of attacking us.
+
+Sir, the most efficacious method of manning our fleets, which law or
+custom has yet put into our hands, is that of suspending our commerce by
+an embargo; and yet the whole nation knows how much, and by what means,
+it has been eluded: no sooner was it known that an embargo was laid,
+than the sailors flew away into the country, or hid themselves in
+corners of this great city, as from the most formidable danger; and no
+sooner did the embargo cease, than the banks of the river were again
+crowded with sailors, and all the trading vessels were immediately
+supplied.
+
+As I cannot doubt, sir, that every gentleman is equally zealous for the
+success of the war, and the prosperity of his country; and as the
+insufficiency of the present methods of providing for them is apparent,
+I hope, that either the regulations proposed by this bill, to which I
+see no important objections, or some other of equal use, will be
+established by a general concurrence.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke next:--Though no gentleman in this assembly, sir,
+can more ardently wish the success of the British arms, or shall more
+willingly concur in any measure that may promote it, yet I cannot agree
+to the clause now under our consideration; I disapprove it both from
+moral and political motives; I disapprove it as neither just nor
+prudent.
+
+The injustice of so flagrant an invasion of the liberty of particular
+men has been already exposed; nor is it, in my opinion, less easy to
+discover the imprudence of exhausting all our supplies at once, and
+sweeping away all our sailors, to supply a single exigency.
+
+It has often been remarked, sir, in favour of a standing army, that it
+is requisite to have a number of regular forces, who, though too weak to
+oppose an invasion, might be able to establish discipline in a larger
+body. An observation which may, with much greater justness, be applied
+to the seamen, whose art is much more difficult to be attained, and who
+are equally necessary in war and peace.
+
+If our stock of seamen, sir, be destroyed, if there is not left in our
+trading vessels a sufficient number of experienced artists to initiate
+novices, and propagate the profession, not only our ships of war must
+lie useless, but our commerce sink to nothing.
+
+Nor have I reason to believe the naval power of France so formidable, as
+that we ought to be terrified by the apprehensions of it into any
+extraordinary methods of procedure. I am informed that they have now
+very few ships of force left in their harbours; and that they have
+exerted their whole strength in the American fleet.
+
+I am not, therefore, sir, for providing against present dangers, without
+regard to our future security; and think nothing more worthy of the
+consideration of this assembly, than the means of encouraging and
+increasing our seamen, which will not be effected by the bill before us.
+
+Land forces may be hired upon emergencies; but sailors are our own
+peculiar strength, and the growth of our own soil; we are, therefore,
+above all other regards, to attend, if I may use the term, to the
+preservation of the species.
+
+Mr. VYNER next spoke:--Mr. Chairman, as there can be no stronger
+objection to any law than ambiguity, or indeterminate latitude of
+meaning, I think it necessary to propose, that some word of known and
+limited import, be substituted in the place of _seafaring men_; an
+expression which, if I was asked the meaning of it, I should find it
+difficult to explain.
+
+Are _seafaring_ men those only who navigate in the _sea_? The term is
+then superfluous, for all such are evidently comprised in the word
+_seamen_. Are they bargemen or watermen, who ply on rivers and transport
+provision or commodities from one inland town to another? In that sense
+nobody will affirm that it is a proper word; and impropriety in the
+expression of laws, produces uncertainty in the execution of them.
+
+Captain CORNWALL rose up:--Sir, the term _seafaring men_, of which an
+explication is desired, is intended to include all those who live by
+conveying goods or passengers upon the water, whether the sea or inland
+rivers: nor can we restrain it to a narrower sense, without exempting
+from the publick service great numbers, whose manner of life has
+qualified them for it, and from whom their country may, with equal
+justice, expect assistance, as from those who are engaged in foreign
+traffick.
+
+Mr. VYNER replied:--Sir, I am far from concurring with the honourable
+gentleman in his opinion, that the inland watermen are, by their
+profession, in any degree qualified for sea service, or can properly be
+called _seafaring men_.
+
+All qualifications for the service must consist either in some knowledge
+of the arts of navigation, or in some familiarity with the dangers of
+the sea. With regard to any previous knowledge of naval business, it is
+well known that they have no advantage over any common labourer; for the
+manner of navigating a ship and a barge have, for the most part, nothing
+in common.
+
+Nor are these watermen, sir, more able to stand firm in the terrours of
+the storm, or the noise of a battle, than those who follow any other
+occupation. Many of them never saw the sea, nor have less dread of its
+danger than the other inhabitants of the inland counties. They are,
+therefore, neither _seafaring_ men, nor peculiarly capable of being made
+_seamen_.
+
+But the hardship upon particular men is not the strongest objection to
+this clause, which, by obstructing our inland navigation, may make our
+rivers useless, and set the whole trade of the nation at a stand. For
+who will bring up his son a waterman, who knows him exposed by that
+profession to be impressed for a seaman?
+
+It seems, therefore, necessary, sir, either to omit the term _seafaring
+men_ [Footnote: Agreed to be omitted.], or to explain it in such a
+manner, that inland watermen may not be included.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next:--Sir, so much has been urged against the
+compulsive methods proposed in this clause, and so little produced in
+favour of them, that it may seem superfluous to add any thing, or to
+endeavour, by a multiplicity of arguments, to prove what common reason
+must immediately discover. But there is one consequence of this clause
+which has not yet been observed, and which is yet too important not to
+be obviated by a particular proviso.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many of those to whom this act will extend,
+are freeholders and voters, for electing the representatives of the
+nation; and it is therefore apparent, that elections may be influenced
+by an ill-timed or partial execution of it. How easy will it be, when an
+election approaches, to raise a false alarm, to propose some secret
+expedition, or threaten us with an invasion from some unknown country,
+and to seize on all the seafaring voters whose affections are suspected,
+and confine them at Spithead till the contest is over.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but think it necessary, that if this clause be
+suffered to pass, some part of its hateful consequences should be
+prevented by an exception in favour of freeholders and voters, which,
+surely, is no less than what every man owes to his own security, to the
+welfare of his country, and to those by whom he has been honoured with
+the care of their liberties.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then said, as follows:--Sir, I do not rise in
+opposition to the proposal made by that right honourable member, nor do
+I think this the proper time either for opposing or approving it. Method
+is of the highest importance in inquiries like these; and if the order
+of the debate be interrupted by foreign questions, or incidental
+objections, no man will be able to consider the clauses before us with
+the attention necessary to his own satisfaction, or to the conviction of
+others; the mind will be dissipated by a multiplicity of views, and
+nothing can follow but perplexity and confusion.
+
+The great end, sir, for which we are now assembled, is to strike out
+methods of manning the fleet with expedition and certainty. It is,
+therefore, proper, in the first place, to agree upon some general
+measures, to each of which there may, undoubtedly, be particular
+objections raised, that may be afterwards removed by exceptions or
+provisions; but these provisions should, for the sake of order, be
+inserted in particular clauses, to be separately considered.
+
+Of this kind is the exception now offered, to which I have no objection
+but its present impropriety, and the interruption of the debate which it
+may now occasion; for I see, at present, no reason against admitting it
+in a particular clause.
+
+When it is considered how much the success of the war may depend upon
+the determinations of this day, and how much our future happiness and
+security may depend upon the success of our present undertakings, I hope
+my solicitude for regularity and expedition will be easily excused.
+
+Sir Hind COTTON answered:--I am not able, sir, to discover any imminent
+danger to the nation in suspending our attention to the clause before
+us, for a few moments; nor, indeed, do we cease to attend to it, while
+we are endeavouring to mollify it, and adapt it to our constitution.
+
+The exception proposed is, in the opinion of the honourable gentleman,
+so reasonable, that he declares himself ready to approve it in another
+place; and, to me, no place seems more proper of its making part of this
+bill than this. As a connexion between the clause and exception appears
+necessary and immediate, I cannot see why it should be postponed, unless
+it is hoped that it may be forgotten.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke:--Sir, that this exception should be forgotten
+there is no danger; for how long soever it be delayed, I will never
+agree to the act till I see it inserted. If we suffer the liberty of the
+freeholders to be infringed, what can we expect but to be charged with
+betraying our trust, and giving up to servitude and oppression those who
+deputed us to this assembly, as the guardians of their privileges, and
+the asserters of their birthright; a charge too just to be denied, and
+too atrocious to be borne.
+
+Sir, the right of a freeholder is independent on every other
+circumstance, and is neither made more or less by wealth or poverty: the
+estate, however small, which gives a right of voting, ought to exempt
+the owner from every restraint that may hinder the exertion of his
+right; a right on which our constitution is founded, and which cannot be
+taken away without subverting our whole establishment.
+
+To overlook the distinctions which the fundamental laws of our country
+have made in respect to different orders of men, and to regard only the
+accidents of affluence and necessity, is surely unjust in itself, and
+unworthy of this assembly; an assembly, sir, instituted principally to
+protect the weak against the strong, and deputed to represent those, in
+a collective state, who are not considerable enough to appear singly,
+and claim a voice in the legislature.
+
+To expose an honest, a laborious, and an useful man, to be seized by the
+hands of an insolent officer, and dragged from the enjoyment of his
+right, only because he will not violate his conscience, and add his
+voice to those of sycophants, dependents, and prostitutes, the slaves of
+power, the drudges of a court, and the hirelings of a faction, is the
+highest degree of injustice and cruelty. Let us rather, sir, sweep away,
+with an impress, the drones of large fortunes, the tyrants of villages,
+and the oppressors of the poor; let us oblige those to serve their
+country by force, whose fortunes have had no other effect than to make
+them insolent and worthless; but let such who, by contributing to
+commerce, make every day some addition to the publick wealth, be left in
+the full enjoyment of the rights which they deserve: let those, by whose
+labour the expenses of the war are furnished, be excused from
+contributing to it by personal service.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to have our laws established by the
+representatives of the people; it is necessary that those
+representatives should be freely elected; and, therefore, every law that
+obstructs the liberty of voters, is contrary to the fundamental laws of
+our constitution; and what multitudes may, by this law, be either
+hindered from giving their votes, or be terrified into such a choice as
+by no means corresponds with their judgments or inclinations, it is easy
+to foresee.
+
+I am, indeed, of opinion, sir, that this clause cannot be adapted to our
+constitution, nor modified, by any expedient, into a law, which will not
+lay insupportable hardships upon the nation, and make way for absolute
+power. But as it is necessary that a constant supply of seamen should be
+provided, I think it not improper to observe, that there is one
+expedient yet remaining, by which, though it will not much assist us in
+our present exigence, the fleets of this nation may hereafter be
+constantly supported.
+
+We have, at present, great numbers of charity schools established in
+this nation, where the children of the poor receive an education
+disproportioned to their birth. This has often no other consequences
+than to make them unfit for their stations, by placing them, in their
+own opinion, above the drudgery of daily labour; a notion which is too
+much indulged, as idleness, cooperating with vanity, can hardly fail to
+gain the ascendant, and which sometimes prompts them to support
+themselves by practices not only useless, but pernicious to society.
+This evil, sir, cannot be better obviated than by allotting a reasonable
+proportion out of every school to the service of the sea, in which, by
+entering early, they cannot fail to become proficients; and where their
+attainments, which, at present, too frequently produce laziness and
+dishonesty, might enable them to excel, and entitle them to promotion.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, notwithstanding the confidence with which
+some gentlemen have proposed this amendment, and the easiness with which
+others have consented to it, I declare, without hesitation, that I
+oppose it now, and intend to oppose it whenever it shall be offered,
+because it will defeat all the other provisions which shall be made in
+the bill.
+
+I will venture to say, sir, that if every man, who has, by whatever
+tenure, the right of voting, shall be exempted from the necessity of
+contributing to the publick safety by his personal service, every man
+qualified for the sea will by some means acquire a vote.
+
+Sir, a very small part of those who give their votes in this nation for
+representatives in senate, enjoy that right as the appendage of a
+freehold; to live in some towns, and to be born only in others, gives
+the unalienable privilege of voting. Any gentleman, to secure his own
+interest, or obstruct the publick service, may, by dividing a small
+piece of barren ground among a hundred sailors, exalt them all to
+freeholders, and exempt them from the influence of this law.
+
+However, sir, I am not less a friend to the freeholders than those who
+propose the exception in their favour, but, in my opinion, the great
+interest of the freeholders is the preservation of their freeholds,
+which can only be secured by a vigorous exertion of the power of the
+nation, in the war which is now declared against the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BARRINGTON spoke next:--Sir, by the observations which I have
+opportunities of making at the place which I have the honour to
+represent, I am convinced of the influence that this law will have upon
+all the boroughs along the coasts. There, most of the voters are, in one
+sense or other, sir, seafaring men, being, almost all of them, owners of
+vessels, and in some degree acquainted with navigation; they may,
+therefore, be hurried away at the choice of an officious or oppressive
+magistrate, who may, by partiality and injustice, obtain a majority,
+contrary to the general inclination of the people, and determine the
+election by his own authority.
+
+Sir William YONGE then said:--Sir, if every freeholder and voter is to
+be exempted from the influence of the law, the bill that we are with so
+much ardour endeavouring to draw up and rectify, and of which the
+necessity is so generally acknowledged, will be no other than an empty
+sound, and a determination without an object; for while we are
+empowering the government to call seamen into the service, we are
+exempting almost all that are able to serve from the denomination of
+seamen: what is this but to dispute without a subject? to raise with one
+hand and demolish with the other?
+
+In the western parts of the nation, sir, where I reside, many who vote
+at elections claim their privilege by no other title than that of
+boiling a pot; a title which he who has it not, may easily obtain, when
+it will either gratify his laziness or his cowardice, and which, though
+not occasionally obtained, seems not sufficient to set any man out of
+the reach of a just and necessary law.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, undoubtedly requisite that the terms of the
+exception should be explicit and definitive, and that only those should
+be exempted who have such possessions or qualifications as this assembly
+shall think a just title to exemption. For on the western coast, from
+whence great supplies may be expected, almost every sailor has a vote,
+to which nothing is there required but to hire a lodging, and boil a
+pot; after which, if this exception be admitted in all its latitude, he
+may sit at ease amidst the distresses of his country, ridicule the law
+which he has eluded, and set the magistrate at open defiance.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER spoke next:--As I think, Sir, some exception may be
+just and proper, so I suppose every gentleman will concur with me in
+rejecting one of such extent as shall leave no object for the operation
+of the law.
+
+It is, in my opinion, proper to restrain the exemption to those
+freeholders who are possessed of such an estate as gives a vote for the
+representative of the county, by which those whose privilege arises from
+their property will be secured; and it seems reasonable that those who
+have privileges without property, should purchase them by their
+services.
+
+Counsellor BROWN spoke next:--Sir, the exception proposed will not only
+defeat the end of the bill, by leaving it few objects, but will obstruct
+the execution of it on proper occasions, and involve the magistrate in
+difficulties which will either intimidate him in the exertion of his
+authority, or, if he persists in discharging his duty with firmness and
+spirit, will perhaps oblige him sometimes to repent of his fidelity.
+
+It is the necessary consequence, sir, of a seaman's profession, that he
+is often at a great distance from the place of his legal settlement, or
+patrimonial possessions; and he may, therefore, assert of his own
+circumstances what is most convenient, without danger of detection.
+Distance is a security that prompts many men to falsehoods, by which
+only vanity is gratified; and few men will tell truth in opposition to
+their interest, when they may lie without apprehension of being
+convicted.
+
+When, therefore, a magistrate receives directions to impress all the
+seamen within his district, how few will he find who will not declare
+themselves freeholders in some distant county, or freemen of some
+obscure borough. It is to no purpose, sir, that the magistrate
+disbelieves what he cannot confute; and if in one instance in a hundred
+he should be mistaken, and, acting in consequence of his errour, force a
+freeman into the service, what reparation may not be demanded?
+
+I, therefore, propose it to the consideration of the committee, whether
+any man ought to claim exemption from this law by a title, that may so
+readily be procured, or so safely usurped.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, the practice of impressing, which
+has been declaimed against with such vehement exaggerations, is not only
+founded on immemorial custom, which makes it part of the common law, but
+is likewise established by our statutes; for I remember to have found it
+in the statutes of queen Mary, and therefore cannot allow that it ought
+to be treated as illegal, and anti-constitutional.
+
+That it is not inconsistent with our constitution may be proved from the
+practice of erecting the royal standard, upon great emergencies, to
+which every man was obliged immediately to repair; this practice is as
+old as our constitution, and as it may be revived at pleasure, may be
+properly mentioned as equivalent to an impress.
+
+Mr. VYNER answered:--This word, sir, which the learned member has by his
+wonderful diligence discovered in the statutes, may perhaps be there,
+but in a signification far different from that which it bears at
+present. The word was, without doubt, originally French, _prêt_, and
+implied what is now expressed by the term _ready_; and to impress any
+man was in those days only to make him _ready_, or engage him to hold
+himself in _readiness_, which was brought about not by compulsion,
+pursuit, and violence, but by the allurements of a pecuniary reward, or
+the obligation of some ancient tenure.
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 9, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-sixth day, the consideration of the bill for raising seamen
+was resumed, and a clause read, by which every constable, headborough,
+tithingman, or other person, was liable to be examined upon oath by the
+justices of peace, who were empowered to lay a fine upon them for any
+neglect, offence, or connivance.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to the following effect:--Mr.
+Chairman, it is the peculiar happiness of the Britons, that no law can
+be made without the consent of their representatives, and I hope no such
+infatuation can ever fall upon them as may influence them to choose a
+representative capable of concurring in absurdities like this.
+
+The folly, the iniquity, the stupidity of this clause, can only be
+conceived by hearing it repeated; it is too flagrant to be extenuated,
+and too gross to admit exaggerations: to oblige a man to make oath
+against himself, to subject himself by his own voice to penalties and
+hardships, is at once cruel and ridiculous, a wild complication of
+tyranny and folly.
+
+To call upon any man to accuse himself, is only to call upon him to
+commit perjury, and has therefore been always accounted irrational and
+wicked: in those countries where it is practised, the confession is
+extorted by the rack, which indeed is so necessary on such occasions,
+that I should not wonder to hear the promoters of this clause openly
+declaring for the expediency of tortures.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that this bill, however the importance of
+the occasion may be magnified, was drawn up without reflection, and that
+the clauses were never understood by those that offered them: errours
+like these must arise only from precipitation and neglect, for they are
+too gross to be committed either by ignorance or design.
+
+To expose such absurdities is, indeed, easy, but not pleasing; for what
+end is answered by pointing at folly, or how is the publick service
+advanced by showing that the methods proposed are totally to be
+rejected? Where a proposition is of a mixed kind, and only erroneous in
+part, it is an useful and no disagreeable task to separate truth from
+errour, and disentangle from ill consequences such measures as may be
+pursued with advantage to the publick; but mere stupidity can only
+produce compassion, and afford no opportunities for inquiry or dispute.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--Sir, this clause, however contemptuously
+treated, has been already passed into a law by a senate which brought no
+dishonour upon the British nation, by a senate which was courted and
+dreaded by the greatest part of the universe, and was drawn up by a
+ministry that have given their posterity no reason to treat them with
+derision and contumely.
+
+In the reign of the late great queen, this method of proceeding was
+approved and established, and we may judge of the propriety of the
+measures followed in that war by the success which they procured.
+
+Those, therefore, by whom this bill was drawn up have committed no new
+absurdities, nor have proposed any thing which was not enacted by the
+wisest of our predecessors, in one of the most illustrious periods of
+our history.
+
+Mr. GYBBON answered:--Sir, I am far from thinking a proposition
+sufficiently defended by an assertion that it was admitted by our
+predecessors; for though I have no inclination to vilify their memory, I
+may without scruple affirm, that they had no pretensions to
+infallibility, and that there are in many of our statutes instances of
+such ignorance, credulity, weakness, and errour, as cannot be considered
+without astonishment.
+
+In questions of an abstruse and complicated nature, it is certain, sir,
+that experience has taught us what could never have been discovered
+previously by the wisdom of our ancestors; and we have found, by their
+consequences, the impropriety of many practices which they approved, and
+which we should have equally applauded in the same circumstances.
+
+But to what purpose is observation, if we must shut our eyes against it,
+and appeal for ever to the wisdom of our ancestors?--if we must fall
+into errour, merely because they were mistaken, and rush upon rocks out
+of veneration to those who were wrecked against them.
+
+In questions easily to be examined, and determinations which comprised
+no perplexing contrarieties of interest, or multiplicity of
+circumstances, they were equally liable with ourselves to be supine and
+negligent, to sink into security, or be surprised by haste. That the
+clause now before us was enacted by them, must be ascribed merely to the
+hurry of the session in which it was brought before them; a time in
+which so many inquiries of the highest importance were to be made, and
+great diversity of views to be regarded, that it is no wonder that some
+absurdities should escape without detection.
+
+In the fourth of the reign of the queen, this bill was brought in, as
+now, at the latter end of a session, when the attention of the senate
+was fatigued and distracted; and it was hurried through both houses, and
+ratified by the queen, with very little consideration.
+
+But then, as this circumstance may be justly termed an extenuation of
+their errour, it ought to be a lesson of caution to us, that we may not
+be, in the like manner, betrayed into the same weakness.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up:--Sir, the conduct of our predecessors
+seems not to stand in need of any excuse; for it might be easy to
+vindicate it by arguments, but that it is more proper to approve it by
+imitation.
+
+Whenever the bill was passed, or how hastily soever the law was enacted,
+it was, I believe, rather the effect of necessity than of inadvertency;
+of the same necessity which now presses, and which is very ill consulted
+by tedious debates.
+
+They were then involved in a war, and were not so distracted by private
+interests as not to unite in the most vigorous opposition of their
+enemies. They knew that the publick good is often promoted by the
+temporary inconveniencies of individuals; and when affairs of the
+highest importance demanded their attention, when the security of the
+whole nation and the happiness of their posterity were the subject of
+their inquiries, they wisely suffered less considerations to pass,
+without superfluous and unseasonable solicitude.
+
+How justly they reasoned, sir, and what vigour their resolutions gave to
+the military operations, our victories are a sufficient proof: and if
+experience be the surest guide, it cannot be improper to imitate those
+who, in the same circumstances with ourselves, found means to raise the
+honour, and improve the commerce of their country.
+
+That our circumstances are the same with those of the senate by which
+this law was made, is obvious beyond dispute; or where they vary, the
+difference is, perhaps, to our disadvantage. We have, sir, the same
+enemies, or, at least, have reason to apprehend the same; but have
+little hope of the same allies. The present war is to be carried on at a
+greater distance, and in more places at the same instant; we cannot,
+therefore, supply our ships occasionally, but must raise great numbers
+in a short time.
+
+If, therefore, it was then concluded, that the method under our
+examination was useful; if measures, not eligible in themselves, may be
+authorized by necessity, why may not we, in compliance with the same
+exigencies, have recourse to the same expedients?
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke:--Sir, how much weight is added to the
+determinations of the senate, by the dignity of their procedure, and the
+decency of their disputations, a slight knowledge of mankind is
+sufficient to evince. It is well known that government is supported by
+opinion; and that he who destroys the reputation, destroys the authority
+of the legislative power. Nor is it less apparent, that he who degrades
+debate into scurrility, and destroys the solemnity of consultation,
+endeavours to sink the senate into contempt.
+
+It was, therefore, sir, with indignation and surprise, that I heard the
+clause before us censured with such indecency of language, and the
+authors of it treated with contumelies and reproaches that mere errour
+does not deserve, however apparent, but which were now vented before any
+errour was detected.
+
+I know not, sir, why the gentlemen, who are thus indecently attacked,
+have suffered such reproaches without censure, and without reply. I know
+not why they have omitted to put the honourable gentleman in mind of the
+respect due to this assembly, or to the characters of those whom he
+opposes; gentlemen equally skilled with himself in the subject of our
+inquiries, and whom his own attainments, however large, or his
+abilities, however comprehensive, cannot give him a right to charge with
+ignorance or folly.
+
+To reproach men with incapacity, is a cheap method of answering their
+arguments; but a method which the rules of this house ought to exclude
+from our debates, as the general civility of the world has banished it
+from every other place of concourse or conversation.
+
+I, for my part, sir, shall always endeavour to confine my attention to
+the question before us, without suffering my reason to be biassed, or my
+inquiries diverted by low altercations, or personal animosities; nor
+when any other man deviates into reproachful and contemptuous language,
+shall I be induced to think more highly of either his arguments or
+capacity.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, I have always heard it represented as an
+instance of integrity, when the tongue and heart move in concert, when
+the words are representations of the sentiments; and have, therefore,
+hitherto, endeavoured to explain my arguments with perspicuity, and
+impress my sentiments with force; I have thought it hypocrisy to treat
+stupidity with reverence, or to honour nonsense with the ceremony of a
+confutation. As knavery, so folly, that is not reclaimable, is to be
+speedily despatched; business is to be freed from obstruction, and
+society from a nuisance.
+
+Nor, sir, when I am censured by those whom I may offend, by the use of
+terms correspondent with my ideas, will I, by a tame and silent
+submission, give reason to suspect that I am conscious of a fault, but
+will treat the accusation with open contempt, and show no greater regard
+to the abettors, than to the authors of absurdity.
+
+That decency is of great use in publick debates, I shall readily allow;
+it may sometimes shelter folly from ridicule, and preserve villany from
+publick detection; nor is it ever more carefully supported, than when
+measures are promoted that nothing can preserve from contempt, but the
+solemnity with which they are established.
+
+Decency is a proper circumstance; but liberty is the essence of
+senatorial disquisitions: liberty is the parent of truth; but truth and
+decency are sometimes at variance: all men and all propositions are to
+be treated here as they deserve; and there are many who have no claim
+either to respect or decency.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then rose:--Sir, that it is improper in its own nature,
+and inconsistent with our constitution, to lay any man under an
+obligation to accuse himself, cannot be denied; it is, therefore,
+evident, that some amendment is necessary to the clause before us.
+
+I have, for this reason, drawn up an amendment, sir, which, if approved
+by the committee, will, in my opinion, remove all the objections to this
+part of the bill, and, by reconciling it with our natural and legal
+rights, I hope, induce those to approve it, who have hitherto opposed
+it.
+
+I therefore propose, that these words should be substituted instead of
+those which are the subject of the debate; or some other to this
+purpose: _That no person shall be liable to be fined by virtue of this
+act, unless a witness, being examined, shall make oath of the
+misdemeanour or neglect_.
+
+Thus the necessity of examining men upon oath in their own cause will be
+entirely taken away; and, as the clause will then stand, there will
+remain no suspicion of injustice, or oppression, because none can be
+practised without the concurrence of many persons of different
+interests.
+
+[This clause, though agreed to in the committee, was at last rejected.]
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Mr. Chairman, it does
+not yet appear that the gentlemen who have engaged in this debate, have
+sufficiently attended to the exigence of our affairs, and the importance
+of the question. They have lavished their oratory in declaiming upon the
+absurdity of the methods proposed, and discovered their sagacity, by
+showing how future navies may be supplied from charity schools, but have
+substituted no expedients in the place of those which they so warmly
+condemn, nor have condescended to inform us, how we may now guard our
+coasts, or man our fleets for immediate service.
+
+There are some circumstances, sir, of the present war, which make our
+necessity of raising sea forces greater than in those of William, and
+Anne that succeeded him. The chief advantages that we gained over the
+French, in their wars, were the consequences of our victories by land.
+
+At sea, sir, the balance was almost equal, though the Dutch fleet and
+ours were united; nor did they quit the sea because their fleets were
+destroyed, but because they were obliged to recruit their land forces
+with their sailors. Should they now declare war against us, they would
+be under no such necessity of defrauding the sea service, for they have
+now on foot an army of one hundred and sixty thousand men, which are
+maintained at no greater expense than forty thousand, by the British
+government; as they are, therefore, sir, so formidable by land, we have
+no way of opposing them but by our sea forces.
+
+Nor is their navy so contemptible as some have, either by conjecture or
+misinformation, represented it. The fleet which they have despatched to
+America, consists not of fewer than twenty ships, of which the least
+carry sixty guns, and they are fitting out now an equal number in their
+own ports; besides, their East India company is obliged to furnish ten
+ships of the line, at the demand of the government.
+
+Thus it appears that we have neighbours sufficiently powerful to alarm
+us with the sense of immediate danger; danger which is made more
+imminent by the expeditious methods by which the French man their
+fleets, and which we must imitate if we hope to oppose them with
+success.
+
+I need not say how little we can depend upon any professions of
+neutrality, which will be best observed when they cannot be securely
+violated; or upon the pacifick inclination of their minister, which
+interest, persuasion, or caprice, may alter, and to which it is not very
+honourable to trust for safety. How can that nation sink lower, which is
+only free because it is not invaded by its neighbours; and retains its
+possessions, only because no other has leisure or inclination to take
+them away?
+
+If it be asked, what can provoke the French to interrupt us in the
+prosecution of our designs, and in the punishment of those who have
+plundered and insulted us, it is not only easy to urge the strict
+alliance between the two crowns, the ties of blood, the conformity of
+interests, and their equal hatred of the Britons, but another more
+immediate reason may be added. It is suspected, that under pretence of
+vindicating our own rights, we are endeavouring to gain the possession
+of the Spanish dominions, and engross the wealth of the new world; and
+that, therefore, it is the interest of every power, whose subjects
+traffick to those countries, to oppose us.
+
+Thus, whether we succeed or fail in our attempts upon America, we have
+the French power to apprehend. If we make conquests, they may, probably,
+think it necessary to obviate the torrent of our victories, and to
+hinder the increase of our dominions, that they may secure their own
+trade, and maintain their own influence.
+
+If we should be defeated, of which no man, sir, can deny the
+possibility, the inclination of all to insult the depressed, and to push
+down the falling, is well known; nor can it be expected that our
+hereditary enemies would neglect so fair an opportunity of attacking us.
+
+How they might ravage our coasts, and obstruct our trade; how they might
+triumph in the Channel, and block us up in our own ports, bombard our
+towns, and threaten us with invasions, I hope I need but barely mention,
+to incite this assembly to such despatch in manning our fleets, as may
+secure us at once from insults and from terrour.
+
+It is, undoubtedly, sir, in our power to raise a naval force sufficient
+to awe the ocean, and restrain the most daring of our enemies from any
+attempts against us; but this cannot be effected by harangues,
+objections, and disputations.
+
+There is nothing, sir, more frequently the subject of raillery or
+declamation, than the uselessness or danger of a standing army, to which
+I declare myself no otherwise inclined than by my concern for the common
+safety; I willingly allow that not one soldier ought to be supported by
+the publick, whose service is not necessary; but surely none of those
+who declare so warmly for the honour and privileges of their country,
+would expose it to the insults of foreign powers, without defence. If,
+therefore, they think the danger of land forces more than equivalent to
+the benefit, they ought unanimously to concur in the increase of our
+naval strength, by which they may be protected, but cannot be oppressed:
+they ought willingly to give their assistance to any propositions for
+making the fleet, formidable, that their declarations against the army
+may not be thought to proceed from a resolution to obstruct the measures
+of the government, rather than from zeal for the constitution. For he
+that equally opposes the establishment of the army, and the improvement
+of the navy, declares in effect against the security of the nation; and
+though, perhaps, without design, exposes his countrymen to the mercy of
+their enemies.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next:--Sir, I cannot discover for what reason the
+bill before us is so vigorously supported, but must observe, that I have
+seldom known such vehement and continued efforts produced by mere
+publick spirit, and unmingled regard for the happiness of the nation.
+Nothing, sir, that can be urged in favour of the measures now proposed
+has been omitted. When arguments are confuted, precedents are cited;
+when precedents fail, the advocates for the bill have recourse to
+terrour and necessity, and endeavour to frighten those whom they cannot
+convince.
+
+But, perhaps, sir, these formidable phantoms may soon be put to flight,
+and, like the other illusions of cowardice, disappear before the light.
+Perhaps this necessity will be found only chimerical; and these dangers
+appear only the visions of credulity, or the bugbears of imposture.
+
+To arrive at a clear view of our present condition, it will be
+necessary, sir, not to amuse ourselves with general assertions, or
+overwhelm our reason by terrifying exaggerations: let us consider
+distinctly the power and the conduct of our enemies, and inquire whether
+they do not affright us more than they are able to hurt us.
+
+That the force of Spain alone, sir, is much to be dreaded, no man will
+assert; for that empire, it is well known, has long been seized with all
+the symptoms of declining power, and has been supported, not by its own
+strength, but by the interests of its neighbours. The vast dominions of
+the Spaniards are only an empty show; they are lands without
+inhabitants, and, by consequence, without defence; they are rather
+excrescences, than members of the monarchy, and receive support rather
+than communicate. In the distant branches of their empire the government
+languishes, as the vital motion in an expiring body; and the struggles
+which they now make, may be termed rather agonies than efforts.
+
+From Spain, therefore, unassisted, we have nothing to apprehend, and yet
+from thence we have been threatened with insults and invasions.
+
+That the condition of the French is far different, cannot be denied;
+their commerce flourishes, their dominions are connected, their wealth
+increases, and their government operates with full vigour: their
+influence is great, and their name formidable. But I cannot allow, sir,
+that they have yet attained such a height of power as should alarm us
+with constant apprehensions, or that we ought to secure ourselves
+against them by the violation of our liberties. Not to urge that the
+loss of freedom, and the destruction of our constitution, are the worst
+consequences that can be apprehended from a conquest, and that to a
+slave the change of his master is of no great importance, it is evident,
+that the power of the French is of such kind as can only affect us
+remotely, and consequentially. They may fill the continent with alarms,
+and ravage the territories of Germany, by their numerous armies, but can
+only injure us by means of their fleets. We may wait, sir, without a
+panick terrour, though not without some degree of anxiety, the event of
+their attempts upon the neighbouring princes, and cannot be reduced to
+fight for our altars and our houses, but by a second armada, which, even
+then, the winds must favour, and a thousand circumstances concur to
+expedite.
+
+But that no such fleet can be fitted out by the united endeavours of the
+whole world; that our navy, in its present state, is superiour to any
+that can be brought against us, our ministers ought not to be ignorant:
+and, therefore, to dispirit the nation with apprehensions of armies
+hovering in the air, and of conquerors to be wafted over by supernatural
+means, is to destroy that happiness which government was ordained to
+preserve; to sink us to tameness and cowardice; and to betray us to
+insults and to robberies.
+
+If our danger, sir, be such as has been represented, to whom must we
+impute it? Upon whom are our weakness, our poverty, and our miseries to
+be charged? Upon whom, but those who have usurped the direction of
+affairs which they did not understand, or to which their solicitude for
+the preservation of their own power hindered them from attending?
+
+That the Spaniards, sir, are now enabled to make resistance, and,
+perhaps, to insult and depopulate our colonies; that the French have
+despatched a fleet into the American seas, to obstruct, as may be
+conjectured, the progress of our arms, and that we are in danger of
+meeting opposition which we did not expect, is too evident to be
+concealed.
+
+But, sir, is not the spirit of our enemies the consequence rather of our
+cowardice than of their own strength? Does not the opposition to our
+designs, by whatever nation it shall be made, arise from the contempt
+which has been brought upon us by our irresolution, forbearance, and
+delays? Had we resented the first insult, and repaired our earliest
+losses by vigorous reprisals, our merchants had long ago carried on
+their traffick with security, our enemies would have courted us with
+respect, and our allies supported us with confidence.
+
+Our negotiations, treaties, proposals, and concessions, not only
+afforded them leisure to collect their forces, equip their fleets, and
+fortify their coasts; but gave them, likewise, spirit to resist those
+who could not be conquered but by their own cowardice and folly. By our
+ill-timed patience, and lingering preparations, we encouraged those to
+unite against us, who would, otherwise, have only hated us in secret;
+and deterred those from declaring in our favour, whom interest or
+gratitude might have inclined to assist us. For who will support those
+from whom no mutual support can be expected? And who will expect that
+those will defend their allies, who desert themselves?
+
+But, sir, however late our resentment was awakened, had the war been
+prosecuted vigorously after it was declared, we might have been now
+secure from danger, and freed from suspense, nor would any thing have
+remained but to give laws to our enemies.
+
+From the success of Vernon with so inconsiderable forces, we may
+conjecture what would have been performed with an armament proportioned
+to his undertaking; and why he was not better supplied, no reason has
+yet been given; nor can it be easily discovered why we either did not
+begin the war before our enemies had concerted their measures, or delay
+it till we had formed our own.
+
+Notwithstanding some opportunities have been neglected, and all the
+advantages of a sudden attack have been irrecoverably lost;
+notwithstanding our friends, sir, have learned to despise and neglect
+us, and our enemies are animated to confidence and obstinacy, yet our
+real and intrinsick strength continues the same; nor are there yet any
+preparations made against us by the enemy, with views beyond their own
+security and defence. It does not yet appear, sir, that our enemies,
+however insolent, look upon us as the proper objects of a conquest, or
+that they imagine it possible to besiege us in our own ports, or to
+confine us to the defence of our own country. We are not, therefore, to
+have recourse to measures, which, if they are ever to be admitted, can
+be justified by nothing but the utmost distress, and can only become
+proper, as the last and desperate expedient. The enemy, sir, ought to
+appear not only in our seas, but in our ports, before it can be
+necessary that one part of the nation should be enslaved for the
+preservation of the rest.
+
+To destroy any part of the community, while it is in our power to
+preserve the whole, is certainly absurd, and inconsistent with the
+equity and tenderness of a good government: and what is slavery less
+than destruction? What greater calamity has that man to expect, who has
+been already deprived of his liberty, and reduced to a level with
+thieves and murderers? With what spirit, sir, will he draw his sword
+upon his invaders, who has nothing to defend? Or why should he repel the
+injuries which will make no addition to his misery, and will fall only
+on those to whom he is enslaved?
+
+It is well known that gratitude is the foundation of our duty to our
+country, and to our superiours, whom we are obliged to protect upon some
+occasions, because, upon others, we receive protection from them, and
+are maintained in the quiet possession of our fortunes, and the security
+of our lives. But what gratitude is due to his country from a man
+distinguished, without a crime, by the legislature, from the rest of the
+people, and marked out for hardships and oppressions? From a man who is
+condemned to labour and to danger, only that others may fatten with
+indolence, and slumber without anxiety? From a man who is dragged to
+misery without reward, and hunted from his retreat, as the property of
+his master?
+
+Where gratitude, sir, is not the motive of action, which may easily
+happen in minds not accustomed to observe the ends of government, and
+relations of society, interest never fails to preside, which may be
+distinguished from gratitude, as it regards the immediate consequences
+of actions, and confines the view to present advantages. But what
+interest can be gratified by a man who is not master of his own actions,
+nor secure in the enjoyment of his acquisitions? Why should he be
+solicitous to increase his property, who may be torn from the possession
+of it in a moment? Or upon what motive can he act who will not become
+more happy by doing his duty?
+
+Many of those to whom this bill is proposed to extend, have raised
+fortunes at the expense of their ease, and at the hazard of their lives;
+and now sit at rest, enjoying the memory of their past hardships, and
+inciting others to the prosecution of the same adventures. How will it
+be more reasonable to drag these men from their houses, than to seize
+any other gentleman upon his own estate? and how negligently will our
+navigation and our commerce be promoted, when it is discovered that
+either wealth cannot be gained by them, or, if so gained, cannot be
+enjoyed.
+
+But it is still urged, sir, that there is a necessity of manning the
+fleet; a necessity which, indeed, cannot totally be denied, though a
+short delay would produce no frightful consequences, would expose us to
+no invasions, nor disable us from prosecuting the war. Yet, as the
+necessity at least deserves the regard of the legislature, let us
+consider what motives have hitherto gained men over to the publick
+service; let us examine how our land forces are raised, and how our
+merchants equip their ships. How is all this to be effected without
+murmurs, mutinies, or discontent, but by the natural and easy method of
+offering rewards?
+
+It may be objected, sir, that rewards have been already proposed without
+effect; but, not to mention the corrupt arts which have been made use of
+to elude that promise, by rejecting those that came to claim them, we
+can infer from their inefficacy only, that they were too small; that
+they were not sufficient to dazzle the attention, and withdraw it from
+the prospect of the distant advantages which may arise from the service
+of the merchants. Let the reward, therefore, be doubled, and if it be
+not then sufficient, doubled anew. There is nothing but may be bought,
+if an adequate price is offered; and we are, therefore, to raise the
+reward, till it shall be adjudged by the sailors equivalent to the
+inconveniencies of the service.
+
+Let no man urge, that this is profusion; that it is a breach of our
+trust, and a prodigality of the publick money. Sir, the money thus paid
+is the price of liberty; it is disbursed to hinder slavery from
+encroaching, to preserve our natural rights from infraction, and the
+constitution of our country from violation. If we vote away the
+privilege of one class among us, those of another may quickly be
+demanded; and slavery will advance by degrees, till the last remains of
+freedom shall be lost.
+
+But perhaps, sir, it will appear, upon reflection, that even this method
+needs not to be practised. It is well known, that it is not necessary
+for the whole crew of a ship to be expert sailors; there must be some
+novices, and many whose employment has more of labour than of art. We
+have now a numerous army, which burdens our country, without defending
+it, and from whom we may, therefore, draw supplies for the fleet, and
+distribute them amongst the ships in just proportions; they may
+immediately assist the seamen, and will become able, in a short time, to
+train up others.
+
+It will, doubtless, sir, be objected to this proposal, that the
+continent is in confusion, and that we ought to continue such a force as
+may enable us to assist our allies, maintain our influence, and turn the
+scale of affairs in the neighbouring countries. I know not how we are
+indebted to our allies, or by what ties we are obliged to assist those
+who never assisted us; nor can I, upon mature consideration, think it
+necessary to be always gazing on the continent, watching the motions of
+every potentate, and anxiously attentive to every revolution. There is
+no end, sir, of obviating contingencies, of attempting to secure
+ourselves from every possibility of danger. I am, indeed, desirous that
+our friends, if any there be that deserve that name, should succeed in
+their designs, and be protected in their claims; but think it ought
+always to be remembered, that our own affairs affect us immediately,
+theirs only by consequence, and that the nearest danger is to be first
+regarded.
+
+With respect to the amendment offered to this clause, I cannot see that
+it will produce any advantage, nor think any evidence sufficient to
+justify the breach of our constitution, or subject any man to the
+hardship of having his dwelling entered by force.
+
+And, sir, I am not entirely satisfied of the impartiality and equity
+with which it is promised that this law will be put in execution, or
+what new influence is to cooperate with this law, by which corruption
+and oppression will be prevented.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many other laws are made ineffectual by
+partiality or negligence, which remarkably appears by the immense
+quantities of corn that are daily carried into foreign countries, by
+illegal exportations, by which traffick I am informed that we obtain
+most of our foreign gold, which, in reality, is paid us for corn by the
+Dutch; though it is studiously represented to the nation as gained by
+our traffick with Portugal. Who can assure us that this law will not be
+perverted, after the example of others? and that there will not be
+wretches found that may employ it to the extortion of money, or the
+gratification of revenge?
+
+Thus, sir, I have shown by what means our fleet may now be equipped, and
+how a supply of sailors may be perpetuated; for I cannot think how the
+boys which are educated in charity schools can be more properly
+employed. A proportion may be easily selected for the service, who will
+benefit the publick much more than by serving sharpers and attorneys,
+and pilfering either at low gaming houses, or in the inns of court.
+
+Since, therefore, it is not pretended, sir, that this bill can be
+justified otherwise than by necessity, and it appears that supplies may
+be raised by other means; since, instead of increasing and encouraging
+seamen, nothing is proposed that does not manifestly tend, by depressing
+and harassing them, to diminish their numbers, I think it reasonable to
+declare that I shall continue to oppose it, and hope that every friend
+of liberty, or commerce, will concur in the opposition.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have
+considered the bill before us with the utmost impartiality, and I can
+see no reason to apprehend that it will produce such universal
+discontent, and give occasion to so many abuses, as the honourable
+gentlemen by whom it is opposed, appear to suspect. It is not uncommon,
+sir, in judging of future events, and tracing effects from causes, for
+the most sagacious to be mistaken.
+
+The safest method of conjecturing upon the future, is to consider the
+past, for it is always probable, that from like causes like consequences
+will arise. Let us, therefore, sir, examine what injustice or oppression
+has been hitherto produced by laws of the same kind.
+
+The power of searching, however it is now become the subject of loud
+exclamation and pathetick harangues, is no new invasion of the rights of
+the people, but has been already granted in its utmost extent, for an
+end of no greater importance than the preservation of the game. This
+formidable authority has been already trusted to the magistrate, and the
+nation has been already subjected to this insupportable tyranny, only
+lest the hares and partridges should be destroyed, and gentlemen be
+obliged to disband their hounds and dismiss their setting dogs. Yet,
+sir, even with regard to this power, thus exorbitant, and thus lightly
+granted, I have heard no general complaints, nor believe that it is
+looked upon as a grievance by any, but those whom it restrains from
+living upon the game, and condemns to maintain themselves by a more
+honest and useful industry.
+
+I hope, sir, those that think this law for the preservation of their
+amusement, rational and just, will have at least the same regard to the
+defence of their country, and will not think their venison deserves
+greater solicitude than their fortunes and their liberties.
+
+Nor is it difficult, sir, to produce instances of the exercise of this
+power, for the end which is now proposed, without any consequences that
+should discourage us from repeating the experiment. I have now in my
+hand a letter, by which the mayor and aldermen of Bristol are empowered
+to seize all the sailors within the bounds of their jurisdiction, which
+order was executed without any outcries of oppression, or apprehensions
+of the approach of slavery.
+
+That this law, sir, will be always executed with the strictest
+impartiality, and without the least regard to any private purposes,
+cannot, indeed, be demonstratively proved; every law may possibly be
+abused by a combination of profligates; but it must, I think, be
+granted, that it is drawn up with all the caution that reason, or
+justice, or the corruption of the present age requires. I know not what
+can be contrived better than an association of men, unlikely to concur
+in their views and interests--a justice of the peace, a lieutenant of a
+ship, and a commissioner of the navy--three men, probably unknown to
+each other, and of which no one will be at all solicitous to desire the
+rest to unite to commit a crime, to which no temptation can be readily
+imagined.
+
+This caution, sir, which cannot but be approved, and which surely is
+some proof of judgment and consideration, ought, in my opinion, to have
+exempted the bill, and those by whose assistance it was drawn up, from
+the reproachful and indecent charge of absurdity, ignorance, and
+incapacity; terms which the dignity of this assembly does not admit,
+even when they are incontestably just, and which surely ought not to be
+made use of when the question is of a doubtful nature.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who are now intrusted with publick employments, have
+never yet discovered that they are inferiour to their predecessors in
+knowledge or integrity; nor do their characters suffer any diminution by
+a comparison with those who vilify and traduce them.
+
+Those, sir, that treat others with such licentious contempt, ought
+surely to give some illustrious proof of their own abilities; and yet if
+we examine what has been produced on this question, we shall find no
+reason to admire their sagacity or their knowledge.
+
+We have been told, sir, that the fleet might properly be manned by a
+detachment from the army; but it has not been proved that we have any
+superfluous forces in the kingdom, nor, indeed, will our army be found
+sufficiently numerous, if, by neglecting to equip our fleet, we give our
+enemies an opportunity of entering our country.
+
+If it be inquired what necessity there is for our present forces? What
+expeditions are designed? Or what dangers are feared? I shall not think
+it my duty to return any answer. It is, sir, the great unhappiness of
+our constitution, that our determinations cannot be kept secret, and
+that our enemies may always form conjectures of our designs, by knowing
+our preparations; but surely more is not to be published than necessity
+extorts, and the government has a right to conceal what it would injure
+the nation to discover.
+
+Nor can I, sir, approve the method of levying sailors by the incitement
+of an exorbitant reward, a reward to be augmented at the pleasure of
+those who are to receive it. For what can be the consequence of such
+prodigality, but that those to whom the largest sum is offered, will yet
+refuse their service in expectation of a greater. The reward already
+proposed is, in my opinion, the utmost stretch of liberality; and all
+beyond may be censured as profusion.
+
+It is not to be imagined, sir, that all these objections were not made,
+and answered, in the reign of the late queen, when a bill of the same
+nature was proposed; they were answered, at least, by the necessity of
+those times, which necessity has now returned upon us.
+
+We do not find that it produced any consequences so formidable and
+destructive, that they should for ever discourage us from attempting to
+raise forces by the same means; it was then readily enacted, and
+executed without opposition, and without complaints; nor do I believe
+that any measures can be proposed of equal efficacy, and less severity.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, whether the
+precedents produced in defence of this bill, will have more weight than
+the arguments, must be shown by a careful examination, which will
+perhaps discover that the order sent to the magistrates of Bristol
+conveyed no new power, nor such as is, in any respect, parallel to that
+which this bill is intended to confer.
+
+They were only enjoined to inquire with more than usual strictness,
+after strollers and vagabonds, such as the law has always subjected to
+punishment, and send them to the fleet, instead of any other place of
+correction; a method which may now be pursued without danger,
+opposition, or complaint.
+
+But for my part, I am not able, upon the closest attention to the
+present scene of affairs, to find out the necessity of extraordinary
+methods of any kind. The fears of an invasion from France, are, in my
+opinion, sir, merely chimerical; from their fleet in America the coasts
+of Britain have nothing to fear, and after the numerous levies of seamen
+by which it was fitted out, it is not yet probable that they can
+speedily send out another. We know, sir, that the number of seamen
+depends upon the extent of commerce, and surely there is as yet no such
+disproportion between their trade and ours, as that they should be able
+to furnish out a naval armament with much greater expedition than
+ourselves.
+
+In America our forces are at least equal to theirs, so that it is not
+very probable, that after the total destruction of our fleet by them,
+they should be so little injured, as to be able immediately to set sail
+for the channel, and insult us in our own ports; to effect this, sir,
+they must not only conquer us, but conquer us without resistance.
+
+If they do not interrupt us in our attempts, nor expose themselves to an
+engagement, they may, indeed, return without suffering great damages,
+but I know not how they can leave the shores of America unobserved, or
+pour an unexpected invasion upon us. If they continue there, sir, they
+cannot hurt as, and when they return, we may prepare for their
+reception.
+
+There are men, I know, sir, who have reason to think highly of the
+French policy, and whose ideas may be exalted to a belief that they can
+perform impossibilities; but I have not yet prevailed upon myself to
+conceive that they can act invisibly, or that they can equip a fleet by
+sorcery, collect an army in a moment, and defy us on our own coast,
+without any perceptible preparations.
+
+Then admiral WAGER spoke thus:--The calamities produced by discord and
+contention, need not to be pointed out; but it may be proper to reflect
+upon the consequences of a house divided against itself, that we may
+endeavour to avoid them.
+
+Unanimity is produced by nothing more powerfully than by impending
+danger, and, therefore, it may be useful to show those who seem at
+present in profound security, that the power of France is more
+formidable than they are willing to allow.
+
+My age, sir, enables me to remember many transactions of the wars in the
+late reigns, to which many gentlemen are strangers, or of which they
+have only imperfect ideas from history and tradition.
+
+In the second year of the reign of William, the French gained a victory
+over the united fleets of the maritime powers, which gave them, for the
+summer following, the dominion of the Channel, enabled them to shut up
+our merchants in their ports, and produced a total suspension of our
+commerce.
+
+Those, sir, to whom the importance of trade is so well known, will
+easily apprehend the weight of this calamity, and will, I hope, reject
+no measures that have a manifest tendency to prevent it.
+
+Our ships, sir, do not lie useless because there is any want of seamen
+in the nation, but because any service is preferred to that of the
+publick.
+
+There are now, to my knowledge, in one town on the west coast, no fewer
+than twelve hundred sailors, of which surely a third part may be justly
+claimed by the publick interest; nor do I know why they who obstinately
+refuse to serve their country, should be treated with so much
+tenderness. It is more reasonable that they should suffer by their
+refusal, than that the general happiness should be endangered.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, when any
+authority shall be lodged in my hands, to be exercised for the publick
+benefit, I shall always endeavour to exert it with honesty and
+diligence; but will never be made the instrument of oppression, nor
+execute any commission of tyranny or injustice.
+
+As, therefore, the power of searching is to be placed in the hands of
+justices of the peace, I think it necessary to declare, that I will
+never perform so hateful a part of the office, and that if this bill
+becomes a law, I will retire from the place to which my authority is
+limited, rather than contribute to the miseries of my fellow-subjects.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, all the arguments which have been
+offered in support of this bill, are reduced at last to one constant
+assertion of the necessity of passing it.
+
+We have been told, sir, with great acuteness, that a war cannot be
+carried on without men, and that ships are useless without sailors; and
+from thence it is inferred that the bill is necessary.
+
+That forces are by some means necessary to be raised, the warmest
+opponents of the bill will not deny, but they cannot, therefore, allow
+the inference, that the methods now proposed are necessary.
+
+They are of opinion, sir, that cruel and oppressive measures can never
+be justified, till all others have been tried without effect; they think
+that the law, when it was formerly passed, was unjust, and are
+convinced, by observing that it never was revived, and that it was by
+experience discovered to be useless.
+
+Necessity, absolute necessity, is a formidable sound, and may terrify
+the weak and timorous into silence and compliance; but it will be found,
+upon reflection, to be often nothing but an idle feint, to amuse and to
+delude us, and that what is represented as necessary to the publick, is
+only something convenient to men in power.
+
+Necessity, sir, has, heretofore, been produced as a plea for that which
+could be no otherwise defended. In the days of Charles the first,
+ship-money was declared to be legal, because it was necessary. Such was
+the reasoning of the lawyers, and the determination of the judges; but
+the senate, a senate of patriots! without fear, and without corruption,
+and influenced only by a sincere regard for the publick, were of a
+different opinion, and neither admitted the lawfulness nor necessity.
+
+It will become us, on this occasion, to act with equal vigour, and
+convince our countrymen, that we proceed upon the same principles, and
+that the liberties of the people are our chief care.
+
+I hope we shall unite in defeating any attempts that may impair the
+rights which every Briton boasts as his birthright, and reject a law
+which will be equally dreaded and detested with the inquisition of
+Spain.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, though many
+particular clauses of this bill have been disapproved and opposed, some
+with more, and some with less reason, yet the committee has hitherto
+agreed that a bill for this purpose is necessary in the present state of
+our affairs; upon this principle we have proceeded thus far, several
+gentlemen have proposed their opinions, contributed their observations,
+and laboured as in an affair universally admitted to be of high
+importance to the general prosperity.
+
+But now, sir, when some of the difficulties are surmounted, some
+expedients luckily struck out, some objections removed, and the great
+design brought nearer to execution, we are on a sudden informed, that
+all our labour is superfluous, that we are amusing ourselves with
+useless consultations, providing against calamities that can never
+happen, and raising bulwarks without an enemy; that, therefore, the
+question before us is of no importance, and the bill ought, without
+farther examination, to be totally rejected.
+
+I suppose, sir, I shall be readily believed, when I declare that I shall
+willingly admit any arguments that may evince our safety; but, in
+proportion as real freedom from danger is to be desired, a supine and
+indolent neglect of it is to be dreaded and avoided; and I cannot but
+fear that our enemies are more formidable, and more malicious, than the
+gentlemen that oppose this bill have represented them.
+
+This bill can only be opposed upon the supposition that it gives a
+sanction to severities, more rigorous than our present circumstances
+require; for nothing can be more fallacious or invidious than a
+comparison of this law with the demand of ship-money, a demand contrary
+to all law, and enforced by the manifest exertion of arbitrary power.
+
+How has the conduct of his present majesty any resemblance with that of
+Charles the first? Is any money levied by order of the council? Are the
+determinations of the judges set in opposition to the decrees of the
+senate? Is any man injured in his property by an unlimited extension of
+the prerogative? or any tribunal established superiour to the laws of
+the nation?
+
+To draw parallels, sir, where there is no resemblance; and to accuse, by
+insinuations, where there is no shadow of a crime; to raise outcries
+when no injury is attempted; and to deny a real necessity because it was
+once pretended for a bad purpose; is surely not to advance the publick
+service, which can be promoted only by just reasonings, and calm
+reflections, not by sophistry and satire, by insinuations without
+ground, and by instances beside the purpose.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON answered:--Sir, true zeal for the service of the publick
+is never discovered by collusive subterfuges and malicious
+representations; a mind, attentive to the common good, would hardly, on
+an occasion like this, have been at leisure to pervert an harmless
+illustration, and extract disaffection from a casual remark.
+
+It is, indeed, not impossible, sir, that I might express myself
+obscurely; and it may be, therefore, necessary to declare that I
+intended no disrespectful reflection on the conduct of his majesty; but
+must observe, at the same time, that obscure or inaccurate expressions
+ought always to be interpreted in the most inoffensive meaning, and that
+to be too sagacious in discovering concealed insinuations, is no great
+proof of superiour integrity.
+
+Wisdom, sir, is seldom captious, and honesty seldom suspicious; a man
+capable of comprehending the whole extent of a question, disdains to
+divert his attention by trifling observations; and he that is above the
+practice of little arts, or the motions of petty malice, does not easily
+imagine them incident to another.
+
+That in the question of ship-money necessity was pretended, cannot be
+denied; and, therefore, all that I asserted, which was only that the
+nation had been once terrified without reason, by the formidable sound
+of necessity, is evident and uncontested.
+
+When a fraud has once been practised, it is of use to remember it, that
+we may not twice be deceived by the same artifice; and, therefore, I
+mentioned the plea of necessity, that it may be inquired whether it is
+now more true than before.
+
+That the senate, sir, and not the judges, is now applied to, is no proof
+of the validity of the arguments which have been produced; for in the
+days of ship-money, the consent of the senate had been asked, had there
+been any prospect of obtaining it; but the court had been convinced, by
+frequent experiments, of the inflexibility of the senate, and despaired
+of influencing them by prospects of advantage, or intimidating them by
+frowns or menaces.
+
+May this and every future senate imitate their conduct, and, like them,
+distinguish between real and pretended necessity; and let not us be
+terrified, by idle clamours, into the establishment of a law at once
+useless and oppressive.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied:--Sir, that I did not intend to misrepresent
+the meaning of the honourable gentleman, I hope it is not necessary to
+declare; and that I have, in reality, been guilty of any
+misrepresentation, I am not yet convinced. If he did not intend a
+parallel between ship-money and the present bill, to what purpose was
+his observation? and if he did intend it, was it not proper to show
+there was no resemblance, and that all which could be inferred from it
+was, therefore, fallacious and inconclusive?
+
+Nor do I only differ, sir, in opinion with the honourable gentleman with
+relation to his comparison of measures, which have nothing in common
+with each other; but will venture to declare, that he is not more
+accurate in his citations from history. The king did not apply to the
+judges, because the senate would not have granted him the money that he
+demanded, but because his chief ambition was to govern the nation by the
+prerogative alone, and to free himself and his descendants from
+senatorial inquiries.
+
+That this account, sir, is just, I am confident the histories of those
+times will discover; and, therefore, any invidious comparison between
+that senate and any other, is without foundation in reason or in truth.
+
+Mr. BATHURST spoke as follows:--Sir, that this law will easily admit, in
+the execution of it, such abuses as will overbalance the benefits, may
+readily be proved; and it will not be consistent with that regard to the
+publick, expected from us by those whom we represent, to enact a law
+which may probably become an instrument of oppression.
+
+The servant by whom I am now attended, may be termed, according to the
+determination of the vindicators of this bill, a seafaring man, having
+been once in the West Indies; and he may, therefore, be forced from my
+service, and dragged into a ship, by the authority of a justice of the
+peace, perhaps of some abandoned prostitute, dignified with a commission
+only to influence elections, and awe those whom excises and riot-acts
+cannot subdue.
+
+I think it, sir, not improper to declare, that I would by force oppose
+the execution of a law like this; that I would bar my doors and defend
+them; that I would call my neighbours to my assistance; and treat those
+who should attempt to enter without my consent, as thieves, ruffians,
+and murderers.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is well known that by the laws
+of this nation, poverty is, in some degree, considered as a crime, and
+that the debtor has only this advantage over the felon, that he cannot
+be pursued into his dwelling, nor be forced from the shelter of his own
+house.
+
+I think it is universally agreed, that the condition of a man in debt is
+already sufficiently miserable, and that it would be more worthy of the
+legislative power to contrive alleviations of his hardships, than
+additions to them; and it seems, therefore, no inconsiderable objection
+to this bill, that, by conferring the power of entering houses by force,
+it may give the harpies of the law an opportunity of entering, in the
+tumult of an impress, and of dragging a debtor to a noisome prison,
+under pretence of forcing sailors into the service of the crown.
+
+Mr. TRACEY then said:--Sir, that some law for the ends proposed by the
+bill before us, is necessary, I do not see how we can doubt, after the
+declarations of the admirals, who are fully acquainted with the service
+for which provision is to be made; and of the ministry, whose knowledge
+of the present state of our own strength, and the designs of our
+enemies, is, doubtless, more exact than they can acquire who are not
+engaged in publick employments.
+
+If, therefore, the measures now proposed are necessary, though they may
+not be agreeable to the present dispositions of the people, for whose
+preservation they are intended, I shall think it my duty to concur in
+them, that the publick service may not be retarded, nor the safety of a
+whole nation hazarded, by a scrupulous attention to minute objections.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:--Sir, I have often, amidst my elogies on
+British liberty, and my declarations of the excellence of our
+constitution, the impartiality of our government, and the efficacy of
+our laws, been reproached by foreigners with the practice of impresses,
+as a hardship which would raise a rebellion in absolute monarchies, and
+kindle those nations into madness, that have, for many ages, known no
+other law than the will of their princes. A hardship which includes
+imprisonment and slavery, and to which, therefore, no aggravations ought
+to be added.
+
+But if justice and reason, sir, are to be overborne by necessity; if
+necessity is to stop our ears against the complaints of the oppressed,
+and harden our hearts at the sight of their misery, let it, at least,
+not destroy our memories, nor deprive us of the advantages of
+experience.
+
+Let us inquire, sir, what were the effects of this hateful authority
+when it was formerly consigned to the magistrates. Were our fleets
+manned in an instant? were our harbours immediately crowded with
+sailors? did we surprise our enemies by our expedition, and make
+conquests before an invasion could be suspected? I have heard, sir, of
+no such consequences, nor of any advantages which deserved to be
+purchased by tyranny and oppression. We have found that very few were
+procured by the magistrates, and the charge of seizing and conveying was
+very considerable; and, therefore, cannot but conclude that illegal
+measures, which have been once tried without success, should, for a
+double reason, never be revived.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is not without regret
+that I rise so often on this occasion: for to dispute with those whose
+determinations are not influenced by reason, is a ridiculous task, a
+tiresome labour, without prospect of reward.
+
+But, as an honourable gentleman has lately remarked, that by denying the
+necessity of the bill, instead of making objections to particular
+clauses, the whole design of finding expedients to supply the sea
+service is at once defeated; I think it necessary to remind him, that I
+have made many objections to this bill, and supported them by reasons
+which have not yet been answered. But I shall now no longer confine my
+remarks to single errours, but observe that there is one general defect,
+by which the whole bill is made absurd and useless.
+
+For the foundation of a law like this, sir, the description of a seaman
+ought to be accurately laid down, it ought to be declared what acts
+shall subject him to that denomination, and by what means, after having
+once enlisted himself in this unhappy class of men, he may withdraw into
+a more secure and happy state of life.
+
+Is a man, who has once only lost sight of the shore, to be for ever
+hunted as a seaman? Is a man, who, by traffick, has enriched a family,
+to be forced from his possessions by the authority of an impress? Is a
+man, who has purchased an estate, and built a seat, to solicit the
+admiralty for a protection from the neighbouring constable? Such
+questions as these, sir, may be asked, which the bill before us will
+enable no man to answer.
+
+If a bill for this purpose be truly necessary, let it, at least, be
+freed from such offensive absurdities; let it be drawn up in a form as
+different as is possible from that of the bill before us; and, at last,
+I am far from imagining that a law will be contrived not injurious to
+individuals, nor detrimental to the publick; not contrary to the first
+principles of our establishment, and not loaded with folly and
+absurdities.
+
+Mr. VYNER then spoke:--Sir, a definition of a seaman is so necessary in
+a bill for this purpose, that the omission of it will defeat all the
+methods that can be suggested. How shall a law be executed, or a penalty
+inflicted, when the magistrate has no certain marks whereby he may
+distinguish a criminal? and when even the man that is prosecuted may not
+be conscious of guilt, or know that the law extended to him, which he is
+charged with having offended.
+
+If, in defining a seaman on the present occasion, it be thought proper
+to have any regard to the example of our predecessors, whose wisdom has,
+in this debate, been so much magnified; it may be observed, that a
+seaman has been formerly defined, a man who haunts the seas; a
+definition which seems to imply habit and continuance, and not to
+comprehend a man who has, perhaps, never gone more than a single voyage.
+
+But though this definition, sir, should be added to the amendments
+already proposed, and the bill thereby be brought somewhat nearer to the
+constitutional principles of our government; I cannot yet think it so
+much rectified, as that the hardships will not outweigh the benefits,
+and, therefore, shall continue to oppose the bill, though to some
+particular clauses I have no objection.
+
+[The term _seafaring man_ was left out, and the several amendments were
+admitted in the committee, but the clauses themselves, to the number of
+eleven, were given up on the report.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 10, 1740-1.
+
+The commons resolved their house into a committee, to consider the bill
+for the encouragement of sailors, when admiral WAGER offered a clause,
+by which it was to be enacted, "That no merchants, or bodies corporate
+or politick, shall hire sailors at higher wages than thirty-five
+shillings for the month, on pain of forfeiting the treble value of the
+sum so agreed for;" which law was to commence after fifteen days, and
+continue for a time to be agreed on by the house: and then spoke to the
+following purpose:--
+
+Sir, the necessity of this clause must be so apparent to every gentleman
+acquainted with naval and commercial affairs, that as no opposition can
+be apprehended, very few arguments will be requisite to introduce it.
+
+How much the publick calamities of war are improved by the sailors to
+their own private advantage; how generally they shun the publick
+service, in hopes of receiving exorbitant wages from the merchants; and
+how much they extort from the merchants, by threatening to leave their
+service for that of the crown, is universally known to every officer of
+the navy, and every commander of a trading vessel.
+
+A law, therefore, sir, to restrain them in time of war from such
+exorbitant demands; to deprive them of those prospects which have often
+no other effect than to lull them in idleness, while they skulk about in
+expectation of higher wages; and to hinder them from deceiving
+themselves, embarrassing the merchants, and neglecting the general
+interest of their country, is undoubtedly just. It is just, sir, because
+in regard to the publick it is necessary to prevent the greatest
+calamity that can fall upon a people, to preserve us from receiving laws
+from the most implacable of our enemies; and it is just, because with
+respect to particular men it has no tendency but to suppress idleness,
+fraud, and extortion.
+
+Mr. Henby FOX spoke next:--Sir, I have no objection to any part of this
+clause, except the day proposed for the commencement: to make a law
+against any pernicious practice, to which there are strong temptations,
+and to give those whose interest may incite them to it, time to effect
+their schemes, before the law shall begin to operate, seems not very
+consistent with wisdom or vigilance.
+
+It is not denied, sir, that the merchants are betrayed by that regard to
+private interest which prevails too frequently over nobler views, to
+bribe away from the service of the crown, by large rewards, those
+sailors whose assistance is now so necessary to the publick; and,
+therefore, it is not to be imagined that they will not employ their
+utmost diligence to improve the interval which the bill allows in making
+contracts for the ensuing, year, and that the sailors will not eagerly
+engage themselves before this law shall preclude their prospects of
+advantage.
+
+As, therefore, to make no law, and to make a law that will not be
+observed, is in consequence the same; and the time allowed by the
+clause, as it now stands, may make the whole provision ineffectual; it
+is my opinion, that either it ought to begin to operate to-morrow, or
+that we ought to leave the whole affair in its present state.
+
+Then sir Robert WALPOLE spoke as follows:--Sir, nothing has a greater
+appearance of injustice, than to punish men by virtue of laws, with
+which they were not acquainted; the law, therefore, is always supposed
+to be known by those who have offended it, because it is the duty of
+every man to know it; and certainly it ought to be the care of the
+legislature, that those whom a law will affect, may have a possibility
+of knowing it, and that those may not be punished for failing in their
+duty, whom nothing but inevitable ignorance has betrayed into offence.
+
+But if the operation of this law should commence to-morrow, what numbers
+may break it, and suffer by the breach of it involuntarily, and without
+design; and how shall we vindicate ourselves from having been accessory
+to the crime which we censure and punish?
+
+Mr. FOX replied:--Sir, I shall not urge in defence of my motion what is
+generally known, and has been frequently inculcated in all debates upon
+this bill, that private considerations ought always to give way to the
+necessities of the publick; for I think it sufficient to observe, that
+there is a distinction to be made between punishments and restraints,
+and that we never can be too early in the prevention of pernicious
+practices, though we may sometimes delay to punish them.
+
+The law will be known to-morrow, to far the greatest number of those who
+may be tempted to defeat it; and if there be others that break it
+ignorantly, how will they find themselves injured by being only obliged
+to pay less than they promised, which is all that I should propose
+without longer warning. The debate upon this particular, will be at
+length reduced to a question, whether a law for this purpose is just and
+expedient? If a law be necessary, it is necessary that it should be
+executed; and it can be executed only by commencing to-morrow.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, it appears to me of no great importance
+how soon the operation of the law commences, or how long it is delayed,
+because I see no reason for imagining that it will at any time produce
+the effects proposed by it.
+
+It has been the amusement, sir, of a great part of my life, to converse
+with men whose inclinations or employments have made them well
+acquainted with maritime affairs, and amidst innumerable other schemes
+for the promotion of trade, have heard some for the regulation of wages
+in trading ships; schemes, at the first appearance plausible and likely
+to succeed, but, upon a nearer inquiry, evidently entangled with
+insuperable difficulties, and never to be executed without danger of
+injuring the commerce of the nation.
+
+The clause, sir, now before us contains, in my opinion, one of those
+visionary provisions, which, however infallible they may appear, will be
+easily defeated, and will have no other effect than to promote cunning
+and fraud, and to teach men those acts of collusion, with which they
+would otherwise never have been acquainted.
+
+Mr. LODWICK spoke to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman by whom this clause has been offered, that the end for which
+it is proposed, is worthy of the closest attention of the legislative
+power, and that the evils of which the prevention is now endeavoured,
+may in some measure not only obstruct our traffick, but endanger our
+country; and shall therefore very readily concur in any measures for
+this purpose, that shall not appear either unjust or ineffectual.
+
+Whether this clause will be sufficient to restrain all elusive
+contracts, and whether all the little artifices of interest are
+sufficiently obviated, I am yet unable to determine; but by a reflection
+upon the multiplicity of relations to be considered, and the variety of
+circumstances to be adjusted in a provision of this kind, I am inclined
+to think that, it is not the business of a transient inquiry, or of a
+single clause, but that it will demand a separate law, and engage the
+deliberation and regard of this whole assembly.
+
+Sir John BARNARD said:--Sir, notwithstanding the impatience and
+resentment with which some men see their mistakes and ignorance
+detected; notwithstanding the reverence which negligence and haste are
+said to be entitled to from this assembly, I shall declare once more,
+without the apprehension of being confuted, that this bill was drawn up
+without consideration, and is defended without being understood; that
+after all the amendments which have been admitted, and all the additions
+proposed, it will be oppressive and ineffectual, a chaos of absurdities,
+and a monument of ignorance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied:--Sir, the present business of this assembly
+is to examine the clause before us; but to deviate from so necessary an
+inquiry into loud exclamations against the whole bill, is to obstruct
+the course of the debate, to perplex our attention, and interrupt the
+senate in its deliberation upon questions, in the determination of which
+the security of the publick is nearly concerned.
+
+The war, sir, in which we are now engaged, and, I may add, engaged by
+the general request of the whole nation, can be prosecuted only by the
+assistance of the seamen, from whom it is not to be expected that they
+will sacrifice their immediate advantage to the security of their
+country. Publick spirit, where it is to be found, is the result of
+reflection, refined by study and exalted by education, and is not to be
+hoped for among those whom low fortune has condemned to perpetual
+drudgery. It must be, therefore, necessary to supply the defects of
+education, and to produce, by salutary coercions, those effects which it
+is vain to expect from other causes.
+
+That the service of the sailors will be set up to sale by auction, and
+that the merchants will bid against the government, is incontestable;
+nor is there any doubt that they will be able to offer the highest
+price, because they will take care to repay themselves by raising the
+value of their goods. Thus, without some restraint upon the merchants,
+our enemies, who are not debarred by their form of government from any
+method which policy can invent, or absolute power put in execution, will
+preclude all our designs, and set at defiance a nation superiour to
+themselves.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then said:--Sir, I think myself obliged by my duty to
+my country, and by my gratitude to those by whose industry we are
+enriched, and by whose courage we are defended, to make, once more, a
+declaration, not against particular clauses, not against single
+circumstances, but against the whole bill; a bill unjust and oppressive,
+absurd and ridiculous; a bill to harass the industrious and distress the
+honest, to puzzle the wise and add power to the cruel; a bill which
+cannot be read without astonishment, nor passed without the violation of
+our constitution, and an equal disregard of policy and humanity.
+
+All these assertions will need to be proved only by a bare perusal of
+this hateful bill, by which the meanest, the most worthless reptile,
+exalted to a petty office by serving a wretch only superiour to him in
+fortune, is enabled to flush his authority by tyrannising over those who
+every hour deserve the publick acknowledgments of the community; to
+intrude upon the retreats of brave men, fatigued and exhausted by honest
+industry, to drag them out with all the wantonness of grovelling
+authority, and chain them to the oar without a moment's respite, or
+perhaps oblige them to purchase, with the gains of a dangerous voyage,
+or the plunder of an enemy lately conquered, a short interval to settle
+their affairs, or bid their children farewell.
+
+Let any gentleman in this house, let those, sir, who now sit at ease,
+projecting laws of oppression, and conferring upon their own slaves such
+licentious authority, pause a few moments, and imagine themselves
+exposed to the same hardships by a power superiour to their own; let
+them conceive themselves torn from the tenderness and caresses of their
+families by midnight irruptions, dragged in triumph through the streets
+by a despicable officer, and placed under the command of those by whom
+they have, perhaps, been already oppressed and insulted. Why should we
+imagine that the race of men for whom those cruelties are preparing,
+have less sensibility than ourselves? Why should we believe that they
+will suffer without complaint, and be injured without resentment? Why
+should we conceive that they will not at once deliver themselves, and
+punish their oppressors, by deserting that country where they are
+considered as felons, and laying hold on those rewards and privileges
+which no other government will deny them?
+
+This is, indeed, the only tendency, whatever may have been the intention
+of the bill before us; for I know not whether the most refined sagacity
+can discover any other method of discouraging navigation than those
+which are drawn together in the bill before us. We first give our
+constables an authority to hunt the sailors like thieves, and drive
+them, by incessant pursuit, out of the nation; but lest any man should
+by friendship, good fortune, or the power of money, find means of
+staying behind, we have with equal wisdom condemned him to poverty and
+misery; and lest the natural courage of his profession should incite him
+to assist his country in the war, have contrived a method of precluding
+him from any advantage that he might have the weakness to hope from his
+fortitude and diligence. What more can be done, unless we at once
+prohibit to seamen the use of the common elements, or doom them to a
+general proscription.
+
+It is just that advantage, sir, should be proportioned to the hazard by
+which it is to be obtained, and, therefore, a sailor has an honest claim
+to an advance of wages in time of war; it is necessary to excite
+expectation, and to fire ambition by the prospect of great acquisitions,
+and by this prospect it is that such numbers are daily allured to naval
+business, and that our privateers are filled with adventurers. The large
+wages which war makes necessary, are more powerful incentives to those
+whom impatience of poverty determines to change their state of life,
+than the secure gains of peaceful commerce; for the danger is overlooked
+by a mind intent upon the profit.
+
+War is the harvest of a sailor, in which he is to store provisions for
+the winter of old age, and if we blast this hope, he will inevitably
+sink into indolence and cowardice.
+
+Many of the sailors are bred up to trades, or capable of any laborious
+employment upon land; nor is there any reason for which they expose
+themselves to the dangers of a seafaring life, but the hope of sudden
+wealth, and some lucky season in which they may improve their fortunes
+by a single effort. Is it reasonable to believe that all these will not
+rather have recourse to their former callings, and live in security,
+though not in plenty, than encounter danger and poverty at once, and
+face an enemy without any prospect of recompense?
+
+Let any man recollect the ideas that arose in his mind upon hearing of a
+bill for encouraging and increasing sailors, and examine whether he had
+any expectation of expedients like these. I suppose it was never known
+before, that men were to be encouraged by subjecting them to peculiar
+penalties, or that to take away the gains of a profession, was a method
+of recommending it more generally to the people.
+
+But it is not of very great importance to dwell longer upon the
+impropriety of this clause, which there is no possibility of putting in
+execution. That the merchants will try every method of eluding a law so
+prejudicial to their interest, may be easily imagined, and a mind not
+very fruitful of evasions, will discover that this law may be eluded by
+a thousand artifices. If the merchants are restrained from allowing men
+their wages beyond a certain sum, they will make contracts for the
+voyage, of which the time may very easily be computed, they may offer a
+reward for expedition and fidelity, they may pay a large sum by way of
+advance, they may allow the sailors part of the profits, or may offer
+money by a third hand. To fix the price of any commodity, of which the
+quantity and the use may vary their proportions, is the most excessive
+degree of ignorance. No man can determine the price of corn, unless he
+can regulate the harvest, and keep the number of the people for ever at
+a stand.
+
+But let us suppose these methods as efficacious as their most sanguine
+vindicators are desirous of representing them, it does not yet appear
+that they are necessary, and to inflict hardships without necessity, is
+by no means the practice of either wisdom or benevolence. To tyrannise
+and compel is the low pleasure of petty capacities, of narrow minds,
+swelled with the pride of uncontroulable authority, the wantonness of
+wretches who are insensible of the consequences of their own actions,
+and of whom candour may, perhaps, determine, that they are only cruel
+because they are stupid. Let us not exalt into a precedent the most
+unjust and rigorous law of our predecessors, of which they themselves
+declared their repentance, or confessed the inefficacy, by never
+reviving it; let us rather endeavour to gain the sailors by lenity and
+moderation, and reconcile them to the service of the crown by real
+encouragements; for it is rational to imagine, that in proportion as men
+are disgusted by injuries, they will be won by kindness.
+
+There is one expedient, sir, which deserves to be tried, and from which,
+at least, more success may be hoped than from cruelty, hunger, and
+persecution. The ships that are now to be fitted out for service, are
+those of the first magnitude, which it is usual to bring back into the
+ports in winter. Let us, therefore, promise to all seamen that shall
+voluntarily engage in them, besides the reward already proposed, a
+discharge from the service at the end of six or seven months. By this
+they will be released from their present dread of perpetual slavery, and
+be certain, as they are when in the service of the merchants, of a
+respite from their fatigues. The trade of the nation will be only
+interrupted for a time, and may be carried on in the winter months, and
+large sums will be saved by dismissing the seamen when they cannot be
+employed.
+
+By adding this to the other methods of encouragement, and throwing aside
+all rigorous and oppressive schemes, the navy may easily be manned, our
+country protected, our commerce reestablished, and our enemies subdued;
+but to pass the bill as it now stands, is to determine that trade shall
+cease, and that no ship shall sail out of the river.
+
+Mr. PITT spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is common for those to
+have the greatest regard to their own interest who discover the least
+for that of others. I do not, therefore, despair of recalling the
+advocates of this bill from the prosecution of their favourite measures,
+by arguments of greater efficacy than those which are founded on reason
+and justice.
+
+Nothing, sir, is more evident, than that some degree of reputation is
+absolutely necessary to men who have any concern in the administration
+of a government like ours; they must either secure the fidelity of their
+adherents by the assistance of wisdom, or of virtue; their enemies must
+either be awed by their honesty, or terrified by their cunning. Mere
+artless bribery will never gain a sufficient majority to set them
+entirely free from apprehensions of censure. To different tempers
+different motives must be applied: some, who place their felicity in
+being accounted wise, are in very little care to preserve the character
+of honesty; others may be persuaded to join in measures which they
+easily discover to be weak and ill-concerted, because they are convinced
+that the authors of them are not corrupt but mistaken, and are unwilling
+that any man should be punished for natural defects or casual ignorance.
+
+I cannot say, sir, which of these motives influences the advocates for
+the bill before us; a bill in which such cruelties are proposed as are
+yet unknown among the most savage nations, such as slavery has not yet
+borne, or tyranny invented, such as cannot be heard without resentment,
+nor thought of without horrour.
+
+It is, sir, perhaps, not unfortunate, that one more expedient has been
+added, rather ridiculous than shocking, and that these tyrants of the
+administration, who amuse themselves with oppressing their
+fellow-subjects, who add without reluctance one hardship to another,
+invade the liberty of those whom they have already overborne with taxes,
+first plunder and then imprison, who take all opportunities of
+heightening the publick distresses, and make the miseries of war the
+instruments of new oppressions, are too ignorant to be formidable, and
+owe their power not to their abilities, but to casual prosperity, or to
+the influence of money.
+
+The other clauses of this bill, complicated at once with cruelty and
+folly, have been treated with becoming indignation; but this may be
+considered with less ardour of resentment, and fewer emotions of zeal,
+because, though, perhaps, equally iniquitous, it will do no harm; for a
+law that can never be executed can never be felt.
+
+That it will consume the manufacture of paper, and swell the books of
+statutes, is all the good or hurt that can be hoped or feared from a law
+like this; a law which fixes what is in its own nature mutable, which
+prescribes rules to the seasons and limits to the wind. I am too well
+acquainted, sir, with the disposition of its two chief supporters, to
+mention the contempt with which this law will be treated by posterity,
+for they have already shown abundantly their disregard of succeeding
+generations; but I will remind them, that they are now venturing their
+whole interest at once, and hope they will recollect, before it is too
+late, that those who believe them to intend the happiness of their
+country, will never be confirmed in their opinion by open cruelty and
+notorious oppression; and that those who have only their own interest in
+view, will be afraid of adhering to those leaders, however old and
+practised in expedients, however strengthened by corruption, or elated
+with power, who have no reason to hope for success from either their
+virtue or abilities.
+
+Mr. BATHURST next spoke to this effect:--Sir, the clause now under our
+consideration is so inconsiderately drawn up, that it is impossible to
+read it in the most cursory manner, without discovering the necessity of
+numerous amendments; no malicious subtilties or artful deductions are
+required in raising objections to this part of the bill, they crowd upon
+us without being sought, and, instead of exercising our sagacity, weary
+our attention.
+
+The first errour, or rather one part of a general and complicated
+errour, is the computation of time, not by days, but by calendar months,
+which, as they are not equal one to another, may embarrass the account
+between the sailors and those that employ them. In all contracts of a
+short duration, the time is to be reckoned by weeks and days, by certain
+and regular periods, which has been so constantly the practice of the
+seafaring men, that, perhaps, many of them do not know the meaning of a
+calendar month: this, indeed, is a neglect of no great importance,
+because no man can be deprived by it of more than the wages due for the
+labour of a few days; but the other part of this clause is more
+seriously to be considered, as it threatens the sailors with greater
+injuries: for it is to be enacted, that all contracts made for more
+wages than are here allowed shall be totally void.
+
+It cannot be denied to be possible, and in my opinion it is very likely,
+that many contracts will be made without the knowledge of this law, and
+consequently without any design of violating it; but ignorance,
+inevitable ignorance, though it is a valid excuse for every other man,
+is no plea for the unhappy sailor; he must suffer, though innocent, the
+penalty of a crime; must undergo danger, hardships, and labour, without
+a recompense, and at the end of a successful voyage, after having
+enriched his country by his industry, return home to a necessitous
+family, without being able to relieve them.
+
+It is scarcely necessary, sir, to raise any more objections to a clause
+in which nothing is right; but, to show how its imperfections multiply
+upon the slightest consideration, I take the opportunity to observe,
+that there is no provision made for regulating the voyages performed in
+less time than a month, so that the greatest part of the abuses, which
+have been represented as the occasion of this clause, are yet without
+remedy, and only those sailors who venture far, and are exposed to the
+greatest dangers, are restrained from receiving an adequate reward.
+
+Thus much, sir, I have said upon the supposition that a regulation of
+the sailors' wages is either necessary or just; a supposition of which I
+am very far from discovering the truth. That it is just to oppress the
+most useful of our fellow-subjects, to load those men with peculiar
+hardships to whom we owe the plenty that we enjoy, the power that yet
+remains in the nation, and which neither the folly nor the cowardice of
+ministers have yet been able to destroy, and the security in which we
+now sit and hold our consultations; that it is just to lessen our
+payments at a time when we increase the labour of those who are hired,
+and to expose men to danger without recompense, will not easily be
+proved, even by those who are most accustomed to paradoxes, and are
+ready to undertake the proof of any position which it is their interest
+to find true.
+
+Nor is it much more easy to show the necessity of this expedient in our
+present state, in which it appears from the title of the bill, that our
+chief endeavour should be the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+and, I suppose, it has not often been discovered, that by taking away
+the profits of a profession greater numbers have been allured to it.
+
+The high wages, sir, paid by merchants are the chief incitements that
+prevail upon the ambitious, the necessitous, or the avaricious, to
+forsake the ease and security of the land, to leave easy trades, and
+healthful employments, and expose themselves to an element where they
+are not certain of an hour's safety. The service of the merchants is the
+nursery in which seamen are trained up for his majesty's navies, and
+from thence we must, in time of danger, expect those forces by which
+alone we can be protected.
+
+If, therefore, it is necessary to encourage sailors, it is necessary to
+reject all measures that may terrify or disgust them; and as their
+numbers must depend upon our trade, let us not embarrass the merchants
+with any other difficulties than those which are inseparable from war,
+and which very little care has been hitherto taken to alleviate.
+
+Mr. HAY replied:--Sir, the objections which have been urged with so much
+ardour, and displayed with such power of eloquence, are not, in my
+opinion, formidable enough to discourage us from prosecuting our
+measures; some of them may be, perhaps, readily answered, and the rest
+easily removed.
+
+The computation of time, as it now stands, is allowed not to produce any
+formidable evil, and therefore did not require so rhetorical a censure:
+the inconveniency of calendar months may easily be removed by a little
+candour in the contracting parties, or, that the objection may not be
+repeated to the interruption of the debate, weeks or days may be
+substituted, and the usual reckoning of the sailors be still continued.
+
+That some contracts may be annulled, and inconveniencies or delays of
+payment arise, is too evident to be questioned; but in that case the
+sailor may have his remedy provided, and be enabled to obtain, by an
+easy process, what he shall be judged to _have deserved_; for it must be
+allowed reasonable, that every man who labours in honest and useful
+employments, should receive the reward of his diligence and fidelity.
+
+Thus, sir, may the clause, however loudly censured and violently
+opposed, be made useful and equitable, and the publick service advanced
+without injury to individuals.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, every law
+which extends its influence to great numbers in various relations and
+circumstances, must produce some consequences that were never foreseen
+or intended, and is to be censured or applauded as the general
+advantages or inconveniencies are found to preponderate. Of this kind is
+the law before us, a law enforced by the necessity of our affairs, and
+drawn up with no other intention than to secure the publick happiness,
+and produce that success which every man's interest must prompt him to
+desire.
+
+If in the execution of this law, sir, some inconveniencies should arise,
+they are to be remedied as fast as they are discovered, or if not
+capable of a remedy, to be patiently borne, in consideration of the
+general advantage.
+
+That some temporary disturbances may be produced is not improbable; the
+discontent of the sailors may, for a short time, rise high, and our
+trade be suspended by their obstinacy; but obstinacy, however
+determined, must yield to hunger, and when no higher wages can be
+obtained, they will cheerfully accept of those which are here allowed
+them. Short voyages, indeed, are not comprehended in the clause, and
+therefore the sailors will engage in them upon their own terms, but this
+objection can be of no weight with those that oppose the clause,
+because, if it is unjust to limit the wages of the sailors, it is just
+to leave those voyages without restriction; and those that think the
+expedient here proposed equitable and rational, may, perhaps, be willing
+to make some concessions to those who are of a different opinion.
+
+That the bill will not remove every obstacle to success, nor add weight
+to one part of the balance without making the other lighter; that it
+will not supply the navy without incommoding the merchants in some
+degree; that it may be sometimes evaded by cunning, and sometimes abused
+by malice; and that at last it will be less efficacious than is desired,
+may, perhaps, be proved; but it has not yet been proved that any other
+measures are more eligible, or that we are not to promote the publick
+service as far as we are able, though our endeavours may not produce
+effects equal to our wishes.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+fatality it is that nothing can be urged in defence of the clause before
+us which does not tend to discover its weakness and inefficacy. The
+warmest patrons of this expedient are impelled, by the mere force of
+conviction, to such concessions as invalidate all their arguments, and
+leave their opponents no necessity of replying.
+
+If short voyages are not comprehended in this provision, what are we now
+controverting? What but the expedience of a law that will never be
+executed? The sailors, however they are contemned by those who think
+them only worthy to be treated like beasts of burden, are not yet so
+stupid but that they can easily find out, that to serve a fortnight for
+greater wages is more eligible than to toil a month for less; and as the
+numerous equipments that have been lately made have not left many more
+sailors in the service of the merchants than may be employed in the
+coasting trade, those who traffick to remoter parts, must shut up their
+books and wait till the expiration of this act, for an opportunity of
+renewing their commerce.
+
+To regulate the wages for one voyage, and to leave another without
+limitation, in time of scarcity of seamen, is absolutely to prohibit
+that trade which is so restrained, and is, doubtless, a more effectual
+embargo than has been yet invented.
+
+Let any man but suppose that the East India company were obliged to give
+only half the wages that other traders allow, and consider how that part
+of our commerce could be carried on; would not their goods rot in their
+warehouses, and their ships lie for ever in the harbour? Would not the
+sailors refuse to contract with them? or desert them after a contract,
+upon the first prospect of more advantageous employment?
+
+But it is not requisite to multiply arguments in a question which may
+not only be decided without long examination, but in which we may
+determine our conclusions by the experience of our ancestors. Scarcely
+any right or wrong measures are without a precedent, and, amongst
+others, this expedient has been tried by the wisdom of former times; a
+law was once made for limiting the wages of tailors, and that it is
+totally ineffectual we are all convinced. Experience is a very safe
+guide in political inquiries, and often discovers what the most
+enlightened reason failed to foresee.
+
+Let us, therefore, improve the errours of our ancestors to our own
+advantage, and whilst we neglect to imitate their virtues, let us, at
+least, forbear to repeat their follies.
+
+Mr. PERRY spoke to this purpose:--Sir, there is one objection more which
+my acquaintance with foreign trade impresses too strongly upon my mind
+to suffer me to conceal it.
+
+It is well known that the condition of a seaman subjects him to the
+necessity of spending a great part of his life at a distance from his
+native country, in places where he can neither hear of our designs, nor
+be instructed in our laws, and, therefore, it is evident that no law
+ought to affect him before a certain period of time, in which he may
+reasonably be supposed to have been informed of it. For every man ought
+to have it in his power to avoid punishment, and to suffer only for
+negligence or obstinacy.
+
+It is quite unnecessary, sir, to observe to this assembly, that there
+are now, as at all times, great numbers of sailors in every part of the
+world, and that they, at least, equally deserve our regard with those
+who are under the more immediate influence of the government.
+
+These seamen have already contracted for the price of their labour, and
+the recompense of their hazards, nor can we, in my opinion, without
+manifest injustice, dissolve a contract founded upon equity, and
+confirmed by law.
+
+It is, sir, an undisputed principle of government, that no person should
+be punished without a crime; but is it no punishment to deprive a man of
+what is due to him by a legal stipulation, the condition of which is, on
+his part, honestly fulfilled?
+
+Nothing, sir, can be imagined more calamitous than the disappointment to
+which this law subjects the unhappy men who are now promoting the
+interest of their country in distant places, amidst dangers and
+hardships, in unhealthy climates, and barbarous nations, where they
+comfort themselves, under the fatigues of labour and the miseries of
+sickness, with the prospect of the sum which they shall gain for the
+relief of their families, and the respite which their wages will enable
+them to enjoy; but, upon their return, they find their hopes blasted,
+and their contracts dissolved by a law made in their absence.
+
+No human being, I think, can coolly and deliberately inflict a hardship
+like this, and, therefore, I doubt not but those who have, by
+inadvertency, given room for this objection, will either remove it by an
+amendment, or what is, in my opinion, more eligible, reject the clause
+as inexpedient, useless, and unjust.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, this debate has been
+protracted, not by any difficulties arising from the nature of the
+questions which have been the subject of it, but by a neglect with which
+almost all the opponents of the bill may be justly charged, the neglect
+of distinguishing between measures eligible in themselves, and measures
+preferable to consequences which are apprehended from particular
+conjunctures; between laws made only to advance the publick happiness,
+and expedients of which the benefit is merely occasional, and of which
+the sole intention is to avert some national calamity, and which are to
+cease with the necessity that produced them.
+
+Such are the measures, sir, which are now intended; measures, which, in
+days of ease, security, and prosperity, it would be the highest degree
+of weakness to propose, but of which I cannot see the absurdity in times
+of danger and distress. Such laws are the medicines of a state, useless
+and nauseous in health, but preferable to a lingering disease, or to a
+miserable death.
+
+Even those measures, sir, which have been mentioned as most grossly
+absurd, and represented as parallel to the provision made in this clause
+only to expose it to contempt and ridicule, may, in particular
+circumstances, be rational and just. To settle the price of corn in the
+time of a famine, may become the wisest state, and multitudes might, in
+time of publick misery, by the benefit of temporary laws, be preserved
+from destruction. Even those masts, to which, with a prosperous gale,
+the ship owes its usefulness and its speed, are often cut down by the
+sailors in the fury of a storm.
+
+With regard to the ships which are now in distant places, whither no
+knowledge of this law can possibly be conveyed, it cannot be denied that
+their crews ought to be secured from injury by some particular
+exception; for though it is evident in competitions between publick and
+private interest, which ought to be preferred, yet we ought to remember
+that no unnecessary injury is to be done to individuals, even while we
+are providing for the safety of the nation.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke to this effect:--Sir, though I cannot be supposed to
+have much acquaintance with naval affairs, and, therefore, may not,
+perhaps, discover the full force of the arguments that have been urged
+in favour of the clause now under consideration, yet I cannot but think
+myself under an indispensable obligation to examine it as far as I am
+able, and to make use of the knowledge which I have acquired, however
+inferiour to that of others.
+
+The argument, sir, the only real argument, which has been produced in
+favour of the restraint of wages now proposed, appears to me by no means
+conclusive; nor can I believe that the meanest and most ignorant seaman
+would, if it were proposed to him, hesitate a moment for an answer to
+it. Let me suppose, sir, a merchant urging it as a charge against a
+seaman, that he raises his demand of wages in time of war, would not the
+sailor readily reply, that harder labour required larger pay? Would he
+not ask, why the general practice of mankind is charged as a crime upon
+him only? Inquire, says he, of the workmen in the docks, have they not
+double wages for double labour? and is not their lot safe and easy in
+comparison with mine, who at once encounter danger and support fatigue,
+carry on war and commerce at the same time, conduct the ship and oppose
+the enemy, and am equally exposed to captivity and shipwreck?
+
+That this is, in reality, the state of a sailor in time of war, I think,
+sir, too evident to require proof; nor do I see what reply can be made
+to the sailor's artless expostulation.
+
+I know not why the sailors alone should serve their country to their
+disadvantage, and be expected to encounter danger without the incitement
+of a reward.
+
+Nor will any part of the hardships of this clause be alleviated by the
+expedient suggested by an honourable member, who spoke, some time ago,
+of granting, or allowing, to a sailor, whose contract shall be void,
+what our courts of law should adjudge him to deserve, a _quantum
+meruit_: for, according to the general interpretation of our statutes,
+it will be determined that he has forfeited his whole claim by illegal
+contract. To instance, sir, the statute of usury. He that stipulates for
+higher interest than is allowed, is not able to recover his legal
+demand, but irrecoverably forfeits the whole.
+
+Thus, sir, an unhappy sailor who shall innocently transgress this law,
+must lose all the profit of his voyage, and have nothing to relieve him
+after his fatigues; but when he has by his courage repelled the enemy,
+and, by his skill, escaped storms and rocks, must suffer yet severer
+hardships, in being subject to a forfeiture where he expected applause,
+comfort, and recompense.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, the clause
+before us cannot, in my opinion, produce any such dreadful consequences
+as the learned gentleman appears to imagine: however, to remove all
+difficulties, I have drawn up an amendment, which I shall beg leave to
+propose, that the contracts which may be affected as the clause now
+stands, _shall be void only as to so much of the wages as shall exceed
+the sum to which the house shall agree to reduce the seamen's pay;_ and,
+as to the forfeitures, they are not to be levied upon the sailors, but
+upon the merchants, or trading companies, who employ them, and who are
+able to pay greater sums without being involved in poverty and distress.
+
+With regard, sir, to the reasons for introducing this clause, they are,
+in my judgment, valid and equitable. We have found it necessary to fix
+the rate of money at interest, and the rate of labour in several cases,
+and if we do not in this case, what will be the consequence?--a second
+embargo on commerce, and, perhaps, a total stop to all military
+preparations. Is it reasonable that any man should rate his labour
+according to the immediate necessities of those that employ him? or that
+he should raise his own fortune by the publick calamities? If this has
+hitherto been a practice, it is a practice contrary to the general
+happiness of society, and ought to prevail no longer.
+
+If the sailor, sir, is exposed to greater dangers in time of war, is not
+the merchant's trade carried on, likewise, at greater hazard? Is not the
+freight, equally with the sailors, threatened at once by the ocean and
+the enemy? And is not the owner's fortune equally impaired, whether the
+ship is dashed upon a rock, or seized by a privateer?
+
+The merchant, therefore, has as much reason for paying less wages in
+time of war, as the sailor for demanding more, and nothing remains but
+that the legislative power determine a medium between their different
+interests, with justice, if possible, at least with impartiality.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE, who had stood up several times, but was prevented by
+other members, spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, I was unwilling to
+interrupt the course of this debate while it was carried on with
+calmness and decency, by men, who do not suffer the ardour of opposition
+to cloud their reason, or transport them to such expressions as the
+dignity of this assembly does not admit. I have hitherto deferred to
+answer the gentleman who declaimed against the bill with such fluency of
+rhetorick, and such vehemence of gesture; who charged the advocates for
+the expedients now proposed, with having no regard to any interest but
+their own, and with making laws only to consume paper, and threatened
+them with the defection of their adherence, and the loss of their
+influence, upon this new discovery of their folly and their ignorance.
+
+Nor, sir, do I now answer him for any other purpose than to remind him
+how little the clamours of rage and petulancy of invectives contribute
+to the purposes for which this assembly is called together; how little
+the discovery of truth is promoted, and the security of the nation
+established by pompous diction and theatrical emotions.
+
+Formidable sounds, and furious declamations, confident assertions, and
+lofty periods, may affect the young and unexperienced; and, perhaps, the
+gentleman may have contracted his habits of oratory by conversing more
+with those of his own age, than with such as have had more opportunities
+of acquiring knowledge, and more successful methods of communicating
+their sentiments.
+
+If the heat of his temper, sir, would suffer him to attend to those
+whose age and long acquaintance with business give them an indisputable
+right to deference and superiority, he would learn, in time, to reason
+rather than declaim, and to prefer justness of argument, and an accurate
+knowledge of facts, to sounding epithets and splendid superlatives,
+which may disturb the imagination for a moment, but leave no lasting
+impression on the mind.
+
+He will learn, sir, that to accuse and prove are very different, and
+that reproaches, unsupported by evidence, affect only the character of
+him that utters them. Excursions of fancy, and flights of oratory, are,
+indeed, pardonable in young men, but in no other; and it would surely
+contribute more, even to the purpose for which some gentlemen appear to
+speak, that of depreciating the conduct of the administration, to prove
+the inconveniencies and injustice of this bill, than barely to assert
+them, with whatever magnificence of language, or appearance of zeal,
+honesty, or compassion.
+
+Mr. PITT replied:--Sir, the atrocious crime of being a young man, which
+the honourable gentleman has with such spirit and decency charged upon
+me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny, but content myself
+with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with
+their youth, and not of that number, who are ignorant in spite of
+experience.
+
+Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir,
+assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly
+contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away
+without improvement, and vice appears to prevail when the passions have
+subsided. The wretch that, after having seen the consequences of a
+thousand errours, continues still to blunder, and whose age has only
+added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of either abhorrence
+or contempt, and deserves not that his grey head should secure him from
+insults.
+
+Much more, sir, is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age,
+has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with less temptation;
+who prostitutes himself for money which he cannot enjoy, and spends the
+remains of his life in the ruin of his country.
+
+But youth, sir, is not my only crime; I have been accused of acting a
+theatrical part--a theatrical part may either imply some peculiarities
+of gesture, or a dissimulation of my real sentiments, and an adoption of
+the opinions and language of another man.
+
+In the first sense, sir, the charge is too trifling to be confuted, and
+deserves only to be mentioned, that it may be despised. I am at liberty,
+like every other man, to use my own language; and though I may, perhaps,
+have some ambition to please this gentleman, I shall not lay myself
+under any restraint, nor very solicitously copy his diction, or his
+mien, however matured by age, or modelled by experience.
+
+If any man shall, by charging me with theatrical behaviour, imply that I
+utter any sentiments but my own, I shall treat him as a calumniator and
+a villain; nor shall any protection shelter him from the treatment which
+he deserves. I shall, on such an occasion, without scruple, trample upon
+all those forms, with which wealth and dignity intrench themselves, nor
+shall any thing but age restrain my resentment: age, which always brings
+one privilege, that of being insolent and supercilious without
+punishment.
+
+But, with regard, sir, to those whom I have offended, I am of opinion,
+that if I had acted a borrowed part, I should have avoided their
+censure; the heat that offended them is the ardour of conviction, and
+that zeal for the service of my country, which neither hope nor fear
+shall influence me to suppress. I will not sit unconcerned while my
+liberty is invaded, nor look in silence upon publick robbery. I will
+exert my endeavours, at whatever hazard, to repel the aggressor, and
+drag the thief to justice, whoever may protect them in their villany,
+and whoever may partake of their plunder. And if the honourable
+gentleman--
+
+Here Mr. WINNINGTON called to order, and Mr. PITT sitting down, he spoke
+thus:--It is necessary, sir, that the order of this assembly be
+observed, and the debate resumed without personal altercations. Such
+expressions as have been vented on this occasion, become not an assembly
+intrusted with the liberty and welfare of their country. To interrupt
+the debate on a subject so important as that before us, is, in some
+measure, to obstruct the publick happiness, and violate our trust: but
+much more heinous is the crime of exposing our determinations to
+contempt, and inciting the people to suspicion or mutiny, by indecent
+reflections, or unjust insinuations.
+
+I do not, sir, undertake to decide the controversy between the two
+gentlemen, but must be allowed to observe, that no diversity of opinion
+can justify the violation of decency, and the use of rude and virulent
+expressions; expressions dictated only by resentment, and uttered
+without regard to--
+
+Mr. PITT called to order, and said:--Sir, if this be to preserve order,
+there is no danger of indecency from the most licentious tongue: for
+what calumny can be more atrocious, or what reproach more severe, than
+that of speaking with regard to any thing but truth. Order may sometimes
+be broken by passion, or inadvertency, but will hardly be reestablished
+by monitors like this, who cannot govern his own passion, whilst he is
+restraining the impetuosity of others.
+
+Happy, sir, would it be for mankind, if every one knew his own province;
+we should not then see the same man at once a criminal and a judge. Nor
+would this gentleman assume the right of dictating to others what he has
+not learned himself.
+
+That I may return, in some degree, the favour which he intends me, I
+will advise him never hereafter to exert himself on the subject of
+order; but, whenever he finds himself inclined to speak on such
+occasions, to remember how he has now succeeded, and condemn, in
+silence, what his censures will never reform.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, as I was hindered by the gentleman's
+ardour and impetuosity from concluding my sentence, none but myself can
+know the equity or partiality of my intentions, and, therefore, as I
+cannot justly be condemned, I ought to be supposed innocent; nor ought
+he to censure a fault of which he cannot be certain that it would ever
+have been committed.
+
+He has, indeed, exalted himself to a degree of authority never yet
+assumed by any member of this house, that of condemning others to
+silence. I am henceforward, by his inviolable decree, to sit and hear
+his harangues without daring to oppose him. How wide he may extend his
+authority, or whom he will proceed to include in the same sentence, I
+shall not determine; having not yet arrived at the same degree of
+sagacity with himself, nor being able to foreknow what another is going
+to pronounce.
+
+If I had given offence by any improper sallies of passion, I ought to
+have been censured by the concurrent voice of the assembly, or have
+received a reprimand, sir, from you, to which I should have submitted
+without opposition; but I will not be doomed to silence by one who has
+no pretensions to authority, and whose arbitrary decisions can only tend
+to introduce uproar, discord, and confusion.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up, and spoke to this effect:--Sir, when, in
+the ardour of controversy upon interesting questions, the zeal of the
+disputants hinders them from a nice observation of decency and
+regularity, there is some indulgence due to the common weakness of our
+nature; nor ought any gentleman to affix to a negligent expression a
+more offensive sense than is necessarily implied by it.
+
+To search deep, sir, for calumnies and reproaches is no laudable nor
+beneficial curiosity; it must always be troublesome to ourselves by
+alarming us with imaginary injuries, and may often be unjust to others
+by charging them with invectives which they never intended. General
+candour and mutual tenderness will best preserve our own quiet, and
+support that dignity which has always been accounted essential to
+national debates, and seldom infringed without dangerous consequences.
+
+Mr. LYTTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, no man can be more zealous for
+decency than myself, or more convinced of the necessity of a methodical
+prosecution of the question before us. I am well convinced how near
+indecency and faction are to one another, and how inevitably confusion
+produces obscurity; but I hope it will always be remembered, that he who
+first infringes decency, or deviates from method, is to answer for all
+the consequences that may arise from the neglect of senatorial customs:
+for it is not to be expected that any man will bear reproaches without
+reply, or that he who wanders from the question will not be followed in
+his digressions, and hunted through his labyrinths.
+
+It cannot, sir, be denied, that some insinuations were uttered injurious
+to those whose zeal may sometimes happen to prompt them to warm
+declarations, or incite them to passionate emotions. Whether I am of
+importance enough to be included in the censure, I despise it too much
+to inquire or consider, but cannot forbear to observe, that zeal for the
+right can never become reproachful, and that no man can fall into
+contempt but those who deserve it.
+
+[The clause was amended, and agreed to.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+The seventieth day of the session being appointed for the report from
+the committee on the bill for the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+sir John BARNARD presented a petition from the merchants of London, and
+spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, this petition I am directed to lay before this house by many of the
+principal merchants of that great city which I have the honour to
+represent; men too wise to be terrified with imaginary dangers, and too
+honest to endeavour the obstruction of any measures that may probably
+advance the publick good, merely because they do not concur with their
+private interest; men, whose knowledge and capacity enable them to judge
+rightly, and whose acknowledged integrity and spirit set them above the
+suspicion of concealing their sentiments.
+
+I therefore present this petition in the name of the merchants of
+London, in full confidence that it will be found to deserve the regard
+of this assembly, though I am, equally with the other members, a
+stranger to what it contains; for it is my opinion that a representative
+is to lay before the house the sentiments of his constituents, whether
+they agree with his own or not, and that, therefore, it would have been
+superfluous to examine the petition, which, though I might not wholly
+have approved it, I had no right to alter.
+
+The petition was read, and is as follows:
+
+"The humble petition of the merchants and traders of the city of
+London--showeth, that your petitioners are informed a bill is depending
+in this honourable house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, in which
+are clauses, that, should the bill pass into a law, your petitioners
+apprehend will be highly detrimental to the trade and navigation of this
+kingdom, by discouraging persons from entering into or being bred to the
+sea service, and entirely prevent the better and speedier manning his
+majesty's fleet, by giving the seamen of Great Britain, and of all other
+his majesty's dominions, a distaste of serving on board the royal navy.
+
+"That your petitioners conceive nothing can be of so bad consequence to
+the welfare and defence of this nation, as the treating so useful and
+valuable a body of men, who are its natural strength and security, like
+criminals of the highest nature, and so differently from all other his
+majesty's subjects; and at the same time are persuaded, that the only
+effectual and speedy method of procuring, for the service of his
+majesty's fleet, a proportionable number of the sailors in this kingdom,
+is to distinguish that body of men by bounties and encouragements, both
+present and future, and by abolishing all methods of severity and ill
+usage, particularly that practice whereby they are deprived, after long
+and hazardous voyages, of enjoying, for a short space of time, the
+comforts of their families, and equal liberty with other their
+fellow-subjects in their native country.
+
+"That your petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such
+methods pointed out as will tend to supply the present necessities, and
+at the same time effectually promote the increase of seamen, when this
+honourable house shall think fit to inquire into a matter of such high
+importance to the naval power, trade, and riches of this kingdom.
+
+"That your petitioners are convinced this bill will not only be
+ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by it, but will be destructive
+of the liberties of all his majesty's subjects, as it empowers any
+parish officer, accompanied with an unlimited number of persons, at any
+hour, by day or by night, to force open the dwelling-houses, warehouses,
+or other places, provided for the security and defence of their lives
+and fortunes, contrary to the undoubted liberties of the people of Great
+Britain, and the laws of this land.
+
+"In consideration, therefore, of the premises, and of the particular
+prejudices, hardships, and dangers, which must inevitably attend your
+petitioners, and all others the merchants and traders of this kingdom,
+should this bill pass into a law, your petitioners most humbly pray this
+honourable house, that they may be heard by their counsel against the
+said clauses in the said bill."
+
+Mr. BATHURST then presented a petition, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the
+alarm which the bill, now depending, has raised, is not confined to the
+city of London, or to any particular province of the king's dominions;
+the whole nation is thrown into commotions, and the effects of the law
+now proposed, are dreaded, far and wide, as a general calamity. Every
+town which owes its trade and its provisions to navigation, apprehends
+the approach of poverty and scarcity, and those which are less
+immediately affected, consider the infraction of our liberties as a
+prelude to their destruction. Happy would it be, if we, who are
+intrusted with their interest, could find any arguments to convince them
+that their terrour was merely panick.
+
+That these fears have already extended their influence to the county
+which I represent, the petition which I now beg leave to lay before the
+house, will sufficiently evince; and I hope their remonstrances will
+prevail with this assembly to remove the cause of their disquiet, by
+rejecting the bill.
+
+This was entitled "a petition of several gentlemen, freeholders, and
+other inhabitants of the county of Gloucester, in behalf of themselves,
+and all other, the freeholders of the said county," setting forth, in
+substance, "That the petitioners being informed that a bill was
+depending in this house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, containing
+several clauses which, should the bill pass into a law, would, as the
+petitioners apprehend, impose hardships upon the people too heavy to be
+borne, and create discontents in the minds of his majesty's subjects;
+would subvert all the rights and privileges of a Briton; and overturn
+Magna Charta itself, the basis on which they are built; and, by these
+means, destroy that very liberty, for the preservation of which the
+present royal family was established upon the throne of Britain; for
+which reasons, such a law could never be obeyed, or much blood would be
+shed in consequence of it."
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then spoke, to this purport:--Sir, I have attended to
+this petition with the utmost impartiality, and have endeavoured to
+affix, to every period, the most innocent sense; but cannot forbear to
+declare it as my opinion, that it is far distant from the style of
+submission and request: instead of persuading, they attempt to
+intimidate us, and menace us with no less than bloodshed and rebellion.
+They make themselves the judges of our proceedings, and appeal, from our
+determinations, to their own opinion, and declare that they will obey no
+longer than they approve.
+
+If such petitions as these, sir, are admitted; if the legislature shall
+submit to receive laws, and subjects resume, at pleasure, the power with
+which the government is vested, what is this assembly but a convention
+of empty phantoms, whose determinations are nothing more than a mockery
+of state?
+
+Every insult upon this house is a violation of our constitution; and the
+constitution, like every other fabrick, by being often battered, must
+fall at last. It is, indeed, already destroyed, if there be, in the
+nation, any body of men who shall, with impunity, refuse to comply with
+the laws, plead the great charter of liberty against those powers that
+made it, and fix the limits of their own obedience.
+
+I cannot, sir, pass over, in silence, the mention of the king, whose
+title to the throne, and the reasons for which he was exalted to it, are
+set forth with uncommon art and spirit of diction; but spirit, which, in
+my opinion, appears not raised by zeal, but by sedition; and which,
+therefore, it is our province to repress.
+
+That his majesty reigns for the preservation of liberty, will be readily
+confessed; but how shall we be able to preserve it, if his laws are not
+obeyed?
+
+Let us, therefore, in regard to the dignity of the assembly, to the
+efficacy of our determinations, and the security of our constitution,
+discourage all those who shall address us for the future, on this or any
+other occasion, from speaking in the style of governours and dictators,
+by refusing that this petition should be laid on the table.
+
+[The question was put, and it was agreed, by the whole house, that it
+should not lie on the table.]
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM rose up again, and spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot but
+congratulate the house upon the unanimity with which this petition, a
+petition of which I speak in the softest language, when I call it
+irreverent and disrespectful, has been refused the regard commonly paid
+to the remonstrances of our constituents, whose rights I am far from
+desiring to infringe, when I endeavour to regulate their conduct, and
+recall them to their duty.
+
+This is an occasion, on which it is, in my opinion, necessary to exert
+our authority with confidence and vigour, as the spirit of opposition
+must always be proportioned to that of the attack. Let us, therefore,
+not only refuse to this petition the usual place on our table, but
+reject it as unworthy of this house.
+
+[The question was put, and the petition rejected, with scarcely any
+opposition.]
+
+The house then entered upon the consideration of the bill, and when the
+report was made from the committee, and the blanks filled up, sir
+William YONGE spoke, in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, the bill has been brought, by steady perseverance and diligent
+attention, to such perfection, that much more important effects may be
+expected from it than from any former law for the same purpose, if it be
+executed with the same calmness and resolution, the same contempt of
+popular clamour, and the same invariable and intrepid adherence to the
+publick good, that has been shown in forming and defending it.
+
+But what can we hope from this, or any other law, if particular men, who
+cannot be convinced of its expedience, shall not only refuse to obey it,
+but declare their design of obstructing the execution of it? shall
+determine to retire from the sphere of their authority, rather than
+exercise it in compliance with the decree of the senate, and threaten,
+in plain terms, to call the country in to their assistance, and to pour
+the rabble by thousands upon those who shall dare to do their duty, and
+obey their governours?
+
+Such declarations as these, sir, are little less than sallies of
+rebellion; and, if they pass without censure, will, perhaps, produce
+such commotions as may require to be suppressed by other means than
+forms of law and senatorial censures.
+
+Nor do I think that, by rejecting the petition, we have sufficiently
+established our authority; for, in my opinion, we yielded too much in
+receiving it. The bill before us whatever may be its title, is, in
+reality, a money bill; a bill, by which aids are granted to the crown;
+and we have, therefore, no necessity of rejecting petitions on this
+occasion, because the standing orders of the house forbid us to admit
+them.
+
+They then proceeded to the amendments, and when the clause for limiting
+the wages of seamen was read, sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to
+this effect:--
+
+Sir, we are now to consider the clause to which the petition relates,
+which I have now presented, a petition on a subject of so general
+importance, and offered by men so well acquainted with every argument
+that can be offered, and every objection which can be raised, that their
+request of being heard by their council cannot be denied, without
+exposing us to the censure of adhering obstinately to our own opinions,
+of shutting our ears against information, of preferring expedition to
+security, and disregarding the welfare of our country.
+
+It will not be necessary to defer our determinations on this clause for
+more than three days, though we should gratify this just and common
+request. And will not this loss be amply compensated by the satisfaction
+of the people, for whose safety we are debating, and by the
+consciousness that we have neglected nothing which might contribute to
+the efficacy of our measures?
+
+The merchants, sir, do not come before us with loud remonstrances and
+harassing complaints, they do not apply to our passions, but our
+understandings, and offer such informations as will very much facilitate
+the publick service. It has been frequent, in the course of this debate,
+to hear loud demands for better expedients, and more efficacious, than
+those which have been proposed; and is it to be conceived that those who
+called thus eagerly for new proposals, intended not to inform
+themselves, but to silence their opponents?
+
+From whom, sir, are the best methods for the prosecution of naval
+affairs to be expected, but from those whose lives are spent in the
+study of commerce, whose fortunes depend upon the knowledge of the sea,
+and who will, most probably, exert their abilities in contriving
+expedients to promote the success of the war, than they whom the
+miscarriage of our fleets must irreparably ruin?
+
+The merchants, sir, are enabled by their profession to inform us--are
+deterred by their interest from deceiving us; they have, like all other
+subjects, a right to be heard on any question; and a better right than
+any other when their interest is more immediately affected; and,
+therefore, to refuse to hear them, will be, at once, impolitick and
+cruel; it will discover, at the same time, a contempt of the most
+valuable part of our fellow-subjects, and an inflexible adherence to our
+own opinions.
+
+The expedient of asserting this to be a money bill, by which the just
+remonstrances of the merchants are intended to be eluded, is too trivial
+and gross to be adopted by this assembly: if this bill can be termed a
+money bill, and no petitions are, therefore, to be admitted against it,
+I know not any bill relating to the general affairs of the nation which
+may not plead the same title to an exemption from petitions.
+
+I therefore desire that the consideration of this clause may be deferred
+for two days, that the arguments of the merchants may be examined, and
+that this affair may not be determined without the clearest knowledge
+and exactest information.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, the petition,
+whether justifiable or not, with regard to the occasion on which it is
+presented, or the language in which it is expressed, is certainly
+offered at an improper time, and, therefore, can lay no claim to the
+regard of this assembly.
+
+The time prescribed, by the rules of this house, for the reception of
+petitions, is that at which the bill is first introduced, not at which
+it is to be finally determined.
+
+The petition before us is said not to regard the bill in general, but a
+particular clause; and it is, therefore, asserted, that it may now
+properly be heard: but this plea will immediately vanish, when it shall
+be made appear that the clause is not mentioned in it, and that there is
+no particular relation between that and the petition, which I shall
+attempt--
+
+Here sir John BARNARD, remarking that sir Robert WALPOLE had the
+petition in his hand, rose, and said:--Sir, I rise thus abruptly to
+preserve the order of this assembly, and to prevent any gentleman from
+having, in this debate, any other advantage, above the rest, than that
+of superiour abilities, or more extensive knowledge.
+
+The petition was not ordered, by the house, to be placed in the right
+honourable gentleman's hand, but on the table; nor has he a right to
+make use of any other means for his information, than are in the power
+of any other member: if he is in doubt upon any particulars contained in
+it, he may move that the clerk should read it to the house.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE laid down the paper; Mr. PELHAM rose, and said:--Sir,
+I am so far from thinking the rules of the house asserted, that, in my
+opinion, the right of the members is infringed by this peremptory
+demand. Is it not, in the highest degree, requisite, that he who is
+about to reason upon the petition should acquaint himself with the
+subject on which he is to speak.
+
+What inconveniencies can ensue from such liberties as this, I am not
+able to discover; and, as all the orders of the house are, doubtless,
+made for more easy and expeditious despatch, if an order be contrary to
+this end, it ought to be abrogated for the reasons for which others are
+observed.
+
+The confidence with which this petition was presented, will not suffer
+us to imagine that the person who offered it fears that it can suffer by
+a close examination; and I suppose, though he has spoken so warmly in
+favour of it, without perusing, he does not expect that others should
+with equal confidence admit--
+
+Sir John BARNARD observing that sir Robert WALPOLE leaned forward
+towards the table, to read the petition as it lay, rose, and said:--Sir,
+I rise once more to demand the observation of the orders of the house,
+and to hinder the right honourable gentleman from doing by stratagem,
+what he did more openly and honestly before.
+
+It was to little purpose that he laid down the petition, if he placed it
+within reach of his inspection? for I was only desirous, sir, to hinder
+him from reading, and was far from suspecting that he would take it
+away. I insist, that henceforward, he obey the rules of this assembly,
+with his eyes as well as with his hands, and take no advantage of his
+seat, which may enable him to perplex the question in debate.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT spoke thus:--Sir, it is, undoubtedly, required by the
+orders of the house, that the petitions should lie upon the table; and
+that any member, who is desirous of any farther satisfaction, should
+move that they be read by the clerk, that every member may have the same
+opportunity of understanding and considering them; and that no one may
+be excluded from information, by the curiosity or delays of another. But
+the importance of this affair seems not to be so very great as to
+require a rigorous observance of the rules; and it were to be wished,
+for the ease and expedition of our deliberations, that gentlemen would
+rather yield points of indifference to one another, than insist so
+warmly on circumstances of a trivial nature.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the petition,
+which being immediately done, he proceeded in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, having sat above forty years in this assembly, and never been
+called to order before, I was somewhat disconcerted by a censure so new
+and unexpected, and, in my opinion, undeserved. So that I am somewhat at
+a loss, with regard to the train of arguments which I had formed, and
+which I will now endeavour to recover. Yet I cannot but remark, that
+those gentlemen who are so solicitous for order in others, ought,
+themselves, invariably to observe it; and that if I have once given an
+unhappy precedent of violating the rules of this house, I have, in some
+measure, atoned for my inadvertence, by a patient attention to reproof,
+and a ready submission to authority.
+
+I hope, sir, I may claim some indulgence from the motive of my offence,
+which was only a desire of accuracy, and an apprehension that I might,
+by mistaking or forgetting some passages in the petition, lose my own
+time, and interrupt the proceedings of the house to no purpose.
+
+But having now, according to order, heard the petition, and found no
+reason to alter my opinion, I shall endeavour to convince the house that
+it ought not to be granted.
+
+The petition, sir, is so far from bearing any particular relation to the
+clause now before us, that it does not, in any part, mention the
+expedient proposed in it, but contains a general declaration of
+discontent, suspicion, apprehensions of dangerous proceedings, and
+dislike of our proceedings; insinuations, sir, by no means consistent
+with the reverence due to this assembly, and which the nature of civil
+government requires always to be paid to the legislative power.
+
+To suspect any man, sir, in common life, is in some degree to detract
+from his reputation, which must suffer in proportion to the supposed
+wisdom and integrity of him who declares his suspicion. To suspect the
+conduct of this senate, is to invalidate their decisions, and subject
+them to contempt and opposition.
+
+Such, and such only, appears to be the tendency of the petition which
+has now been read; a petition, sir, very unskilfully drawn, if it was
+intended against the clause under our consideration, for it has not a
+single period or expression that does not equally regard all the other
+clauses.
+
+If any particular objection is made, or any single grievance more
+distinctly pointed at, it is the practice of impresses, a hardship, I
+own, peculiar to the sailors; but it must be observed that it is a
+practice established by immemorial custom, and a train of precedents not
+to be numbered; and it is well known that the whole common law of this
+nation is nothing more than custom, of which the beginning cannot be
+traced.
+
+Impresses, sir, have in all ages been issued out by virtue of the
+imperial prerogative, and have in all ages been obeyed; and if this
+exertion of the authority had been considered as a method of severity
+not compensated by the benefits which it produces, we cannot imagine but
+former senates, amidst all their ardour for liberty, all their
+tenderness for the people, and all their abhorrence of the power of the
+crown, would have obviated it by some law, at those times when nothing
+could have been refused them.
+
+The proper time for new schemes and long deliberations, for amending our
+constitution, and removing inveterate grievances, are the days of
+prosperity and safety, when no immediate danger presses upon us, nor any
+publick calamity appears to threaten us; but when war is declared, when
+we are engaged in open hostilities against one nation, and expect to be
+speedily attacked by another, we are not to try experiments, but apply
+to dangerous evils those remedies, which, though disagreeable, we know
+to be efficacious.
+
+And though, sir, the petitioners have been more particular, I cannot
+discover the reasonableness of hearing them by their council; for to
+what purpose are the lawyers to be introduced? Not to instruct us by
+their learning, for their employment is to understand the laws that have
+been already made, and support the practices which they find
+established. But the question before us relates not to the past but the
+future, nor are we now to examine what has been done in former ages, but
+what it will become us to establish on the present occasion; a subject
+of inquiry on which this house can expect very little information from
+the professors of the law?
+
+Perhaps the petitioners expect from their counsel, that they should
+display the fecundity of their imagination, and the elegance of their
+language; that they should amuse us with the illusions of oratory,
+dazzle us with bright ideas, affect us with strong representations, and
+lull us with harmonious periods; but if it be only intended that just
+facts and valid arguments should be laid before us, they will be
+received without the decorations of the bar. For this end, sir, it would
+have been sufficient had the merchants informed their representatives of
+the methods which they have to propose; for the abilities of the
+gentlemen whom the city has deputed to this assembly, are well known to
+be such as stand in need of no assistance from occasional orators. Nor
+can it be expected that any men will be found more capable of
+understanding the arguments of the merchants, or better qualified to lay
+them before the senate.
+
+That every petitioner has, except on money bills, a right to be heard,
+is undoubtedly true; but it is no less evident that this right is
+limited to a certain time, and that on this occasion the proper time is
+elapsed. Justice is due both to individuals and to the nation; if
+petitions may at any time be offered, and are, whenever offered, to be
+heard, a small body of men might, by unseasonable and importunate
+petitions, retard any occasional law, till it should become unnecessary.
+
+Petitions, sir, are to be offered when a new bill is brought into the
+house, that all useful information may be obtained; but when it has
+passed through the examination of the committees, has been approved by
+the collective wisdom of the senate, and requires only a formal
+ratification to give it the force of a law, it is neither usual nor
+decent to offer petitions, or declare any dislike of what the senate has
+admitted.
+
+We are not, when we have proceeded thus far, to suffer pleaders to
+examine our conduct, or vary our determinations, according to the
+opinions of those whom we ought to believe less acquainted with the
+question than ourselves. Should we once be reduced to ask advice, and
+submit to dictators, what would be the reputation of this assembly in
+foreign courts, or in our own country? What could be expected, but that
+our enemies of every kind would endeavour to regulate our determinations
+by bribing our instructers.
+
+Nor can I think it necessary that lawyers should be employed in laying
+before us any scheme which the merchants may propose, for supplying the
+defects, and redressing the inconveniencies, of the laws by which
+sailors are at present levied for the royal navy; for how should lawyers
+be more qualified than other men, to explain the particular advantages
+of such expedients, or to answer any objections which may happen to
+rise?
+
+It is well known that it is not easy for the most happy speaker to
+impress his notions with the strength with which he conceives them, and
+yet harder is the task of transmitting imparted knowledge, of conveying
+to others those sentiments which we have not struck out by our own
+reflection, nor collected from our own experience, but received merely
+from the dictates of another.
+
+Yet such must be the information that lawyers can give us, who can only
+relate what they have implicitly received, and weaken the arguments
+which they have heard, by an imperfect recital.
+
+Nor do I only oppose the admission of lawyers to our bar, but think the
+right of the merchants themselves, in the present case, very
+questionable; for though in general it must be allowed, that every
+petitioner has a claim to our attention, yet it is to be inquired
+whether it is likely that the publick happiness is his chief concern,
+and whether his private interest is not too much affected to suffer him
+to give impartial evidence, or honest information. Scarcely any law can
+be made by which some man is not either impoverished, or hindered from
+growing rich; and we are not to listen to complaints, of which the
+foundation is so easily discovered, or imagine a law less useful,
+because those who suffer some immediate inconvenience from it, do not
+approve it.
+
+The question before us is required, by the present exigence of our
+affairs, to be speedily decided; and though the merchants have, with
+great tenderness, compassion, and modesty, condescended to offer us
+their advice, I think expedition preferable to any information that can
+reasonably be expected from them, and that as they will suffer, in the
+first place, by any misconduct of our naval affairs, we shall show more
+regard to their interest by manning our fleet immediately, than by
+waiting three or four days for farther instructions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS answered to this effect:--Sir, the merchants of London
+whether we consider their numbers, their property, their integrity, or
+their wisdom, are a body of too much importance to be thus
+contemptuously rejected; rejected when they ask nothing that can be
+justly denied to the meanest subject of the empire, when they propose to
+speak on nothing but what their profession enables them to understand.
+
+To no purpose is it urged, that the bill is far advanced, for if we have
+not proceeded in the right way, we ought to be in more haste to return,
+in proportion as we have gone farther; nor can I discover why we should
+expedite, with so much assiduity, measures which are judged ineffectual,
+by those who know their consequences best, and for whose advantage they
+are particularly designed.
+
+That we have already spent so much time in considering methods for
+manning the fleet, is surely one reason why we should endeavour at last
+to establish such as may be effectual; nor can we hope to succeed
+without a patient attention to their opinion, who must necessarily be
+well experienced in naval affairs.
+
+It is surely, therefore, neither prudent nor just to shut out
+intelligence from our assemblies, and ridicule the good intention of
+those that offer it, to consult upon the best expedients for encouraging
+and increasing sailors, and when the merchants offer their scheme, to
+treat them as saucy, impertinent, idle meddlers, that assume--
+
+Here the ATTORNEY GENERAL called him to order, and spoke after this
+manner:--Sir, it is not very consistent to press the despatch of
+business, and to retard it, at the same time, by invidious insinuations,
+or unjust representations of arguments or expressions: whenever any
+expression is censured, it ought to be repeated in the same words; for
+otherwise, does not the animadverter raise the phantom that he
+encounters? Does he not make the stain, which he endeavours, with so
+much officious zeal, to wipe away.
+
+That no epithets of contempt or ridicule have, in this debate, been
+applied to the merchants, nor any violation of decency attempted, it is
+unnecessary to prove, and, therefore, it is neither regular nor candid
+to represent any man as aggravating the refusal of their petition with
+reproaches and insults. But not to dwell longer on this incident, I will
+take the liberty of reminding the gentleman, that personal invectives
+are always, at least superfluous, and that the business of the day
+requires rather arguments than satire.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then spoke as follows:--Sir, I am by no means convinced that
+the learned gentleman who charges me with irregularity, is better
+acquainted than myself with the rules and customs of this house, which I
+have studied with great application, assisted by long experience. I
+hope, therefore, it will be no inexcusable presumption, if, instead of a
+tacit submission to his censure, I assert, in my own vindication, that I
+have not deviated from the established rules of the senate, that I have
+spoken only in defence of merit insulted, and that I have condemned only
+such injurious insinuations. I did not, sir, attempt to repeat
+expressions, as ought not to be heard without reply.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT said:--I believe the gentleman either heard
+imperfectly, or misunderstood these expressions, which he so warmly
+condemns, for nothing has been uttered that could justly excite his
+indignation. My office obliges me on this occasion to remark, that the
+regard due to the dignity of the house ought to restrain every member
+from digressions into private satire; for in proportion as we proceed
+with less decency, our determinations will have less influence.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the reputation
+which the honourable gentleman has acquired by his uncommon knowledge of
+the usages of the senate, is too well founded to be shaken, nor was any
+attack upon his character intended, when he was interrupted in the
+prosecution of his design. To censure any indecent expression, by
+whomsoever uttered, is, doubtless, consistent with the strictest
+regularity; nor is it less proper to obviate any misrepresentation which
+inattention or mistake may produce.
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking that the gentleman's indignation was
+excited rather by malice than mistake; but mistakes of this kind may
+produce consequences which cannot be too cautiously avoided. How
+unwillingly would that gentleman propagate through the nation an opinion
+that the merchants were insulted in this house, their interest
+neglected, and their intelligence despised, at a time when no aspersion
+was thrown upon them, nor any thing intended but tenderness and regard?
+And yet such had been the representation of this day's debate, which
+this numerous audience would have conveyed to the populace, had not the
+mistake been immediately rectified, and the rumour crushed in the birth.
+
+Nothing, sir, can be more injurious to the character of this assembly,
+by which the people are represented, than to accuse them of treating any
+class of men with insolence and contempt; and too much diligence cannot
+be used in obviating a report which cannot be spread in the nation,
+without giving rise to discontent, clamours, and sedition.
+
+Those who shall be inclined to reject the petition, may, perhaps, act
+with no less regard to the merchants, and may promote their interest and
+their security with no less ardour than those who most solicitously
+labour for its reception: for, if they are not allowed to be heard, it
+is only because the publick interest requires expedition, and because
+every delay of our preparations is an injury to trade.
+
+That this is not a proper time for petitions against the bill to be
+heard, is universally known; and I can discover nothing in the petition
+that restrains it to this particular clause, which is so far from being
+specified, that it appears to be the only part of the bill of which they
+have had no intelligence.
+
+Let the warmest advocates for the petition point out any part of it that
+relates to this single clause, and I will retract my assertion; but as
+it appears that there are only general declarations of the inexpediency
+of the measures proposed, and the pernicious tendency of the methods now
+in use, what is the petition, but a complaint against the bill, and a
+request that it should be laid aside.
+
+The practice of impresses, sir, is particularly censured, as severe and
+oppressive; a charge which, however true, has no relation to this
+clause, which is intended to promote the voluntary engagement of sailors
+in the service of the crown; yet it may not be improper to observe, that
+as the practice of impressing is, in itself, very efficacious, and well
+adapted to sudden emergencies; as it has been established by a long
+succession of ages, and is, therefore, become almost a part of our
+constitution; and as it is at this time necessary to supply the navy
+with the utmost expedition, it is neither decent nor prudent to complain
+too loudly against, or to heighten the discontent of the people at a
+necessary evil.
+
+We have, sir, examined every part of this bill with the attention which
+the defence of the nation requires; we have softened the rigour of the
+methods first proposed, and admitted no violence or hardship that is not
+absolutely necessary, to make the law effectual, which, like every other
+law, must be executed by force, if it be obstructed or opposed. We have
+inserted a great number of amendments, proposed by those who are
+represented as the most anxious guardians of the privileges of the
+people; and it is not, surely, to no purpose that the great council of
+the nation has so long and so studiously laboured.
+
+Those who are chosen by the people to represent them, have undoubtedly,
+sir, some claim as individuals to their confidence and respect; for to
+imagine that they have committed the great charge of senatorial
+employments, that they have trusted their liberties and their happiness
+to those whose integrity they suspect, or whose understandings they
+despise, is to imagine them much more stupid than they have been
+represented by those who are censured as their enemies.
+
+But far different is the regard due to the determinations formed by the
+collective wisdom of the senate; a regard which ought to border upon
+reverence, and which is scarcely consistent with the least murmur of
+dissatisfaction.
+
+If we are to hear the present petitioners, is it not probable, that
+before we have despatched them, we shall be solicited by others, who
+will then plead the same right, supported by a new precedent? And is it
+not possible that by one interruption upon another, our measures may be
+delayed, till they shall be ineffectual?
+
+It seems to me to be of much more importance to defend the merchants
+than to hear them; and I shall, therefore, think no concessions at this
+time expedient, which may obstruct the great end of our endeavours, the
+equipment of the fleet.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke as follows:--Sir, notwithstanding the art and
+eloquence with which this grant of the merchants' petition has been
+opposed, I am not yet able to discover that any thing is asked
+unreasonable, unprecedented, or inconvenient; and I am confident, that
+no real objection can have been overlooked by the gentlemen who have
+spoken against it.
+
+I have spent, sir, thirty-five years of my life in the senate, and know
+that information has always, upon important questions, been willingly
+received; and it cannot surely be doubted that the petitioners are best
+able to inform us of naval business, and to judge what will be the right
+method of reconciling the sailors to the publick service, and of
+supplying our fleets without injuring our trade.
+
+Their abilities and importance have been hitherto so generally
+acknowledged, that no senate has yet refused to attend to their opinion;
+and surely we ought not to be ambitious of being the first assembly of
+the representatives of the people, that has refused an audience to the
+merchants.
+
+With regard to the expedience of delaying the bill at the present
+conjuncture, he must think very contemptuously of the petitioners, who
+imagines that they have nothing to offer that will counterbalance a
+delay of two days, and must entertain an elevated idea of the vigilance
+and activity of our enemies, enemies never before eminent for
+expedition, if he believes that they can gain great advantages in so
+short a time.
+
+The chief reason of the opposition appears, indeed, not to be either the
+irregularity or inexpediency of hearing them, but the offence which some
+have received from an irreverent mention of the power of impressing, a
+power which never can be mentioned without complaint or detestation.
+
+It is not, indeed, impossible that they may intend to represent to the
+house, how much the sailors are oppressed, how much our commerce is
+impeded, and how much the power of the nation is exhausted, by this
+cruel method. They may propose to show that sailors, not having the
+choice of their voyages, are often hurried through a sudden change of
+climates, from one extreme to another, and that nothing can be expected
+from such vicissitudes, but sickness, lameness, and death. They may
+propose, that to have just arrived from the south may be pleaded as an
+exemption from an immediate voyage to the north, and that the seaman may
+have some time to prepare himself for so great an alteration, by a
+residence of a few months in a temperate climate.
+
+If this should be their intention, it cannot, in my opinion, sir, be
+called either unreasonable or disrespectful, nor will their allegations
+be easily disproved.
+
+But it is insinuated, that their grievances are probably such as affect
+them only as distinct from the rest of the community, and that they have
+nothing to complain of but a temporary interruption of their private
+advantage.
+
+I have, indeed, no idea of the _private advantage_ of a legal trader:
+for unless, sir, we neglect our duty of providing that no commerce shall
+be carried on to the detriment of the publick, the merchant's profit
+must be the profit of the nation, and their interests inseparably
+combined.
+
+It may, however, be possible, that the merchants may, like other men,
+prefer their immediate to their greater advantage, and may be impatient
+of a painful remedy, though necessary to prevent a more grievous evil.
+But let us not censure them by suspicion, and punish them for a crime
+which it is only possible they may commit; let us, sir, at least have
+all the certainty that can be obtained, and allow them an audience; let
+us neither be so positive as not to receive information, nor so rigorous
+as not to listen to entreaties.
+
+If the merchants have nothing to offer, nothing but complaints, and can
+propose no better measures than those which they lament, if their
+arguments should be found to regard only their present interest, and to
+be formed upon narrow views and private purposes, it will be easy to
+detect the imposture, and reject it with the indignation it shall
+deserve; nor will our proceedings be then censured by the nation, which
+requires not that the merchants should be implicitly believed, though it
+expects that they should be heard. Let us at least have a _convention_,
+though we should not be able to conclude a treaty.
+
+I know not, sir, why we have not taken care to obviate all these
+difficulties, and to remove the necessity of petitions, debates,
+searches, and impresses, by the plain and easy method of a voluntary
+register; by retaining such a number of seamen as may probably be
+requisite upon sudden emergencies. Would not the nation with more
+cheerfulness contribute half-pay to those who are daily labouring for
+the publick good, than to the caterpillars of the land service, that
+grow old in laziness, and are disabled only by vice?
+
+Let ten thousand men receive daily a small salary, upon condition that
+they shall be ready, whenever called upon, to engage in the service of
+the crown, and the difficulty of our naval preparations will be at an
+end.
+
+That it is necessary to exert ourselves on this occasion, and to strike
+out some measures for securing the dominion of the ocean, cannot be
+denied by any one who considers that we have now no other pretensions to
+maintain; that all our influence on the continent, at whatever expense
+gained and supported, is now in a manner lost, and only the reputation
+of our naval strength remains to preserve us from being trampled on and
+insulted by every power, and from finding Spaniards in every climate.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance, as follows:--Sir, the violence
+and severity of impresses, so often and so pathetically complained of,
+appears to be now nothing more than a punishment inflicted upon those
+who neglect or refuse to receive the encouragement offered, with the
+utmost liberality, by the government, and decline the service of their
+country from a spirit of avarice, obstinacy, or resentment.
+
+That such men deserve some severities, cannot be doubted, and therefore
+a law by which no penalty should be enacted, would be imperfect and
+ineffectual. The observation, sir, of all laws is to be enforced by
+rewards on one side, and punishments on the other, that every passion
+may be influenced, and even our weakness made instrumental to the
+performance of our duty.
+
+In the bill before us no punishment is, indeed, expressly decreed,
+because the sailors who shall disregard it, are only left to their
+former hardships, from which those who engage voluntarily in the service
+of the navy are exempted.
+
+Why so many rewards and so much violence should be necessary to allure
+or force the sailors into the publick service, I am unable to
+comprehend: for, excepting the sudden change of climates, which may,
+doubtless, sometimes bring on distempers, the service of the king has no
+disadvantages which are not common to that of the merchants.
+
+The wages in the navy are, indeed, less: but then it is to be
+remembered, that they are certainly paid, and that the sailor is in less
+danger of losing, by a tempest or a wreck, the whole profits of his
+voyage; because, if he can preserve his life, he receives his pay. But
+in trading voyages, the seamen mortgage their wages, as a security for
+their care, which, if the ship is lost, they are condemned to forfeit.
+
+Thus, sir, the hardships of the navy appear not so great when compared
+with those of the merchants' service, as they have been hitherto
+represented; and I doubt not, that if counsellors were to be heard on
+both sides, the measures taken for supplying the fleet would be found to
+be reasonable and just.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose to speak, when Mr. FOX called to order, and
+proceeded:
+
+Sir, it is well known to be one of the standing and unvariable orders of
+this house, that no member shall speak twice in a debate on the same
+question, except when for greater freedom we resolve ourselves into a
+committee. Upon this question the honourable gentleman has already
+spoken, and cannot, therefore, be heard again without such a
+transgression of our orders as must inevitably produce confusion.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, I know not for what reason the
+honourable gentleman apprehends any violation of the order of the house;
+for, as I have not yet spoken upon the present question, I have an
+undoubted right to be heard, a right which that gentleman cannot take
+away.
+
+Sir William YONGE next spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+secret distinction the gentleman supports in his own mind this
+declaration, which, to the whole house, must appear very difficult to be
+defended; for we must, before we can admit it, allow our memories to
+have forsaken us, and our eyes and ears to have been deceived.
+
+Did he not, as soon as the clause before us was read, rise and assert
+the characters of the petitioners, and their right to the attention of
+the house? Did he not dwell upon their importance, their abilities, and
+their integrity; and enforce, with his usual eloquence, every motive to
+the reception of the petition? How then can he assert that he has not
+spoken in the present debate, and how can he expect to be heard a second
+time, since, however his eloquence may please, and his arguments
+convince, that pleasure and conviction cannot now be obtained, without
+infringing the standing orders of the house.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT rose, and spoke to this purport: It is not without
+uneasiness that I see the time of the house, and of the publick, wasted
+in fruitless cavils and unnecessary controversies. Every gentleman ought
+now to consider that we are consulting upon no trivial question, and
+that expedition is not less necessary than accuracy. It cannot be
+denied, sir, [to sir John BARNARD] that you have already spoken on this
+question, and that the rules of the house do not allow you to speak a
+second time.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE said:--Sir, I am far from thinking the order of the
+house so sacred, as that it may not be neglected on some important
+occasions; and if the gentleman has any thing to urge so momentous,
+that, in his own opinion, it outweighs the regard due to our rules, I
+shall willingly consent that he shall be heard.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke as follows:--Sir, I am far from being inclined to
+receive as a favour, what, in my own opinion, I may claim as a right,
+and desire not to owe the liberty of speaking to the condescension of
+the right honourable gentleman.
+
+What I have to urge is no less against the bill in general, than the
+particular clause now immediately under our consideration, and though
+the petition should relate likewise to the whole bill, I cannot discover
+why we should refuse to hear it.
+
+Petitions from men of much inferiour rank, and whose interest is much
+less closely connected with that of the publick, have been thought
+necessary to be heard, nor is the meanest individual to be injured or
+restrained, without being admitted to offer his arguments in his own
+favour. Even the journeymen shoemakers, one of the lowest classes of the
+community, have been permitted to bring their counsel to our bar, and
+remonstrate against the inconveniencies to which they were afraid of
+being subjected.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke thus:--Sir, I am always willing to hear petitions,
+when respectfully drawn up, and regularly subscribed, but can by no
+means discover that this is a real petition, for I have heard of no
+names affixed to it; it is, therefore, a request from nobody, and by
+rejecting it no man is refused. It may, so far as can be discovered, be
+drawn up by the gentleman who offered it, and, perhaps, no other person
+may be acquainted with it.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is, in my opinion,
+necessary that a petition in the name of the merchants of London should
+be subscribed by the whole number, for if only a few should put their
+names to it, how does it appear that it is any thing more than an
+apprehension of danger to their own particular interest, which, perhaps,
+the other part, their rivals in trade, may consider as an advantage, or
+at least regard with indifference. This suspicion is much more
+reasonable, when a petition is subscribed by a smaller number, who may
+easily be imagined to have partial views, and designs not wholly
+consistent with the interest of the publick.
+
+Admiral WAGER then spoke thus:--Sir, if I am rightly informed, another
+petition is preparing by several eminent merchants, that this clause may
+stand part of the bill; and, certainly, they ought to be heard as well
+as the present petitioners, which will occasion great and unnecessary
+delays, and, therefore, I am against the motion.
+
+Advocate CAMPBELL answered to this effect:--Sir, I agree with that
+honourable gentleman, that if the merchants are divided in opinion upon
+this point, one side ought to be heard as well as the other, and hope
+the house will come to a resolution for that purpose: for I shall
+invariably promote every proposal which tends to procure the fullest
+information in all affairs that shall come before us.
+
+[Then the question was put, that the farther consideration of the report
+be adjourned for two days, in order to hear the merchants, and it passed
+in the negative, ayes, 142; noes, 192.]
+
+[On the report this day, the eleven clauses of severity were given up
+without any division, and a clause was added, viz. "Provided that
+nothing in this bill shall be construed to extend to any contracts or
+agreements for the hire of seamen (or persons employed as such) in
+voyages from parts beyond the seas, to any other parts beyond the seas,
+or to Great Britain."]
+
+The engrossed bill "for the increase and encouragement of seamen," was
+read, according to order, when Mr. DIGBY rose, and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, I have a clause to be offered to the house, as necessary to be
+inserted in the bill before us, which was put into my hands by a member,
+whom a sudden misfortune has made unable to attend his duty, and which,
+in his opinion, and mine, is of great importance, and I shall,
+therefore, take the liberty of reading it.
+
+"Be it enacted, that every seaman offering himself to serve his majesty,
+shall, upon being refused, receive from such captain, lieutenant, or
+justice of the peace, a certificate, setting forth the reasons for which
+he is refused, which certificate may be produced by him, as an exemption
+from being seized by a warrant of impress."
+
+I hope the reasonableness and equity of this clause is so incontestably
+apparent, that it will find no opposition; for what can be more cruel,
+unjust, or oppressive, than to punish men for neglect of a law which
+they have endeavoured to obey. To what purpose are rewards offered, if
+they are denied to those who come to claim them? What is it less than
+theft, and fraud, to force a man into the service, who would willingly
+have entered, and subject him to hardships, without the recompense which
+he may justly demand from the solemn promise of the legislature.
+
+Admiral WAGER next spoke to this effect:--Sir, to this clause, which the
+gentleman has represented as so reasonable and just, objections may, in
+my opinion, be easily made, of which he will himself acknowledge the
+force. The great obstruction of publick measures is partiality, whether
+from friendship, bribery, or any other motive; against partiality alone
+the clause which is now offered, is levelled; and, indeed, it is so
+dangerous an evil, that it cannot be obviated with too much caution.
+
+But this clause, instead of preventing private correspondence, and
+illegal combinations, has an evident tendency to produce them, by
+inciting men to apply with pretended offers of service to those who are
+before suborned to refuse them, then make a merit of their readiness,
+and demand a certificate.
+
+By such artifices multitudes may exempt themselves from the impress, who
+may be known to be able sailors, even by those that conduct it; and may,
+under the protection of a certificate, fallaciously obtained, laugh at
+all endeavours to engage them in the publick service.
+
+Mr. DIGBY spoke thus:--Sir, if this authority, lodged in the hands of
+those who are proposed in the clause to be intrusted with it, be in
+danger of being executed, without due regard to the end for which it is
+granted, let it be placed where there is neither temptation nor
+opportunity to abuse it. Let the admiralty alone have the power of
+granting such certificates, the officers of which will be able to judge
+whether the sailor is really unfit for the service, and deliver those
+whom age or accidents have disabled from the terrour of impresses; for
+surely, he that is fit to serve, when taken by violence, is no less
+qualified when he enters voluntarily, and he who could not be admitted
+when he tendered himself, ought not to be dragged away, when, perhaps,
+he has contracted for another voyage.
+
+Mr. WAGER replied:--Sir, it is, doubtless, more proper to place such
+authority in the officers of the admiralty, than in any other; but it
+does not appear that the benefit which the sailors may receive from it,
+to whatever hands it is intrusted, will not be overbalanced by the
+injury which the publick will probably suffer.
+
+Sailors are frequently levied in remote parts of the kingdom; in ports
+where the admiralty cannot speedily be informed of the reasons for which
+those that may petition for certificates have been refused, and
+therefore cannot grant them without danger of being deceived by
+fraudulent accounts.
+
+The grievance for which the remedy is proposed cannot frequently occur;
+for it is not probable that in a time of naval preparations, any man
+qualified for the service should be rejected, since the officers gain
+nothing by their refusal.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke as follows:--Sir, it is very possible that those instances
+which may be produced of men, who have been impressed by one officer,
+after they have been rejected by another, may be only the consequences
+of the high value which every man is ready to set upon his own
+abilities: for he that offers himself, no doubt, demands the highest
+premium, though he be not an able sailor; and, if rejected, and
+afterwards impressed as a novice, thinks himself at liberty to complain,
+with the most importunate vehemence, of fraud, partiality, and
+oppression.
+
+[The question being put was resolved in the negative, almost
+unanimously.]
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL offered a clause, importing, "That all sailors who should
+take advance-money of the merchants, should be obliged to perform their
+agreements, or be liable to be taken up by any magistrate or justice of
+the peace, and deemed deserters, except they were in his majesty's ships
+of war."
+
+He was seconded by lord GAGE:--Sir, as this clause has no other tendency
+than to promote the interest of the merchants, without obstructing the
+publick preparations; as it tends only to confirm legal contracts, and
+facilitate that commerce from whence the wealth and power of this nation
+arises, I hope it will readily be admitted; as we may, by adding this
+sanction to the contracts made between the merchants and sailors, in
+some degree balance the obstructions wherewith we have embarrassed trade
+by the other clauses.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--This clause is unquestionably reasonable, but
+not necessary; for it is to be found already in an act made for the
+encouragement of the merchants, which is still in force, and ought,
+whenever any such frauds are committed, to be rigorously observed.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the act, in
+which the clause was accordingly found, and Mr. SOUTHWELL withdrew his
+motion.
+
+[Then the question was put, whether the bill "for the increase and
+encouragement of sailors" do pass, which was resolved in the
+affirmative, 153 against 79.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF MUTINY AND DESERTION.]
+
+
+The house being resolved into a committee for the consideration of the
+bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion, and for the better
+payment of the army and their quarters, etc. sir William YONGE desired
+that the twentieth and twenty-sixth clauses of the late act might be
+read, which were read as follows:
+
+XX. It is hereby enacted, that the officers and soldiers, so quartered
+and billeted, shall be received by the owners of the inns,
+livery-stables, ale-houses, victualling-houses, and other houses in
+which they are allowed to be quartered and billeted by this act; and
+shall pay such reasonable prices as shall be appointed, from time to
+time, by the justices of the peace, in their general and
+quarter-sessions of each county, city, or division, within their
+respective jurisdictions: and the justices of the peace aforesaid, are
+hereby empowered and required to set and appoint, in their general or
+quarter-sessions aforesaid, such reasonable rates, for all necessary
+provisions for such officers and soldiers, for one or more nights, in
+the several cities, towns, villages and other places, which they shall
+come to in their march, or which shall be appointed for their residence
+and quarters.
+
+XXVI. That the quarters, both of officers and soldiers in Great Britain,
+may be duly paid and satisfied, be it enacted, that every officer, to
+whom it belongs to receive the pay or subsistence-money, either for a
+whole regiment, or particular troops and companies, shall immediately,
+upon each receipt of every particular sum, on account of pay or
+subsistence, give publick notice thereof to all persons keeping inns, or
+other places where officers or soldiers are quartered by virtue of this
+act: also appoint them and others to repair to their quarters, within
+four days at the farthest, after the receipt of the same, to declare the
+accounts or debts (if any shall be) between them and the officers and
+soldiers quartered in their respective houses: which accounts the said
+officer or officers are hereby required immediately to discharge, before
+any part of the said pay or subsistence be distributed to the officers
+or soldiers: provided the said accounts exceed not for a commission
+officer of horse, under a captain, for _one day's diet and small beer_,
+two shillings; for one commission officer of dragoons, under a captain,
+one shilling; for one commission officer of foot, under a captain one
+shilling; and for hay and straw, for one horse, sixpence; for one
+dragoon or light horseman's diet and small beer, each day sixpence, and
+hay and straw for his horse, sixpence; and also not to exceed
+_fourpence_ a-day, for one _foot soldier's diet and small beer_.
+
+He then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whether there is any real
+difficulty in the clauses which you have now heard read, or whether
+there are such passages as may be easily understood by those who have no
+interest to mistake them, and which are only clouded by an artificial
+obscurity, whether they are in themselves capable of different meanings,
+or whether avarice or poverty have produced unreasonable
+interpretations, and found ambiguities only because they were determined
+not to be disappointed in their search; whether this law is disobeyed
+because it is misunderstood, or only misunderstood by those who have
+resolved to disobey it, the committee must determine.
+
+It has been for many years understood that innholders and keepers of
+publick-houses were obliged by this law to supply soldiers quartered
+upon them with diet and small beer, and hay and straw for their horses,
+at such rates as are mentioned in the act; nor can I discover that these
+clauses admit of any other interpretation, or that any other could be
+intended by the senate by which it was enacted. The pay of the soldiers,
+sir, was well known to those who gave their consent to this law, it was
+intended by them that the soldiers should be supplied with necessaries,
+and it could not be meant that they should pay for them more than they
+received; they, therefore, established the rate at which they were to be
+furnished, and fixed the highest rate which the wages of a soldier allow
+him to pay.
+
+This interpretation was, as I suppose, from its apparent consonance to
+reason, universally allowed, till the inhabitants of Ledbury, whither
+soldiers had been sent to suppress a riot and enforce the laws, found
+their apprehensions so sharpened by their malice, that they discovered
+in the act an ambiguity, which had, till that time, escaped the
+penetration of the most sagacious, and, upon comparison of one
+circumstance with another, found themselves under no obligation to give
+any assistance to the soldiers.
+
+They therefore, sir, not only refused to afford them victuals at the
+accustomed rates, but proceeding from one latitude of interpretation to
+another, at length denied them not only the privilege of diet, but the
+use of kitchen utensils, to dress the provisions which they bought for
+themselves, and at last denied their claim to the fire itself.
+
+The soldiers, exasperated not only at the breach of their established
+and uncontested privileges, but at the privation of the necessaries of
+life, began to think of methods more speedy and efficacious than those
+of arguments and remonstrances, and to form resolutions of procuring by
+force, what, in their opinions, was only by force withheld from them.
+
+What might have been the event of this controversy, to what extremities
+a contest about things so necessary might have been carried, how wide
+the contest might have spread, or how long it might have lasted, we may
+imagine, but cannot determine; had not a speedy decision been procured,
+its consequences might have been fatal to multitudes, and a great part
+of the nation been thrown into confusion.
+
+Having received an account of the affair from the officers who commanded
+at that place, I consulted the attorney-general what was the design of
+the law, and the extent of the obligation enforced by it, and was
+answered by him, that the sums which were to be paid for the diet of the
+men, and the hay and straw for the horses, being specified, it must
+necessarily be intended, by the legislature, that no higher rates should
+be demanded;--that the power granted to the justices of peace was wholly
+in favour of the soldier, and that they might lessen the payment at
+discretion in places of uncommon cheapness, or years of extraordinary
+plenty, but could not increase it on any occasion.
+
+Another dispute, sir, of the like nature was occasioned by the late
+scarcity at Wakefield, where the justices, upon the application of the
+innkeepers, made use of the authority which they supposed to have been
+reposed in them by the act, and raised the price of hay and straw to
+eight-pence, which the soldiers were not able to pay, without suffering
+for want of victuals.
+
+On this occasion, likewise, I was applied to, and upon consulting the
+present attorney-general, received the same answer as before; and
+transmitting his opinion to the place from whence I received the
+complaint, it had so much regard paid to it, that the additional demand
+was thence-forward remitted.
+
+The letters which those two learned lawyers sent to me on this subject I
+have now in my hand; and hope their opinion will be thought sufficient
+authority for the interpretation of an act of the senate.
+
+Nor is their authority, sir, however great, so strong a proof of the
+justness of this interpretation, as the reasonableness, or rather
+necessity of admitting it. The only argument that can be produced
+against it, is the hardship imposed by it on the innholder, who, as it
+is objected, must be obliged by the law, so understood, to furnish the
+soldiers with provisions for a price at which he cannot afford them.
+
+But let it be considered, how much more easily the landlord can furnish
+them at this price, than they can provide for themselves, and the
+difficulty will immediately vanish. If soldiers are necessary, they must
+necessarily be supported, and it appears, upon reflection, that their
+pay will not support them by any other method. If they are obliged to
+buy their victuals, they must likewise buy fire and implements to dress
+them; and what is still a greater hardship, they must sell them, and buy
+new, at every change of their quarters; if this is impossible, it will
+be allowed not to be the meaning of the senate, upon whose wisdom it
+would be a censure too severe to suppose them capable of enacting
+impossibilities.
+
+But to the innholder, sir, whose utensils are always in use, and whose
+fire is always burning, the diet of a soldier costs only the original
+price paid to the butcher; and, in years of common plenty, may be
+afforded, without loss, at the price mentioned in the act. It cannot,
+indeed, be denied, that, at present, every soldier is a burden to the
+family on which he is quartered, in many parts of the kingdom; but, it
+may be reasonably hoped, that the present scarcity will quickly cease,
+and that provisions will fall back to their former value; and even,
+amidst all the complaints with which the severity and irregularity of
+the late seasons have filled the nation, there are many places where
+soldiers may be maintained at the stated rates, with very little
+hardship to their landlords.
+
+However, sir, as this interpretation of the act, though thus supported,
+both by authority and reason, has been disputed and denied; as some
+lawyers may be of a different opinion from those whom I have consulted;
+and as it is not likely that the practice, thus interrupted, will now be
+complied with as a prescription; I think it necessary to propose, that
+the price of a soldier's diet be more explicitly ascertained, that no
+room may remain for future controversies.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I am very far from
+thinking the authority of these learned gentlemen, whose letters are
+produced, incontrovertible proof of the justness of an interpretation of
+an act of the senate, where that interpretation is not in itself
+warranted by reason, nor consistent with the preservation or enjoyment
+of property. Much less shall I agree to support their interpretation by
+a new law; or establish, by an act of the legislature, a kind of
+oppression, for which, however tacitly submitted to, nothing could be
+pleaded hitherto but custom.
+
+The burden, sir, of a standing army, is already too heavy to be much
+longer supported, nor ought we to add weight to it by new impositions;
+it surely much better becomes the representatives of the nation to
+attend to the complaints of their constituents; and where they are found
+to arise from real grievances, to contrive some expedient for
+alleviating their calamities.
+
+A heavy and dreadful calamity, sir, lies now, in a particular manner,
+upon the people; the calamity of famine, one of the severest scourges of
+providence, has filled the whole land with misery and lamentation; and,
+surely, nothing can be more inhuman than to choose out this season of
+horrour for new encroachments on their privileges, and new invasions of
+the rights of nature, the dominion of their own houses, and the
+regulation of their own tables.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has mentioned places where provisions, as
+he says, are still to be bought at easy rates. For my part, I am fixed
+in no such happy corner of the kingdom; I see nothing but scarcity, and
+hear nothing but complaints; and shall, therefore, be very far from
+admitting now such methods of supporting the army, as were thought too
+burdensome in times of plenty; nor will combine in laying a new tax upon
+any class of my countrymen, when they are sinking under an enormous load
+of imposts, and in want of the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied, in the manner following:--Sir, nothing is
+more easy than outcry and exaggeration; nor any thing less useful for
+the discovery of truth, or the establishment of right. The most
+necessary measures may often admit of very florid exclamations against
+them, and may furnish very fruitful topicks of invective.
+
+When our liberties, sir, are endangered, or our country invaded, it may
+be very easy, when it is proposed that we should have recourse to our
+swords for security, to bewail, in pathetick language, the miseries of
+war, to describe the desolation of cities, the waste of kingdoms, the
+insolence of victory, and the cruelty of power inflamed by hostilities.
+Yet to what will those representations contribute, but to make that
+difficult which yet cannot be avoided, and embarrass measures which
+must, however, be pursued.
+
+Such, sir, appear to me to be the objections made to the methods now
+proposed of providing necessaries for the soldiers; methods not eligible
+for their own sake, but which ought not to be too loudly condemned, till
+some better can be substituted; for why should the publick be alarmed
+with groundless apprehensions? or why should we make those laws which
+our affairs oblige us to enact, less agreeable to the people by partial
+representations?
+
+In the discussion of this question, sir, is to be considered whether
+soldiers are to be supported, and whether it will be more proper to
+maintain them by the method of ascertaining the rates at which they are
+to be supplied, or by increasing their pay.
+
+One of these two ways it is necessary to take; the provisions are
+already fixed at as high a price as their pay will allow; if, therefore,
+they are expected to pay more, their wages must be increased.
+
+For my part, I shall comply with either method; though I cannot but
+think it my duty to declare, that, in my opinion, it is safer to fix the
+price of provisions, which must sink in their value, than to raise the
+pay of the army, which may never afterwards be reduced.
+
+Mr. GYBBON then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman, that if soldiers are necessary, we must make provision for
+their support. This is indisputably certain; but it is no less certain,
+that where soldiers are necessary, restraints and regulations are
+necessary likewise, to preserve those from being insulted and plundered
+by them, who maintain them for the sake of protection.
+
+The usefulness, sir, of this caution seems not to be known, or not
+regarded, by the gentleman whose proposal gave occasion to this debate;
+for, by enacting laws in general terms, as he seems to advise, we should
+leave the unhappy innkeeper wholly at the mercy of his guests, who might
+plunder and insult him under the protection of the legislature, might
+riot, as in a conquered country, and say, "To this treatment you are
+subjected by the determination of the senate."
+
+The unhappy man, sir, could have no prospect, either of quiet or safety,
+but by gratifying all the expectations of his masters; returning
+civilities for insolence, and receiving their commands with the same
+submission that is paid in capitulating towns to the new garrison.
+
+If it be necessary to ascertain the price, is it not necessary, at the
+same time, to ascertain the species and quantity of provisions to be
+allowed for it? Is a soldier to fatten on delicacies, and to revel in
+superfluities, for fourpence a-day? Ought not some limits to be set to
+his expectations, and some restraints prescribed to his appetite? Is he
+to change his fare, with all the capriciousness of luxury, and relieve,
+by variety, the squeamishness of excess?
+
+Such demands as these, sir, may be thought ludicrous and trifling, by
+those who do not reflect on the insolence of slaves in authority, who do
+not consider that the license of a military life is the chief inducement
+that brings volunteers into the army; an inducement which would, indeed,
+make all impresses superfluous, were this proposal to be adopted: for
+how readily would all the lazy and voluptuous engage in a state of life
+which would qualify them to live upon the labour of others, and to be
+profuse without expense?
+
+Our army may, by this method, be increased; but the number of those by
+whom they are to be maintained, must quickly diminish: for, by exaction
+and oppression, the poorer innkeepers must quickly become bankrupts; and
+the soldiers that lose their quarters, must be added to the dividend
+allotted to the more wealthy, who, by this additional burden will soon
+be reduced to the same state, and then our army must subsist upon their
+pay, because they will no longer have it in their power to increase it
+by plunder.
+
+It will then be inevitably necessary to divide the army from the rest of
+the community, and to build barracks for their reception; an expedient
+which, though it may afford present ease to the nation, cannot be put in
+practice without danger to our liberties.
+
+The reason, for which so many nations have been enslaved by standing
+armies, is nothing more than the difference of a soldier's condition
+from that of other men. Soldiers are governed by particular laws, and
+subject to particular authority; authority which, in the manner of its
+operation, has scarcely any resemblance of the civil power. Thus, they
+soon learn to think themselves exempt from all other laws; of which they
+either do not discover the use, and, therefore, easily consent to
+abolish them; or envy the happiness of those who are protected by them,
+and so prevail upon themselves to destroy those privileges which have no
+other effect, with regard to them, but to aggravate their own
+dependence.
+
+These, sir, are the natural consequences of a military subjection; and
+if these consequences are not always speedily produced by it, they must
+be retarded by that tenderness which constant intercourse with the rest
+of the nation produces, by the exchange of reciprocal acts of kindness,
+and by the frequent inculcation of the wickedness of contributing to the
+propagation of slavery, and the subversion of the rights of nature;
+inculcations which cannot be avoided by men who live in constant
+fellowship with their countrymen.
+
+But soldiers, shut up in a barrack, excluded from all conversation with
+such as are wiser and honester than themselves, and taught that nothing
+is a virtue but implicit obedience to the commands of their officer,
+will soon become foreigners in their own country, and march against the
+defenders of their constitution, with the same alacrity as against an
+army of invaders ravaging the coasts; they will lose all sense of social
+duty, and of social happiness, and think nothing illustrious but to
+enslave and destroy.
+
+So fatal, sir, will be the effects of an establishment of barracks, or
+petty garrisons, in this kingdom; and, therefore, as barracks must be
+built when innkeepers are ruined, and our concurrence with this proposal
+must produce their ruin, I hope it-will not be necessary to prove by any
+other argument, that the motion ought to be rejected.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, though I am not
+inclined, by loud exaggerations and affected expressions of tenderness,
+to depress the courage or inflame the suspicions of the people, to teach
+them to complain of miseries which they do not feel, or ward against ill
+designs, which were never formed, yet no man is more really solicitous
+for their happiness, or more desirous of removing every real cause of
+fear and occasion of hardships.
+
+This affection to the people, an affection steady, regular, and
+unshaken, has always prompted me to prefer their real to their seeming
+interest, and rather to consult the security of their privileges than
+the gratification of their passions; it has hitherto determined me to
+vote for such a body of troops, as may defend us against sudden inroads
+and wanton insults, and now incites me to propose that some efficacious
+method may be struck out for their support, without exasperating either
+the soldiers or their landlords by perpetual wrangles, or adding to the
+burden of a military establishment the necessity of contentions in
+courts of law.
+
+I know not with what view those have spoken, by whom the proposal first
+made has been opposed; they have, indeed, produced objections, some of
+which are such as may be easily removed, and others such as arise from
+the nature of things, and ought not, therefore, to be mentioned, because
+they have no other tendency than to inflame the minds of those that hear
+them against an army, at a time when it is allowed to be necessary, and
+prove only what was never denied, that no human measures are absolutely
+perfect, and that it is often impossible to avoid a greater evil, but by
+suffering a less.
+
+The question before us, sir, is in its own nature so simple, so little
+connected with circumstances that may distract our attention, or induce
+different men to different considerations, that when I reflect upon it,
+I cannot easily conceive by what art it can be made the subject of long
+harangues, or how the most fruitful imagination can expatiate upon it.
+
+It is already admitted that an army is necessary; the pay of that army
+is already established; the accidental scarcity of forage and victuals
+is such, that the pay is not sufficient to maintain them; how then must
+the deficiency be supplied? It has been proposed, either to fix the
+price of provisions with respect to them, or to advance their wages in
+some proportion to the price of provisions. Both these methods seem to
+meet with disapprobation, and yet the army is to be supported.
+
+Those who reason thus, do surely not expect to be answered, or at least
+expect from a reply no other satisfaction than that of seeing the time
+of the session wasted, and the administration harassed with trivial
+delays; for what can be urged with any hope of success to him who will
+openly deny contradictory propositions, who will neither move nor stand
+still, who will neither disband an army nor support it?
+
+Whether these gentlemen conceive that an army may subsist without
+victuals till the time of scarcity is over, or whether they have raised
+those forces only to starve them, I am not sagacious enough to
+conjecture, but shall venture to observe, that if they have such a
+confidence in the moderation and regularity of the soldiers, as to
+imagine that they will starve with weapons in their hands, that they
+will live within the sight of full tables, and languish with hunger, and
+perish for want of necessaries, rather than diminish the superfluities
+of others, they ought for ever to cease their outcries about the
+licentiousness, insolence, and danger of a standing army.
+
+But, not to sink into levity unworthy of this assembly, may I be
+permitted to hint that these arts of protracting our debates, are by no
+means consistent with the reasons for which we are assembled, and that
+it is a much better proof, both of ability and integrity, to remove
+objections, than to raise them, and to facilitate, than to retard, the
+business of the publick.
+
+The proposal made at first was only to elucidate a law which had been
+regularly observed for fifty years, and to remove such ambiguities as
+tended only to embarrass the innholders, not to relieve them.
+
+To this many objections have been made, and much declamation has been
+employed to display the hardships of maintaining soldiers, but no better
+method has been yet discovered, nor do I expect that any will be started
+not attended with greater difficulties.
+
+In all political questions, questions too extensive to be fully
+comprehended by speculative reason, experience is the guide which a wise
+man will follow with the least distrust, and it is no trivial
+recommendation of the present method, that it has been so long pursued
+without any formidable inconvenience or loud complaints.
+
+Hardships, even when real, are alleviated by long custom; we bear any
+present uneasiness with less regret, as we less remember the time in
+which we were more happy: at least, by long acquaintance with any
+grievance we gain this advantage, that we know it in its whole extent,
+that it cannot be aggravated by our imagination, and that there is no
+room for suspecting that any misery is yet behind more heavy than that
+which we have already borne.
+
+Such is the present state of the practice now recommended to this
+assembly, a practice to which the innkeepers have long submitted, and
+found it at least tolerable, to which they knew themselves exposed when
+they took out a license for the exercise of that profession, and which
+they consider as a tax upon them, to be balanced against the advantages
+which they expect from their employment.
+
+This tax cannot be denied at present to be burdensome in a very uncommon
+degree, but this weight has not been of long continuance, and it may be
+reasonably hoped that it will now be made every day lighter. It is,
+indeed, true, that no unnecessary impositions ought to be laid upon the
+nation even for a day; and if any gentleman can propose a method by
+which this may be taken off or alleviated, I shall readily comply with
+his proposal, and concur in the establishment of new regulations.
+
+With regard to barracks, I cannot deny that they are justly names of
+terrour to a free nation, that they tend to make an army seem part of
+our constitution, and may contribute to infuse into the soldiers a
+disregard of their fellow-subjects, and an indifference about the
+liberties of their country; but I cannot discover any connexion between
+a provision for the support of soldiers in publick-houses, in a state of
+constant familiarity with their countrymen, and the erection of
+barracks, by which they will be, perhaps for ever, separated from them,
+nor can discover any thing in the method of supporting them now
+recommended that does not tend rather to the promotion of mutual good
+offices, and the confirmation of friendship and benevolence.
+
+The advocate CAMPBELL next spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, whence
+the impropriety of raising objections to any measures that are proposed
+is imagined to arise I am unable to discover, having hitherto admitted
+as an incontrovertible opinion, that it is the duty of every member of
+this assembly to deliver, without reserve, his sentiments upon any
+question which is brought before him, and to approve or censure,
+according to his conviction.
+
+If it be his duty, sir, to condemn what he thinks dangerous or
+inconvenient, it seems by no means contrary to his duty, to show the
+reason of his censure, or to lay before the house those objections which
+he cannot surmount by his own reflection. It certainly is not necessary
+to admit implicitly all that is asserted; and to deny, or disapprove
+without reason, can he no proof of duty, or of wisdom; and how shall it
+be known, that he who produces no objections, acts from any other
+motives, than private malevolence, discontent, or caprice?
+
+Nor is it, sir, to be imputed as a just reason for censure to those who
+have opposed the motion, that no other measures have been offered by
+them to the consideration of the committee. It is necessary to demolish
+a useless or shattered edifice, before a firm and habitable building can
+be erected in its place: the first step to the amendment of a law is to
+show its defects; for why should any alteration be made where no
+inconveniency is discovered?
+
+To the chief objection that was offered, no answer has yet been made,
+nor has the assembly been informed how the innkeeper shall be able to
+discover when he has paid the tax which this law lays upon him. This is,
+indeed, a tax of a very particular kind, a tax without limits, and to be
+levied at the discretion of him for whose benefit it is paid. Soldiers
+quartered upon these terms, are more properly raising contributions in
+an enemy's country, than receiving wages in their own.
+
+Is it intended, by this motion, that the innkeepers shall judge what
+ought to be allowed the soldier for his money? I do not see, then, that
+any alteration is proposed in the present condition of our army; for who
+has ever refused to sell them food for their money at the common price,
+or what necessity is there for a law to enforce a practice equally to
+the advantage of all parties? If it be proposed that the soldier shall
+judge for himself, that he shall set what value he shall think fit on
+his own money, and that he shall be at once the interpreter and
+executioner of this new law, the condition of the innkeeper will then be
+such as no slave in the mines of America can envy, and such as he will
+gladly quit for better treatment under the most arbitrary and oppressive
+government.
+
+Nor will the insolence of the soldier, thus invested with unlimited
+authority, thus entitled to implicit obedience, and exalted above the
+rest of mankind, by seeing his claim only bounded by his own moderation,
+be confined to his unhappy landlord. Every guest will become subject to
+his intrusion, and the passenger must be content to want his dinner,
+whenever the lord of the inn shall like it better than his own.
+
+That these apprehensions, sir, are not groundless, may be proved from
+the conduct of these men, even when the law was not so favourable to
+their designs; some of them have already claimed the sole dominion of
+the houses in which they have been quartered, and insulted persons of
+very high rank, and whom our ancient laws had intended to set above the
+insults of a turbulent soldier. They have seen the provisions which they
+had ordered taken away by force, partly, perhaps, to please the appetite
+of the invader, and partly to gratify his insolence, and give him an
+opportunity of boasting among his comrades, how successfully he
+blustered.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to insert a new clause in the act to prevent
+lawsuits, which, however advantageous they may sometimes be to me, I
+shall always be ready to obviate, it is surely proper to limit the claim
+of one party as well as that of the other, for how else is the ambiguity
+taken away? The difficulty may be, indeed, transferred, but is by no
+means removed, and the innkeeper must wholly repose himself upon the
+lenity and justice of the soldier, or apply to the courts of law for the
+interpretation of the act.
+
+The question before us is said to be so free from perplexity, that it
+can scarcely give occasion for harangues or disputations; and, indeed,
+it cannot but be allowed, that the controversy may soon be brought to a
+single point, and I think nothing more is necessary than to inquire, if
+innholders shall be obliged to provide victuals for soldiers at a stated
+price, what, and how much the soldier shall demand.
+
+The power of raising money at pleasure, has been hitherto denied to our
+kings, and surely we ought not to place that confidence in the lowest,
+that has been refused to the most exalted of mankind, or invest our
+soldiers with power, which neither the most warlike of our monarchs
+could constrain us, nor the most popular allure us to grant.
+
+The power now proposed to be granted, is nothing less than the power of
+levying money, or what is exactly equivalent, the power of raising the
+money in their own hands, to any imaginary value. A soldier may, if this
+motion be complied with, demand for a penny, what another man must
+purchase at forty times that price. While this is the state of our
+property, it is surely not very necessary to raise armies for the
+defence of it; for why should we preserve it from one enemy only to
+throw it into the hands of another, equally rapacious, equally
+merciless, and only distinguished from foreign invaders by this
+circumstance, that he received from our own hands the authority by which
+he plunders us.
+
+Having thus evinced the necessity of determining the soldier's
+privileges, and the innkeeper's rights, I think it necessary to
+recommend to this assembly an uncommon degree of attention to the
+regulation of our military establishment, which is become not only more
+burdensome to our fellow-subjects by the present famine, but by the
+increase of our forces; an increase which the nation will not behold
+without impatience, unless they be enabled to discern for what end they
+have been raised.
+
+The people of this nation are, for very just reasons, displeased, even
+with the appearance of a standing army, and surely it is not prudent to
+exasperate them, by augmenting the troops in a year of famine, and
+giving them, at the same time, new powers of extortion and oppression.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have heard nothing in this
+debate, but doubts and objections, which afford no real information, nor
+tend to the alleviation of those grievances, which are so loudly
+lamented.
+
+It is not sufficient to point out inconveniencies, or to give striking
+representations of the hardships to which the people are exposed; for
+unless some better expedient can be proposed, or some method discovered
+by which we may receive the benefits, without suffering the
+disadvantages of the present practice, how does it appear that these
+hardships, however severe, are not inseparable from our present
+condition, and such as can only be removed by exposing ourselves to more
+formidable evils?
+
+As no remedy, sir, has been proposed by those who appear dissatisfied
+with the present custom, it is reasonable to imagine that none will be
+easily discovered; and, therefore, I cannot but think it reasonable that
+the motion should be complied with. By it no new imposition is intended,
+nor any thing more than the establishment of a practice which has
+continued for more than fifty years, and never, except on two occasions,
+been denied to be legal. It is only proposed that the senate should
+confirm that interpretation of the act which has been almost universally
+received; that they should do what can produce no disturbance, because
+it will make no alterations; but may prevent them, because it may
+prevent any attempts of innovation, or diversity of opinions.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, whether the
+interpretation of the act which is now contended for, has been
+universally admitted, it is impossible to know; but it is at least
+certain, that the practice which is founded upon it, has in many places
+never been followed, nor, indeed, can it be made general without great
+impropriety.
+
+Many of those, sir, who are styled keepers of publick-houses, and on
+whom soldiers are quartered under that denomination, have no conveniency
+of furnishing provisions, because they never sell them; such are many of
+the keepers of livery stables, among whom it is the common method to pay
+soldiers a small weekly allowance, instead of lodging them in their
+houses, a lodging being all which they conceive themselves obliged to
+provide, and all that the soldiers have hitherto required; nor can we
+make any alteration in this method without introducing the license and
+insolence of soldiers into private houses; into houses hitherto
+unacquainted with any degree of riot, incivility, or uproar.
+
+The reason for which publick-houses are assigned for the quarters of
+soldiers, is partly the greater conveniency of accommodating them in
+families that subsist, by the entertainment of strangers, and partly the
+nature of their profession, which, by exposing them to frequent
+encounters with the rude and the debauched, enables them either to bear
+or repress the insolence of a soldier.
+
+But with regard, sir, to the persons whom I have mentioned, neither of
+these reasons have any place; they have not, from their daily
+employment, any opportunities of furnishing soldiery with beds or
+victuals, nor, by their manner of life, are adapted to support intrusion
+or struggle with perverseness. Nor can I discover why any man should
+force soldiers into their houses, who would not willingly admit them
+into his own.
+
+Mr. COCKS spoke to this effect:--Sir, the practice mentioned by the
+honourable gentleman, I know to be generally followed by all those that
+keep alehouses in the suburbs of this metropolis, who pay the soldiers
+billeted on them a composition for their lodging, nor ever see them but
+when they come to receive it; so far are they from imagining that they
+can claim their whole subsistence at any stated price.
+
+It is apparent, therefore, that by admitting this motion, we should not
+confirm a law already received, but establish a new regulation unknown
+to the people; that we should lay a tax upon the nation, and send our
+soldiers to collect it.
+
+General WADE rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have been long
+conversant with military affairs; and, therefore, may perhaps be able to
+give a more exact account, from my own knowledge, of the antiquity and
+extent of this practice, than other gentlemen have had, from their way
+of life; an opportunity of obtaining.
+
+It was, sir, in the reign of king William, the constant method by which
+the army was supported, as may be easily imagined by those who reflect,
+that it was common for the soldiers to remain for eight or ten months
+unpaid, and that they had, therefore, no possibility of providing for
+themselves the necessaries of life. Their pay never was received in
+those times by themselves, but issued in exchequer bills for large sums,
+which the innkeepers procured to be exchanged and divided among
+themselves, in proportion to their debts.
+
+Such was the practice, sir, in that reign, which has been generally
+followed to this time, and the rates then fixed have not since been
+changed; and as no inconveniency has arisen from this method, I can
+discover no reason against confirming and continuing it.
+
+Mr. PULTKNEY spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, those that have
+spoken in defence of the motion, have accused their opponents, with
+great confidence, of declaiming without arguments, and of wasting the
+time of the session in a useless repetition of objections. I do not,
+indeed, wonder that the objections which have been raised should have
+given some disgust, for who can be pleased with hearing his opponent
+produce arguments which he cannot answer? But surely the repetitions may
+be excused; for an objection is to be urged in every debate till it is
+answered, or is discovered to be unanswerable.
+
+But what, sir, have those urged in defence of their own opinions, who so
+freely animadvert upon the reasonings of others? What proofs, sir, have
+they given of the superiority of their own abilities, of the depth of
+their researches, or the acuteness of their penetration?
+
+They have not produced one argument in favour of their motion, but that
+it is founded on custom; they have not discovered, however wise and
+sagacious, that it is always necessary to inquire whether a custom be
+good or bad; for surely without such inquiry no custom ought to be
+confirmed. The motion which they would support, is, indeed, useless in
+either case, for a good custom will continue of itself, and one that is
+bad ought not to be continued. It is the business of the legislature to
+reform abuses, and eradicate corruptions, not to give them new strength
+by the sanction of a law.
+
+It has been urged, sir, that the law in reality exists already in that
+the act has been interpreted in this sense by the attorney general; and
+that his interpretation is generally received. This is then the state of
+the question: if the practice, founded upon this sense of the act,
+generally prevails, there is no need of a new clause to enforce what is
+already complied with; if it does not prevail, all that has been urged
+in defence of the motion falls to the ground.
+
+I do not doubt, sir, that this custom has been received without many
+exceptions, and therefore think it ought still to remain a custom,
+rather than be changed into a law; because it will be complied with as a
+custom, where there are no obstacles to the observation of it; and it
+ought not to be enforced by law, where it is inconvenient and
+oppressive.
+
+While the soldier, sir, is moderate in his demands, and peaceable and
+modest in his behaviour, the innkeeper will cheerfully furnish him even
+more than he can afford at the stated price; and certainly, rudeness,
+insolence, and unreasonable expectations, may justly be punished by the
+forfeiture of some conveniencies. Thus, sir, the innkeeper will preserve
+some degree of authority in his own house, a place where the laws of
+nature give every man dominion, and the soldier will continue a regular
+and inoffensive member of civil society.
+
+The absurdity of leaving the soldier at large in his demands, and
+limiting the price which the innkeeper is to require, has been already
+exposed beyond the possibility of reply; nor, indeed, has the least
+attempt been made to invalidate this objection; for it has been passed
+in silence by those who have most zealously espoused the motion. The
+account given by the honourable gentleman of the reason for which this
+regulation was first introduced in the reign of king William, is
+undoubtedly just; but it proves, sir, that there is no necessity of
+continuing it; for the soldiers are now constantly paid, and therefore
+need not that assistance from the innkeeper, which was absolutely
+requisite when they were sometimes six months without money.
+
+It has been urged, sir, with great importunity and vehemence, that some
+expedient should be proposed in the place of this, which so many
+gentlemen who have spoken on this occasion seem inclined to reject, and
+which, indeed, cannot be mentioned without contempt or abhorrence. That
+the soldiers should know, as well as their landlord, their own rights,
+is undoubtedly just, as well as that they should have some certain means
+of procuring the necessaries of life; it may, therefore, be proper to
+enact, that the innkeeper shall either furnish them with diet at the
+established rates, or permit them to dress the victuals which they shall
+buy for themselves, with his fire and utensils, and allow them candles,
+salt, vinegar, and pepper. By this method the soldiers can never be much
+injured by the incivility of their landlord, nor can the innkeeper be
+subjected to arbitrary demands. The soldier will still gain, by decency
+and humanity, greater conveniencies than he can procure for himself by
+his pay alone, and all opportunities of oppression on either side will,
+in a great measure, be taken away.
+
+I cannot but express my hopes that this method will be generally
+approved. Those that have opposed the establishment of an army will be
+pleased to see it made less grievous to the people; and those that have
+declared in its favour, ought surely to adopt, without opposition, any
+measures, by the pursuit of which it may be borne with fewer complaints,
+and less reluctance.
+
+[The consideration of this question was deferred, and the chairman
+having moved for leave to sit again, it was resolved to proceed on this
+business upon the next day but one, in a committee of the whole house.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 15, 1740-1.
+
+The order of the day being read for the house to resolve itself into a
+committee of the whole house, to consider the bill for punishing mutiny
+and desertion, and the better paying the army and their quarters,
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, the last day
+which was assigned to the consideration of this bill, was spent in long
+altercations, in vague and unnecessary disquisitions, in retrospective
+reflections upon events long past, and in aggravating of grievances that
+may never happen; much sagacity was exerted, and much eloquence
+displayed, but no determination was attained, nor even that expedient
+examined, by which those objections might be removed which appeared so
+important, or those dangers obviated which were represented so
+formidable and so near.
+
+I hope, sir, part of the time which has intervened between that debate
+and the present day, has been employed by the gentlemen, whose scruples
+were so numerous, and whose caution is so vigilant, in contriving some
+methods of maintaining the army without oppressing the victuallers, and
+of providing for our defence against foreign enemies without subjecting
+us to the evils of discontent and disaffection, which they impute to the
+present state of the military establishment.
+
+To object for ever, and to advance nothing, is an easy method of
+disputation upon any question, but contributes very little to the
+increase of knowledge: an artful and acute objector may confound, and
+darken, and disturb, but never assists inquiry, or illustrates truth.
+
+In political questions, sir, it is still more easy and less ingenuous;
+for all political measures are in some degree right and wrong at the
+same time: to benefit some they very frequently bear hard upon others,
+and are, therefore, only to be approved or rejected as advantages appear
+to overbalance the inconveniencies, or the inconveniencies to outweigh
+the advantages.
+
+It is, sir, the proper province of a senator to promote, not to obstruct
+the publick counsels; and when he declares his disapprobation of any
+expedient, to endeavour to substitute a better: for how can he be said
+to sustain his part of the general burden of publick affairs, who lays
+others under the necessity of forming every plan, and inventing every
+expedient, and contents himself with only censuring what he never
+endeavours to amend?
+
+That every man, who is called forth by his country to sit here as the
+guardian of the publick happiness, is obliged, by the nature of his
+office, to propose, in this assembly, whatever his penetration or
+experience may suggest to him as advantageous to the nation, I doubt not
+but all that hear me are sufficiently convinced; and, therefore, cannot
+but suppose that they have so far attended to their duty, as to be able
+to inform us how the present inconveniencies of this bill may be
+remedied, and its defects supplied.
+
+To show, sir, at least my inclination to expedite an affair so
+important, I shall lay before the house an amendment that I have made to
+the clause, pursuant to a hint offered the last day by an honourable
+member, "That all innholders, victuallers, etc. shall be obliged to
+furnish soldiers with salt, vinegar, small beer, candles, fire, and
+utensils to dress their victuals, and so doing shall not be obliged to
+supply the troops with provisions, except on a march."
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking the clause, as it will stand after this
+amendment, complete and unexceptionable, being conscious that some
+articles in it may require explanation. The quantity of small beer to be
+allowed to each soldier must necessarily be ascertained, in order to
+prevent endless and indeterminable disputes; for one man, sir, may
+demand a greater quantity than another, and a man may be prompted by
+malice or wantonness to demand more than health requires; it will,
+therefore, be proper to limit the quantity which must be furnished, that
+neither the soldier may suffer by the avarice of his landlord, nor the
+landlord be oppressed by the gluttony of the soldier.
+
+With regard to this question, sir, I expect to find different opinions
+in this assembly, which every man is at liberty to offer and to
+vindicate; and I shall take this opportunity of proposing on my part,
+that every man may have a daily allowance of three quarts. One quart to
+each meal may be allowed in my opinion to be sufficient, and sure no
+gentleman can imagine that by this limitation much superfluity is
+indulged.
+
+There are some parts, sir, of this kingdom, in which cider is more
+plentiful, and cheaper than small beer; consequently, it may be for the
+ease of the victualler to have the choice allowed him of furnishing one
+or the other; it will, therefore, be a very proper addition to this
+clause, that the innkeepers shall allow the soldier, every day, three
+quarts of either small beer or cider.
+
+That penal sanctions, sir, are essential to laws, and that no man will
+submit to any regulations inconvenient to himself, but that he may avoid
+some heavier evil, requires not to be proved; and, therefore, to
+complete this clause, I propose that the victualler who shall neglect or
+refuse to observe it, shall be subject to some fine for his
+non-compliance.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot omit this opportunity of
+observing how much the burden of the army is diminished by the judicious
+regulations invariably observed in the late reigns, and how little the
+assignment of troops is to be dreaded by the victualler.
+
+In the reign of king William, sir, before funds were established, while
+the credit of the government was low, the measures of the court were
+often obviated or defeated by the superiority of the discontented party,
+and the supplies denied which were necessary to support them, and in
+expectation of which they had been undertaken, it was not uncommon for
+the towns in which the troops were stationed, to murmur at their guests;
+nor could they be charged with complaining without just reasons: for to
+quarter soldiers upon a house, was in those days little less than to
+send troops to live at discretion.
+
+As all supplies, sir, were then occasional and temporary, and nothing
+was granted but for the present exigence, the prevalence of the
+opposition, for a single session, embarrassed all the measures of the
+court in the highest degree; their designs were at a stand, the forces
+were unpaid, and they were obliged to wait till another session for an
+opportunity of prosecuting their schemes.
+
+Thus, sir, the soldiers were sometimes five months without their pay,
+and were necessarily supported by the innkeeper at his own expense, with
+how much reluctance and discontent I need not mention. It cannot but be
+immediately considered, upon hearing this account of the soldier's
+condition, with how many reproaches he would receive his victuals, how
+roughly he would be treated, how often he would be insulted as an idler,
+and frowned upon as an intruder. Nor can it be imagined that such
+affronts, however they might be provoked, would be borne without return,
+by those who knew themselves not the authors of the provocation, and who
+thought themselves equal suf-ferers with those who complained. When the
+innkeeper growled at the soldier, the soldier, it may be supposed,
+seldom failed to threaten or to plunder the innkeeper, and to rise in
+his demands as his allowance was retrenched.
+
+Thus, sir, the landlord and his guest were the constant enemies of each
+other, and spent their lives in mutual complaints, injuries, and
+insults.
+
+But by the present regularity of our military establishment, this great
+evil is taken away; as the soldier requires no credit of the victualler,
+he is considered as no great incumbrance on his trade; and being treated
+without indignities, like any other member of the community, he
+inhabits his quarters without violence, insolence, or rapacity, and
+endeavours to recommend himself by officiousness and civility.
+
+In the present method of payment, sir, the troops have always one
+month's pay advanced, and receive their regular allowance on the stated
+day; so that every man has it in his power to pay his landlord every
+night for what he has had in the day; or if he imagines himself able to
+procure his own provisions at more advantage, he can now go to market
+with his own money.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me, sir, that the amendment now proposed is
+the proper mean between the different interests of the innkeeper and
+soldier; by which neither is made the slave of the other, and by which
+we shall leave, to both, opportunities of kindness, but take from them
+the power of oppression.
+
+Mr. CAREW next spoke as follows:--Sir, the amendment now offered is not,
+in my opinion, so unreasonable or unequitable as to demand a warm and
+strenuous opposition, nor so complete as not to be subject to some
+objections; objections which, however, may be easily removed, and which
+would, perhaps, have been obviated, had they been foreseen by the
+gentleman who proposed it.
+
+The allowance, sir, of small liquors proposed, I cannot but think more
+than sufficient; three quarts a-day are surely more than the demands of
+nature make necessary, and I know not why the legislature should
+promote, or confirm in the soldiery, a vice to which they are already
+too much inclined, the habit of tippling.
+
+The innkeeper, sir, will be heavily burdened by the obligation to supply
+the soldier with so many of the necessaries of life without payment;
+and, therefore, it may be justly expected by him, that no superfluities
+should be enjoyed at his expense.
+
+But there remains another objection, sir, of far more importance, and
+which must be removed before this clause can be reasonably passed into a
+law. It is not declared, or not with sufficient perspicuity, that it is
+to be left to the choice of the innkeeper, whether he will furnish the
+soldier with provisions at fourpence a-day, or with the necessaries
+enumerated in the clause for nothing. If it is to be left to the choice
+of the soldier, the victualler receives no relief from the amendment, to
+whose option, since he must suffer in either case, it ought to be
+referred, because he only can tell by which method he shall suffer
+least.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL spoke in the manner following:--Sir, it is not without the
+greatest diffidence that I rise to oppose the gentleman who offered the
+amendment; for his abilities are so far superiour to mine, that I
+object without hope of being able to support my objection, and contend
+with an absolute certainty of being overcome. I know not whether it may
+be allowed me to observe, that the difference between our faculties is,
+with regard to strength and quickness, the same as between the cider of
+his county and that of mine, except that in one part of the parallel the
+advantage is on our side, and in the other on his.
+
+The cider, sir, of our county is one of our most valuable commodities;
+so much esteemed in distant places, that our merchants often sell it by
+the bottle, for more than the soldier has to give for the provision of a
+day; and of such strength, that I, who am accustomed to the use of it,
+never was able to drink three quarts in any single day.
+
+If, therefore, sir, the soldier is to have three quarts of this cider,
+when small beer is not easily to be procured, not only the innkeeper,
+but the army will be injured; for what greater harm can be done to any
+man, than to initiate him in a habit of intemperance? and what outrages
+and insolencies may not be expected from men trusted with swords, and
+kept, from day to day, and from month to month, in habitual drunkenness
+by a decree of the senate?
+
+Sir William YONGE replied to this purpose:--Sir, I know not why the
+gentleman has thought this a proper opportunity for displaying his
+eloquence in the praise of his own cider. That he loves his own county
+cannot be wondered, for no passion is more universal, and few less to be
+censured;-but he is not to imagine that the produce of his native soil
+will be generally allowed to excel that of other counties, because early
+habits have endeared it to him, and familiarized it to his particular
+palate.
+
+The natives of every place prefer their own fruits and their own liquor,
+and, therefore, no inference can be drawn from approbation so apparently
+partial. From this prejudice I am far from suspecting myself free, nor
+am desirous or industrious to overcome it: neither am I afraid of
+exposing myself to all the censure that so innocent a prepossession may
+bring upon me, by declaring that, in my opinion, the cider of my native
+county is of equal excellence with that which this gentleman has so
+liberally extolled.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL answered to the following effect:--Sir, how little I expect
+victory in this controversy I have already declared, and I need not
+observe of how small importance it is what soil produces cider of the
+greatest excellence and value; since, if there be other places where the
+cider is equally esteemed, and purchased at the same rate, it is yet
+more necessary to provide, by some exception, that the soldier shall not
+be entitled to demand, of the victualler, liquor to more than thrice the
+value of his pay, nor be allowed to revel in continual drunkenness, and
+to corrupt his morals, and enervate his limbs by incessant debauchery.
+
+But since, sir, the preference due to the cider of my county has been
+denied, in my opinion, with great partiality and injustice, I think
+myself obliged, by all the laws of honour and gratitude, to stand up
+once more to vindicate its superiority, and assert its value.
+
+The laws of honour, sir, require this from me, as they oblige every man
+to stand forth a vindicator of merit slighted and oppressed; and
+gratitude calls loudly upon me to exert myself in the protection of that
+to which I have been often indebted for a pleasing suspense of care, and
+a welcome flow of spirit and gaiety.
+
+The cider, sir, which I am now rescuing from contemptuous comparisons,
+has often exhilarated my social hours, enlivened the freedom of
+conversation, and improved the tenderness of friendship, and shall not,
+therefore, now want a panegyrist. It is one of those few subjects on
+which an encomiast may expatiate without deviating from the truth.
+
+Would the honourable gentleman, sir, who has thus vilified this
+wonder-working nectar, but honour my table with his company, he would
+quickly be forced to retract his censures; and, as many of his
+countrymen have done, confess that nothing equal to it is produced in
+any other part of the globe; nor will this confession be the effect of
+his regard to politeness, but of his adherence to truth.
+
+Of liquor like this, sir, two quarts is, undoubtedly, sufficient for a
+daily allowance, in the lieu of small beer; nor ought even that to be
+determined by the choice of the soldier, but of the innkeeper, for whose
+benefit this clause is said to be inserted, and from whose grievances I
+hope we shall not suffer our attention to be diverted by any incidental
+questions, or ludicrous disputes.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, that the allowance of
+two quarts a-day is sufficient, and that to demand more is a wanton
+indulgence of appetite, is experimentally known, and, therefore, no more
+ought to be imposed upon the innkeeper.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only part of the clause that requires our
+consideration; for some of the other particulars to be provided by the
+victualler, may easily furnish perverse tempers with an opportunity of
+wrangling: vinegar is not to be had in every part, of the kingdom, and,
+where it cannot be procured, ought not to be required; for neither
+reason nor experience will inform us that vinegar ought to be ranked
+among the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE made the following reply:--Sir, by the alteration now
+made in the clause, the innkeepers are effectually relieved from a great
+part of the burden which, in my opinion, this act has hitherto laid upon
+them; the necessity of furnishing the soldiers quartered upon them, with
+provisions at the stated price, whatever might be the scarcity of the
+season or of the country. That this was the intention of the act, is
+asserted by those whose reputation and promotion are sufficient
+evidences of their ability in the interpretation of our laws.
+
+The innkeeper may now either accept or refuse the limited price, as it
+shall appear to him most consistent with his interest; nor will there
+be, for the future, any room for murmuring at unreasonable demands,
+since he may oblige that soldier whom he cannot satisfy, to please
+himself better at his own expense.
+
+The choice of the liquor is, likewise, wholly referred to the innkeeper;
+for the words in the clause requiring that he shall furnish three quarts
+of small beer or cider, he complies, indisputably, with the law by
+supplying either; and, therefore, the value of cider in any particular
+county is not of much importance in the question before us; if cider be
+more valuable than small beer, it may be withheld; if it be cheaper, it
+may be substituted in its place; so that the innkeeper has nothing to
+consult but his own interest.
+
+That this is the meaning of the clause, is, I suppose, obvious to every
+man that hears it read; and, therefore, I see no reason for any
+alterations, because I know not any effect which they can possibly have,
+except that of obscuring the sense which is now too clear to be
+mistaken.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, though it
+should be granted, that the clause before us is intelligible to every
+member of this assembly, it will not certainly follow, that there is no
+necessity of farther elucidations; for a law very easily understood by
+those who make it, may be obscure to others who are less acquainted with
+our general intention, less skilled in the niceties of language, or less
+accustomed to the style of laws.
+
+It is to be considered, that this law will chiefly affect a class of men
+very little instructed in literature, and very unable to draw
+inferences; men to whom we often find it necessary, in common cases, to
+use long explanations, and familiar illustrations, and of whom it maybe
+not unreasonably suspected, that the same want of education, which makes
+them ignorant, may make them petulant, and at once incline them to
+wrangle, and deprive them of the means of deciding their controversies.
+
+That both innholders and soldiers are, for the greatest part, of this
+rank and temper, I suppose, sir, every gentleman knows, from daily
+observation; and, therefore, it will, I hope, be thought necessary to
+descend to their understandings, and to give them laws in terms of which
+they will know the meaning; we shall, otherwise, more consult the
+interest of the lawyers than the innholders, and only, by one
+alteration, produce a necessity of another.
+
+I am therefore desirous, sir, that all the difficulties which have been
+mentioned by every gentleman on this occasion, should be removed by
+clear, familiar, and determinate expressions; for what they have found
+difficult, may easily be, to an innholder or soldier, absolutely
+inexplicable.
+
+I cannot but declare, while I am speaking on this subject, that in my
+opinion, two quarts of liquor will be a sufficient allowance. If we
+consider the demands of nature, more cannot be required; if we examine
+the expense of the innholder, he ought not to supply soldiers with a
+greater quantity for nothing. It is to be remembered, that small beer,
+like other liquors, is charged with an excise in publick-houses; and
+that two quarts will probably cost the landlord a penny, and as we
+cannot suppose that fire, candles, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the use of
+utensils, and lodging, can be furnished for less than threepence a-day,
+every soldier that is quartered upon a publick-house, may be considered
+as a tax of six pounds a-year--a heavy burden, which surely ought not to
+be aggravated by unnecessary impositions.
+
+[The committee having gone through the bill, and settled the amendments,
+the chairman was ordered to make his report the next day.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 16, 1740-1.
+
+The report was read, and the amendments to the clauses in debate, which
+then ran thus:--
+
+That the officers and soldiers to be quartered and billeted as
+aforesaid, shall be received, and furnished with diet and small beer by
+the owners of the inns, livery stables, alehouses, victualling-houses,
+etc. paying and allowing for the same the several rates mentioned.
+
+Provided, that in case the innholder on whom any non-commission officers
+or soldiers shall be quartered, by virtue of this act, (except on a
+march,) shall be desirous to furnish such officers or soldiers with
+candles, vinegar, and salt, and with either small beer or cider, not
+ex-ceeding three quarts for each man _a-day gratis_, and to allow them
+the use of fire, and the necessary utensils for dressing and eating
+their meat, and shall give notice of such his desire to the commanding
+officers, and shall furnish and allow them the same accordingly; then,
+and in such case, the non-commission officers and soldiers so quartered
+shall provide their own victuals; and the officer to whom it belongs to
+receive, or that does actually receive the pay and subsistence of such
+non-commission officers and soldiers, shall pay the several sums,
+payable out of the subsistence-money for diet and small beer, to the
+non-commission officers and soldiers aforesaid, and not to the innholder
+or other person on whom such non-commission officers or soldiers are
+quartered.
+
+The question being put whether this clause should stand thus,
+
+Mr. CAREW spoke to this effect:--Sir, though it may, perhaps, be
+allowed, that the circumstances of our present situation oblige us to
+support a more numerous army than in former years, surely no argument
+can be drawn from them that can show the necessity of a profuse
+allowance to our soldiers, or of gratifying their desires by the
+oppression of the innholders.
+
+If, sir, the designs of our enemies are so malicious, and their power so
+formidable, as to demand augmentations of our troops, and additions to
+our natural securities, they ought, surely, to impress upon us the
+necessity of frugal measures, that no useless burdens may be imposed
+upon the people.
+
+To furnish two quarts of beer, sir, every day for nothing, is,
+undoubtedly, an imposition sufficiently grievous; and I can, therefore,
+discover no reason for which an allowance of three should be
+established; a proposal injurious to the victualler, because it exacts
+more than he can afford to allow, and of no benefit to the soldier,
+because it offers him more than he can want.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, if it is an
+instance of misconduct to spend upon any affair more time than the
+importance of it deserves, I am afraid that the clause, to which our
+attention is now recalled, may expose us to censure, and that we may be
+charged with neglecting weighty controversies, and national questions,
+to debate upon trifles; of wasting our spirits upon subjects unworthy of
+contention; of defeating the expectations of the publick, and diverting
+our enemies rather than opposing them.
+
+But, sir, as nothing has a more immediate tendency to the security of
+the nation than a proper establishment of our forces, and the regulation
+of their quarters is one of the most necessary and difficult parts of
+the establishment; it is requisite that we think no question of this
+kind too trivial for our consideration, since very dangerous
+disturbances have often been produced by petty disputes.
+
+The quantity, sir, of small beer to be allowed by the victualler to
+those soldiers who shall provide their own victuals, was disputed
+yesterday, and, as I thought, agreed upon; but since this question is
+revived, I must take the opportunity to declare, that we ought not to
+assign less than three quarts a-day to each man; for it is to be
+remembered by those who estimate the demands by their own, how much
+their way of life is different from that of a common soldier, and how
+little he can be charged with wantonness and superfluity, for drinking
+more small liquor than themselves.
+
+There are few members of this house, who do not, more than once a-day,
+drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or some other cooling and diluting
+infusion; delicacies which the soldier cannot purchase; to which he is
+entirely a stranger, and of which the place must be supplied by some
+other cheap and wholesome liquors.
+
+If, sir, those gentlemen whose close attention to the interest of the
+innholder has, perhaps, abstracted them, in some degree, from any regard
+to the necessities of a soldier, will consent to allow him five pints
+a-day, I shall contend no longer; for though I cannot agree that it is a
+sufficient provision, yet, as other gentlemen, equally able to judge in
+this subject with myself, are of a different opinion, I shall show my
+regard for their sentiments by desisting from opposition.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am not able to
+discover any necessity of compromising this debate, by taking the mean
+between the two different opinions, or for denying to the soldiers what
+every labourer or serving-man would murmur to be refused for a single
+day.
+
+I believe, sir, every gentleman, who examines the expense of his family,
+will find that each of his servants consumes daily at least three quarts
+of small beer, and surely it is not to be required that a soldier should
+live in a perpetual state of war with his constitution, and a constant
+inability to comply with the calls of nature.
+
+General HANDASYD spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, the inclination
+shown by several gentlemen for a penurious and scanty provision for the
+soldiers, must, in my opinion, proceed from an inattentive consideration
+of their pay, and will, therefore, be removed, by laying before them an
+account of his condition, and comparing his daily pay with his daily
+expenses.
+
+The whole pay of a foot soldier, sir, is sixpence a-day, of which he is
+to pay fourpence to his landlord for his diet, or, what is very nearly
+the same, to carry fourpence daily to the market, for which how small a
+supply of provisions he can bring to his quarters, especially in time of
+scarcity, I need not mention.
+
+There remain then only twopence, sir, to be disbursed for things not
+immediately necessary for the preservation of life, but which no man can
+want without being despicable to others and burdensome to himself.
+Twopence a-day is all that a soldier has to lay out upon cleanliness and
+decency, and with which he is likewise to keep his arms in order, and to
+supply himself with some part of his clothing. If, sir, after these
+deductions, he can, from twopence a-day, procure himself the means of
+enjoying a few happy moments in the year with his companions over a cup
+of ale, is not his economy much more to be envied than his luxury? Or
+can it be charged upon him that he enjoys more than his share of the
+felicities of life? Is he to be burdened with new expenses lest he
+should hoard up the publick money, stop the circulation of coin, and
+turn broker or usurer with twopence a-day?
+
+I have been so long acquainted, sir, with the soldier's character, that
+I will adventure to secure him from the charge of avarice, and to
+promise that whatever he shall possess not necessary to life, he will
+enjoy to the advantage of his landlord.
+
+Then the advocate CAMPBELL spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am far
+from intending to oppose this proposal of five pints, though, upon a
+rigorous examination, it might appear more than the mere wants of nature
+require; for I cannot but declare that this question has too long
+engaged the attention of the house, and that the representatives of a
+mighty nation beset with enemies, and encumbered with difficulties, seem
+to forget their importance and their dignity, by wrangling from day to
+day upon a pint of small beer.
+
+I conceive the bill, which we are now considering, sir, not as a
+perpetual and standing law, to be interwoven with our constitution, or
+added to the principles of our government, but as a temporary
+establishment for the present year; an expedient to be laid aside when
+our affairs cease to require it; an experimental essay of a new
+practice, which may be changed or continued according to its success.
+
+To allow, sir, five pints of small beer a-day to our soldiers, for a
+single year, can produce no formidable inconveniency, and may, though it
+should not be entirely approved, be of less disadvantage to the publick,
+than the waste of another day.
+
+[An alteration was made to five pints, instead of three quarts; and the
+bill, thus amended, was ordered to be engrossed, and a few days
+afterwards, being read a third time, was passed, and ordered to the
+lords, where it occasioned no debate.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON ADDRESSING THE KING.]
+
+
+A copy of his majesty's speech being read, Mr. CLUTTERBUCK-BUCK rose,
+and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, the present confusion in Europe, the known designs of the French,
+the numerous claims to the Austrian dominions, the armies which are
+levied to support them, and the present inability of the queen of
+Hungary to maintain those rights which descend to her from her
+ancestors, and have been confirmed by all the solemnities of treaties,
+evidently require an uncommon degree of attention in our consultations,
+and of vigour in our proceedings.
+
+Whatever may be the professions of the French, their real designs are
+easily discovered, designs which they have carried on, either openly, or
+in private, for near a century, and which it cannot be expected that
+they will lay aside, when they are so near to success. Their view, sir,
+in all their wars and treaties, alliances and intrigues, has been the
+attainment of universal dominion, the destruction of the rights of
+nature, and the subjection of all the rest of mankind; nor have we any
+reason to imagine that they are not equally zealous for the promotion of
+this pernicious scheme, while they pour troops into Germany, for the
+assistance of their ally, as when they wasted kingdoms, laid cities in
+ashes, and plunged millions into misery and want, without any other
+motive than the glory of their king.
+
+But the French are not the only nation at this time labouring for the
+subversion of our common liberties. Our liberties, sir, are endangered
+by those equally interested with ourselves in their preservation; for in
+what degree soever any of the princes who are now endeavouring to divide
+among themselves the dominions of Austria, may be pleased with the
+acquisition of new territories, and an imaginary increase of influence
+and power, it must be evident to all who are not dazzled by immediate
+interest, that they are only fighting for France, and that by the
+destruction of the Austrian family, they must in a short time fall
+themselves.
+
+It is well known, sir, though it is not always remembered, that
+political as well as natural greatness is merely comparative, and that
+he only is a powerful prince, who is more powerful than those with whom
+he can have any cause of contention. That prince, therefore, who
+imagines his power enlarged by a partition of territories, which gives
+him some additional provinces, may be at last disappointed in his
+expectations: for, if this partition gives to another prince already
+greater than himself, an opportunity of increasing his strength in a
+degree proportionate to his present superiority, the former will soon
+find, that he has been labouring for nothing, and that his danger is
+still the same.
+
+Such, sir, is the case of the king of Prussia, who, when he has overrun
+that part of Germany, to which he now lays claim, will only have
+weakened the house of Austria, without strengthening himself.
+
+He is at present secure in the possession of his dominions, because
+neither the Austrians would suffer the French, nor the French permit the
+Austrians to increase-their power by subduing him. Thus, while the
+present equipoise of power is maintained, jealousy and caution would
+always procure him an ally whenever he should be attacked; but when, by
+his assistance, the Austrian family shall be ruined, who shall defend
+him against the ambition of France?
+
+While the liberties of mankind are thus equally endangered by folly and
+ambition, attacked on one side, and neglected on the other, it is
+necessary for those who foresee the calamity that threatens them, to
+exert themselves in endeavours to avert it, and to retard the fatal
+blow, till those who are now lulled by the contemplation of private
+advantage, can be awakened into a just concern for the general happiness
+of Europe, and be convinced that they themselves can only be secure by
+uniting in the cause of liberty and justice.
+
+For this reason, sir, our sovereign has asserted the Pragmatick
+sanction, and promised to assist the queen of Hungary with the forces
+which former treaties have entitled her to demand from him; for this
+reason he has endeavoured to rouse the Dutch from their supineness, and
+excite them to arm once more for the common safety, to intimidate, by
+new augmentations, those powers whose ardour, perhaps, only subsists
+upon the confidence that they shall not be resisted, and to animate, by
+open declarations in favour of the house of Austria, those who probably
+are only hindered from offering their assistance, by the fear of
+standing alone against the armies of France.
+
+That by this conduct he may expose his dominions on the continent to
+invasions, ravages, and the other miseries of war, every one who knows
+their situation must readily allow; nor can it be doubted by any man who
+has heard of the power of the Prussians and French, that they may commit
+great devastations with very little opposition, the forces of the
+electorate not being sufficient to give them battle; for though the
+fortified towns might hold out against them, that consideration will
+very little alleviate the concern of those who consider the miseries of
+a nation, whose enemies are in possession of all the open country, and
+who from their ramparts see their harvest laid waste, and their villages
+in flames. The fortifications contain the strength, but the field and
+the trading towns comprise the riches of a people, and the country may
+be ruined which is not subdued.
+
+As, therefore, sir, the electoral dominions of his majesty are now
+endangered, not by any private dispute with the neighbouring princes,
+but by his firmness in asserting the general rights of Europe; as the
+consequences of his conduct, on this occasion, will be chiefly
+beneficial to Britain, we ought surely to support him in the prosecution
+of this design; a design which we cannot but approve, since our
+ancestors have always carried it on without regard either to the danger
+or the expense.
+
+In conformity to this maxim of politicks, so clearly founded in equity,
+and so often justified by the votes of the senate, has his majesty been
+pleased to declare to us his resolution to adhere to his engagements,
+and oppose all attempts that may be forming in favour of any unjust
+pretensions to the prejudice of the house of Austria. 'Tis for this end
+he desires the concurrence of his senate. I hope every gentleman in this
+house will agree with me that we ought to declare our approbation of
+these measures, in such terms as may show the world, that those who
+shall dare to obstruct them, must resolve to incur the resentment of
+this nation, and expose themselves to all the opposition which the
+senate of Britain can send forth against them. We ought to pronounce
+that the territories of Hanover will be considered, on this occasion, as
+the dominions of Britain, and that any attack on one or the other will
+be equally resented. I, therefore, move, that an humble address be
+presented by this house to his majesty,
+
+To return our thanks for his speech; to express our dutiful sense of his
+majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen of Hungary, and for
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; to declare our concurrence in the
+prudent measures which his majesty is pursuing for the preservation of
+the liberties and balance of power in Europe; to acknowledge his
+majesty's wisdom and resolution, in not suffering himself to be diverted
+from steadily persevering in his just purposes of fulfilling his
+engagements with the house of Austria; also, further to assure his
+majesty, that, in justice to and vindication of the honour and dignity
+of the British crown, we will effectually stand by and support his
+majesty against all insults and attacks, which any prince or power, in
+resentment of the just measures which he has so wisely taken, shall make
+upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not belonging to the crown
+of Great Britain. And that in any future events, which might make it
+necessary for him to enter into still larger expenses, this house will
+enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, to the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the
+Pragmatick sanction and the liberties and balance of Europe.
+
+Mr. FOX seconded the motion in this manner:--Sir, the expediency, if not
+the necessity of the address now moved for, will, I believe, be readily
+allowed by those who consider the just measures which are pursued by his
+majesty, the end which is intended by them, and the powers by which they
+are opposed.
+
+How much it is our duty to support the house of Austria it is not
+necessary to explain to any man who has heard the debates of this
+assembly, or read the history of the last war. How much it is our duty
+to support it, is evident, as soon as it is known by whom it is
+attacked; by the ancient enemy of these nations, by the general
+disturber of the universe, by the formidable oppressors of liberty,
+exulting in new acquisitions, inflamed with the madness of universal
+monarchy, and elated with an opportunity of subjecting Germany, by
+exalting to the supreme power a prince who shall hold his authority only
+by their permission.
+
+The house of Austria, which has so often stood forth in defence of our
+common rights, which has poured armies into the field, in confederacy
+with Britain, to suppress the insolence of that family which nothing
+could satisfy but boundless power, now demands the assistance which it
+has so often afforded; that assistance is demanded from us by every
+claim which the laws of society can enact, or the dictates of nature can
+suggest, by treaties maturely considered, and solemnly confirmed, by the
+ties of ancient friendship, and the obligations of common interest.
+
+To violate the publick faith, and to neglect the observation of
+treaties, is to sink ourselves below barbarity, to destroy that
+confidence which unites mankind in society. To deny or evade our
+stipulations, sir, is to commit a crime which every honest mind must
+consider with abhorrence, and to establish a precedent which may be used
+hereafter to our own destruction.
+
+To forsake an ancient ally only because we can receive no immediate
+advantage from his friendship, or because it may be in some degree
+dangerous to adhere to him; to forsake him when he most wants our good
+offices, when he is distressed by his enemies, and deserted by others
+from whom he had reason to hope for kinder treatment, is the most
+despicable, the most hateful degree of cowardice and treachery.
+
+The obligations of interest, sir, it is not often needful to enforce,
+but it may be observed on this occasion, that a single year of neglect
+may never be retrieved. We may, sir, now be able to support those whom,
+when once dispossessed, it will not be in our power to restore; and that
+if we suffer the house of Austria to be overborne, our posterity,
+through every generation, may have reason to curse our injudicious
+parsimony, our fatal inactivity, and our perfidious cowardice.
+
+With what views the king of Prussia concurs in the French measures, or
+upon what principles of policy he promises to himself any security in
+the enjoyment of his new dominions, it is not easy to conjecture; but as
+it is easy to discover, that whatever he may propose to himself, his
+conduct evidently tends to the ruin of Europe, so he may, in my opinion,
+justly be opposed, if he cannot be diverted or made easy.
+
+Nor can we, sir, if this opposition should incite him, or any other
+power, to an invasion of his majesty's foreign dominions, refuse them
+our protection and assistance: for as they suffer for the cause which we
+are engaged to support, and suffer only by our measures, we are at
+least, as allies, obliged by the laws of equity and the general compacts
+of mankind, to arm in their defence; and what may be claimed by the
+common right of allies, we shall surely not deny them, only because they
+are more closely united to us, because they own the same monarch with
+ourselves.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, with what eagerness
+the French snatch every opportunity of increasing their influence,
+extending their dominions, and oppressing their neighbours, the
+experience of many years has convinced all Europe; and it is evident
+that unless some power be preserved in a degree of strength nearly equal
+to theirs, their schemes, pernicious as they are, cannot be defeated.
+
+That the only power from which this opposition can be hoped, is the
+house of Austria, a very superficial view of this part of the globe,
+will sufficiently demonstrate; of this we were long since so strongly
+convinced, that we employed all our forces and all our politicks to
+aggrandize this house. We endeavoured not only to support it in all its
+hereditary rights, but to invest it with new sovereignties, and extend
+its authority over new dominions.
+
+Why we afterwards varied in our councils and our measures, I have long
+inquired without any satisfaction, having never, sir, with the utmost
+application, been able to discover the motives to the memorable treaty
+of Hanover, by which we stipulated to destroy the fabrick that we had
+been so long and so laboriously endeavouring to erect; by which we
+abandoned that alliance which we had so diligently cultivated, which we
+had preferred to peace, plenty, and riches, and for which we had
+cheerfully supported a tedious, a bloody, and an expensive war.
+
+This conduct, sir, raises a greater degree of admiration, as the authors
+of it had exhausted all their eloquence in censuring the treaty of
+Utrecht, and had endeavoured to expose those who transacted it to the
+general hatred of the nation; as they always expressed in the strongest
+terms their dread and detestation of the French; as they animated all
+their harangues, and stunned their opponents with declarations of their
+zeal for the liberties of Europe.
+
+By what impulse or what infatuation, these asserters of liberty, these
+enemies of France, these guardians of the balance of power, were on the
+sudden prevailed on to declare in favour of the power whom they had so
+long thought it their chief interest and highest honour to oppose, must
+be discovered by sagacity superiour to mine. But after such perplexity
+of councils and such fluctuation of conduct, it is necessary to inquire
+more particularly what are the present intentions of the ministry, what
+alliances have been formed, and what conditions are required to be
+fulfilled.
+
+If we are obliged only to supply the queen of Hungary with twelve
+thousand men, we have already performed our engagements; if we have
+promised any pecuniary assistance, the sum which we have stipulated to
+furnish ought to be declared; for I suppose, at least, our engagements
+have some limits, and that we are not to exert all the force of the
+nation, to fight as if fire and sword were at our gates, or an invader
+were landing armies upon our coasts.
+
+I have, sir, from my earliest years been zealous for the defence and
+exaltation of the house of Austria, and shall be very far from proposing
+that any danger or distress should influence us to desert it; but I do
+not easily discover by what means we shall be able to afford any
+efficacious assistance: for the power of Britain consists chiefly in
+naval armaments, which can be of very little use to the queen of
+Hungary, and I know not any state that will easily consent to unite with
+us on this occasion.
+
+If there be, sir, any states remaining in Europe which the French can
+neither intimidate nor bribe, we ought studiously to solicit and
+diligently to cultivate their friendship; but whether any, except the
+Moscovites, are now independent, or sufficiently confident of their own
+strength to engage in such a hazardous alliance, may be justly doubted.
+
+The late grand alliance, sir, was supported at the expense of this
+nation alone; nor was it required from the other confederates to exhaust
+the treasure of their country in the common cause. I hope the debt which
+that war has entailed upon us will instruct us to be more frugal in our
+future engagements, and to stipulate only what we may perform without
+involving the nation in misery, which victories and triumphs cannot
+compensate.
+
+The necessity, sir, of publick economy obliges me to insist, that before
+any money shall be granted, an account be laid before the senate, in
+particular terms, of the uses to which it is to be applied. To ask for
+supplies in general terms, is to demand the power of squandering the
+publick money at pleasure, and to claim, in softer language, nothing
+less than despotick authority.
+
+It has not been uncommon for money, granted by the senate, to be spent
+without producing any of those effects which were expected from it,
+without assisting our allies, or humbling our enemies; and, therefore,
+there is reason for suspecting that money has sometimes been asked for
+one use and applied to another.
+
+If our concurrence, sir, is necessary to increase his majesty's
+influence on the continent, to animate the friends of the house of
+Austria, or to repress the disturbers of the publick tranquillity, I
+shall willingly unite with the most zealous advocates for the
+administration in any vote of approbation or assistance, not contrary to
+the act of settlement, that important and well-concerted act, by which
+the present family was advanced to the throne, and by which it is
+provided, that Britain shall never be involved in war for the
+enlargement or protection of the dominions of Hanover, dominions from
+which we never expected nor received any benefit, and for which,
+therefore, nothing ought to be either suffered or hazarded.
+
+If it should be again necessary to form a confederacy, and to unite the
+powers of Europe against the house of Bourbon, that ambitious, that
+restless family, by which the repose of the world is almost every day
+interrupted, which is incessantly labouring against the happiness of
+human nature, and seeking every hour an opportunity of new
+encroachments, I declare, sir, that I shall not only, with the greatest
+cheerfulness, bear my share of the publick expense, but endeavour to
+reconcile others to their part of the calamities of war. This, sir, I
+have advanced in confidence, that sufficient care shall be taken, that
+in any new alliance we shall be parties, not principals; that the
+expense of war, as the advantage of victory, shall be common; and that
+those who shall unite with us will be our allies, not our mercenaries.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE then spoke, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+without reason that the honourable gentleman desires to be informed of
+the stipulations contained in the treaty by which we have engaged to
+support the Pragmatick sanction; for I find that he either never knew
+them or has forgotten them; and, therefore, those reasonings which he
+has formed upon them fall to the ground.
+
+We are obliged, sir, by this treaty, to supply the house of Austria with
+twelve thousand men, and the Dutch, who were engaged in it by our
+example, have promised a supply of five thousand. This force, joined to
+those armies which the large dominions of that family enable them to
+raise, were conceived sufficient to repel any enemy by whom their rights
+should be invaded.
+
+But because in affairs of such importance nothing is to be left to
+hazard, because the preservation of the equipoise of power, on which the
+liberties of almost all mankind, who can call themselves free, must be
+acknowledged to depend, ought to be rather certain, than barely
+probable; it is stipulated farther, both by the French and ourselves,
+that if the supplies, specified in the first article, shall appear
+insufficient, we shall unite our whole force in the defence of our ally,
+and struggle, once more, for independence, with ardour proportioned to
+the importance of our cause.
+
+By these stipulations, sir, no engagements have been formed that can be
+imagined to have been prohibited by the act of settlement, by which it
+is provided, that the house of Hanover shall not plunge this nation into
+a war, for the sake of their foreign dominions, without the consent of
+the senate; for this war is by no means entered upon for the particular
+security of Hanover, but for the general advantage of Europe, to repress
+the ambition of the French, and to preserve ourselves and our posterity
+from the most abject dependence upon a nation exasperated against us by
+long opposition, and hereditary hatred.
+
+Nor is the act of settlement only preserved unviolated by the reasons of
+the present alliance, but by the regular concurrence of the senate which
+his majesty has desired, notwithstanding his indubitable right of making
+peace and war by his own authority. I cannot, therefore, imagine upon
+what pretence it can be urged, that the law, which requires that no war
+shall be made on account of the Hanoverian dominions without the consent
+of the senate, is violated, when it is evident that the war is made upon
+other motives, and the concurrence of the senate is solemnly desired.
+
+But such is the malevolence with which the conduct of the administration
+is examined, that no degree of integrity or vigilance can secure it from
+censure. When, in the present question, truth and reason are evidently
+on their side, past transactions are recalled to memory, and those
+measures are treated with the utmost degree of contempt and ridicule, of
+which the greatest part of the audience have probably forgotten the
+reasons, and of which the authors of them do not always stand up in the
+defence, because they are weary of repeating arguments to those who
+listen with a resolution never to be convinced.
+
+How well, sir, those by whom the ministry is opposed, have succeeded in
+hardening their minds against the force of reason, is evident from their
+constant custom of appealing from the senate to the people, and
+publishing, in pamphlets, those arguments which they have found
+themselves, in this assembly, unable to support; a practice which
+discovers rather an obstinate resolution to obstruct the government,
+than zeal for the prosperity of their country, and which, to speak of it
+in the softest terms, seems to be suggested more by the desire of
+popularity than the love of truth.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to the effect following:--Sir, notwithstanding the
+confidence with which this motion has been offered and defended,
+notwithstanding the specious appearance of respect to his majesty, by
+which it is recommended, I am not ashamed to declare, that it appears to
+me inconsistent with the trust reposed in us by our constituents, who
+owe their allegiance to the king of Britain, and not to the elector of
+Hanover.
+
+It will be urged, sir, by the people, whom we sit here to represent,
+that they are already embarrassed with debts, contracted in a late war,
+from which, after the expense of many millions, and the destruction of
+prodigious multitudes, they receive no advantage; and that they are now
+loaded with taxes for the support of another, of which they perceive no
+prospect of a very happy or honourable conclusion, of either security or
+profit, either conquests or reprisals; and that they are, therefore, by
+no means willing to see themselves involved in any new confederacy, by
+which they may entail on their posterity the same calamities, and oblige
+themselves to hazard their fortunes and their happiness in defence of
+distant countries, of which many of them have scarcely heard, and from
+which no return of assistance is expected.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE spoke again, to this purpose:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to refute every calumny that malice may invent, or credulity
+admit, or to answer those of whom it may reasonably be conceived that
+they do not credit their own accusations, I will yet rise, once more, in
+vindication of the treaty of Hanover, to show with how little reason it
+is censured, to repress the levity of insult, and the pride of
+unreasonable triumph.
+
+The treaty of Hanover, sir, how long soever it has been ridiculed, and
+with whatever contempt those by whom it was negotiated have been
+treated, was wise and just. It was just, because no injury was intended
+to any power, no invasion was planned, no partition of dominions
+stipulated, nothing but our own security desired. It was wise, because
+it produced the end proposed by it, and established that security which
+the Austrians and Spaniards were endeavouring to destroy.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sir, had then entered into a secret treaty of
+alliance with Spain, by which nothing less was designed than the total
+destruction of our liberties, the diminution of our commerce, the
+alienation of our dominions, and the subversion of our constitution. We
+were to have been expelled from Gibraltar, and totally excluded from the
+Mediterranean, the pretender was to have been exalted to the throne, and
+a new religion, with the slavery that always accompanies it, to have
+been introduced amongst us, and Ostend was to have been made a port, and
+to have shared the poor remains of our commerce to foreign nations.
+
+This unjust, this malicious confederacy, was then opposed with the
+utmost vehemence by the imperial general, whose courage and military
+capacity are celebrated throughout the world, and whose political
+abilities and knowledge of the affairs of Europe, were equal to his
+knowledge of war. He urged, with great force, that such a confederacy
+would disunite the empire for ever from the maritime powers, by which it
+had been supported, and which were engaged by one common interest in the
+promotion of its prosperity: but his remonstrances availed nothing, and
+the alliance was concluded.
+
+When our ancient allies, who had been so often succoured with our
+treasure, and defended by our arms, had entered into such engagements;
+when it was stipulated not only to impoverish but enslave us; not only
+to weaken us abroad, but to deprive us of every domestick comfort; when
+a scheme was formed that would have spread misery over the whole nation,
+and have extended its consequences to the lowest orders of the
+community, it was surely necessary to frustrate it by some alliance, and
+with whom could we then unite, but with France?
+
+This is not the only fact on which gentlemen have ventured to speak with
+great freedom without sufficient information; the conduct of our allies
+in the late war has been no less misrepresented than that of our
+ministers in their negotiations. They have been charged with imposing
+upon us the whole expense of the confederacy, when it may be proved,
+beyond controversy, that the annual charge of the Dutch was five
+millions.
+
+Nor did they, sir, only contribute annually thus largely to the common
+cause, but when we forsook the alliance, and shamefully abandoned the
+advantages we had gained, they received our mercenaries into their own
+pay, and expended nine millions in a single year.
+
+Of the truth of these assertions it is easy to produce incontestable
+evidence, which, however, cannot be necessary to any man who reflects,
+that from one of the most wealthy nations in the world, the Dutch, with
+all their commerce, and all their parsimony, are reduced to penury and
+distress; for who can tell by what means they have sunk into their
+present low condition, if they suffered nothing by the late war?
+
+How this gentleman, sir, has been deceived, and to whose insinuations
+his errours are to be imputed, I am at no loss to discover. I hope he
+will, by this confutation, be warned against implicit credulity, and
+remember with what caution that man is to be trusted, whose pernicious
+counsels have endangered his country.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke thus:--Sir, it is, in my opinion, an incontestable
+maxim, that no measures are eligible, which are unjust; and that,
+therefore, before any resolutions are formed, we ought to examine not
+what motives may be suggested by expedience, but what arguments may be
+advanced by equity on one part or the other.
+
+If I do not mistake the true intent of the address now proposed, we are
+invited to declare that we will oppose the king of Prussia in his
+attempts upon Silesia, a declaration in which I know not how any man can
+concur, who knows not the nature of his claim, and the laws of the
+empire. It ought, therefore, sir, to have been the first endeavour of
+those by whom this address has been so zealously promoted, to show that
+his claim, so publickly explained, so firmly urged, and so strongly
+supported, is without foundation in justice or in reason, and is only
+one of those imaginary titles, which ambition may always find to the
+dominions of another.
+
+But no attempt has been yet made towards the discussion of this
+important question, and, therefore, I know not how any man can call upon
+us to oppose the king of Prussia, when his claim may probably be just,
+and, by consequence, such as, if it were necessary for us to engage in
+the affairs of those distant countries, we ought to join with him in
+asserting.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as no member of
+this assembly can feel a greater degree of zeal for his majesty's honour
+than myself; none shall more readily concur in any expression of duty or
+adherence to him.
+
+But I have been always taught that allegiance to my prince is consistent
+with fidelity to my country, that the interest of the king and the
+people of great Britain is the same; and that he only is a true subject
+of the crown, who is a steady promoter of the happiness of the nation:
+
+For this reason I think it necessary to declare, that Hanover is always
+to be considered as a sovereignty separate from that of Britain, and as
+a country with laws and interests distinct from ours; and that it is the
+duty of the representatives of this nation, to take care that interests
+so different may never be confounded, and that Britain may incur no
+expense of which Hanover alone can enjoy the advantage.
+
+If the elector of Hanover should be engaged in war with any of the
+neighbouring sovereigns, who should be enabled, by a victory, to enter
+into the country, and carry the terrours of war through all his
+territories, it would by no means be necessary for this nation to
+interpose; for the elector of Hanover might lose his dominions without
+any disadvantage or dishonour to the king or people of Britain.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+
+DEBATE ON A MOTION FOR SUPPORTING THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
+
+
+His majesty went this day to the house of lords, and after his assent to
+several bills, he, in a speech from the throne to both houses of the
+senate, acquainted them, that the war raised against the queen of
+Hungary, and the various claims on the late German emperour's
+succession, might expose the dominions of such princes as should incline
+to support the Pragmatick sanction to imminent danger. That the queen of
+Hungary required the twelve thousand men stipulated by treaty, and
+thereupon he had demanded of the king of Denmark, and of the king of
+Sweden, as sovereign of Hesse Cassel, their respective bodies of troops,
+of six thousand men each, to be in readiness to march to her assistance.
+That he was concerting such farther measures as may disappoint all
+dangerous designs forming to the prejudice of the house of Austria,
+which might make it necessary for him to enter into still larger
+expenses for maintaining the Pragmatick sanction. He, therefore, in a
+conjuncture so critical, desired the concurrence of his senate, in
+enabling him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the liberties
+and balance of power in Europe.
+
+The house of commons, in their address upon this occasion, expressed a
+dutiful sense of his majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen
+of Hungary, and for the maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; they
+declared their concurrence in the prudent measures which his majesty was
+pursuing for the preservation of the liberties and balance of power in
+Europe; they assured his majesty, that, in justice to, and vindication
+of the honour and dignity of the British crown, they would effectually
+stand by and support his majesty against all insults and attacks, which
+any power, in resentment of the just measures which he had so wisely
+taken, should make upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not
+belonging to the crown of Great Britain. They farther assured his
+majesty, that in any future events which might make it necessary for him
+to enter into still larger expenses, they would enable him to
+contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the designs
+he proposed.
+
+His majesty, in his answer to this address, observed their readiness in
+enabling him to make good his engagements with the queen of Hungary, and
+the assurances given him not to suffer his foreign dominions to be
+insulted on account of the measures he was pursuing for the support of
+the Pragmatick sanction, etc.
+
+In consequence of this procedure, the house, pursuant to order, resolved
+itself into a committee, to consider of the supplies granted to his
+majesty.
+
+Upon this occasion, a motion was made by sir Robert WALPOLE for a grant
+of three hundred thousand pounds, for the support of the queen of
+Hungary, on which arose the following debate:
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE supported his motion by a speech, in substance as
+follows:--Sir, the necessity of this grant appears so plainly from the
+bare mention of the purposes for which it is asked, that I can scarcely
+conceive that its reasonableness will be disputed. I can discover no
+principles upon which an objection to this motion can be founded, nor
+the least arguments by which such objection can be supported.
+
+The indispensable obligations of publick faith, the great ties by which
+nations are united, and confederacies formed, I cannot suppose any man
+inclined to invalidate. An exact performance of national promises, and
+inviolable adherence to treaties, is enforced at once by policy and
+justice, and all laws both of heaven and earth.
+
+Publick perfidy, sir, like private dishonesty, whatever temporary
+advantages it may promise or produce, is always, upon the whole, the
+parent of misery. Every man, however prosperous, must sometimes wish for
+a friend; and every nation, however potent, stand in need of an ally;
+but all alliances subsist upon mutual confidence, and confidence can be
+produced only by unlimited integrity, by known firmness, and approved
+veracity.
+
+The use of alliances, sir, has, in the last age, been too much
+experienced to be contested; it is by leagues well concerted, and
+strictly observed, that the weak are defended against the strong, that
+bounds are set to the turbulence of ambition, that the torrent of power
+is restrained, and empires preserved from those inundations of war,
+that, in former times, laid the world in ruins. By alliances, sir, the
+equipoise of power is maintained, and those alarms and apprehensions
+avoided, which must arise from daily vicissitudes of empire, and the
+fluctuations of perpetual contest.
+
+That it is the interest of this nation to cultivate the friendship of
+the house of Austria, to protect its rights, and secure its succession,
+to inform it when mistaken, and to assist it when attacked, is allowed
+by every party. Every man, sir, knows that the only power that can
+sensibly injure us, by obstructing our commerce, or invading our
+dominions, is France, against which no confederacy can be formed, except
+with the house of Austria, that can afford us any efficacious support.
+
+The firmest bond of alliances is mutual interest. Men easily unite
+against him whom they have all equal reason to fear and to hate; by whom
+they have been equally injured, and by whom they suspect that no
+opportunity will be lost of renewing his encroachments. Such is the
+state of this nation, and of the Austrians. We are equally endangered by
+the French greatness, and equally animated against it by hereditary
+animosities, and contests continued from one age to another; we are
+convinced that, however either may be flattered or caressed, while the
+other is invaded, every blow is aimed at both, and that we are divided
+only that we may be more easily destroyed.
+
+For this reason we engaged in the support of the Pragmatick sanction,
+and stipulated to secure the imperial crown to the daughters of Austria;
+which was nothing more than to promise, that we would endeavour to
+prevent our own destruction, by opposing the exaltation of a prince who
+should owe his dignity to the French, and, in consequence of so close an
+alliance, second all their schemes, admit all their claims, and
+sacrifice to their ambition the happiness of a great part of mankind.
+
+Such would probably be the consequence, if the French should gain the
+power of conferring the imperial crown. They would hold the emperour in
+perpetual dependence, would, perhaps, take possession of his hereditary
+dominions, as a mortgage for their expenses; would awe him with the
+troops which they sent under a pretence of assisting him, and leave him
+only the titles of dominion, and the shadows of empire.
+
+In this state would he remain, whilst his formidable allies were
+extending their dominions on every side. He would see one power subdued
+after another, and himself weakened by degrees, and only not deprived of
+his throne, because it would be unnecessary to dethrone him; or he would
+be obliged to solicit our assistance to break from his slavery, and we
+should be obliged, at the utmost hazard, and at an expense not to be
+calculated, to remedy what it is, perhaps, now in our power to prevent
+with very little difficulty.
+
+That this danger is too near to be merely chimerical, that the queen of
+Hungary is invaded, and her right to the imperial dignity contested, is
+well known; it is, therefore, the time for fulfilling our engagements;
+engagements of the utmost importance to ourselves and our posterity; and
+I hope the government will not be accused of profusion, if, for three
+hundred thousand pounds, the liberties of Europe shall be preserved.
+
+We cannot deny this grant without acting in opposition to our late
+professions of supporting his majesty in his endeavours to maintain the
+Pragmatick sanction, and of assisting him to defend his foreign
+dominions from any injuries to which those endeavours should expose
+them; for how can he without forces defend his dominions, or assist his
+ally? or how can he maintain forces without supplies?
+
+Mr. SHIPPEN next rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, as I have always
+endeavoured to act upon conviction of my duty, to examine opinions
+before I admit them, and to speak what I have thought the truth, I do
+not easily change my conduct, or retract my assertions; nor am I
+deterred from repeating my arguments when I have a right to speak, by
+the remembrance that they have formerly been unsuccessful.
+
+Every man, when he is confident himself, conceives himself able to
+persuade others, and imagines that their obstinacy proceeds from other
+motives than reason; and that, if he fails at one time to gain over his
+audience, he may yet succeed in some happier moment, when their
+prejudices shall be dissipated, or their interest varied.
+
+For this reason, though it cannot be suspected that I have forgotten the
+resentment which I have formerly drawn upon myself, by an open
+declaration of my sentiments with regard to Hanover, I stand up again,
+with equal confidence, to make my protestations against any
+interposition in the affairs of that country, and to avow my dislike of
+the promise lately made to defend it: a promise, inconsistent, in my
+opinion, with that important and inviolable law, the _act of
+settlement!_--a promise, which, if it could have been foreknown, would,
+perhaps, have for ever precluded from the succession that illustrious
+family, to which we owe such numberless blessings, such continued
+felicity!
+
+Far be it from me to insinuate that we can be too grateful to his
+majesty, or too zealous in our adherence to him; only let us remember,
+that true gratitude consists in real benefits, in promoting the true
+interest of him to whom we are indebted; and surely, by hazarding the
+welfare of Britain in defence of Hanover, we shall very little consult
+the advantage, or promote the greatness of our sovereign.
+
+It is well known how inconsiderable, in the sight of those by whom the
+succession was established, Hanover appeared, in comparison with
+Britain. Those men, to whom even their enemies have seldom denied praise
+for knowledge and capacity, and who have been so loudly celebrated by
+many, who have joined in the last address, for their honest zeal, and
+the love of their country, enacted, that the king of Britain should
+never visit those important territories, which we have so solemnly
+promised to defend, at the hazard of our happiness. It was evidently
+their design that our sovereign, engrossed by the care of his new
+subjects, a care which, as they reasonably imagined, would arise from
+gratitude for dignity and power so liberally conferred, should in time
+forget that corner of the earth on which his ancestors had resided, and
+act, not as elector of Hanover, but as king of Britain, as the governour
+of a mighty nation, and the lord of large dominions.
+
+It was expressly determined, that, this nation should never be involved
+in war for the defence of the dominions on the continent, and,
+doubtless, the same policy that has restrained us from extending our
+conquests in countries from which some advantages might be received,
+ought to forbid all expensive and hazardous measures, for the sake of
+territories from whence no benefit can be reaped.
+
+Nor are the purposes, sir, for which this supply is demanded, the only
+objections that may be urged against it, for the manner in which it is
+asked, makes it necessary at least to delay it. The ministers have been
+so little accustomed to refusals that they have forgot when to ask with
+decency, and expect the treasure of the nation to be poured upon them,
+whenever they shall think it proper to hint that they have discovered
+some new opportunity of expense.
+
+It is necessary, that when a supply is desired, the house should be
+informed, some time before, of the sum that is required, and of the ends
+to which it is to be applied, that every member may consider, at
+leisure, the expediency of the measures proposed, and the proportion of
+the sum to the occasion on which it is demanded; that he may examine
+what are the most proper methods of raising it, and, perhaps, inquire
+with what willingness his constituents will advance it.
+
+Whether any man is enabled by his acuteness and experience, to determine
+all these questions upon momentaneous reflection, I cannot decide. For
+my part, I confess myself one of those on whom nature has bestowed no
+such faculties, and therefore move that the consideration of this supply
+may be deferred for a few days; for if it be now pressed upon us, I
+shall vote against it, because I do not yet fully discover all the
+reasons for it, nor all the consequences which it may produce, and I
+think myself obliged to know for what purpose I give away the money
+which is not my own.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke as follows:--Sir, whatever may be the necessity of
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction, or whatever the obligations of
+national pacts, of which I hope no man is desirous of countenancing the
+neglect, yet they cannot oblige us to arm without an enemy, to embarrass
+ourselves with watching every possibility of danger, to garrison
+dominions which are not threatened, or assert rights which are not
+invaded.
+
+The expediency of maintaining the house of Austria on the imperial
+throne, it is not at present necessary to assert, because it does not
+appear that any other family is aspiring to it. There may, indeed, be
+whispers of secret designs and artful machinations, whispers, perhaps,
+spread only to affright the court into treaties, or the senate into
+grants; or designs, which, like a thousand others that every day
+produces, innumerable accidents may defeat; which may be discovered, not
+only before they are executed, but before they are fully formed, and
+which, therefore, are not worthy to engross much of our attention, or to
+exhaust the wealth of the people.
+
+The Pragmatick sanction is nothing more than a settlement of the
+imperial dignity upon the eldest daughter of the late German emperour
+and her son; and if she has no son, upon the son of the second daughter;
+nor has the crown of Britain, by engaging to support that sanction,
+promised any thing more than to preserve this order of succession, which
+no power, at present, is endeavouring to interrupt; and which,
+therefore, at present, requires no defence.
+
+The dispute, sir, between the king of Prussia and the queen of Hungary,
+is of a different kind; nor is it our duty to engage in it, either as
+parties or judges. He lays claim to certain territories usurped, as he
+alleges, from his ancestors by the Austrian family, and asserts, by
+force, this claim, which is equally valid, whether the queen be emperess
+or not. We have no right to limit his dominions, or obligation to
+examine the justice of his demands. If he is only endeavouring to gain
+what has been forcibly withheld from him, what right have we to obstruct
+his undertaking? And if the queen can show a better title, she is, like
+all other sovereigns, at liberty to maintain it; nor are we necessarily
+to erect ourselves into judges between sovereigns, or distributors of
+dominions.
+
+The contest seems to have very little relation to the Pragmatick
+sanction: if the king of Prussia succeeds, he will contribute to support
+it; and if the queen is able to frustrate his designs, she will be too
+powerful to need our assistance.
+
+But though, sir, the Pragmatick sanction were in danger of violation,
+are we to stand up alone in defence of it, while other nations, equally
+engaged with ourselves by interest and by treaties, sit still to look
+upon the contest, and gather those advantages of peace which we
+indiscreetly throw away? Are we able to maintain it without assistance,
+or are we to exhaust our country, and ruin our posterity in prosecution
+of a hopeless project, to spend what can never be repaid, and to fight
+with certainty of a defeat?
+
+The Dutch, whose engagements and whose interests are the same as our
+own, have not yet made any addition to their expenses, nor augmentation
+of their troops; nor does a single potentate of Europe, however united
+by long alliances to the house of Austria, or however endangered by
+revolutions in the empire, appear to rouse at the approach of alarm, or
+think himself obliged to provoke enemies by whom he is not yet injured.
+
+I cannot, therefore, persuade myself that we are to stand up single in
+the defence of the Pragmatick sanction, to fight the quarrel of others,
+or live in perpetual war, that our neighbours may be at peace.
+
+I shall always think it my duty to disburse the publick money with the
+utmost parsimony, nor ever intend, but on the most pressing necessity,
+to load with new exactions a nation already overwhelmed with debts,
+harassed with taxes, and plundered by a standing army.
+
+For what purpose these numerous forces are maintained, who are now
+preying on the publick; why we increase our armies by land when we only
+fight by sea; why we aggravate the burden of the war, and add domestick
+oppressions to foreign injuries, I am at a loss to determine. Surely
+some regard should be had to the satisfaction of the people, who ought
+not, during the present scarcity of provisions, to be starved by the
+increase of an army, which seems supported only to consume them.
+
+As, therefore, part of our present expense is, in my opinion,
+unnecessary, I shall not contribute to aggravate it by a new grant, for
+purposes of which I cannot discover that they will promote the advantage
+of the publick.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to the following effect:--Sir, the Pragmatick
+sanction, which we are engaged to support, is not confined to the
+preservation of the order of succession, but extends to all the rights
+of the house of Austria, which is now attacked, and by a very formidable
+enemy, at a time of weakness and distraction, and therefore requires our
+assistance.
+
+That others, equally obliged by treaty and by interest to lend their
+help on this occasion, sit reluctive, either through cowardice or
+negligence, or some prospect of temporary advantage, may, perhaps, be
+true; but is it any excuse of a crime, that he who commits it is not the
+only criminal? Will the breach of faith in others excuse it in us?
+Ought we not rather to animate them by our activity, instruct them by
+our example, and awaken them by our representations?
+
+Perhaps the other powers say to themselves, and to one another, Why
+should we keep that treaty which Britain is violating? Why should we
+expose ourselves to danger, of which that mighty nation, so celebrated
+for courage, is afraid? Why should we rush into war, in which our most
+powerful ally seems unwilling to support us?
+
+Thus the same argument, an argument evidently false, and made specious
+only by interest, may be used by all, till some one, more bold and
+honest than the rest, shall dare to rise in vindication of those rights
+which all have promised to maintain; and why should not the greatest
+nation be the first that shall avow her solemn engagements? Why should
+not they be most diligent in the prosecution of an affair who have most
+to lose by its miscarriage?
+
+I am always willing to believe, that no member of this assembly makes
+use, in any solemn debate, of arguments which do not appear rational to
+himself, and yet it is difficult to conceive that any man can imagine
+himself released from a promise, because the same promise is broken by
+another, or that he is at liberty to desert his friend in distress,
+because others desert him, whose good offices he has equal reason to
+expect, and that the more his assistance is needed, the more right he
+has to deny it.
+
+Surely such arguments as these deserve not, need not a confutation.
+Before we regulate our conduct by that of others, we must either prove
+that they have done right, which proof will be a sufficient defence
+without the precedent, or own that they are more capable of judging than
+we, and that, therefore, we pay an implicit submission to their dictates
+and example; a sacrifice which we shall not willingly make to the vanity
+of our neighbours.
+
+In the present case it is evident that if other nations neglect the
+performance of their contracts, they are guilty of the breach of publick
+faith; of a crime, that, if it should generally be imitated, would
+dissolve society, and throw human nature into confusion, that would
+change the most happy region into deserts, in which one savage would be
+preying on another.
+
+Nor are they only propagating an example, which in some distant times
+may be pleaded against themselves, but they are exposing themselves to
+more immediate dangers; they are forwarding designs that have no
+tendency but to their ruin, they are adding strength to their inveterate
+enemies, and beckoning invasion to their own frontiers.
+
+Let us, therefore, instead of hardening ourselves in perfidy, or lulling
+ourselves in security by their example, exert all our influence to unite
+them, and all our power to assist them. Let us show them what they ought
+to determine by our resolutions, and teach them to act by our vigour;
+that, if the house of Austria be preserved, our alliance may be
+strengthened by new motives of gratitude; and that, if it must be that
+the liberties of this part of the world be lost, we may not reproach
+ourselves with having neglected to defend them.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next to this purpose:--Sir, it is not to be supposed
+that such members of this assembly as are not engaged in publick
+affairs, should receive very exact intelligence of the dispositions of
+foreign powers, and, therefore, I do not wonder that the conduct of the
+Dutch has been misrepresented, and that they are suspected of neglecting
+their engagements at a time when they are endeavouring to perform them.
+
+The Dutch have now under consideration the most proper methods of
+assisting the queen of Hungary, and maintaining the Pragmatick sanction;
+it may be, indeed, justly suspected, from the nature of their
+constitution, that their motions will be slow, but it cannot be
+asserted, that they break their engagements, or desert their
+confederates.
+
+Nor is there any reason for imagining that the other princes, who have
+incurred the same obligations, will not endeavour to perform their
+promises; it may be easily conceived that some of them are not able at a
+sudden summons to afford great assistance, and that others may wait the
+result of our deliberations, and regulate their conduct by our example.
+
+Not that we ought to neglect our engagements, or endanger our country,
+because other powers are either perfidious, or insensible; for I am not
+afraid to declare, that if that should happen, which there is no reason
+to suspect, if all the other powers should desert the defence of the
+Austrian line, should consent to annul the Pragmatick sanction, and
+leave the queen of Hungary to the mercy of her enemies, I would advise
+that Britain alone should pour her armies into the continent, that she
+should defend her ally against the most formidable confederacy, and show
+mankind an example of constancy not to be shaken, and of faith not to be
+violated.
+
+If it be, therefore, our duty to support the Pragmatick sanction, it is
+now the time for declaring our resolutions, when the imperial crown is
+claimed by a multitude of competitors, among whom the elector of
+Bavaria, a very powerful prince, has, by his minister, notified his
+pretensions to the court of Britain.
+
+The ancient alliance between this prince and the French is well known,
+nor can we doubt that he will now implore their assistance for the
+attainment of the throne to which he aspires; and I need not say what
+may be expected from an emperour, whose elevation was procured by the
+forces of France.
+
+Nor is this the only prince that claims the imperial crown upon
+plausible pretences, or whose claims other powers may combine to
+support; it is well known, that even the Spanish monarch believes
+himself entitled to it, nor can we, who have no communication with him,
+know whether he has not declared to all the other princes of Europe, his
+resolution to assert his claim.
+
+It is far from being impossible that the pretensions of the house of
+Bourbon may be revived, and that though no single prince of that family
+should attempt to mount the imperial throne, they may all conspire to
+dismember the empire into petty kingdoms, and free themselves from the
+dread of a formidable neighbour, by erecting a number of diminutive
+sovereigns, who may be always courting the assistance of their
+protectors, for the sake of harassing each other.
+
+Thus will the house by which Europe has been hitherto protected, sink
+into an empty name, and we shall be left to stand alone against all the
+powers that profess a different religion, and whose interest is opposite
+to that of Britain.
+
+We ought, indeed, to act with the utmost vigour, when we see one of the
+most powerful of the reformed princes so far forgetful of the interest
+of our religion, as to cooperate with the designs of France, and so
+intent upon improving the opportunity of distressing the house of
+Austria, as to neglect the common cause, and expose himself or his
+posterity to the danger of becoming a dependant on the house of Bourbon.
+
+For this reason, I cannot agree that our army, though numerous and
+burdensome, is greater than the necessity of affairs requires: if we
+cast our eyes on the continent, nothing is to be seen but general
+confusion, powerful armies in motion, the dominions of one prince
+invaded, of another threatened; the tumults of ambition in one place,
+and a panick stillness in another.
+
+What will be the event of these commotions who can discover? And how can
+we know what may determine the course of that flood of power, which is
+now in a state of uncertain fluctuation, or seems driven to different
+points by different impulses? How soon may the Dutch see their barrier
+attacked, and call upon us for the ten thousand men which we are obliged
+to send them? How soon may the house of Austria be so distressed, as to
+require all our power for its preservation?
+
+That we are to leave nothing unattempted for the security of our own
+religion and liberty, will easily be granted, and, therefore, unless it
+can be proved that we may be equally secure, though the house of Austria
+be ruined, it will necessarily follow that we are, with all our power,
+to enforce the observation of the Pragmatick sanction.
+
+This is not an act of romantick generosity, but such as the closest
+attention to our own interest shows to be necessary; in defending the
+queen of Hungary we defend ourselves, and only extinguish that flame, by
+which, if it be suffered to spread, we shall ourselves be consumed. The
+empire may be considered as the bulwark of Britain, which, if it be
+thrown down, leaves us naked and defenceless.
+
+Let us, therefore, consider our own danger, and remember, that while we
+are considering this supply, we are deliberating upon nothing less than
+the fate of our country.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, I am on this
+occasion of an opinion different from that of the honourable member who
+spoke the second in this debate, though on most questions our judgment
+has been the same. I am so far from seconding his proposal for delaying
+the consideration of this supply, that I think it may justly be
+inquired, why it was not sooner proposed.
+
+For the support of the house of Austria, and the assertion of the
+Pragmatick sanction, no man can be more zealous than myself; I am
+convinced how closely the interest of this nation and that of the
+Austrian family are united, and how much either must be endangered by
+the ruin of the other, and, therefore, I shall not delay, for a single
+moment, my consent to any measures that may reestablish our interest on
+the continent, and rescue Germany once more from the jaws of France.
+
+I am afraid that we have lost part of our influence in the neighbouring
+countries, and that the name of Britain is less formidable than
+heretofore; but if reputation is lost, it is time to recover it, and I
+doubt not but it may be recovered by the same means that it was at first
+obtained. Our armies may be yet equally destructive, and our money
+equally persuasive.
+
+We have not yet suffered, amidst all our misconduct, our naval force to
+be diminished; our sailors yet retain their ancient courage, and our
+fleets are sufficient to keep the dominion of the ocean, and prescribe
+limits to the commerce of every nation. While this power remains
+unimpaired, while Britain retains her natural superiority, and asserts
+the honour of her flag in every climate, we cannot become despicable,
+nor can any nation ridicule our menaces or scorn our alliance. We may
+still extend our influence to the inland countries, and awe those
+nations which we cannot invade.
+
+To preserve this power let us watch over the disposal of our money;
+money is the source of dominion; those nations may be formidable for
+their affluence which are not considerable for their numbers; and by a
+negligent profusion of their wealth, the most powerful people may
+languish into imbecility, and sink into contempt.
+
+If the grant which is now demanded will be sufficient to produce the
+ends to which it is proposed to be applied, if we are assured of the
+proper application of it, I shall agree to it without hesitation. But
+though it cannot be affirmed that the sum now demanded is too high a
+price for the liberties of Europe, it is at least more than ought to be
+squandered without effect, and we ought at least to know before we grant
+it, what advantages may be expected from it.
+
+May not the sum demanded for the support of the queen of Hungary be
+employed to promote very different interests? May it not be lavished to
+support that power, to which our grants have too long contributed? that
+power by which ourselves have been awed, and the administration has
+tyrannised without control?
+
+If this sum is really intended to support the queen of Hungary, may we
+not inquire how it is to be employed for her service? Is it to be sent
+her for the payment of her armies, and the support of her court? Should
+we not more effectually secure her dominions by purchasing with it the
+friendship and assistance of the king of Prussia, a prince, whose extent
+of dominions and numerous forces, make him not more formidable than his
+personal qualities.
+
+What may be hoped, sir, from a prince of wisdom and courage, at the head
+of a hundred and ten thousand regular troops, with eight millions in his
+treasury? How much he must necessarily add to the strength of any party
+in which he shall engage, is unnecessary to mention; it is evident,
+without proof, that nothing could so much contribute to the
+reestablishment of the house of Austria, as a reconciliation with this
+mighty prince, and that, to bring it to pass, would be the most
+effectual method of serving the unfortunate queen that requires our
+assistance.
+
+Why we should despair, sir, of such a reconciliation I cannot perceive;
+a reconciliation equally conducive to the real interest of both parties.
+It may be proved, with very little difficulty, to the king of Prussia,
+that he is now assisting those with whom interests incompatible and
+religions irreconcilable have set him at variance, whom he can never see
+prosperous but by the diminution of his own greatness, and who will
+always project his ruin while they are enjoying the advantages of his
+victories. We may easily convince him that their power will soon become,
+by his assistance, such as he cannot hope to withstand, and show, from
+the examples of other princes, how dangerous it is to add to the
+strength of an ambitious neighbour. We may show him how much the fate of
+the empire is now in his hands, and how much more glorious and more
+advantageous it will be to preserve it from ruin, than to contribute to
+its destruction.
+
+If by such arguments, sir, this potent monarch can be induced to act
+steadily in defence of the common cause, we may once more stand at the
+head of a protestant confederacy; of a confederacy that may contract the
+views and repress the ambition of the house of Bourbon, and alter their
+schemes of universal monarchy into expedients for the defence of their
+dominions.
+
+But in transacting these affairs, let us not engage in any intricate
+treaties, nor amuse ourselves with displaying our abilities for
+negotiation; negotiation, that fatal art which we have learned as yet
+very imperfectly, and which we have never attempted to practise but to
+our own loss. While we have been entangled in tedious disquisitions, and
+retarded by artful delays, while our commissaries have been debating
+about what was only denied to produce controversies, and inquiring after
+that which has been hid from them only to divert their attention from
+other questions, how many opportunities have been lost, and how often
+might we have secured by war, what was, at a much greater expense, lost
+by treaties.
+
+Treaties, sir, are the artillery of our enemies, to which we have
+nothing to oppose; they are weapons of which we know not the use, and
+which we can only escape by not coming within their reach. I know not by
+what fatality it is, that to treat and to be cheated, are, with regard
+to Britons, words of the same signification; nor do I intend, by this
+observation, to asperse the characters of particular persons, for
+treaties, by whomsoever carried on, have ended always with the same
+success.
+
+It is time, therefore, to know, at length, our weakness and our
+strength, and to resolve no longer to put ourselves voluntarily into the
+power of our enemies: our troops have been always our ablest
+negotiators, and to them it has been, for the most part, necessary at
+last to refer our cause.
+
+Let us, then, always preserve our martial character, and neglect the
+praise of political cunning; a quality which, I believe, we shall never
+attain, and which, if we could obtain, would add nothing to our honour.
+Let it be the practice of the Britons to declare their resolutions
+without reserve, and adhere to them in opposition to danger; let them be
+ambitious of no other elogies than those which may be gained by honesty
+and courage, nor will they then ever find their allies diffident, or
+their enemies contemptuous.
+
+By recovering and asserting this character, we may become once more the
+arbiters of Europe, and be courted by all the protestant powers as their
+protectors: we may once more subdue the ambition of the aspiring French,
+and once more deliver the house of Austria from the incessant pursuit of
+those restless enemies.
+
+The defence of that illustrious family, sir, has always appeared to me,
+since I studied the state of Europe, the unvariable interest of the
+British nation, and our obligations to support it on this particular
+occasion have already been sufficiently explained.
+
+Whence it proceeded, sir, that those who now so zealously espouse the
+Austrian interest, have been so plainly forgetful of it on other
+occasions, I cannot determine. That treaties have been made very little
+to the advantage of that family, and that its enemies have been suffered
+to insult it without opposition, is well known; nor was it long ago that
+it was debated in this house, whether any money should be lent to the
+late emperour.
+
+No publick or private character can be supported, no enemy, sir, can be
+intimidated, nor any friend confirmed in his adherence, but by a steady
+and consistent conduct, by proposing, in all our actions, such ends as
+may be openly avowed, and by pursuing them without regard to temporary
+inconveniencies, or petty obstacles.
+
+Such conduct, sir, I would gladly recommend on the present occasion, on
+which I should be far from advising a faint, an irresolute, or momentary
+assistance, such supplies as declare diffidence in our own strength, or
+a mean inclination to please contrary parties at the same time, to
+perform our engagements with the queen, and continue our friendship with
+France. It is, in my opinion, proper to espouse our ally with the spirit
+of a nation that expects her decisions to be ratified, that holds the
+balance of the world in her hand, and can bestow conquest and empire at
+her pleasure.
+
+Yet, sir, it cannot be denied that many powerful reasons may be brought
+against any new occasions of expense, nor is it without horrour and
+astonishment that any man, conversant in political calculations, can
+consider the enormous profusion of the national treasure. In the late
+dreadful confusion of the world, when the ambition of France had set
+half the nations of the earth on flame, when we sent our armies to the
+continent, and fought the general quarrel of mankind, we paid, during
+the reigns of king William and his great successour, reigns of which
+every summer was distinguished by some important action, but four
+millions yearly.
+
+But our preparations for the present war, in which scarcely a single
+ship of war has been taken, or a single fortress laid in ruins, have
+brought upon the nation an expense of five millions. So much more are we
+now obliged to pay to amuse the weakest, than formerly to subdue the
+most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Frugality, which is always prudent, is, at this time, sir,
+indispensable, when war, dreadful as it is, may be termed the lightest
+of our calamities; when the seasons have disappointed us of bread, and
+an universal scarcity afflicts the nation. Every day brings us accounts
+from different parts of the country, and every account is a new evidence
+of the general calamity, of the want of employment for the poor, and its
+necessary consequence, the want of food.
+
+He that is scarce able to preserve himself, cannot be expected to assist
+others; nor is that money to be granted to foreign powers, which is
+wanted for the support of our fellow-subjects, who are now languishing
+with diseases, which unaccustomed hardships and unwholesome provisions
+have brought upon them, while we are providing against distant dangers,
+and bewailing the distresses of the house of Austria.
+
+Let us not add to the miseries of famine the mortifications of insult
+and neglect; let our countrymen, at least, divide our care with our
+allies, and while we form schemes for succouring the queen of Hungary,
+let us endeavour to alleviate nearer distresses, and prevent or pacify
+domestick discontents.
+
+If there be any man whom the sight of misery cannot move to compassion,
+who can hear the complaints of want without sympathy, and see the
+general calamity of his country without employing one hour on schemes
+for its relief; let not that man dare to boast of integrity, fidelity,
+or honour; let him not presume to recommend the preservation of our
+faith, or adherence to our confederates: that wretch can have no real
+regard to any moral obligation, who has forgotten those first duties
+which nature impresses; nor can he that neglects the happiness of his
+country, recommend any good action for a good reason.
+
+It should be considered, sir, that we can only be useful to our allies,
+and formidable to our enemies, by being unanimous and mutually confident
+of the good intentions of each other, and that nothing but a steady
+attention to the publick welfare, a constant readiness to remove
+grievances, and an apparent unwillingness to impose new burdens, can
+produce that unanimity.
+
+As the cause is, therefore, necessarily to precede the effect, as
+foreign influence is the consequence of happiness at home, let us first
+endeavour to establish that alacrity and security that may animate the
+people to assert their ancient superiority to other nations, and restore
+that plenty which may raise them above any temptation to repine at
+assistance given to our allies.
+
+No man, sir, can very solicitously watch over the welfare of his
+neighbour whose mind is depressed by poverty, or distracted by terrour;
+and when the nation shall see us anxious for the preservation of the
+queen of Hungary, and unconcerned about the wants of our
+fellow-subjects, what can be imagined, but that we have some method of
+exempting ourselves from the common distress, and that we regard not the
+publick misery when we do not feel it?
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied, to the following effect:--Sir, it is always
+proper for every man to lay down some principles upon which he proposes
+to act, whether in publick or private; that he may not be always
+wavering, uncertain, and irresolute; that his adherents may know what
+they are to expect, and his adversaries be able to tell why they are
+opposed.
+
+It is necessary, sir, even for his own sake, that he may not be always
+struggling with himself; that he may know his own determinations, and
+enforce them by the reasons which have prevailed upon him to form them;
+that he may not argue in the same speech to contrary purposes, and weary
+the attention of his hearers with contrasts and antitheses.
+
+When a man admits the necessity of granting a supply, expatiates upon
+the danger that may be produced by retarding it, declares against the
+least delay, however speciously proposed, and enforces the arguments
+which have been already offered to show how much it is our duty and
+interest to allow it; may it not reasonably be imagined, that he intends
+to promote it, and is endeavouring to convince them of that necessity of
+which he seems himself convinced?
+
+But when the same man proceeds to display, with equal eloquence, the
+present calamities of the nation, and tells to how much better purposes
+the sum thus demanded may be applied; when he dwells upon the
+possibility that an impolitick use may be made of the national treasure,
+and hints that it may be asked for one purpose and employed to another,
+what can be collected from his harangue, however elegant, entertaining,
+and pathetick? How can his true opinion be discovered? Or how shall we
+fix such fugitive reasonings, such variable rhetorick?
+
+I am not able, sir, to discern, why truth should be obscured; or why any
+man should take pleasure in heaping together all the arguments that his
+knowledge may supply, or his imagination suggest, against a proposition
+which he cannot deny. Nor can I assign any good purpose that can be
+promoted by perpetual renewals of debate, and by a repetition of
+objections, which have in former conferences, on the same occasion, been
+found of little force.
+
+When the system of affairs is not fully laid open, and the schemes of
+the administration are in part unknown, it is easy to raise objections
+formidable in appearance, which, perhaps, cannot be answered till the
+necessity of secrecy is taken away. When any general calamity has fallen
+upon a nation, it is a very fruitful topick of rhetorick, and may be
+very pathetically exaggerated, upon a thousand occasions to which it has
+no necessary relation.
+
+Such, In my opinion, sir, is the use now made of the present scarcity, a
+misfortune inflicted upon us by the hand of providence alone; not upon
+us only, but upon all the nations on this side of the globe, many of
+which suffer more, but none less than ourselves.
+
+If at such a time it is more burdensome to the nation to raise supplies,
+it must be remembered, that it is in proportion difficult to other
+nations to oppose those measures for which the supplies are granted; and
+that the same sum is of greater efficacy in times of scarcity than of
+plenty.
+
+Our present distress will, I hope, soon be at an end; and, perhaps, a
+few days may produce at least some alteration. It is not without reason,
+that I expect the news of some successful attempts in America, which
+will convince the nation, that the preparations for war have not been
+idle shows, contrived to produce unnecessary expenses.
+
+In the mean time it is necessary that we support that power which may be
+able to assist us against France, the only nation from which any danger
+can threaten us, even though our fleets in America should be
+unsuccessful.
+
+If we defeat the Spaniards, we may assist the house of Austria without
+difficulty, and if we fail in our attempts, their alliance will be more
+necessary. The sum demanded for this important purpose cannot be
+censured as exorbitant, yet will, I hope, be sufficient: if more should
+hereafter appear necessary, I doubt not but it will be granted.
+
+The question passed without opposition.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON CHOOSING A SPEAKER.]
+
+
+The new house of commons being met, the usher came from the house of
+lords, with his majesty's commands for their immediate attendance, when
+they were ordered to choose a speaker; and being returned, Mr. PELHAM
+addressed himself in the following manner to the clerk of the house:
+
+Mr. HARDINGE,
+
+As we are here assembled, in pursuance of the imperial summons, it is
+necessary, in obedience to his majesty's commands, and the established
+custom of this house, that we proceed immediately to the choice of a
+person qualified for the chair.--Gentlemen, it is with no common degree
+of satisfaction, that I observe this assembly so numerous on the first
+day; because whatever is transacted by us, must necessarily be
+considered by the nation with more regard, as it is approved by a
+greater number of their representatives; and because the present affair,
+which relates particularly to this house, must be more satisfactorily
+conducted, as our number is greater; since every man must willingly
+abide by his own choice, and cheerfully submit to that authority, of
+which he has himself concurred to the establishment.
+
+The qualifications required in the person who shall fill the chair, to
+his own reputation, and the advantage of the house, it is not necessary
+minutely to recount; it being obvious to every gentleman who hears me,
+that he must possess such an equality of temper, as may enable him
+always to preserve a steady and impartial attention, neither discomposed
+by the irregularities into which some gentlemen, unacquainted with the
+forms of this assembly, may easily fall, nor disconcerted by the heat
+and turbulence to which, in former parliaments, some of those whose
+experience might have taught them the necessity of decency, have been
+too often hurried by the eagerness of controversy. That he must add to
+his perpetual serenity, such a firmness of mind, as may enable him to
+repress petulance and subdue contumacy, and support the orders of the
+house, in whatever contrariety of counsels, or commotion of debate,
+against all attempts of infraction or deviation. That to give efficacy
+to his interpositions, and procure veneration to his decisions, he must,
+from his general character and personal qualities, derive such dignity
+and authority, as may naturally dispose the minds of others to
+obedience, as may suppress the murmurs of envy, and prevent the
+struggles of competition.
+
+These qualifications were eminently conspicuous in the gentleman who
+filled the chair in the earlier part of my life, and who is now one of
+the ornaments of the other house. Such were his abilities, and such his
+conduct, that it would be presumptuous in any man, however endowed by
+nature, or accomplished by study, to aspire to surpass him; nor can a
+higher encomium be easily conceived, than this house bestowed upon that
+person, who was thought worthy to succeed him.
+
+The office which we have now to confer, is not only arduous with regard
+to the abilities necessary to the execution of it, but extremely
+burdensome and laborious, such as requires continual attendance, and
+incessant application; nor can it be expected that any man would engage
+in it, who is not ready to devote his time and his health to the service
+of the publick, and to struggle with fatigue and restraint for the
+advantage of his country.
+
+Such is the gentleman whom I shall propose to your choice; one whose
+zeal for the present imperial house, and the prosperity of the nation,
+has been always acknowledged, and of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+will be deterred by any difficulties from a province which will afford
+him so frequent opportunities of promoting the common interest of the
+emperour and the people.
+
+What success may be expected from his endeavours, we can only judge from
+his present influence; influence produced only by his private virtues;
+but so extensive in that part of the nation which lies within the reach
+of his beneficence, and the observation of his merit, that it sets him
+not only above the danger, but above the fear of opposition, and secures
+him a seat in this assembly without contest.
+
+Thus deputed by his country to many successive senates, he has acquired
+an unrivalled degree of knowledge in the methods of our proceedings, and
+an eminent dexterity in digesting them with that order and perspicuity
+by which only the transaction of great affairs can be made expeditious,
+and the discussion of difficult questions be disentangled from
+perplexity; qualities which are now made particularly necessary by the
+importance of the subjects to be considered in this senate: so that I
+doubt not but you will unanimously concur with me in desiring that the
+chair may be filled by a person eminently distinguished by his
+knowledge, his integrity, his diligence, and his reputation; and
+therefore I move, without scruple, that the right honourable Arthur
+ONSLOW, esquire, be called to the chair.
+
+Then Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion in this manner:--That I am not
+able to add any thing to the encomium of the right honourable gentleman
+nominated to the president's chair, gives me no concern, because I am
+confident, that in the opinion of this assembly, his name alone includes
+all panegyrick, and that he who recommends Arthur ONSLOW, esquire, will
+never be required to give the reason of his choice. I therefore rise now
+only to continue the common methods of the house, and to second a motion
+which I do not expect that any will oppose.
+
+[Here the whole assembly cried out, with a general acclamation, ONSLOW,
+ONSLOW.]
+
+Mr. ONSLOW then rose up and said:--Though I might allege many reasons
+against this choice, of which the strongest is my inability to discharge
+the trust conferred upon me in a manner suitable to its importance, yet
+I have too high an idea of the wisdom of this assembly, to imagine that
+they form any resolution without just motives; and therefore shall think
+it my duty to comply with their determination, however opposite to my
+own opinion.
+
+Mr. PELHAM and Mr. CLUTTERBUCK then led him to the chair, where, before
+he went up to it, he desired, That the house would consider how little
+he was qualified for the office which they were about to confer upon
+him, and fix their choice upon some other person, who might be capable
+of discharging so important a trust.
+
+The members calling out, The chair, chair, chair, he ascended the step,
+and then addressed himself thus to the house:--Gentlemen, since it is
+your resolution, that I should once more receive the honour of being
+exalted to this important office, for which it is not necessary to
+mention how little I am qualified, since I may hope that those defects
+which have hitherto been excused, will still find the same indulgence;
+my gratitude for a distinction so little deserved, will always incite me
+to consult the honour of the house, and enable me to supply, by duty and
+diligence, what is wanting in my knowledge and capacity.
+
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.]
+
+
+The king came again to the house of lords, and the commons being sent
+for, his majesty approved their choice of a president, and made a speech
+to both houses, in which he represented to them, That their counsel was
+in a particular manner necessary, as they were engaged in a war with
+Spain, as the affairs of all Europe were in confusion, by the
+confederacy of many formidable powers for the destruction of the house
+of Austria; that both houses of the preceding session had come to the
+strongest resolutions in favour of the queen of Hungary, but that the
+other powers who were equally engaged to support her, had not yet acted
+according to their stipulations; that he had endeavoured to assist her
+ever since the death of the emperour Charles, and hoped that a just
+sense of common danger would induce other nations to unite with him; but
+that in this uncertain situation, it was necessary that Britain should
+be in a condition of supporting itself and its allies, as any exigency
+might require. He therefore ordered the estimates for the ensuing year
+to be laid before the commons.--This speech being under the consideration
+of the house of lords, lord MILTON spoke in the following manner:
+
+My lords, though the present perplexity of our affairs, the contrariety
+of opinions produced by it, and the warmth with which each opinion will
+probably be supported, might justly discourage me from proposing any of
+my sentiments to this great assembly, yet I cannot repress my
+inclination to offer a motion, in my opinion, regular and seasonable,
+and which, if it should appear otherwise to your lordships, will, I
+hope, though it should not be received, at least be forgiven, because I
+have never before wearied your patience, or interrupted or retarded your
+consultations.
+
+But I am very far from imagining that by this motion I can give any
+occasion to debate or opposition, because I shall propose no innovation
+in the principles, or alteration of the practice of this assembly, nor
+intend any thing more than to lay before your lordships my opinion of
+the manner in which it may be proper to address his majesty.
+
+To return him our humble thanks for his most gracious speech from the
+throne, and, at the same time, to present unto his majesty our sincere
+and joyful congratulations on his safe and happy return into this
+empire.
+
+To observe with the utmost thankfulness the great concern which his
+majesty has been pleased to express for carrying on the just and
+necessary war against Spain, which we hope, by the divine blessing upon
+his majesty's arms, will be attended with success equal to the justice
+of his cause, and the ardent wishes of his people. That,
+
+His majesty has so truly represented the impending dangers to which
+Europe is exposed, in the present critical conjuncture, as must awaken,
+in every one, an attention suitable to the occasion: and we cannot but
+be fully sensible of the evil consequences arising from the designs and
+enterprises, formed and carrying on for the subversion or reduction of
+the house of Austria, which threaten such apparent mischiefs to the
+common cause.
+
+To acknowledge his imperial goodness in expressing so earnest a desire
+to receive, and so high a regard for, the advice of his parliament: his
+majesty, secure of the loyalty and affections of his people, may rely
+upon that, with the best-grounded confidence; and to assure his majesty,
+that we will not fail to take the important points, which he has been
+pleased to mention to us, into our most serious consideration; and, in
+the most dutiful manner, to offer to his majesty such advice as shall
+appear to us to be most conducive to the honour and true interest of his
+crown and kingdoms. To assure his majesty that we have a due sense, how
+much the present posture of affairs calls upon us for that unanimity,
+vigour, and despatch, which his majesty has so wisely recommended to us;
+and to give his majesty the strongest assurances, that we will
+vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary measures for
+the defence and support of his majesty, the maintenance of the balance
+and liberties of Europe, and the assistance of our allies.
+
+That as duty and affection to his majesty are, in us, fixed and
+unalterable principles, so we feel the impressions of them, at this
+time, so strong and lively in our breasts, that we cannot omit to lay
+hold on this opportunity of approaching his imperial presence, to renew
+the most sincere professions of our constant and inviolable fidelity:
+and to promise his majesty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is
+dear to us, exert ourselves for the defence and preservation of his
+sacred person and government, and the maintenance of the protestant
+succession in his imperial house, on which the continuance of the
+protestant religion, and the liberties of Britain, do, under God,
+depend.
+
+My lords, as this address will not obstruct any future inquiries, by any
+approbation of past measures, either positive or implied, I doubt not
+but your lordships will readily concur in it, and am persuaded, that it
+will confirm his majesty's regard for our councils, and confidence in
+our loyalty.
+
+Lord LOVEL spoke next, to this effect:--My lords, the dangers which have
+been justly represented by his majesty, ought to remind us of the
+importance of unusual circumspection in our conduct, and deter us from
+any innovations, of which we may not foresee the consequences, at a time
+when there may be no opportunity of repairing any miscarriage, or
+correcting any mistake.
+
+There appears, my lords, not to be at this time any particular reason
+for changing the form of our addresses, no privileges of our house have
+been invaded, nor any designs formed against the publick. His majesty
+has evidently not deviated from the practice of the wisest and most
+beloved of our British monarchs; he has, upon this emergence of
+unexpected difficulties, summoned the senate to counsel and assist him;
+and surely it will not be consistent with the wisdom of this house to
+increase the present perplexity of our affairs, by new embarrassments,
+which may be easily imagined likely to arise from an address different
+from those which custom has established.
+
+The prospect which now lies before us, a prospect which presents us only
+with dangers, distraction, invasions, and revolutions, ought to engage
+our attentions, without leaving us at leisure for disputations upon
+ceremonies or forms. It ought to be the care of every lord in this
+house, not how to address, but how to advise his majesty; how to assist
+the councils of the publick, and contribute to such determinations, as
+may avert the calamities that impend over mankind, and stop the wild
+excursions of power and ambition.
+
+We ought to reflect, my lords, that the expectations of all Europe are
+raised by the convocation of this assembly; and that from our
+resolutions, whole nations are waiting for their sentence. And how will
+mankind be disappointed when they shall hear, that instead of declaring
+war upon usurpers, or imposing peace on the disturbers of mankind,
+instead of equipping navies to direct the course of commerce, or raising
+armies to regulate the state of the continent, we met here in a full
+assembly, and disagreed upon the form of an address.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, lay aside, at least for this time, all
+petty debates and minute inquiries, and engage all in the great attempt
+of reestablishing quiet in the world, and settling the limits of the
+kingdoms of Europe.
+
+Then lord CARTERET spoke, in substance as follows:--My lords, there is,
+I find, at least one point upon which it is probable that those will now
+agree whose sentiments have hitherto been, on almost every occasion,
+widely different. The danger of our present situation is generally
+allowed; but the consequences deduced from it are so contrary to each
+other, as give little hopes of that unanimity which times of danger
+particularly require.
+
+It is alleged by the noble lord who spoke last, that since we are now
+involved in difficulties, we ought only to inquire how to extricate
+ourselves, and, therefore, ought not to leave ourselves the right of
+inquiring how we were entangled in them, lest the perplexity of
+different considerations should dissipate our attention, and disable us
+from forming any useful determinations, or exerting any vigorous efforts
+for our deliverance.
+
+But, in my opinion, my lords, the most probable way of removing
+difficulties, is to examine how they were produced, and, by consequence,
+to whom they are to be imputed; for certainly, my lords, it is not to be
+hoped that we shall regain what we have lost, but by measures different
+from those which have reduced us to our present state, and by the
+assistance of other counsellors than those who have sunk us into the
+contempt, and exposed us to the ravages of every nation throughout the
+world.
+
+That this inquiry, my lords, may be free and unobstructed, it is
+necessary to address the throne, after the manner of our ancestors, in
+general terms, without descending to particular facts, which, as we have
+not yet examined them, we can neither censure nor approve.
+
+It has been objected by the noble lord, that foreign nations will be
+disappointed by hearing, that instead of menaces of vengeance, and
+declarations of unalterable adherence to the liberties of Europe, we
+have wasted our time at this important juncture in settling the form of
+an address.
+
+That little time may be wasted on this occasion, I hope your lordships
+will very speedily agree to an address suitable to the dignity of those
+who make it, and to the occasion upon which it is made; for I cannot but
+allow, that the present state of affairs calls upon us for despatch: but
+though business ought, at this time, undoubtedly to be expedited, I hope
+it will not be precipitated; and if it be demanded that the most
+important questions be first determined, I know not any thing of greater
+moment than that before us.
+
+How we shall gratify the expectations of foreign powers, ought not, my
+lords, to be our first or chief consideration; we ought, certainly,
+first to inquire how the people may be set free from those suspicions,
+which a long train of measures, evidently tending to impair their
+privileges, has raised; and how they may be confirmed in their fidelity
+to the government, of which they have for many years found no other
+effects than taxes and exactions, for which they have received neither
+protection abroad, nor encouragement at home.
+
+But, my lords, if it be necessary to consult the inclinations, and
+cultivate the esteem of foreign powers, I believe nothing will raise
+more confidence in our allies, if there be any who are not now ashamed
+of that name, or more intimidate those whose designs it is our interest
+to defeat, than an open testimony of our resolution no longer to approve
+that conduct by which the liberty of half Europe has been endangered;
+and not to lavish praises on those men, who have in twenty years never
+transacted any thing to the real benefit of their country, and of whom
+it is highly probable that they have in the present war stipulated for
+the defeat of all our attempts, and agreed, by some execrable compact,
+to facilitate the exaltation of the house of Bourbon.
+
+Upon what facts I ground accusations so atrocious may justly be inquired
+by your lordships; nor shall I find any difficulty in answering your
+demand. For, if we extend our view over the whole world, and inquire
+into the state of all our affairs, we shall find nothing but defeats,
+miscarriages, and impotence, with their usual consequences, contempt and
+distrust. We shall discover neither any tokens of that fear among our
+enemies, which the power of the nation, and the reputation of our former
+victories, might naturally produce; nor any proofs of that confidence
+among those whom we still continue to term our allies, which the vigour
+with which we have formerly supported our confederacies, give us a right
+to expect. Those whom we once trampled, insult us; and those whom we
+once protected, give us no credit.
+
+How reasonably, my lords, all nations have withdrawn from us their
+reverence and esteem, will appear by a transient examination of our late
+conduct, whether it regarded Europe in general, or influenced only the
+particular affairs of the British nation; for it will appear beyond
+possibility of doubt, that whoever has trusted the administration,
+whether their own country, or any foreign powers, has trusted only to be
+betrayed.
+
+There is among our allies none whom we are more obliged to support than
+the queen of Hungary, whose rights we are engaged, by all the
+solemnities of treaties, to defend, and in whose cause every motive
+operates that can warm the bosom of a man of virtue. Justice and
+compassion plead equally on her side, and we are called upon to assist
+her by our own interest, as well as the general duty of society, by
+which every man is required to prevent oppression.
+
+What has been the effect of all these considerations may easily be
+discovered from the present state of the continent, which is ravaged
+without mercy by the armies of Spain and France. Why all succours have
+been denied the queen of Hungary, and why the inveterate and hereditary
+enemies of our nation, are suffered to enlarge their dominions without
+resistance; why the rivals of our trade are left at full liberty to
+equip their squadrons, and the persecutors of our religion suffered to
+overrun those countries from whence only we can hope for assistance,
+when the hatred which the difference of opinions produces, shall
+threaten us with invasions and slavery, the whole world has long asked
+to no purpose, and, therefore, it is without prospect of receiving
+satisfaction that I engage in the same inquiry.
+
+Yet, since it is our duty to judge of the state of the publick, and a
+true judgment can be the result only of accurate examination, I shall
+proceed, without being discouraged by the ill success of former
+attempts, to discover the motives of our late measures, and the ends
+intended to be produced by them.
+
+Why the queen of Hungary was not assisted with land-forces, I shall, at
+present, forbear to ask; that she expected them is, indeed, evident from
+her solicitations; and, I suppose, it is no less apparent from treaties,
+that she had a right to expect them; nor am I able to conceive, why
+subsidies have been paid for troops which are never to be employed, or
+why foreign princes should be enriched with the plunder of a nation
+which they cannot injure, and do not defend.
+
+But I know, my lords, how easily it may be replied, that the expenses of
+a land war are certain, and the event hazardous, and that it is always
+prudent to act with evident advantage on our side, and that the
+superiority of Britain consists wholly in naval armaments.
+
+That the fleets of Britain are equal in force and number of ships to the
+united navies of the greatest part of the world; that our admirals are
+men of known bravery, and long experience, and, therefore, formidable
+not only for their real abilities and natural courage, but for the
+confidence which their presence necessarily excites in their followers,
+and the terrour which must always accompany success, and enervate those
+who are accustomed to defeats; that our sailors are a race of men
+distinguished by their ardour for war, and their intrepidity in danger,
+from the rest of the human species; that they seem beings superiour to
+fear, and delighted with those objects which cannot be named without
+filling every other breast with horrour; that they are capable of
+rushing upon apparent destruction without reluctance, and of standing
+without concern amidst the complicated terrours of a naval war, is
+universally known, and confessed, my lords, even by those whose interest
+it is to doubt or deny it.
+
+Upon the ocean, therefore, we are allowed to be irresistible; to be able
+to shut up the ports of the continent, imprison the nations of Europe
+within the limits of their own territories, deprive them of all foreign
+assistance, and put a stop to the commerce of the world. It is allowed
+that we are placed the sentinels at the barriers of nature, and the
+arbiters of the intercourse of mankind.
+
+These are appellations, my lords, which, however splendid and
+ostentatious, our ancestors obtained and preserved with less advantages
+than we possess, by whom I am afraid they are about to be forfeited. The
+dominion of the ocean was asserted in former times in opposition to
+powers far more able to contest it, than those which we have so long
+submissively courted, and of which we are now evidently afraid.
+
+For that we fear them, my lords, they are sufficiently convinced; and it
+must be confessed, with whatsoever shame, that their opinion is well
+founded; for to what motive but fear can it be imputed, that we have so
+long supported their insolence without resentment, and their ravages
+without reprisals; that we have fitted out fleets without any design of
+dismissing them from our harbours, or sent them to the sea only to be
+gazed at from the shores, by those whose menaces or artifice had given
+occasion to their equipment, and in whom they raised no other emotions
+than contempt of our cowardice, or pity of our folly?
+
+To what, my lords, can it be attributed, that the queen of Hungary has
+yet received no assistance from allies thus powerful; from allies whose
+fleets cover the sea, whose commerce extends to the remotest part of the
+world, and whose wealth may be justly expected to be proportionate to
+their commerce. To what can we ascribe the confidence with which the
+house of Bourbon threatens the ruin of a princess, who numbers among her
+allies the emperour of Britain?
+
+Nothing is more evident, my lords, than that the queen of Hungary has
+been disappointed of the advantages which she expected from her
+friendship with this nation, only by a degree of cowardice too
+despicable to be mentioned without such terms, as the importance of this
+debate, and the dignity of this assembly, do not admit; nor is it less
+certain, from the conduct of her enemies, that they knew what would be
+our measures, and confided for security in that cowardice which has
+never yet deceived them.
+
+It cannot, my lords, be asserted, that our ally, however distressed, has
+yet received the least assistance from our arms; neither the justice of
+our cause has yet been able to awaken our virtue, nor the inseparable
+union of her interest with our own, to excite our vigilance.
+
+But, perhaps, my lords, we have had no opportunity of exerting our
+force; perhaps the situation both of our enemies and ally was such, that
+neither the one could be protected, nor the other opposed, by a naval
+power; and, therefore, our inactivity was the effect not of want of
+courage, but want of opportunity.
+
+Though our ministers, my lords, have hitherto given no eminent proofs of
+geographical knowledge, or of very accurate acquaintance with the state
+of foreign countries, yet there is reason to believe that they must at
+some time have heard or read, that the house of Austria had territories
+in Italy; they must have been informed, unless their disbursements for
+secret service are bestowed with very little judgment, that against
+these dominions an army has been raised by the Spaniards; and they must
+have discovered, partly by the information of their correspondents,
+partly by the inspection of a map, and partly by the sagacity which
+distinguishes them from all past and present ministers, that this army
+was to be transported by sea from the coast of Spain to that of Italy.
+
+This knowledge, my lords, however attained, might have furnished minds,
+which have always been found so fruitful of expedients, with a method of
+hindering the descent of the Spanish troops, for which nothing more was
+necessary than that they should have ordered admiral Haddock, instead of
+retiring before the Spanish fleet of war, and watching them only that
+they might escape, to lie still before Barcelona, where the transports
+were stationed, with a convoy of only three men of war, and hinder their
+departure.
+
+I hope it will be observed by your lordships, that though the road of
+Barcelona is open and indefensible, though the fleet was unprotected by
+ships of force, and though they lay, as I am informed, beyond the reach
+of the guns on the fortifications upon the shore, I do not require that
+Haddock should have destroyed the army and the ships.
+
+I am too well acquainted, my lords, with the lenity of our ministers to
+the enemies of their country, and am too well convinced of the prudence
+and tenderness of the restrictions by which the power of our admirals is
+limited, to expect that our guns should be ever used but in salutations
+of respect, or exultations on the conclusion of a peace. I am convinced,
+that our ministers would shudder at the name of bloodshed and
+destruction, and that they had rather hear that a thousand merchants
+were made bankrupts by privateers, or all our allies deprived of their
+dominions, than that one Spanish ship was sunk or burnt by the navies of
+Britain.
+
+But, my lords, though they are willing to spare the blood of their
+enemies, yet surely they might have obstructed their enterprises; they
+might have withheld those whom they were unwilling to strike, and have
+endeavoured to fright those whom they determined never to hurt.
+
+To speak in terms more adapted to the subject before us: that the fleet
+of Spain, a fleet of transports with such a convoy, should lie three
+weeks in an open road, professedly fitted out against an ally united to
+us by every tie of nature, and of policy, by the solemnity of treaties,
+and conformity of interest; that it should lie undisturbed almost within
+sight of a British navy; that it should lie there not only without
+danger, but without apprehension of danger, has raised the astonishment
+of every nation in Europe, has blasted the reputation of our arms,
+impaired the influence of our counsels, and weakened the credit of our
+publick faith.
+
+There may be some, my lords, that will impute this absurdity of our
+conduct, this disregard of our interest, this desertion of our
+alliances, and this neglect of the most apparent opportunities of
+success, not to cowardice, but treachery; a cause more detestable, as
+more atrociously criminal.
+
+This opinion, my lords, I think it not necessary to oppose, both because
+it cannot be charged with improbability, and because I think it may be
+easily reconciled with my own assertions; for cowardice abroad produces
+treachery at home, and they become traitors to their country who are
+hindered by cowardice from the prosecution of her interest, and the
+opposition of her enemies.
+
+It may however be proper to declare, my lords, that I do not impute this
+fatal cowardice to those who are intrusted with the command of our
+navies, but to those from whom they are obliged to receive their
+instructions, and upon whom they unhappily depend for the advancement of
+their fortunes.
+
+It is at least reasonable to impute miscarriages rather to those, who
+are known to have given, formerly, such orders as a brave admiral
+perished under the ignominious necessity of observing, than to those of
+whom it cannot be said that any former part of their lives has been
+stained with the reproach of cowardice; at least it is necessary to
+suspend our judgment, till the truth shall be made apparent by a rigid
+inquiry; and it is, therefore, proper to offer an address in general
+terms, by which neither the actions or counsels of any man shall be
+condemned nor approved.
+
+It would be more unreasonable to charge our soldiers or our sailors with
+cowardice, because they have shown, even in those actions which have
+failed of success, that they miscarried rather through temerity than
+fear; and that whenever they are suffered to attack their enemies, they
+are ready to march forward even where there is no possibility of
+returning, and that they are only to be withheld from conquest by
+obstacles which human prowess cannot surmount.
+
+Such, my lords, was the state of those heroes who died under the walls
+of Carthagena; that died in an enterprise so ill concerted, that I
+ventured, with no great skill in war, and without the least pretence to
+prescience, to foretell in this house that it would miscarry.
+
+That it would, that it must miscarry; that it was even intended only to
+amuse the nation with the appearance of an expedition, without any
+design of weakening our enemies, was easily discovered; for why else, my
+lords, was the army composed of men newly drawn from the shop, and from
+the plough, unacquainted with the use of arms, and ignorant of the very
+terms of military discipline, when we had among us large bodies of
+troops long kept up under the appearance of a regular establishment;
+troops of whom we have long felt the expense, but of which the time is
+not, it seems, yet come, that we are to know the use.
+
+These men, my lords, who have so long practised the motions of battle,
+and who have given in the park so many proofs of their dexterity and
+activity, who have at least learned to distinguish the different sounds
+of the drum, and know the faces and voices of the subaltern officers, at
+least, might have been imagined better qualified for an attempt upon a
+foreign kingdom, than those who were necessarily strangers to every part
+of the military operations, and might have been sent upon our first
+declaration of war, while the new-raised forces acquired at home the
+same arts under the same inspection.
+
+But, my lords, whether it was imagined that new forces would be long
+before they learned the implicit obedience necessary to a soldier;
+whether it was imagined that it would not be easy on a sudden to collect
+troops of men so tall and well proportioned, or so well skilled in the
+martial arts of curling and powdering their hair; or whether it would
+have been dangerous to have deprived the other house of the counsels and
+votes of many worthy members, who had at the same time a seat in the
+senate, and a commission in the army, it was thought necessary to send
+out raw forces to attack our enemies, and to keep our disciplined troops
+at home to awe the nation.
+
+Nor did the minister, my lords, think it sufficient to obstruct the
+expedition to America by employing new-raised troops, unless they were
+likewise placed under the command of a man, who, though of undoubted
+courage, was, with respect to the conduct of an army, as ignorant as
+themselves. It was therefore determined, my lords, that all those
+officers who had gained experience in former wars, and purchased
+military knowledge by personal danger, should be disappointed and
+rejected for the sake of advancing a man, who, as he had less skill, was
+less likely to be successful, and was, therefore, more proper to direct
+an expedition proposed only to intimidate the British nation.
+
+That the event was such as might be expected from the means, your
+lordships need not to be informed, nor can it be questioned with what
+intentions these means were contrived.
+
+I am very far, my lords, from charging our ministers with ignorance, or
+upbraiding them with mistakes on this occasion, for their whole conduct
+has been uniform, and all their schemes consistent with each other: nor
+do I doubt their knowledge of the consequence of their measures, so far
+as it was to be foreseen by human prudence.
+
+Whether they have carried on negotiations, or made war; whether they
+have conducted our own affairs, or those of our ally the queen of
+Hungary, they have still discovered the same intention, and promoted it
+by the same means. They have suffered the Spanish fleets to sail first
+for supplies from one port to another, and then from the coasts of Spain
+to those of America. They have permitted the Spaniards, without
+opposition, to land in Italy, when it was not necessary even to withhold
+them from it by any actual violence; for had the fleet, my lords, been
+under my command, I would have only sent the Spanish admiral a
+prohibition to sail, and am sure it would have been observed.
+
+They have neglected to purchase the friendship of the king of Prussia,
+which might, perhaps, have been obtained upon easy terms, but which they
+ought to have gained at whatever rate; and, to conclude, we have been
+lately informed that the neutrality is signed.
+
+Such, my lords, is the conduct of the ministry, by which it cannot be
+denied that we are involved in many difficulties, and exposed to great
+contempt; but from this contempt we may recover, and disentangle
+ourselves from these difficulties, by a vigorous prosecution of measures
+opposite to those by which we have been reduced to our present state.
+
+If we consider, without that confusion which fear naturally produces,
+the circumstances of our affairs, it will appear that we have
+opportunities in our hands of recovering our losses, and reestablishing
+our reputation; those losses which have been suffered while we had two
+hundred ships of war at sea, which have permitted three hundred
+merchant-ships to be taken; and that reputation which has been destroyed
+when there was no temptation either to a compliance with our enemies, or
+to a desertion of our friends.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that we make war at present rather with the
+queen than the people of Spain; and it is reasonable to conclude, that a
+war carried on contrary to the general good, and against the general
+opinion, cannot be lasting.
+
+It is certain that the Spaniards, whenever they have been attacked by
+men acquainted with the science of war, and furnished with necessary
+stores for hostile attempts, have discovered either ignorance or
+cowardice, and have either fled meanly, or resisted unskilfully.
+
+It is, therefore, probable, my lords, that either our enemies will
+desist from the prosecution of a war, which few of them approve; or that
+we shall, by vigorous descents upon their coasts, and their colonies,
+the interruption of their trade, and the diminution of their forces,
+soon compel them to receive peace upon our own terms.
+
+But these advantages, my lords, are only to be expected from a change of
+conduct, which change can never be produced by a seeming approbation of
+the past measures. I am therefore of opinion, that we ought to address
+the throne in general terms, according to the ancient practice of this
+house.
+
+In considering the address proposed, I cannot but conclude that it is
+too much diffused, and that it would be more forcible if it was more
+concise: to shorten it will be no difficult task, by the omission of all
+the clauses that correspond with particular parts of his majesty's
+speech, which I cannot discover the necessity of repeating.
+
+In the congratulation to his majesty upon his return to his once
+glorious dominions, no lord shall concur more readily or more zealously
+than myself; nor shall I even deny to extend my compliments to the
+ministry, when it shall appear that they deserve them; but I am never
+willing to be lavish of praise, because it becomes less valuable by
+being prodigally bestowed; and on occasions so important as this, I can
+never consent to praise before I have examined, because inquiry comes
+too late after approbation.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY rose next, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if the
+dangers that threaten our happiness and our safety be such as they have
+been represented; if ambition has extended her power almost beyond a
+possibility of resistance, and oppression, elated with success, begins
+to design no less than the universal slavery of mankind; if the powers
+of Europe stand aghast at the calamities which hang over them, and
+listen with helpless confusion to that storm which they can neither
+avoid nor resist, how ought our conduct to be influenced by this
+uncommon state of affairs? Ought we not to catch the alarm while it is
+possible to make preparation against the danger? Ought we not to
+improve, with the utmost diligence, the important interval? to unite our
+counsels for the protection of liberty, and exert all our influence
+against the common enemies of society, the unwearied disturbers of the
+tranquillity of mankind?
+
+To what purpose, my lords, are the miseries that the present
+distractions of Europe may bring upon us, so pathetically described, and
+so accurately enumerated, if they are to produce no effect upon our
+counsels? And what effect can be wished from them, but unanimity, with
+that vigour and despatch which are its natural consequences, and that
+success with which steadiness and expedition are generally rewarded?
+
+It might be hoped, my lords, that those who have so clear a view of our
+present embarrassments, and whose sagacity and acuteness expose them to
+a sensibility of future miseries, perhaps more painful than would be
+excited by any present and real calamities, should not be thus tortured
+to no purpose. Every passion, my lords, has its proper object by which
+it may be laudably gratified, and every disposition of mind may be
+directed to useful ends. The true use of that foresight of future
+events, with which some great capacities are so eminently endowed, is
+that of producing caution and suggesting expedients. What advantage, my
+lords, would it be to navigators, that their pilot could, by any
+preternatural power, discover sands or rocks, if he was too negligent or
+too stubborn to turn the vessel out of the danger?
+
+Or how, my lords, to pursue the comparison, would that pilot be treated
+by the crew, who, after having informed them of their approach to a
+shoal or whirlpool, and set before them, with all his rhetorick, the
+horrours of a shipwreck, should, instead of directing them to avoid
+destruction, and assisting their endeavours for their common safety,
+amuse them with the miscarriages of past voyages, and the blunders and
+stupidity of their former pilot?
+
+Whether any parallel can be formed between such ill-timed satire, and
+wild misconduct, and the manner in which your lordships have been
+treated on this occasion, it is not my province to determine. Nor have I
+any other design than to show that the only proper conduct in time of
+real danger, is preparation against it; and that wit and eloquence
+themselves, if employed to any other purpose, lose their excellence,
+because they lose their propriety.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that the address now proposed includes any
+approbation of past measures, and therefore it is needless to inquire,
+on this occasion, whether the conduct of our ministers or admirals
+deserves praise or censure.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that by censuring any part of our late
+conduct, however detrimental to the publick it may at present be
+imagined, any of our losses will be repaired, or any part of our
+reputation retrieved; and, therefore, such proceedings would only retard
+our counsels, and divert our thoughts from more important
+considerations; considerations which his majesty has recommended to us,
+and which cannot be more strongly pressed upon us than by the noble lord
+who opposed the motion; for he most powerfully incites to unanimity and
+attention, who most strongly represents the danger of our situation.
+
+Of the good effects of publick consultations, I need not observe, my
+lords, that they arise from the joint endeavour of many understandings
+cooperating to the same end; from the reasonings and observations of
+many individuals of different studies, inclinations, and experience, all
+directed to the illustration of the same question, which is, therefore,
+so accurately discussed, so variously illustrated, and so amply
+displayed, that a more comprehensive view is obtained of its relations
+and consequences, than can be hoped from the wisdom or knowledge of any
+single man.
+
+But this advantage, my lords, can only be expected from union and
+concurrence; for when the different members of a national council enter
+with different designs, and exert their abilities not so much to promote
+any general purposes, as to obviate the measures, and confute the
+arguments of each other, the publick is deprived of all the benefit that
+might be expected from the collective wisdom of assemblies, whatever may
+be the capacity of those who compose them. The senate thus divided and
+disturbed, will, perhaps, conclude with less prudence than any single
+member, as any man may more easily discover truth without assistance,
+than when others of equal abilities are employed in perplexing his
+inquiries, and interrupting the operations of his mind.
+
+Thus, my lords, it might be safer for a nation, even in time of terrour
+and disorder, to be deprived of the counsels of this house, than to
+confide in the determinations of an assembly not uniform in its views,
+nor connected in its interests; an assembly from which little can be
+hoped by those who observe that it cannot, without a tedious debate,
+prolonged with all the heat of opposition, despatch the first and most
+cursory part of publick business,--an address to his majesty.
+
+It has been for a long time a practice too frequent, to confound past
+with present questions, to perplex every debate by an endless
+multiplication of objects, and to obstruct our determinations by
+substituting one inquiry in the place of another.
+
+The only question, my lords, now before us is, whether the address which
+the noble lord proposed, implies any commendation of past measures, not
+whether those measures deserve to be commended; which is an inquiry not
+at present to be pursued, because we have not now before us the means of
+attaining satisfaction in it, and which ought, therefore, to be delayed
+till it shall be your lordships' pleasure to appoint a day for examining
+the state of the nation, and to demand those letters, instructions, and
+memorials, which are necessary to an accurate and senatorial
+disquisition.
+
+In the mean time, since it is at least as expedient for me to vindicate,
+as for others to accuse those of whose conduct neither they nor I have
+yet any regular cognizance, and I may justly expect from the candour of
+your lordships, that you will be no less willing to hear an apologist
+than a censurer, I will venture to suspend the true question a few
+moments, to justify that conduct which has been so wantonly and so
+contemptuously derided.
+
+That the preservation of the house of Austria, my lords, ought to engage
+the closest attention of the British nation, is freely confessed. It is
+evident that by no other means our commerce, our liberty, or our
+religion can be secured, or the house of Bourbon restrained from
+overwhelming the universe. It is allowed that the queen of Hungary has a
+claim to our assistance by other ties than those of interest; that it
+was promised upon the faith of treaties, and it is demanded by the
+loudest calls of honour, justice and compassion. And did it not appear
+too juvenile and romantick, I might add, that her personal excellencies
+are such as might call armies to her assistance from the remotest
+corners of the earth; that her constancy in the assertion of her rights
+might animate every generous mind with equal firmness; and her
+intrepidity in the midst of danger and distress, when every day brings
+accounts of new encroachments, and every new encroachment discourages
+those from whom she may claim assistance from declaring in her favour,
+might inspire with ardour for her preservation all those in whom virtue
+can excite reverence, or whom calamities unjustly inflicted can touch
+with indignation.
+
+Nor am I afraid to affirm, my lords, that the condition of this
+illustrious princess raised all these emotions in the court of Britain,
+and that the vigour of our proceedings will appear proportioned to our
+ardour for her success. No sooner was the true state of affairs
+incontestably known, than twelve thousand auxiliary troops were hired,
+and commanded to march to her assistance, but her affairs making it more
+eligible for her to employ her own subjects in her defence, and the want
+of money being the only obstacle that hindered her from raising armies
+proportioned to those of her enemies, she required, that instead of
+troops, a supply of money might be sent her, with which his majesty
+willingly complied.
+
+The British ministers in the mean time endeavoured, by the strongest
+arguments and most importunate solicitations, to animate her allies to
+equal vigour, or to procure her assistance from other powers whose
+interest was more remotely affected by her distress: if the effects of
+their endeavours are not yet manifest, it cannot be imputed to the want
+either of sincerity or diligence; and if any other powers should be
+persuaded to arm in the common cause, it ought to be ascribed to the
+influence of the British counsels.
+
+In the prosecution of the war with Spain, it does not appear, my lords,
+that any measures have been neglected, which prudence, or bravery, or
+experience, could be expected to dictate. If we have suffered greater
+losses than we expected, if our enemies have been sometimes favoured by
+the winds, or sometimes have been so happy as to conceal their designs,
+and elude the diligence of our commanders, who is to be censured? or
+what is to be concluded, but that which never was denied, that the
+chance of war is uncertain, that men are inclined to make fallacious
+calculations of the probabilities of future events, and that our enemies
+may sometimes be as artful, as diligent, and as sagacious as ourselves?
+
+It was the general opinion of the British people, my lords, if the
+general opinion may be collected from the clamours and expectations
+which every man has had opportunities of observing, that in declaring
+war upon Spain, we only engaged to chastise the insolence of a nation of
+helpless savages, who might, indeed, rob and murder a defenceless
+trader, but who could only hold up their hands and cry out for mercy, or
+sculk in secret creeks and unfrequented coasts, when ships of war should
+be fitted out against them. They imagined that the fortifications of the
+Spanish citadels would be abandoned at the first sound of cannon, and
+that their armies would turn their backs at the sight of the standard of
+Britain.
+
+It was not remembered, my lords, that the greatest part of our trade was
+carried on in sight of the Spanish coasts, and that our merchants must
+be consequently exposed to incessant molestation from light vessels,
+which our ships of war could not pursue over rocks and shallows. It was
+not sufficiently considered, that a trading nation must always make war
+with a nation that has fewer merchants, under the disadvantage of being
+more exposed to the rapacity of private adventurers. How much we had to
+fear on this account was shown us by the late war with France, in which
+the privateers of a few petty ports, injured the commerce of this
+nation, more than their mighty navies and celebrated admirals.
+
+My lords, it would very little become this august assembly, this
+assembly so renowned for wisdom, and for justice, to confound want of
+prudence with want of success; since on many occasions the wisest
+measures may be defeated by accidents which could not be foreseen; since
+they may sometimes be discovered by deserters, or spies, and sometimes
+eluded by an enemy equally skilful with ourselves in the science of war.
+
+That any of these apologies are necessary to the administration, I am
+far from intending to insinuate, for I know not that we have failed of
+success in any of our designs, except the attack of Carthagena, of which
+the miscarriage cannot, at least, be imputed to the ministry; nor is it
+evident that any other causes of it are to be assigned than the
+difficulty of the enterprise; and when, my lords, did any nation make
+war, without experiencing some disappointments?
+
+These considerations, my lords, I have thought myself obliged, by my
+regard to truth and justice, to lay before you, to dissipate those
+suspicions and that anxiety which might have arisen from a different
+representation of our late measures; for I cannot but once more observe,
+that a vindication of the conduct of the ministry is by no means a
+necessary preparative to the address proposed.
+
+The address which was so modestly offered to your lordships, cannot be
+said to contain any more than a general answer to his majesty's speech,
+and such declarations of our duty and affection, as are always due to
+our sovereign, and always expected by him on such occasions.
+
+If our allies have been neglected or betrayed, my lords, we shall be
+still at liberty to discover and to punish negligence so detrimental,
+and treachery so reproachful to the British nation. If in the war
+against Spain we have failed of success, we shall still reserve in our
+own hands the right of inquiring whether we were unsuccessful by the
+superiority of our enemies, or by our own fault; whether our commanders
+wanted orders, or neglected to obey them; for what clause can be
+produced in the address by which any of these inquiries can be supposed
+to be predetermined?
+
+Let us, therefore, remember, my lords, the danger of our present state,
+and the necessity of steadiness, vigour, and wisdom, for our own
+preservation and that of Europe; let us consider that publick wisdom is
+the result of united counsels, and steadiness and vigour, of united
+influence; let us remember that our example may be of equal use with our
+assistance, and that both the allies and the subjects of Great Britain
+will be conjoined by our union, and distracted by our divisions; and let
+us, therefore, endeavour to promote the general interest of the world,
+by an unanimous address to his majesty, in the terms proposed by the
+noble lord.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke in the following manner:--My lords, after the display
+of the present state of Europe, and the account of the measures of the
+British ministers, which the noble lord who spoke against the motion has
+laid before you, there is little necessity for another attempt to
+convince you that our liberty and the liberty of Europe are in danger,
+or of disturbing your reflections by another enumeration of follies and
+misfortunes.
+
+To mention the folly of our measures is superfluous likewise, for
+another reason. They who do not already acknowledge it, may be justly
+suspected of suppressing their conviction; for how can it be possible,
+that they who cannot produce a single instance of wisdom or fortitude,
+who cannot point out one enterprise wisely concerted and successfully
+executed, can yet sincerely declare, that nothing has been omitted which
+our interest required?
+
+The measures, my lords, which are now pursued, are the same which for
+twenty months have kept the whole nation in continual disturbance, and
+have raised the indignation of every man, whose private interest was not
+promoted by them. These measures cannot be said to be rashly censured,
+or condemned before they are seen in their full extent, or expanded into
+all their consequences; for they have been prosecuted, my lords, with
+all the confidence of authority and all the perseverance of obstinacy,
+without any other opposition than fruitless clamours, or petitions
+unregarded. And what consequences have they produced? What but poverty
+and distractions at home, and the contempt and insults of foreign
+powers? What but the necessity of retrieving by war the losses sustained
+by timorous and dilatory negotiations; and the miscarriages of a war, in
+which only folly and cowardice have involved us?
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more astonishing, than that it should be asserted
+in this assembly that we have no ill success to complain of. Might we
+not hope for success, if we have calculated the events of war, and made
+a suitable preparation? And how is this to be done, but by comparing our
+forces with that of our enemy, who must, undoubtedly, be more or less
+formidable according to the proportion which his treasures and his
+troops bear to our own?
+
+Upon the assurance of the certainty of this practice, upon the evidence,
+my lords, of arithmetical demonstration, we were inclined to believe,
+that the power of Britain was not to be resisted by Spain, and therefore
+demanded that our merchants should be no longer plundered, insulted,
+imprisoned, and tortured by so despicable an enemy.
+
+That we did not foresee all the consequences of this demand, we are now
+ready to confess; we did not conjecture that new troops would be raised
+for the invasion of the Spanish dominions, only that we might be reduced
+to the level with our enemies. We did not imagine that the superiority
+of our naval force would produce no other consequence than an inequality
+of expense, and that the royal navies of Britain would be equipped only
+for show, only to harass the sailors with the hateful molestation of an
+impress, and to weaken the crews of our mercantile vessels, that they
+might be more easily taken by the privateers of Spain.
+
+We did not expect, my lords, that our navies would sail out under the
+command of admirals renowned for bravery, knowledge, and vigilance, and
+float upon the ocean without design, or enter ports and leave them,
+equally inoffensive as a packet-boat, or petty trader.
+
+But not to speak any longer, my lords, in terms so little suited to the
+importance of the question which I am endeavouring to clear, or to the
+enormity of the conduct which I attempt to expose; the success of war is
+only to be estimated by the advantages which are gained, in proportion
+to the loss which is suffered; of which loss the expenses occasioned by
+the war are always the chief part, and of which it is, therefore, usual,
+at the conclusion of a peace, for the conquered power to promise the
+payment.
+
+Let us examine, my lords, in consequence of this position, the success
+of our present war against Spain; let us consider what each nation has
+suffered, and it will easily appear how justly we boast of our wisdom
+and vigour.
+
+It is not on this occasion necessary to form minute calculations, or to
+compute the expense of every company of soldiers and squadron of ships;
+it is only necessary to assert, what will, I hope, not be very readily
+denied, even by those whom daily practice of absurd apologies has
+rendered impregnable by the force of truth, that such expenses as have
+neither contributed to our own defence, nor to the disadvantage of the
+Spaniards, have been thrown away.
+
+If this be granted, my lords, it will appear, that no nation ever beheld
+its treasures so profusely squandered, ever paid taxes so willingly, and
+so patiently saw them perverted; for it cannot, my lords, be proved,
+that any part of our preparations has produced a proportionate effect;
+but it may be readily shown how many fleets have been equipped only that
+the merchants might want sailors, and that the public stores might be
+consumed.
+
+As to our ill success in America, which has been imputed only to the
+chance of war, it will be reasonable, my lords, to ascribe to other
+causes, so much of it as might have been prevented by a more speedy
+reinforcement of Vernon, or may be supposed to have arisen from the
+inexperience of our troops, and the escape of the Spaniards from Ferrol.
+
+If our fleets had been sent more early into that part of the world, the
+Spaniards would have had no time to strengthen their garrisons; had our
+troops been acquainted with discipline, the attack would have been made
+with greater judgment; and had not the Spaniards escaped from Ferrol, we
+should have had no enemy in America to encounter. Had all our ministers
+and all our admirals done their duty, it is evident that not only
+Carthagena had been taken, but that half the dominions of Spain might
+now have owned the sovereignty of the crown of Britain.
+
+This, my lords, may be observed of the only enterprise, which it is
+reasonable to believe was in reality intended against the Spaniards, if
+even of this our ministers had not before contrived the defeat. But of
+all the rest of our armaments it does not appear that any effect has
+been felt but by ourselves, it cannot be discovered that they even
+raised any alarms or anxiety either in our enemies or their allies, by
+whom perhaps it was known that they were only designed as punishments
+for the merchants of Britain.
+
+That our merchants have already been severely chastised for their
+insolence in complaining of their losses, and their temerity in raising
+in the nation a regard for its commerce, its honour, and its rights, is
+evident from a dreadful list of three hundred ships taken by the
+Spaniards, some of which were abandoned by their convoys, and others
+seized within sight of the coasts of Britain.
+
+It may be urged, my lords, that the Spaniards have likewise lost a great
+number of vessels; but what else could they expect when they engaged in
+a war against the greatest naval power of the universe? And it is to be
+remembered, that the Spaniards have this consolation in their
+misfortunes, that of their ships none have been deserted by their
+convoys, or wilfully exposed to capture by being robbed of their crews,
+to supply ships of war with idle hands.
+
+The Spaniards will likewise consider, that they have not harassed their
+subjects for the protection of their trade; that they have not fitted
+out fleets only to amuse the populace. They comfort themselves with the
+hope, that the Britons will soon be reduced to a state of weakness below
+themselves, and wait patiently for the time in which the masters of the
+sea shall receive from them the regulation of their commerce and the
+limits of their navigation.
+
+Nor can it be doubted, my lords, but that by adhering to these measures,
+our ministers will in a short time gratify their hopes; for whatsoever
+be the difference between the power of two contending nations, if the
+richer spends its treasures without effect, and exposes its troops to
+unhealthy climates and impracticable expeditions, while the weaker is
+parsimonious and prudent, they must soon be brought to an equality; and
+by continuing the same conduct, the weaker power must at length prevail.
+
+That this has been hitherto the state of the war between Britain and
+Spain, it is not necessary to prove to your lordships; it is apparent,
+that the expenses of the Spaniards have been far less than those of
+Britain; and, therefore, if we should suppose the actual losses of war
+equal, we are only wearing out our force in useless efforts, and our
+enemies grow every day comparatively stronger.
+
+But, my lords, let us not flatter ourselves that our actual losses have
+been equal; let us, before we determine this question, accurately
+compare the number and the value of our ships and cargoes with those of
+the Spaniards, and see on which side the loss will fall.
+
+And let us not forget, what in all the calculations which I have yet
+seen on either part has been totally overlooked, the number of men
+killed, or captives in the British and Spanish dominions. Men, my lords,
+are at once strength and riches; and, therefore, it is to be considered,
+that the most irreparable loss which any nation can sustain is the
+diminution of its people: money may be repaid, and commerce may be
+recovered; even liberty may be regained, but the loss of people can
+never be retrieved. Even the twentieth generation may have reason to
+exclaim, How much more numerous and more powerful would this nation have
+been, had our ancestors not been betrayed in the expedition to
+Carthagena!
+
+What loss, my lords, have the Spaniards sustained which can be put in
+balance with that of our army in America, an army given up to the
+vultures of an unhealthy climate, and of which those who perished by the
+sword, were in reality rescued from more lingering torments?
+
+What equivalent can be mentioned for the liberty of multitudes of
+Britons, now languishing in the prisons of Spain, or obliged by
+hardships and desperation to assist the enemies of their country? What
+have the Spaniards suffered that can be opposed to the detriment which
+the commerce of this nation feels from the detention of our sailors?
+
+These, my lords, are losses not to be paralleled by the destruction of
+Porto Bello, even though that expedition should be ascribed to the
+ministry. These are losses which may extend their consequences to many
+ages, which may long impede our commerce, and diminish our shipping.
+
+It is not to be imagined, my lords, that in this time of peculiar
+danger, parents will destine their children to maritime employments, or
+that any man will engage in naval business who can exercise any other
+profession; and therefore the death or captivity of a sailor leaves a
+vacuity in our commerce, since no other will be ready to supply his
+place. Thus, by degrees, the continuance of the war will contract our
+trade, and those parts of it which we cannot occupy, will be snatched by
+the French or Dutch, from whom it is not probable that they will ever be
+recovered.
+
+This, my lords, is another circumstance of disadvantage to which the
+Spaniards are not exposed; for their traffick being only from one part
+of their dominions to another, cannot be destroyed, but will, after the
+short interruption of a war, be again equally certain and equally
+profitable.
+
+It appears, therefore, my lords, that we have hitherto suffered more
+than the Spaniards, more than the nation which we have so much reason to
+despise; it appears that our fleets have been useless, and that our
+troops have been only sent out to be destroyed; and it will, therefore,
+surely be allowed me to assert, that the war has not been hitherto
+successful.
+
+I am, therefore, of opinion, my lords, that as the address now proposed,
+cannot but be understood both by his majesty and the nation, to imply,
+in some degree, a commendation of that conduct which cannot be
+commended, which ought never to be mentioned but with detestation and
+contempt, it will be unworthy of this house, offensive to the whole
+nation, and unjust to his majesty.
+
+His majesty, my lords, has summoned us to advise him in this important
+juncture, and the nation expects from our determinations its relief or
+its destruction: nor will either have much to hope from our counsels,
+if, in our first publick act, we endeavour to deceive them.
+
+It seems, therefore, proper to change the common form of our addresses
+to the throne, to do once, at least, what his majesty demands and the
+people expect, and to remember that no characters are more inconsistent,
+than those of a counsellor of the king, and a flatterer of the ministry.
+
+Then lord ABINGDON spoke to this effect:--My lords, I have always
+observed that debates are prolonged, and inquiries perplexed, by the
+neglect of method; and therefore think it necessary to move, That the
+question may be read, that the noble lords who shall be inclined to
+explain their sentiments upon it, may have always the chief point in
+view, and not deviate into foreign considerations.
+
+[It was read accordingly.]
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke next, to the purpose following:--My lords, I am
+convinced of the propriety of the last motion by the advantage which it
+has afforded me of viewing more deliberately and distinctly the question
+before us; the consideration of which has confirmed me in my own
+opinion, that the address now proposed is only a flattering repetition
+of the speech, and that the speech was drawn up only to betray us into
+an encomium on the ministry; who, as they certainly have not deserved
+any commendations, will, I hope, not receive them from your lordships.
+For what has been the result of all their measures, but a general
+confusion, the depression of our own nation and our allies, and the
+exaltation of the house of Bourbon?
+
+It is universally allowed, my lords, and therefore it would be
+superfluous to prove, that the liberties of Europe are now in the utmost
+danger; that the house of Bourbon has arrived almost at that exalted
+pinnacle of authority, from whence it will look down with contempt upon
+all other powers, to which it will henceforward prescribe laws at
+pleasure, whose dominions will be limited by its direction, and whose
+armies will march at its command.
+
+That Britain will be long exempted from the general servitude, that we
+shall be able to stand alone against the whole power of Europe, which
+the French may then bring down upon us, and preserve ourselves
+independent, while every other nation acknowledges the authority of an
+arbitrary conqueror, is by no means likely, and might be, perhaps,
+demonstrated to be not possible.
+
+How long we might be able to retain our liberty, it is beyond the reach
+of policy to determine, but as it is evident, that when the empire is
+subdued, the Dutch will quickly fall under the same dominion, and that
+all their ports and all their commerce will then be in the hands of the
+French, it cannot be denied that our commerce will quickly be at an end.
+We shall then lose the dominion of the sea, and all our distant colonies
+and settlements, and be shut up in our own island, where the continuance
+of our liberties can be determined only by the resolution with which we
+shall defend them.
+
+That this, my lords, must probably, in a few years, be our state, if the
+schemes of the house of Bourbon should succeed, is certain beyond all
+controversy; and therefore it is evident, that no man to whom such a
+condition does not appear eligible, can look unconcerned at the
+confusion of the continent, or consider the destruction of the house of
+Austria, without endeavouring to prevent it.
+
+But, my lords, though such endeavours are the duty of all who are
+engaged in the transaction of publick affairs, though the importance of
+the cause of the queen of Hungary be acknowledged in the speech to which
+we are to return an address, it does not appear that the ministers of
+Britain have once attempted to assist her, or have even forborne any
+thing which might aggravate her distress.
+
+The only effectual methods by which any efficacious relief could have
+been procured, were that of reconciling her with the king of Prussia, or
+that of prevailing upon the Muscovites to succour her.
+
+A reconciliation with the king of Prussia would have been my first care,
+if the honour of advising on this occasion had fallen to my lot. To have
+mediated successfully between them could surely have been no difficult
+task, because each party could not but know how much it was their common
+interest to exclude the French from the empire, and how certainly this
+untimely discord must expose them both to their ancient enemy.
+
+As in private life, my lords, when two friends carry any dispute between
+them to improper degrees of anger or resentment, it is the province of a
+third to moderate the passion of each, and to restore that benevolence
+which a difference of interest or opinion had impaired; so in alliances,
+or the friendships of nations, whenever it unhappily falls out that two
+of them forget the general good, and lay themselves open to those evils
+from which a strict union only can preserve them, it is necessary that
+some other power should interpose, and prevent the dangers of a
+perpetual discord.
+
+Whether this was attempted, my lords, I know not; but if any such design
+was in appearance prosecuted, it may be reasonably imagined from the
+event, that the negotiators were defective either in skill or in
+diligence; for how can it be conceived that any man should act contrary
+to his own interest, to whom the state of his affairs is truly
+represented?
+
+But not to suppress what I cannot doubt, I am convinced, my lords, that
+there is in reality no design of assisting the queen of Hungary; either
+our ministers have not yet recovered from their apprehensions of the
+exorbitant power of the house of Austria, by which they were frighted
+some years ago into the bosom of France for shelter, and which left them
+no expedient but the treaty of Hanover; or they are now equally afraid
+of France, and expect the _pretender_ to be forced upon them by the
+power whom they so lately solicited to secure them from him.
+
+Whatever is the motive of their conduct, it is evident, my lords, that
+they are at present to the unfortunate queen of Hungary, either
+professed enemies, or treacherous allies; for they have permitted the
+invasion of her Italian dominions, when they might have prevented it
+without a blow, only by commanding the Spaniards not to transport their
+troops.
+
+To argue that our fleet in the Mediterranean was not of strength
+sufficient to oppose their passage, is a subterfuge to which they can
+only be driven by the necessity of making some apology, and an absolute
+inability to produce any which will not immediately be discovered to be
+groundless.
+
+It is known, my lords, to all Europe, that Haddock had then under his
+command thirteen ships of the line, and nine frigates, and that the
+Spanish convoy consisted only of three ships; and yet they sailed before
+his eyes with a degree of security which nothing could have produced but
+a passport from the court of Britain, and an assured exemption from the
+danger of an attack.
+
+It may be urged, that they were protected by the French squadron, and
+that Haddock durst not attack them, because he was unable to contend
+with the united fleets; but my lords, even this is known to be false: it
+is known that they bore no proportion to the strength of the British
+squadron, that they could not have made even the appearance of a battle,
+and that our commanders could have been only employed in pursuit and
+captures.
+
+This, my lords, was well known to our ministers, who were afraid only of
+destroying the French squadron, and were very far from apprehending any
+danger from it; but being determined to purchase, on any terms, the
+continuance of the friendship of their old protectors, consented to the
+invasion of Italy, and procured a squadron to sail out, under pretence
+of defending the Spanish transports, that their compliance might not be
+discovered.
+
+All this, my lords, may reasonably be suspected at the first view of
+their proceedings; for how could an inferiour force venture into the way
+of an enemy, unless upon security that they should not be attacked? But
+the late treaty of neutrality has changed suspicion into certainty, has
+discovered the source of all their measures, and shown that the invasion
+of Italy is permitted to preserve Hanover from the like calamity.
+
+There is great danger, my lords, lest this last treaty of Hanover should
+give the decisive blow to the liberties of Europe. How much it
+embarrasses the queen of Hungary, by making it necessary for her to
+divide her forces, is obvious at the first view; but this is not, in my
+opinion, its most fatal consequence. The other powers will be incited,
+by the example of our ministry, to conclude treaties of neutrality in
+the same manner. They will distrust every appearance of our zeal for the
+house of Austria, and imagine that we intend only an hypocritical
+assistance, and that our generals, our ambassadors, and our admirals,
+have, in reality, the same orders.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more dangerous than to weaken the publick faith.
+When a nation can be no longer trusted, it loses all its influence,
+because none can fear its menaces, or depend on its alliance. A nation
+no longer trusted, must stand alone and unsupported; and it is certain
+that the nation which is justly suspected of holding with its open
+enemies a secret intercourse to the prejudice of its allies, can be no
+longer trusted.
+
+This suspicion, my lords, this hateful, this reproachful character, is
+now fixed upon the court of Britain; nor does it take its rise only from
+the forbearance of our admiral, but has received new confirmation from
+the behaviour of our ambassador, who denied the treaty of neutrality,
+when the French minister declared it to the Dutch. Such now, my lords,
+is the reputation of the British court, a reputation produced by the
+most flagrant and notorious instances of cowardice and falsehood, which
+cannot but make all our endeavours ineffectual, and discourage all those
+powers whose conjunction we might have promoted, from entering into any
+other engagements than such as we may purchase for stated subsidies. For
+who, upon any other motive than immediate interest, would form an
+alliance with a power which, upon the first appearance of danger, gives
+up a confederate, to purchase, not a large extent of territory, not a
+new field of commerce, not a port or a citadel, but an abject
+neutrality!
+
+But however mean may be a supplication for peace, or however infamous
+the desertion of an ally, I wish, my lords, that the liberty of invading
+the queen of Hungary's dominions without opposition, had been the most
+culpable concession of our illustrious ministers, of whom it is
+reasonable to believe, that they have stipulated with the Spaniards,
+that they shall be repaid the expense of the war by the plunder of our
+merchants.
+
+That our commerce has been unnecessarily exposed to the ravages of
+privateers, from which a very small degree of caution might have
+preserved it; that three hundred trading ships have been taken, and that
+three thousand British sailors are now in captivity, is a consideration
+too melancholy to be long dwelt upon, and a truth too certain to be
+suppressed or denied.
+
+How such havock could have been made, had not our ships of war concluded
+a treaty of neutrality with the Spaniards, and left the war to be
+carried on only by the merchants, it is not easy to conceive; for surely
+it will not be pretended, that all these losses were the necessary
+consequence of our situation with regard to Spain, which, if it exposed
+the Portugal traders to hazard, did not hinder us from guarding our own
+coasts.
+
+And yet on our own coasts, my lords, have multitudes of our ships been
+taken by the Spaniards; they have been seized by petty vessels as they
+were entering our ports, and congratulating themselves upon their escape
+from danger.
+
+In the late war with France, an enemy much more formidable both for
+power and situation, methods were discovered by which our trade was more
+efficaciously protected: by stationing a squadron at the mouth of the
+Channel, of which two or three ships at a time cruized at a proper
+distance on the neighbouring seas, the privateers were kept in awe, and
+confined to their own harbours, or seized if they ventured to leave
+them.
+
+But of such useful regulations in the present war there is little hope;
+for if the publick papers are of any credit, the king of Spain considers
+the captures of our merchants as a standing revenue, and has laid an
+indulto upon them as upon other parts of the Spanish trade.
+
+It is, therefore, to little purpose that measures are proposed in this
+house, or schemes presented by the merchants for the preservation of our
+commerce; for the merchants are considered as the determined enemies of
+our minister, who therefore resolved that they should repent of the war
+into which he was forced by them, contrary to those favourite schemes
+and established maxims, which he has pursued till the liberties of
+mankind are almost extinguished.
+
+There are, indeed, some hopes, my lords, that new measures, resolutely
+pursued, might yet repair the mischiefs of this absurd and cowardly
+conduct, and that by resolution and dexterity, the ambition of France
+might once more be disappointed. The king of Prussia appears, at length,
+convinced that he has not altogether pursued his real interest, and that
+his own family must fall in the ruin of the house of Austria. The king
+of Sardinia appears firm in his determination to adhere to the queen of
+Hungary, and has therefore refused a passage through his dominions to
+the Spanish troops. The States of Holland seem to have taken the alarm,
+and nothing but their distrust of our sincerity can hinder them from
+uniting against the house of Bourbon.
+
+This distrust, my lords, we may probably remove, by reviving, on this
+occasion, our ancient forms of address, and declaring at once to his
+majesty, and to all the powers of Europe, that we are far from approving
+the late measures.
+
+There is another reason why the short addresses of our ancestors may be
+preferred to the modern forms, in which a great number of particular
+facts are often comprehended. It is evident, that the addresses are
+presented, before there can be time to examine whether the facts
+contained in them are justly stated; and they must, therefore, lose
+their efficacy with the people, who are sufficiently sagacious to
+distinguish servile compliance from real approbation, and who will not
+easily mistake the incense of flattery for the tribute of gratitude.
+
+With regard to the propriety of the address proposed to your lordships,
+which is, like others, only a repetition of the speech, there is, at
+least, one objection to it too important to be suppressed.
+
+It is affirmed in the speech, in what particular words I cannot exactly
+remember, that since the death of the late German emperour, the interest
+of the queen of Hungary has been diligently and invariably promoted; an
+assertion which his majesty is too wise, too equitable, and too generous
+to have uttered, but at the persuasion of his ministers.
+
+His majesty well knows, that no important assistance has been hitherto
+given to that unhappy princess; he knows that the twelve thousand men,
+who are said to have been raised for the defence of the empire, those
+mighty troops, by whose assistance the enemies of Austria were to be
+scattered, never marched beyond the territory of Hanover, nor left that
+blissful country for a single day. And is it probable that the queen
+would have preferred money for troops, had she not been informed that it
+would be more easily obtained?
+
+Nor was even this pecuniary assistance, though compatible with the
+security of Hanover, granted her without reluctance and difficulty; of
+which no other proof is necessary, than the distance between the promise
+and the performance of it. The money, my lords, is not yet all paid,
+though the last payment was very lately fixed. Such is the assistance
+which the united influence of justice and compassion has yet procured
+from the court of Britain.
+
+Our ministers have been, therefore, hitherto, my lords, so far from
+acting with vigour in favour of the house of Austria, that they have
+never solicited the court of Muscovy, almost the only court now
+independent on France, to engage in her defence. How wisely that mighty
+power distinguishes her real interest, and how ardently she pursues it,
+the whole world was convinced in her alliance with the late emperour;
+nor is it unlikely, that she might have been easily persuaded to have
+protected his daughter with equal zeal. But we never asked her alliance
+lest we should obtain it, and yet we boast of our good offices.
+
+Our governours thought it more nearly concerned them to humble our
+merchants than to succour our allies, and therefore admitted the
+Spaniards into Italy; by which prudent conduct they dexterously at once
+gratified the house of Bourbon, embarrassed the queen of Hungary, and
+endangered the effects of the British merchants, lying at Leghorn;
+effects which were lately valued at six hundred thousand pounds, but
+which, by the seasonable arrival of the Spaniards, are happily reduced
+to half their price.
+
+I hope, therefore, I need not urge to your lordships the necessity of
+confining our address to thanks and congratulations, because it is not
+necessary to say how inconsistent it must be thought with the dignity of
+this house to echo falsehood, and to countenance perfidy.
+
+Then the duke of NEWCASTLE spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the
+manner in which the noble lord who spoke last expresses his sentiments,
+never fails to give pleasure, even where his arguments produce no
+conviction; and his eloquence always receives its praise, though it may
+sometimes be disappointed of its more important effects.
+
+In the present debate, my lords, I have heard no argument, by which I am
+inclined to change the usual forms of address, or to reject the motion
+which has been made to us.
+
+The address which has been proposed, is not, in my opinion, justly
+chargeable either with flattery to the ministers, or with disingenuity
+with respect to the people; nor can I discover in it any of those
+positions which have been represented so fallacious and dangerous. It
+contains only a general declaration of our gratitude, and an assertion
+of our zeal; a declaration and assertion to which I hope no lord in this
+assembly will be unwilling to subscribe.
+
+As an inquiry into the propriety of this address has produced, whether
+necessarily or not, many observations on the present state of Europe,
+and many animadversions upon the late conduct, it cannot be improper for
+me to offer to your lordships my opinion of the measures which have been
+pursued by us, as well in the war with Spain, as with regard to the
+queen of Hungary, and to propose my conjectures concerning the events
+which may probably be produced by the distractions on the continent.
+
+This deviation from the question before us, will at least be as easily
+pardoned in me as in the noble lords who have exhibited so gloomy a
+representation of our approaching condition, who have lamented the
+slavery with which they imagine all the states of Europe about to be
+harassed, and described the insolence and ravages of those oppressors to
+whom their apprehensions have already given the empire of the world. For
+surely, my lords, it is an endeavour no less laudable to dispel terrour,
+than to excite it; and he who brings us such accounts as we desire to
+receive, is generally listened to with indulgence, however unelegant may
+be his expressions, or however irregular his narration.
+
+That the power of the family of Bourbon is arrived at a very dangerous
+and formidable extent; that it never was hitherto employed but to
+disturb the happiness of the universe; that the same schemes which our
+ancestors laboured so ardently and so successfully to destroy, are now
+formed afresh, and intended to be put in immediate execution; that the
+empire is designed to be held henceforward in dependence on France; and
+that the house of Austria, by which the common rights of mankind have
+been so long supported, is now marked out for destruction, is too
+evident to be contested.
+
+It is allowed, my lords, that the power of the house of Austria, which
+there was once reason to dread, lest it might have been employed against
+us, is now almost extinguished; and that name, which has for so many
+ages filled the histories of Europe, is in danger of being forgotten. It
+is allowed, that the house of Austria cannot fall without exposing all
+those who have hitherto been supported by its alliance, to the utmost
+danger; and I need not add, that they ought, therefore, to assist it
+with the utmost expedition, and the most vigorous measures.
+
+It may be suggested, my lords, that this assistance has been already
+delayed till it is become useless, that the utmost expedition will be
+too slow, and the most vigorous measures too weak to stop the torrent of
+the conquests of France: that the fatal blow will be struck, before we
+shall have an opportunity to ward it off, and that our regard for the
+house of Austria will be only compassion for the dead.
+
+But these, my lords, I hope, are only the apprehensions of a mind
+overborne with sudden terrours, and perplexed by a confused survey of
+complicated danger; for if we consider more distinctly the powers which
+may be brought in opposition to France, we shall find no reason for
+despairing that we may once more stand up with success in defence of our
+religion and the liberty of mankind, and once more reduce those
+troublers of the world to the necessity of abandoning their destructive
+designs.
+
+The noble lord has already mentioned the present disposition of three
+powerful states, as a motive for vigorous resolutions, and a
+consideration that may, at least, preserve us from despair; and it is no
+small satisfaction to me to observe, that his penetration and experience
+incline him to hope upon the prospect of affairs as they now appear;
+because I doubt not but that hope will be improved into confidence, by
+the account which I can now give your lordships of the intention of
+another power, yet more formidable, to engage with us in the great
+design of repressing the insolence of France.
+
+A treaty of alliance, my lords, has been for some time concerted with
+the emperour of Muscovy, and has been negotiated with such diligence,
+that it is now completed, and I doubt not but the last ratifications
+will arrive at this court in a few days; by which it will appear to your
+lordships, that the interest of this nation has been vigilantly
+regarded, and to our allies, that the faith of Britain has never yet
+been shaken. It will appear to the French, that they have precipitated
+their triumphs, that they have imagined themselves masters of nations by
+whom they will be in a short time driven back to their own confines, and
+that, perhaps, they have parcelled out kingdoms which they are never
+likely to possess.
+
+It was affirmed, and with just discernment, that applications ought to
+be made to this powerful court, as the professed adversary of France;
+and if it was not hitherto known that their assistance had been
+assiduously solicited, our endeavours were kept secret only that their
+success might be more certain, and that they might surprise more
+powerfully by their effects.
+
+Nor have the two other princes, which were mentioned by the noble lord,
+been forgotten, whose concurrence is at this time so necessary to us:
+and I doubt not but that the representations which have been made with
+all the force of truth, and all the zeal that is awakened by interest
+and by danger, will in time produce the effects for which they were
+intended; by convincing those princes that they endanger themselves by
+flattering the French ambition, that they are divesting themselves of
+that defence of which they will quickly regret the loss, and that they
+are only not attacked at present, that they may be destroyed more easily
+hereafter.
+
+But it is always to be remembered, my lords, that in publick
+transactions, as in private life, interest acts with less force as it is
+at greater distance, and that the immediate motive will generally
+prevail. Futurity impairs the influence of the most important objects of
+consideration, even when it does not lessen their certainty; and with
+regard to events only probable, events which a thousand accidents may
+obviate, they are almost annihilated, with regard to the human mind, by
+being placed at a distance from us. Wherever imagination can exert its
+power, we easily dwell upon the most pleasing views, and flatter
+ourselves with those consequences, which though perhaps least to be
+expected, are most desired. Wherever different events may arise, which
+is the state of all human transactions, we naturally promote our hopes,
+and repress our fears; and in time so far deceive ourselves, as to quiet
+all our suspicions, lay all our terrours asleep, and believe what at
+first we only wished.
+
+This, my lords, must be the delusion by which some states are induced to
+favour, and others to neglect the encroachments of France. Men are
+impolitick, as they are wicked; because they prefer the gratification of
+the present hour to the assurance of solid and permanent, but distant
+happiness. The French take advantage of this general weakness of the
+human mind, and by magnificent promises to one prince, and petty grants
+to another, reconcile them to their designs. Each finds that he shall
+gain more by contracting an alliance with them, than with another state
+which has no view besides that of preserving to every sovereign his just
+rights, and which, therefore, as it plunders none, will have nothing to
+bestow.
+
+This, my lords, is the disadvantage under which our negotiators labour
+against those of France; we have no kingdoms to parcel out among those
+whose confederacy we solicit; we can promise them no superiority above
+the neighbouring princes which they do not now possess; we assume not
+the province of adjusting the boundaries of dominion, or of deciding
+contested titles: we promise only the preservation of quiet, and the
+establishment of safety.
+
+But the French, my lords, oppose us with other arguments, arguments
+which, indeed, receive their force from folly and credulity; but what
+more powerful assistance can be desired? They promise not mere negative
+advantages, not an exemption from remote oppression, or an escape from
+slavery, which, as it was yet never felt, is very little dreaded; they
+offer an immediate augmentation of dominion, and an extension of power;
+they propose new tracts of commerce, and open new sources of wealth;
+they invite confederacies, not for defence, but for conquests; for
+conquests to be divided among the powers by whose union they shall be
+made.
+
+Let it not, therefore, be objected, my lords, to our ministers, or our
+negotiators, that the French obtain more influence than they; that they
+are more easily listened to, or more readily believed: for while such is
+the condition of mankind, that what is desired is easily credited, while
+profit is more powerful than reason, the French eloquence will
+frequently prevail.
+
+Whether, my lords, our seeming want of success in the war with Spain
+admits of as easy a solution, my degree of knowledge in military
+affairs, does not enable me to determine. An account of this part of our
+conduct is to be expected from the commissioners of the admiralty, by
+whom, I doubt not, but such reasons will be assigned for all the
+operations of our naval forces, and such vindications offered of all
+those measures, which have been hitherto imputed too precipitately to
+negligence, cowardice, or treachery, as will satisfy those who have been
+most vehement in their censures.
+
+But because it does not seem to me very difficult to apologize for those
+miscarriages which have occasioned the loudest complaints, I will lay
+before your lordships what I have been able to collect from inquiry, or
+to conjecture from observation; and doubt not but it will easily appear,
+that nothing has been omitted from any apparent design of betraying our
+country, and that our ministers and commanders will deserve, at least,
+to be heard before they are condemned.
+
+That great numbers of our trading vessels have been seized by the
+Spaniards, and that our commerce has, therefore, been very much
+embarrassed and interrupted, is sufficiently manifest; but to me, my
+lords, this appears one of the certain and necessary consequences of
+war, which are always to be expected, and to be set in our consultations
+against the advantages which we propose to obtain. It is as rational to
+expect, that of an army sent against our enemies, every man should
+return unhurt to his acquaintances, as that every merchant should see
+his ship and cargo sail safely into port.
+
+If we examine, my lords, the late war, of which the conduct has been so
+lavishly applauded, in which the victories which we obtained have been
+so loudly celebrated, and which has been proposed to the imitation of
+all future ministers, it will appear, that our losses of the same kind
+were then very frequent, and, perhaps, not less complained of, though
+the murmurs are now forgotten, and the acclamations transmitted to
+posterity, because we naturally relate what has given us satisfaction,
+and suppress what we cannot recollect without uneasiness.
+
+If we look farther backward, my lords, and inquire into the event of any
+other war in which we engaged since commerce has constituted so large a
+part of the interest of this nation, I doubt not but in proportion to
+our trade will be found our losses; and in all future wars, as in the
+present, I shall expect the same calamities and the same complaints. For
+the escape of any number of ships raises no transport, nor produces any
+gratitude; but the loss of a few will always give occasion to clamours
+and discontent. For vigilance, however diligent, can never produce more
+safety than will be naturally expected from our incontestable
+superiority at sea, by which a great part of the nation is so far
+deceived as to imagine, that because we cannot be conquered, we cannot
+be molested.
+
+Nor do I see how it is possible to employ our power more effectually for
+the protection of our trade than by the method now pursued of covering
+the ocean with our fleets, and stationing our ships of war in every
+place where danger can be apprehended. If it be urged, that the
+inefficacy of our measures is a sufficient proof of their impropriety,
+it will be proper to substitute another plan of operation, of which the
+success may be more probable. To me, my lords, the loss of some of our
+mercantile vessels shows only the disproportion between the number of
+our ships of war, and the extent of the sea, which is a region too vast
+to be completely garrisoned, and of which the frequenters must
+inevitably be subject to the sudden incursions of subtle rovers.
+
+The disposition of our squadrons has been such, as was doubtless
+dictated by the most acute sagacity, and the most enlightened
+experience. The squadron which was appointed to guard our coasts has
+been ridiculed as an useless expense; and its frequent excursions and
+returns, without any memorable attempt, have given occasion to endless
+raillery, and incessant exclamations of wonder and contempt. But it is
+to be considered, my lords, that the enemies of this nation, either
+secret or declared, had powerful squadrons in many ports of the
+Mediterranean, which, had they known that our coasts were without
+defence, might have issued out on a sudden, and have appeared
+unexpectedly in our Channel, from whence they might have laid our towns
+in ruin, entered our docks, burnt up all our preparations for future
+expeditions, carried into slavery the inhabitants of our villages, and
+left the maritime provinces of this kingdom in a state of general
+desolation.
+
+Out of this squadron, however necessary, there was yet a reinforcement
+of five ships ordered to assist Haddock, that he might be enabled to
+oppose the designs of the Spaniards, though assisted by their French
+confederates, whom it is known that he was so far from favouring, that
+he was stationed before Barcelona to block them up. Why he departed from
+that port, and upon what motives of policy, or maxims of war, he
+suffered the Spaniards to prosecute their scheme, he only is able to
+inform us.
+
+That the Spaniards have not at least been spared by design, is evident
+from their sufferings in this war, which have been much greater than
+ours. Many of our ships have, indeed, been snatched up by the rapacity
+of private adventurers, whom the ardour of interest had made vigilant,
+and whose celerity of pursuit as well as flight, enables them to take
+the advantage of the situation of their own ports, and those of their
+friends. But as none of our ships have been denied convoys, I know not
+how the loss of them can be imputed to the ministry; and if any of those
+who sailed under the protection of ships of war have been lost, the
+commanders may be required to vindicate themselves from the charge of
+negligence or treachery.
+
+But this inquiry, my lords, must be, in my opinion, reserved for another
+day, when it may become the immediate subject of our consultations, with
+which it has at present no coherence, or to which, at least, it is very
+remotely related. For I am not able, upon the most impartial and the
+most attentive consideration of the address now proposed to your
+lordships, to perceive any necessity of a previous inquiry into the
+conduct of the war, the transaction of our negotiations, or the state of
+the kingdom, in order to our compliance with this motion, by which we
+shall be far from sheltering any crime from punishment, or any doubtful
+conduct from inquiry; shall be far from obstructing the course of
+national justice, or approving what we do not understand.
+
+The chief tendency of his majesty's speech is to ask our advice on this
+extraordinary conjuncture of affairs; a conduct undoubtedly worthy of a
+British monarch, and which we ought not to requite with disrespect; but
+what less can be inferred from an alteration of our established forms of
+address, by an omission of any part of the speech? For what will be
+imagined by his majesty, by the nation, and by the whole world, but that
+we did not approve what we did not answer?
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, it is with
+great reason that the present time has been represented to us from the
+throne as a time of uncommon danger and disturbance, a time in which the
+barriers of kingdoms are broken down, in contempt of every law of heaven
+and of earth, and in which ambition, rapine, and oppression, seem to be
+let loose upon mankind; a time in which some nations send out armies and
+invade the territories of their neighbours, in opposition to the most
+solemn treaties, of which others, with equal perfidy, silently suffer,
+or secretly favour the violation.
+
+At a time like this, when treaties are considered only as momentary
+expedients, and alliances confer no security, it is evident that the
+preservation of our rights, our interest, and our commerce, must depend
+only on our natural strength; and that instead of cultivating the
+friendship of foreign powers, which we must purchase upon
+disadvantageous conditions, and which will be withdrawn from us whenever
+we shall need it; we ought, therefore, to collect our own force, and
+show the world how little we stand in need of assistance, and how little
+we have to fear from the most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Our country, my lords, seems designed by nature to subsist without any
+dependence on other nations, and by a steady and resolute improvement of
+these advantages with which providence has blessed it, may bid defiance
+to mankind; it might become, by the extension of our commerce, the
+general centre at which the wealth of the whole earth might be collected
+together, and from whence it might be issued upon proper occasions, for
+the diffusion of liberty, the repression of insolence, and the
+preservation of peace.
+
+But this glory, and this influence, my lords, must arise from domestick
+felicity; and domestick felicity can only be produced by a mutual
+confidence between the government and the people. Where the governours
+distrust the affections of their subjects, they will not be very
+solicitous to advance their happiness; for who will endeavour to
+increase that wealth which will, as he believes, be employed against
+him? Nor will the subjects cheerfully concur even with the necessary
+measures of their governours, whose general designs they conceive to be
+contrary to the publick interest; because any temporary success or
+accidental reputation, will only dazzle the eyes of the multitude, while
+their liberties are stolen away.
+
+This confidence, my lords, must be promoted where it exists, and
+regained where it is lost, by the open administration of justice, by
+impartial inquiries into publick transactions, by the exaltation of
+those whose wisdom and bravery has advanced the publick reputation, or
+increased the happiness of the nation, and the censure of those, however
+elate with dignities, or surrounded with dependants, who by their
+unskilfulness or dishonesty, have either embarrassed their country or
+betrayed it.
+
+For this reason, my lords, it is, in my opinion, necessary to gratify
+the nation, at the present juncture, with the prospect of those
+measures, without which no people can reasonably be satisfied; and to
+pacify their resentment of past injuries, and quiet their apprehensions
+of future miseries, by a possibility, at least, that they may see the
+authors of all our miscarriages called to a trial in open day, and the
+merit of those men acknowledged and rewarded, by whose resolution and
+integrity they imagine that the final ruin of themselves and posterity
+has been hitherto prevented.
+
+That the present discontent of the British nation is almost universal,
+that suspicion has infused itself into every rank and denomination of
+men, that complaints of the neglect of our commerce, the misapplication
+of our treasure, and the unsuccessfulness of our arms, are to be heard
+from every mouth, and in every place, where men dare utter their
+sentiments, I suppose, my lords, no man will deny; for whoever should
+stand up in opposition to the truth of a fact so generally known, would
+distinguish himself, even in this age of effrontery and corruption, by a
+contempt of reputation, not yet known amongst mankind.
+
+And indeed, my lords, it must be confessed that these discontents and
+clamours are produced by such an appearance of folly, or of treachery,
+as few ages or nations have ever known; by such an obstinate
+perseverance in bad measures, as shame has hitherto prevented in those
+upon whom nobler motives, fidelity to their trust, and love of their
+country, had lost their influence.
+
+Other ministers, when they have formed designs of sacrificing the
+publick interest to their own, have been compelled to better measures by
+timely discoveries, and just representations; they have been criminal
+only because they hoped for secrecy, and have vindicated their conduct
+no longer than while they had hopes that their apologies might deceive.
+
+But our heroick ministers, my lords, have set themselves free from the
+shackles of circumspection, they have disburdened themselves of the
+embarrassments of caution, and claim an exemption from the necessity of
+supporting their measures by laborious deductions and artful reasonings;
+they defy the publick when they can no longer delude it, and prosecute,
+in the face of the sun, those measures which they have not been able to
+support, and of which the fatal consequences are foreseen by the whole
+nation.
+
+When they have been detected in one absurdity, they take shelter in
+another; when experience has shown that one of their attempts was
+designed only to injure their country, they propose a second of the same
+kind with equal confidence, boast again of their integrity, and again
+require the concurrence of the legislature, and the support of the
+people.
+
+When they had for a long time suffered our trading vessels to be seized
+in sight of our own ports, when they had despatched fleets into the
+Mediterranean, only to lie exposed to the injuries of the weather, and
+to sail from one coast to another, only to show that they had no hostile
+intentions, and that they were fitted out by the friends of the
+Spaniards, only to amuse and exhaust the nation, they at length thought
+it necessary to lull the impatience of the people, who began to discover
+that they had hitherto been harassed with taxes and impresses to no
+purpose, by the appearance of a new effort for the subjection of the
+enemy, and to divert, by the expectations which an army and a fleet
+naturally raise, any clamours at their past conduct'.
+
+For this end, having entered into their usual consultations, they
+projected an expedition into America, for which they raised forces and
+procured transports, with all the pomp of preparation for the conquest
+of half the continent, not so much to alarm the Spaniards, which I
+conceive but a secondary view, as to fill the people of Britain with
+amusing prospects of great achievements, of the addition of new
+dominions to this empire, and an ample reparation for all their damages.
+
+Thus provided with forces sufficient, in appearance, for this mighty
+enterprise, they embarked them after many delays, and dismissed them to
+their fate, having first disposed their regulations in such a manner,
+that it was impossible that they should meet with success.
+
+I can call your lordships to witness, that this impossibility was not
+discovered by me after the event, for I foretold in this house, that
+their designs, so conducted, must evidently miscarry.
+
+Nor was this prediction, my lords, the effect of any uncommon sagacity,
+or any accidental conjecture on future consequences which happened to be
+right; for to any man who has had opportunities of observing that
+knowledge in war is necessary to success, and experience is the
+foundation of knowledge, it was sufficiently plain that our forces must
+be repulsed.
+
+The forces sent into America, my lords, were newly raised, placed under
+the direction of officers not less ignorant than themselves, and
+commanded by a man who never had commanded any troops before; and who,
+however laudable he might have discharged the duty of a captain, was
+wholly unacquainted with the province of a general.
+
+Yet was this man, my lords, preferred, not only to a multitude of other
+officers, to whom experience must have been of small advantage, if it
+did not furnish them with knowledge far superiour to his, but to five
+and forty generals, of whom I hope the nation has no reason to suspect
+that any of them would not gladly have served it on an occasion of so
+great importance, and willingly have conducted an expedition intended to
+retrieve the honour of the British name, the terrour of our arms, and
+the security of our commerce.
+
+When raw troops, my lords, with young officers, are to act under the
+command of an unskilful general, what is it reasonable to expect, but
+what has happened--overthrow, slaughter, and ignominy? What but that
+cheap victories should heighten the insolence, and harden the obstinacy
+of our enemies; and that we should not only be weakened by our loss, but
+dispirited by our disgrace; by the disgrace of being overthrown by those
+whom we have despised, and with whom nothing but our own folly could
+have reduced us to a level.
+
+The other conjecture which I ventured to propose to your lordships, with
+regard to the queen of Hungary, was not founded on facts equally evident
+with the former, though experience has discovered that it was equally
+true. It was then asserted, both by other lords and myself, that money
+would be chosen by that princess as an assistance more useful than
+forces; an opinion, which the lords who are engaged in the
+administration vigorously opposed. In consequence of their
+determination, forces were hired, for what purpose--let them now
+declare, since none but themselves have yet known.
+
+That at least they were not taken into our pay for the service for which
+they were required, the succour of the house of Austria, is most
+evident, unless the name of armies is imagined sufficient to intimidate
+the French, as the Spaniards are to be subdued by the sight of fleets.
+They never marched towards her frontiers, never opposed her enemies, or
+afforded her the least assistance, but stood idle and unconcerned in the
+territories of Hanover; nor was it known that they existed by any other
+proof than that remittances were made for their pay.
+
+Such, my lords, was the assistance, asked with so much solicitude, and
+levied with so much expedition, for the queen of Hungary; such were the
+effects of the zeal of our illustrious ministers for the preservation of
+that august house, to whose alliance we are perhaps indebted for the
+preservation of our religion and our liberties, and to which all Europe
+must have recourse for shelter from the oppression of France.
+
+When this formidable body of men was assembled, my lords, and reviewed,
+they were perhaps found too graceful and too well sorted to be exposed
+to the dangers of a battle; and the same tenderness that has so long
+preserved our own forces from any other field than the park, might
+rescue them from the fatigues of accompanying the active hussars in
+their incursions, or the steady Austrians in their conflicts.
+
+Whatever was the reason, my lords, it is certain that they have been
+reserved for other opportunities of signalizing their courage; and they
+slept in quiet, and fattened upon the wealth of Britain, while the
+enemies of our illustrious, magnanimous, and unfortunate ally, entered
+her territories without opposition, marched through them uninterrupted,
+and rather took possession than made conquests.
+
+That in this condition of her affairs, the queen would refuse an offer
+of twelve thousand men; that when she was driven from one country to
+another, attended by an army scarcely sufficient to form a flying camp,
+she would not gladly have accepted a reinforcement so powerful, let
+those believe, my lords, who have yet never been deceived by ministerial
+faith.
+
+The real designs of the ministry, my lords, are sufficiently obvious,
+nor is any thing more certain, than that they had, in requiring this
+mock assistance for the queen of Hungary, no other design than that of
+raising her expectations only to deceive them; and to divert her, by
+confidence in their preparations, from having recourse to more
+efficacious expedients, that she might become, without resistance, the
+slave of France.
+
+For this purpose they determined to succour her with forces rather than
+with money, because many reasons might be pretended, by which the march
+of the forces might be retarded; but the money, my lords, when granted,
+must have been more speedily remitted.
+
+At last the queen, weary with delays, and undoubtedly sufficiently
+informed of those designs, which are now, however generally discovered,
+confidently denied, desired a supply of money, which might be granted
+without leaving Hanover exposed to an invasion. With this demand, which
+they had no pretence to deny, they have yet found expedients to delay
+their compliance. For it does not appear that the whole sum granted has
+yet been paid; and it would well become those noble lords, whose offices
+give them an opportunity of observing the distribution of the publick
+money, to justify themselves from the suspicions of the nation, by
+declaring openly what has been remitted, and what yet remains to be
+disbursed for some other purpose.
+
+Is it not, therefore, evident, my lords, that by promising assistance to
+this unhappy princess, the ministry intended to deceive her? That when
+they flattered her with the approach of auxiliary forces, they designed
+only to station them where they might garrison the frontiers of Hanover?
+And that when they forced her to solicit for pecuniary aid, they delayed
+the payment of the subsidy, that it might not be received till it could
+produce no effect?
+
+This, my lords, is not only evident from the manifest absurdity of their
+conduct upon any other supposition, but from the general scheme which
+has always been pursued by the man whose dictatorial instructions
+regulate the opinions of all those that constitute the ministry, and of
+whom it is well known, that it has been the great purpose of his life to
+aggrandize France, by applying to her for assistance in imaginary
+distresses from fictitious confederacies, and by sacrificing to her in
+return the house of Austria, and the commerce of Britain.
+
+How then, my lords, can it be asserted by us, that the house of Austria
+has been vigilantly supported? How can we approve measures, of which we
+discover no effect but the expense of the nation? A double expense,
+produced first by raising troops, which though granted for the
+assistance of the Austrians, have been made use of only for the
+protection of Hanover, and by the grant of money in the place of these
+troops, which were thus fallaciously obtained, and thus unprofitably
+employed!
+
+For what purpose these forces were in reality raised, I suppose no man
+can be ignorant, and no man to whom it is known can possibly approve it.
+How then, my lords, can we concur in an address by which the people must
+be persuaded, that we either are deceived ourselves, or endeavour to
+impose upon them; that we either dare not condemn any measures, however
+destructive, or that, at least, we are in haste to approve them, lest
+inquiry should discover their tendency too plainly to leave us the power
+of applauding them, without an open declaration of our own impotence, or
+disregard for the welfare of the publick.
+
+The complaints of the people are already clamorous, and their discontent
+open and universal; and surely the voice of the people ought, at least,
+to awake us to an examination of their condition. And though we should
+not immediately condemn those whom they censure and detest, as the
+authors of their miseries, we ought, at least, to pay so much regard to
+the accusation of the whole community, as not to reject it without
+inquiry, as a suspicion merely chimerical.
+
+Whether these complaints and suspicions, my lords, proceed from real
+injuries and imminent dangers, or from false accusations and groundless
+terrours, they equally deserve the attention of this house, whose great
+care is the happiness of the people: people equally worthy of your
+tenderness and regard, whether they are betrayed by one party or
+another; whether they are plundered by the advocates of the
+administration, under pretence of supporting the government, or
+affrighted with unreasonable clamours by the opponents of the court,
+under the specious appearance of protecting liberty. The people, my
+lords, are in either case equally miserable, and deserve equally to be
+rescued from distress.
+
+By what method, my lords, can this be effected, but by some publick
+assurance from this house, that the transactions of the nation shall no
+longer be concealed in impenetrable secrecy; that measures shall be no
+longer approved without examination; that publick evils shall be traced
+to their causes; and that disgrace, which they have hitherto brought
+upon the publick, shall fall for the future only upon the authors of
+them.
+
+Of giving this assurance, and of quieting by it the clamours of the
+people; clamours which, whether just or not, are too formidable to be
+slighted, and too loud not to be heard, we have now the most proper
+opportunity before us. The address which the practice of our ancestors
+requires us to make to his majesty, may give us occasion of expressing
+at once our loyalty to the crown, and our fidelity to our country; our
+zeal for the honour of our sovereign, and our regard for the happiness
+of the people.
+
+For this purpose it is necessary that, as we preserve the practice of
+our ancestors in one respect, we revive it in another; that we imitate
+those in just freedom of language whom we follow in the decent forms of
+ceremony; and show that as we preserve, like them, a due sense of the
+regal dignity, so, like them, we know likewise how to preserve our own,
+and despise flattery on one side, as we decline rudeness on the other.
+
+A practice, my lords, has prevailed of late, which cannot but be allowed
+pernicious to the publick, and derogatory from the honour of this
+assembly; a practice of retaining in our address the words of the
+speech, and of following it servilely from period to period, as if it
+were expected that we should always adopt the sentiments of the court;
+as if we were not summoned to advise, but to approve, and approve
+without examination.
+
+By such addresses, my lords, all inquiries may be easily precluded; for
+the minister by whom the speech is compiled, may easily introduce the
+most criminal transactions in such a manner, as that they may obtain the
+approbation of this house; which he may plead afterwards at our bar,
+when he shall be called before it, and either involve us in the disgrace
+of inconsistency, and expose us to general contempt, or be acquitted by
+our former suffrages, which it would be reproachful to retract, and yet
+criminal to confirm.
+
+It is not necessary, my lords, on this occasion to observe, what all
+parties have long since acknowledged, when it did not promote their
+interest to deny it, that every speech from the throne is to be
+considered as the work of the minister, because it is generally written
+by him; or if composed by the king himself, must be drawn up in
+pursuance of the information and counsel of the ministry, to whom it is,
+therefore, ultimately to be referred, and may consequently be examined
+without any failure of respect to the person of the prince.
+
+This ought, however, to be observed, my lords, that it may appear more
+plainly how certainly this practice may be imputed to the artifices of
+ministers, since it does not promote the honour of the prince, and
+manifestly obstructs the interest of the people; since it is a practice
+irrational in itself, because it is inconsistent with the great purpose
+of this assembly, and can, therefore, serve no other purpose than that
+of procuring indemnity to the ministers, by placing them out of the
+reach of future animadversion.
+
+Let not, my lords, the uninterrupted continuance of this practice for
+some reigns be pleaded in its defence; for nothing is more worthy of the
+dignity of this house, than to prevent the multiplication of dangerous
+precedents. That a custom manifestly injurious to the publick has
+continued long, is the strongest reason for breaking it, because it
+acquires every year new authority and greater veneration: if when a
+nation is alarmed and distracted, a custom of twenty years is not to be
+infringed, it may in twenty years more be so firmly established, that
+many may think it necessary to be supported, even when those calamities
+are incontestably felt, which, perhaps, now are only feared.
+
+I shall, therefore, my lords, propose, that of the address moved for,
+all be left out but the first paragraph; it will then be more consistent
+with the honour of your lordships, with our regard for the people, and
+with our duty to the crown, and hope no lord will refuse his
+concurrence.
+
+Lord HARDWICKE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--My lords,
+upon an attentive consideration of the address now proposed, I am not
+able to discover any objections which can justly hinder the unanimous
+concurrence of this assembly, since there is not any proposition
+contained in it either dangerous or uncertain.
+
+The noble lords who have opposed this motion with the most ardent
+vehemence, are very far from denying what is asserted in it; they
+readily grant that designs are concerted by many formidable powers
+against the house of Austria, and that the consequences of the ruin of
+that family must extend to the utmost parts of Europe, and endanger the
+liberties of Britain itself; that the power of France will then be
+without a rival, and that she may afterwards gratify her ambition
+without fear and without danger.
+
+Nor is it, my lords, less obvious in itself, or less generally allowed,
+that this is a time which demands the most active vigour, the most
+invariable unanimity, and the most diligent despatch; that nothing can
+interrupt the course of our common enemies but the wisest counsels, and
+the most resolute opposition; and that upon our conduct at this great
+conjuncture may probably depend the happiness and liberty of ourselves,
+our allies, and our posterity.
+
+All this, my lords, is allowed to be apparently and indisputably true; I
+am, therefore, at a loss to conceive what can be the occasion of the
+debate in which some of your lordships have engaged. As the causes of
+the calamities which are said to threaten us are not assigned in the
+address, we shall leave ourselves at full liberty to charge them upon
+those who shall appear from future inquiries to deserve so heavy an
+accusation.
+
+If the ministers of the court have, by any inconstancy in their
+measures, or folly in their negotiations, given an opportunity to the
+enemies of Europe to extend their influence, or endangered either our
+own interest, or that of our allies; if they have by oppression or
+negligence alienated from his majesty the affections of his people, or
+the confidence of his confederates, nothing that is contained in the
+address now before us can be produced by them in justification of their
+conduct, or secure them from accusation, censure, and punishment.
+
+If the war, my lords, has been hitherto carried on with clandestine
+stipulations, or treacherous compacts; if our admirals have received
+orders to retire from the coast of Spain, only to give our enemies an
+opportunity of invading the dominions of the queen of Hungary, or have,
+without directions, deserted their stations, and abandoned the
+protection of our commerce and our colonies; we shall, notwithstanding
+this address, retain in our hands the privilege of inquiring into their
+conduct, and the power, if it be found criminal, of inflicting such
+penalties as justice shall require.
+
+I know not, therefore, my lords, upon what motives the debate is
+continued, nor what objections they are which hinder our unanimity, at a
+time when all petty controversies ought to be forgot, and all nominal
+distinctions laid aside; at a time when general danger may justly claim
+general attention, and we ought to suspend the assertion of our
+particular opinions, and the prosecution of our separate interests, and
+regard only the opposition of France, the support of our allies, and the
+preservation of our country.
+
+The noble lords who have offered their sentiments on this occasion, have
+very diffusely expatiated on the miseries that impend over us, and have
+shown uncommon dexterity and acuteness in tracing them all to one
+source, the weakness or dishonesty of the British ministry.
+
+For my part, my lords, though, perhaps, I believe that many
+circumstances of the present distress are to be imputed to accidents
+which could not be foreseen, and that the conduct of the ministry,
+however sometimes disappointed of the effects intended by it, was yet
+prudent and sincere, I shall at present forbear to engage in their
+defence, because the discussion of a question so complicated must
+necessarily require much time, and because I think it not so useful to
+inquire how we were involved in our present difficulties, as by what
+means we may be extricated from them.
+
+The method by which weak states are made strong, and by which those that
+are already powerful, are enabled to exert their strength with efficacy,
+is the promotion of union, and the abolition of all suspicions by which
+the people may be incited to a distrust of their sovereign, or the
+sovereign provoked to a disregard of his people. With this view, my
+lords, all addresses ought to be drawn up, and this consideration will
+be sufficient to restrain us from any innovations at a time like this.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that the ancient method were better
+adapted to the general intention of addresses, more correspondent to the
+dignity of this house, and liable to fewer inconveniencies than that
+which later times have introduced, yet it will not follow that we can
+now safely change it.
+
+Nothing in the whole doctrine of politicks is better known, than that
+there are times when the redress of grievances, inveterate and
+customary, is not to be attempted; times when the utmost care is barely
+sufficient to avert extreme calamities, and prevent a total dissolution;
+and in which the consideration of lighter evils must not be suffered to
+interrupt more important counsels, or divert that attention which the
+preservation of the state necessarily demands.
+
+Such, my lords, is the present time, even by the confession of those who
+have opposed the motion, and of whom, therefore, it may be reasonably
+demanded, why they waste these important hours in debates upon forms and
+words?
+
+For that only forms and words have produced the debate, must be
+apparent, even to themselves, when the fervour of controversy shall have
+slackened; when that vehemence, with which the most moderate are
+sometimes transported, and that acrimony, which candour itself cannot
+always forbear, shall give way to reflection and to reason. That the
+danger is pressing, and that pressing dangers require expedition and
+unanimity, they willingly grant; and what more is asserted in the
+address?
+
+That any lord should be unwilling to concur in the customary expressions
+of thankfulness and duty to his majesty, or in acknowledgments of that
+regard for this assembly with which he asks our assistance and advice, I
+am unwilling to suspect; nor can I imagine that any part of the
+opposition to this proposal can be produced by unwillingness to comply
+with his majesty's demands, and to promise that advice and assistance,
+which it is our duty, both to our sovereign, our country, and ourselves,
+to offer.
+
+That those, my lords, who have expressed in terms so full of indignation
+their resentment of the imaginary neglect of the queen of Hungary's
+interest, have declared the house of Austria the only bulwark of Europe,
+and expressed their dread of the encroachments of France with emotions
+which nothing but real passion can produce, should be unwilling to
+assert their resolution of adhering to the Pragmatick sanction, and of
+defending the liberties of the empire, cannot be supposed.
+
+And yet, my lords, what other reasons of their conduct can be assigned
+either by the emperour, or the people, or the allies of Britain; those
+allies whose claim they so warmly assert, and whose merits they so
+loudly extol? Will it not be imagined in foreign courts, that the
+measures now recommended by the emperour, are thought not consistent
+with the interest of the nation? Will it not be readily believed, that
+we propose to abandon those designs of which we cannot be persuaded to
+declare our approbation?
+
+What will be the consequence of such an opinion artfully propagated by
+France, and confirmed by appearances so likely to deceive, may easily be
+foreseen, and safely predicted. The French will prosecute their schemes
+with fresh ardour, when they dread no longer any interruption from the
+only nation able to resist them; and it is well known, my lords, how
+often confidence, by exciting courage, produces success.
+
+Nor, indeed, can the success of their endeavours, thus animated and
+quickened, be easily doubted, since the same appearances that encourage
+them will intimidate their enemies. Our allies will then think no longer
+of union against the general enemy; they must imagine their united force
+insufficient, and the only emulation amongst them will quickly be, which
+shall first offer his liberty to sale, who shall first pay his court to
+the masters of the world, and merit mercy by a speedy submission.
+
+Thus, my lords, will the house of Austria, that house so faithful to
+Britain, and so steady in its opposition to the designs of the French
+ambition, be finally sunk in irrecoverable ruin, by those who appear to
+please themselves with declamations in its praise, and resolutions for
+its defence; and who never speak of the French without rage and
+detestation.
+
+If on this occasion, my lords, we should give any suspicion of unusual
+discontent, what could be concluded but that we are unwilling any longer
+to embarrass ourselves with remote considerations, to load this nation
+with taxes for the preservation of the rights of other sovereigns, and
+to hazard armies in the defence of the continent? What can our allies
+think, but that we are at present weary of the burdensome and expensive
+honour of holding the balance of power in our hands, are content to
+resign the unquiet province of the arbiters of Europe, and propose to
+confine our care henceforward to our immediate interest, and shut up
+ourselves in our own island?
+
+That this is the real design of any of those noble lords who have
+opposed the motion, I do not intend to insinuate; for I doubt not but
+they believe the general interest both of this nation and its allies,
+most likely to be promoted by the method of address which they
+recommend, since they declare that they do not think our state
+desperate, and confess the importance of the affairs on which we are
+required by his majesty to deliberate, to be such, that nothing ought to
+repress our endeavours but impossibility of success.
+
+Such is the knowledge and experience of those noble lords, that the
+hopes which I had formed of seeing the destructive attempts of the
+French once more defeated, and power restored again to that equipoise
+which is necessary to the continuance of tranquillity and happiness,
+have received new strength from their concurrence, and I shall now hear
+with less solicitude the threats of France.
+
+That the French, my lords, are not invincible, the noble duke who spoke
+last has often experienced; nor is there any reason for imagining that
+they are now more formidable than when we encountered them in the fields
+of Blenheim and Ramillies. Nothing is requisite but a firm union among
+those princes who are immediately in danger from their encroachments, to
+reduce them to withdraw their forces from the countries of their
+neighbours, and quit, for the defence of their own territories, their
+schemes of bestowing empires, and dividing dominions.
+
+That such an union is now cultivated, we have been informed by his
+majesty, whose endeavours will probably be successful, however they may
+at first be thwarted and obstructed; because the near approach of danger
+will rouse those whom avarice has stupified, or negligence intoxicated;
+thus truth and reason will become every day more powerful, and sophistry
+and artifice be in time certainly detected.
+
+When, therefore, my lords, we are engaged in consultations which may
+affect the liberties of a great part of mankind, and by which our
+posterity to many ages may be made happy or miserable; when the daily
+progress of the enemies of justice and of freedom ought to awaken us to
+vigilance and expedition, and there are yet just hopes that diligence
+and firmness may preserve us from ruin, let us not waste our time in
+unnecessary debates, and keep the nations of Europe in suspense by the
+discussion of a question, the decision of which may be delayed for
+years, without any manifest inconvenience. Let us not embarrass his
+majesty by an unusual form of address, at a time when he his negotiating
+alliances, and forming plans for the rescue of the empire.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more remote from the real end of addresses, than a
+representation of them as made only to the minister; for if there be any
+commerce between a prince and his subjects, in which he is the immediate
+agent, if his personal dignity be interested in any act of government, I
+think it is not to be denied, that in receiving the addresses of the two
+houses, he assumes a peculiar and distinct character, which cannot be
+confounded with his council or ministry.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose again, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if
+there was now any contest amongst us for superiority of regard to his
+majesty, of zeal for his honour, or reverence of his person, I should
+not doubt of proving that no lord in this house can boast of more
+ardour, fidelity, or respect than myself; and if the chief question now
+amongst us related to the terms in which he deserves to be addressed by
+us, I should be unwilling that any man should propose language more
+submissive and reverend, or more forcible and comprehensive than myself.
+
+But addresses, however they may for present purposes be represented as
+regarding the personal character of the king, are in reality nothing
+more than replies to a speech composed by the minister, whose measures,
+if we should appear to commend, our panegyrick may, in some future
+proceeding, be cited against us. Every address, therefore, ought to be
+considered as a publick record, and to be drawn up, to inform the
+nation, not to mislead our sovereign.
+
+The address now proposed, is, indeed, equally indefensible to whomsoever
+it may be supposed to relate. If it respects the people, it can only
+drive them to despair; if it be confined to the sovereign, our advice,
+not our panegyrick, is now required, and Europe is to be preserved from
+ruin, not by our eloquence, but our sincerity. Respect to his majesty,
+my lords, will be best shown by preserving his influence in other
+nations, and his authority in his own empire. This can only be done by
+showing him how the one has been impaired, and how the other may be in
+time endangered.
+
+By addresses like this which is now proposed, my lords, has his majesty
+been betrayed into an inadvertent appro bation of measures pernicious to
+the nation, and dishonourable to himself, and will now be kept ignorant
+of the despicable conduct of the war, the treacherous connivance at the
+descent of the Spaniards upon the dominions of the queen of Hungary, and
+the contempt with which every nation of the continent has heard of the
+neutrality lately concluded. By addresses like this, my lords, have the
+rights of the nation been silently given up, and the invaders of
+liberty, and violators of our laws, preserved from prosecution; by such
+addresses have our monarchs been ruined at one time, and our country
+enslaved at another.
+
+Lord HARRINGTON spoke next, in the following manner:--My lords, it is
+necessary to explain that treaty of neutrality which has been mentioned
+by some lords as an act to the last degree shameful, an act by which the
+nation has been dishonoured, and the general liberties of Europe have
+been betrayed; a representation so distant from the truth, that it can
+only be imputed to want of information.
+
+This treaty of neutrality, my lords, is so far from being reproachful to
+this nation, that it has no relation to it, being made by his majesty
+not in the character of emperour of Britain, but elector of Hanover, nor
+is any thing stipulated by it but security of the dominions of Hanover,
+from the invasion of the French for a single year.
+
+What part of this transaction, my lords, can be supposed to fall under
+the cognizance of this assembly? Or with what propriety can it be
+mentioned in our debates, or produce an argument on either side? That
+the dominions of Britain and Hanover are distinct, and independent on
+each other, has often been asserted, and asserted with truth; and I hope
+those who so studiously separate their interest on all other occasions,
+will not now unite them only to reflect maliciously on the conduct of
+his majesty.
+
+I do not, indeed, charge any lord with a design so malignant and unjust;
+having already asserted it as my opinion, that these reproaches were
+produced only by ignorance of the true state of the affair, but cannot
+with equal readiness allow that ignorance to be wholly blameless.
+
+It is necessary, my lords, in common life, to every man who would avoid
+contempt and ridicule, to refrain from speaking, at least from speaking
+with confidence, on subjects with which he has not made himself
+sufficiently acquainted. This caution, my lords, is more necessary when
+his discourse tends to the accusation or reproach of another, because he
+can then only escape contempt himself by bringing it, perhaps unjustly,
+on him whom he condemns. It is more necessary still, to him who speaks
+in the publick council of the nation, and who may, by false reflections,
+injure the publick interest; and is yet more indispensably required in
+him who assumes the province of examining the conduct of his sovereign.
+
+Lord ISLAY spoke in substance as follows:--'My lords, it appears that
+all those who have spoke on either side of the present question, however
+they may generally differ in their opinions, agree at least in one
+assertion, that the time which is spent in this debate might be far more
+usefully employed, and that we, in some degree, desert the great cause
+of liberty, by giving way to trifling altercations. This, indeed, is an
+argument of equal force for a concession on either side; but, as in
+affairs of such importance, no man ought to act in a manner contrary to
+the convictions of his own reason, it cannot be expected that we should
+be unanimous in our opinions, or that the dispute should be determined
+otherwise than by the vote.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no arguments against the motion, which require
+long consideration; for little of what has been urged, has, in my
+opinion, been very nearly connected with the question before us, which
+is not whether the ministers have pursued or neglected the interest of
+the nation, whether the laws have been violated or observed, the war
+timorously or magnanimously conducted, or our negotiations managed with
+dexterity or weakness, but whether we shall offer to his majesty the
+address proposed.
+
+In this address, my lords, it has never yet been proved that any
+assertions are contained either false or uncertain in themselves, or
+contrary to the dignity of this assembly; that any act of cowardice or
+treachery, any crime, or any errour, will be secured by it from
+detection and from punishment.
+
+That this, my lords, may appear more plainly, I move that the motion may
+be read; nor do I doubt but that the question will, by a closer
+examination, be speedily decided.
+
+[The motion being again read, in order to put the question.]
+
+Lord BATHURST spoke to the effect following:--My lords, I know not why
+the noble lord should expect, that by reading the motion, a more speedy
+determination of the question would be produced; for if the repeated
+consideration of it operates upon the minds of the lords that have
+opposed it, in the same manner as upon mine, it will only confirm their
+opinion, and strengthen their resolution.
+
+We are required, my lords, to join in an address of thanks to his
+majesty for his endeavours to _maintain_ the balance of power; in an
+address, that implies a falsehood open and indisputable, and which will,
+therefore, only make us contemptible to our fellow-subjects, our allies,
+and our enemies.
+
+What is meant, my lords, by the balance of power, but such a
+distribution of dominion, as may keep the sovereign powers in mutual
+dread of each other, and, by consequence, preserve peace; such an
+equality of strength between one prince, or one confederacy and another,
+that the hazard of war shall be nearly equal on each side? But which of
+your lordships will affirm, that this is now the state of Europe?
+
+It is evident, my lords, that the French are far from imagining that
+there is now any power which can be put in the balance against their
+own, and therefore distribute kingdoms by caprice, and exalt emperours
+upon their own terms.
+
+It is evident, that the continuance of the balance of power is not now
+to be perceived by its natural consequences, tranquillity and liberty;
+the whole continent is now in confusion, laid waste by the ravages of
+armies, subject to one sovereign to-day, and to-morrow to another: there
+is scarcely any place where the calamities of war are not felt or
+expected, and where property, by consequence, is not uncertain, and life
+itself in continual danger.
+
+One happy corner of the world, indeed, is to be found, my lords, secured
+from rapine and massacre, for one year at least, by a well-timed
+neutrality, of which, on what terms it was obtained, I would gladly
+hear, and whether it was purchased at the expense of the honour of
+Britain, though the advantages of it are confined to Hanover.
+
+But as I am not of opinion, my lords, that the balance of power is
+preserved by the security of Hanover; or that those territories, however
+important, will be able to furnish forces equivalent to the power of
+France, I cannot agree to promise, in an address of this house, to
+assist his majesty in _maintaining_ the balance of power, though I shall
+cheerfully give my concurrence in every just and vigorous effort to
+_restore_ it.
+
+But, as it may be urged, that any direct expressions of discontent may
+be too wide a deviation from the common forms, which for a long time
+have admitted nothing but submission and adulation, I shall only venture
+to propose that we may, at least, contract our address, that if we do
+not in plain language declare all our sentiments, we may, however,
+affirm nothing that we do not think; and I am confident, that all the
+praises which can be justly bestowed on the late measures, may be
+comprised in a very few words.
+
+It has been insinuated, that this change of our style may, perhaps,
+surprise his majesty, and raise in him some suspicions of discontent and
+disapprobation; that it may incline him to believe his measures, either
+not understood by us, or not applauded, and divert him from his present
+schemes, by the necessity of an inquiry into the reasons of our dislike.
+
+And for what other purpose, my lords, should such a change of our style
+be proposed? Why should we deny on this occasion the encomiastick
+language which has been of late so profusely bestowed, but to show that
+we think this time too dangerous for flattery, and the measures now
+pursued, such as none but the most abject flatterers can commend?
+
+I should hope, that if it be asked by his majesty to what cause it is to
+be imputed, that the address of this house is so much contracted, there
+would be found some amongst us honest enough to answer, that all which
+can be said with truth is contained in it, and that flattery and
+falsehood were not consistent with the dignity of the lords of Britain.
+
+I hope, my lords, some one amongst us would explain to his majesty the
+decency as well as the integrity of our conduct, and inform him that we
+have hinted our discontent in the most respectful manner; and where
+there was sufficient room for the loudest censure, have satisfied
+ourselves with modest silence, with a mere negation of applause.
+
+Should we, my lords, in opposition to the complaints of our countrymen,
+to the representations of our allies, and all the conviction which our
+reason can admit, or our senses produce, continue to act this farce of
+approbation, what can his majesty conceive, but that those measures
+which we applaud, ought to be prosecuted as the most effectual and safe?
+And what consequence but total ruin can arise from the prosecution of
+measures, by which we are already reduced to penury and contempt?
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next to the following purpose:--My lords, it is
+never without grief and wonder that I hear any suspicion insinuated of
+injustice or impropriety in his majesty's measures, of whose wisdom and
+goodness I have so much knowledge, as to affirm, with the utmost
+confidence, that he is better acquainted than any lord in this assembly
+with the present state of Europe; so that he is more able to judge by
+what methods tranquillity may be reestablished; and that he pursues the
+best methods with the utmost purity of intention, and the most incessant
+diligence and application.
+
+That the justest intentions may be sometimes defeated, and the wisest
+endeavours fail of success, I shall readily grant; but it will not
+follow, that we ought not to acknowledge that wisdom and integrity which
+is exerted in the prosecution of our interest, or that we ought not to
+be grateful for the benefits which were sincerely intended, though not
+actually received.
+
+The wisdom of his majesty's counsels, my lords, is not sufficiently
+admired, because the difficulties which he has to encounter are not
+known, or not observed. Upon his majesty, my lords, lies the task of
+teaching the powers of the continent to prefer their real to their
+seeming interest, and to disregard, for the sake of distant happiness,
+immediate acquisitions and certain advantages. His majesty is
+endeavouring to unite in the support of the Pragmatick sanction those
+powers whose dominions will be enlarged by the violation of it, and whom
+France bribes to her interest with the spoils of Austria; and who can
+wonder that success is not easy in attempts like this?
+
+In such measures we ought, doubtless, to endeavour to animate his
+majesty, by an address, at least not less expressive of duty and respect
+than those which he has been accustomed to receive; and, therefore, I
+shall concur with the noble lords who made and supported the motion.
+
+[The question, on a division, passed in the affirmative, Content, 89.
+Not Content, 43.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+by Samuel Johnson
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10351 ***
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of
+    The Works of Samuel Johnson, Ll.d., Volume X.
+</title>
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10351 ***</div>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>
+    THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,
+</h1>
+<center>
+    VOLUME THE TENTH.
+</center>
+<center>
+    MDCCCXXV.
+</center>
+
+
+
+<br /><br />
+<hr>
+<br /><br />
+
+<br />
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_1">
+PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2HREF2">
+REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_3">
+DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_4">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_5">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_6">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_7">
+HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_8">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_9">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_10">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_11">
+HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_12">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_13">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_14">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_15">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_16">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_17">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_18">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_19">
+DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<br /><br />
+<hr>
+<br /><br />
+
+
+
+<h2>
+    CONTENTS
+</h2>
+<br />
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on a seditious paper.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on incorporating the new-raised men into the standing regiments.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on taking the state of the army into consideration.<br>
+<br>
+Debate respecting officers on half-pay.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on an address for papers relating to admiral Haddock.<br>
+<br>
+Debate regarding the departure of the French and Spanish squadrons.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on addressing his majesty for the removal of sir R. Walpole.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on cleansing the city of Westminster.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill to prevent inconveniencies arising from the insurance<br>
+of ships.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on addressing the king.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on supporting the queen of Hungary.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on choosing a speaker.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the address.<br>
+</p>
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+<a name="2H_4_1"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+</h2>
+<p>
+    The government of this country has long and justly been considered the
+    best among the nations of Europe; and the English people have ever
+    evinced a proportionate desire for information in its proceedings. But
+    in the earlier days of our constitution, we shall find that much
+    jealousy on the part of our rulers debarred the people from access to
+    the national deliberations. Queen Elizabeth, with a sagacity that
+    derived no assurance from the precedents of former times, foresaw the
+    mighty power of the press, as an engine applied to state purposes, and
+    accordingly aroused the spirit of her subjects, by causing the first
+    gazettes to be published in the year of the armada [Footnote: See sir J.
+    Mackintosh's Defence in the Peltier case.]: and D'Ewes's journals of her
+    parliaments contain the earliest reports of parliamentary debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first volume of the commons' journals comprises the debates from the
+    accession of James the first, to the cessation of parliaments under
+    Charles the first. The publication, in 1766, of a member's notes,
+    furnished authentic debates of the session in 1621. Rushworth, in his
+    voluminous collections, presents us with many of the debates during the
+    civil wars. Gray's more regular debates succeeded. From these, until the
+    times that followed the glorious revolution in 1688, we have no reports
+    of parliamentary proceedings, interesting as they must have been, on
+    which we can place any more reliance, than on those of Dr. Johnson,
+    which, we shall presently see, cannot pretend to the character of
+    faithful reports, however deservedly eminent they are as eloquent and
+    energetic compositions. But the revolution was not immediately followed
+    by a liberal diffusion of parliamentary intelligence, for the newspapers
+    of William's reign only give occasionally a detached speech. That
+    sovereign scarcely allowed liberty of speech to the members of
+    parliament themselves, and was fully as tyrannical in disposition as his
+    predecessor on the throne; but, happily for the English nation, he was
+    tied and bound by the strong fetters of law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The stormy period that ensued on William's death, is somewhat
+    illustrated by Boyer's POLITICAL STATE. The HISTORICAL REGISTERS which
+    appeared on the accession of George the first, may be considered as more
+    faithful depositories of political information than Boyer's partial
+    publication. The spirited opposition to sir Robert Walpole excited an
+    unprecedented anxiety in the nation to learn the internal proceedings of
+    parliament. This wish on the part of constituents to know and scrutinize
+    the conduct of their representatives, which to us appears so reasonable
+    a claim, was regarded in a different light by our ancestors. But the
+    frown of authority in the reign of George the second began to have less
+    power to alarm a people whose minds were undergoing progressive
+    illumination. A general desire was then loudly expressed for
+    parliamentary information, which Cave sought to gratify by the insertion
+    of the debates in the GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. The jealousy of the houses,
+    however, subjected that indefatigable man to the practices of stratagem
+    for the accomplishment of his design. He held the office of inspector of
+    franks in the postoffice, which brought him into contact with the
+    officers of both houses of parliament, and afforded him frequent and
+    ready access to many of the members. Cave, availing himself of this
+    advantage, frequented the houses when any debate of public interest was
+    expected, and, along with a friend, posted himself in the gallery of the
+    house of commons, and in some retired station in that of the lords,
+    where, unobserved, they took notes of the several speeches. These notes
+    were afterwards arranged and expanded by Guthrie, the historian, then in
+    the employment of Cave, and presented to the public, monthly, in the
+    Gentleman's Magazine. They first appeared in July, 1736 [Footnote: Gent.
+    Mag. vol. vi.], and were perused with the greatest eagerness. But it was
+    soon intimated to Cave, that the speaker was offended with this freedom,
+    which he regarded in the light of a breach of privilege, and would
+    subject Cave, unless he desisted, to parliamentary censure, or perhaps
+    punishment. To escape this, and likewise to avoid an abridgment of his
+    magazine, Cave had recourse to the following artifice. He opened his
+    magazine for June, 1738, with an article entitled, "Debates in the
+    senate of Magna Lilliputia;" in which he artfully deplores the
+    prohibition that forbids him to present his readers with the
+    consultations of their own representatives, and expresses a hope that
+    they will accept, as a substitute, those of that country which Gulliver
+    had so lately rendered illustrious, and which untimely death had
+    prevented that enterprising traveller from publishing himself. Under
+    this fiction he continued to publish the debates of the British
+    parliament, hiding the names of persons and places by the transposition
+    of letters, in the way of anagram. These he contrived to explain to his
+    readers, by annexing to his volume for 1738, feigned proposals for
+    printing a work, to be called Anagrammata Rediviva. This list, and
+    others from different years, we give in the present edition, though we
+    have rejected the barbarous jargon from the speeches themselves. A
+    contemporary publication, the LONDON MAGAZINE, feigned to give the
+    debates of the Roman senate, and adapted Roman titles to the several
+    speakers. This expedient, as well as Cave's contrivance, sufficed to
+    protect its ingenious authors from parliamentary resentment; as the
+    resolution of the commons was never enforced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The debates contained in the following volumes, commence with the 19th
+    November, 1740, and terminate with the 23d February, 1742-3. The
+    animated attempts that were made to remove sir Robert Walpole from
+    administration, seemed, in Cave's opinion, to call for an abler reporter
+    than Guthrie. Johnson was selected for the task; and his execution of it
+    may well justify the admiration which we have so often avowed for those
+    wonderful powers of mind, which, apparently, bade defiance to all
+    impediments of external fortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was only thirty-two years of age, little acquainted with the world;
+    had never, perhaps, been in either house, and certainly had never
+    conversed with the men whose style and sentiments he took upon himself
+    to imitate. But so well and skilfully did he assume, not merely the
+    sedate and stately dignity of the lords, and the undaunted freedom of
+    the commons, but also the tone of the respective parties, that the
+    public imagined they recognised the individual manner of the different
+    speakers. Voltaire, and other foreigners of distinction, compared
+    British with Greek and Roman eloquence; and ludicrous instances are
+    detailed by Johnson's biographers, of praises awarded to Pulteney or to
+    Pitt, in the presence of the unsuspected author of the orations which
+    had excited such regard [Footnote: See Boswell, and sir John Hawkins.]!
+    For Johnson confessed, that he composed many of the speeches entirely
+    from his own imagination, and all of them from very scanty materials.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confession he undoubtedly made from his love of truth, and not for
+    the gratification of vanity. When he heard that Smollett was preparing
+    his History of England, he warned him against relying on the debates as
+    authentic; and, on his death-bed, he professed that the recollection of
+    having been engaged in an imposture was painful to him. That this was a
+    refined scrupulosity the most rigid moralist must allow; but,
+    nevertheless, it is matter for congratulation, that the liberality of
+    parliament no longer subjects its reporters to the subterfuges which we
+    have thus briefly attempted to describe. And a comparison of this age
+    and its privileges with the restrictions of former times, may not be
+    without its use, if, by reminding us that we were not always free, it
+    teaches us political contentment, suggests to us the policy of
+    moderation, and enables us to love liberty, and yet be wise.
+</p>
+<center>
+    OXFORD, NOVEMBER, 1825.
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Terms used by Cave to disguise the real Names
+    that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Abingdon, Ld. ... Adonbing or Plefdrahn
+  Ambrose, Captain ... Ambreso
+  Archer ... Arech
+  Argyle, Duke of ... Agryl
+  Arthur ... Aruth
+  Anne ... Nuna
+  Aston ... Anots
+  Aylesford, Lord ... Alysfrop
+  Baltimore, Lord ... Blatirome
+  Barnard, Sir John ... Branard
+  Barrington ... Birrongtan
+  Bath, Earl of ... Baht
+  Bathurst, Lord ... Brustath
+  Bedford, Duke of ... Befdort
+  Berkeley, Lord ... Berelky
+  Bishop ... Flamen
+  Bladen, Mr. ... Bledna
+  Bootle, Mr. ... Butul
+  Bowles, Mr. ... Bewlos
+  Bristol, Lord ... Broslit
+  Bromley, Mr. ... Bormlye
+  Brown, Mr. ... Brewon or Buron
+  Burleigh ... Bruleigh
+  Burrell, Mr. ... Berrull
+  Campbell ... Campobell
+  Carew, Mr. ... Cawar
+  Carlisle, Earl of ... Carsilel
+  Carteret, Lord ... Quadrert
+  Castres, Mons ... Cahstrehs
+  Cavendish ... Candevish
+  Charles ... Chorlo
+  Chesterfield, Earl of ... Castroflet
+  Cholmondeley, Earl of ... Sholmlug
+  Churchill ... Chillchurch
+  Clutterbuck, Mr. ... Cluckerbutt
+  Cocks ... Cosck
+  Coke, Mr. ... Quoke
+  Cooke ... Coeko
+  Cooper, Mr. ... Quepur
+  Corbet, Mr. ... Croteb
+  Cornwall, Mr. ... Carnwoll
+  Cromwell ... Clewmro
+  Danes ... Danians
+  Danvers ... Dranevs
+  Delawarr, Lord ... Devarlar
+  Devonshire, Duke of ... Dovenshire
+  Digby ... Dibgy
+  Drake, Mr. ... Dekra
+  Earle, Mr. ... Eral
+  Edmund ... Emdond
+  Edward ... Eddraw
+  Elizabeth ... Ezila
+  Erskine, Mr. ... Eserkin
+  Eugene, Prince ... Eunege
+  Falconberg, Lord ... Flacnobrug
+  Falkland ... Flakland
+  Fanshaw, Mr. ... Fashnaw
+  Fazakerly ... Fakazerly
+  Fenwick, Mr. ... Finweck
+  Ferrol ... Ferlor
+  Fox, Mr. ... Feaux
+  Francis ... Farncis or Friscan
+  Gage, Lord ... Gega
+  George ... Gorgenti
+  Gibbon, Mr. ... Gibnob
+  Gloucester, Duke of ... Glustre
+  Godolphin, Lord ... Golphindo
+  Gore ... Gero
+  Gower, Lord ... Gewor
+  Grenville, Mr. ... Grevillen
+  Gybbon, Mr. ... Gybnob
+  Halifax, Lord ... Haxilaf
+  Haddock, Admiral ... Hockadd
+  Handasyd, Mr. ... Hasandyd
+  Harding, Mr. ... Hadringe
+  Hardwick, Lord ... Hickrad
+  Harrington ... Hargrinton
+  Hay, Mr. ... Heagh
+  Heathcote ... Whethtoc
+  Henry ... Hynrec
+  Herbert ... Hertreb
+  Hervey, Lord ... Heryef
+  Hessian ... Hyessean
+  Hind Cotton ... Whind Cotnot
+  Hindford ... Honfryd
+  Hinton ... Hwenton
+  Hobart ... Hobrat
+  Holdernesse, Lord ... Hodrelness
+  Hooper ... Horeop
+  Hosier, Admiral ... Hozeri
+  Howe ... Hewo
+  Islay, Lord ... Yasli
+  Isham ... Ishma
+  Ilchester ... Itchletser
+  James ... Jacomo
+  Jekyl ... Jelyco
+  Jenkins ... Jenkino
+  John ... Juan
+  Joseph ... Josippo
+  Keene, Mr. ... Knee
+  Ledbury, Mr. ... Lebdury
+  Lindsay ... Lisnayd
+  Litchneld ... Liftchield
+  Lockwood ... Lodowock
+  Lombe ... Lebom
+  Lonsdale, Lord ... Lodsneal
+  Lovel ... Levol
+  Lymerick, Lord ... Lyromick
+  Lyttleton ... Lettyltno
+  Marlborough, Duke of ... Maurolburgh
+  Malton, Lord ... Matlon
+  Manley ... Manly
+  Mary ... Marya
+  Montrose, Duke of ... Morontosse
+  Mordaunt ... Madrount
+  Morton ... Motron
+  Newcastle, Duke of ... Nardac secretary
+  Noel ... Neol
+  Norris, Admiral ... Nisror
+  Nugent ... Netgun
+  Ogle, Admiral ... Oleg
+  Onslow ... Olswon
+  Orange ... Organe
+  Ord, Mr. ... Whord
+  Orford, Earl of ... Orfrod
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ormond, Duke of ... Omrond
+  Oxford, Earl of ... Odfrox
+  Oxenden ... Odnexen
+  Paxton ... Pantox
+  Pelham, Mr. ... Plemahm
+  Perry ... Peerur
+  Peterborough ... Petraborauch
+  Pitt, Mr. ... Ptit
+  Plumer, Mr. ... Plurom
+  Polwarth ... Polgarth
+  Portland, Duke of ... Poldrand
+  Powlett ... Powltet or Pletow
+  Pretender ... Rednetrep
+  Puffendorf ... Pudenfforf
+  Pulteney ... Pulnub
+  Quarendon ... Quenardon
+  Rainsford ... Rainsfrod
+  Ramelies ... Ramles
+  Raymond ... Ramonyd
+  Robert ... Retrob
+  Rochester ... Roffen
+  Saint Aubyn ... St. Aybun
+  Salisbury ... Sumra
+  Samuel ... Salvem
+  Sandwich, Earl of ... Swandich
+  Sandys, Mr. ... Snadsy
+  Scarborough, Lord ... Sarkbrugh
+  Scroop, Mr. ... Screop
+  Sidney, Lord ... Sedyin
+  Selwin, Mr. ... Slenwy
+  Shaftsbury, Lord ... Shyftasbrug
+  Shippen, Mr. ... Skeiphen
+  Sloper ... Slerop
+  Somers ... Sosrem
+  Somerset ... Sosermet
+  Southwell ... Suthewoll
+  Strafford ... Stordraff
+  Stair ... Stari
+  Stanislaus ... Stasinlaus
+  Sundon ... Snodun
+  Talbot ... Toblat
+  Thomas ... Tsahom
+  Thomson, Mr. ... Thosmon
+  Tracey ... Tryace
+  Trenchard ... Trachnerd
+  Trevor, Mr. ... Tervor
+  Turner ... Truron
+  Tweedale, Marquis of ... Tewelade
+  Tyrconnel, Lord ... Trinocleng
+  Vernon, Admiral ... Venron
+  Vyner, Mr. ... Vynre or Venry
+  Wade ... Weda
+  Wager, Admiral ... Werga
+  Wakefield ... Wafekeild
+  Waller, Mr. ... Welral
+  Walpole, Sir Robert ... Walelop
+  Walpole, Mr. ... Walelop
+  Walter, Mr. ... Gusbret
+  Watkins, Mr. ... Waknits
+  Wendover ... Wednevro
+  Westmoreland ... Westromland
+  William ... Wimgul
+  Willimot, Mr. ... Guillitom
+  Winchelsea, Lord ... Wichensale
+  Winnington, Mr. ... Wintinnong
+  Wortley, Mr. ... Wolresyt or Werotyl
+  Wyndham ... Gumdahm
+  Wynn ... Ooyn
+  Yonge ... Yegon
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Places
+    that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Almanza ... Almanaz
+  America ... Columbia
+  Amsterdam ... Amstredam
+  Aschaffenburg ... Aschafnefburg
+  Austria ... Aurista
+  Barbadoes ... Bardosba
+  Barcelona ... Bracolena
+  Brittany ... Brateney
+  Bavaria ... Baravia
+  Blenheim ... Blehneim or Blenhem
+  Bourbon ... Buorbon
+  Brandenburg ... Brangburden
+  Bristol ... Broslit
+  Britain ... Lilliput
+  Cadiz ... Cazid
+  Cambridge ... Guntar
+  Campechy ... Capemchy
+  Carolina ... Carolana
+  Carthagena ... Carthanega
+  Cologne ... Colgone
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Connecticut ... Contecticnu
+  Cressy ... Cerlsy
+  Cuba ... Cabu
+  Denmark ... Dancram
+  Dettingen ... Detteneg
+  Dunkirk ... Donkirk
+  Dutch ... Belgians
+  Edinburgh ... Edina
+  Europe ... Degulia
+  Flanders ... Flandria
+  France ... Blefuscu
+  Georgia ... Gorgentia
+  Germany ... Allemanu
+  Gibraltar ... Grablitra
+  Guastalla ... Gua Stalla
+  Guernsey ... Guensrey
+  Hanover ... Hanevro
+  Haversham ... Havremarsh
+  Hesse Cassel ... Hyesse Clessa
+  Hispaniola ... Iberionola
+  Holland ... Belgia
+  Hungary ... Hungruland
+  India ... Idnia
+  Ireland ... Ierne
+  Italy ... Itlascu
+  Jamaica ... Zamengol
+  Jucatan ... Jutacan
+  Leghorn ... Lehgron
+  London ... Mildendo
+  Madrid ... Mardit
+  Malplaquet ... Malpalquet
+  Mardyke ... Mardryke
+  Martinico ... Marnitico
+  Mediterranean ... Middle Sea
+  Minorca ... Minocra
+  Munster ... Munstru
+  Muscovy ... Mausqueeta
+  New York ... Noveborac
+  Orkney ... Orkyen
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ostend ... Odsten
+  Parma ... Par Ma
+  Pennsylvania ... Pennvasilia
+  Poland ... Poldrand
+  Portugal ... Lusitania
+  Port Mahon ... Port Mohan
+  Prussia ... Parushy
+  Prague ... Praga
+  Sardinia ... Sadrinia
+  Schellembourg ... Schemelbourg
+  Seville ... Sebfule
+  Sicily ... Cilisy
+  South Sea ... Pacific Ocean
+  Spain ... Iberia
+  Straits ... Narrow Seas
+  Sweden ... Swecte
+  Turkey ... Korambec
+  Utrecht ... Ultralt
+  Vienna ... Vinena
+  Virginia ... Vegrinia
+  Westminster ... Belfaborac
+  Wolfenbuttle ... Wobentuffle
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Names of
+    Things that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Admiral ... Galbet
+  Baronet ... Hurgolen
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Duke ... Nardac
+  Earl ... Cosern
+  Esquire ... Urg
+  Gentleman ... Urgolen
+  High Heels or Tory ... Tramecsan
+  Knight ... Hurgolet
+  Legal ... Snilpal
+  Lord ... Hurgo
+  Penny ... a Grull
+  Popery ... Missalsm
+  Prophet ... Lustrug
+  Sprug ... a Pound
+  Squire ... Urg
+  Viscount ... Comvic
+  Years ... Moons
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<a name="2HREF2"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+</h2>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Abingdon, Lord,
+  Archer, Mr. Hy.
+  Argyle, Duke of,
+  Attorney General,
+  Bathurst, Mr.
+  Baltimore, Lord,
+  Barnard, Sir John,
+  Barrington, Mr.
+  Bedford, Duke of,
+  Bladen, Mr.
+  Bowles, Mr.
+  Brown, Mr.
+  Burrel, Mr.
+  Campbell, Mr.
+  Carew, Mr.
+  Carlisle, Lord,
+  Carteret, Lord,
+  Cholmondeley, Lord,
+  Clutterbuck, Mr.
+  Cocks, Mr.
+  Cornwall, Capt.
+  Cornwall, Mr.
+  Cotton, Sir Hind,
+  Devonshire, Duke of,
+  Digby, Mr.
+  Earle, Mr.
+  Fazakerly, Mr.
+  Fox, Mr.
+  Gage, Lord,
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gower, Lord,
+  Gybbon, Mr.
+  Halifax, Lord,
+  Hardwick, Lord,
+  Harrington, Lord,
+  Hay, Mr.
+  Hervey, Lord,
+  Howe, Mr.
+  Littleton, Mr.
+  Lockwood, Mr.
+  Lord Chancellor,
+  Lovel, Lord,
+  Marlborough, Duke of,
+  Mordaunt, Col.
+  Newcastle, Duke of,
+  Norris, Admiral,
+  Onslow, Mr.
+  Ord, Mr.
+  Pelham, Mr.
+  Pitt, Mr.
+  Pulteney, Mr.
+  Quarendon, Lord,
+  Salisbury, Bishop of,
+  Sandys, Mr.
+  Shippen, Mr.
+  Sloper, Mr.
+  Southwell, Mr.
+  Talbot, Lord,
+  Thompson, Lord,
+  Tracey, Mr.
+  Tyrconnel,
+  Vyner, Mr.
+  Wade, General,
+  Wager, Sir Charles,
+  Waller, Mr.
+  Walpole, Sir Robert,
+  Walpole, Mr.
+  Westmoreland, Lord,
+  Willimot, Mr.
+  Winnington, Mr.
+  Yonge, Sir Wm.
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<a name="2H_4_3"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>
+    DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+</h1>
+<a name="2H_4_4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATE, WITH REGARD TO THE BILL <br>FOR PROHIBITING THE
+    EXPORTATION OF CORN, ETC.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the first day of the session, his majesty, in his speech from the
+    throne, recommended to parliament to consider of some good law to
+    prevent the growing mischief of the exportation of corn to foreign
+    countries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fourth day, a bill for preventing, for a limited time, the
+    exportation, etc, was read a first time in the house of commons, and the
+    question put, whether it should be printed, which passed in the
+    negative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This day the agent for the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
+    presented a petition against the said corn bill, which was referred to
+    the committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another petition was also presented by the agent for the colony of
+    Connecticut, in New England, setting forth that the chief trade of that
+    colony arose from supplying other British colonies with corn, so that
+    unless that colony be excepted from the restraints intended by this
+    bill, both that and those which are supplied by it will be reduced to
+    great distress, and praying, therefore, that such exception may be
+    allowed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The allegations in this petition were confirmed by another, from one of
+    the provinces supplied by the colony of Connecticut.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another petition was presented by the agent for South Carolina, setting
+    forth, that unless the rice produced in that province were allowed to be
+    exported, the colony must be ruined by the irretrievable loss of their
+    whole trade, as the countries now supplied from thence might easily
+    procure rice from the French settlements, already too much their rivals
+    in trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This petition was supported by another, offered at the same time by the
+    merchants of Bristol.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A petition was likewise presented by the agent for the sugar islands, in
+    which it was alleged, that if no provisions be imported thither from
+    Britain, they must, in one month, suffer the extremities of famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these petitions were referred to the committee for the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A printed paper was also delivered to the members, entitled,
+    'considerations on the embargo,' which enumerated many dangerous
+    consequences likely to be produced by an embargo on provisions, and
+    suggested that it was no better than a wicked scheme for private profit,
+    with other reflections, for which the paper was deemed a libel, and the
+    author committed to prison.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill being read in the committee, produced the following memorable
+    debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTNEY spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, after all the attention which
+    has been bestowed upon the bill now before us, I cannot yet conceive it
+    such as can benefit the nation, or such as will not produce far greater
+    inconveniencies than those which it is intended to obviate, and
+    therefore, as those inconveniencies may be prevented by other means, I
+    cannot but declare that I am far from approving it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ancestors, sir, have always thought it the great business of this
+    house to watch against the encroachments of the prerogative, and to
+    prevent an increase of the power of the minister; and the commons have
+    always been considered as more faithful to their trust, and more
+    properly the representatives of the people, in proportion as they have
+    considered this great end with more attention, and prosecuted it with
+    more invariable resolution. If we inquire into the different degrees of
+    reputation, which the several assemblies of commons have obtained, and
+    consider why some are remembered with reverence and gratitude, and
+    others never mentioned but with detestation and contempt, we shall
+    always find that their conduct, with regard to this single point, has
+    produced their renown or their infamy. Those are always, by the general
+    suffrage of mankind, applauded as the patterns of their country, who
+    have struggled with the influence of the crown, and those condemned as
+    traitors, who have either promoted it by unreasonable grants, or seen it
+    increase by slow degrees, without resistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has not, indeed, sir, been always the practice of ministers to make
+    open demands of larger powers, and avow, without disguise, their designs
+    of extending their authority; such proposals would, in former times,
+    have produced no consequences but that of awakening the vigilance of the
+    senate, of raising suspicions against all their proceedings, and of
+    embarrassing the crown with petitions, addresses, and impeachments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were under a necessity, in those times, of promoting their schemes;
+    those schemes which scarcely any ministry has forborne to adopt, by more
+    secret and artful and silent methods, by methods of diverting the
+    attention of the publick to other objects, and of making invisible
+    approaches to the point in view, while they seemed to direct all their
+    endeavours to different purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But such, sir, have been the proofs of implicit confidence, which the
+    administration has received from this assembly, that it is now common to
+    demand unlimited powers, and to expect confidence without restriction,
+    to require an immediate possession of our estates by a vote of credit,
+    or the sole direction of our trade by an act for prohibiting, during
+    their pleasure, the exportation of the produce of our lands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what instances of uncommon merit, of regard to the publick
+    prosperity, unknown in former times, or of discernment superior to that
+    of their most celebrated predecessors, the present ministers found their
+    new claims to submission and to trust, I am, indeed, at a loss to
+    discover; for, however mankind may have determined concerning the
+    integrity of those by whom the late memorable convention was transacted,
+    defended, and confirmed, I know not that their wisdom has yet appeared
+    by any incontestable or manifest evidence, which may set their abilities
+    above question, and fix their reputation for policy out of the reach of
+    censure and inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only act, sir, by which it can be discovered that they have any
+    degree of penetration proportionate to their employments, is the embargo
+    lately laid upon provisions in Ireland, by which our enemies have been
+    timely hindered from furnishing themselves, from our dominions, with
+    necessaries for their armies and their navies, and our fellow-subjects
+    have been restrained from exposing themselves to the miseries of famine,
+    by yielding to the temptation of present profit; a temptation generally
+    so powerful as to prevail over any distant interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as nothing is more contrary to my natural disposition, or more
+    unworthy of a member of this house, than flattery, I cannot affirm that
+    I ascribe this useful expedient wholly to the sagacity or the caution of
+    the ministry, nor can I attribute all the happy effects produced by it
+    to their benign solicitude for the publick welfare.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am inclined to believe that this step was advised by those who were
+    prompted to consider its importance by motives more prevalent than that
+    of publick spirit, and that the desire of profit which has so often
+    dictated pernicious measures, has, for once, produced, in return, an
+    expedient just and beneficial; and it has, for once, luckily fallen out,
+    that some of the friends of the administration have discovered that the
+    publick interest was combined with their own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is highly probable, sir, that the contractors for supplying the navy
+    with provisions, considering, with that acuteness which a quick sense of
+    loss and gain always produces, how much the price of victuals would be
+    raised by exportation, and, by consequence, how much of the advantage of
+    their contracts would be diminished, suggested to the ministry the
+    necessity of an embargo, and laid before them those arguments which
+    their own observation and wisdom would never have discovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the ministers, in that instance of their conduct, on which
+    their political reputation must be founded, can claim, perhaps, no
+    higher merit, than that of attending to superiour knowledge, of
+    complying with good advice when it was offered, and of not resisting
+    demonstration when it was laid before them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I would never ascribe to one man the merit of another, I should
+    be equally unwilling to detract from due commendations, and shall
+    therefore freely admit, that not to reject good counsel, is a degree of
+    wisdom, at which I could not expect that they by whom the convention was
+    concluded would ever have arrived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But whatever proficiency they may have made in the art of government
+    since that celebrated period, however they may have increased their
+    maxims of domestick policy, or improved their knowledge of foreign
+    affairs, I cannot but confess myself still inclined to some degree of
+    suspicion, nor can prevail upon myself to shut my eyes, and deliver up
+    the publick and myself implicitly to their direction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their sagacity, sir, may, perhaps, of late, have received some
+    improvements from longer experience, and with regard to their integrity,
+    I believe, at least, that it is not much diminished; and yet I cannot
+    forbear asserting the right of judging for myself, and of determining
+    according to the evidence that shall be brought before me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, hitherto, entertained an opinion that for this purpose only we
+    are deputed by our constituents, who, if they had reposed no confidence
+    in our care or abilities, would have given up, long since, the vexatious
+    right of contesting for the choice of representatives. They would have
+    furnished the ministry with general powers to act for them, and sat at
+    ease with no other regard to publick measures, than might incite them to
+    animate, with their applauses, the laudable endeavours of their
+    profound, their diligent, and their magnanimous governours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I do not, therefore, check any suspicions in my own mind, I shall not
+    easily be restrained from uttering them, because I know not how I shall
+    benefit my country, or assist her counsels by silent meditations. I
+    cannot, sir, but observe that the powers conferred by this bill upon the
+    administration are larger than the nation can safely repose in any body
+    of men, and with which no man who considers to what purposes they may be
+    employed will think it convenient to invest the negotiators of the
+    convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do my objections to this act, arise wholly from my apprehensions of
+    their conduct, who are intrusted with the execution of it, but from my
+    reflections on the nature of trade, and the conduct of those nations who
+    are most celebrated for commercial wisdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, how difficult it is to turn trade back into its
+    ancient channel, when it has by any means been diverted from it, and how
+    often a profitable traffick has been lost for ever, by a short
+    interruption, or temporary prohibition. The resentment of disappointed
+    expectations inclines the buyer to seek another market, and the civility
+    to which his new correspondents are incited by their own interest,
+    detains him, till those by whom he was formerly supplied, having no
+    longer any vent for their products or their wares, employ their labours
+    on other manufactures, or cultivate their lands for other purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, if those nations who have hitherto been supplied with corn
+    from Britain, should find a method of purchasing it from Denmark, or any
+    other of the northern regions, we may hereafter see our grain rotting in
+    our storehouses, and be burdened with provisions which we can neither
+    consume ourselves, nor sell to our neighbours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Hollanders, whose knowledge of the importance or skill in the arts
+    of commerce will not be questioned, are so careful to preserve the
+    inlets of gain from obstruction, that they make no scruple of supplying
+    their enemies with their commodities, and have been known to sell at
+    night those bullets which were next day to be discharged against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether their example, sir, deserves our imitation I am not able to
+    determine, but it ought at least to be considered, whether their conduct
+    was rational or not, and whether they did not, by a present evil, ensure
+    an advantage which overbalanced it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, doubtless, sir, sometimes such exigencies as require to be
+    complied with at the hazard of future profit, but I am not certain that
+    the scarcity which is feared or felt at present, is to be numbered
+    amongst them; but, however formidable it may be thought, there is surely
+    no need of a new law to provide against it: for it is one of those
+    extraordinary incidents, on which the king has the right of exerting
+    extraordinary powers. On occasions like this the prerogative has
+    heretofore operated very effectually, and I know not that the law has
+    ever restrained it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, most prudent to determine nothing
+    in so dubious a question, and rather to act as the immediate occasion
+    shall require, than prosecute any certain method of proceeding, or
+    establish any precedent by an act of the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To restrain that commerce by which the necessaries of life are
+    distributed is a very bold experiment, and such as once produced an
+    insurrection in the empire of the Turks, that terminated in the
+    deposition of one of their monarchs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore willingly confess, sir, that I know not how to conclude: I
+    am unwilling to deprive the nation of bread, or to supply our enemies
+    with strength to be exerted against ourselves; but I am, on the other
+    hand, afraid to restrain commerce, and to trust the authors of the
+    convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, I am always in
+    expectation of improvement and instruction when that gentleman engages
+    in any discussion of national questions, on which he is equally
+    qualified to judge by his great abilities and long experience, by that
+    popularity which enables him to sound the sentiments of men of different
+    interests, and that intelligence which extends his views to distant
+    parts of the world; but, on this occasion, I have found my expectations
+    frustrated, for he has inquired without making any discovery, and
+    harangued without illustrating the question before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has satisfied himself, sir, with declaring his suspicions, without
+    condescending to tell us what designs or what dangers he apprehends. To
+    fear, without being able to show the object of our terrours, is the
+    last, the most despicable degree of cowardice; and to suspect, without
+    knowing the foundation of our own suspicions, is surely a proof of a
+    state of mind, which would not be applauded on common occasions, and
+    such as no man but a patriot would venture to confess.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has, indeed, sir, uttered some very ingenious conceits upon the late
+    convention, has alluded to it with great luxuriancy of fancy, and
+    elegance of diction, and must, at least, confess that whatever may be
+    its effects upon the interest of the nation, it has to him been very
+    beneficial, as it has supplied him with a subject of raillery when other
+    topics began to fail him, and given opportunity for the exercise of that
+    wit which began to languish, for want of employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What connexion his wonderful sagacity has discovered between the
+    convention and the corn bill, I cannot yet fully comprehend, but have
+    too high an opinion of his abilities to imagine that so many
+    insinuations are wholly without any reason to support them. I doubt not,
+    therefore, sir, but that when some fitter opportunity shall present
+    itself he will clear their resemblance, and branch out the parallel
+    between them into a thousand particulars.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, sir, it may be proper for the house to expedite the
+    bill, against which no argument has yet been produced, and which is of
+    too much importance to be delayed by raillery or invectives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the bill before
+    us, as it is of too great importance to be negligently delayed, is
+    likewise too dangerous to be precipitately hurried into a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been always the practice of this house to consider money bills
+    with particular attention, because money is power in almost the highest
+    degree, and ought not, therefore, to be given but upon strong assurances
+    that it will be employed for the purposes for which it is demanded, and
+    that those purposes are in themselves just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if we consider, sir, the bill now before us, it will appear yet more
+    than a money bill, it will be found a bill for regulating the disposal
+    of that, which it is the great use of money to procure, and is,
+    therefore, not to be passed into a law without a close attention to
+    every circumstance that may be combined with it, and an accurate
+    examination of all the consequences that may be produced by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some of these circumstances or consequences, it is the duty of every
+    member to lay before the house, and I shall, therefore, propose that the
+    inducements to the discovery of any provisions illegally exported, and
+    the manner of levying the forfeiture, may be particularly discussed; for
+    by a defect in this part, the regulation lately established by the
+    regency, however seasonable, produced tumults and distractions, which
+    every good government ought studiously to obviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By their proclamation, sir, half the corn that should be found designed
+    for exportation was to be given to those who should discover and seize
+    it. The populace, alarmed at once with the danger of a famine, and
+    animated by a proclamation that put into their own hands the means of
+    preventing it, and the punishment of those from whose avarice they
+    apprehended it, rose in throngs to execute so grateful a law. Every
+    man, sir, whose distress had exasperated him, was incited to gratify his
+    resentment; every man, whose idleness prompted him to maintain his
+    family by methods more easy than that of daily labour, was delighted
+    with the prospect of growing rich on a sudden by a lucky seizure. All
+    the seditious and the profligate combined together in the welcome
+    employment of violence and rapine, and when they had once raised their
+    expectations, there was no small danger lest their impatience of
+    disappointment should determine them to conclude, that corn, wherever
+    found, was designed for exportation, and to seize it as a lawful prize.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, by an imprudent regulation, was every man's property brought
+    into hazard, and his person exposed to the insults of a hungry, a
+    rapacious, and ungovernable rabble, let loose by a publick proclamation,
+    and encouraged to search houses and carriages by an imaginary law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we may not give occasion to violence and injustice of the same
+    kind, let us carefully consider the measures which are proposed, before
+    we determine upon their propriety, and pass no bill on this important
+    occasion without such deliberation as may leave us nothing to change or
+    to repent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. EARLE spoke next to this effect:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the dangers
+    which have been represented as likely to arise from any errour in the
+    prosecution of this great affair, I cannot but declare my opinion, that
+    no delay ought to be admitted, and that not even the specious pretence
+    of more exact inquiries, and minute considerations, ought to retard our
+    proceedings for a day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My imagination, sir, is, perhaps, not so fruitful as that of some other
+    members of this house, and, therefore, they may discover many
+    inconveniencies which I am not able to conceive. But, as every man ought
+    to act from his own conviction, it is my duty to urge the necessity of
+    passing this bill, till it can be proved to me, that it will produce
+    calamities equally to be dreaded with the consequences of protracting
+    our debates upon it, equal to the miseries of a famine, or the danger of
+    enabling our enemies to store their magazines, to equip their fleets,
+    and victual their garrisons.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it could be imagined, that there was in this assembly a subject of
+    France or Spain, zealous for the service of his prince, and the
+    prosperity of his country, I should expect that he would summon all his
+    faculties to retard the progress of this bill, that he would employ all
+    his sophistry to show its inconveniency and imperfections, and exhaust
+    his invention to suggest the dangers of haste; and certainly he could do
+    nothing that would more effectually promote the interest of his
+    countrymen, or tend more to enfeeble and depress the power of the
+    British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this would naturally be the conduct of an enemy, it is unnecessary to
+    prove that we can only be safe by acting in opposition to it, and I
+    think it superfluous to vindicate my ardour for promoting this bill,
+    when it is evident that its delay would be pleasing to the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BURREL then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, if this law be necessary at any
+    time, it cannot now be delayed, for a few days spent in deliberation,
+    may make it ineffectual, and that evil may be past of which we sit here
+    contriving the prevention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That many contracts, sir, for the exportation of provisions are already
+    made in all the maritime parts of the empire, is generally known; and it
+    requires no great sagacity to discover that those by whom they are made,
+    and made with a view of immense profit, are desirous that they may be
+    executed; and that they will soon complete the execution of them, when
+    they are alarmed with the apprehension of a bill, which, in a few days,
+    may take from them the power of exporting what they have already
+    collected, and snatch their gain from them when it is almost in their
+    hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A bill for these purposes, sir, ought to fall upon the contractors like
+    a sudden blow, of which they have no warning or dread; against which
+    they, therefore, cannot provide any security, and which they can neither
+    elude nor resist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we allow them a short time, our expedients will be of little benefit
+    to the nation, which is every day impoverished by the exportation of the
+    necessaries of life, in such quantities, that in a few weeks the law, if
+    it be passed, may be without penalties, for there will be no possibility
+    of disobeying it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, I cannot
+    discover the necessity of pressing the bill with such precipitation, as
+    must necessarily exclude many useful considerations, and may produce
+    errours extremely dangerous; for I am not able to conceive what
+    inconveniencies can arise from a short delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The exportation of provisions from Ireland is at present stopped by the
+    proclamation; and the beef which was designed for other nations, has
+    been prudently bought up by the contractors, by which those murmurs have
+    been in a great measure obviated which naturally arise from
+    disappointments and losses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, therefore, sir, no danger of exportations from that part of
+    our dominions, which is the chief market for provisions, and from whence
+    our enemies have been generally supplied: in Britain there is less
+    danger of any such pernicious traffick, both because the scarcity here
+    has raised all provisions to a high price, and because merchants do not
+    immediately come to a new market.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill, at least, ought not to be passed without regard to the general
+    welfare of our fellow-subjects, nor without an attentive consideration
+    of those petitions which have been presented to us; petitions not
+    produced by panic apprehensions of imaginary dangers, or distant
+    prospects of inconveniencies barely possible, but by the certain
+    foresight of immediate calamities, the total destruction of trade, and
+    the sudden desolation of flourishing provinces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By prohibiting the exportation of rice, we shall, sir, in one year,
+    reduce the colony of South Carolina below the possibility of subsisting;
+    the chief product of that country, the product which induced us
+    originally to plant it, and with which all its trade is carried on, is
+    rice. With rice the inhabitants of that province purchase all the other
+    necessaries of life, and among them the manufactures of our own country.
+    This rice is carried by our merchants to other parts of Europe, and sold
+    again for large profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this trade is very important appears from the number of ships which
+    it employs, and which, without lading, must rot in the harbours, if rice
+    be not excepted from the general prohibition. Without this exception,
+    sir, it is not easy to say what numbers, whose stations appear very
+    different, and whose employments have no visible relation to each other,
+    will be at once involved in calamity, reduced to sudden distress, and
+    obliged to seek new methods of supporting their families. The sailor,
+    the merchant, the shipwright, the manufacturer, with all the
+    subordinations of employment that depend upon them, all that supply them
+    with materials, or receive advantage from their labours, almost all the
+    subjects of the British crown, must suffer, at least, in some degree, by
+    the ruin of Carolina.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor ought the danger of the sugar islands, and other provinces, less to
+    alarm our apprehensions, excite our compassion, or employ our
+    consideration, since nothing is more evident than that by passing this
+    bill without the exceptions which their petitions propose, we shall
+    reduce one part of our colonies to the want of bread, and confine the
+    other to live on nothing else; for they subsist by the exchange of those
+    products to which the soil of each country is peculiarly adapted: one
+    province affords no corn, and the other supplies its inhabitants with
+    corn only.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of expediting this bill, however it has been exaggerated,
+    is not so urgent but that we may be allowed time sufficient to consider
+    for what purpose it is to be passed, and to recollect that nothing is
+    designed by it, but to hinder our enemies from being supplied from the
+    British dominions with provisions, by which they might be enabled more
+    powerfully to carry on the war against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this design no objection has been made, but it is well known, that a
+    good end may be defeated by an absurd choice of means, and I am not able
+    to discover how we shall increase our own strength, or diminish that of
+    our enemies, by compelling one part of our fellow-subjects to starve the
+    other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, to prohibit the exportation of corn to the ports
+    of our enemies, and of those nations by which our enemies will be
+    supplied, but surely it is of no use to exclude any part of our own
+    dominions from the privilege of being supplied from another. Nor can any
+    argument be alleged in defence of such a law, that will not prove with
+    equal force, that corn ought to remain in the same granaries where it is
+    now laid, that all the markets in this kingdom should be suspended, and
+    that no man should be allowed to sell bread to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, indeed, sir, a possibility that the liberty for which I
+    contend, may be used to wicked purposes, and that some men may be
+    incited by poverty or avarice to carry the enemy those provisions, which
+    they pretend to export to British provinces. But if we are to refuse
+    every power that may be employed to bad purposes, we must lay all
+    mankind in dungeons, and divest human nature of all its rights; for
+    every man that has the power of action, may sometimes act ill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, however, prudent to obstruct criminal attempts even when we
+    cannot hope entirely to defeat them, and, therefore, I am of opinion,
+    that no provisions ought to be exported without some method of security,
+    by which the governours of every place may be assured that they will be
+    conveyed to our own colonies. Such securities will easily be contrived,
+    and may be regulated in a manner that they shall not be defeated without
+    such hazard, as the profit that can be expected from illegal commerce,
+    will not be able to compensate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, proper to delay the bill so long, at least, as
+    that we may produce by it the ends intended, and distress our enemies
+    more than ourselves; that we may secure plenty at home, without the
+    destruction of our distant colonies, and without obliging part of our
+    fellow-subjects to desert to the Spaniards for want of bread.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BOWLES spoke in this manner:&mdash;Sir, the necessity of excepting rice
+    from the general prohibition, is not only sufficiently evinced by the
+    agent of South Carolina, but confirmed beyond controversy or doubt, by
+    the petition of the merchants of Bristol, of which the justice and
+    reasonableness appears at the first view, to every man acquainted with
+    the nature of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the province of South Carolina will be distressed by this
+    prohibition, how suddenly the whole trade of that country will be at a
+    stand, and how immediately the want of many of the necessaries of life
+    will be felt over a very considerable part of the British dominions, has
+    already, sir, been very pathetically represented, and very clearly
+    explained; nor does there need any other argument to persuade us to
+    allow the exportation of rice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, from the petition of the merchants of Bristol, it appears that
+    there are other reasons of equal force for this indulgence, and that our
+    regard for the inhabitants of that particular province, however
+    necessary and just, is not the only motive for complying with their
+    request.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is shown, sir, in this petition, that the prohibition of rice will
+    very little incommode our enemies, or retard their preparations; for
+    they are not accustomed to be supplied with it from our plantations. We
+    ought, therefore, not to load our fellow-subjects with embarrassments
+    and inconveniencies, which will not in any degree extend to our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, sir, not only that a very important part of our commerce
+    will be obstructed, but that it will, probably, be lost beyond recovery;
+    for, as only a small quantity of the rice of Carolina is consumed at
+    home, and the rest is carried to other countries, it is easy to conceive
+    that those who shall be disappointed by our merchants will procure so
+    necessary a commodity from other places, as there are many from which it
+    may be easily purchased; and it is well known that trade, if it be once
+    diverted, is not to be recalled, and, therefore, that trade which may be
+    without difficulty transferred, ought never to be interrupted without
+    the most urgent necessity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To prove, sir, that there is now no such necessity, by a long train of
+    arguments, would be superfluous, for it has been shown already, that our
+    enemies will not suffer by the prohibition, and the miseries that
+    inevitably arise from a state of war, are too numerous and oppressive,
+    to admit of any increase or aggravation upon trivial motives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The province of Carolina, sir, has already suffered the inconveniencies
+    of this war beyond any other part of his majesty's dominions, as it is
+    situate upon the borders of the Spanish dominions, and as it is weak by
+    the paucity of the inhabitants in proportion to its extent; let us,
+    therefore, pay a particular regard to this petition, lest we aggravate
+    the terrour which the neighbourhood of a powerful enemy naturally
+    produces, by the severer miseries of poverty and famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, nothing is
+    more absurd than for those who declare, on all occasions, with great
+    solemnity, their sincere zeal for the service of the publick, to
+    protract the debates of this house by personal invectives, and delay the
+    prosecution of the business of the nation, by trivial objections,
+    repeated after confutation, and, perhaps, after conviction of their
+    invalidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not observe how much time would be spared, and how much the
+    despatch of affairs would be facilitated by the suppression of this
+    practice, a practice by which truth is levelled with falsehood, and
+    knowledge with ignorance; since, if scurrility and merriment are to
+    determine us, it is not necessary either to be honest or wise to obtain
+    the superiority in any debate, it will only be necessary to rail and to
+    laugh, which one man may generally perform with as much success as
+    another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The embargo in Ireland was an expedient so necessary and timely, that
+    the reputation of it is thought too great to be allowed to the
+    administration, of whom it has been for many years the hard fate, to
+    hear their actions censured only because they were not the actions of
+    others, and to be represented as traitors to their country for doing
+    always what they thought best themselves, and perhaps sometimes what was
+    in reality approved by those who opposed them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, they have borne without much uneasiness, and have contented
+    themselves with the consciousness of doing right, in expectation that
+    truth and integrity must at last prevail, and that the prudence of their
+    conduct and success of their measures would at last evince the justice
+    of their intentions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They hoped, sir, that there would be some occasions on which their
+    enemies would not deny the expedience of their counsels, and did not
+    expect that after having been so long accused of engrossing exorbitant
+    power, of rejecting advice, and pursuing their own schemes with the most
+    invincible obstinacy, they should be supposed on a sudden to have laid
+    aside their arrogance, to have descended to adopt the opinions, and give
+    themselves up to the direction of others, only because no objection
+    could be made to this instance of their conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How unhappy, sir, must be the state of that man who is only allowed to
+    be a free agent, when he acts wrong, and whose motions, whenever they
+    tend to the proper point, are supposed to be regulated by another!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether such capricious censurers expect that any regard should be paid
+    by the publick to their invectives, I am not able to determine, but I am
+    inclined to think so well of their understandings, as to believe that
+    they intend only to amuse themselves, and perplex those whom they
+    profess to oppose. In one part of their scheme I know not but they may
+    have succeeded, but in the other it is evident how generally they have
+    failed. It must, at least, sir, be observed of these great patrons of
+    the people, that if they expect to gain them by artifices like this,
+    they have no high opinion of their discernment, however they may
+    sometimes magnify it as the last appeal, and highest tribunal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the manner in which the embargo was laid, and the
+    expedients made use of to enforce the observation of it, they were not
+    the effects of a sudden resolution, but of long and deliberate
+    reflection, assisted by the counsels of the most experienced and
+    judicious persons of both nations; so that if any mistake was committed,
+    it proceeded not from arrogance or carelessness, but a compliance with
+    reasons, that if laid before the house, would, whether just or not, be
+    allowed to be specious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, it has not appeared that any improper measures have been
+    pursued, or that any inconveniencies have arisen from them which it was
+    possible to have avoided by a different conduct; for when any expedient
+    fails of producing the end for which it was proposed, or gives occasion
+    to inconveniencies which were neither expected nor designed, it is not
+    immediately to be condemned; for it might fail from such obstacles as
+    nothing could surmount, and the inconveniencies which are complained of
+    might be the consequences of other causes acting at the same time, or
+    cooperating, not by the nature of things, but by the practices of those
+    who prefer their own interest to that of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though it is, in my opinion, easy to defend the conduct of the
+    ministry, I am far from thinking this a proper time to engage in their
+    vindication. The important business before us, must now wholly engage
+    us, nor ought we to employ our attention upon the past, but the future.
+    Whatever has been the ignorance or knowledge, whatever the corruption or
+    integrity of the ministry, this bill is equally useful, equally
+    necessary. The question is now concerning an act of the senate, not of
+    the ministry, and the bill may proceed without obstructing future
+    examinations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the bill, sir, now before us be so far approved as to be conceived of
+    any real benefit to the nation, if it can at all contribute to the
+    distress or disappointment of our enemies, or the prevention of those
+    domestic disturbances which are naturally produced by scarcity and
+    misery, there is no need of arguments to evince the necessity of
+    despatch in passing it. For if these effects are to be produced by
+    preventing the exportation of provisions, and a law is necessary for
+    that purpose, it is certain that the law must be enacted, while our
+    provisions are yet in our own hands, and before time has been given for
+    the execution of those contracts which are already made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That contracts, sir, are entered into for quantities that justly claim
+    the care of the legislative power, I have been informed by such
+    intelligence as I cannot suspect of deceiving me. In one small town in
+    the western part of this kingdom, fifty thousand barrels of corn are
+    sold by contract, and will be exported, if time be allowed for
+    collecting and for shipping them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A few contracts like this will be sufficient to store an army with
+    bread, or to furnish garrisons against the danger of a siege; a few
+    contracts like this will produce a considerable change in the price of
+    provisions, and plunge innumerable families into distress, who might
+    struggle through the present difficulties, which unsuccessful harvests
+    have brought upon the nation, had we not sold the gifts of providence
+    for petty gain, and supported our enemies with those provisions which
+    were barely sufficient for our own consumption.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not heard many objections made against the intention of the bill,
+    and those which were offered, were mentioned with such diffidence and
+    uncertainty, as plainly showed, that even in the opinion of him that
+    proposed them, they were of little weight; and I believe they had no
+    greater effect upon those that heard them. It may, therefore, be
+    reasonably supposed that the propriety of a law to prevent the
+    exportation of victuals is admitted, and surely it can be no question,
+    whether it ought to be pressed forward, or to be delayed till it will be
+    of no effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, as the bill now under
+    our consideration is entangled with a multitude of circumstances too
+    important to be passed by without consideration, and too numerous to be
+    speedily examined; as its effects, whether salutary or pernicious, must
+    extend to many nations, and be felt in a few weeks to the remotest parts
+    of the dominions of Britain, I cannot but think, that they who so much
+    press for expedition on this occasion, consult rather their passions
+    than their reason, that they discover rather enthusiasm than zeal, and
+    that by imagining that they have already traced the effects of a law
+    like this to their utmost extent, they discover rather an immoderate
+    confidence in their own capacity than give any proofs of that anxious
+    caution, and deliberate prudence, which true patriotism generally
+    produces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is another method, sir, of proceeding, more proper on this
+    occasion, which has been already pointed out in this debate; a method of
+    exerting the prerogative in a manner allowed by law, and established by
+    immemorial precedents, and which may, therefore, be revived without
+    affording any room for jealousy or complaints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An embargo imposed only by the prerogative may be relaxed or enforced as
+    occasion may require, or regulated according to the necessity arising
+    from particular circumstances; circumstances in themselves variable, and
+    subject to the influence of a thousand accidents, and which, therefore,
+    cannot be always foreseen, or provided against by a law positive and
+    fixed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not subject the commonwealth to a hazardous and uncertain
+    security, while we have in our hands the means of producing the same
+    end, with less danger and inconveniency; and since we may obviate the
+    exportation of our corn by methods more speedily efficacious than the
+    forms of making laws can allow, let us not oppress our fellow-subjects
+    by hasty or imprudent measures, but make use of temporary expedients,
+    while we deliberate upon the establishment of a more lasting regulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke to the following purpose;&mdash;Sir, that an embargo on
+    merchandise or provisions may, upon sudden emergencies, or important
+    occasions, be imposed by the prerogative, cannot be doubted by any man
+    whose studies have made him acquainted with the extent of the regal
+    power, and the manner in which it has been exerted in all ages. The
+    chief use of the prerogative is to supply the defects of the laws, in
+    cases which do not admit of long consultations, which do not allow time
+    to convoke senates or inquire into the sentiments of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, in times of war the imperial power is much enlarged,
+    and has still a greater extent as exigencies are more pressing. If the
+    nation is invaded by a foreign force, the authority of the crown is
+    almost without limits, the whole nation is considered as an army of
+    which the king is general, and which he then governs by martial laws, by
+    occasional judicature, and extemporary decrees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is the power of the king on particular emergencies, and such
+    power the nature of human affairs must, sometimes, require; for all
+    forms of government are intended for common good, and calculated for the
+    established condition of mankind, but must be suspended when they can
+    only obstruct the purposes for which they were contrived, and must vary
+    with the circumstances to which they were adapted. To expect that the
+    people shall be consulted in questions on which their happiness depends,
+    supposes there is an opportunity of consulting them without hazarding
+    their lives, their freedom, or their possessions, by the forms of
+    deliberation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of extending the prerogative to the extremities of power,
+    is, I hope, at a very great distance from us; but if the danger of the
+    exportation of victuals be so urgent as some gentlemen have represented
+    it, and so formidable as it appears to the whole nation, it is surely
+    requisite that the latent powers of the crown should be called forth for
+    our protection, that plenty be secured within the nation, by barring up
+    our ports, and the people hindered from betraying themselves to their
+    enemies, and squandering those blessings which the fertility of our soil
+    has bestowed upon them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, it is so
+    unusual among the gentlemen who have opposed my opinion to recommend an
+    exertion of the regal authority, or willingly to intrust any power to
+    the administration, that, though they have on this occasion expressed
+    their sentiments without any ambiguity of language, or perplexity of
+    ideas, I am in doubt whether I do not mistake their meaning, and cannot,
+    without hesitation and uncertainty, propose the motion to which all
+    their arguments seem necessarily to conduct me; arguments of which I do
+    not deny the force, and which I shall not attempt to invalidate by
+    slight objections, when I am convinced, in general, of their
+    reasonableness and truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of that despatch which I have endeavoured to recommend, is
+    not only universally admitted, but affirmed to be so pressing, that it
+    cannot wait for the solemnity of debates, or the common forms of passing
+    laws. The danger which is every moment increasing, requires, in the
+    opinion of these gentlemen, to be obviated by extraordinary measures,
+    and that pernicious commerce, which threatens the distress of the
+    community, is to be restrained by an immediate act of the prerogative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this be the opinion of the house, it will be necessary to lay it
+    before his majesty, by a regular address, that the nation may be
+    convinced of the necessity of such extraordinary precautions, and that
+    the embargo may be imposed, at once, with the expedition peculiar to
+    despotick power, and the authority which can be conferred only by
+    senatorial sanctions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this is the intention of the members, from whose declarations I
+    have deduced it, can only be discovered by themselves, who, if they have
+    any other scheme in view, must explain it in clearer terms, that the
+    house may deliberate upon it, and reject or adopt it, according to its
+    conformity to the laws of our country, and to the present state of our
+    affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, whatever may be the meaning of other
+    gentlemen, who must undoubtedly be left at full liberty to explain their
+    own expressions, I will freely declare, that I am sufficiently
+    understood by the right honourable gentleman, and that, in my opinion,
+    no remedy can be applied to the present distemper of the nation, a
+    distemper by which it is hourly pining away, by which its vitals are
+    impaired, and the necessary nourishment withdrawn from it, that will
+    operate with sufficient efficacy and speed, except an embargo be imposed
+    by the prerogative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this opinion, if received by the house, must be the subject of an
+    address, is in itself manifest, and the reason for which an embargo is
+    required, proves that an address ought not to be delayed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot omit this opportunity of remarking, how plainly it must now
+    appear that many of us have been unjustly charged with obstructing the
+    progress of the bill for pernicious purposes, with views of raising
+    discontents in the nation, of exposing the administration to publick
+    hatred, of obstructing the measures of the government, or hindering the
+    success of the war, when we have receded from our general principles,
+    and suspended the influence of our established maxims, for the sake of
+    facilitating an expedient which may promote the general advantage, by
+    recommending his majesty to the affections of his people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM here replied, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am far from blaming any
+    gentleman for asserting, on all occasions, the integrity of his designs,
+    or displaying the reasonableness of his conduct; and of what I do not
+    disapprove I shall not decline the imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not uncommon, in the heat of opposition, while each man is
+    convinced of his own honesty, and strongly persuaded of the truth of his
+    own positions, to hear each party accused by the other of designs
+    detrimental to the publick interest, of protracting debates by artful
+    delays, of struggling against their own conviction, and of obscuring
+    known truth by objections which discover themselves to be without force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These accusations, which are on both sides frequent, are, I hope, on
+    both sides generally false; at least, it must appear on this occasion,
+    that those who press the bill had no views of strengthening their party
+    by a victory, of wearying their opponents by obstinacy, or of promoting
+    any private purposes by a new law; since an expedient, by which time may
+    be gained, and the avowed end of hastening this necessary bill secured,
+    is no sooner proposed on one part, than received on the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At the close of the debate, a form of an address was proposed by Mr.
+    CLUTTERBUCK; which, being approved by the house, was presented to his
+    majesty: and an embargo was laid on all provisions accordingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 17th day of sitting the house proceeded on the bill for
+    preventing exportation; and ordered an account of the corn which had
+    been exported for six years last past to be laid before the committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house also addressed his majesty to take off the embargo on ships
+    laden with fish or rice, which his majesty had before ordered to be
+    done.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 21st the corn bill was again the subject of deliberation, and
+    some amendments were offered by Mr. SANDYS, containing not only
+    exceptions of rice and fish, which had been before admitted, but
+    likewise of butter, as a perishable commodity, which, if it were not
+    allowed to be exported, would corrupt and become useless in a short
+    time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He proposed, likewise, that the two islands of Jersey and Guernsey might
+    continue to be supplied, with certain restrictions, from the port of
+    Southampton.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was proposed, likewise, in favour of some other colonies, that they
+    might receive provisions from Britain, lest there should be a necessity
+    for the inhabitants of those provinces to abandon their settlements.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The penalties of this law, and the manner in which they should be
+    recovered and applied, were likewise settled on this day.
+</p>
+<center>
+    NOVEMBER 25, 1740.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The consideration of the corn bill was resumed; and it was particularly
+    debated from what time it should commence, which some of the members
+    were inclined to fix on the 9th day of the session, on which occasion
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, that the laws may be observed by the nation without daily violence
+    and perpetual compulsion, that our determinations may be received with
+    reverence, and the regulations which we establish confirmed by the
+    concurrence of our constituents, it is necessary that we endeavour to
+    preserve their esteem, and convince them that the publick prosperity may
+    be safely trusted in our hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confidence is to be gained as well in high stations, as in lower
+    conditions, by large assemblies, as by individuals, only by a constant
+    practice of justice, and frequent exertion of superiour wisdom. When any
+    man finds his friend oppressive and malicious, he naturally withdraws
+    his affections from him; when he observes him advancing absurd opinions,
+    and adhering to them with obstinacy incapable of conviction, he falls
+    unavoidably into a distrust of his understanding, and no longer pays any
+    deference to his advice, or considers his conduct as worthy of
+    imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the same manner, sir, if the legislative powers shall, in making
+    laws, discover that they regard any motives before the advantage of
+    their country, or that they pursue the publick good by measures
+    inadequate and ill-concerted, what can be expected from the people, but
+    that they should set up their own judgment in opposition to that of
+    their governours, make themselves the arbiters in all doubtful
+    questions, and obey or disregard the laws at discretion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this danger may arise from laws injudiciously drawn up, it may surely
+    be apprehended from a compliance with this proposal; a proposal that the
+    operation of the law should commence eleven days before the law itself
+    is in being.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, hitherto, sir, regarded it as a principle equally true in
+    politicks as in philosophy, that nothing <i>can act</i> when it does <i>not
+    exist</i>; and I did not suspect that a position so evident would ever
+    stand in need of a proof or illustration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We live, indeed, in an age of paradoxes, and have heard several notions
+    seriously defended, of which some would, not many years ago, have
+    condemned their abetter to a prison or a madhouse, and would have been
+    heard by the wisest of our ancestors with laughter or detestation; but I
+    did not expect that the most hardy innovator would have shocked my
+    understanding with a position like this, or have asserted that a law may
+    operate before it is made, or before it is projected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That where there is no law there is no transgression, is a maxim not
+    only established by universal consent, but in itself evident and
+    undeniable; and it is, sir, surely no less certain, that where there is
+    no transgression there can be no punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a man may be punished, sir, by a law made after the fact, how can any
+    man conclude himself secure from the jail or the gibbet? A man may
+    easily find means of being certain that he has offended no law in being,
+    but that will afford no great satisfaction to a mind naturally timorous;
+    since a law hereafter to be made, may, if this motion be supposed
+    reasonable, take cognizance of his actions, and how he can know whether
+    he has been equally scrupulous to observe the future statutes of future
+    senates, he will find it very difficult to determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM rose, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the absurdity
+    which the honourable gentleman imagines himself to have discovered in
+    this proposal, and which he must be confessed to have placed in a very
+    strong light, I am of opinion, that it may, with very little
+    consideration, be reconciled to reason and to justice, and that the wit
+    and satire that have been so liberally employed, will appear to have
+    been lost in the air, without use and without injury.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The operation of the law may, very properly, commence from the day on
+    which the embargo was laid by his majesty's proclamation, which surely
+    was not issued to no purpose, and which ought not to be disobeyed
+    without punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but be
+    somewhat surprised, that a gentleman so long conversant in national
+    affairs, should not yet have heard or known the difference between a
+    proclamation and a penal law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By a proclamation, his majesty may prevent, in some cases, what he
+    cannot punish; he may hinder the exportation of our corn by ordering
+    ships to be stationed at the entrance of our harbours; but if any should
+    escape with prohibited cargoes, he can inflict no penalties upon them at
+    their return.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To enforce this prohibition by the sanction of punishments is the
+    intention of the present bill, but a proclamation can make nothing
+    criminal, and it is unjust and absurd to punish an action which was
+    legal when it was done.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The law ought, sir, in my opinion, not to commence till time is allowed
+    for dispersing it to the utmost limits of this island; for as it is
+    unreasonable to punish without law, it is not more equitable to punish
+    by a law, of which, they who have unhappily broken it, could have no
+    intelligence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A future day was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE RELATING TO A SEDITIOUS PAPER OF THE SAME KIND <br>WITH THE
+    CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    Lord THOMSON took notice of a paper which he had in his hand, and said
+    he received it at the door, where it was given to the members as they
+    came in, and, complaining of it as an indignity offered to the house,
+    desired that it might be read. Which being done, he rose up, and spoke
+    in substance as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the crime of exasperating the people against their governours, of
+    raising discontent, and exciting murmurs in a time of general danger,
+    and of attempting to represent wise and salutary measures, which have
+    received the approbation of the whole legislature, as mean artifices,
+    contrived only to raise the fortunes of some favourites of the minister,
+    and aggrandize the officers of state, by the miseries of the people, is
+    a crime too enormous to require or admit any aggravation from rhetorick,
+    and too dangerous to hope for any excuse from candour and lenity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To read or hear this paper is sufficient for a full conviction of its
+    pernicious tendency, and of the malice of its author; a charge not fixed
+    upon particular expressions capable of a doubtful meaning, and which
+    heat or inadvertency might casually have produced, but supported by the
+    general design of the whole paper, and the continued tenour of the
+    argument, which is evidently intended to show, that an act of
+    government, which cannot but appear necessary and seasonable in the
+    present state of our affairs, an act ratified by the concurrence of all
+    the powers of the legislature, is nothing but a scheme of avarice to
+    grow rich by oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this scandalous libel written with more confidence and insolence
+    than it is dispersed. Not content, sir, with vilifying the proceedings
+    of the state, the author has industriously published his calumny at our
+    door: the time has been when defamation skulked in secret, and calumnies
+    against the government were dispersed by whispers or private
+    communication; but this writer adds insults to his injuries, and at once
+    reproaches and defies us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I beg leave to move, therefore, that the house do censure this paper as
+    "a malicious and scandalous libel, highly and injuriously reflecting
+    upon a just and wise act of his majesty's government, and also upon the
+    proceedings of both houses of senate; and tending to create jealousies
+    in the minds of the people." I also move, "that the author may be
+    ordered to attend, to be examined at our bar."
+</p>
+<p>
+    [This was unanimously agreed to by the house. The doorkeeper was called
+    in, and, being shown the paper, was asked from whom he received it? who
+    answered, that he believed the person who delivered it to him, was then
+    detained in one of the committee rooms, upon which he was ordered to
+    look for, and fetch him to the bar.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS, taking notice that the person was already in custody, said,
+    that he should be glad to know by what authority. It was not reasonable
+    to punish first, and judge afterwards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon which sir William YONGE replied, that he had caused him to be
+    detained, in order to know the pleasure of the house; and that he
+    thought it his duty to secure so enormous an offender from escaping.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Soon after, the doorkeeper brought the man in, when he declared, upon
+    examination, his name and his profession, which was that of a scrivener,
+    and owned with great openness, that he was the author of the paper. He
+    was then asked who was the printer, and answered that he printed it
+    himself. Which he explained afterwards, by saying, that as he had
+    carried it to the printer's, he might be said, in the general
+    acceptation of the term, as applied to an author, to be the printer. He
+    then discovered the printer, and was asked, where was the original
+    manuscript, which he said he had destroyed, as he did any other useless
+    paper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It having been observed by some of the members, that it was printed in
+    one of the daily papers, he was asked, who carried it thither? and
+    answered, that he carried it himself. It was then demanded, what he gave
+    for having it inserted, and he answered that he gave nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [After many questions, Mr. Henry ARCHER desired that he might be asked,
+    whether on the Friday before he was in the gallery; at which some of the
+    members expressed their disapprobation, and the man being ordered to
+    withdraw, the following debate ensued upon the propriety of the
+    question.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke first, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, those who are
+    intrusted by their country with the authority of making laws, ought,
+    undoubtedly, to observe them with the utmost circumspection, lest they
+    should defeat their own endeavours, and invalidate, by their example,
+    their own decrees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is no part, sir, of our civil constitution more sacred, none that
+    has been more revered by those that have trampled upon other forms of
+    justice, and wantoned in oppression without restraint, than that
+    privilege by which every Briton is exempted from the necessity of
+    accusing himself, and by which he is entitled to refuse an answer to any
+    question which may be asked, with a view to draw from him a confession
+    of an offence which cannot be proved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this great privilege, sir, is not violated; whether the
+    unalienable right of a free subject is not infringed, by the question
+    put to the person at our bar, the house must decide. The punishment to
+    which intruders are subject by the orders of this house, proves that his
+    presence in the house is considered as a crime, of which, as we have no
+    proof of it, a confession ought not to be extorted by an artful and
+    insidious question, of which he may not discover the intention or the
+    consequence. Such treatment, sir, is rather to be expected by slaves in
+    the inquisition of Spain, than a Briton at the bar of this house; a
+    house instituted to preserve liberty, and to restrain injustice and
+    oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur with
+    the opinion of the honourable gentleman, that, in requiring an answer to
+    this question, we shall expose a man to a punishment against whom we
+    have no evidence, but what is extorted from himself; and, consequently,
+    no knowledge of his crime upon which we can proceed to inflict censures
+    or penalties, without the manifest infraction of our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be imagined, sir, that he intends to confess himself guilty of
+    a crime of which no proof has been brought, or that he will voluntarily
+    subject himself to punishments. It must, therefore, follow, that he is
+    entrapped in his examination, by an artifice, which, I hope, will never
+    find any countenance in this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON answered to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    impossible that the honourable gentlemen, having not lately looked into
+    the orders of the house, may mistake the tendency of the question; I,
+    therefore, move that the order may be read.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The order being read by the clerk, he proceeded.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, sir, that by the order now read, the serjeant at arms
+    attending on this house, may take into custody all strangers that shall
+    be found in the house or gallery while we are assembled; and that this
+    order is not always put in practice, must be attributed to the lenity of
+    the house. But that this order extends to past offences, and subjects
+    any man to imprisonment for having been present in some former day,
+    cannot be conceived. For how far may such a retrospect be extended? or
+    at what time, after having intruded into the house, can any man presume
+    to consider himself as exempt from the danger of imprisonment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our order, sir, only decrees present punishment for present offences,
+    and, therefore, the question asked by the honourable gentleman, may be
+    insisted on without scruple, and answered without hazard. Let then the
+    honourable gentlemen reserve their laudable zeal for our constitution
+    till it shall be invaded by more important occasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied:&mdash;Sir, what victory the honourable gentleman imagines
+    himself to have gained, or whence proceeds all his wantonness of
+    exultation, I am not able to discover. The question only relates to the
+    interpretation of one of our own orders, and is, therefore, not of the
+    highest importance; nor can his success, in so trivial a debate, entitle
+    him to great applause from others, or produce, in a person of his
+    abilities, any uncommon satisfaction to himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, whatever may be the pleasure of the victory, it must, at least, be
+    gained before it can be celebrated; and it is by no means evident, that
+    he has yet any reason to assure himself of conquest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His interpretation, sir, of the order, which he has so confidently laid
+    before the house, seems to me to have no foundation in reason or
+    justice; for if it be an offence against the house to be present at our
+    consultations, and that offence be justly punishable, why should any man
+    be exempt from a just censure by an accidental escape? or what makes the
+    difference between this crime and any other, that this alone must be
+    immediately punished, or immediately obliterated, and that a lucky
+    flight is equivalent to innocence?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, sir, more rational to believe, that the house may punish
+    any breach of its orders at a distant time, that if our censure is once
+    eluded, it may be afterwards enforced; and, therefore, that the question
+    put to the person at the bar ought not to be asked, because it cannot
+    safely be answered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, in words to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    conceive that our order may extend its influence beyond the present
+    moment, and that intrusions may be punished by the house on another day
+    than that on which they were committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am so far, sir, from being of opinion, that, to make the execution of
+    this order valid, the house must sit, without interruption, from the
+    time of the offence to that of the punishment, that if the gentlemen in
+    the gallery were to be taken into custody, I should advise the serjeant
+    to wait till the house should break up, and seize them as they should
+    come out.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, if any such
+    punishment were now intended, I should advise the gentlemen in the
+    gallery to retire, indeed, but not to hide themselves like felons, or
+    men proscribed by proclamation; for as the power of seizing any man in
+    the house is sufficient to secure us from intrusion, there is no reason
+    to extend it farther; and penalties are not, without reason, to be
+    inflicted, neither has the house ever coveted the power of oppressing;
+    and what else is unnecessary punishment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, an intruder is not seized in the act of intrusion, he
+    cannot legally be imprisoned for it. And any of the strangers, who now
+    hear this debate, may retire to a very small distance from the house,
+    and set the serjeant at arms at defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, whether the question
+    be proper or not, it seems very unnecessary to debate; because, however
+    it be answered, it cannot be of great importance: the man has already
+    confessed himself the author of the libel, and may, therefore, be
+    punished without farther examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That he is the real author, sir, I am not, indeed, convinced by his
+    assertion, with whatever confidence it was made; for so far as his
+    appearance enables me to judge of his education and sphere of life, it
+    is not probable that he should be much versed in political inquiries, or
+    that he should engage in the discussion of questions like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There appears, sir, in the paper before us, a more extensive knowledge
+    of facts, a more accurate attention to commerce, more artful reasoning,
+    and a more elevated style, than it is reasonable to expect from this
+    man, whom, without pretending to determine the limits of his capacity,
+    or the compass of his knowledge, I am, for my part, inclined to look
+    upon as an agent to some other person of higher station, and greater
+    accomplishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not uncommon, sir, for gentlemen to exercise their abilities, and
+    employ their pens, upon political questions, and when they have produced
+    any thing, which their complaisance for themselves equally hinders them
+    from owning and suppressing, they are known to procure some person of
+    inferiour rank, to take upon him, in publick, the character of the
+    author, and to stand the danger of the prosecution, contenting
+    themselves with the applause and admiration of their chosen friends,
+    whom they trust with the important secret, and with whom they sit and
+    laugh at the conjectures of the publick, and the ignorance of the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is a frequent practice, not only with those who have no other
+    employment, but, as I have sufficient reasons to believe, among some
+    gentlemen who have seats in this house; gentlemen, whose abilities and
+    knowledge qualify them to serve the publick in characters much superiour
+    to that of lampooners of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY answered in terms to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, whether
+    the man who confessed himself the author of the paper, has accused
+    himself of what he did not commit, or has ingenuously and openly
+    discovered the truth, it is beyond my penetration absolutely to decide;
+    the frankness and unconcern with which he made the declaration, gave it,
+    at least, the appearance of truth, nor do I discover any reason for
+    doubting his sincerity. Is there any improbability in the nature of the
+    fact, that should incline us to suspect his veracity? Is there any
+    apparent advantage to be gained by assuming a false character? Neither
+    of those circumstances can be produced against him, and an assertion is
+    to be admitted for its own sake, when there is nothing to invalidate it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman, sir, appears to have a very particular
+    reason for his doubts; a reason, which will, I hope, have no weight with
+    any but himself. By denying the paper to this man, he gives room for
+    conjecture and suspicion to range far and wide, and wanton with whatever
+    characters he shall think proper subjects for his amusement. An author
+    is now to be sought, and many diverting arguments may be brought by the
+    dullest inquirer for fixing it upon one man, or denying it to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The honourable gentleman, sir, has given us a bold specimen of this kind
+    of wit, by insinuating that it is the production of some one of the
+    members of this house; a conjecture of which I am not able to find the
+    foundation, and therefore imagine, that raillery rather than argument
+    was intended. But let the honourable gentleman recollect, that the chief
+    excellence of raillery is politeness, to which he has surely paid little
+    regard, in supposing that what has been unanimously condemned as a
+    libel, has one of those who censured it for its author.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I am particularly hinted at in this sagacious conjecture, I take this
+    opportunity of declaring that I am equally ignorant of the whole affair
+    with any other gentleman in this house; that I never saw the paper till
+    it was delivered to me at the door, nor the author till he appeared at
+    the bar. Having thus cleared myself, sir, from this aspersion, I declare
+    it as my opinion, that every gentleman in the house can safely purge
+    himself in the same manner; for I cannot conceive that any of them can
+    have written a libel like this. There are, indeed, some passages which
+    would not disgrace the greatest abilities, and some maxims true in
+    themselves, though perhaps fallaciously applied, and at least such an
+    appearance of reasoning and knowledge, as sets the writer far above the
+    level of the contemptible scribblers of the ministerial vindications: a
+    herd of wretches whom neither information can enlighten, nor affluence
+    elevate; low drudges of scurrility, whose scandal is harmless for want
+    of wit, and whose opposition is only troublesome from the
+    pertinaciousness of stupidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why such immense sums are distributed amongst these reptiles, it is
+    scarce possible not to inquire; for it cannot be imagined that those who
+    pay them expect any support from their abilities. If their patrons would
+    read their writings, their salaries would quickly be withdrawn; for a
+    few pages would convince them, that they can neither attack nor defend,
+    neither raise any man's reputation by their panegyrick, nor destroy it
+    by their defamation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke in the following manner:&mdash;I hope it is not
+    expected, that the heat with which one class of our political writers
+    have been attacked by the honourable gentleman, should engage me to
+    undertake their defence with the same earnestness. I have neither
+    interest enough in the question to awaken my passions, nor curiosity or
+    leisure sufficient for such an examination of the writings on each side,
+    as is necessary, before the superiority of any author above his brethren
+    can he justly asserted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is no part, sir, of my employment or amusement to compare their
+    arguments, or to balance their abilities; nor do I often read the papers
+    of either party, except when I am informed by some that have more
+    inclination to such studies than myself, that they have risen by some
+    accident above their common level.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet that I may not appear entirely to desert the question, I cannot
+    forbear to say, that I have never, from these accidental inspections of
+    their performances, discovered any reason to exalt the authors who write
+    against the administration, to a higher degree of reputation than their
+    opponents. That any of them deserve loud applauses, I cannot assert, and
+    am afraid that all, which deserves to be preserved of the writings on
+    either side, may be contracted to a very few volumes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The writers for the opposition appear to me to be nothing more than the
+    echoes of their predecessors, or, what is still more despicable, of
+    themselves, and to have produced nothing in the last seven years, which
+    had not been said seven years before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I may, perhaps, be thought by some gentlemen of each class to speak
+    contemptuously of their advocates, nor shall I think my own opinion less
+    just for such a censure; for the reputation of controversial writers
+    arises, generally, from the prepossession of their readers in favour of
+    the opinions which they endeavour to defend. Men easily admit the force
+    of an argument which tends to support notions, that it is their interest
+    to diffuse, and readily find wit and spirit in a satire pointed at
+    characters which they desire to depress: but to the opposite party, and
+    even to themselves, when their passions have subsided, and their
+    interest is disunited from the question, those arguments appear only
+    loud assertions, or empty sophistry; and that which was clamorously
+    praised, discovers itself to be only impudence or low conceits; the
+    spirit evaporates, and the malignity only remains.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, sir, what opposition of character is necessary to
+    constitute a political writer, it will not be wondered that so few excel
+    in that undertaking. He that will write well in politicks, must at the
+    same time have a complete knowledge of the question, and time to digest
+    his thoughts into method, and polish his style into elegance; which is
+    little less than to say, he must be at once a man of business, and a man
+    of leisure; for political transactions are not easily understood, but by
+    those who are engaged in them, and the art of writing is not attainable
+    without long practice, and sedentary application.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it happens that political writings are generally defective: for
+    they are drawn up by men unacquainted with publick business, and who
+    can, therefore, only amuse their readers with fallacious recitals,
+    specious sophistries, or an agreeable style; or they are the hasty
+    productions of busy negotiators, who, though they cannot but excel the
+    other class of writers in that which is of most importance, the
+    knowledge of their subject, are yet rarely at leisure to display that
+    knowledge to advantage, or add grace to solidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Writers of the latter sort appear but seldom, and most of our political
+    papers are the amusements of leisure, or the expedients of want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the paper now before us is the produce of ease, or of necessity,
+    I shall not determine; I have already offered my opinion, that the man
+    who claims it is not the author, nor do I discover any reason for
+    changing my sentiment: the question is a question merely of conjecture,
+    since neither I nor the honourable gentleman attempt to offer any
+    demonstrative proofs of our opinion. If he has any to produce in favour
+    of his own notions, let him lay them before you, but let him always
+    forbear to impute to me assertions which I never uttered, and beware of
+    representing me as declaring that I believe this paper the composition
+    of some member of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was then debated, whether this offence should be punished by the
+    authority of the house, or referred to the cognizance of some of the
+    courts of judicature in Westminster hall, on which occasion Mr. HOWE
+    spoke as follows:]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, it is the duty of every part of the legislature, not only to
+    preserve the whole system of our government unaltered and unimpaired,
+    but to attend particularly to the support of their own privileges,
+    privileges not conferred upon them by our ancestors, but for wise
+    purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the privilege of this house that we, and we only, are the judges
+    of our own rights, and we only, therefore, can assign the proper
+    punishment when they shall be presumptuously invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we remit this offender, who has attempted to debase the house in the
+    opinion of the nation, to any inferiour court, we allow that court to
+    determine, by the punishment that shall be inflicted, the importance of
+    this assembly, and the value of the collective character of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It therefore concerns us, in regard to our own dignity, and to the
+    privileges of our successours, that we retain the cognizance of this
+    crime in our own hands, in which it is placed by perpetual prescription
+    and the nature of our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The house agreed to this, and the libeller was sent to the common jail
+    of Middlesex, by warrant from the speaker.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am pleased with
+    finding that the malice and indecency of this libel, has raised in the
+    house a just resentment, and that the wretch, who, with a confidence so
+    steady, and such appearance of satisfaction in his countenance,
+    confesses, or rather proclaims himself the author, is treated as he
+    deserves. But let us not forget that the same degree of guilt always
+    requires the same punishment, and that when the author of scandal is in
+    prison, the printer and propagator of it ought not to be at liberty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The printer of the daily news is surely the proper object of your
+    indignation, who inserted this libel in his paper, without the fondness
+    of an author, and without the temptation of a bribe; a bribe, by the
+    help of which it is usual to circulate scurrility. To this man the
+    expense or labour of aspersing the government was recompensed by the
+    pleasure, and he could not prevail on himself to omit any opportunity of
+    incensing the people, and exposing at once the whole legislature to
+    censure and contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, that have concurred in the imprisonment of the author,
+    will doubtless join with me in requiring the attendance of his officious
+    accomplice, and I cannot forbear expressing my hopes, that he will not
+    meet with kinder treatment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is far from being the first offence of his licentious press; and the
+    lenity of the government, by which he has been so long spared, has had
+    no other effect upon him, than to add confidence to his malice, and
+    incite him to advance from one degree of impudence to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has for several weeks persisted in misrepresenting the intention of
+    the embargo, by letters pretended to be written by friends of the
+    government who are injured by it. He has vented his insinuations
+    hitherto, as without punishment, so, as it appears, without fear. It is
+    time, therefore, to disturb his security, and restrain him from adding
+    one calumny to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose up hereupon, and opposed this motion in terms to
+    the following effect:&mdash;Sir, the end of punishment is to prevent a
+    repetition of the same crime, both in the offender, and in those who may
+    have the same inclinations; and when that end is accomplished, all
+    farther severities have an appearance rather of cruelty than justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By punishing the author of this libel, we have, in my opinion,
+    sufficiently secured our dignity from any future attacks, we have
+    crushed the head of the confederacy, and prevented the subordinate
+    agents from exerting their malice. Printers can do no injury without
+    authors; and if no man shall dare to write a libel, it is not worthy of
+    our inquiry how many may be inclined to publish it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if the printer must necessarily be punished before the resentment of
+    the house can be satisfied; if it shall not be thought sufficient to
+    punish him without whose assistance the other could not have offended;
+    let us, at least, confine our animadversion to the present fault,
+    without tracing back his life for past misdemeanours, and charging him
+    with accumulated wickedness; for if a man's whole life is to be the
+    subject of judicial inquiries, when he shall appear at the bar of this
+    house, the most innocent will have reason to tremble when they approach
+    it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even with regard, sir, to the offence of which he is now accused,
+    somewhat may, perhaps, be said in extenuation of his guilt, which I do
+    not offer to gratify any personal affection or regard for him, to whom I
+    am equally a stranger with any other gentleman in this house, but to
+    prevent a punishment which may be hereafter thought disproportioned to
+    the crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, to be remembered, that he was not the original printer of
+    the libel, which he only reprinted from a paper, of which he knew that
+    it was to be dispersed at our door, and in which he could not naturally
+    suspect any seditious or dangerous assertions to be contained. It is,
+    therefore, probable that he fell into the offence by ignorance, or, at
+    worst, by inadvertency; and, as his intention was not criminal, he may
+    properly be spared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke, in answer, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    think the honourable gentleman betrayed, by his zeal for the defence of
+    this man, into some assertions not to be supported by law or reason. If
+    it be innocent to print a paper once printed, will it not inevitably
+    follow, that the most flagitious falsehoods, and the most enormous
+    insults on the crown itself, the most seditious invectives, and most
+    dangerous positions, may be dispersed through the whole empire, without
+    any danger but to the original printer? And what reason, sir, can be
+    assigned, why that which is criminal in one man, should be innocent in
+    another?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only position which has been advanced contrary to the
+    laws of our country; for it has been asserted, that the general
+    character of an offender is a consideration foreign from that of his
+    immediate crime; and that whatever any man's past life has been, he is
+    only to be judged according to the evidence for the offence which is
+    then the subject of examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much this opinion is consistent with the practice of our courts, a
+    very slight knowledge of their methods of proceeding will readily
+    discover. Is any villain there convicted but by the influence of his
+    character? And is not the chief question at a trial the past conduct of
+    the person at the bar?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose here, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I rise up only to
+    answer a question, which is, whether properly or not, put to me, and
+    hope the irregularity will not be imputed to me, by the house, but to
+    the occasion which produces it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am asked, whether it is not the chief question at the bar of our
+    courts of justice, what is the character of the prisoner? and cannot but
+    feel some amazement that any man should be so ignorant of common
+    proceedings, and so much unacquainted with the execution of our laws, as
+    to have admitted a notion so chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The character of the prisoner is never examined, except when it is
+    pleaded by himself, and witnesses are produced to offer testimony in his
+    favour; that plea, like all others, is then to be examined, and is
+    sometimes confuted by contrary evidence. But, the character of a
+    criminal, though it may be urged by himself as a proof of his innocence,
+    is never to be mentioned by his prosecutor as an aggravation or proof of
+    his guilt. It is not required by the law, that the general character of
+    a criminal, but that the particular evidence of the crime with which he
+    stands charged, should be examined; nor is his character ever mentioned
+    but by his own choice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, to prove
+    the malignity of the intention with which this libel was inserted in the
+    daily paper, it cannot be improper to observe, that the embargo has been
+    for many days past the favourite topic of this printer, and that,
+    therefore, it was not by accident that he admitted so zealous an
+    advocate for his opinions to be seasonably assisted by the circulation
+    of his paper, but that he, doubtless, was delighted with an opportunity
+    of dispersing sedition by means of greater abilities than his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can it be justly pleaded, sir, in his favour, that he was encouraged
+    to publish it by the confidence with which he saw it dispersed; for it
+    was printed by him in the morning, and not brought hither till the
+    afternoon. I cannot, therefore, but conclude, that his intentions were
+    agreeable to his practice, and that he deserves to accompany the author
+    in his present confinement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advocate, CAMPBELL, spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I hope it
+    will not be imputed to me as disregard of the government, or neglect of
+    the honour of this house, that I declare myself, on all occasions like
+    this, inclined to lenity, and think it necessary always to proceed by
+    regular methods, and known forms of justice, not by capricious
+    determinations, and orders variable at pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I opposed the imprisonment of the man who just now appeared at the bar
+    of our house, and am still more unwilling to proceed to severities
+    against another, who is criminal only in a subordinate degree. The
+    loudest declaimers against these men cannot have stronger detestation of
+    falsehood and sedition than myself; but however flagrant may be the
+    crimes, they may be punished with unjustifiable rigour, and, in my
+    opinion, we have already proceeded with severity sufficient to
+    discourage any other attempts of the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether it will promote the advantage of the publick, and the efficacy
+    of our deliberations, to deter any man from the common practice of
+    giving us information by delivering papers at our door, must be
+    considered by the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less worthy of our most attentive inquiry, whether it is not
+    more reasonable to prosecute this offender in the common forms of
+    justice, than to punish him by any act of uncontroulable, unaccountable
+    authority? Whether it is not more reasonable to have him prosecuted
+    before a judge unprejudiced, and a disinterested jury, than to act at
+    once as party, evidence, and judge? I have no desire, sir, of
+    diminishing the privileges of this house; and yet less would I
+    contribute to establish any precedents of unlimited power or arbitrary
+    punishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whence so
+    much tenderness can arise for an offender of this kind, I am at a loss
+    to discover, nor am I able to conceive any argument that can be produced
+    for exempting from punishment the printer of a paper, which has been
+    already determined, by the vote of the house, to be a scandalous libel,
+    tending to promote sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been, indeed, agreed, that there are contained in the paper some
+    true positions, and some passages innocent, at least, and perhaps
+    rational and seasonable. But this, sir, is nothing more than to say,
+    that the paper, flagitious as it is, might have been swelled to a
+    greater degree of impudence and scurrility; that what is already too
+    heinous to be borne, might, by greater virulence, become more enormous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If no wickedness, sir, is to be checked till it has attained the
+    greatest height at which it can possibly arrive, our courts of criminal
+    judicature may be shut up as useless; and if a few innocent paragraphs
+    will palliate a libel, treason may be written and dispersed without
+    danger or restraint; for what libel was ever so crowded with sedition,
+    that a few periods might not have been selected, which, upon this
+    principle, might have secured it from censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of discouraging intelligence from being offered at the door
+    of our house, does not alarm me with any apprehensions of disadvantage
+    to the nation; for I have not so mean an opinion of the wisdom of this
+    assembly, as to imagine that they can receive any assistance from the
+    informations of their officious instructors, who ought, in my opinion,
+    sir, rather to be taught by some senatorial censure to know their own
+    station, than to be encouraged to neglect their proper employments, for
+    the sake of directing their governours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When bills, sir, are depending, by which either the interest of the
+    nation, or of particular men, may be thought to be endangered, it is,
+    indeed, the incontestable right of every Briton to offer his petition at
+    the bar of the house, and to deliver the reasons upon which it is
+    founded. This is a privilege of an unalienable kind, and which is never
+    to be infringed or denied; and this may always be supported without
+    countenancing anonymous intelligence, or receiving such papers as the
+    authors of them are afraid or ashamed to own, and which they, therefore,
+    employ meaner hands to distribute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind, sir, undoubtedly, is the paper now under our
+    consideration, of which I am far from imagining that it was drawn up by
+    the man who declares himself the writer, and am, therefore, convinced of
+    the necessity of calling the printer to the bar, that whatever the
+    lenity or justice of this assembly may determine with regard to his
+    punishment, he may be examined with respect to the real authors of the
+    libel; and that our resentment may fall upon him, who has endeavoured to
+    shelter himself by exposing another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Counsellor ORD spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am inclined to believe,
+    that the persons associated in writing and dispersing this paper,
+    whosoever they may be, are of no high rank, or considerable influence;
+    as it is not likely that any man who had much to hazard, would expose
+    himself to the resentment of the whole legislature; but let us not for
+    that reason exert our superiority in wanton punishments, or tyrannise
+    merely because we cannot be resisted. Let us remember that the same
+    justice and the same humanity is due to the meanest, as the highest of
+    our fellow-subjects; and that there is even less necessity of rigorous
+    measures, as the attack is less formidable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, there is one motive to moderation that has seldom been found
+    less efficacious than the consideration of the laws of justice or
+    humanity. We ought to be withheld by regard to our posterity, and even
+    to ourselves, from any exorbitant extension of our privileges. We know,
+    that authority once exerted, is claimed afterwards by prescription. And
+    who knows by what sudden rotation of power he may himself suffer by a
+    precedent which he has concurred to establish, and feel the weight of
+    that oppressive power which he first granted for the punishment of
+    another?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HOWE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am always unwilling to oppose any proposal
+    of lenity and forbearance, nor have now any intention of heightening the
+    guilt of this man by cruel exaggerations, or inciting the house to
+    rigour and persecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us remember, sir, that justice and mercy are equally to be
+    regarded, and while we pity the folly of a misguided, or, perhaps, a
+    thoughtless offender, let us not suffer ourselves to be betrayed, by our
+    compassion, to injure ourselves and our posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This house, sir, has always claimed and exerted the privilege of judging
+    of every offence against itself, a privilege so long established, and so
+    constantly exercised, that I doubt whether the inferiour courts of
+    judicature will take cognizance of an attack upon us; for how can they
+    venture to decide upon a question of such importance without any form or
+    precedent for their proceedings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There seems also to be at this time, sir, an uncommon necessity for
+    tenaciousness of our privileges, when, as some whispers, which have been
+    wafted from the other house, inform us, a motion has been made in terms
+    which might imply the subordination of this assembly, an assertion
+    without foundation either in reason or justice, and which I shall always
+    oppose as destructive to our rights, and dangerous to our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, sir, retain in our hands the cognizance of this
+    affair, and let the criminal either suffer his punishment from <i>our</i>
+    sentence, or owe his pardon to <i>our</i> mercy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was agreed that the printer of the daily paper should attend next
+    day, when, being called in, it was proposed that he should be asked,
+    whether he printed the paper complained of. It was objected to, for the
+    same reason as the question about the author's being in the gallery,
+    because the answer might tend to accuse himself; and he being withdrawn,
+    a debate of the same nature ensued, and the question being put whether
+    he should be asked, if he be the person that printed the daily paper
+    shown to him, which paper the house the day before resolved to contain a
+    malicious and scandalous libel, etc. it was, on a division, carried in
+    the affirmative, by two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and
+    sixty-three: accordingly he was called in again, and being asked the
+    question, he owned that he printed the said paper from a printed copy
+    which was left for him with one of his servants; and being asked what he
+    had to allege in his justification or excuse for printing the said
+    libel, he said that as he had before printed several other things which
+    he had received from the said person, which had not given offence, he
+    inserted part of the paper in his news, and which he should not have
+    inserted, if he had thought it would have given offence to the house,
+    and that he forbore to print the remainder, having heard that it had
+    given offence. Upon which he withdrew, and the house, after some debate,
+    on a division, one hundred and eighty-eight to one hundred and
+    forty-five, not only ordered him into the custody of the serjeant, but
+    resolved to present an address to his majesty, that he would be pleased
+    to give directions to his attorney general to prosecute him at law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first printer of the libel was also ordered into custody. This was
+    on the 3d of December, but the next day presenting his petition,
+    expressing his sorrow for the offence, whereby he had justly incurred
+    the displeasure of the house, and praying to be discharged, he was
+    brought to the bar on the following day, received a reprimand on his
+    knees, and was ordered to be discharged, paying his fees.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 12th, lord BARRINGTON presented a petition from the printer of
+    the daily paper, expressing his sorrow, promising all possible care not
+    to offend for the future, and praying to be discharged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This petition being read, a motion was made, that the serjeant at arms
+    do carry the petitioner to some court of law, to give security for his
+    appearance to the prosecution to be carried on against him by the
+    attorney general; which done, that he be discharged, paying his fees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not for what reason
+    this enormous offender is entitled to so much regard, or by what
+    interest he has engaged so many, who, I doubt not, abhor his crimes, to
+    pity his sufferings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had he been young and unexperienced, and seduced into the commission of
+    this offence by artifice or persuasion, his act might have been
+    reasonably considered rather as an errour than a crime, and it might
+    have been proper to treat with lenity a delinquent neither obstinate nor
+    malicious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how, sir, can this plea be urged in favour of a man, whose daily
+    employment it has been, for these two years past, to misrepresent the
+    public measures, to disperse scandal, and excite rebellion, who has
+    industriously propagated every murmur of discontent, and preserved every
+    whisper of malevolence from perishing in the birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proper judge, sir, of this affair, is his majesty's attorney
+    general, who is not now in the house. I am, therefore, for detaining him
+    in custody, and for referring the consideration of farther proceedings
+    against him to that gentleman, whose proper province it is to prosecute
+    for the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALLER spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is
+    undoubtedly the duty of every man to oppose the introduction of new
+    laws, and methods of oppression and severity, which our constitution
+    does not admit; and what else is the mention of a prisoner's character
+    as an aggravation of his present offence?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, and has been already asserted, upon this occasion,
+    that in the lower courts of justice, though the prisoner may plead his
+    character, in his own defence, his prosecutor is not at liberty to
+    produce it to his disadvantage. Even those who are cited to the bar for
+    murder or for treason, are tried only by the evidence of that crime for
+    which they are indicted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this house is not bound to strict forms, and is not accountable for
+    the exercise of its power, is easily granted; but authority cannot
+    change the nature of things, and what is unjust in a lower court, would
+    be in us not less unjust, though it may not be punishable.
+</p>
+<hr>
+<p>
+    It was replied that this question had been before sufficiently
+    discussed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The attorney general not being present, the debate was adjourned to the
+    next sitting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the next day of the session, the lord BARRINGTON proposed, that the
+    adjourned debate might be resumed, and several members interceded for
+    the petitioner, that he might be released; to which it was objected,
+    that it was not proper to release him, unless an information was lodged
+    against him, without which he could not be held to bail; and the
+    question being put, whether he should be released, was determined in the
+    negative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At the sixth sitting, the author of the libel, who was committed to the
+    common prison of Middlesex, petitioned the house to permit him to
+    implore pardon on his knees, and promising, by the strongest and most
+    solemn assurances, not to offend again, was ordered to be discharged the
+    next day, paying his fees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the forty-seventh sitting, the printer of the daily paper again
+    petitioned the house, representing, that he most heartily bewailed his
+    offence, that he was miserably reduced by his confinement, having
+    borrowed money of all his friends to support himself, his wife, and
+    children, and praying the mercy of the house. He was then ordered to be
+    discharged, paying his fees, and giving security for his appearance to
+    answer the prosecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the eighty-fifth day, Mr. George Heathcote offered another petition
+    for the said printer, and represented, that the fees amounting to one
+    hundred and twenty-one pounds, he was not able to pay them, that,
+    therefore, he hoped the house would consider his case; but the petition
+    was not allowed to be brought up. On which he remained in custody
+    fourteen days longer, till the end of the session, and, the authority of
+    the senate ceasing, had his liberty without paying any fees.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_6"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    ON INCORPORATING THE NEW-RAISED MEN INTO THE STANDING REGIMENTS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the 4th of December, sir William YONGE, secretary at war, having
+    presented to the house of commons an estimate of the expense of raising
+    ten thousand men, the same was taken into consideration in a committee
+    on the supply, and after debate agreed to. At the report of this
+    proceeding, on the 11th, another debate happened on a motion that the
+    new-raised men should be incorporated into the standing regiments, etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As in these two debates the arguments were the same, they are thrown
+    into one, to prevent unnecessary repetitions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE opened the debate with respect to what he had
+    delivered in the estimate, after the manner following:&mdash;Sir, as this
+    estimate has been drawn up after very accurate calculations and careful
+    inquiries, I hope that no objections will be raised against it, and that
+    the sum necessary for raising the new regiments will be very readily
+    granted by that house, which voted the war necessary for which they are
+    designed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope it will be admitted as some proof of frugality, that this
+    estimate requires less money than one that was laid before the senate in
+    the reign of king William; for if it be considered, that since that
+    time, the necessaries of life are become dearer, and that, therefore,
+    all expenses are increased, it will appear to be the effect of the
+    exactest economy, that the sum required for the same service is less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have heard, indeed, sir, that in conversation, the method of raising
+    troops on this occasion has been censured as improper, and that in the
+    opinion of some, whose judgment cannot be entirely disregarded, it would
+    be more reasonable to add more men to our regiments already established,
+    than to raise new regiments with new officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief argument, sir, produced in support of their method of
+    augmentation, is drawn from the necessity of publick frugality, a very
+    popular topick, which never fails to produce favour and attention; for
+    every man is naturally inclined to hear his friend, and to consider that
+    man as performing the office of friendship, who proposes methods of
+    alleviating his taxes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality is undoubtedly a virtue very necessary to the happiness of the
+    nation, and such as there occur frequent occasions of inculcating to
+    those who are intrusted with the superintendence of publick
+    disbursements, but I am far from thinking that this estimate affords any
+    opportunity for declamations of this kind, and am of opinion that the
+    addition of new soldiers to each regiment, would, in reality, be more
+    expensive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be denied, sir, that by augmenting the regiments, there would
+    be immediately saved to the publick the expense of the officers which
+    are necessary in the method now proposed; but it is to be considered how
+    much the number of officers contributes to the regularity and discipline
+    of the troops, and how much discipline and order promote their success.
+    It is to be considered, sir, that the most successful method of making
+    war is undoubtedly the cheapest, and that nothing is more expensive than
+    defeats.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If by raising the same number of men under fewer officers, we should
+    give our enemies any advantage, if a single party should be cut off, a
+    garrison forced, an expedition rendered fruitless, or the war protracted
+    but a few months, where will be the advantage of this admired frugality?
+    What would be the consequence, but the same or a greater expense, not to
+    gain advantages, but to repair losses, and obviate the effects of our
+    former parsimony?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In private life, sir, it is common for men to involve themselves in
+    expense, only by avoiding it; to repair houses at greater charges than
+    new ones might be built, and to pay interest, rather than the debt. Weak
+    minds are frighted at the mention of extraordinary efforts, and decline
+    large expenses, though security and future affluence may be purchased by
+    them; as tender bodies shrink from severe operations, though they are
+    the certain methods of restoring health and vigour. The effects of this
+    timidity are the same in both cases, the estate is impaired insensibly,
+    and the body languishes by degrees, till no remedy can be applied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such examples, sir, are frequent, and the folly of imitating them is
+    therefore greater, for who would pursue that track by which he has seen
+    others led to destruction? Nor need we search for remote illustrations
+    to discover the destructive tendency of unseasonable tenderness for the
+    publick, for I believe the whole history of the wars of king William
+    will prove, that too close an attention to parsimony is inconsistent
+    with great achievements.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be expected that I, who cannot claim any regard in this
+    disquisition, from my own experience, should produce some decisive
+    evidence in favour of the method which I have taken upon me to defend;
+    this expectation I shall endeavour to satisfy, by alleging the authority
+    of the greatest commander of later ages, whom neither his friends nor
+    his enemies will deny to have been well versed in these subjects, and
+    whose success is a sufficient proof of the soundness of his principles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The illustrious duke of MARLBOROUGH was of opinion, that the whole force
+    of the French armies consisted in the number of the officers, and that
+    to be always equal to them in the field, it was necessary to form our
+    troops nearly upon the same plan; to this scheme he conformed in his
+    practice of war, and how much his practice confirmed his opinion, let
+    Blenheim and Ramillies attest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I pretend not to have determined myself on this question, otherwise
+    than by authority, and, as I know not any authority equal to that of the
+    duke of MARLBOROUGH, I cannot discharge the trust reposed in me by my
+    country, any otherwise, than by proposing, that, on this occasion, we
+    agree to grant his majesty the sum calculated for raising the new
+    regiments, as I believe that method of augmentation most likely to
+    produce success in our undertakings, and consequently to procure a
+    speedy conclusion of the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I have been so
+    long accustomed to the debates of this house, and have so often attended
+    to the eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, that I am never
+    startled at paradoxes, nor shocked at absurdities; I can now hear with
+    great tranquillity an harangue upon the necessity of placemen in this
+    house, upon the usefulness of standing armies, and the happiness of a
+    general excise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am no longer offended with facts quoted in opposition to history, nor
+    with calculations drawn up without regard to the rules of arithmetick; I
+    know that there are persons in this house, who think themselves obliged
+    to speak, even when in their own opinion nothing can be said with weight
+    or with propriety; who come hither prepared against the shame of
+    confutation, and determined not to be convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To reason with such men, sir, is, indeed, no pleasing task; it is to
+    fight with enchanted heroes, upon whom the common weapons of argument
+    have no effect, and who must be softened by a countercharm, before they
+    can be attacked with any prospect of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some, however, of whom I am willing to believe that they
+    dispute only for truth, and inquire with the view of attaining a
+    solution of their doubts. For the sake of these, sir, I think it
+    necessary to declare my sentiments, as I shall be desirous, in my turn,
+    to hear their sentiments; but with regard to those whose opinion I know
+    already by their posts, I should think it of great advantage to the
+    despatch of publick affairs, if they would content themselves with
+    voting for their pay, without any ambition of other service, or adding
+    the praise of volubility to that of steadiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having this opportunity, sir, of declaring my opinion of the measures
+    pursued in regulating our military preparations, I shall not confine
+    myself entirely to the present question, but lay before the house my
+    thoughts upon some parts of the establishment, which may, perhaps,
+    require a reform, and which are at least proper objects of
+    consideration, though not absolutely necessary to the determination of
+    our opinion upon the present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have long ago, sir, declared, what, therefore, it is scarcely of any
+    use to repeat, that I know not any advantage to be hoped from a standing
+    army, nor can discover why the ablest and most vigorous of the
+    inhabitants of this kingdom should be seduced from the loom, the anvil
+    and the plough, only to live at ease upon the labour of industry, only
+    to insult their landlords, and rob the farmers. I never could find why
+    any body of men should be exempt from the common labour of social
+    duties, or why they should be supported by a community, who contribute
+    neither to its honour nor its defence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I doubt not, sir, but I shall hear, on this occasion, of the service of
+    our troops in the suppression of riots; we shall be told, by the next
+    pompous orator who shall rise up in defence of the army, that they have
+    often dispersed the smugglers; that the colliers have been driven down
+    by the terrour of their appearance to their subterraneous
+    fortifications; that the weavers, in the midst of that rage which hunger
+    and oppression excited, fled at their approach; that they have at our
+    markets bravely regulated the price of butter, and, sometimes, in the
+    utmost exertion of heroick fury, broken those eggs which they were not
+    suffered to purchase on their own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some one, perhaps, of more penetration, may inform us of the use which
+    has been made of them at elections, where the surly burgesses have been
+    sometimes blind to the merit of those worthy gentlemen, whom the
+    soldiers have known how to esteem according to their desert; nor,
+    indeed, do I see how those can refuse their votes in favour of our
+    troops, who are indebted for the power of giving them, to their kind
+    interposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To these arguments, sir, I shall content myself with answering, that
+    those who are versed in the history of Britain, know that we have had
+    colliers and weavers for many years before a standing army was heard of
+    among us, and that it is, nevertheless, nowhere recorded that any of our
+    kings were deposed by those formidable bodies of men, or that any
+    remarkable changes were made by them in the form of our government; and,
+    therefore, till some reason shall be alleged, why such insurrections are
+    now more dangerous, and our civil magistrates more impotent than in
+    former ages, I humbly conceive, that even without the protection of a
+    standing army, we might yet sleep in security, notwithstanding the plots
+    of the colliers, and the combinations of the weavers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I must own, sir, these are not our only enemies, for there is
+    somewhere, yet in existence, a person that lays claim to the dominion of
+    these kingdoms, and pleads an hereditary title to dispose of our wealth,
+    to subvert our liberties, and destroy our religion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any foreigner, sir, unacquainted with our affairs, were to be present
+    at our debates, and to hear with what ardour we animate each other to an
+    obstinate resistance of this pretender to the throne, how often he is
+    represented as hovering over us, and how often we have caught a general
+    panick, and imagined ourselves upon the verge of destruction, how often
+    our most zealous patriots take opportunities of declaring their
+    resolution to die in defence of their liberties; and how pathetically
+    our most elegant declaimers have expatiated on the misery of that
+    unhappy race, whom they should leave behind to groan under the
+    oppression of absolute power, what would be his opinion of this
+    pretender, whom he saw so perpetually dreaded, against whom so many
+    alliances were formed, so many armies were levied, and so many navies
+    equipped?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would he not believe him to be some formidable tyrant in a neighbouring
+    country, the lord of wide dominions, and the master of numerous armies
+    and powerful fleets? Would he not imagine that he could assemble half
+    the continent at his call, that he was supported by powerful alliances,
+    and that nothing but a fair wind was required to land him on our coasts
+    at the head of millions? And would he not, even on that supposition, be
+    inclined to censure us as timorous, as somewhat regardless of the honour
+    of our nation, and condemn us for giving way to such suspicions and
+    exclamations, as have a natural tendency to heighten the apprehension of
+    danger, and depress the spirits of the people?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what would be his conclusion, sir, when he should be told, what in
+    reality is true, that this dreadful pretender is an unhappy fugitive,
+    driven in his infancy from this country, and by consequence without any
+    personal interest; that he is supported by the charity of a prince whose
+    name is hated almost by every inhabitant of the kingdom; that he has
+    neither sovereignty, nor money, nor alliances, nor reputation in war,
+    nor skill in policy; that all his actions are watched by British spies;
+    and that the few friends that remain to support the farce of a court,
+    are such only as dare not return to their native country, and are,
+    therefore, without fortune, and without dependants?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What could a wise man conceive of a nation held in continual alarms by
+    an enemy like this; of a nation always watchful against an invasion from
+    a man who has neither dominions to supply, nor money to hire a single
+    regiment; from a man whose title all the neighbouring princes disown,
+    and who is at such a distance from them, that he cannot be assisted by
+    them without open preparations, of which we cannot fail of having
+    intelligence, and which may be defeated, without danger, by the vessels
+    regularly stationed on our coasts?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would not any stranger imagine, sir, that we were a nation infected with
+    a general phrensy, that cowardice had perverted our imaginations, filled
+    us with apprehensions of impossible invasions, raised phantoms before
+    our eyes, and distracted us with wild ideas of slavery and tyranny,
+    oppression and persecution?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have dwelt thus long on this point, because I know the pretender is
+    the last refuge of those who defend a standing army; not that I propose
+    to convince any man of the folly of such apprehensions, or to fortify
+    him against such terrours for the time to come; for if any man, in
+    reality, now dreads the pretender, fear must be his distemper; he is
+    doomed to live in terrours, and it is of no importance whether he dreads
+    an invasion or a goblin, whether he is afraid to disband the army, or to
+    put out his candle in the night; his imagination is tainted, and he must
+    be cured, not by argument, but by physick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the greatest part of those who disturb our consultations with the
+    mention of the pretender, are men of a very different character, men
+    equally unconcerned about his designs, or his motions, with those who
+    are most desirous of setting the nation free from the burden of an army,
+    and very often such as we may discover, from their conduct, to be
+    determined to comply with every government; and such as have, therefore,
+    nothing to fear from a change of masters.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The men, for whose sake I am now speaking, sir, laugh equally with
+    myself at the apprehensions of those whom they contribute to terrify;
+    they know too well the impotence of the pretender to dread an invasion
+    from him, and affect only to continue their outcries, that they may not
+    be deprived of a topick, on which, by long practice, they have attained
+    an uncommon facility of haranguing, which they know how to diversify
+    with various combinations of circumstances, and how to accommodate to
+    any emergent occasion, without the pain of torturing their inventions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be useful, sir, to inform these men, that their disguise ought at
+    last to be thrown off, because it deceives no longer, and that the
+    nation cannot be cheated but at the expense of more cunning than they
+    are willing, or perhaps able, to display. A mask must necessarily be
+    thrown aside, when, instead of concealing, it discovers him by whom it
+    is used.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who are attempting, sir, to deceive others, and whose character is
+    exalted, in their own opinion, in proportion to the success of their
+    endeavours, have surely a sense of shame, though they have none of
+    virtue, and cannot, without pain, find their artifices detected, and
+    themselves made the objects of ridicule, by those stratagems which they
+    employ for the deception of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, sir, that, for their own sakes, these declaimers on
+    the exploded story of the pretender, will change their bugbear, that if
+    it be necessary to frighten those whom they want art or eloquence to
+    persuade, they will find out some other object of terrour, which, after
+    a little practice in private meetings, they may first produce in the
+    court, and then turn loose in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The world, methinks, allows them a sufficient choice of tyrants more
+    formidable than the pretender. Suppose they should revive the history of
+    the Mohocks. The Mohocks are a dreadful race, not to be mentioned
+    without horrour, by a true lover of his country, and a steady adherent
+    to the house of Hanover; they might then very easily increase our army,
+    or enhance our taxes; for who would not be urged by his wife and
+    daughter to agree to any measures that might secure them from the
+    Mohocks?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as an army is, at present, likely to be kept up for our defence,
+    against an enemy less formidable, it may be more seasonable to propose
+    the regulation than the dismission of our troops, and to mention those
+    evils which arise from the present establishment, rather than those
+    which are inseparable from the expense of a standing force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary, sir, to support soldiers, I suppose that it will not
+    be denied by the advocates for an army, that we ought to levy such
+    troops as may be of use; yet in their practice they seem to have paid
+    very little regard to this principle. Our troopers are mounted upon
+    horses which can serve no purpose but that of show, which may, indeed,
+    wheel about in the park with a formidable air, but can neither advance
+    upon an enemy with impetuosity, nor retreat from him with expedition;
+    and which, therefore, though purchased by the nation at a very high
+    price, and supported at a large expense, can only grace a review, but
+    are of very little use in an enemy's country, and must perish in the
+    march, or stand unactive in the battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is much more service to be expected, sir, from their riders, than
+    from the horses, for there are very few of them acquainted with the
+    first elements of their profession, or who have ever learned more than a
+    few postures of exercise, and the meaning of a few words of command, but
+    have a number of officers with large appointments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The French troops, sir, if they are doubly officered, are officered and
+    maintained at a less expense, and to greater effect; for the soldiers
+    are better instructed, and the same number of men cost not, perhaps,
+    much more than half the charge of a British regiment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The guards, sir, that are maintained about this metropolis, for no other
+    purpose than to keep up the splendour of a modern court, cost the
+    nation, yearly, such a sum as would be sufficient to support an army of
+    Frenchmen, for the protection of their frontier towns, or the invasion
+    of neighbouring countries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I cannot see what injury would be done to the nation by
+    abolishing an establishment, at the same time useless and expensive, and
+    employing that money which is at present squandered upon idlers without
+    effect, upon levies of useful soldiers for marching regiments, who might
+    be employed, when occasion should require them, in the service of their
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will, doubtless, be objected, that the officers of this body of men,
+    many of whom are persons of the highest merit, and who have, generally,
+    purchased their commissions, might very justly complain of being
+    deprived, without a crime, of that which they have bought at its full
+    value, and to which, therefore, they imagine themselves entitled, till
+    they shall forfeit their right by some offence against the laws, or some
+    neglect of their duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall not, sir, at present, inquire into the justness of this plea,
+    nor examine, whether he who purchases an employment, which he knows to
+    be useless, and therefore burdensome to the publick, deserves that the
+    publick should be solicitous to support him in the enjoyment of it; but
+    I shall declare, on this occasion, with confidence, that I know many of
+    the officers of the guards to be men of honour, who would gladly
+    exchange their posts, so chargeable to the nation, for an opportunity of
+    serving it, and who are not very anxious for the increase of their pay,
+    so they may not be degraded from their present rank.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If these gentlemen, sir, might, in the regiments that should be raised
+    by disbanding the guards, be advanced to higher commissions, though with
+    some diminution of their pay, they would imagine themselves abundantly
+    compensated by the happiness of becoming useful subjects, and serving
+    that nation by which they have been, hitherto, supported only to fill up
+    the pomp of levees, and add to the magnificence of drawing-rooms, to
+    loiter in antechambers, and to quarrel at gaming tables.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this scheme should not be approved, the method eligible, in the next
+    degree, seems to be that of incorporating our new levies into the
+    regiments already raised, that being associated with men already
+    acquainted with discipline, they may learn their duty much more
+    expeditiously than in separate bodies, where one officer will be obliged
+    to attend to the instruction of great numbers, and where no man will be
+    excited to application, because no man will see any degree of excellence
+    which he may be ambitious of attaining.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, heard no reason alleged for the necessity of new levies,
+    which appeared likely to convince even those by whom it was produced. It
+    appears to me that our present army is more than sufficient for the
+    publick service, without an augmentation, and that some of our regiments
+    might immediately embark, not only without danger to the nation, but
+    with far greater hopes of success, as our enemies would have less time
+    to strengthen their fortifications, and collect their troops, and as
+    disciplined forces are more formidable than troops newly levied; for
+    discipline must be of great efficacy to the success of military
+    undertakings, or all arguments which have been used in the defence of a
+    standing army fall to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In answer to this proposal, we shall probably be once again intimidated
+    with an invasion, whether from the pretender, the Spaniards, the French,
+    or any other power, it is of no great importance. An invasion is a
+    formidable sound; the sack of towns, the destruction of villages, the
+    captivity of our children, the ruin of our fortunes, and the desolation
+    of our country, are frightful images, and may, therefore, be
+    successfully produced, on this occasion, to perplex our thoughts, and
+    embarrass our inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To remove, therefore, this panick, and to dissipate, for ever, the
+    phantoms of invasion, I will lay before the house the opinion of the
+    great commander whose name has already been introduced in this debate.
+    In the late reign, on a day when the great officers of the crown, and
+    many of the council, were at a publick feast in the city, a report was
+    suddenly spread that the duke of Ormond had landed in the west, with two
+    thousand men. This account was, in appearance, well attested, and
+    universally believed; all jollity was, therefore, at an end, the company
+    departed, the council was summoned, and every man offered such
+    expedients as his present thoughts, confused and oppressed with the
+    proximity of the danger, suggested to him. One proposed, that a body of
+    troops should be sent to a distant part of the kingdom, to restrain the
+    seditions of the populace; another apprehended more danger from a
+    different quarter, and advised that the inhabitants should be awed by
+    another detachment sent thither; the most experienced easily saw the
+    unprofitableness of the measures proposed, but could not so easily
+    strike out more efficacious expedients, and therefore sat in great
+    perplexity. Lord Somers, particularly, shook his head, and seemed to
+    consider the kingdom as in the hands of the invaders, and the dreadful
+    pretender as seated on the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At last, the duke of MARLBOROUGH, who had hitherto sat silent, asked
+    calmly, whether they were certain that any forces were really landed,
+    and was answered, that though it might not be absolutely certain, yet
+    they were to consult and send orders upon that supposition. Then, says
+    he, I will lay down this great rule to be observed invariably, whenever
+    you are invaded. Attend only to one point, nor have any other purpose in
+    view than that of destroying the regular forces that shall be landed in
+    the kingdom, without any regard to petty insurrections, which may be
+    always easily quelled, and which will probably cease of themselves, when
+    the army by which they were excited is cut off. For this end, let it be
+    your rule, to keep your army undivided, and to make no motion but
+    towards the enemies; fight them with the utmost expedition before they
+    can fortify themselves, or receive reinforcements from the continent. By
+    the observation of this plain method of operation, continued he, I will
+    engage, without any other force than the regiments generally stationed
+    about the capital, to put a stop to any troops that shall be landed on
+    the coast of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So far was this great officer, who was acquainted with the whole art of
+    war, from sinking into astonishment at the sound of an invasion, and so
+    far from thinking it necessary that the nation should be harassed by
+    standing troops, to preserve it from being plundered by a foreign army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though our troops, sir, should not be necessary to prevent an
+    invasion, they may be useful in services of equal importance; the
+    ministry may think the suffrages of the officers more serviceable than
+    their swords, and may be more afraid of exposing themselves than the
+    nation by any detachment of their forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is, at present, sir, the state of this unhappy country, that
+    neither in peace nor war are any measures taken, but with a view of
+    increasing or confirming the power of the ministry; for this purpose
+    those troops whose officers have seats here, are to be retained at home,
+    and the fate of our American settlements to be committed to new-levied
+    forces, without military skill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason is an army to be raised without necessity, and raised in
+    a manner that may furnish the court with an opportunity of extending its
+    influence, by the disposal of great numbers of new commissions. By this
+    plan every family that is burdened with a relation whose vices have
+    ruined his fortune, or whose stupidity disqualifies him for employment,
+    will have an opportunity of selling, for a commission, its interest at
+    the approaching election; dependence will be propagated, and the
+    troublesome spirit of liberty be depressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To little purpose will it be objected, that soldiers and officers will
+    be equally ignorant, that discipline is not infused instantaneously,
+    that a military dress will not make a soldier, that men can only know
+    their duty by instruction, and that nothing is to be hoped from
+    ploughmen and manufacturers, commanded by schoolboys. The success of the
+    expedition is not so much considered by those who have the direction of
+    the levies, as that of the election, and while they keep their posts,
+    they are very little concerned about the affairs of America.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In defence of this method, it has, indeed, been affirmed, that it was
+    preferred by the duke of MARLBOROUGH; but we are not informed to whom,
+    or upon what occasion he declared his opinion, and, therefore, are left
+    at liberty to doubt, whether his authority is not produced for a method
+    which he did not approve, or approved only at some particular time for
+    some extraordinary service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is urged, that he recommended it by his practice, and that his
+    success is a sufficient proof that his practice was founded upon right
+    maxims. But if it be remembered what was, in that time, the method of
+    obtaining commissions, and who it was that had the disposal of them, it
+    will appear not absolutely certain, that his practice ought to be
+    produced as a decisive proof of his opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the success of troops be properly urged as an argument for the form
+    of their establishment, may not the victories of prince Eugene afford a
+    proof, equally convincing, that a few officers are sufficient? And if
+    the arguments which arise from success are equal on both sides, ought
+    not the necessity of saving the publick money to turn the balance?
+</p>
+<p>
+    War, sir, is in its own nature a calamity very grievous to the most
+    powerful and flourishing people, and to a trading nation is particularly
+    destructive, as it at once exhausts our wealth, and interrupts our
+    commerce, at once drinks up the stream and chokes up the fountain. In
+    those countries whose affairs are wholly transacted within their own
+    frontiers, where there is either very little money, or where their
+    wealth is dug out of their own mines, they are only weakened by the loss
+    of men, or by the diminution of their dominions, and, in general, can
+    only suffer by being overcome.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the state of Britain is far different; it is not necessary to our
+    ruin that an enemy should be stronger than ourselves, that he should be
+    able to pour armies into our country, to cover the sea with fleets, to
+    burn our villages by incursions, or destroy our fortresses with bombs;
+    for he that can secure his own dominions from our attacks, to which
+    nothing but distance and some advantages of situation are necessary, may
+    support a war against us, and he that can fit out privateers to
+    interrupt our trade, may, without obtaining a victory, reduce us to
+    distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our situation, sir, as it preserves us from the danger of an invasion,
+    except from that powerful monarch, the pretender, who is, indeed, always
+    to be dreaded, has, likewise, the effect of securing other nations from
+    being invaded by us; for it is very difficult to transport in one fleet,
+    and to land at one time, a number sufficient to force their way into a
+    country where the ports are fortified, and the inhabitants in arms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our wars, sir, are, therefore, to be determined by naval battles, and
+    those nations have very little to fear from us who have no trade to be
+    disturbed, and no navies to be destroyed; if they can only fit out
+    cruisers, which may always be done by granting commissions to foreign
+    adventurers, they may ruin our merchants by captures, exhaust the nation
+    by the necessity of convoys, and give neutral traders an opportunity of
+    establishing their credit at those markets which have been, hitherto,
+    supplied by our manufactures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, indeed, far from being at present an exact account of the state
+    of Spain, whose wide-extended dominions are liable to insults, and from
+    whom many of her most wealthy provinces may be torn without great hazard
+    or difficulty. The particular state of her commerce, which, being only
+    carried on from one part of her dominions to another, can only be for a
+    time interrupted, but is in no danger of being invaded by any rival, or
+    lost by disuse, at least requires our consideration, and we ought to
+    make war with the utmost frugality, against a people whom no hostilities
+    can really impoverish, whose commerce may be said to lie at rest rather
+    than to be shackled, as it will rise into greater vigour at the end of
+    the war, and whose treasures, though the want of them is a present
+    inconvenience, are only piled up for a time of security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the only method, sir, of reducing this nation, must be that of
+    invading its colonies, and dismembering its provinces, by which the
+    chief persons will be deprived of their revenues, and a general
+    discontent be spread over the people, the forces which are levied for
+    this expedition, an expedition on which so much of the honour of our
+    arms and the prosperity of our trade must necessarily depend, ought to
+    be selected with the greatest care, and disciplined with the exactest
+    regularity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, therefore, it is surely improper to employ troops
+    newly collected from shops and villages, and yet more irrational to
+    trust them to the direction of boys called on this occasion from the
+    frolicks of a school, or forced from the bosoms of their mothers, and
+    the softness of the nursery. It is not without compassion, compassion
+    very far extended, that I consider the unhappy striplings doomed to a
+    camp, from whom the sun has hitherto been screened, and the wind
+    excluded, who have been taught, by many tender lectures, the
+    unwholesomeness of the evening mists and the morning dews, who have been
+    wrapt in furs in winter, and cooled with fans in summer, who have lived
+    without any fatigue but that of dress, or any care but that of their
+    complexion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who can forbear, sir, some degree of sympathy, when he sees animals like
+    these taking their last farewell of the maid that has fed them with
+    sweetmeats, and defended them from insects; when he sees them drest up
+    in the habiliments of soldiers, loaded with a sword, and invested with a
+    command, not to mount the guard at the palace, nor to display their lace
+    at a review; not to protect ladies at the door of an assembly room, nor
+    to show their intrepidity at a country fair, but to enter into a kind of
+    fellowship with the rugged sailor, to hear the tumult of a storm, to
+    sustain the change of climates, and to be set on shore in an enemy's
+    dominions?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, he that can see such spectacles without sorrow, must have
+    hardened his heart beyond the common degrees of cruelty, and it may
+    reasonably be expected, that he who can propose any method by which such
+    hardships may be escaped, will be thought entitled to gratitude and
+    praise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I should imagine, sir, that an easy method might be
+    discovered of obviating such misery, without lessening that number of
+    officers, which, perhaps, in opposition to reason and experience, some
+    gentlemen will continue to think necessary, and hope that this may be no
+    improper time to declare my opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have observed, that for some time no private centinel has ever risen
+    to any rank above that of a serjeant, and that commissions have been
+    reserved as rewards for other services than those of the camp. This
+    procedure I cannot but think at once impolitick and unjust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impolitick, sir, as it has a natural tendency to extinguish in the
+    soldiery all emulation and all industry. Soldiers have an equal genius
+    with other men, and undoubtedly there might be found among them great
+    numbers capable of learning and of improving the military sciences; but
+    they have, likewise, the same love of ease, and the desire of honour and
+    of profit, and will not condemn themselves to labour without the
+    prospect of reward, nor sacrifice their time to the attainment of that
+    knowledge, which can have no other effect than to make them discover the
+    stupidity of their commanders, and render their obedience more
+    difficult, as it will destroy that reverence which is necessary to
+    subordination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is unjust, sir, because it is not to be doubted, that some soldiers,
+    by the natural force of their faculties, or by a laudable activity of
+    mind, have extended their knowledge beyond the duties of a private
+    station; and he that excels in his profession, has an equitable claim to
+    distinction and preferment. To advance any man in the army, because his
+    father is an orator in the senate, or the chief inhabitant of a borough,
+    seems not more rational, than to make another man a judge, because some
+    of his ancestors were skilled in gunnery; nor would the lawyers have
+    juster reasons for complaint in one case, than the soldiers in the
+    other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, necessary to the advancement of
+    military knowledge, that, as a centinel is, for excelling in his
+    profession, advanced to the degree of a serjeant, the serjeant, who
+    continues his application, and performs his duty, should, in time, be
+    honoured with a commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be objected, indeed, that serjeants, though they are skilful
+    commanders in war, can very seldom arrive at any remarkable skill in
+    politicks, and though they should be so fortunate as to gain estates,
+    could never be of any use as the representatives of a borough; and to
+    what purpose should those men be advanced, who can only serve their
+    country, but can contribute very little to the support of the court?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, I own, sir, an objection, which I despair of answering to the
+    satisfaction of those by whom it will be raised. The hardy serjeant
+    would never cringe gracefully at a levee, would never attain to any
+    successful degree of address in soliciting votes; and if he should by
+    mere bribery be deputed hither, would be unable to defend the conduct of
+    his directors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In vindication of the present scheme, I believe few of those rugged
+    warriours would find many arguments; they would not recommend to the
+    nation a troop of boys, under the command of boys, as the most proper
+    forces to be sent to make conquests in distant countries, nor would
+    imagine, that unskilful soldiers could, under the direction of officers
+    equally ignorant with themselves, attain the knowledge of their duty in
+    the same time as if they were incorporated with regular troops, in which
+    every man might receive instructions, and learn his business from his
+    comrade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I had lately, sir, the opportunity of hearing the opinion of one of the
+    greatest generals in the world, on this subject, who declared, with the
+    utmost confidence of certainty, that raw troops could be disciplined in
+    a short time, only by being incorporated with those that had been
+    already taught their duty, and asserted, that with an army so mixed, he
+    should think himself sufficiently enabled to meet any forces of the same
+    number, and should not fear to acquit himself successfully, either in
+    attacking or defending.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the sentiments of this great man, to whom I know not whether
+    any name can be opposed that deserves equally to be reverenced. He has
+    had the honour of defending the rights of his country in the senate as
+    well as in the field, has signalized himself equally in the debate and
+    in the battle, and, perhaps, deserves less regard for having hazarded
+    his life, than for having been divested of his employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Since, therefore, it is apparent that great numbers of officers are by
+    no means necessary to success in war, since they are dangerous to our
+    liberty in time of peace, since they are certainly expensive, and at
+    best not certainly useful; and since the greatest general of the present
+    age has declared, that our new levies ought to be mingled with our
+    standing forces, I shall think it my duty to vote against the present
+    scheme of raising new regiments, and shall agree to no other supplies
+    than such as may be sufficient for adding the same numbers to the
+    present army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot pretend to
+    pursue the honourable gentleman through the whole compass of his
+    argument, nor shall attempt to stand up as his rival, either in extent
+    of knowledge, or elegance of language, yet as my course of life has
+    necessarily furnished me with some observations relating to the question
+    before us, and my present station in the army may, in some measure, be
+    said to make it my duty to declare my opinion, I shall lay before the
+    house a few considerations, with the artless simplicity of a plain
+    soldier, without engaging in a formal debate, or attempting to overthrow
+    the arguments of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is observed, sir, that for the greatest part, the farther any man has
+    advanced in life, the less confidence he places in speculation, and the
+    more he learns to rest upon experience, as the only sure guide in human
+    affairs; and as the transactions in which he is engaged are more
+    important, with the greater anxiety does he inquire after precedents,
+    and the more timorously does he proceed, when he is obliged to regulate
+    his conduct by conjecture or by deliberation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This remark, sir, though it may be just with regard to all states of
+    life, is yet more constantly and certainly applicable to that of the
+    soldier; because, as his profession is more hazardous than any other, he
+    must with more caution guard against miscarriages and errours. The old
+    soldier, therefore, very rarely ventures beyond the verge of experience,
+    unless in compliance with particular accidents, which does not make any
+    change in his general scheme, or in situations where nothing can
+    preserve him but some new stratagem or unprecedented effort, which are
+    not to be mentioned as part of his original plan of operation, because
+    they are produced always by unforeseen emergencies, and are to be
+    imputed, not to choice, but to necessity; for, in consequence of my
+    first principle, an old soldier never willingly involves himself in
+    difficulties, or proceeds in such a manner as that he may not expect
+    success by the regular operations of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not, therefore, be strange, if I, who, having served in the
+    army, in the wars of king William, may justly claim the title of an old
+    soldier, should not easily depart from the methods established in my
+    youth; methods of which their effects have shown me, that they at least
+    answer the intention for which they were contrived, and which,
+    therefore, I shall be afraid of rejecting, lest those which it is
+    proposed to substitute in their place, however probable in speculation,
+    should be found defective in practice, and the reasonings, which,
+    indeed, I cannot answer, should be confuted in the field, where
+    eloquence has very little power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The troops of Britain, formed according to the present establishment,
+    have been found successful; they have preserved the liberties of Europe,
+    and driven the armies of France before them; they have appeared equally
+    formidable in sieges and in battles, and with strength equally
+    irresistible have pressed forward in the field, and mounted the breach.
+    It may be urged, that this vigour, alacrity, and success, cannot be
+    proved to have been produced by the number of officers by whom they were
+    commanded; but since, on the contrary, it cannot be shown that the
+    number of officers did not contribute to their victories, I think it not
+    prudent to try the experiment, which, if it should succeed, as it
+    possibly may, would produce no great advantage; and if it should fail,
+    and that it may fail no man will deny, must bring upon us, not only the
+    expense which we are so solicitous to avoid, but disgrace and losses, a
+    long interruption of our trade, and the slaughter of great numbers of
+    our fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus far, sir, I have proceeded upon a supposition that the balance of
+    argument is equal on both sides, and that nothing could be alleged on
+    one part but experience, or objected to the other but the want of it;
+    but as I am now called to declare my opinion in a question relating to
+    my profession, a question of great importance to the publick, I should
+    think that I had not discharged my duty to my country with that fidelity
+    which may justly be exacted from me, if I should omit any observation
+    that my memory may suggest, by which the house may be better enabled to
+    proceed in this inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, therefore, proper to declare, that we not only, in the last
+    great war, experienced the usefulness of numerous officers, but that we
+    have likewise felt the want of them on a signal occasion, and that the
+    only great advantage which our enemies obtained, was gained over an army
+    rendered weak by the want of the usual number of officers. Such were the
+    forces that were defeated at the fatal battle of Almanza, by which
+    almost all Spain was recovered from us. And it is, sir, the opinion of
+    very skilful commanders, that the Germans, only by having fewer officers
+    than the French, did not succeed in those long and obstinate battles of
+    Parma and Guastalla.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, indeed, natural to imagine, that a greater number of officers
+    must promote success, because courage is kindled by example, and it is,
+    therefore, of use to every man to have his leader in his view. Shame, at
+    one time, and affection at another, may produce the effects of courage
+    where it is wanted, and those may follow their commander, who are
+    inclined to desert their duty; for it is seldom known that, while the
+    officers appear confident, the soldiers despair, or that they think of
+    retreating but after the example of their leaders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Where there are only few officers, it is apparent that more is left to
+    chance, in which it becomes not a wise man to place any confidence; for
+    if the officers are killed at the beginning of the action, the soldiers
+    must become an useless, defenceless herd, without order, without
+    unanimity, and without design; but by the present method, if an officer
+    happens to fall, his place is immediately supplied by another, the
+    action goes forward, and the enemy receives no advantage from confusion
+    or delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore of opinion, that in raising troops for the expedition
+    now intended, the established method ought to be followed, and that we
+    ought not to hazard the success of our attempt by new regulations, of
+    which no human sagacity can fortell the event.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it cannot be denied, that some addition might be made to our
+    companies without any visible or certain inconvenience, yet the
+    augmentation now intended is too numerous to be so incorporated without
+    some neglect of discipline, as the officers would be charged with more
+    men than they could properly superintend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, indeed, sir, another method of incorporation, by adding new
+    companies to each regiment; but of this method the advantage would be
+    small, because the number of captains and inferiour officers must be the
+    same, and the pay of only the field officers would be saved, and this
+    trifling gain would be far over-balanced by the inconveniencies which
+    experience has shown to arise from it. There have been regiments formed
+    of thirteen companies, instead of ten; but it was found, that as the
+    officers of a company may be over-charged with soldiers, a colonel may
+    likewise have more companies than he can conveniently inspect, and the
+    ancient regulation was restored, as the least liable to difficulties and
+    objections.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the manner in which our new troops
+    are proposed to be levied, it may be expected that I should now make
+    some observations on the service in which they are to be employed, which
+    I cannot think liable to any unanswerable objection. It is now, sir, in
+    our choice whether we will send the new regiments abroad or keep them at
+    home; and our choice may easily be determined by comparing the value of
+    our colonies with that of their mother country. If it be not necessary
+    to have any army here to defend us against insults and invasions, the
+    question about the manner of raising or employing new regiments is
+    superfluous, because none ought to be raised, as our old troops are
+    sufficiently numerous for foreign service. But if the security of the
+    nation requires an army, would it not be madness to send those troops to
+    a distant part of the world, in which we can confide most! Would not
+    those, who speak with such contempt of an expedition undertaken by boys,
+    have a better reason for their censure, if only boys were stationed on
+    our coasts to repel the veterans of France? Would not such measures
+    animate our enemies, and invite an invasion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, perhaps, be urged farther, that the troops which are sent into
+    America, are more likely to succeed in their design, than any regiment
+    of ancient establishment. The chief danger to be feared in that part of
+    the world, is not from the enemy but the climate, with which young men
+    are most able to contend, though they may not be equally qualified for
+    attempts in which skill is equally necessary with vigour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am convinced, sir, that this war has hitherto been prosecuted with
+    ardour and fidelity, and that no measures have been taken but such as
+    experience and reason have supported, and therefore affirm, without
+    scruple, that if we are not successful, our miscarriages must be imputed
+    to the chance of war, from which no prudence can exempt us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord QUARENDON spoke next, in the following manner, being his first
+    speech:&mdash;Sir, having-but very lately had the honour of a seat in this
+    assembly, I am conscious how little I am acquainted with either the
+    subjects or forms of debate, and should, therefore, continue to listen
+    to the sentiments of persons more experienced, with silent veneration,
+    did I not observe with how much indulgence they are heard who mean well,
+    however deficient in knowledge, or in eloquence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the honourable gentleman who spoke last, sir, professes to have
+    formed his opinion rather from facts than arguments, I hope I shall be
+    indulged by the house, in an attempt to examine those facts which he has
+    produced, because I think them not sufficient to support his positions,
+    which must, therefore, be established by some other proofs, before a
+    decision of this question can be fixed by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to his experience, to which undoubtedly no small degree of
+    veneration is due, he confesses that we have tried only one of the two
+    forms of establishment now in competition, and that, therefore, though
+    he has had reason to approve that with which he is most acquainted, he
+    has no certain proofs of the inefficacy or imperfection of the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But experience, sir, may be extended much farther than our own personal
+    transactions, and may very justly comprehend those observations which we
+    have had opportunities of making upon the conduct and success of others.
+    This gentleman, though he has only commanded in the armies of Britain,
+    has seen the forces of other nations, has remarked their regulations,
+    and heard of their actions with our confederates in the last war; he has
+    probably acted in conjunction, and though it is known that they differ
+    from us in the proportion of soldiers and officers, he has mentioned no
+    disadvantage which might be supposed to arise from their establishment,
+    and therefore, I suppose, he cannot deny that their behaviour and
+    success was the same with that of our own troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The battles of Almanza, Parma, and Guastalla, which he has particularly
+    mentioned, were lost, as he informs us, by armies not officered
+    according to the establishment which he recommends to us: but it is
+    observable that his argument is defective in an essential part; for
+    though he affirms that the armies which were defeated had fewer officers
+    than the enemy, he has neither shown, nor attempted to show, that the
+    want of officers occasioned the defeat, or that the loss would have been
+    prevented by a greater number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These instances, therefore, can be of no effect on the determination of
+    the present question; for though it is certain that at Germany, and at
+    other places, armies with few officers have lost the battle, it is not
+    less common for those troops that are more liberally supplied, to be
+    overthrown by others which are differently modelled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the troops of Germany, I have heard them praised,
+    in many parts of Europe, as not inferiour either to those of France, or
+    of any other nation, and have been informed, that their ill success,
+    both at Parma and Guastalla, may be justly imputed to other causes than
+    the want of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There has, perhaps, sir, seldom been an example of firmness, discipline,
+    and resolution, beyond that which was shown by the Germans at the action
+    of Parma, where they attacked the trenches of the French, sustained the
+    fire of the ramparts of the city, and though they lost their
+    commander-in-chief and two others, towards the beginning of the action,
+    they continued the fight for eleven hours, and at last retired only at
+    the approach of night.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At Guastalla, sir, they attacked the French in their trenches, even with
+    forces inferiour in number, so far were they from any diffidence in the
+    form of their establishment; and after a fight of seven hours, in which
+    their loss was, under all their disadvantages, not greater than that of
+    their enemies, they retreated to their former camp unmolested and
+    unpursued. The French, sir, were preserved in both these battles, not by
+    the number of their officers, but by their situation, by woods,
+    cassines, ditches, and intrenchments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I discover, sir, what can be inferred from his observation of the
+    influence of example in time of action, but that officers should be
+    selected with great care, and not be promoted by favour, or interest, or
+    caprice; for an example of cowardice in a leader must be pernicious, in
+    proportion as that of bravery is beneficial; and as, where more officers
+    are supposed necessary, there is less room for choice, it must be
+    allowed that the troops, which have more officers than other forces, are
+    in more danger of being infected with cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, to me that the expense of the present
+    establishment is a certain evil, and that the advantages are very
+    doubtful: it appears that the present state of the nation requires
+    frugality, and, therefore, I shall vote for the incorporation of our new
+    levies with the old regiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this incorporation, sir, our new-levied troops will be no longer
+    distinguished from our veterans; they will be equally acquainted with
+    discipline, and will learn, from the conversation of their associates, a
+    spirit of enterprise, and a contempt of danger; we may then employ
+    forces equally formidable in all parts of the publick service, and
+    invade the dominions of our enemies, without leaving our own country
+    desolate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The arguments which the honourable gentleman has offered in defence of
+    sending our younger troops to America, which may likewise be used
+    against an incorporation, is, in my opinion, sir, far from being
+    conclusive; for it supposes, what will not be granted, that a cold
+    climate may be changed for a hotter with more safety by a young than an
+    old man. I have been told, on the contrary, that superabundant heat is
+    the great disease of youth, and that the want of it produces most of the
+    infirmities of age; and every one has known the lives of persons
+    languishing with age, prolonged by a removal into warm countries. I am,
+    therefore, of opinion, that the honourable gentleman's argument is
+    defective in all its parts, and hope that I shall not be charged with
+    obstinacy or perverseness for dissenting from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HOWE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, before I engage in a
+    discussion of the question, I cannot but think it necessary to observe,
+    that the honourable gentleman who spoke the second in this debate, has
+    been very far from consulting either policy or justice in his
+    declamation, and that he deviated from the subject only to ridicule his
+    country, to exalt our enemies, and depress our efforts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has described, sir, the British youth, the sons of noble families,
+    and the hopes of the nation, in terms too contemptuous to be heard
+    without indignation; he has amused himself with displaying their
+    ignorance and their effeminacy, and has indulged his imagination in a
+    malignant kind of gaiety, which, however it may divert himself, is very
+    far from contributing either to the reformation or prevention of those
+    practices which he censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, it will be granted, that nothing ought to please but in
+    proportion to its propriety and truth; and, if we try the satire that we
+    have lately heard, by this test, it will be found to have very little
+    claim to applause; for our armies must be composed of the youth of the
+    nation; and, for my part, I cannot discover what advantage we shall gain
+    over the Spaniards, by informing them how little our troops are
+    accustomed to danger, how short a time they have been acquainted with
+    fatigue, how tenderly they have been nursed, how easily they may be
+    frighted, and how certainly they will be conquered, if they but meet
+    with opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, is such an account of the youth of Britain more true, in my
+    opinion, than it is prudent. I am far from discovering any such
+    remarkable degeneracy in the age, or any great prevalence of cowardice
+    and unmanly delicacy; nor do I doubt of hearing that our youth, if they
+    are sent upon any expedition, have shown that the British courage is not
+    yet extinguished, and that, if they are ranged on the plains of America,
+    they will discover themselves the sons of those that forced those
+    passes, and those trenches, that other troops would have failed in
+    attempting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the degeneracy of the British youth, is, at least, not universal,
+    we have just now sir, received an incontestable proof from the gentleman
+    who spoke last, and spoke with so much elegance of language, and
+    justness of reasoning, as shows, that there are to be found, among the
+    youth of Britain, persons very well qualified for the senate; and I have
+    never heard that a post in the army required greater abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pleasure, however, with which I have attended to his remarks, has
+    not so far prejudiced me in favour of his opinion, as that I shall
+    easily consent to change that method of discipline, to which our troops
+    have been accustomed, and of which we know by experience, that it is, at
+    least, not less efficacious than that of any other nation. Customs, if
+    they are not bad, are not to be changed, because it is an argument in
+    favour of a practice that the people have experienced it, and approved
+    it, and every change is disagreeable to those who judge only by
+    prejudice, of whom I need not say how great is the number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many arguments may, sir, in my opinion, be added to our experience in
+    favour of the present establishment. The number of officers&mdash;but I find
+    myself unable to pursue my design, because I can no longer read my
+    notes, which, being written by another hand, somewhat embarrass me in
+    this decline of the light. I shall, therefore, only make some
+    observations upon the speech of the gentleman who spoke the second in
+    this debate, and hope that I shall be allowed to deviate from the
+    principal question, since I do it only in pursuit of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has observed, that our troopers are mounted upon horses that are of
+    no use; a remark, sir, which I never heard from any other person, and
+    for which, I believe, no authority can be produced: they are mounted,
+    indeed, upon horses very different from those which are used by other
+    nations, because scarcely any other country breeds horses of equal size
+    and strength, and, therefore, I am informed that the French have
+    purchased horses from this island, and believe that all the cavalry of
+    Europe would be mounted upon our horses if they could procure them. I
+    have been informed, that their pressure in the shock of battle is such,
+    as no forces in the world are able to sustain; and that it was not less
+    by the strength of our horses than the spirit of our soldiers, that the
+    squadrons of France were, in the battle of Blenheim, pushed into the
+    Danube.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I less disapprove his censure of the choice which has been made
+    of the troops intended for the American service, which, though I
+    ardently desire its success, I cannot think of equal importance with the
+    defence of our own country; for though we may be disgraced by a defeat,
+    we can be endangered only by an invasion; and, therefore, I think it
+    necessary to retain those troops on which we may best rely for the
+    security of this island, lest our enemies should take the advantage of
+    their absence, and set the pretender on the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE next rose, and spoke to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, it
+    is a standing maxim, both in private life and public transactions, that
+    no man can obtain great advantages who is afraid of petty
+    inconveniencies; and that he that will hope to obtain his end without
+    expense, will languish for ever in fruitless wishes, and have the
+    mortification of seeing the adventurous and the liberal enjoy that
+    felicity, which, though it is within his reach, he is afraid of seizing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the depredations of the Spaniards became first the subject of our
+    debates, nothing was heard amongst us but threats of vengeance, demands
+    of reparation, assertions of sovereignty, and resolutions to obtain
+    security: the importance of our commerce, the necessity of rigorous
+    measures, the danger of pusillanimity, the meanness of negotiation, and
+    the disadvantages of delay, were thundered from every part of the house.
+    Every man seemed to imagine that there was no mean between victory and
+    ruin, and that not to humble Spain was to betray our country to insults,
+    ignominy, and slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Far was I then, sir, from suspecting, that when the war, thus vehemently
+    urged, should be declared, that the prosecution of it would produce any
+    debates. I doubted not but that every man would be desirous of
+    signalizing his zeal for the prosperity of commerce, by expediting the
+    supplies, and forwarding the preparations; and that the only contention
+    among us would be, who should appear the most ardent enemy of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But no sooner are hostilities begun against this insolent and oppressive
+    nation, than those who expressed most resentment at the prudence and
+    moderation by which they were delayed, those that accused every attempt
+    for an accommodation, of cowardice, and charged the ministry with
+    conniving at the rapine of pirates, begin to inquire into the necessity
+    of the expenses occasioned by the war, to harangue on the advantages of
+    parsimony, and to think it of more importance to ease our taxes than to
+    subdue our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In pursuance of this new doctrine they are now endeavouring to embarrass
+    the measures of his majesty, that they may save, according to their own
+    computation, only thirty thousand pounds, which, in reality, I can
+    easily show to be no more than fifteen thousand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the sake of this important sum, our army is to be modelled by a new
+    regulation, and the success of the war is to be impeded, the security of
+    our commerce to be hazarded, and our colonies are to be endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality is, undoubtedly, a virtue, but is, like others, to be
+    practised on proper occasions: to compute expenses with a scrupulous
+    nicety, in time of war, is to prefer money to safety, and, by a very
+    perverse kind of policy, to hazard the whole for the preservation of a
+    part.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentlemen, sir, who have most endeavoured to distinguish themselves
+    as the constant opponents of the administration, have charged it, on all
+    occasions, with giving encouragement to the Spaniards, but can charge it
+    with nothing so likely to raise the confidence and confirm the obstinacy
+    of the enemy, as the objections which they themselves have made to the
+    present scheme of levying forces; for to how great a degree of poverty
+    must they believe that nation reduced, of which the warmest patriots
+    struggle to save a sum so inconsiderable, by an experiment of so much
+    uncertainty? And how easily will the Spaniards promise themselves, that
+    they shall gain the victory only by obliging us to continue in a state
+    of war, a state which, by our own confession, we are not able to
+    support?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had any other argument, sir, been produced than the necessity of
+    parsimony, it had been less dangerous to have agreed to this new scheme;
+    but to adopt it only for the sake of sparing fifteen thousand pounds,
+    would be to make ourselves contemptible, to intimidate our allies, and
+    to unite all those against us, who are inclined to trample on misery,
+    and to plunder weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am inclined to judge so favourably, sir, of the intentions of those
+    whom I am now opposing, that I believe they have only used this
+    argument, because they were able to produce no other, and that if either
+    reason or experience had been on their side, the poverty of the nation
+    had not been mentioned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman, who has been so long engaged in military
+    employments, has shown that all our success has been obtained by the
+    present establishment, and that the battle in which we suffered most,
+    was lost by our unfortunate deficiency of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do his reasons, sir, however modestly offered, deserve less regard
+    than his experience, for he has shown that a greater number of officers
+    naturally contribute to preserve discipline, and excite courage; and it
+    is not necessary that a man should be much a soldier to discover, that
+    discipline and courage united, must generally prevail. To the examples
+    which he has produced in favour of his opinion, it has been objected,
+    that victories equally wonderful have been gained with fewer officers,
+    and, by the honourable gentleman that spoke the second on this occasion,
+    the actions of Eugene were opposed to those of the duke of MARLBOROUGH.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That victories have been gained by troops differently regulated, I
+    cannot deny; victories have likewise been gained, sir, under every
+    circumstance of disadvantage; victories have been gained by inferiour
+    numbers, and by raw troops, over veteran armies, yet no prudent general
+    ever produced these instances as arguments against the usefulness of
+    discipline, or as proofs that superiority of numbers was no advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The success of prince Eugene, in the late war, was far from convincing
+    the British general, that the German establishment was preferable to our
+    own; for he required that the Hessian troops, which were paid by
+    Britain, should be officered like our national troops. In this he could
+    be influenced only by his own opinion; for he neither nominated their
+    officers, nor could advance his interest at home by creating new posts
+    to which he did not recommend; he could, therefore, only regard the
+    success of the war, and changed their model only because he thought it
+    defective.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Germans themselves, sir, are far from imagining that their armies
+    might not be made more formidable by approaching nearer to the British
+    methods; for one of their officers, a man of great reputation and
+    experience, has informed me, that they were convinced of their defect,
+    and that nothing hindered them from adding more officers, but the fear
+    of expenses; that they imputed all their defeats to the necessity of
+    parsimony, that their men wanted not courage but leaders, and that their
+    enemies gained advantages merely by the superiority of their opulence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the late war, it was common for the auxiliary troops, when they were
+    sent upon any expedition of importance, to be supplied with officers
+    either from their other regiments, or by the British forces; so
+    necessary did the duke of MARLBOROUGH think a larger number of officers
+    in time of action, that where he could not alter the establishment, he
+    deviated from the common methods of war, and transferred his officers
+    occasionally into troops over which they had no settled authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, most evident, sir, that the model on which our troops
+    are formed, was, by this great commander, preferred to that which is now
+    so warmly recommended, and I know not why we should recede from his
+    practice, if we are desirous of his success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I discover, sir, any better method of selecting officers than
+    that which has of late been followed, however some may censure or
+    ridicule it. To advance gentlemen to command, seems to be the most
+    likely way to unite authority with rank, for no man willingly obeys
+    those to whom he has lately seen himself equal, or whose conduct in
+    lower stations he has, perhaps, had opportunities of examining too
+    nearly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The distinction of birth, however chimerical in itself, has been so long
+    admitted, and so universally received, that it is generally imagined to
+    confer on one man an indelible and evident superiority over another, a
+    superiority, which those who would easily imagine themselves equal in
+    merit cannot deny, and which they allow more willingly, because, though
+    it be an advantage to possess it, to want it cannot be justly considered
+    as a reproach.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, men cheerfully obey those to whom their birth
+    seems to have subjected them, without any scrupulous inquiries into
+    their virtue or abilities; they have been taught from their childhood to
+    consider them as placed in a higher rank than themselves, and are,
+    therefore, not disgusted at any transient bursts of impatience, or
+    sudden starts of caprice, which would produce, at least, resentment,
+    and, perhaps, mutiny, in men newly exalted from a low station. The more
+    attentively, sir, we look upon the world, the more strongly shall we be
+    convinced of the truth of these assertions, and the more evidently shall
+    we discover the influence which operates, in a degree scarcely credible,
+    even to those who have experienced its power, and which is, indeed, one
+    of the chief means of subordination, by which society is held together.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are officers of birth, sir, to be preferred to men who are
+    recommended by nothing but military service, only because they are more
+    cheerfully obeyed, but for another reason of equal importance. It has
+    been observed, that, in reality, they discharge the duty of commanders
+    in a manner more likely to preserve dignity and increase reverence; that
+    they discover, on all occasions, a sense of honour, and dread of
+    disgrace, which are not easily to be found in a mind contracted by a
+    mean education, and depressed by long habits of subjection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, sir, universally and unvariably certain, that a man,
+    raised from meanness and poverty, will be insolent and oppressive; nor
+    do I doubt but there are many now languishing in obscurity, whose
+    abilities might add new lustre to the highest honours, and whose
+    integrity would very faithfully discharge the most important trust, and
+    in their favour, wherever they can be discovered, some exceptions ought
+    to be made; but as general rules are generally to be followed, as well
+    in military regulations as other transactions, it will be found, upon
+    the exactest inquiry, by no means improper to advance gentlemen to posts
+    of command rather than private sentinels, however skilful or courageous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is to be considered, sir, that the present state of the continent,
+    has for many years made it necessary to support an army, even when we
+    are not engaged in an actual war; that this army, though of late it has,
+    for the ease of the people, been sometimes encamped during the summer,
+    is, for the greatest part, quartered in towns, and mingled with the rest
+    of the community, but governed, at the same time, by the officers, and
+    subject to the martial law. It has often been observed by those who have
+    argued against standing forces, that this difference of government makes
+    different societies, which do not combine in the same interest, nor much
+    favour one another; and it is, indeed, certain, that feuds are sometimes
+    produced, that when any private quarrel happens, either by drunkenness
+    or accident, or claims really disputable, between a soldier and any
+    other, person, each applies for support and assistance to those in the
+    same condition with himself, the cause becomes general, and the soldiers
+    and townsmen are not easily restrained from blows and bloodshed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is true, likewise, that the rhetorick of the patriots has been so
+    efficacious, that their arguments have been so clamorously echoed, and
+    their weekly productions so diligently dispersed, that a great part of
+    the nation, as men always willingly admit what will produce immediate
+    ease or advantage, believes the army to be an useless burden imposed
+    upon the people for the support of the ministry; that the landlord,
+    therefore, looks upon the soldier as an intruder forced into his house,
+    and rioting in sloth at his expense; and the farmer and manufacturer
+    have learned to call the army the vermin of the land, the caterpillars
+    of the nation, the devourers of other men's industry, the enemies of
+    liberty, and the slaves of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be supposed, sir, that the soldiers entertain the same
+    ideas of their profession, or that they do not conceive themselves
+    injured by such representations: they undoubtedly consider themselves as
+    the bulwark of their country, as men selected for the defence of the
+    rest of the community, as those who have engaged, at the hazard of their
+    lives, to repel invasion, and repress rebellion, and who contribute more
+    than their part to the general felicity, by securing property, and
+    preventing danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be doubted, sir, but sentiments so widely different, must
+    produce an equal contrariety of claims, and diversity of conduct: the
+    trader imagines, that the man who subsists upon the taxes which are
+    raised only from his labour, ought to consider himself as his inferiour,
+    at least, if not as his hireling and his servant; the soldier wonders
+    how he can ever conceive himself sufficiently grateful to him that has
+    devoted his life to his defence, and to whom he must fly for protection
+    whenever danger shall approach him, and concludes, that he has an
+    incontestable right to the better part of that, of which the
+    preservation of the whole depends upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus does self-love magnify every man in his own eyes, and so
+    differently will men determine when each is to judge in his own cause.
+    Which of these competitors thinks most justly of his own station and
+    character, or whether both are not mistaken in their opinion, I think it
+    by no means necessary to decide. This, at least, is evident, that to
+    preserve peace and harmony between two bodies of men obliged to live
+    together with sentiments so opposite, there is required an uncommon
+    degree of prudence, moderation, and knowledge of mankind, which is
+    chiefly to be exerted on the part of the soldiers, because they are
+    subject to more rigorous command, and are more easily governed by the
+    authority of their superiours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us suppose any dispute of this kind, sir, to happen where the
+    soldiers were commanded only by private sentinels, disguised in the
+    dress of officers, but retaining, what it cannot be expected that they
+    should suddenly be able to lay aside, the prejudices which they had
+    imbibed in the ranks, and all the ardour of trifling competition in
+    which their station had once engaged them. What could be expected from
+    their councils and direction? Can it be imagined that they would inquire
+    impartially into the original cause of the dispute, that they would
+    attend equally to the parties, endeavour, by mildness and candour, to
+    soften the malevolence of each, and terminate the dispute by some
+    addressful expedient, or decent accommodation? He, surely, must be very
+    little acquainted with the vulgar notions of bravery and honour, that
+    could form any hopes of such conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The plain soldier, sir, has not accustomed himself to regulate his
+    motions by reason, nor has learned any more of honour, than that it
+    consists in adhering invariably to his pretensions, even though he
+    should discover that they are false; and in resenting affronts with the
+    utmost rigour, even when they were provoked by himself, he is taught,
+    that it is his business to conquer in whatever cause, and that to desist
+    from any of his attempts, or retract any of his assertions, is unworthy
+    of a man of honour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Warm with such notions as these, sir, would such officers, as have been
+    recommended by the honourable gentleman, apply themselves to the
+    termination of differences? Without any knowledge of the laws of
+    society, without any settled ideas of the different rights of different
+    persons, they would have nothing in view but the honour of their
+    profession, nor endeavour to support it by any other method than that of
+    violence. If a soldier was affronted by a farmer, they would probably
+    lay his territories waste, and ravage his plantations like an enemy's
+    country; if another disagreed with his landlord, they would advise him
+    to <i>make good his quarters</i>, to invade the magazines of provision
+    without restraint, to force the barricadoes of the cellar, and to forage
+    in the stables without controul.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But gentlemen, sir, are proper judges of debates between the army and
+    the rest of the community, because they are equally related to both
+    parties, as men who possess or expect estates, or who are allied to
+    those whose influence arises from their property. As men bred in
+    affluence and freedom, and acquainted with the blessings of our
+    constitution, and the necessity of civil government, they cannot
+    willingly contribute to the increase of the military power, and as
+    members of the army they cannot but be desirous to support their own
+    rank, and to hinder their profession from sinking into contempt; it is,
+    therefore, their care to repress insolence on one part, and to prevent
+    oppression on the other, to stop dissensions in their beginning, and
+    reconcile all the different pretensions of Britons and soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, surprised, sir, to hear the promotion of serjeants
+    recommended by the honourable gentleman who has so often strained his
+    lungs, and exhausted his invention, to explain how much our constitution
+    is endangered by the army, how readily those men will concur in the
+    abolition of property who have nothing to lose, and how easily they may
+    be persuaded to destroy the liberties of their country, who are already
+    cut off from the enjoyment of them, who, therefore, can only behold with
+    envy and malevolence those advantages which they cannot hope to possess,
+    and which produce in them no other effects than a quicker sense of their
+    own misery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what principles, sir, any gentleman can form those notions, or with
+    what view he can so long and so studiously disperse them, it is his
+    province to explain; for the only reason that can be offered by any
+    other person for his incessant declamations, the desire of securing his
+    country from the oppression of a standing army, is now for ever
+    overthrown by this new proposal; which, if it were to be received, would
+    in a very few years produce an army proper to be employed in the
+    execution of the most detestable designs, an army that could be of no
+    other use than to gratify an ambitious prince, or a wicked ministry, as
+    it would be commanded, not by men who had lost their liberty, but by men
+    who never enjoyed it, by men who would abolish our constitution without
+    knowing that they were engaged in any criminal undertaking, who have no
+    other sense of the enjoyment of authority than that it is the power of
+    acting without controul, who have no knowledge of any other laws than
+    the commands of their superiours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To men like these, sir, to men raised up from poverty and servility to
+    rank and power, to ignorance invested with command, and to meanness
+    elated with preferment, would any real patriot, any zealous assertor of
+    liberty, any inflexible enemy to the corruptions of the ministry,
+    consign the protection of his country, and intrust to these our
+    happiness, properties, and our lives?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the honourable gentleman has changed any of the sentiments which
+    he has hitherto appeared to admit with regard to the army, whether this
+    new determination is only an instance of that inconsistency which is
+    scarcely to be avoided in the vindication of a bad cause, or whether he
+    was betrayed to it only by his hatred of the administration, which would
+    prompt him to recant his own advice, if it should happen to be approved,
+    I will not pretend to determine, but I must lament, on this occasion,
+    the entertainment which the house will lose, by the eternal cessation of
+    any harangues on the army, since he cannot now declaim on either part
+    without contradicting his former declarations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will the honourable gentleman find less difficulty in proving, that
+    justice, rather than policy, requires the promotion of Serjeants to
+    commissions. Military preferments are always at the disposal of the
+    crown, nor can any right be pretended to them, but such as arises from
+    the custom which has been generally followed in conferring them, which
+    is not only variable at pleasure, but has never been, at any time,
+    regularly observed. The order of rotation has been suffered sometimes to
+    proceed, because of two persons, otherwise equal, he that has served
+    longest may plead the most merit; but the plea of service has been
+    always overruled by birth or powerful recommendation. And though, sir,
+    it is natural for men disappointed to complain, yet as those officers,
+    whose preferment has been delayed, were not thought, in reality, to have
+    received any injury, their murmurs have been the less regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It might be expected, sir, from a patriot, a lamenter of the degeneracy
+    of mankind, and an inflexible opponent of corruption, that he should
+    consider rather facts than persons, that he should regulate his decision
+    by the unvariable principles of reason and justice, and that, therefore,
+    he should not applaud at one time what he condemns at another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this gentleman seems to have established some new maxims of conduct,
+    and, perhaps, upon new notions of morality; for he seems to imagine,
+    that his friends may seize, as their right, what his adversaries cannot
+    touch without robbery, though the claim of both be the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, to the whole army, that a noble person, whose
+    abilities are so loudly celebrated, whose virtues are so liberally
+    praised, and whose removal from his military employments is so solemnly
+    lamented as a publick calamity, obtained his first preferments by
+    pretensions very different from military merit, and that at the age only
+    of seventeen, a time of life in which, whatever might be his abilities,
+    very little prudence or experience could be expected, he was advanced to
+    the command of a regiment, and exalted above many officers whose known
+    bravery and frequent hazards entitled them to favour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not assert that he was undeservedly promoted, or condemn those who
+    either solicited or granted his commission; I maintain only, that what
+    was then reasonable and just, is not now either iniquitous or
+    ridiculous, and different persons in the same circumstances have a right
+    to the same treatment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of queen Anne, a reign, sir, which every Briton recollects
+    with so much satisfaction, and which will for ever afford examples of
+    the wisest councils, and most successful wars, when new regiments were
+    to be raised, it was far from being thought necessary to observe this
+    gentleman's favourite method of rotation; posts were filled, not with
+    the officers of other regiments, that room might be left for the
+    promotion of serjeants, but with gentlemen who had never seen a battle,
+    or learned any part of the military discipline.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though, sir, the regulation of our army be thus violently attacked,
+    the greatest crime of the ministry is, in this gentleman's opinion, that
+    of levying new troops, when we have no employment for our standing
+    forces, of laying unnecessary impositions upon the nation, and alarming
+    with the fears of an invasion, only that the army might be increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this head, sir, a declaration of the duke of MARLBOROUGH has been
+    produced, with a great pomp of circumstances, and such a seeming
+    accuracy of narration, that the attention of the house was engaged, and
+    the account was received with all the solemnity of universal silence,
+    and with the veneration due to so high an authority in a question of so
+    much importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The subject is, indeed, so worthy of regard, that I think, sir, every
+    man ought to contribute to its elucidation, and, therefore, I take the
+    liberty of adding to the honourable gentleman's relation, what I hope
+    will be heard with equal curiosity, the method by which that great
+    commander proposed to put a stop to an invasion with so small a number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was very far, sir, from imagining that he should be able to repel
+    them by open force, he was far from being so confident of his
+    superiority in military skill, as to imagine that he should defeat them
+    by stratagem, and, therefore, he designed, by burning the villages, and
+    destroying the country, to deprive them of the means of subsistence, and
+    harass them with famine; to hover at a distance, and cut off those
+    parties which necessity should force out to forage, till a body of
+    troops could be assembled sufficient to overthrow them in a battle, or
+    to drive them back to their ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the scheme, sir, as I have been informed, of this great man,
+    nor, perhaps, can any other be struck out by human abilities, where
+    greater numbers are to be opposed by smaller. But this scheme, though
+    preferable, in the last extremities, to slavery, is such as cannot be
+    mentioned without horrour, and of which the execution ought to be
+    avoided by every expedient that can be practised without the danger of
+    our liberties. We ought, certainly, not to reject a nauseous medicine,
+    by which that health is preserved, which, if lost, can only be restored
+    by the amputation of a limb.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As it was, therefore, necessary, sir, to secure our coasts from an
+    invasion, it was necessary to raise new troops for the American
+    expedition; nor did this method produce any delay, for the regiments
+    were completed a long time before the ships of war and the transports
+    were ready to convoy and receive them, nor could the utmost ardour and
+    diligence despatch them sooner from our coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ships, sir, were, by the violence of a frost, scarcely exampled,
+    retained, for a long time, in the harbours, without a possibility of
+    being put to sea; when they were all assembled at the place appointed
+    for their conjunction, they waited for a wind; all the delay that can be
+    objected, was produced by the seasons, of which the regulation was in no
+    man's power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the time, sir, which was unwillingly spent in the camp, was not,
+    however, lost or misemployed, for the troops were, by the order of the
+    general, every day exercised, and instructed in the art of war, so that
+    what was lost in time, was more than recompensed by the advantage of
+    better discipline.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did these troops appear an herd so ignorant and contemptible, as
+    they have been represented by malicious invectives and ludicrous
+    descriptions; there were not, indeed, among them many grey-headed
+    warriours, nor were their former campaigns and past exploits the
+    subjects of their conversation; but there was not one amongst them who
+    did not appear ready to suffer, in the cause of his country, all that
+    the most hardened veteran could undergo, or whose alacrity and eagerness
+    did not promise perseverance in the march, and intrepidity in the
+    battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their general, sir, who saw them pursue their exercises, declared how
+    much he was satisfied with their proficiency, applauded their
+    appearance, and expressed his confidence in their courage; nor do I
+    doubt, but our enemies will find, that it is not necessary to send out
+    our most formidable forces to humble them, and that the youth of Britain
+    will compensate their want of experience by their courage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I, sir, have been drawn aside from the present question, it is by
+    following, perhaps, with an exactness too scrupulous, the honourable
+    gentleman, whose propositions I have now shown to be erroneous, and
+    whose reproaches will, I believe, now appear rather the effects of
+    disappointment than of zeal, and, therefore, I think it now necessary to
+    return to the business before us, the consideration of the present
+    establishment, from which, as it was approved by the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH, and has been defended with very strong arguments, by one of
+    the most experienced officers of this time, I cannot think it safe or
+    prudent to depart.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GRENVILLE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, as a noble
+    person has been frequently hinted at in this debate, to whom my relation
+    is well known, and whom, as I know him well, I have the strongest
+    motives to reverence and honour, I cannot forbear to give, on this
+    occasion, an attestation which he will be allowed to deserve by all
+    those whom interest has not blinded, and corruption depraved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will be allowed, sir, that he is one of those who are indebted for
+    their honours only to merit, one whom the malice of a court cannot
+    debase, as its favour cannot exalt; he is one of those whose loss of
+    employments can be a reproach only to those who take them from him, as
+    he cannot forfeit them but by performing his duty, and can only give
+    offence by steady integrity, and a resolution to speak as he thinks, and
+    to act as his conscience dictates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, sir, men, I know, to whom this panegyrick will seem romantick
+    and chimerical, men, to whom integrity and conscience are idle sounds,
+    men, who are content to catch the word of their leader, who have no
+    sense of the obligation of any law but the supreme will of him that pays
+    them, and who know not any virtue but diligence in attendance, and
+    readiness in obedience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, sir, no loss to the noble person to be debarred from any
+    fellowship with men like these. Nothing can be more unpleasing to virtue
+    than such a situation as lays it under a necessity of beholding
+    wickedness that cannot be reformed; as the sight of a pesthouse must
+    raise horrour, though we should suppose the spectator secure from the
+    contagion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. ORD spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, as I cannot approve
+    the scheme now proposed, for augmenting our forces, I shall endeavour to
+    show why the arguments, by which it has hitherto been supported, have
+    failed to convince me, and shall lay before the house some reasons
+    against it, to which I shall expect an answer, before I shall think that
+    I can agree to it, without squandering the money of which my
+    constituents have intrusted me with the disposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, with which this motion was introduced, which is,
+    indeed, the strongest that has yet been offered, was, that this estimate
+    is less expensive than one that was laid before the house in a late
+    reign, and that, therefore, it could not reasonably be charged with
+    extravagance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us now consider this argument with that care which is required by
+    the importance of the question, let us inquire what consequences will
+    follow from it, and to what previous suppositions it must owe its force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, evidently supposes that the estimate in king
+    William's reign was drawn up without any intention to deceive the house,
+    or to raise money for purposes different from those for which it was
+    really expended. But if we suppose that estimate to be fraudulently
+    calculated, this may contain the same fallacies in a lower degree, and
+    the only merit that can be claimed by the authors of it, will be, that
+    they are not the most rapacious plunderers of their country, that,
+    however they may be charged with profusion of publick money, they are
+    yet more modest than some of their predecessors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is known, sir, that in king William's reign, very few estimates
+    were honestly computed; it is known that the rotation of parties, and
+    fluctuation of measures, reduced the ministry to subsist upon artifices,
+    to amuse the senate with exorbitant demands, only that they might obtain
+    the necessary grants, and to pretend expenses which never were incurred,
+    that the supplies which the publick affairs really required, might not
+    be withheld; as fraudulent tradesmen fix immoderate prices, that the
+    buyer may make offers proportionate to their demands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The estimates, therefore, of that reign are of very little authority,
+    though they might sometimes pass the house without censure; for it is to
+    be considered, that by the frequency of new elections, the greatest part
+    of the members were often unacquainted with the state of publick
+    accounts, and that an army was so little known to this kingdom, that the
+    true expense of it might easily be concealed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this, sir, the only fallacy of this argument; for it supposes,
+    likewise, that the nation is no less wealthy than in the time when that
+    computation was offered, with which this is so triumphantly compared.
+    For every man knows that publick as well as private expenses are to be
+    proportioned to the revenue by which they are supplied, and that the
+    charges which are easily supported at one time, may threaten ruin at
+    another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But unhappily, sir, it is evident, that, since the days of that
+    sovereign, the nation has been exhausted by a long and wasteful war, and
+    since, by a peace equally destructive, it is embarrassed with an
+    enormous debt, and entangled in treaties, of which the support may call
+    every day for new expenses; it has suffered since that time a thousand
+    losses, but gained no advantage, and yet the expenses of that time are
+    mentioned as an example to be compared with those which are proposed in
+    this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The difference of the condition of the British nation at those two
+    periods of time, sir, is not less than that of the strength of the same
+    man in the vigour of youth and the frigidity of old age, in the flush of
+    health and the languor of disease, of the same man newly risen from rest
+    and plenty, and debilitated with hunger and fatigue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To make such a comparison, sir, betrays, at least, a very criminal
+    insensibility, of the publick misery, if it may not be charged with
+    greater malignity. I know not whether those who shall hear of this
+    debate, may not impute such reflections rather to cruelty than
+    negligence, and imagine that those who squander the treasure of the
+    nation take pleasure in reproaching that poverty which their counsels
+    produce, and indulge their own vanity by contemplating the calamities
+    from which they are themselves secure, and to which they are indebted
+    for opportunities of increasing their own fortunes, and gratifying their
+    ambition. It is evident, that an estimate which requires less than that
+    which has been mentioned, may yet exact more than the nation can now
+    raise, without feeling too great inconveniencies to be compensated by
+    the advantages which can be expected from our new forces. Nor is it
+    sufficient that it is lower than those of former times; for, as it ought
+    to be the care of the government to preserve the ease and happiness of
+    the people, it should be reduced in proportion to the diminution of the
+    national wealth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The right honourable gentleman confesses, sir, that frugality is a
+    virtue, and his argument supposes that to contract expenses is an
+    argument of prudent measures; why then is he afraid of carrying virtue
+    to a greater height, of making the burden still more light, and
+    preferring the cheapest estimate that can be proposed, when it is
+    asserted by those whose authority is most worthy of regard, that it will
+    produce no weakness in our troops, nor give our enemies any superiority?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not pretend any other skill in military affairs, than may be gained
+    by casual conversation with soldiers, and by a cursory observation of
+    daily occurrences; but I speak with greater confidence on this occasion,
+    because I do not think any other qualifications necessary for the
+    determination of this question, than a habit of just reasoning, and
+    freedom from the prejudices of interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man knows, sir, without a military education, that it is imprudent
+    to purchase any thing at a greater price which may be procured at a
+    less, and that when the same sum will buy two things, of which one is
+    evidently preferable to the other, the best ought to be chosen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the application of either of these two positions will decide this
+    controversy, there will be no need of recurring to experience, of citing
+    the authority of foreign commanders, of comparing the actions of the
+    German and British generals, or of inquiring how battles have been lost,
+    or to what victories are to be ascribed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, sir, that the scheme now proposed, is twice as costly as
+    that which is recommended in opposition to it, and therefore, unless it
+    will produce twice the advantage, it must be acknowledged to be
+    imprudently chosen. The advantage in war, is to be rated by comparing
+    the strength of different numbers in different circumstances, and
+    inquiring what degree of superiority will be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we suppose, sir, two bodies of men, equally armed and disciplined,
+    opposed to each other without any advantage of situation, we must
+    conceive that neither party could be conquered, that the balance of the
+    day must remain equal, and that the contest would continue undecided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be objected to this supposition, sir, that no such event is
+    recorded in history, because in war many causes really act which cannot
+    be estimated; one army may consist of soldiers more courageous, and more
+    confident in the justice of their cause; unforeseen accidents may
+    operate, orders may be mistaken, or leaders may be misinformed; but all
+    these considerations are to be set aside in speculation, because they
+    may equally be alleged on either part.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Two bodies of men, sir, equally numerous, being, therefore, supposed
+    equal, it is to be inquired how either may be superiour to the other. It
+    is proposed, on one part, to produce this effect by doubling the number
+    of officers rather than increasing that of the soldiers; on the other,
+    to double the soldiers under the same officers, the expense being the
+    same of both methods.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When two armies, modelled according to these different schemes, enter
+    the field, what event can be expected? Either five thousand men, with a
+    double number of officers, must be equal to ten thousand, differently
+    regulated, or the publick has paid more for assistance of the officers
+    than its real value, and has chosen, of two methods equally expensive,
+    that which is least efficacious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is the state of the question now before us; our present
+    deficiency is not of men but money, and we may procure ten thousand men
+    regulated like the foreign troops, at the same expense as five thousand
+    in the form proposed; but I am afraid that no man will be found to
+    assert, that the addition of officers will be equivalent to a double
+    number of soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it is evident, sir, evident to demonstration, that the most
+    expensive method is, at the same time, the least advantageous, and that
+    the proposal of new regiments is intended to augment the strength of the
+    ministry rather than of the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we suppose, sir, what is more than any foreigner will grant, that the
+    additional officers raise a body of five thousand men to an equality
+    with six thousand, is not the pay of four thousand men apparently thrown
+    away? And do not the officers receive a reward which their service
+    cannot deserve? Would it not be far more rational to raise seven
+    thousand, by which our army would be stronger by a seventh part, and as
+    the pay of three thousand would be saved, the publick would be richer by
+    almost a third.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, sir, numerical arguments cannot but deserve some consideration,
+    even from those who have learned by long practice to explain away mere
+    probability at pleasure, to select the circumstances of complicated
+    questions, and only to show those which may be produced in favour of
+    their own opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present question, sir, there is very little room for fallacy; nor
+    do I see what remains to the decision of it, but that those gentlemen
+    who have been acquainted with military operations, inform us, what
+    degree of superiority is conferred by any assignable number of officers;
+    that we may compare their service with the price, and discover whether
+    the same money will not purchase greater advantages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The experience of the late war may evince, sir, that those troops which
+    have the greatest number of officers are not always victorious; for our
+    establishment never admitted the same, or nearly the same number with
+    that of the French, our enemies; nevertheless, we still boast of our
+    victories; nor is it certain that we might not have been equally
+    successful, though the number of our officers had been yet less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Foreigners, sir, are very far from discovering the defect of their own
+    establishment, or imagining that they should become more formidable by
+    imitating our methods. When I travelled, I took opportunities of
+    conversing with the generals of those nations which are most famous for
+    the valour of their troops, and was informed by them, that they thought
+    a multitude of officers by no means useful, and that they were so far
+    from desiring to see their own regulation changed, that they should make
+    no scruple of recommending it to other nations, who, in their opinion,
+    squandered their treasure upon useless commissions, and increased the
+    calamities of war by unnecessary burdens.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope no man will think it sufficient to reply to these arguments with
+    general assertions, or will deny the necessity of frugality, and extol
+    the opulence of the nation, the extent of our commerce, and the
+    happiness of our condition. Such indeed, sir, is the method of
+    argumentation made use of by the hireling scribblers of the court, who,
+    because they feel none of the publick calamities, represent all
+    complaints as criminal murmurs, and charge those with sedition who
+    petition only for relief. Wretches like these would celebrate our
+    victories, though our country should be overrun by an invader, would
+    praise the lenity of any government by which themselves should be
+    spared, and would boast of the happiness of plenty, when half the people
+    should be languishing with famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not suppose, sir, that the despicable sophistry of prostitutes like
+    these has any effect here, nor should I have thought them worthy of the
+    least notice, had it not been proper to inquire, whether those may not
+    be justly suspected of some inclination to deceive, even in this
+    assembly, by whom the most profligate of mankind are openly paid for the
+    promulgation of falsehood, and the patronage of corruption.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is indeed, sir, artful, in those who are daily impairing our honour
+    and influence, to endeavour to conceal from the people their own
+    weakness, that weakness which is so well known in foreign countries,
+    that every nation is encouraged to insult us, and by which it may
+    reasonably be imagined that new enemies will, in a short time, be
+    raised.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The late changes in our military regulations have, indeed, taken away
+    all the terrour of our arms; those troops are now no longer dreaded, by
+    which the liberties of Europe were recovered, and the French reduced to
+    abandon their schemes of universal empire, for the defence of their own
+    country, because the officers by whom they were formerly conducted to
+    glory and to victory, are now dismissed, and men advanced to their
+    posts, who are neither feared nor known.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the duke of ARGYLE was lately deprived of his command, the
+    Spaniards could not conceal their satisfaction; they bestowed, however
+    unwillingly, the highest panegyrick upon his bravery and conduct, by
+    showing that he was the only Briton of whom they were afraid. Nor did
+    their allies, the French, discover less exultation; for by them it was
+    declared, that the nation was now disarmed, that either no war was
+    intended, or that none could be successfully prosecuted, since, as they
+    made no scruple to assert, though I know not whether I ought to repeat
+    it, we have no other man capable of commanding armies, or conducting any
+    great design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am informed that this illustrious warriour, whose abilities are
+    sufficiently attested by these enemies, that have felt their prevalence,
+    is of opinion, that the number of officers now required is not
+    necessary, and has declared that he should with equal confidence
+    undertake either invasion or defence, with forces modelled after the
+    German custom; and since I have shown, that, unless the troops so
+    regulated, are equivalent to a double number, added to the standing
+    regiments, part of the expense of the officers is evidently squandered,
+    I shall vote against the motion, unless it be proved, which I believe
+    will not be attempted, that the force of a regiment is doubled by
+    doubling the officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke, to the purpose following:&mdash;Sir, the learned
+    gentleman who spoke last, must be acknowledged to have discovered a very
+    specious method of reasoning, and to have carried his inquiry as far as
+    speculation without experience can hope to proceed, but has, in my
+    opinion, admitted a false principle, by which all his argument has been
+    perplexed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He supposes, that the advantages must be always in proportion to the
+    money expended in procuring them, and that, therefore, if five thousand
+    men, raised at any given cost, will be equal to five thousand, they
+    ought, if they are regulated according to an establishment of double the
+    charge, to be able to encounter ten thousand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But in this supposition, sir, he forgets that the possibility of loss is
+    to be thrown into the balance against the advantage of the expense
+    saved, and that though the strength of the troops be not increased in
+    proportion to the increase of the cost, yet the additional security
+    against a great loss may justly entitle the most expensive regulation to
+    the preference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Suppose five thousand men to be brought into the field against six
+    thousand; if they can, by multiplying their officers at a double
+    expense, be enabled to engage successfully a body superiour in number by
+    only a sixth part, the nation may be justly said to gain all that would
+    have been lost by suffering a defeat.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we ought not to choose a worse method when we can discover a
+    better, is indisputably true, but which method is worse or better, can
+    be discovered only by experience. The last war has taught us, that our
+    troops in their present establishment are superiour to the forces of
+    France, but how much they might suffer by any alteration it is not
+    possible to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Success is gained by courage, and courage is produced by an opinion of
+    superiority; and it may easily be imagined, that our soldiers, who judge
+    of their own strength only by experience, imagine their own
+    establishment and discipline advanced to the highest perfection; nor
+    would they expect any other consequences from an alteration of it, but
+    weakness and defeats. It is, therefore, dangerous to change the model of
+    our forces, because it is dangerous to depress the spirit of our
+    soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it is confessed, sir, that the French, whose officers are still
+    more numerous, have been conquered by our troops, it must be likewise
+    alleged, that they had yielded us far easier victories had their
+    officers been wanting; for to them are they indebted for their conquests
+    wherever they have been successful, and for their resistance wherever
+    they have been with difficulty defeated; their soldiers are a spiritless
+    herd, and were they not invigorated by the example of their leaders, and
+    restrained by the fear of instant punishment, would fly at the approach
+    of any enemy, without waiting for the attack.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, sir, but be of opinion, that the necessity of a
+    large number of officers, may be learned even from the behaviour of
+    those troops which have been unsuccessful, since it is certain, that
+    though they have been often overcome, they have generally resisted with
+    great steadiness, and retired with great order.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If those, who are only speculative warriours, shall imagine that their
+    arguments are not confuted, I can only repeat what I declared when I
+    first attempted to deliver my sentiments in this debate, that I do not
+    pretend to be very skilful in the arts of disputation. I, who claim no
+    other title than that of an old soldier, cannot hope to prevail much by
+    my oratory; it is enough for me that I am confident of confuting those
+    arguments in the field, which I oppose in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX spoke next, in this manner:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking that
+    this question has been hitherto fully explained by those who have either
+    considered it only as a dispute about money, or a question merely
+    speculative concerning the proportions between different degrees of
+    expense, and probability of success. In a war of this kind, expense is
+    the last and lowest consideration, and where experience may be
+    consulted, the conjectures of speculation ought to have no weight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The method, sir, by which our troops have hitherto been regulated, is
+    well known to have produced success beyond our expectations, to have
+    exalted us to the arbitration of the world, to have reduced the French
+    to change their threats of forcing a monarch upon us, into petitions for
+    peace, and to have established the liberties of almost every nation of
+    the world that can call itself free.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this method, sir, so successful, so easy, and so formidable,
+    shall be changed, whether it shall be changed at a time when the whole
+    continent is in commotion, and every nation calling soldiers to its
+    standard; when the French, recovered from their defeats, seem to have
+    forgotten the force of that hand that crushed them in the pride of
+    victory; when they seem to be reviving their former designs, and
+    rekindling their extinguished ambition; whether, at such a time, the
+    regulations of our army shall be changed to save, upon the highest
+    computation, only thirty thousand pounds, is the present question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On such a question, sir, I cannot observe, without astonishment, any man
+    deliberating for a single moment. To suspend our opinion in this case,
+    would be to balance our lives, our liberties, our patrimonies, and our
+    posterity, against thirty thousand pounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The effects of our present method, sir, are well known to ourselves, our
+    confederates, our enemies, to every man that has heard the name of
+    Blenheim and Ramillies; the consequences of the establishment, now
+    contended for, our most experienced commanders own themselves unable to
+    foresee, and I am far from believing that theoretical disquisitions can
+    enable any man to make great discoveries in military affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our own inexperience of the method which is so warmly recommended, is
+    not the strongest objection to it, though even this ought, in my
+    opinion, to restrain us from trying it at this hazardous conjuncture.
+    But since arguments, merely negative, may be thought over-balanced by
+    the prospect of saving money, I shall lay before the house, what effects
+    the want of officers has produced, with regard to those nations whose
+    poverty has laid them under a necessity of parsimonious establishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the Germans were defeated by the French, in the late war, I was at
+    the Sardinian court, where the battle was, as it may easily be supposed,
+    the reigning subject of conversation, and where they did not want
+    opportunities of informing themselves minutely of all the circumstances
+    which contributed to the event; it was there, sir, universally
+    determined, that the Germans lost the day merely for want of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was observed also, sir, that some troops, which were once courted and
+    feared by all the neighbouring potentates, had lost their reputation in
+    later times, of which no reason could be alleged, but that they had
+    lessened the number of their officers; such is the change in the model
+    of the Walloons, and such is the consequence produced by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am very far, sir, from thinking, that reason is not to be consulted in
+    military operations, as in other affairs, and have no less satisfaction
+    than the learned gentleman who spoke last but one, in clear and
+    demonstrative deductions; but in this question, reason itself informs
+    me, that regard ought only to be had to experience, and that authority
+    unsupported by practice, ought to have no prevalence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, sir, make no inquiry into the abilities of the
+    generals, by whom these contrary opinions are defended, nor draw any
+    parallel between their actions or their knowledge. It is sufficient for
+    me that the one is proposing a new scheme, and that the opinion of the
+    other can plead the practice of king William, and the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH, and the success of the last war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, if parsimony be a virtue at this time so eminently necessary,
+    it may be urged in favour of this estimate, that it will be less
+    expensive than those that have been formerly offered, and that as all
+    changes ought to be gradual, this may be considered as the first step
+    towards a general reduction of the publick charge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HEATHCOTE spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not without
+    astonishment, that I heard the honourable gentleman who spoke lately,
+    conclude his remarks with an attempt to renew our apprehensions of the
+    pretender, a chimerical invader, an enemy in the clouds, without spirit,
+    and without forces, without dominions, without money, and without
+    allies; a miserable fugitive, that has not a friend in this kingdom, or
+    none but such as are exasperated by those whom the men that mention him
+    with so much terrour are attempting to vindicate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The vanity, sir, of such fears, the folly of admitting them, if they are
+    real, and of counterfeiting them, if they are false, has been
+    sufficiently exposed in this debate, by my honourable friend; but as he
+    thought it unnecessary to employ arguments in proof of what cannot be
+    denied, and believed it sufficient to ridicule a panick which he
+    supposed merely political, I, who judge, perhaps, more favourably of the
+    sincerity of some, and more tenderly of the cowardice of others, shall
+    endeavour to show, that the frequent revolutions which have happened in
+    this nation, afford us no reason for fearing another, equally sudden and
+    unforeseen in favour of the pretender.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The government, sir, is always stronger, as it is complicated with the
+    private interest of more individuals; because, though there are few that
+    have comprehension sufficient to discern the general advantage of the
+    community, almost every man is capable of attending to his own; and
+    though not many have virtue to stand up in opposition to the approach of
+    general calamities, of which every one may hope to exempt himself from
+    his particular share, yet the most sanguine are alarmed, and the most
+    indolent awakened at any danger which threatens themselves, and will
+    exert their utmost power to obviate or escape it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, I have long considered the publick funds
+    established in this nation, as a barrier to the government, which cannot
+    easily be broken: a foreign prince cannot now be placed upon the throne,
+    but in opposition almost to every wealthy man, who, having trusted the
+    government with his money, has reposited a pledge of his own fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to this gentleman, sir, whom I am now answering, arguments can be of
+    very little importance, because, by his own confession, he is retained
+    as a mere machine, to speak at the direction of another, and to utter
+    sentiments which he never conceived, and which his hesitation and abrupt
+    conclusion shows him to admit with very little examination. He had not
+    even allowed himself time to know the opinion which he was to assert, or
+    to imprint upon his memory those arguments to which he was to add the
+    sanction of his authority. He seems to have boldly promised to speak,
+    and then to have inquired what he was to say. Yet has this gentleman
+    often declaimed here with all the apparent ardour of integrity, and been
+    heard with that regard which is only due to virtue and independence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some of his assertions are such, however, as require confutation, which
+    is, perhaps, more necessary since he has produced an authority for them,
+    which many of those who heard him may think of much greater weight than
+    his own. He affirms, that we can suffer only by an invasion, and infers
+    from this position, that we need only to guard our own coasts. I am of
+    an opinion very different, and having not yet prevailed upon myself to
+    receive notes from any other person, cannot forbear to speak what I
+    think, and what the publick prosperity requires to be generally known.
+    We may surely suffer by many other causes, by the ignorance, or
+    treachery, or cowardice of the ministry, by the negligence of that
+    person to whom this gentleman was probably indebted for his notes. We
+    may suffer by the loss of our sugar colonies, which may be justly valued
+    at ten millions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These plantations, which afford us almost all the profitable trade that
+    is now left us, have been exposed to the insults of the enemy, without
+    any other guard than two ships, almost unfit for service. They have been
+    left to the protection of chance, with no other security, at a time when
+    the Spaniards had fitted out a squadron, to infest and ravage our
+    American dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The admiral, who was sent into America, was confined for almost a year
+    in the ports, without forces, ships, or ammunition, which yet might have
+    been sent in a few months, had not pretences of delay been studiously
+    invented, had not the preparations been obstructed by clandestine
+    expedients, and had not every man been tacitly assured, that he should
+    recommend himself to his superiours, by raising difficulties, rather
+    than by removing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the conduct of those who now stand up in the face of their
+    country, and, without diffidence or shame, boast of their zeal, their
+    assiduity, and their despatch; who proclaim, with an air of triumphant
+    innocence, that no art or diligence could have been more expeditious,
+    and that the embarkation was only impeded by the seasons and the winds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With assertions equally intrepid, and arguments equally contemptible,
+    has the same person, who boasted his expedition, endeavoured to defend
+    the establishment of new regiments, in opposition to the practice of
+    foreign nations, and to the opinion of the greatest general among us;
+    and, to show how little he fears confutation, has recommended his scheme
+    on account of its frugality.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be wondered, sir, that such an orator should undertake to
+    defend the model of the troops sent to America, that he should prefer
+    boys to veterans, and assert the propriety of intrusting new levies to
+    unexperienced commanders; for he has given us in this debate such proofs
+    of controversial courage, that nothing can be now imagined too arduous
+    for him to attempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His strength, sir, is, indeed, not equal to his spirit, and he is
+    frequently unsuccessful in his most vigorous efforts, but it must be
+    confessed that he is generally overborne only by the force of truth, by
+    a power which few can resist so resolutely as himself, and which,
+    therefore, though it makes no impression upon him, prevails upon others
+    to leave him sometimes alone in the vindication of his positions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The examples, sir, of those noble persons who were advanced early to
+    commissions, will be produced by him without effect, because the cases
+    are by no means parallel. They were not invested with command till they
+    had spent some time in the service, and exhibited proofs of their
+    courage and their capacity; and it cannot be doubted, but some men may
+    discover at seventeen, more merit than others in the full strength of
+    manhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, there is another consideration of more importance, which will
+    annihilate the parallel, and destroy the argument founded upon it. At
+    the time in which these persons were preferred, the nation had but newly
+    seen an army, and had, therefore, very few old officers whose experience
+    could be trusted, or whose services required to be rewarded: the
+    ministers were obliged to select those, who, though they did not
+    understand the military sciences, were likely to attain them in a short
+    time, and the event has sufficiently proved, that in the choice no
+    greater regard was paid to interest than to judgment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was prudent, likewise, sir, to choose young persons, supposing their
+    abilities equal with those of others, because the nation was likely to
+    possess them longer, and would not be reduced, by an interval of peace,
+    to make war again with raw forces, under the direction of ignorant
+    commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this provision, however reasonable, the wisdom of this ministry has
+    found means to defeat, by detaining at home the disciplined troops, and
+    depriving the most experienced generals of their commands, at a time
+    when they are most necessary, at a time when the whole world is in arms,
+    when the ambition of France is reviving its claims, and the Spaniards
+    are preparing to invade our colonies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, though our generals are discarded, we are sufficiently
+    informed, that it is not because we are imagined to be in a state of
+    safety; for the increase of our army betrays our fear, of which, whether
+    it will be dispelled or increased by such measures, it is not difficult
+    to determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An army thus numerous, sir, is, in the opinion of every honest Briton,
+    of every man that reveres the constitution, or loves his liberty, an
+    evil more to be dreaded, than any from which we can be defended by it.
+    The most unpopular act of the most unpopular of our monarchs, was the
+    establishment of a standing-army; nor do I know any thing to be feared
+    from the exaltation of the dreadful pretender to the throne, but that he
+    will govern the nation with an armed force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our troops continue to be increased, which we may reasonably suspect,
+    since, if arguments like these be admitted, pretences for augmentations
+    can never be wanting, the consequences are easily foreseen; they will
+    grow too numerous to be quartered in the towns, and, with an affectation
+    of easing them of such unwelcome guests, it will be proposed, that after
+    having spent the summer in a camp, they shall retire in winter to
+    barracks. Then will the burden of a standing army be imposed for ever on
+    the nation; then may our liberties be openly invaded, and those who now
+    oppress us by the power only of money, will then throw aside the mask,
+    and deliver themselves from the constraint of hypocrisy; those who now
+    sooth us with promises and protestations, will then intimidate us with
+    threatenings, and, perhaps, revenge the opposition of their schemes by
+    persecution and sequestrations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GAGE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, if the weakness of
+    arguments proved the insincerity of those who produce them, I should be
+    inclined to suspect the advocates for the establishment of new
+    regiments, of designs very different from the defence of their country;
+    but as their intentions cannot be known, they cannot be censured, and I
+    shall, therefore, confine myself to an examination of the reasons which
+    they have offered, and the authorities which they have cited.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The German general, who has been mentioned on this occasion with so much
+    regard, is not less known to me than to the honourable gentleman, nor
+    have I been less diligent to improve the hours in which I enjoyed his
+    friendship and conversation. Among other questions, which my familiarity
+    with him entitled me to propose, I have asked him to what causes he
+    imputed the ill success of the last war, and he frankly ascribed the
+    miscarriages of it to the unhappy divisions by which the German councils
+    were at that time embarrassed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Faction produces nearly the same consequence in all countries, and had
+    then influenced the imperial court, as of late the court of Great
+    Britain, to dismiss the most able and experienced commanders, and to
+    intrust the conduct of the war to men unequal to the undertaking; who,
+    when they were defeated for want of skill, endeavoured to persuade their
+    patrons and their countrymen, that they lost the victory for want of
+    officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They might, perhaps, think of their countrymen, what our ministers seem
+    to imagine of us, that to gain belief among them, it was sufficient to
+    assert boldly, that they had not any memory of past transactions, and
+    that, therefore, they could not observe, that the same troops were
+    victorious under Eugene, which were defeated under the direction of his
+    successours; nor could discover that the regulation was the same, where
+    the effects were different.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, in every place, it is the practice of men in power, to blind the
+    people by false representations, and to impute the publick calamities
+    rather to any other cause than their own misconduct. It is every where
+    equally their practice to oppress and obscure those who owe their
+    greatness to their virtue or abilities, because they can never be
+    reduced to blind obedience, or taught to be creatures of the ministry,
+    because men who can discover truth, will sometimes speak it, and because
+    those are best qualified to deceive others, who can be persuaded that
+    they are contending for the right.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is surely time for this nation to rouse from indolence, and to
+    resolve to put an end to frauds that have been so long known. It is time
+    to watch with more vigilance the distribution of the publick treasure,
+    and to consider rather how to contract the national expenses, than upon
+    what pretences new offices may be erected, and new dependencies created.
+    It is time to consider how our debts may be lessened, and by what
+    expedients our taxes may be diminished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our taxes, sir, are such, at present, as perhaps no nation was ever
+    loaded with before, such as never were paid to raise forces against an
+    invader, or imposed by the insolence of victory upon a conquered people.
+    Every gentleman pays to the government more than two thirds of his
+    estate, by various exactions.&mdash;This assertion is received, I see, with
+    surprise, by some, whose ample patrimonies have exempted them from the
+    necessity of nice computations, and with an affected appearance of
+    contempt by others, who, instead of paying taxes, may be said to receive
+    them, and whose interest it is to keep the nation ignorant of the causes
+    of its misery, and to extenuate those calamities by which themselves are
+    enriched.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, to endeavour to confute demonstration by a grin, or to laugh
+    away the deductions of arithmetick, is, surely, such a degree of
+    effrontery, as nothing but a post of profit can produce; nor is it for
+    the sake of these men, that I shall endeavour to elucidate my assertion;
+    for they cannot but be well informed of the state of our taxes, whose
+    chief employment is to receive and to squander the money which arises
+    from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is frequent, sir, among gentlemen, to mistake the amount of the taxes
+    which are laid upon the nation, by passing over, in their estimates, all
+    those which are not paid immediately out of the visible rents of their
+    lands, and imagining that they are in no degree interested in the
+    imposts upon manufactures or other commodities. They do not consider
+    that whenever they purchase any thing of which the price is enhanced by
+    duties, those duties are levied upon them, and that there is no
+    difference between paying ten shillings a year in land taxes, and paying
+    five shillings in land taxes, and five shillings to manufacturers to be
+    paid by them to the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It would be, in reality, equally rational for a man to please himself
+    with his frugality, by directing half his expenses to be paid by his
+    steward, and the event is such as might be expected from such a method
+    of economy; for, as the steward might probably bring in false accounts,
+    the tradesman commonly adds twopence to the price of his goods for every
+    penny which is laid on them by the government; as it is easy to show,
+    particularly in the prices of those two great necessaries of life,
+    candles and leather.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now, sir, let any gentleman add to the land tax the duties raised from
+    the malt, candles, salt, soap, leather, distilled liquors, and other
+    commodities used in his house; let him add the expenses of travelling so
+    far as they are increased by the burden laid upon innkeepers, and the
+    extortions of the tradesmen which the excises have occasioned, and he
+    will easily agree with me that he pays more than two-thirds of his
+    estate for the support of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, therefore, be doubted that it is now necessary to stop in our
+    career of expenses, and to inquire how much longer this weight of
+    imposts can possibly be supported. It has already, sir, depressed our
+    commerce, and overborne our manufactures, and if it be yet increased, if
+    there be no hope of seeing it alleviated, every wise man will seek a
+    milder government and enlist himself amongst slaves that have masters
+    more wise or more compassionate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought to consider, sir, whether some of our present expenses are not
+    superfluous or detrimental, whether many of our offices are not merely
+    pensions without employment, and whether multitudes do not receive
+    salaries, who serve the government only by their interest and their
+    votes. Such offices, if they are found, ought immediately to be
+    abolished, and such salaries withdrawn, by which a fund might be now
+    established for maintaining the war, and afterwards for the payment of
+    our debts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not now, sir, in my opinion, a question whether we shall choose
+    the dearest or the cheapest method of increasing our forces, for it
+    seems to me not possible to supply any new expenses. New troops will
+    require more money to raise and to pay them, and more money can only be
+    obtained by new taxes; but what now remains to be taxed, or what tax can
+    be increased? The only resource left us is a lottery, and whether that
+    will succeed is likewise a lottery; but though folly and credulity
+    should once more operate according to our wishes, the nation is, in the
+    meantime, impoverished, and at last lotteries must certainly fail, like
+    other expedients. When the publick wealth is entirely exhausted,
+    artifice and violence will be equally vain. And though the troops may
+    possibly be raised, according to the estimate, I know not how we shall
+    pay them, or from what fund, yet unmortgaged, the officers who will be
+    entailed upon us, can hope to receive their half-pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, sir, I think the question so easy to be decided, that I am
+    astonished to see it the subject of a debate, and imagine that the
+    controversy might be ended only by asking the gentleman, on whose
+    opinion all his party appear to rely, without any knowledge or
+    conviction of their own, whether, if he were to defend a nation from its
+    enemies, and could procure only a small sum for the war, he would not
+    model his forces by the cheapest method.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SLOPER then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I cannot, without the highest
+    satisfaction, observe any advances made in useful knowledge, by my
+    fellow-subjects, as the glory of such attainments must add to the
+    reputation of the kingdom which gives rise to such elevated abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This satisfaction I have received from the observations of the right
+    honourable member, whose accurate computations cannot but promise great
+    improvements of the doctrine of arithmetick; nor can I forbear to
+    solicit him, for the sake of the publick, to take into his consideration
+    the present methods of traffick used by our merchants, and to strike out
+    some more commodious method of stating the accoinpts between those two
+    contending parties, debtor and creditor. This he would, doubtless,
+    execute with great reputation, who has proved, from the state of our
+    taxes, that new forces require new funds, and that new funds cannot be
+    established without a lottery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, inclined to differ from him in the last of his positions,
+    and believe the nation not yet so much exhausted but that it may easily
+    bear the expense of the war, and shall, therefore, vote for that
+    establishment of our troops which will be most likely to procure
+    success, without the least apprehension of being censured either by the
+    present age, or by posterity, as a machine of the ministry, or an
+    oppressor of my country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE spoke again, thus:&mdash;Sir, since the right honourable member
+    has been pleased to insinuate, that by answering a plain question I may
+    put an end to the debate, I am willing to give a proof of my desire to
+    promote unanimity in our councils, and despatch in our affairs, by
+    complying with his proposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I were obliged with a small sum to raise an army for the defence of a
+    kingdom, I should, undoubtedly, proceed with the utmost frugality; but
+    this noble person's ideas of frugality would, perhaps, be very different
+    from mine; he would think those expenses superfluous, which to me would
+    seem indispensably necessary, and though we should both intend the
+    preservation of the country, we should provide for its security by
+    different methods.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He would employ the money in such a manner as might procure the greatest
+    numbers; I should make my first inquiry after the most skilful officers,
+    and should imagine myself obliged, by my fidelity to the nation that
+    intrusted me with its defence, to procure their assistance, though at a
+    high price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not easy for persons who have never seen a battle or a siege,
+    whatever may be their natural abilities, or however cultivated by
+    reading and contemplation, to conceive the advantage of discipline and
+    regularity, which is such, that a small body of veteran troops will
+    drive before them multitudes of men, perhaps equally bold and resolute
+    with themselves, if they are unacquainted with the rules of war, and
+    unprovided with leaders to direct their motions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I should, therefore, in the case which he has mentioned, prefer
+    discipline to numbers, and rather enter the field with a few troops,
+    well governed and well instructed, than with a confused multitude,
+    unacquainted with their duty, unable to conduct themselves, and without
+    officers to conduct them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VINER spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I am not very
+    solicitous what may be the determination of the house upon this
+    question, because I think it more necessary to resolve against an
+    augmentation of the army, than to inquire, whether it shall be made by
+    one method or another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every addition to our troops, I consider as some approach towards the
+    establishment of arbitrary power, as it is an alienation of part of the
+    British people, by which they are deprived of the benefits of the
+    constitution, and subjected to rigorous laws, from which every other
+    individual is exempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The principal of these laws, which all the rest are intended to enforce,
+    requires from every soldier an unlimited and absolute obedience to the
+    commands of his officers, who hold their commission, and expect
+    advancement, by the same compliance with the orders of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of adding to the number of men, thus separated from their
+    fellow-subjects, and directed by the arbitrary determinations of their
+    officers, has been often explained with great strength and perspicuity;
+    nor should I have taken this occasion of recalling it to the attention
+    of the house, but that I think it a consideration, to which, in all
+    debates on the army, the first regard ought to be paid.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Colonel MORDAUNT spoke to the purpose following:&mdash;Sir, the objection
+    which the honourable gentleman has raised, will be most easily removed,
+    by considering the words of the act by which the military authority is
+    established, where it is by no means declared, that either officers or
+    soldiers are obliged indiscriminately to obey all the orders which they
+    shall receive, but that they shall, on pain of the punishments there
+    enacted, obey all the <i>lawful</i> orders of their commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The obedience, therefore, sir, required from a soldier, is an obedience
+    according to law, like that of any other Briton, unless it can be
+    imagined that the word <i>lawful</i> is, in that place, without a meaning.
+    Nor does his condition differ from that of his fellow-subjects by an
+    exemption from any law, but by a greater number of duties, and stricter
+    obligations to the performance of them; and I am not able to conceive
+    how our constitution can be endangered by augmenting an army, which, as
+    it can only act in conformity to it, can act only in defence of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question at last was put, that the new-raised troops be
+    incorporated into the standing corps, but it passed in the negative, 232
+    to 166.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_7"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON TAKING THE STATE OF THE ARMY INTO CONSIDERATION.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE rose first, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My
+    lords, as the present situation of our affairs may require an
+    augmentation of our forces, and as the success of our arms, and the
+    preservation of our liberties, may equally depend upon the manner in
+    which the new forces shall be raised, there is, in my opinion, no
+    question more worthy the attention of this august assembly, than what
+    may be the most proper method of increasing our army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this question, my lords, I shall offer my own sentiments with greater
+    confidence, as there are few men who have had more opportunities of
+    being acquainted with it in its whole extent, as I have spent great part
+    of my life in the field and in the camp. I commanded a regiment under
+    king William, and have long been either the first, or almost the first
+    man in the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, my lords, it will be allowed, without difficulty, that I have,
+    at least, been educated at the best school of war, and that nothing but
+    natural incapacity can have hindered me from making some useful
+    observations upon the discipline and government of armies, and the
+    advantages and inconveniencies of the various plans upon which other
+    nations regulate their forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have always maintained, my lords, that it is necessary, in the present
+    state of the neighbouring countries, to keep up a body of regular
+    troops, that we may not be less able to defend ourselves, than our
+    enemies to attack us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that states must secure themselves by
+    different means, as they are threatened by dangers of different kinds:
+    policy must be opposed by policy, and force by force; our fleets must be
+    increased when our neighbours grow formidable by their naval power, and
+    armies must be maintained at a time like this, in which every prince on
+    the continent estimates his greatness by the number of his troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But an army, my lords, as it is to be admitted only for the security of
+    the nation, is to be so regulated, that it may produce the end for which
+    it is established; that it may be useful without danger, and protect the
+    people without oppressing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this purpose, my lords, it is indispensably necessary, that the
+    military subordination be inviolably preserved, and that discipline be
+    discreetly exercised without any partial indulgence, or malicious
+    severities; that every man be promoted according to his desert, and that
+    military merit alone give any pretensions to military preferment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To make the army yet more useful, it ought to be under the sole command
+    of one man, exalted to the important trust by his known skill, courage,
+    justice, and fidelity, and uncontrouled in the administration of his
+    province by any other authority, a man enabled by his experience to
+    distinguish the deserving, and invested with power to reward them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, ought an army to be regulated, to which the defence of a
+    nation is intrusted, nor can any other scheme be formed which will not
+    expose the publick to dangers more formidable than revolutions or
+    invasions. And yet, my lords, how widely those who have assumed the
+    direction of affairs have deviated from this method is well known. It is
+    known equally to the highest and meanest officers, that those who have
+    most opportunities of observing military merit, have no power of
+    rewarding it; and, therefore, every man endeavours to obtain other
+    recommendations than those of his superiours in the army, and to
+    distinguish himself by other services than attention to his duty, and
+    obedience to his commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our generals, my lords, are only colonels with a higher title, without
+    power, and without command; they can neither make themselves loved nor
+    feared in their troops, nor have either reward or punishment in their
+    power. What discipline, my lords, can be established by men, whom those
+    who sometimes act the farce of obedience, know to be only phantoms of
+    authority, and to be restrained by an arbitrary minister from the
+    exercise of those commissions which they are invested with? And what is
+    an army without discipline, subordination, and obedience? What, but a
+    rabble of licentious vagrants, set free from the common restraints of
+    decency, exempted from the necessity of labour, betrayed by idleness to
+    debauchery, and let loose to prey upon the people? Such a herd can only
+    awe the villages, and bluster in the streets, but can never be able to
+    oppose an enemy, or defend the nation by which they are supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They may, indeed, form a camp upon some of the neighbouring heaths, or
+    pass in review with tolerable regularity; they may sometimes seize a
+    smuggler, and sometimes assist a constable with vigour and success. But
+    unhappy would be the people, who had no other force to oppose against an
+    army habituated to discipline, of which every one founds his hopes of
+    honour and reward upon the approbation of the commander.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no man will labour to no purpose, or undergo the fatigue of
+    military vigilance, without an adequate motive; that no man will
+    endeavour to learn superfluous duties, and neglect the easiest road to
+    honour and to wealth, merely for the sake of encountering difficulties,
+    is easily to be imagined. And, therefore, my lords, it cannot be
+    conceived, that any man in the army will very solicitously apply himself
+    to the duties of his profession, of which, when he has learned them, the
+    most accurate practice will avail him nothing, and on which he must lose
+    that time, which might, have been employed in gaining an interest in a
+    borough, or in forming an alliance with some orator in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For nothing, my lords, is now considered but senatorial interest, nor is
+    any subordination desired but in the supreme council of the empire. For
+    the establishment of this new regulation, the honours of every
+    profession are prostituted, and every commission is become merely
+    nominal. To gratify the leaders of the ministerial party, the most
+    despicable triflers are exalted to an authority, and those whose want of
+    understanding excludes them from any other employment, are selected for
+    military commissions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No sooner have they taken possession of their new command, and gratified
+    with some act of oppression the wantonness of new authority, but they
+    desert their charge with the formality of demanding a permission to be
+    absent, which their commander dares not deny them. Thus, my lords, they
+    leave the care of the troops, and the study of the rules of war, to
+    those unhappy men who have no other claim to elevation than knowledge
+    and bravery, and who, for want of relations in the senate, are condemned
+    to linger out their lives at their quarters, amuse themselves with
+    recounting their actions and sufferings in former wars, and with reading
+    in the papers of every post, the cormissions which are bestowed on those
+    who never saw a battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, preferments in the army, instead of being
+    considered as proofs of merit, are looked on only as badges of
+    dependence; nor can any thing be inferred from the promotion of an
+    officer, but that he is in some degree or other allied to some member
+    of the senate, or the leading voters of a borough.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After this manner, my lords, has the army been modelled, and on these
+    principles has it subsisted for the last and the present reign; neither
+    myself, nor any other general officer, have been consulted in the
+    distribution of commands, or any part of military regulations. Our
+    armies have known no other power than that of the secretary of war, who
+    directs all their motions, and fills up every vacancy without
+    opposition, and without appeal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But never, my lords, was his power more conspicuous, than in raising the
+    levies of last year; never was any authority more despotically exerted,
+    or more tamely submitted to; never did any man more wantonly sport with
+    his command, or more capriciously dispose of posts and preferments;
+    never did any tyrant appear to set censure more openly at defiance,
+    treat murmurs and remonstrances with greater contempt, or with more
+    confidence and security distribute posts among his slaves, without any
+    other reason of preference than his own uncontroulable pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And surely no man, my lords, could have made choice of such wretches for
+    military commands, but to show that nothing but his own private
+    inclinations should influence his conduct, and that he considered
+    himself as supreme and unaccountable: for we have seen, my lords, the
+    same animals to-day cringing behind a counter, and to-morrow swelling in
+    a military dress; we have seen boys sent from school in despair of
+    improvement, and intrusted with military command; fools that cannot
+    learn their duty, and children that cannot perform it, have been
+    indiscriminately promoted; the dross of the nation has been swept
+    together to compose our new forces, and every man who was too stupid or
+    infamous to learn or carry on a trade, has been placed, by this great
+    disposer of honours, above the necessity of application, or the reach of
+    censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did not sometimes indignation, and sometimes pity, check the sallies of
+    mirth, it would not be a disagreeable entertainment, my lords, to
+    observe, in the park, the various appearances of these raw commanders,
+    when they are exposing their new scarlet to view, and strutting with the
+    first raptures of sudden elevation; to see the mechanick new-modelling
+    his mien, and the stripling tottering beneath the weight of his cockade;
+    or to hear the conversation of these new adventurers, and the
+    instructive dialogues of schoolboys and shopkeepers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I take this opportunity, my lords, of clearing myself from any suspicion
+    of having contributed, by my advice, to this stupendous collection. I
+    only once interposed with the recommendation of a young gentleman, who
+    had learned his profession in two campaigns among the Muscovians, and
+    whom yet neither his own desert, nor my patronage could advance to a
+    commission. And, I believe, my lords, all the other general officers
+    were equally unconsulted, and would, if their advice had been asked,
+    equally have disapproved the measures that have been pursued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But thus, my lords, were our new regiments completed, in which, of two
+    hundred and fifty officers who have subsisted upon half-pay, only
+    thirty-six have been promoted, though surely they might have pleaded a
+    juster claim to employment, who had learned their profession in the
+    service of their country, and had long languished in penury, than those
+    who had neither knowledge nor capacity, who had neither acted nor
+    suffered any thing, and who might have been destined to the hammer or
+    the plough, without any disreputation to their families, or
+    disappointment to themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been told, indeed, my lords, that to some of these officers
+    commissions were offered, which they refused, and for this refusal every
+    reason is alleged but the true: some, indeed, excused themselves as
+    disabled by age and infirmities from military service; nor can any
+    objection be made to so just a plea. For how could those be refused in
+    their age the comforts of ease and repose, who have served their country
+    with their youth and vigour?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Others there are, my lords, who refused commissions upon motives very
+    different, in which, nevertheless, some justice cannot be denied. They
+    who had long studied and long practised their profession; they, who had
+    tried their courage in the breach, and given proofs of their skill in
+    the face of the enemy, refused to obey the command of novices, of
+    tradesmen, and of schoolboys: they imagined, my lords, that they ought
+    to govern those whom they should be obliged to instruct, and to lead
+    those troops whom they must range in order. But they had forgot that
+    they had outlived the time when a soldier was formed by study and
+    experience, and had not heard, in their retreats, that a colonel or a
+    captain was now formed in a day; and, therefore, when they saw and heard
+    their new commanders, they retired back to their half-pay, with surprise
+    and indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the follies of last year cannot be easily rectified, and
+    are only now to be exposed that they may not be repeated. If we are now
+    to make new levies, and increase the number of our land-forces, it is,
+    in my opinion, incumbent upon us to consider by what methods we may best
+    augment our troops, and how we may be able to resist our foreign
+    enemies, without exposing the nation to intestine miseries, and leaving
+    our liberties at the mercy of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, my lords, two methods of increasing our forces; the first is,
+    that of raising new regiments; the other, of adding new men to those
+    which already subsist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By raising new regiments, my lords, we shall only gratify the minister
+    with the distribution of new commissions, and the establishment of new
+    dependents; we shall enlarge the influence of the court, and increase
+    the charge of the nation, which is already loaded with too many taxes to
+    support any unnecessary expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By the other method, of adding a hundred men to every company, we shall
+    not only save the pay of the officers, which is no slight consideration,
+    but what seems, if the reports raised by the ministry of our present
+    danger be true, of far more importance, shall form the new forces with
+    more expedition into regular troops; for, by distributing them among
+    those who are already instructed in their duty, we shall give them an
+    opportunity of hourly improvement; every man's comrade will be his
+    master, and every one will be ambitious of forming himself by the
+    example of those who have been in the army longer than themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be objected, my lords, that the number of officers will not then
+    bear a just proportion to that of the soldiers, it may be answered, that
+    the foreign troops of the greatest reputation have no greater number of
+    officers, as every one must know who is acquainted with the constitution
+    of the most formidable armies of Europe. Those of the Prussian monarch,
+    or of the various nations by which we were assisted in the late war,
+    either as confederates or mercenaries, have but few officers. And I very
+    well remember, my lords, that whenever they were joined by parties of
+    our own nation, the inequality in the number of the officers produced
+    contests and disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only troops of Europe, my lords, that swarm with officers, are those
+    of France, but even these have fewer officers, in proportion to their
+    private men, in time of war; for when they disband any part of their
+    forces, they do not, like us, reduce their officers to half-pay, but add
+    them to the regiments not reduced, that the families of their nobility
+    may not be burdened with needy dependents, and that they may never want
+    officers for new levies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are many reasons, my lords, that make this practice in France more
+    reasonable than it would be in our kingdom. It is the chief view of
+    their governours to continue absolute, and therefore their constant
+    endeavour to keep great numbers in dependence; it ought to be our care
+    to hinder the increase of the influence of the court, and to obstruct
+    all measures that may extend the authority of the ministry, and
+    therefore those measures are to be pursued by which independence and
+    liberty will be most supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is likewise to be remembered, my lords, that a French officer is
+    supported with pay not much larger than that of a private soldier among
+    us, and that, therefore, the argument which arises from the necessity of
+    frugality is not of the same force in both nations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is yet another reason why the French are under the necessity of
+    employing more officers than any other nation: the strength of their
+    armies consists in their gentlemen, who cannot be expected to serve
+    without some command: the common soldiers of the French army are a mean,
+    spiritless, despicable herd, fit only to drudge as pioneers, to raise
+    intrenchments, and to dig mines, but without courage to face an enemy,
+    or to proceed with vigour in the face of danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their gentlemen, my lords, are of a very different character; jealous of
+    their honour, and conscious of their birth, eager of distinction, and
+    ambitious of preferment. They have, commonly, their education in the
+    army, and have no expectations of acquiring fortunes equal to their
+    desires by any other profession, and are, therefore, intent upon the
+    improvement of every opportunity which is offered them of increasing
+    their knowledge and exalting their reputation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To the spirit of these men, my lords, are the French armies indebted for
+    all their victories, and to them is to be attributed the present
+    perfection of the art of war. They have the vigilance and perseverance
+    of Romans joined with the natural vivacity and expedition of their own
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are, therefore, not to wonder, my lords, that there is in the French
+    armies an establishment for more gentlemen than in other countries,
+    where the disparity between the military virtues of the higher and lower
+    classes of men is less conspicuous. In the troops of that nation nothing
+    is expected but from the officers, but in ours the common soldier meets
+    danger with equal intrepidity, and scorns to see himself excelled by his
+    officer in courage or in zeal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are, therefore, my lords, under no necessity of burdening our country
+    with the expense of new commissions, which, in the army, will be
+    superfluous, and, in the state, dangerous, as they will fill our senate
+    with new dependents, and our corporations with new adherents to the
+    minister, whose steady perseverance in his favourite scheme of
+    senatorial subordination, will be, perhaps, the only occasion of these
+    new levies, or, at least, has hindered the right application of our
+    standing troops. For what reason, my lords, can invention or imagination
+    assign, why the troops, who had been for some time disciplined, were not
+    rather sent to the assistance of Vernon than the new marines, except
+    that some of them were commanded by men who had obtained seats in the
+    other house, and who, by their settled adherence and avowed fidelity to
+    the minister, had recommended themselves too powerfully to be rashly
+    exposed in the service of their country to the bullets of the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So great, my lords, has been the minister's regard to senatorial
+    abilities, and so strict his gratitude to his friends, that I know of
+    but one member of the other house that has been hazarded in this
+    expedition, and he a hopeless, abandoned patriot, insensible of the
+    capacity or integrity of our ministry, and whom nothing has been able to
+    reconcile to our late measures. He, therefore, who has never exerted
+    himself in defence of the ministry, was, in his turn, thought unworthy
+    of ministerial protection, and was given up to the chance of war without
+    reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I hope your lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that it is
+    not always necessary to gratify the ministry, but that our country
+    claims some part of our regard, and, therefore, that in establishing our
+    army we should pursue that method which may be most accommodated to our
+    constitution, and, instead of imitating the military policy of the
+    French, follow the example of those nations by whose troops they have
+    been conquered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had this scheme been hitherto followed, had our new levies, instead of
+    being put under the command of boys, been distributed in just
+    proportions among the standing regiments, where they might soon have
+    been qualified for service by the inspection of experienced officers, we
+    might now have seen an army capable of awing the court of Spain into
+    submission, or, if our demands had been still refused, of revenging our
+    injuries, and punishing those who have insulted and despised us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From an army thus raised and disciplined, detachments, my lords, ought
+    to have been sent on board of all our fleets, and particularly that
+    which is now stationed in the Mediterranean, which would not then have
+    coasted about from one port to another, without hurting or frighting the
+    enemy, but might, by sudden descents, have spread terrour through a
+    great part of the kingdom, harassed their troops by continual marches,
+    and, by frequent incursions, have plundered all the maritime provinces,
+    driven the inhabitants into the inland country, and laid the villages in
+    ashes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is yet, my lords, no appearance of a peace, for our success has
+    not enabled us to prescribe terms, and I hope we are not yet fallen so
+    low as to receive them; it is, therefore, proper to form such
+    resolutions as may influence the conduct of the war, and enable us to
+    retrieve the errours of our past measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The minister, my lords, is not without panegyrists, who may, perhaps,
+    endeavour to persuade us, that we ought to resign all our understandings
+    to his superiour wisdom, and blindly trust our fortunes and our
+    liberties to his unshaken integrity. They will, in proof of his
+    abilities, produce the wonderful dexterity and penetration which the
+    late negotiations have discovered, and will confirm the reputation of
+    his integrity by the constant parsimony of all his schemes, and the
+    unwillingness with which he at any time increases the expenses of the
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it is the great duty of your high station to watch over
+    the administration, and to warn those, who are more immediately
+    intrusted with the publick affairs, against measures which may endanger
+    the safety or happiness of the nation; and, therefore, if I have proved
+    to your lordships, that to raise new regiments is dangerous to our
+    liberties, that a multitude of officers is of no use in war, and that an
+    army may be more expeditiously disciplined by adding new men to every
+    company, I hope your lordships will agree to this resolution, which I
+    have drawn up with the utmost brevity, and of which the meaning cannot
+    be mistaken:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That the augmenting the army by raising regiments, as it is the most
+    unnecessary and expensive method of augmentation, is also the most
+    dangerous to the liberties of the nation."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of NEWCASTLE next spoke, to this effect:&mdash;My lords, as my
+    education and employments have afforded me no opportunity of acquiring
+    any skill in military affairs, it will not be expected by your
+    lordships, that I should be able to confute the arguments of the noble
+    duke, whose acknowledged superiority in the art of war, and the
+    abilities which he has displayed in the administration of every province
+    which he has undertaken, give him a claim to the highest deference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, as I cannot assume the province of disputing on this
+    question, so I cannot, without longer consideration, form any resolution
+    concerning it; for arguments may be fallacious, which, yet, I cannot
+    confute, and to approve without knowledge is no less weak than to
+    censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is not any present necessity, my lords, of forming a resolution on
+    this subject; we are not now called upon particularly to consider it,
+    and certainly it cannot be prudent, by so determinate a decision,
+    pronounced without reflection or deliberation, to preclude a fuller
+    examination of this important question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET rose, and spoke in this manner:&mdash;My lords, the noble duke
+    who made the present motion has supported it by such strength of
+    argument, and so fully explained the advantages of the method which it
+    tends to recommend, that not only the present age, but posterity may,
+    probably, be indebted to him, for juster notions of a military
+    establishment, than have been yet attained even by those whose
+    profession obliges them to such inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, my lords, could we expect less from his long experience and
+    extensive capacity; experience gained in the heat of war, and in the
+    midst of danger; a capacity not only cultivated by solitary
+    disquisitions in retirement and security, but exercised by difficulties,
+    and quickened by opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such abilities, my lords, matured by such an education, have justly made
+    the noble duke the oracle of war, and procured him the esteem and
+    reverence of all the powers upon earth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I did not receive from my education any military knowledge, I am not
+    able to add much to the arguments which your lordships have already
+    heard; but, nevertheless, having been under the necessity of regulating
+    the army when I had the honour to be employed in Ireland, and having
+    made, in those countries where I transacted the business of the crown,
+    some observations upon the different forms of military establishments, I
+    hope I shall be allowed to offer what my experience or my remarks may
+    suggest to me, in confirmation of the sentiments of the noble duke.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When I was in Ireland, my lords, the troops of that kingdom consisted of
+    twenty-one regiments, of which ten were, as last year, brought into
+    Britain, and the Irish forces were to be filled up by new levies, which
+    were raised in the manner now proposed, by increasing every regiment
+    from three hundred and forty to six hundred men; so that the eleven
+    regiments remaining composed a body of nearly the same number with the
+    twenty-one regiments, as formerly constituted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the Swedish establishment, my lords, the reputation and success of
+    their troops are an uncontrovertible vindication, attd I have often had
+    an opportunity of comparing the number of officers with that of ours,
+    and found their private men to be far more numerous in proportion to the
+    officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In Hanover, my lords, I have seen his majesty's troops remarkable for
+    the elegance of their appearance; and being once asked, by the
+    commander, at what expense one of those gallant troopers and his horse
+    was supported, was told, after confessing my ignorance, that he cost no
+    more than fourteen pounds a year, who could not, in this country, be
+    maintained for less than forty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, my lords, that the French forces are not more expensive than
+    those of Hanover, and, therefore, we are by no means to imitate their
+    establishment, for the price of provisions and habits of life do not
+    admit of any diminution of the pay of either our officers or soldiers,
+    and we can only lessen our expenses by reducing their numbers, to which
+    I shall, for my part, most willingly contribute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as this, my lords, is not the proper time for disbanding our forces,
+    of which the present state of our affairs may, perhaps, demand an
+    augmentation, it is necessary to compare the state of our forces with
+    that of foreign troops, and supply, by prudent methods, the
+    disadvantages to which we are subject, by the peculiar condition of our
+    country. For, if the French can support an army at a fourth part of our
+    expense, what must be the consequence of a war, supposing the wealth of
+    the two nations nearly equal? It will be to little purpose that we
+    boast, however justly, of the superiority of our troops; for though it
+    should be granted that the British cannot be resisted by an equal
+    number, yet it can never be expected that they should conquer troops
+    four times as numerous as themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it appears, with all the evidence of arithmetical
+    demonstration, that the method now proposed is highly expedient, nor can
+    any objection, in my opinion, be made to the resolution offered to your
+    lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is not a proper time for this inquiry has been, indeed, urged,
+    but surely no time can be more proper than when we may, by a resolution
+    unanimously passed, regulate, in some degree, the conduct of the other
+    house, and faint to them the opinion of this assembly on a question
+    which is, perhaps, to-morrow to be brought before them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY then spoke thus:&mdash;My lords, though I was once honoured
+    with a command in the army, and consequently ought to have attained some
+    military knowledge, yet I have so long resigned my commission, possessed
+    it for so short a time, and have suffered my attention to be diverted
+    from inquiries on that subject by employments of so different a kind,
+    that I cannot presume to oppose any knowledge of my own to the reasons
+    which have been offered; but I cannot think that the conclusions drawn
+    by the noble duke, are so evidently true as to force conviction, and
+    exclude all possibility of reply; nor can I conceive it consistent with
+    the dignity of this assembly, to yield implicitly to any man's
+    assertions, or to pass any resolution without an accurate inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some objections, my lords, arise, upon reflection, from my narrow
+    observation and transient reading, and these I shall lay before your
+    lordships, with an open acknowledgment of my insufficiency to discuss
+    the question, and a sincere desire of being instructed where I may be
+    mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The subordination of the army, my lords, appears to me, in general, to
+    be sufficiently maintained, nor is it ever infringed but by particular
+    partiality, that can never be prevented, or a casual difference in the
+    circumstances of the officers, which, though not relative to their
+    military characters, will always produce some degree of influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, my lords, how the general regulation of our forces, and the
+    distribution of military honours, can be condemned, without extending
+    some degree of censure to a person who ought not to be mentioned as
+    concurring in any measures injurious to the publick. Our army, my lords,
+    is maintained by the parliament, but commanded by the king, who has not
+    either done or directed any thing of which his people may justly
+    complain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here the duke of ARGYLE interrupted him:&mdash;My lords, it is necessary to
+    clear myself from misrepresentations, and to preserve, at the same time,
+    the order of this assembly, by reminding the noble lord, that his
+    majesty is never to be introduced into our debates, because he is never
+    to be charged with wrong; and by declaring to your lordships, that I
+    impute no part of the errours committed in the regulation of the army to
+    his majesty, but to those ministers whose duty it is to advise him, and
+    whom the law condemns to answer for the consequences of their counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY resumed:&mdash;My lords, if I misrepresented any assertion
+    of the noble duke, it was by misapprehension, or failure of memory, and
+    not by malice or design; and if in any other objections which I shall
+    make, I shall fall into any errour of the same kind, I desire that it
+    may be ascribed to the same cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ignorance and inexperience of our present officers have been exposed
+    with great gaiety of imagination, and with the true spirit of satirical
+    rhetorick, nor can I presume to support them against so formidable
+    censures. But, my lords, I cannot discover any method of protracting the
+    lives of our old officers beyond the usual term, nor of supplying the
+    loss of those whom death takes away from the army, but by substituting
+    others, who, as they have seen no wars, can have little experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the number of officers in the foreign troops, I have been
+    informed, that they were, by an express stipulation, to be constituted
+    in the same manner with the British and Dutch forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the duke of ARGYLE again interrupted him:&mdash;My lords, as it was my
+    province in the late war to superintend the payment of the foreign
+    troops, I may be allowed to have some knowledge of the establishment,
+    and hope I shall not be imagined to need any information on that
+    subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY said:&mdash;My lords, I do not presume to dispute any
+    assertion of the noble duke, for whose knowledge I have the highest
+    veneration, but only to offer such hints for inquiry as may be pursued
+    by other lords of greater abilities, and to show, that as some
+    difficulties may be raised, the resolution ought not to be agreed to
+    without farther deliberation; since it not only tends to prescribe the
+    measures which shall be hereafter taken, and prohibit a method of
+    raising forces, which, when diligently examined, may, perhaps, appear
+    most eligible, but to censure the methods, which, when they were put in
+    practice the last year, received the approbation of all the powers of
+    the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord WESTMORELAND spoke next, as follows:&mdash;My lords, I have, for my own
+    satisfaction, stated the difference of the expense between the two
+    methods of raising forces, and find it so great, that the method
+    proposed by the noble duke ought, undoubtedly, to be preferred, even
+    though it were attended with some inconvenience, from which he has shown
+    it to be free.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality, my lords, is one of the chief virtues of an administration; a
+    virtue without which no government can be long supported: the publick
+    expense can never be too accurately computed, or the first tendency to
+    profusion too rigorously opposed; for as in private life, so in
+    political economy, the demands of necessity are easily supplied; but if
+    once the calls of wantonness and caprice are complied with, no limits
+    can be fixed, nor will any treasure be sufficient.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the burdens under which the people are now toiling were all
+    imposed by necessity, I will not inquire, but I think, my lords, we may
+    readily determine, that whatever is not necessary is cruel and
+    oppressive, and that, therefore, since the expense of raising new
+    regiments appears, at least, not to be necessary, it ought to be
+    opposed; and how can it be opposed more properly or effectually than by
+    the noble duke's resolution?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HERVEY spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, I do not claim any
+    superiority of knowledge in any affairs that relate to the publick, but
+    have less acquaintance with the military establishment than with any
+    other part of the government, and can, therefore, neither oppose the
+    resolution now offered to your lordships by such arguments as may
+    deserve your attention, nor agree to it with that degree of conviction
+    which the importance of it seems to require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the chief argument which has been produced against raising new
+    regiments, is less formidable than it has been represented, will, I
+    believe, appear to your lordships, when it is considered that the
+    officers are always gentlemen of the first families in the empire, who,
+    therefore, cannot be supposed voluntarily to give up their relations and
+    posterity to the power of any ministry, or, for the sake of their
+    commissions, to betray that constitution by which their own properties
+    are secured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether every other argument may not with equal justice be controverted,
+    is not, without longer consideration, possible to be determined, and,
+    therefore, it cannot be reasonably expected that we should agree to the
+    resolution, which would be only to decide without examination, and to
+    determine what we don't understand; for I am under no apprehension of
+    being imagined to reflect unjustly on this assembly, in supposing that
+    many of your lordships may be strangers to the question, which, when the
+    last levies were made, was neither discussed nor proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore move, that the previous question may be put, which may,
+    perhaps, gain time sufficient for a more exact inquiry upon this
+    important subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT replied to this purport:&mdash;My lords, if, in imitation of some
+    noble lords, I profess my ignorance of the subject on which I am to
+    speak, may it not yet be allowed me, after the example of others, to
+    employ the little knowledge which I have in the defence of a resolution,
+    which appears to have no other tendency than the advantage of the
+    publick, and to show my zeal for the happiness of my country, though,
+    perhaps, without the true knowledge of its interest?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lord, who spoke last, is too great a master of eloquence not
+    to be heard with all the attention which pleasure naturally produces,
+    and a reasoner too formidable not to raise in his hearers all the
+    anxiety which is produced by the fear of being deceived by partial
+    representations, and artful deductions. I am always afraid, my lords,
+    lest errour should appear too much like truth in the ornaments which his
+    lordship's imagination may bestow, and lest sophistry should dazzle my
+    understanding whilst I imagine myself only guided by the light of
+    reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, endeavour, my lords, to review his ornaments, and
+    try whether they owe their influence to the force of truth, or to that
+    of eloquence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His lordship has observed, that the objections which are now made to the
+    method of raising new regiments, were not produced last year upon a like
+    occasion. I know not, indeed, what can be inferred from this assertion;
+    for, surely, it will not maintain, that an errour, once admitted, is to
+    become perpetual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, another reason may be assigned, for which the objections
+    that occurred last year might not be produced. The ministry, after a
+    long course of disgraceful negotiations, and artful delays, were, at
+    length, compelled to a war, by the general clamours of the whole nation;
+    but they acted as men unwilling to execute what they did not approve.
+    They proceeded so slowly in their preparations, and were so languid in
+    all their motions, that it was evident how willingly they would have
+    improved every opportunity of retarding the vengeance which they were
+    forced to threaten; and with what artifices they would have protracted
+    any delay, which they could have imputed to those by whom they were
+    opposed. It was, therefore, to the last degree, improper to embarrass
+    their measures of themselves sufficiently perplexed, or to lay any
+    obstacle in the way of those who would gladly be stopped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is filled with gentlemen, is so far, my lords, from
+    proving that there is nothing to be feared from it, that it is the only
+    foundation of all our solicitude. For none but gentlemen can injure our
+    liberties, and while the posts of the army are bestowed as rewards of
+    senatorial slavery, gentlemen will always be found who will be corrupted
+    themselves, and can corrupt a borough; who will purchase a vote in the
+    house, and sell it for military preferments. By the posts of the army
+    the senate may be corrupted, and by the corruption of the senate the
+    army be perpetuated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, my lords, who are the warmest opponents of the army, apprehend
+    not any danger from their swords, but from their votes. As they have
+    been of late regulated without discipline or subordination, I should not
+    feel such anxiety at seeing them led on by their new commanders against
+    a body of honest ploughmen, united in the cause of virtue and of
+    liberty; I should, with great alacrity, draw my sword against them, and
+    should not doubt of seeing them in a short time heaped upon our fields.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, they are employed to ruin us by a more slow and silent
+    method; they are directed to influence their relations in the senate,
+    and to suborn the voters in our small towns; they are dispersed over the
+    nation to instil dependence, and being enslaved themselves, willingly
+    undertake the propagation of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is instrumental in extending the influence of the ministry
+    to the senate, cannot be denied, when military preferments are held no
+    longer than while he that possesses them gives a sanction, by his vote,
+    to the measures of the court; when no degree of merit is sufficient to
+    balance a single act of senatorial opposition, and when the nation is
+    rather to be left to the defence of boys, than the minister be suspected
+    of misconduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Could either bravery or knowledge, reputation, or past services, known
+    fidelity to his majesty, or the most conspicuous capacity for high
+    trust, have secured any man in the enjoyment of his post, the noble duke
+    who made the motion, had carried his command to his grave, nor had the
+    nation now been deprived either of his arms, or of his counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as he has now offered his advice to his country, and supported his
+    opinion with proofs from reason and experience, which even those who
+    oppose them have confessed themselves unable to answer; as the justness
+    of his reasoning, and the extent of his knowledge, have silenced those
+    whose prejudices will not suffer them to own themselves convinced; let
+    us not, my lords, reject what we cannot condemn, nor suffer our country
+    to be defrauded of the advantage of this resolution, by that low
+    senatorial craft, the previous question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the CHANCELLOR spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, I am far
+    from suspecting that an open profession of my inability to examine the
+    question before us, in its full extent, will be imputed to an
+    affectation of modesty, since any knowledge of military affairs could
+    not be acquired in those stations in which I have been placed, or by
+    those studies, in which the greatest part of my life is known to have
+    been spent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not be expected, my lords, that I should attempt a formal
+    confutation of the noble duke's positions, or that I should be able to
+    defend my own opinion against his knowledge and experience; nor would I,
+    my lords, expose myself to the censure of having harangued upon war in
+    the presence of Hannibal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble duke has explained his sentiments to your lordships with the
+    utmost accuracy of method, and the most instructive perspicuity of
+    language; he has enforced them with a strength of reasoning rarely to be
+    found, and with an extent of knowledge peculiar to himself. Yet, my
+    lords, as his arguments, however powerful in themselves, do not strike
+    me with the same force with which others may be affected, who are more
+    capable of receiving them, I hope that your lordships will allow me to
+    mention such objections as occur to me, that in voting on this question
+    I may, at least, preserve my conscience from violation, and neither
+    adopt the opinion of another, however great, without examination, nor
+    obstinately reject the means of conviction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every lord who has spoken either in support of the noble duke's opinion,
+    or in opposition to it, has confessed that he is very little acquainted
+    with the subject of our debate; and it may not, therefore, be an
+    improper or useless attempt, if I endeavour by objections, however
+    injudicious, or by arguments, however inconclusive, to procure some
+    illustration of a question so important, and, at the same time, so
+    little understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The objections, my lords, which I shall produce, are such as I have
+    heard in conversation with those whose long acquaintance with military
+    employments give them a just claim to authority in all questions which
+    relate to the art of war; among whom I find no uniformity of opinion
+    with regard to the most proper method of augmenting our forces. And, my
+    lords, when we observe those to differ in their sentiments, whose
+    education, experience, and opportunities of knowledge have been nearly
+    the same, and who have all obtained a very great degree of reputation in
+    their profession, what can be inferred, but that the question is in its
+    own nature obscure and difficult? That it involves a multitude of
+    relations, and is diffused through a great variety of circumstances?
+    And that, therefore, it is prudent for every man, who can judge only
+    upon the authority of others, to suspend his opinion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief argument, or that, at least, which impressed itself most
+    strongly on my mind, against any innovation in our military
+    constitution, was drawn from the success of our armies in their present
+    form, with that proportion of soldiers and officers, which the present
+    motion tends to abolish. Our forces, say the advocates for the present
+    establishment, have afforded us a sufficient testimony of the propriety
+    of their regulation, by their frequent victories over troops, whose
+    discipline has been studied with the utmost vigilance, and which have
+    been trained up to war with a degree of attention not disproportioned to
+    the mighty design for which they were raised, the subjection of the
+    world, and attainment of universal monarchy. These troops, who have been
+    taught, almost from their infancy, that cowardice and flight are the
+    greatest crimes, and persuaded, by national prejudices, and principles
+    studiously instilled, that no foreign forces could withstand them, have
+    fled before equal numbers of Britons, and been driven from one province
+    to another, till, instead of grasping at general dominion, they were
+    reduced to defend their wives and children.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much of this success was to be ascribed to that part of the
+    regulation which this motion proposes to be changed, it is not, my
+    lords, within my province to determine; the great commander whom I have
+    the honour to oppose, can best explain to your lordships the province of
+    every officer in the field, and how far the number of inferiour officers
+    may influence the success of a battle and the fate of a kingdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to me, my lords, the establishment of our armies, comprising
+    different views, and connecting various subordinate regulations, may be
+    compared to a medicine composed of different ingredients, and found
+    infallibly efficacious in a dangerous disease, in which, though some of
+    the parts may seem to physicians of the profoundest learning,
+    superfluous or improper, it would be no less than the folly of
+    preferring experiments to life, to make any alteration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wantonness of innovation, my lords, is a dangerous disease of the
+    mind; in a private station, it prompts men to be always discontented
+    with what they find, and to lose the enjoyment of good in search of
+    something better; it incites them to leave the safe and beaten tracks of
+    life, in search of those which they imagine nearer, but, which are, at
+    best, less secure, and which generally lead them to points far different
+    from that to which they originally intended to direct their course.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is dangerous, my lords, to admit any alteration which is not
+    absolutely necessary, for one innovation makes way for another. The
+    parts of a constitution, like a complicated machine, are fitted to each
+    other, nor can one be changed without changing that which corresponds to
+    it. This necessity is not always foreseen, but when discovered by
+    experience is generally complied with; for every man is more inclined to
+    hazard farther changes, than to confess himself mistaken by retracting
+    his scheme. Thus, my lords, one change introduces another, till the
+    original constitution is entirely destroyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By the ambition of innovation, my lords, have almost all those empires
+    been destroyed, of which nothing now is left but the memory. Every human
+    establishment has its advantages and its inconveniencies, and by weak
+    attempts to remedy these defects, which, notwithstanding the utmost
+    attention, will embarrass the machine of government, alterations have
+    been introduced which have been quickly followed by a total dissolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There seem, my lords, to be few regulations on which it is more
+    dangerous to make experiments than on that of the armies of a nation. We
+    are sufficiently convinced how much of success is the consequence of
+    courage, and that courage is only an opinion of our own superiority,
+    arising from certain circumstances, either imaginary or real.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The courage which at present animates our forces, arises, my lords, from
+    a very proper ground, their former victories over the enemies which they
+    are now to combat, and will, therefore, doubtless, continue while they
+    can consider themselves as enjoying the same advantage with those
+    particular men by whom the victories were obtained. But, my lords, if
+    any essential part of their establishment be changed, they will be
+    considered, both by themselves and their enemies, as a different army;
+    they will then charge with less alacrity, and be opposed with less
+    dejection; they will consider themselves as fighting without that
+    certainty of success which arises from experience, and their enemies
+    will resolve to try, by an obstinate resistance, whether they are now
+    equally formidable as in their former state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, I have attempted, however weakly, to represent the
+    arguments which I have heard for the continuance of the establishment,
+    of which your lordships will examine the validity, and shall now proceed
+    to consider the noble duke's system of a military subordination in time
+    of peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether a standing army in time of peace is made necessary to the change
+    of conduct in foreign courts, it is now useless to inquire; but it will
+    be easily granted by your lordships, that no motive but necessity,
+    necessity absolute and inevitable, ought to influence us to support a
+    standing body of regular forces, which have always been accounted
+    dangerous, and generally found destructive to a free people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief reason, my lords, of the danger arising from a standing army,
+    may be ascribed to the circumstances by which men, subject to military
+    laws, are distinguished from other members of the same community; they
+    are, by the nature of martial government, exposed to punishment which
+    other men never incur, and tried by forms of a different and more
+    rigorous kind than those which are practised by the civil power. They
+    are, if not exempted from the jurisdiction of a magistrate, yet subject
+    to another authority which they see more frequently and more severely
+    exerted, and which, therefore, they fear and reverence in a higher
+    degree. They, by entering into the army, lay aside, for the most part,
+    all prospect of advantage from commerce or civil employments, and, in a
+    few years, neither fear nor hope any thing but from the favour or
+    displeasure of their own officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For these, my lords, or for other reasons, the soldiers have always been
+    inclined to consider themselves as a body distinct from the rest of the
+    community, and independent on it, a government regulated by their own
+    laws, without regard to the general constitution of their country; they
+    have, therefore, been ready to subvert the constitution, from which they
+    received little advantage, and to oppress the civil magistrates, for
+    whom they had lost their reverence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And how soon, my lords, might such outrages be expected from an army
+    formed after the model of the noble duke, released from the common
+    obligations of society, disunited from the bulk of the nation, directed
+    solely by their own officers, and ultimately commanded by a man who had
+    the right of commanding no other? Would they not soon consider
+    themselves as a separate community, whose interests were, no less than
+    their laws, peculiar to themselves? Would they not consider him, from
+    whom they received all their rewards, and all their punishments, as the
+    proper object of their supreme regard, and endeavour to exalt him to the
+    same dominion over others, which he enjoyed in regard to themselves,
+    that they might share in his superiority?
+</p>
+<p>
+    A body of men, my lords, thus separated from the rest of the people,
+    must consider themselves as either ennobled or degraded by such
+    distinction, and would soon find themselves inclined to use the power of
+    their arms, either in the exertion of their privileges, or the revenge
+    of their disgrace. Then, my lords, would they set at defiance the laws
+    of the nation, nor would one of these noble lords be able to disband,
+    nor the other to resist them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The army, my lords, is, in time of peace, then best regulated when it is
+    kept under the strictest subordination to the civil power, that power
+    which it is instituted to protect and to preserve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, have I examined the proposal and reasons of the noble
+    duke, perhaps not much to the information of your lordships; but it
+    cannot be expected that any capacity should be able, in an unexpected
+    and sudden debate, to dispute on a subject, which the noble duke's
+    education gave him particular opportunities of understanding far beyond
+    almost every other man, and which he has had time to consider with
+    respect to this present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, I cannot but think the previous question
+    highly expedient, but not for this reason alone; for as the state of the
+    army, and the proper methods of augmenting it, are soon to be examined
+    by the other house, to prejudice their determinations, may raise a
+    contest about privileges, and oblige us either to persist, for our own
+    honour, in opposition to measures necessary to the security of the
+    publick, or, in compliance with the present exigence, accept their
+    scheme, however opposite to our own resolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, the known
+    abilities of that noble lord incline me always to hear him with uncommon
+    expectation and attention, which seldom fail to be rewarded by such
+    pleasure and information as few other men are able to afford. But his
+    observations on the question before us, my lords, have only convinced
+    me, that the greatest abilities may be sometimes betrayed into errour,
+    and the most candid disposition be vitiated by accidental prejudices.
+    For his own arguments neither appear just, nor his representation
+    impartial, of those advanced in favour of the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the number of officers necessary in time of war, his
+    lordship asserted nothing from his own knowledge, nor do I believe that
+    any other lord will imagine himself qualified to dispute with the noble
+    duke upon questions purely military. His experience entitles him to the
+    highest authority, in debates of this kind; and if every man has a claim
+    to credit in his own profession, surely, he who has given evidence of
+    his proficiency in the art of war in the eyes of the whole world, will
+    not be denied, in this house, that superiority which would readily be
+    allowed him in any other part of the universe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet less, my lords, can it be suspected, that he intends to deceive
+    us, than that he can be deceived himself; for not only his probity, his
+    love of his country, and his fidelity to the crown, concur to secure him
+    from any temptations to make an ill use of his credit, but his own
+    interest obliges him to offer that scheme for the regulation of our
+    forces, which, in his own opinion, will most certainly contribute to
+    their success. For it is not to be doubted, my lords, that when we shall
+    be engaged in war too far for negotiations and conventions, when we
+    shall be surrounded by enemies, and terrified at the near approach of
+    danger, he will be called upon to lead our armies to battle, and attack,
+    once more, those enemies that have fled so often before him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then, my lords, if he has contributed to form a weak plan of our
+    military constitution, must he atone for it with the loss of his
+    reputation; that reputation, for which he has undergone so many
+    fatigues, and been exposed to so many dangers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it is ridiculous to suspect where nothing appears to
+    provoke suspicion, and I am very far from imagining that the dangers of
+    innovation, however artfully magnified, or the apprehensions of the
+    soldiers, however rhetorically represented, will be thought of any
+    weight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The establishment of the army, my lords, is an innovation, and, as the
+    noble lord has justly represented it, an innovation that threatens
+    nothing less than the destruction of our liberties, and the dissolution
+    of our government. Our vigilance ought, therefore, to be very anxiously
+    employed in regulating this new part of our government, and adapting it,
+    in such a manner, to the national constitution, that no detriment may
+    arise from it, and that our civil rights may be protected, not
+    oppressed, by the military power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this purpose, says the noble lord, the soldiers are to be restrained
+    by a due subordination to the magistrate, a position undoubtedly true,
+    but now superfluously urged: for it was never controverted by the noble
+    person whose opinion he intended to oppose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should any man assert, my lords, that the army ought to be formed into a
+    distinct and independent society, which should receive laws only from a
+    council of war, and have no other governour than their officers, none
+    should oppose such an assertion with more ardour or constancy than
+    myself, but what was never advanced it is unnecessary to confute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, my lords, to obviate those dangers from the army which have been so
+    strongly and justly represented, it is necessary, not only that a legal
+    subordination to the civil authority be firmly established, but that a
+    personal dependence on the ministry be taken away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How readily men learn to reverence and obey those on whom their fortunes
+    depend, has been already shown by the noble lord, and therefore it will
+    follow, that a minister who distributes preferments at his pleasure, may
+    acquire such an influence in the army, as may be employed to secure
+    himself from justice by the destruction of liberty. And unless it can be
+    proved, that no such minister can ever exist; that corruption, ambition,
+    and perfidy, have place only in the military race; every argument that
+    shows the danger of an army, dependent only on the general, will show
+    the danger, likewise, of one dependent only on the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The influence of the minister, my lords, is known to arise from the
+    number of the officers, and to be proportioned to the value of the
+    preferment, which it is in his power to bestow; it is, therefore,
+    evident, by adding new officers to our army, we shall throw weight into
+    the scale, which already is, at least, an equal balance to our
+    constitution, and enable the ministry either to employ an army in
+    defence of their measures, or to obtain such an influence in the senate,
+    as shall make any other security superfluous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the danger of a multitude of officers, a danger which
+    surely deserves more attention than the imaginary prejudice of the
+    soldiers in favour of the present establishment; a prejudice represented
+    so powerful, both in our own forces, and those of our enemies, that the
+    future success of our arms may probably depend upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, my lords, that cause may be allowed indefensible, which such a
+    patron defends so weakly. What can be more chimerical than to imagine
+    that men would lay down their arms, and forsake their standards, because
+    there are twenty more in a company than have formerly been? That such a
+    panick, from such a cause, was never found, I need not prove; and I
+    scarce think it necessary to assert, that, without supposing a universal
+    depravity of reason, it never can be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The establishment proposed by the noble duke, is the same with that of
+    most foreign troops, and particularly with that of his majesty's forces
+    in his foreign dominions, and, therefore, cannot but be approved by him,
+    if it should be proposed by your lordships. For why should he imagine a
+    greater number of officers necessary to the troops of Britain, than to
+    those of any other nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expediency of the motion, my lords, is, in my opinion, so obvious
+    and incontestable, as to require no farther consideration, and,
+    therefore, it is no argument against it, that we were not previously
+    informed of the question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Much less, my lords, can I discover the force of the assertion, that by
+    such a resolution we shall excite the displeasure of the other house; we
+    have, my lords, at least, an equal right with them to examine any
+    position relating to the publick security, a right which we may exert
+    with less danger of disgusting them, while they have yet formed no
+    determination, and with less danger to the nation, than when their
+    opinion, whatever it may be, cannot be controverted without retarding
+    the important bill against mutiny.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are never offended, my lords, at receiving the opinions of the other
+    house, which we often adopt without any alteration, and often make use
+    of for our own instruction, and now are become so contemptible as that
+    no regard should be paid by them to our resolutions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that this assembly is an essential and
+    constituent part of the legislature of this kingdom, and that we
+    received from our ancestors a great extent of power, which it ought to
+    be our care not to suffer to be contracted by degrees, till this
+    assembly shall become merely formal, and sit only to ratify implicitly
+    the determinations of the other house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Several other lords spoke in the debate, and the president having put
+    the previous question, "Whether the question should be then put?" upon a
+    division, it passed in the negative. Content, 42. Not content, 59.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_8"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    RESPECTING OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY.
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS this day moved for an humble address to his majesty, that,
+    for the future ease of his majesty's subjects, all officers now
+    subsisting upon half-pay, etc. might be employed in the army, and
+    supported it to the following effect:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, though I have often known motions opposed without any just
+    objections, or at least without any proof of such inconveniencies likely
+    to arise from them, as were equivalent to the advantages which they
+    would have produced, yet I cannot but confess, that any opposition to
+    this will be unexpected and surprising; for it is, in my opinion,
+    supported by every law of justice and humanity. If we regard the publick
+    in general, it cannot but produce some alleviation of the national
+    expense; and if we consider the particular persons to whom it
+    immediately relates, they have certainly a just claim to that regard
+    which it is the tendency of this motion to procure them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To burden with superfluous officers, and unnecessary expenses, a people
+    already overwhelmed with taxes, and overrun with the dependents on the
+    crown, is, surely, to the highest degree cruel and absurd. And to
+    condemn those men to contempt and penury, who have served their country
+    with bravery and fidelity, to prefer unexperienced striplings to those
+    commissions, which would gladly be accepted by men who have already
+    tried their courage in the battle, and borne the fatigues of marches,
+    and the change of climates, is surely not only to oppress the deserving,
+    and scatter promotion without just distinction; but, what is yet more
+    enormous, it is to wanton with the publick safety, and expose us to our
+    enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor does it appear to me sufficient, that the veteran officers be
+    restored to the commissions which they formerly enjoyed; they ought,
+    upon an augmentation of our troops, to be recompensed by some
+    advancement for their services and their sufferings; the ensign ought to
+    become a lieutenant, and the lieutenant be exalted to a captain;
+    stations which they will surely fill with more dignity and greater
+    abilities, than boys newly discharged from school, and intrusted with
+    unexpected authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be reasonable, sir, that expense should be spared in a time of
+    general poverty, if it be politick to carry on war in the manner most
+    likely to produce success, if it be just, that those who have served
+    their country should be preferred to those who have no merit to boast,
+    this motion cannot be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE answered to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, to the motion now
+    made, it will not, I believe, be objected, that it is unreasonable, or
+    unjust, but that it is unnecessary, and that it is not drawn up with
+    sufficient consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is unnecessary, because his majesty is advised by it to no other
+    measures than those which he has already determined to pursue; for he
+    has declared to me, sir, his intention of conferring the new commissions
+    upon the officers who receive half-pay, before any other officers shall
+    be promoted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion appears to me not to be very attentively considered, or drawn
+    up with great propriety of expression; for it supposes all the half-pay
+    officers fit for the service, which cannot be imagined by any man, who
+    considers that there has been peace for almost thirty years; a space of
+    time, in which many vigorous constitutions must have declined, and many,
+    who were once well qualified for command, must be disabled by the
+    infirmities of age. Nor is the promotion of one of these gentlemen
+    considered always by him as an act of favour; many of them have, in this
+    long interval of peace, engaged in methods of life very little
+    consistent with military employments, many of them have families which
+    demand their care, and which they would not forsake for any advantages
+    which a new commission could afford them, and therefore it would not be
+    very consistent with humanity to force them into new dangers and
+    fatigues which they are now unable to support.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to these men, compassion and kindness seem to require that
+    they should be suffered to spend their few remaining days without
+    interruption, and that the dangers and toils of their youth should be
+    requited in their age with ease and retirement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are others who have less claim to the regard of the publick, and
+    who may be passed by in the distribution of new preferments without the
+    imputation of neglecting merit. These are they who have voluntarily
+    resigned their commissions for the sake of half-pay, and have preferred
+    indolence and retreat to the service of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So that it appears, that of those who subsist upon half-pay, some are
+    unable to execute a commission, some do not desire, and some do not
+    deserve it; and with regard to the remaining part, which can be no great
+    number, I have already stated the intention of his majesty, and
+    therefore cannot but conclude that the motion is needless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what fatality it is,
+    that all the motions made by one party are reasonable and necessary, and
+    all that are unhappily offered by the other, are discovered either to be
+    needless, or of pernicious tendency. Whenever a question can be clouded
+    and perplexed, the opponents of the ministry are always mistaken,
+    confuted, and, in consequence of the confutations, defeated by the
+    majority of votes. When truth is too notorious to be denied, and too
+    obvious to be contested, the administration claim the honour of the
+    first discovery, and will never own that they were incited to their duty
+    by the remonstrances of their opponents, though they never, before those
+    remonstrances, had discovered the least intention of performing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that the motion is allowed to be just and proper, is sufficient; the
+    importance of it will be easily discovered. For my part I shall always
+    consider that motion as important, which tends to contract the expenses
+    of the publick, to rescue merit from neglect, and to hinder the increase
+    of the dependents on the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE answered:&mdash;Sir, there is no temper more opposite to
+    that incessant attention to the welfare of the publick, which is the
+    perpetual boast of those who have signalized themselves by opposing the
+    measures of the administration, than a lust of contradiction, and a
+    disposition to disturb this assembly with superfluous debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this disposition is not discovered in the reply made to the
+    declaration of his majesty's intentions, and the confession of the
+    propriety of the motion, let the house determine. It must surely be
+    confessed, that it is not necessary to advise what is already
+    determined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less evident, that many of the officers whose interest is now
+    so warmly solicited, must be incapacitated by their age for service, and
+    unable to receive any benefit from the offer of new commissions. To deny
+    this, is to question the flux of time, or to imagine that the
+    constitution of a soldier is exempt from its injuries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS explained himself to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am far from
+    intending by this motion to fill the army with decrepit officers, or to
+    obstruct in any manner the service of the publick; nor have I any other
+    intention, than to secure to those whose years permit, and whose
+    inclinations incite them to enter once more into the army, that
+    preferment to which they have a claim, not only from their past
+    services, but from the state of penury and obscurity in which they have
+    languished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I desire to preserve those, whose valour has heretofore made our nation
+    the terrour of the world, from the mortification of seeing themselves
+    insulted by childhood, and commanded by ignorance; by ignorance exalted
+    to authority by the countenance of some rhetorician of the senate, or
+    some mayor of a borough.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whoever has observed the late distribution of military honours, will
+    easily discover that they have been attained by qualifications very
+    different from bravery, or knowledge of the art of war; he will find
+    that regiments and companies are the rewards of a seasonable vote, and
+    that no man can preserve his post in the army, whether given him as the
+    reward of acknowledged merit, or sold him for the full value, any longer
+    than he employs all his influence in favour of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then said:&mdash;Sir, it has been already admitted, that
+    the motion can only be objected to as superfluous, and, therefore, all
+    farther debate is mere waste of time, without any prospect of advantage;
+    nor is any thing now necessary, but to review the motion, and correct
+    such expressions as may be thought inaccurate or improper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That <i>all</i> the half-pay officers are not able to enter into the service,
+    has been already shown, and, therefore, I should imagine, that, instead
+    of <i>all the officers</i>, we might very justly substitute <i>officers
+    properly qualified</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD replied:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot discover the necessity
+    of any alteration, since it cannot be conceived that the senate can
+    advise impossibilities, yet since so much accuracy is affected, it may
+    be allowed that the word <i>all</i> shall be left out, as seeming to imply
+    more than can be intended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman is not, in my opinion, so happy in his
+    amendment, as in his objection; for the words <i>properly qualified</i>
+    convey to me no distinct idea. He that is qualified is, I suppose,
+    <i>properly qualified</i>, for I never heard of <i>improper qualifications</i>;
+    but if the word <i>properly</i> be omitted, I have no objection to the
+    amendment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_9"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON AN ADDRESS FOR PAPERS RELATING TO ADMIRAL HADDOCK.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALLER this day offered the following motion in writing, That an
+    humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be graciously
+    pleased to give directions that there may be laid before this house
+    copies of two particular letters written by his majesty's secretary of
+    state to admiral Haddock, which had been addressed for before, and of
+    the letters received from admiral Ogle mentioned therein; together with
+    all letters written by admiral Haddock to either of his majesty's
+    secretaries of state, concerning the said letters, and the execution of
+    the orders contained therein.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion he supported by arguments to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, no
+    man who considers the present situation of our foreign affairs, the
+    expense and inefficacy of our military preparations, the appearance of
+    negligence in our naval expeditions, and the general disappointment of
+    the hopes which the nation had conceived of victories, vengeance, and
+    reparations, can, in my opinion, doubt the expediency of the motion
+    which I have taken the liberty to make.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the expectations of the nation are deceived, it certainly becomes
+    those who are deputed to watch over the prosperity of the publick, to
+    inquire whence the disappointment proceeds, and either to inform their
+    constituents that their uneasiness arises from their own errour, and
+    that their hopes are destroyed because they had no rational foundation;
+    or to detect the weak management of those by whom the publick measures
+    have been ill-conducted, or the national treasure has been misapplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the present war, I know not how the nation can be
+    charged with having formed unreasonable expectations. If they considered
+    the speech from the throne, the most authentick declaration of the
+    intentions of the government, they found there the warmest resentments
+    of the injuries which they had sustained, and the strongest assurances
+    of a vigorous prosecution of all those measures which might produce
+    speedy recompense, and inviolable security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they reflect, sir, on the preparations for war, on the multitude of
+    ships, the demand of materials for naval equipments, and the high prices
+    at which workmen were retained, they could not but imagine that either
+    some mighty attempt was designed, or some formidable enemy dreaded, and
+    as they know not whom they had to fear, they ascribed the vigour of our
+    proceedings to a resolution of humbling our enemies by one fatal blow,
+    and re-establishing our naval dominion by a single effort.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And justly, sir, might they indulge this pleasing imagination; with
+    reason might they anticipate a triumph over an enemy whose strength
+    bears no proportion to the force that was fitted out against them, and
+    expect that in a few months they should see the ambassadors of Spain
+    supplicating for peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To raise their expectations yet higher, their trade was suspended by an
+    embargo, long continued, and in the strictest manner enforced, and the
+    impresses were let loose upon the sailors; they saw nothing omitted,
+    however grievous to the nation, that could contribute to make it
+    formidable, and bore part of the miseries of war without impatience, in
+    hopes of being rewarded by military glory, and repaid by the plunder of
+    Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, when so long a time has elapsed, and no account is brought of
+    either a victory or a battle, when they hear nothing but that our fleets
+    have visited several neutral ports, and those of the enemy sailed
+    unmolested from coast to coast, and when they are every day told of the
+    losses of our merchants, are insulted in our own channel by the Spanish
+    privateers, and receive no relations of our success upon the shores of
+    our enemies, can it be wondered that they suspect the reality of our
+    designs, or inquire whence it proceeds that their money has been wasted,
+    their trade interrupted, and the liberty of their fellow-subjects
+    invaded to no purpose?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how much more justly, sir, are they inflamed when they hear of the
+    lucky stratagems, or daring enterprises of those enemies, which a just
+    sense of their own superiority, had induced them to consider as
+    vanquished before the battle, and of whom they had no apprehensions but
+    that their cowardice would always secure them from vengeance? How
+    justly may they murmur when they read, that our fleets leave every part
+    of the enemy's coast where their presence is necessary, and have
+    afforded the Spaniards an opportunity of changing one port for another,
+    as it is most convenient, and at length of joining the French squadrons,
+    and sailing to the defence of their American dominions?
+</p>
+<p>
+    May they not justly, sir, require of their representatives some reason
+    for such inexplicable conduct? May they not reasonably demand an account
+    of the arguments which procured their approbation of measures, which, so
+    far as they can be examined by those who have no opportunity of perusing
+    the necessary papers, appear either cowardly or treacherous?
+</p>
+<p>
+    And what answer, sir, can we return to such remonstrances, unless this
+    motion be agreed to? How can we appease the discontents of our
+    constituents, or discharge the trust reposed in us, without a very
+    minute and attentive inquiry into questions thus obscure and thus
+    important?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Are we to tell our constituents, that we absolutely rely upon the
+    prudence and fidelity of the ministry and admirals, and recommend to
+    them the same implicit dependence? Are we to confess that we have now
+    for two sessions voted in the dark, and approved what we were not
+    suffered to examine and understand?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such answers, sir, to questions so reasonable, will not contribute to
+    increase the veneration of the people either for ourselves, or our
+    constitution; and yet this answer, and this only, they can receive from
+    us, if the papers mentioned in the motion I have made are denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CLUTTERBUCK replied in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, this motion,
+    though so warmly urged, and so artfully supported, I can consider only
+    as a repetition of a former motion which was approved by the assembly,
+    so far as it could properly be complied with, nor was any paper then
+    concealed which it would not have been an injury to the nation to have
+    divulged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the design of this motion be to promote the success of the present
+    war, and the zeal with which it has been pressed, be incited only by the
+    ardour of true patriotism, I doubt not but it will easily be withdrawn
+    by those who are now most inclined to support it, when they shall
+    reflect that it tends to the discovery of our schemes, and to the
+    overthrow of our designs, that it will expose all our consultations to
+    our enemies, and instruct them how to annoy us with most success, and
+    how to shelter themselves from our intended attacks.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the first care, sir, of every administration, that their military
+    designs should only be discovered by the execution of them, and that
+    their enemies, by being obliged to guard all parts, should be weak in
+    all. If, by laying our papers before this house, the Spaniards should
+    come to be informed against what part of their dominions our expeditions
+    are designed, will they not increase their strength, improve their
+    fortifications, and double their vigilance? And if we are thus obliged
+    to form new schemes, must we not impute the defeat of the former to our
+    own imprudent zeal, or unseasonable curiosity?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, that we should demand the schemes
+    laid for the future conduct of the war with Spain was never proposed,
+    nor, as it may reasonably be concluded, ever imagined; for what is
+    mentioned in the motion but the papers relating to the transactions of
+    the two last years.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it should be necessary to remind gentlemen of the difference
+    between the <i>future</i> and the <i>past</i>, would hardly be suspected by any
+    man not accustomed to senatorial controversies and artifices of state;
+    and yet in the argument which has been offered against the motion,
+    nothing has been asserted but that the orders relating to past
+    transactions are not to be laid before us, lest the enemy should thereby
+    gain intelligence of what we now design against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of secrecy in war needs not be urged, because it will not
+    be denied; but when designs have been laid, and miscarried, the reasons
+    of that miscarriage may surely be inquired, without danger of betraying
+    the councils of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the negligence of our councils, and the misconduct of our commanders,
+    has been such, that no designs have been premeditated; if a war has been
+    carried on by chance, and nothing has succeeded, because nothing has
+    been attempted; if our commanders have not done ill, and have only done
+    nothing; if they have avoided loss by avoiding danger; we may surely
+    inquire to whom such proceedings are to be imputed, whether the defeat
+    of our designs is to be charged upon the strength of our enemy, or the
+    cowardice of our officers; or whether the inactivity and apparent
+    neutrality of our forces is occasioned by the negligence of our
+    admirals, or the irresolution of our own ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There have been, sir, many incidents in these two last years, of which
+    the examination can be of very little advantage to the Spaniards. I do
+    not know what pernicious intelligence they can glean from an inquiry
+    into the reasons for which Haddock's fleet was divided, and Ogle sent to
+    the defence of Minorca, or for which he afterwards returned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I conceive that any advantage, except that of merriment and
+    diversion, can be thrown into the hands of our enemies, though we should
+    seriously inquire into what no man has yet pretended to understand, the
+    wonderful escape of the Spanish squadron. A transaction on which we had
+    dwelt long enough with that admiration which ignorance produces, and on
+    which it may not be improper at length to enable us to reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is an affair, perhaps, much better understood by our enemies than
+    by ourselves, and surely we cannot, therefore, be afraid of informing
+    them of it; at least since the fleet has long since sailed out, and left
+    their coast, we can hardly be restrained in our inquiries by the fear of
+    discovering our <i>future</i> designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it be the incontestable right of the senate to examine
+    the conduct of publick affairs, which I suppose will scarcely be denied,
+    this motion cannot be rejected as unseasonable, nor can the papers be
+    refused, without increasing those suspicions which are already too
+    prevalent throughout the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, indeed, for our own sakes, ought we to delay this inquiry any
+    longer, lest by having long acted without being accountable, the
+    minister should form a prescription against our privilege, and, in time,
+    tell us in plain terms that we are his slaves, and that we are not to
+    presume to carry our examinations, however solemn and important they may
+    continue to appear, farther than he shall be pleased to permit; and
+    that, whatever may be the opinion of the people that deputes us, or,
+    whatever ancient claims we may plead to authority, we are now to
+    consider ourselves only as the oppressors of the nation, and the
+    panegyrists of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE next rose, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, it cannot be
+    denied to be reasonable that all those papers should be laid before the
+    senate, which can be communicated without injury to the publick. Of this
+    number we may justly imagine the orders sent to the admirals, in which
+    the time of their departure is fixed, and many others which may be of
+    use to inform the house, but cannot enable the enemy to judge either of
+    our force or our designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is evident, that there must be others included in this motion,
+    which our regard for the success of the war, and the prosperity of our
+    country, ought to determine us to conceal, and such as are never exposed
+    by any administration; it is, therefore, proper to limit the address to
+    papers of a certain kind, or a certain date, which may be considered by
+    the house without benefit to our enemies, and for the examination of
+    which a day or two will be more than sufficient.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I know not what
+    number of papers the wisdom of the administration will allow us, but, if
+    we judge by the time proposed to be spent in examination, we shall not
+    be distracted with a great diversity of subjects; intelligence will be
+    very penuriously dealt out, and if we submit to their choice of the
+    writings which shall be laid before us, our inquiry will probably end
+    without any discoveries made either by our enemies or ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I hope, sir, we shall not be so cheaply satisfied, nor exposed by
+    the fear of one enemy, to the insolence of another. I hope we shall
+    resolutely continue our demands of information, while a single line is
+    concealed, from which any light can be expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There may, indeed, be circumstances in which our demands, however loud,
+    will necessarily be vain. It is not impossible that we may suspect those
+    transactions of deep art, and secret contrivance, which have been the
+    consequences of mere indolence, and want of consideration. Our great
+    ministers have been, perhaps, only doing nothing, while we have imagined
+    that they were working out of sight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Misled, sir, by this notion, we may call for the orders that have been
+    despatched in these two last years, when, perhaps, our secretaries of
+    state have been fattening on their salaries without employment, and have
+    slept without care, and without curiosity, while we have been
+    congratulating ourselves upon their vigilance for our preservation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Or if orders have been given, it is to be considered, that the end of
+    inspecting orders is to compare them with the conduct of the admirals to
+    whom they were directed: from this comparison, I doubt not but many
+    gentlemen expect uncommon discoveries; but to check all unreasonable
+    hopes before they have taken possession of their hearts, for
+    unreasonable hopes are the parent of disappointment, I think it proper
+    to remind them, that to draw any conclusions from the orders, it is
+    necessary to understand them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This consideration alone is sufficient to redress the ardour of inquiry,
+    for every man that has had opportunities of knowing the wonderful
+    accomplishments of our ministry, the depth of their designs, the
+    subtilty of their stratagems, and the closeness of their reasoning, will
+    easily conceive it probable that they might send such orders as none but
+    themselves could understand; and what then will be the consequence of
+    our idle curiosity, but that we be led into a labyrinth of endless
+    conjectures? For we have long ago found that no explanations are to be
+    expected, and that our ministry are too wise to discover their secrets
+    to their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, examine the naked facts which have fallen within our
+    observation, and endeavour to inform ourselves of the meaning of these
+    secret orders by the execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral Ogle was despatched from Haddock's fleet to protect Minorca,
+    and, in his absence, the Spanish squadron sailed away. Perhaps he was
+    ordered to watch Ferrol and Minorca at the same time, and not
+    understanding how that was to be done, neglected one part of his charge,
+    by an attention to the other: as a watchman who should be employed to
+    guard at once the bank in London, and the treasury in Westminster.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS, sir, sailed lately forth, I suppose, in pursuance of
+    orders, with a very formidable fleet, and after having lost sight for
+    some days of the British coast, sailed back again with great
+    precipitation. Whether his orders were only to sail forth, or whether,
+    when he examined them farther, he could not understand them, I pretend
+    not to determine; but it may reasonably be imagined that his orders were
+    of the same kind with those of our other admirals, because they produced
+    the same consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been told, that formerly our commanders were ordered to <i>burn</i>,
+    <i>sink</i>, and <i>destroy</i>; and that in those times it was not uncommon for a
+    British admiral to do much mischief with a strong fleet; but it is
+    evident that the style is since changed, for our admirals are now very
+    inoffensive, and go out only to come back. I, therefore, think the
+    motion highly necessary, and such as ought to be complied with.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS here rose up, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am not conscious
+    that my conduct in any part of my life has exposed me to be justly
+    treated with contempt and ridicule, and what I have not deserved I will
+    not bear.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any gentleman in this house can accuse me of having neglected my
+    duty, or deserted it, let him not spare insults or invectives, let him
+    now expose my cowardice or my carelessness, let him prove me unworthy of
+    trust or of command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But my own conscience acquits me, and I defy any man to produce and
+    support his accusation; nor can you, sir, [Footnote: Addressing himself
+    to Mr. PULTENEY.] who have thus contemptuously treated me, allege any
+    thing against me that may justify your neglect of decency: that you have
+    transgressed the rules of decency is the softest censure that your
+    behaviour admits, and I think it may with equal propriety be asserted,
+    that you have broken the laws of justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY replied in this manner:&mdash;Sir, I shall submit to you and all
+    who hear me, whether I have treated the honourable gentleman's name with
+    any contemptuous freedom of speech. The usual method of mentioning an
+    expedition is that of naming the commander, who is not thereby
+    necessarily included in the censure of an unsuccessful attempt, and I am
+    very far from calling his courage and capacity into question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that I shall ever think it necessary to make an apology for
+    expressing my sentiments with freedom as a member of this house, in
+    which I shall always speak what I think, and in what manner it shall
+    appear to me most proper, nor shall I fear to repeat without doors what
+    I say here.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose up, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, as I
+    am not acquainted with any measures pursued by the administration, which
+    it is their particular interest to conceal, I am desirous that all
+    papers should be laid before the house which will not afford our enemies
+    any opportunity of obviating our designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What necessity there is for this address I cannot, indeed, discover,
+    because I know not any foundation for suspicion of either negligence or
+    treachery, which have been both insinuated in this debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are the ministry, however ludicrously their abilities have been
+    treated, afraid of discovering their ignorance, by laying before the
+    house the orders which they have given to our admirals; orders of which
+    they are far from doubting that they will appear, upon a candid
+    examination, rational and proper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief objection to this motion arises from its unreasonableness, and
+    the necessity which it will produce of assigning to a fruitless inquiry
+    those hours that may be more usefully employed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT replied in terms to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, it is my
+    opinion, that our time cannot be more usefully employed during a war,
+    than in examining how it has been conducted, and settling the degree of
+    confidence that may be reposed in those to whose care are intrusted our
+    reputations, our fortunes, and our lives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is not any inquiry, sir, of more importance than this; it is not a
+    question about an uncertain privilege, or a law, which, if found
+    inconvenient, may hereafter be repealed; we are now to examine whether
+    it is probable that we shall preserve our commerce and our independence,
+    or whether we are sinking into subjection to a foreign power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this inquiry, sir, will produce no great information, if those,
+    whose conduct is examined, are allowed to select the evidence. For what
+    accounts will they exhibit but such as have often already been laid
+    before us, and such as they now offer without concern: accounts obscure
+    and fallacious, imperfect and confused, from which nothing can be
+    learned, and which can never entitle the minister to praise, though they
+    may screen him from punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am confident that no man engaged in
+    the administration desires to be <i>screened</i> from the most rigorous
+    inquiry, or would defer to exhibit the papers a moment for any other
+    reason than his regard for the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am confident, that nothing could so much contribute to advance the
+    particular and distinct interest of the ministry as the publication of
+    all the writings that relate to the present war, by which it would
+    incontestably appear that nothing has been omitted that could promote
+    our success, that our commanders have been sent out with orders to act
+    with the utmost vigour, and that our preparations have been not
+    disproportioned to the importance of our design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will appear that no former ministry have given greater proofs of
+    their zeal for the publick interest, or have more steadily pursued the
+    most proper measures by which it might be advanced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not, indeed, certain that those who now call so loudly for
+    information would be prevailed on by any degree of evidence to suspend
+    their censures. Them, who are now dissatisfied, I shall despair of
+    influencing by reason or testimony; for they seem to inquire only to
+    condemn; nor is this motion, perhaps, made so much for the sake of
+    obtaining information, as of harassing the ministry with delays, and
+    suspending affairs of greater importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion was agreed to, and upon another motion made by Mr. SANDYS,
+    it was resolved,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+    graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+    this house a copy of the reasons sent by admiral Cavendish, in pursuance
+    of an order from the commissioners of the admiralty, which had retarded
+    the sailing of admiral Ogle's squadron, so much beyond expectation."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Likewise,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+    graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+    this house a copy of the reasons transmitted by admiral Ogle, that did
+    prevent him from sailing, pursuant to his repeated orders for that
+    purpose, and particularly to those sent him by the commissioners of the
+    admiralty."
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_10"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE REGARDING THE DEPARTURE OF THE <br>FRENCH AND SPANISH SQUADRONS.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS this day presented a motion in writing, for petitioning his
+    majesty to inform them when the regency received intelligence that the
+    French and Spanish squadrons sailed, which was seconded, as follows, by
+    Mr. WALLER:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the information now moved for, appears to me so necessary in their
+    deliberations on the conduct of the war, that without it we can only
+    conjecture in the dark, and entangle ourselves in an inextricable
+    labyrinth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, that in war all motions are, in a great degree, to be
+    regulated by those of the enemy, and that, therefore, no vigilance is to
+    be spared by which any knowledge can be gained of their designs, nor any
+    methods omitted of communicating them to those who have the direction of
+    the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A ministry may, in conducting military operations, disappoint the
+    expectations of their country, either by neglecting to procure
+    intelligence, or by failing to make use of those opportunities which
+    seasonable information puts into their power, and they may, when their
+    designs fail of success, justify themselves, by proving that they were
+    deceived by intelligence which it was reasonable to believe, or that
+    better intelligence was not attainable, or that they made use, however
+    unsuccessfully, of all the forces that could then be employed, and of
+    all the advantages that were then in their possession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how shall we judge of our administration, how shall we know what
+    confidence we ought to repose in their prudence and fidelity, and what
+    miscarriages are to be attributed to the chance of war or superiour
+    force of our enemies, if we cannot be informed with what diligence they
+    endeavour at information, and how early they have notice of the motions
+    of the enemy?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The sailing, or rather escape of the Ferrol squadron, and departure of
+    the French fleet, are the most important events of the present war;
+    events that threaten very dangerous consequences, no less than descents
+    upon our American colonies, the conquest of our dominions, the slavery
+    of our fellow-subjects, and perhaps the destruction of the brave Vernon,
+    who is secure in the imagined vigilance of the other commanders, and
+    may, perhaps, in a few days see himself surrounded by formidable
+    squadrons of different nations, and exposed to the attack of forces to
+    which his little fleet bears no proportion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing appears more evident, than that we had opportunities of
+    observing, at least, all the preparations of the French, and of watching
+    the moment of their departure, and that our force on the coast of Spain
+    was sufficient to have confined their fleets for ever in their harbours,
+    or to have destroyed them at their first entrance into the open seas, of
+    which we may justly inquire, why it was not attempted, but shall inquire
+    to no purpose till we know when they departed, that we may consider the
+    state of our own forces, and whether our enemies escaped by our
+    negligence, cowardice, or weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON then spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, that we
+    cannot deliberate upon subjects which we do not understand, and that,
+    therefore, no necessary or useful information ought to be denied to the
+    house, I shall readily admit; but must observe, at the same time, that
+    the reputation of the house would be very little consulted, in demanding
+    information which cannot be given.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To address his majesty to inform us of the time at which the squadrons
+    of our enemies sailed, is to inquire of him what it ought to be the
+    highest care of those princes to conceal from him, and which he can only
+    know by having spies in their privy councils.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And of what importance is it to inquire what intelligence was brought
+    him, or when he received it, if it appears that his intelligence must be
+    in its own nature uncertain and dubitable?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That they have left their ports is now certain, because they have been
+    twice discovered in different parts of the world; but, as we can now
+    only form conjectures on their designs and courses, so, before they
+    sailed, it was impossible to know when they were fully equipped, or what
+    time was fixed for their departure. It is to be remembered, that they
+    form their measures, and make their preparations in their own dominions,
+    and therefore, have more advantages of concealing their schemes than we
+    of discovering them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Advocate CAMPBELL then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, this motion, which has been
+    represented as unreasonable and absurd, is, in my opinion, not only
+    proper, but important.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is important, because it will enable us to judge, upon sufficient
+    foundations, of the conduct of the ministry, who are censured by the
+    voice of the nation, for having been either defective in vigilance or in
+    activity, for having been either ignorant by their own fault of the
+    designs of the enemy, or perfidiously passive in permitting the
+    execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far from believing that such intelligence as our ministry is
+    expected to procure, requires any uncommon subtilty, or any other agents
+    than are always employed by every minister, to transmit to them
+    informations from foreign courts. Such, I am afraid, are always hovering
+    about our consultations, and I know not why our ministers should be less
+    diligent or less successful than those of other princes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, such intelligence might have been obtained, it was
+    criminal not to obtain it; and if the departure of the Spanish squadron
+    was foreseen, it ought to be inquired, why it was not prevented; and if
+    it was only known when it was too late to hinder it from sailing, why it
+    was not pursued, or why succours were not immediately despatched to
+    admiral Vernon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these questions can only be resolved, in consequence of the
+    information which his majesty shall give us; and for which it is,
+    therefore, in my opinion, necessary to petition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, how the regency
+    could be informed of the intention of the Spaniards to leave their ports
+    till it appeared by their departure, or by what means it can be expected
+    that his majesty should be now acquainted with their particular course,
+    or farther designs, I confess myself unable to conceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the intelligence transmitted from foreign courts by
+    agents and spies, a little consideration will easily discover that it is
+    not to be trusted. For what can be generally expected from them, but
+    that they should catch flying reports, or by chance intercept uncertain
+    whispers, that they should inquire timorously, and, therefore, for the
+    greatest part, of those from whom no satisfactory accounts can be
+    received, and that they should often endeavour to deserve their salaries
+    by such information as is rather pleasing than true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All the knowledge that can be obtained of an enemy's designs, must arise
+    from a diligent comparison of one circumstance with another, and from a
+    general view of his force, his interest, and his opportunities. And that
+    such conjectures will be often erroneous, needs not be told.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Probability, therefore, is, in such inquiries, all that can be attained,
+    and he that sits idle in the time of war, expecting certain
+    intelligence, will see his enemies enjoying the advantages of his folly,
+    and laying hold on a thousand opportunities which he has neglected to
+    improve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war in which we are now engaged, has been carried on by the
+    administration with the utmost diligence and vigour; nor have any
+    measures been omitted that could probably produce success, and the
+    success of the wisest measures is only probable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should the great admiral, who is now present in the house, have met the
+    French and Spaniards in the open seas, by what art could he arrive at a
+    certain knowledge of their designs? He might by his acquaintance with
+    the situation and state of neighbouring countries, the observation of
+    their course, the periods of particular winds, and other hints of
+    observation, form probable conjectures, but could never reach to
+    certainty or confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems to me, therefore, highly improper, to petition his majesty for
+    intelligence which he cannot be imagined to have received, and I cannot
+    agree to any motion for that purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then made another motion, to address his majesty, that there
+    may be laid before the house copies of all letters received from, or
+    written to, admiral Vernon since his going to the West Indies. Which
+    being seconded,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, this motion, if the intention of
+    it be limited by proper restrictions, is doubtless reasonable and just;
+    for the right of this house to examine into the conduct of publick
+    affairs, and, consequently, for calling for the papers necessary to
+    enlighten their inquiries, is not to be disputed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as the end of all such inquiries is the promotion of the publick
+    welfare, so they are not to be made in a manner by which that end may be
+    defeated. Papers are not to be demanded, which cannot be produced
+    without discovering our own secrets, and acquainting our enemies either
+    with that weakness which we ought carefully to conceal, or that force
+    which will be most effectually employed if it is not known, and,
+    therefore, no preparations are made to oppose it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be imagined, but that many of the papers which have passed
+    between the admiralty and the commander in America, contain plans for
+    the prosecution of the war, observations on the conditions of our own
+    colonies, and, perhaps, intelligence of the estate of the Spanish
+    fortresses and towns. Many informations of the utmost consequence to our
+    enemies may be collected from those papers, but nothing can be expected
+    from them, that will enable us to prosecute a senatorial inquiry with
+    more success, that will put it in our power to discover frauds,
+    negligence, or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
+    without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
+    ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
+    stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
+    are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
+    restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
+    engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
+    propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
+    supply of ships, marines, or land forces."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_11"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR <br>REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
+    the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
+    and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
+    occasioned the following debate:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET began in this manner:&mdash;My lords, as the motion which I am
+    about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
+    consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
+    prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
+    it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
+    without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
+    by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
+    it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
+    suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
+    private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
+    abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
+    the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
+    and, generally, to be obeyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
+    who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
+    executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
+    And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
+    either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
+    with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
+    general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
+    combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
+    privilege of your lordships, is too evident to be doubted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How often this privilege has been exerted by this house, and how often
+    it has rescued our country from oppression, insolence, and rapine; how
+    often our constitution has been reanimated, and impending ruin been
+    averted by it, a superficial acquaintance with history may inform us.
+    And we are now called upon by the universal cry of the nation, and urged
+    by the perplexed and uncertain state of our foreign affairs, and
+    declension of our wealth, and attacks upon our liberties at home, to
+    recollect these precedents of magnanimity and justice, and to make
+    another effort for the relief of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This house, my lords, has proceeded against ministers, whose conduct
+    they disapproved, by methods of greater or less severity, according to
+    the necessity of affairs, or the supposed malignity of the crimes
+    alleged against them; and, therefore, have sometimes thought it
+    necessary to deter posterity from imitating them by rigorous censures,
+    and exemplary punishments, and sometimes have thought it sufficient to
+    set the nation free from its distresses, without inflicting any
+    penalties on those by whose misconduct they imagined them produced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What were the more violent and vindictive methods of proceeding, it is
+    not necessary, with regard to this motion, to examine; since I shall
+    only propose, that we should, in imitation of our predecessors, in cases
+    of this nature, humbly address his majesty to remove the minister from
+    his presence and councils.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, can be more moderate or tender than such an address,
+    by which no punishment is inflicted, nor any forfeiture exacted. The
+    minister, if he be innocent, if his misconduct be only the consequence
+    of his ignorance or incapacity, may lay down in peace an office for
+    which nature has not designed him, enjoy the vast profits of long
+    employment in tranquillity, and escape the resentment of an unhappy
+    people; who, when irritated to the highest degree, by a continuation of
+    the same miscarriages, may, perhaps, in the heat of a more malevolent
+    prosecution, not sufficiently distinguish between inability and guilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, among your lordships, that think him honest but
+    mistaken, must willingly agree to a motion like this, as the best
+    expedient to appease the people without the ruin of the minister. For
+    surely no man who has read the history, or is acquainted with the temper
+    of this nation, can expect that the people will always bear to see
+    honours, favours, and preferments, distributed by the direction of one
+    universally suspected of corruption, and arbitrary measures; or will
+    look only with silent envy upon the affluence of those whom they believe
+    to be made great by fraud and plunder, swelled to insolence by the
+    prosperity of guilt, and advanced to wealth and luxury by publick
+    miseries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such of your lordships who join with the people in ascribing our present
+    unhappy state not to the errours, but to the crimes of the minister, and
+    who, therefore, think a bare removal not sufficient to satisfy the
+    demands of justice, must, doubtless, give their consent to the motion,
+    for the sake of obtaining proper evidence of his wickedness, which
+    cannot be expected while he stands exalted in prosperity, and
+    distributes the riches of the nation, and the gifts of his sovereign at
+    his own choice; while he is in possession of every motive that can
+    influence the mind, enforce secrecy, and confirm fidelity; while he can
+    bribe the avaricious, and intimidate the fearful; while he can increase
+    the gratification of luxury, and enlarge the prospects of ambition. For,
+    my lords, if it be considered from whom this evidence must be drawn, it
+    will soon appear that no very important discoveries can be made, but by
+    those whom he has intrusted with his secrets, men whose disregard of
+    virtue recommended them to his favour, and who, as they are moved only
+    by interest, will continue faithful while they can hope for recompense;
+    but may, perhaps, be willing to buy their own security by sacrificing
+    their master, when they shall see no farther prospect of advantage from
+    serving him, or any other method of escaping punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, all must allow this motion to be reasonable, whatever
+    they think of the minister's conduct, who are of opinion that a free
+    people have a right of complaining when they feel oppression, and of
+    addressing the crown to remove a minister that has incurred their
+    universal detestation. That such is the condition of the present
+    minister, I believe, will scarcely be denied, or may be discovered by
+    those who find themselves inclined to doubt it, by asking any man whom
+    they shall accidentally meet, what are his sentiments on the situation
+    of national affairs, and of the hands by which they are administered.
+    What answer he will receive is well known to most of your lordships. Let
+    him not be satisfied with a single suffrage, let him repeat the question
+    to ten thousand persons, different in their ages, their conditions, and
+    religious opinions, in every thing that produces contrariety of
+    dispositions and affections, he will yet find them unanimous in
+    complaining of publick misconduct, and in censuring one gentleman as the
+    author of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not imagine, my lords, that these accusations and murmurs are
+    confined to the lowest class of the people, to men whose constant
+    attention to more immediate distresses, hinder them from making
+    excursions beyond their own employments. For though, perhaps, it might
+    be made evident from the accounts of past times, that no general
+    dissatisfaction, even among men of this rank, was ever groundless;
+    though it might be urged that those who see little can only clamour,
+    because they feel themselves oppressed; and though it might not
+    unseasonably be hinted that they are at least formidable for their
+    numbers, and have, sometimes, executed that justice which they had not
+    interest to procure, and trampled upon that insolence that has dared to
+    defy them; yet I shall not insist upon such motives, because it is
+    notorious that discontent is epidemical in all ranks, and that condition
+    and observation are far from appeasing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the discontent, thus general, is groundless, whether it is
+    raised only by the false insinuations of the disappointed, and the
+    wicked arts of the envious, whether it is, in exception to all the
+    maxims of government, the first dislike of an administration that ever
+    overspread a nation without just reasons, deserves to be inquired into.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this inquiry, my lords, it will be necessary to consider not only the
+    state of domestick affairs, increase or diminution of our debts, the
+    security or violation of our liberties, the freedom or dependence of our
+    senates, and the prosperity or declension of our trade, but to examine
+    the state of this nation, with regard to foreign powers; to inquire,
+    whether we are equally feared and equally trusted now as in former
+    administrations; whether our alliances have contributed to secure us
+    from our inveterate and habitual enemies, or to expose us to them;
+    whether the balance of Europe be still in our hands; and whether, during
+    this long interval of peace, our power has increased in the same
+    proportion with that of our neighbours. France, my lords, is the
+    constant and hereditary enemy of Britons, so much divided from her in
+    religion, government, and interest, that they cannot both be prosperous
+    together; as the influence of one rises, that of the other must, by
+    consequence, decline. Alliances may form a temporal show of friendship,
+    but it cannot continue; for their situation produces a natural
+    rivalship, which every accidental circumstance has contributed to
+    increase. Long wars, for many reigns after the conquest, established a
+    radical and insuperable hatred between us, nor did those wars cease till
+    the reformation produced new occasions of jealousy and aversion. France
+    was, by these reasons, obliged for many ages to employ all her influence
+    and policy in strengthening herself against us, by treaties and
+    alliances; and in our times, has given us a new reason for jealousy by
+    extending her commerce, and improving her manufactures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been, therefore, my lords, the settled principle of every wise
+    administration, of every Briton, whose opinions were not regulated by
+    some other motives than those of reason, to attend, with the highest
+    degree of vigilance, to all the designs of the French, and oppose, with
+    incessant diligence, every attempt to increase their force, or extend
+    their influence, and to check their conquests, obstruct their alliances,
+    and forestal their trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this great end it has been our constant endeavour to support the
+    Austrian family, whose large dominions and numerous forces make a
+    counterbalance on the continent to the power of France. For this end we
+    entered into a long war, of which we still languish under the
+    consequences, squandered the lives of our countrymen, and mortgaged the
+    possessions of our posterity. For failing in the prosecution of this
+    purpose, for leaving France too formidable, and neglecting the interests
+    of the emperour, was the treaty of Utrecht censured, and the authors of
+    it prosecuted by the present minister; but how much he has improved the
+    errours of his predecessors to his own advantage, how diligent he has
+    been to rectify the miscarriages of their conduct, and supply the
+    defect, I shall endeavour to explain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that during the regency of the duke of
+    Orleans, we had nothing to apprehend from French machinations; his
+    interest, a tie which that nation is seldom found to break, held him
+    steady to his engagements with us; nor is it less known how much he
+    distrusted Spain, and how little, by consequence, he favoured her. We
+    had, at that time, no necessity of anxiously attending to every whisper
+    of the French court, which was sufficiently engaged in regulating their
+    domestick affairs, and repairing the ruins of a destructive war; but, my
+    lords, we ought to observe, that it had been happy for us had our
+    minister laboured with equal address at the same employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After the death of this duke, the affairs of France were restored to
+    their former situation, her old schemes were revived, her ancient
+    alliances cultivated, and her general interest pursued. Spain was again
+    considered as the power which had the same views with her, and which
+    could never rival, but might always assist her.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This alliance, my lords, was intended to have been unalterably confirmed
+    by a marriage, but as no human policy can form measures certain of
+    success, an irreconcilable hatred was nearly produced by the measure
+    intended to confirm a settled and indissoluble friendship. The infanta
+    was sent back after her arrival in France, an affront which no nation
+    would soon have forgot, but which the general character and habitual
+    sentiments of the Spaniards inclined them to resent beyond any other
+    people. To any one acquainted with their character in this respect, it
+    will readily appear, that no other insult or injury could so sensibly
+    affect them, or excite so eager a desire of revenge, This, my lords, the
+    sagacity of our minister should have discovered, this opportunity should
+    have been improved with the utmost care, by which Spain and France might
+    possibly have been disunited for ages, and Britain have gained such
+    advantages as would have made her the sole arbitress of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards were not deficient on their side, nor did they neglect to
+    court our friendship, but gave us the highest proof of their confidence
+    by offering us the sole mediation of their differences with the emperour
+    of Germany: but at this time it was, that the gentleman whose conduct I
+    am examining, obtained the chief influence in our councils, and by his
+    peculiar penetration discovered, that nothing was to be done which might
+    give the least offence to the French. We, therefore, refused to mediate,
+    unless French ministers might be associated with ours, which the
+    Spaniards had too much spirit to consent to.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, was neglected the first opportunity of forming against
+    the French an alliance by which they might have been awed in all their
+    designs, and by which the peace of Europe might have been long
+    preserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards, finding that we would not undertake to reconcile their
+    differences with the emperour of Germany, and continuing their
+    abhorrence of French mediators, concluded, without the intervention of
+    any other power, a treaty both of peace and alliance with his imperial
+    majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, was the famous treaty of Vienna, the source of so many
+    projects and expedients, of so much terrour and solicitude, of such
+    immense expenses, and perplexed negotiations. This treaty, a paper
+    innocent and well-meaning, which related only to the contracting
+    parties, kept, for some time, this nation in alarms, in apprehensions of
+    conspiracies, and expectations of invasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this treaty, had we singly regarded our own affairs, without applying
+    to France for instructions, we ought to have acceded, by which we should
+    have divided the interest of the house of Bourbon, broken the
+    combination of these pontifical powers, and, by improving one lucky
+    incident, obtained what our arms and our politicks had never, hitherto,
+    been able to accomplish.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French, sensible of their danger, and well acquainted with our
+    minister, contrived an expedient which, indeed, would not often have
+    succeeded, but which was so well adapted to the intellects of this
+    gentleman, that it extricated them from all their difficulties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They told us, my lords, and, what is yet more wonderful, they prevailed
+    upon us to believe, that in this dreadful treaty of Vienna, it was
+    stipulated between the German emperour and Spain, that they should
+    employ their joint forces against Britain, that they should exalt the
+    pretender to the throne, take immediate possession of Gibraltar, and,
+    without mercy, debar us for ever from our trade both in Spain and in the
+    Western Indies. This his late majesty was advised to assert in his
+    speech from the throne, which I desire may be read.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of which the following clauses were read:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "My lords and gentlemen,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "The distressed condition of some of our religious brethren abroad, and
+    the negotiations and engagements entered into by some foreign powers,
+    which seem to have laid the foundation of new troubles and disturbances
+    in Europe, and to threaten my subjects with the loss of several of the
+    most advantageous branches of their trade, obliged me, without any loss
+    of time, to concert with other powers such measures as might give a
+    check to the ambitious views of those who are endeavouring to render
+    themselves formidable, and put a stop to the farther progress of such
+    dangerous designs. For these ends I have entered into a defensive
+    alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
+    other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
+    and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
+    treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
+    shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
+    many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
+    most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
+    of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
+    hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
+    offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
+    already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
+    whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
+    promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
+    notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
+    received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
+    the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
+    any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
+    abortive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
+    nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
+    happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
+    us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
+    circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
+    strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
+    desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
+    against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
+    measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
+    preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
+    prosperity."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
+    religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
+    reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
+    resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
+    promised to shelter them from the storm?
+</p>
+<p>
+    There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
+    such a representation, would have considered, that Britain was an
+    island, that the pretender could not be forced upon us without an army,
+    and that an army could not be transported without ships, that the
+    emperour of Germany had neither navies nor ports, that Gibraltar might
+    be easily supplied with every thing requisite for its defence, and that
+    any attempt made by Spain to injure our trade, might easily be punished
+    by intercepting their Plate fleets.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They would then have considered whether attempts so improbable, and
+    stipulations so absurd and ridiculous, ought to be credited upon the
+    information of an ambassadour's secretary, who, as he proposed to reveal
+    his master's secrets for a bribe, might as probably take another reward
+    for imposing upon those whom he pretended to inform. Those, therefore,
+    who advised his majesty to assert to the senate what they knew from no
+    better authority, those whose daring insolence could make their
+    sovereign instrumental in alarming the people with false terrours, and
+    oppressing them with unnecessary burdens, well deserve to feel a
+    senatorial censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our ministers, my lords, were too much frighted to make such
+    reflections: they imagined that destruction was hanging over us, and, in
+    a dread of arbitrary government, oppression, and persecution, concluded
+    at Hanover a treaty with the French.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the French gained our confidence, and raised in us a distrust of
+    both the powers with whom it was our interest to be united: but the
+    alliance of the emperour of Germany with Spain made them still uneasy;
+    and, therefore, they determined, once more, to make our credulity
+    instrumental in procuring a reconciliation between them and the
+    Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To effect this, they kindly gave us intelligence, that when the
+    Spaniards should receive their treasures from the Western Indies, they
+    designed to employ it in favour of the pretender, and that, therefore,
+    it was necessary to intercept it. This advice was thankfully listened
+    to, a fleet was fitted out, and thousands were sacrificed without any
+    advantage; for the French not only forbore to assist us in the
+    expedition, but forbade us to seize the treasure when we had found it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards, apprehending themselves attacked, omitted no opportunity
+    of showing their resentment; they seized our ships, and laid siege to
+    Gibraltar, while our new allies looked quietly on, and expected the
+    event of their own scheme, which was far from being defeated by our
+    policy; for the Spaniards, finding the return of their American revenues
+    insuperably obstructed, and knowing that the emperour of Germany, that
+    emperour who was to invade Britain, had not any power even to assist
+    them, were obliged to have recourse to the nation which they then hated,
+    and to forgive the past affront, that they might obtain their good
+    offices in this exigence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it was not sufficient for the designs of the French, that
+    they had recovered their ancient allies the Spaniards, unless they could
+    disunite them from the emperour of Germany: this it was, likewise, our
+    interest to prevent, and yet this, likewise, we enabled them to effect;
+    for they prevailed upon us to promise, in our stipulations with the
+    Spaniards, what they had not the least claim to demand, that Spain,
+    instead of neutral troops, should be introduced into Italy, to secure
+    certain successions there to a son of the queen of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With what reluctance the emperour of Germany would consent to see troops
+    placed in the provinces bordering upon his dominions, which would
+    certainly, on the first occasion, be employed to invade them, it was
+    easy to foresee, and with what degree of good-will he would regard those
+    by whom they were introduced; yet, my lords, such was the influence of
+    France, and so ardent our desire of diverting Spain from setting the
+    pretender upon the throne of Britain, that we complied at all events,
+    without any prospect or promise of advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus were the Spaniards, by being persuaded to make this demand, and we,
+    by granting it, brought equally to ill terms with the emperour of
+    Germany; and France was, by procuring such agreeable conditions to the
+    Spaniards, again considered as their most useful ally.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That nation, my lords, is in a very unhappy state, which is reduced to
+    admit such terms as mediators are pleased to prescribe. We durst not
+    refuse the introduction of Spanish troops, nor durst we introduce them
+    without the emperour of Germany's consent, which, however, he granted at
+    an easy rate, for he demanded only that we should become guarantees of
+    the Pragmatick sanction. This we gladly agreed to, and thought ourselves
+    so happy in purchasing, so cheaply, an opportunity of ingratiating
+    ourselves with Spain, that we desired no other recompense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This treaty with the emperour of Germany, was, however, by no means
+    improper, nor could we, after the errours which had been committed, do
+    any thing more effectual to preserve the balance of Europe, and
+    reestablish our credit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, this only treaty, which it was for our interest to make,
+    seems to have been made without any intention of observing it; for about
+    this time all the northern powers were alarmed by the approaching
+    election of Poland, and every nation that had any thing either to hope
+    or fear from the event of it, endeavoured to influence it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How this election was determined, my lords, and by what means, it is
+    unnecessary to relate; but it may not be improper to remark, that
+    whatever cause we may have to congratulate ourselves upon the choice, it
+    does not appear that we had any part in promoting it. Nay, as it is not
+    common for ministers to keep the best part of their conduct secret,
+    there is reason for suspecting that they were not altogether without
+    foundation reported to have favoured France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The emperour of Germany, sensible of his own interest, promoted the
+    election with vigour and resolution, proportioned to the greatness of
+    the danger that might have arisen from neglecting it. By this conduct he
+    drew upon himself the resentment of the French, who had now a pretence
+    for taking measures which might effectually reunite them to Spain, and,
+    as the event showed, alienate us from the emperour, and, therefore, in
+    vindication of the claim of Stanislaus, declared war upon Germany, in
+    conjunction with Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now, my lords, the emperour learned to set the true value upon his
+    alliance with Britain, and all Europe had an opportunity of remarking
+    our spirit, our power, and our vigilance. The troops which we prevailed
+    upon his imperial majesty to admit into Italy, were now drawn out of the
+    garrisons against him, his dominions were attacked on each side, by
+    formidable enemies, and his British allies looked with tranquillity and
+    unconcern upon the difficulties into which they had betrayed him. The
+    liberties of Europe were endangered by a new combination of the houses
+    of Bourbon; and Britain, the great protectress of the rights of mankind,
+    the great arbitress of the balance of power, either neglected or feared
+    to interpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the event of the war, my lords, I need only observe, that it added
+    new strength to France, and contributed to such an union between her and
+    Spain, as the most artful politician cannot hope to dissolve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, whether by negligence, ignorance, cowardice, or
+    treachery, it is not easy to determine, we were made the instruments of
+    the French policy. Thus was that power enabled by our assistance to
+    retrieve all that she had lost by the ill success of her arms, and by
+    her indecent and contemptuous treatment of Spain. Thus was the German
+    emperour dispirited and weakened; thus were we deprived at once of our
+    allies and our reputation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our loss of reputation, the greatest loss that bad measures can bring
+    upon a nation, is made evident beyond controversy, by the insolence with
+    which the Spaniards have treated us while we were flattering, enriching,
+    and supporting them. While we were fitting out squadrons to convey their
+    princes to Italy, and increasing their dominions at our own expense,
+    they seem to have considered our good offices, not as the benefits of
+    friends, but the drudgery of slaves, and, therefore, could scarcely
+    refrain from insults while they employed us, at least when they no
+    longer wanted our immediate assistance. They renewed their contempt and
+    cruelty, their robberies and oppressions; they prescribed laws to our
+    navigation, and laid claim to our colonies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To these ravages and injuries what did we oppose? What but humble
+    intreaties, pacifick negotiations, and idle remonstrances? Instead of
+    asserting our just claims, and incontestable possessions, instead of
+    preventing war by threatening it, and securing ourselves from a second
+    injury by punishing the first, we amused ourselves with inquiries,
+    demands, representations, and disputes, till we became the jest of that
+    nation which it was in our power to distress, by intercepting their
+    treasure, and to reduce to terms almost without bloodshed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, did we proceed, new questions ever arose, and the
+    controversy became more intricate; commissaries were despatched to
+    Spain, who returned without obtaining either restitution or security,
+    and in the mean time no opportunity was neglected of plundering our
+    merchants, and insulting our flag: accounts of new confiscations and of
+    new cruelties daily arrived, the nation was enraged, and the senate
+    itself alarmed, and our ministers, at length awakened from their
+    tranquillity, sent orders to the envoy at the Spanish court to expedite
+    an accommodation; these directions were immediately obeyed, and produced
+    the celebrated convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What was given up, or what was endangered by this detestable treaty,
+    your lordships have often had occasion to observe, and the consequences
+    of it were so obvious, that the nation was astonished. Every man saw
+    that we were either treacherously betrayed by our own ministry, or that
+    the ministers were almost the only men in the kingdom utterly
+    unacquainted with our claims, our injuries, and our danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A war could now no longer be avoided, it was not in the power of the
+    ministry any longer to refuse to send out our fleets, and make an
+    appearance of hostile measures; but they had still some expedients
+    remaining to shelter the Spaniards from our resentment, and to make
+    their country yet more contemptible: they could contrive such orders for
+    their admirals as should prevent them from destroying their enemies with
+    too little mercy; and if any one was suspected of intentions less
+    pacifick, there were methods of equipping his fleet in such a manner as
+    would effectually frustrate his schemes of revenge, reprisals, and
+    destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are not the murmurs of the disappointed, nor the
+    insinuations of the factious; it is well known to our countrymen and to
+    our enemies, how ill admiral Vernon was furnished with naval and
+    military stores, and how little his importunate demands of a supply were
+    regarded. What opportunities were lost, and what advantages neglected,
+    may be conjectured from the success of his inconsiderable force. A very
+    little reflection on the situation and state of those countries will
+    easily satisfy your lordships, how far a small body of land-forces might
+    have penetrated, what treasures they might have gained, and what
+    consternation they might have spread over the whole Spanish America.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our squadrons in the Mediterranean have been, at least, useless,
+    that they have sailed from point to point, and from one coast to
+    another, only to display the bulk of our ships, and to show the opulence
+    of our nation, can require no proof: I wish, my lords, there was less
+    reason for suspecting that they acted in concert with our enemies, that
+    they retired from before their ports only to give them an opportunity of
+    escaping, and that they, in reality, connived at some attempts which
+    they were, in appearance, sent to prevent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some miscarriages in war, my lords, which every reasonable man
+    imputes to chance, or to causes of which the influence could not be
+    foreseen; there are others that may justly be termed the consequences of
+    misconduct, but of misconduct involuntary and pardonable, of a
+    disregard, perhaps, of some circumstances of an affair produced by too
+    close an attention to others. But there are miscarriages, too, for which
+    candour itself can find no excuses, and of which no other causes can be
+    assigned than cowardice or treachery. From the suspicion of one, the
+    past actions of the admiral who commands our fleet in those seas will
+    secure him, but I know not whether there are now any that will attempt
+    to clear the minister's character from the imputation of the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All the insolence of the Spaniards, a nation by no means formidable, is
+    the consequence of the reunion of the houses of Bourbon; a reunion which
+    could not easily have been accomplished, but by the instrumental
+    offices of our ministry, whom, therefore, the nation has a right to
+    charge with the diminution of its honour, and the decay of its trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor has our trade, my lords, been only contracted and obstructed by the
+    piracies of Spain, but has been suffered to languish and decline at
+    home, either by criminal negligence, or by their complaisance for
+    France, which has given rise to our other calamities. The state of our
+    woollen manufactures is well known, and those whose indolence or love of
+    pleasure keeps them strangers to the other misfortunes of their country,
+    must yet have been acquainted with this, by the daily accounts of riots
+    and insurrections, raised by those who, having been employed in that
+    manufacture, can provide for their families by no other business, and
+    are made desperate by the want of bread.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are told, my lords, by all parties, and told with truth, that our
+    manufactures decline, because the French have engrossed most of the
+    foreign markets; and it is not denied even by those whose interest it
+    might be to' deny it, that the cloth which they ruin us by vending, is
+    made of our own wool, which they are suffered to procure either by the
+    folly of an unskilful, or the connivance of a treacherous
+    administration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our own manufactures, my lords, had been carefully promoted, if the
+    whole influence of our government had been made to cooperate with the
+    industry of our traders, there had always been such a demand for our
+    wool, that they could not have afforded to purchase it at a price
+    equivalent to the danger of exporting it: and if any means were now
+    steadily practised to prevent the exportation, our trade must
+    consequently revive, because cloth is one of the necessaries of life
+    which other nations must have from Britain, when France can no longer
+    supply them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, notwithstanding the decay of trade, our expenses have
+    never been contracted; we have squandered millions in idle preparations,
+    and ostentatious folly; we have equipped fleets which never left the
+    harbour, and raised armies which were never to behold any other enemy
+    than the honest traders and husbandmen that support them. We have,
+    indeed, heard many reasons alleged for oppressing the empire with
+    standing troops, which can have little effect upon those who have no
+    interest to promote by admitting them: sometimes we are in danger of
+    invasions, though it is not easy to imagine for what purpose any prince
+    should invade a nation, which he may plunder at pleasure, without the
+    least apprehension of resentment, and which will resign any of its
+    rights whenever they shall be demanded: sometimes, as we have already
+    heard, the pretender is to be set upon the throne by a sudden descent of
+    armies from the clouds; and sometimes the licentiousness and
+    disobedience of the common people requires the restraint of a standing
+    army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the people are, to the last degree, exasperated and inflamed, I am
+    far from intending to deny, but surely they have yet been guilty of no
+    outrage so enormous as to justify so severe a punishment; they have
+    generally confined themselves to harmless complaints, or, at least, to
+    executions in effigy. The people, my lords, are enraged because they are
+    impoverished, and, to prevent the consequences of their anger, their
+    poverty is increased by new burdens, and aggravated by the sight of an
+    useless, despicable herd, supported by their industry, for no other
+    purpose than to insult them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By these useless armaments and military farces, our taxes, my lords,
+    have been continued without diminishing our debts, and the nation seems
+    condemned to languish for ever under its present miseries, which, by
+    furnishing employment to a boundless number of commissioners, officers,
+    and slaves, to the court, under a thousand denominations, by diffusing
+    dependence over the whole country, and enlarging the influence of the
+    crown, are too evidently of use to the minister for us to entertain any
+    hopes of his intention to relieve us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be boasted that nine millions are paid, when a new debt of
+    seven millions appears to be contracted; nothing is more easy than to
+    clear debts by borrowing, or to borrow when a nation is mortgaged for
+    the payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the weight of the present taxes, my lords, though heavier than was
+    perhaps ever supported by any nation for so long a time, taxes greater
+    than ever were paid, to purchase neither conquests nor honours, neither
+    to prevent invasions from abroad, nor to quell rebellions at home, is
+    not the most flagrant charge of this wonderful administration, which,
+    not contented with most exorbitant exactions, contrives to make them yet
+    more oppressive by tyrannical methods of collection. With what reason
+    the author of the excise scheme dreads the resentment of the nation is
+    sufficiently obvious; but surely, in a virtuous and benevolent mind, the
+    first sentiments that would have arisen on that occasion, would not have
+    been motions of anger, but of gratitude. A whole nation was condemned to
+    slavery, their remonstrances were neglected, their petitions ridiculed,
+    and their detestation of tyranny treated as disaffection to the
+    established government; and yet the author of this horrid scheme riots
+    in affluence, and triumphs in authority, and without fear, as without
+    shame, lifts up his head with confidence and security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much, my lords, is the forbearance of that people to be admired,
+    whom such attacks as these have not provoked to transgress the bounds of
+    their obedience, who have continued patiently to hope for legal methods
+    of redress, at a time when they saw themselves threatened with legal
+    slavery, when they saw the legislative power established only for their
+    protection, influenced by all possible methods of corruption to betray
+    them to the mercy of the ministry?
+</p>
+<p>
+    For, that corruption has found its way into one of the houses of the
+    legislature, is universally believed, and, without scruple, maintained
+    by every man in the nation, who is not evidently restrained from
+    speaking as he thinks; and that any man can even be of a different
+    opinion, that any man can even affirm that he thinks otherwise, would
+    be, in any other age, the subject of astonishment. That an immense
+    revenue is divided among the members of the other house, by known
+    salaries and publick employments, is apparent; that large sums are
+    privately scattered on pressing exigencies, that some late transactions
+    of the ministry were not confirmed but at a high price, the present
+    condition of the civil list, a civil list vastly superiour to all the
+    known expenses of the crown, makes highly probable. That the commons
+    themselves suspect the determinations of their assembly to be influenced
+    by some other motives than justice and truth, is evident from the bill
+    this day sent hither for our concurrence; and, surely, no aggravation
+    can be added to the crimes of that man who has patronised our enemies,
+    and given up our navigation, sunk his country into contempt abroad, and
+    into poverty at home, plundered the people, and corrupted the
+    legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the minister has not only contributed, by his wickedness
+    or his ignorance, to the present calamities, but has applied all his art
+    and all his interest to remove from posts of honour and trust, to banish
+    from the court, and to exclude from the legislature all those whose
+    counsels might contribute to restore the publick affairs, without any
+    regard to the popularity of their characters, the usefulness of their
+    talents, or the importance of their past services to the crown. Had any
+    of these considerations prevailed, we had not seen the greatest general
+    in Britain dispossessed of all his preferments, dispossessed at a time
+    when we are at war with one nation, and in expectation of being attacked
+    by another far more powerful, which will, doubtless, be encouraged, by
+    his removal, to more daring contempt, and more vigorous measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What were the motives of this procedure it is easy to discover. As his
+    open defence of the present royal family in the late rebellion, exempts
+    him from the imputation of being disaffected to the crown, the only
+    crime with which he can be charged is disaffection to the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps, my lords, the minister may have determined to have no need of
+    generals in his transactions with foreign powers; but in proportion as
+    he relies less upon the sword, he must depend more upon the arts of
+    peaceable negotiation, and, surely, there has been another person
+    dismissed from his employments, whose counsels it had been no reproach
+    to have asked, and to have followed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The nature of my motion, my lords, makes it not necessary to produce
+    evidence of these facts, it is sufficient that any minister is
+    universally suspected; for when did an innocent man, supported by power,
+    and furnished with every advantage that could contribute to exalt or
+    preserve his character, incur the general hatred of the people? But if
+    it could ever happen by a combination of unlucky accidents, what could
+    be more for the happiness of himself, his master, and the nation, than
+    that he should retire and enjoy the consciousness of his own virtue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His own interest, in such a retirement, I have already considered, and
+    that both of the prince and the people is no less apparent: while a
+    hated minister is employed, the king will always be distrusted by the
+    nation, and, surely, nothing can so much obstruct the publick happiness,
+    as a want of confidence in those who are intrusted with its
+    preservation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That common fame is, in this case, sufficient, will not be questioned,
+    when it is considered that common fame is never without a foundation in
+    facts, that it may spread disquiet and suspicion over all the kingdom,
+    and that the satisfaction of millions is very cheaply purchased by the
+    degradation of one man, who was exalted only for their benefit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The objection, that there is no sole minister, will create no greater
+    difficulty; if there be many concerned in these transactions,
+    <i>respondeat superior:</i> but it is too apparent that there is, in reality,
+    one whose influence is greater than that of any other private man, and
+    who is arrived at a height not consistent with the nature of the British
+    government; it is uncontested that there is one man to whom the people
+    impute their miseries, and by whose removal they will be appeased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The affairs of Europe, my lords, will probably be so much embarrassed,
+    and the struggles between the different designs of its princes be so
+    violent, that they will demand all our attention, and employ all our
+    address, and it will be to the highest degree dangerous to be distracted
+    at the same time with apprehensions of domestick troubles; yet, such is
+    the present unhappy state of this nation, and such is the general
+    discontent of the people, that tranquillity, adherence to the
+    government, and submission to the laws, cannot reasonably be hoped,
+    unless the motion I shall now take leave to make your lordships, be
+    complied with: and I move, "That an humble address be presented to his
+    majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that he will be
+    most graciously pleased to remove the right honourable sir Robert
+    WALPOLE, knight of the most noble order of the blue riband, first
+    commissioner of his majesty's treasury, and chancellor of the exchequer,
+    and one of his majesty's most honourable privy council, from his
+    majesty's presence and councils for ever."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by lord ABINGDON in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, the
+    copiousness and perspicuity with which the noble lord has laid down the
+    reasons of his motion, make it neither easy nor necessary to enlarge
+    upon them. I shall, therefore, only offer to your lordships a few
+    thoughts upon the authority of common fame, as the evidence upon which
+    the motion is in part founded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That all the miscarriages of our late measures are by common fame
+    imputed to one man, I suppose, will not be denied; nor can it, in my
+    opinion, be reasonably required, that in the present circumstances of
+    things any other proof should be brought against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame, my lords, is admitted in courts of law as a kind of
+    auxiliary or supplemental evidence, and is allowed to corroborate the
+    cause which it appears to favour. The general regard which every wise
+    man has for his character, is a proof that in the estimation of all
+    mankind, the testimony of common fame is of too great importance to be
+    disregarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider the nature of popular opinions on publick affairs, it
+    will be difficult to imagine by what means a persuasion not founded on
+    truth should universally take possession of a people; it will be yet
+    more difficult to believe that it should preserve its empire, and that
+    in opposition to every art that can be made use of to undeceive them,
+    they should pertinaciously adhere to an errour not imbibed in their
+    education, nor connected with their interest. And how has any man been
+    originally prejudiced against the present minister? Or what passion or
+    interest can any man gratify, by imagining or declaring his country on
+    the verge of ruin? The multitude, my lords, censure and praise without
+    dissimulation, nor were ever accused of disguising their sentiments;
+    their voice is, at least, the voice of honesty, and has been termed the
+    voice of heaven, by that party of which those affect to be thought whom
+    it now condemns.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be urged, that the people are easily deceived, that they
+    think and speak merely by caprice, and applaud or condemn without any
+    calm inquiry or settled determination; these censures are applicable
+    only to sudden tumults, and gusts of zeal excited by fallacious
+    appearances, or by the alarms of a false report industriously
+    disseminated, but have no relation to opinions gradually propagated, and
+    slowly received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the credulity of the people exposes them to so easy an admission of
+    every report, why have the writers for the minister found so little
+    credit? Why have all the loud declamations, and the laboured arguments,
+    the artful insinuations, and positive assertions, which have been for
+    many years circulated round the nation, at the expense of the
+    government, produced no effect upon the people, nor convinced any man,
+    who was not apparently bribed, to resign his private opinion to that of
+    his patrons? Whence comes it, my lords, that falsehood is more
+    successful than truth, and that the nation is inclined to complain
+    rather than to triumph? It is well known that the people have been
+    charged in all former ages, with being too much dazzled by the glitter
+    of fortune, and the splendour of success, and bestowing their applauses
+    not according to the degrees of merit, but prosperity. The minister, my
+    lords, has defeated his opponents in almost all their attempts; his
+    friends have sounded victory every session, and yet the people declare
+    against him; his adversaries have retired into the country with all the
+    vexation of disappointment, and have been rewarded for their
+    unsuccessful efforts with general acclamations. What is it, my lords,
+    but the power of truth, that can preserve the vanquished from ridicule,
+    and influence the nation to believe them the only patrons of their
+    commerce and liberty, in opposition to all the writers and voters for
+    the ministry?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consult history, my lords, how seldom do we find an innocent
+    minister overwhelmed with infamy? Innocent men have sometimes been
+    destroyed by the hasty fury, but scarcely ever by the settled hatred of
+    the populace. Even that fury has generally been kindled by real
+    grievances, though imputed to those who had no share in producing them;
+    but when the tempest of their first rage has subsided, they have seldom
+    refused to hear truth, and to distinguish the patriot from the
+    oppressor.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though it should be acknowledged, my lords, that the people have
+    been blinded by false representations, and that some causes yet
+    undiscovered, some influence which never has been known to operate in
+    any state before, hinder them from beholding their own felicity; yet, as
+    publick happiness is the end of government, and no man can be happy that
+    thinks himself miserable, it is, in my opinion, necessary to the honour
+    of his majesty, and to the tranquillity of the nation, that your
+    lordships should agree to the present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of NEWCASTLE answered to this effect:&mdash;My lords, it is not
+    without wonder that I hear a motion so uncommon and important, a motion
+    which may be reasonably supposed to have been long premeditated, and of
+    which such affecting expectations have been raised, so weakly supported
+    by evidence. I cannot think that any other attestation is needful for
+    the vindication of the right honourable gentleman, whose conduct is this
+    day to be examined, than the declaration of the noble lord, that there
+    appears no positive evidence against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pretence that no evidence can be expected while he continues in his
+    present station, is too openly fallacious to impose upon your lordships;
+    for why should his influence be greater, and his power less resistible
+    than that of other ministers, who are well known to have found accusers
+    in the height of their authority, and to have been dragged to punishment
+    almost from behind the throne?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is sufficiently known, that during the continuance of this
+    administration, many have been dismissed from their employments, who
+    appear not altogether unaffected with the loss, and from whose
+    resentment a discovery of wicked measures might be reasonably expected,
+    as their acquaintance with the secrets of the government must have given
+    opportunities of detecting them. If, therefore, no particular crimes are
+    charged upon him, if his enemies confine themselves to obscure surmises,
+    and general declamations, we may reasonably conclude, that his behaviour
+    has been at least blameless. For what can be a higher encomium than the
+    silence of those who have made it the business of years to discover
+    something that might be alleged against him on the day of trial.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I suppose that no man can question the penetration of those noble lords
+    who have opened this debate, and I, my lords, shall be very far from
+    insinuating that cowardice suppresses any of their sentiments. As the
+    highest reproach that can be thrown upon any man, is to suggest that he
+    speaks what he does not think; the next degree of meanness would be to
+    think what he dares not speak, when the publick voice of his country
+    calls upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, popular reports are alleged as the foundation of the
+    address, it is probable that it is not founded, in reality, upon known
+    crimes or attested facts, and if the sudden blasts of fame may be
+    esteemed equivalent to attested accusations, what degree of virtue can
+    confer security?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the clamour is so loud and so general as it is represented, I can
+    discover no necessity of admitting; but, however the populace may have
+    been exasperated against him, we are surely not to be influenced by
+    their complaints, without inquiring into the cause of them, and
+    informing ourselves whether they proceed from real hardships,
+    unnecessary severities, and calamities too heavy to be borne, or from
+    caprice, and inconstancy, idle rumours, and artful representations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I very readily allow, my lords, that nothing has been left unattempted
+    that might fill the people with suspicion and discontent. That
+    inevitable calamities have been imputed to misconduct, or to treachery,
+    and even the inconstancy of the winds and severity of the weather
+    charged upon the right honourable gentleman, the daily libels that are
+    in every man's hand, are a standing evidence; and though I should grant
+    that the people never complain without cause, and that their burdens are
+    always heavy before they endeavour to shake them off, yet it will by no
+    means follow, that they do not sometimes mistake the cause of their
+    miseries, and impute their burdens to the cruelty of those whose utmost
+    application is employed to lighten them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame is, therefore, my lords, no sufficient ground for such a
+    censure as this, a censure that condemns a man long versed in high
+    employments, long honoured with the confidence of his sovereign, and
+    distinguished by the friendship of the most illustrious persons in the
+    nation, to infamy and contempt, unheard, and even unaccused; for he
+    against whom nothing is produced but general charges, supported by the
+    evidence of common fame, may be justly esteemed to be free from
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That other evidence will appear against him when he shall be reduced, in
+    consequence of our agreeing to this motion, to the level with his
+    fellow-subjects, that all informations are now precluded by the terrours
+    of resentment, or the expectations of favour, has been insinuated by the
+    noble lord, who made the motion: whether his insinuation be founded only
+    upon conjecture, whether it be one of those visions which are raised by
+    hope in a warm imagination, or upon any private informations
+    communicated to his lordship, I pretend not to determine; but if we may
+    judge from the known conduct of the opposition, if we consider their
+    frequent triumphs before the battle, and their chimerical schemes of
+    discoveries, or prosecutions and punishments, their constant assurance
+    of success upon the approach of a new contest, and their daily
+    predictions of the ruin of the administration, we cannot but suspect
+    that men so long accustomed to impose upon themselves, and flatter one
+    another with fallacious hopes, may now, likewise, be dreaming of
+    intelligence which they never will receive, and amusing themselves with
+    suspicions which they have no reasonable expectation of seeing
+    confirmed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And to confess the truth, my lords, if I may be allowed, in imitation of
+    these patrons of their country, to indulge my own imagination, and
+    presume to look forward to the future conduct of those who have exerted
+    such unwearied industry in their attempts upon the administration, and
+    so long pursued the right honourable gentleman with inquiries,
+    examinations, rhetorick, and ridicule, I cannot but find myself inclined
+    to question whether, after their motion shall have been received in this
+    house, and their petition granted by his majesty, they will very
+    solicitously inquire after evidence, or be equally diligent in the
+    discovery of truth, as in the persecution of the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am afraid, my lords, that they will be too deeply engaged in the care
+    of making a dividend of the plunder in just proportions, to find leisure
+    for pursuit of the enemy, and that the sight of vacant posts, large
+    salaries, and extensive power, will revive some passions, which the love
+    of their country has not yet wholly extinguished, and leave in their
+    attention no room for deep reflections, and intricate inquiries. There
+    have formerly, my lords, been patriots, who, upon a sudden advancement
+    to a place of profit, have been immediately lulled into tranquillity,
+    learned to repose an implicit confidence in the ministers, forgotten to
+    harangue, threaten, inquire, and protest, and spent the remaining part
+    of their lives in the harmless amusement of counting their salaries,
+    perquisites, and gratuities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How great, my lords, would be the disappointment of the people, that
+    unhappy people which has been long neglected and oppressed, which so
+    justly detests the minister, and calls so loudly for vengeance, when
+    they shall see their defenders remit the vigour of the pursuit, when
+    once the minister flies before them, and instead of driving him into
+    exile, contend about his places!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Unhappy then surely, my lords, would the nation be: the administration,
+    we are told, is already universally abhorred, and its hope is only in
+    the opposition; but should the zeal of the patriots once grow cold,
+    should they discover to the publick, that they have been labouring not
+    for general liberty, but for private advantage; that they were enemies
+    to power only because it was not in their hands; and disapproved the
+    measures of the government only because they were not consulted; how
+    inevitably must the people then sink into despair; how certain must they
+    then imagine their destruction?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, my lords, equally prudent and just to reject this
+    motion, till better proof shall be brought to support it; lest, by
+    complying with it, we should heighten rather than appease the discontent
+    of the people; lest we should too soon deprive them of their only
+    consolation, and expose the patriots to censure, without vindicating the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In my opinion, my lords, all who have approved the conduct of the
+    present ministry, must necessarily join in rejecting the motion, as
+    cruel and unequitable, and incline to support a just, and continue a
+    wise administration; and all those whom the restless clamours of the
+    opposite party have persuaded to regard them as arbitrary, corrupt, and
+    perfidious, must, if they are true friends to their country, and steady
+    exacters of justice, resolve to defer their compliance, in order to
+    bring to light the evidences necessary for a legal conviction, and
+    severer punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these evidences will never be found, and that, therefore, no legal
+    punishment will ever be inflicted, we may reasonably collect from the
+    injustice of the laboured charge which your lordships have now heard; a
+    charge drawn up with all the assistance of senatorial and political
+    knowledge, and displayed with all the power of eloquence, a collection
+    of every occurrence for many years, of which any circumstance could be
+    shown in an unfavourable light, and a recapitulation of all the measures
+    which have miscarried by unforeseen events, or which the populace have
+    been persuaded to dislike.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the administration of governments, my lords, many measures reasonable
+    and just, planned out in pursuance of a very exact knowledge of the
+    state of things then present, and very probable conjectures concerning
+    future events, have yet failed to produce the success which was
+    expected; they have been sometimes defeated by the inconstancy or
+    dishonesty of those who are equally engaged in them, and sometimes
+    frustrated by accidents, of which only providence has the disposal. It
+    will even be allowed, my lords, that the ministry have been sometimes
+    mistaken in their conjectures, and, perhaps, deceived by their
+    intelligence, but I will presume to say, it never will be discovered
+    that they willingly betrayed, or heedlessly neglected their trust, that
+    they ever oppressed their country with unnecessary burdens, or exposed
+    it to be insulted by foreign powers. Nor will it, perhaps, be found that
+    they ever appeared grossly ignorant of the publick interest, or failed
+    to discover any obvious truth, or foresee any probable contingencies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, I am willing to confess that they cannot judge of events
+    to come with such unerring and demonstrative knowledge as their
+    opponents can obtain of them after they have happened; and they are
+    inclined to pay all necessary deference to the great sagacity of those
+    wonderful prognosticators, who can so exactly <i>foresee</i> the <i>past</i>. They
+    only hope, my lords, that you will consider how much harder their task
+    is than that of their enemies; they are obliged to determine very often
+    upon doubtful intelligence, and an obscure view of the designs and
+    inclinations of the neighbouring powers; and as their informers may be
+    either treacherous or mistaken, and the interests of other states are
+    subject to alterations, they may be sometimes deceived and disappointed.
+    But their opponents, my lords, are exempt, by their employment, from the
+    laborious task of searching into futurity, and collecting their
+    resolutions, from a long comparison of dark hints and minute
+    circumstances. Their business is not to lead or show the way, but to
+    follow at a distance, and ridicule the perplexity, and aggravate the
+    mistakes of their guides. They are only to wait for consequences, which,
+    if they are prosperous, they misrepresent as not intended, or pass over
+    in silence, and are glad to hide them from the notice of mankind. But if
+    any miscarriages arise, their penetration immediately awakes, they see,
+    at the first glance, the fatal source of all our miseries, they are
+    astonished at such a concatenation of blunders, and alarmed with the
+    most distracting apprehensions of the danger of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Accusation of political measures is an easy province; easy, my lords, in
+    the same proportion as the administration of affairs is difficult; for
+    where there are difficulties there will be some mistakes; and where
+    there are mistakes, there will be occasions of triumph, to the factious
+    and the disappointed. But the justice of your lordships will certainly
+    distinguish between errours and crimes, and between errours of weakness
+    and inability, and such as are only discoverable by consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I may add, my lords, that your wisdom will easily find the difference
+    between the degree of capacity requisite for recollecting the past, and
+    foreknowing the future; and expect that those whose ambition incites
+    them to endeavour after a share in the government of their country,
+    should give better proofs of their qualifications for that high trust,
+    than mere specimens of their memory, their rhetorick, or their malice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even the noble lord, who must be confessed to have shown a very
+    extensive acquaintance with foreign affairs, and to have very accurately
+    considered the interests and dispositions of the princes of Europe, has
+    yet failed in the order of time, and by one errour very much invalidated
+    his charge of misconduct in foreign affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Vienna, my lords, was not produced by the rejection of the
+    infanta, unless a treaty that was made before it could be the
+    consequence of it; so that there was no such opportunity thrown into our
+    hands as the noble lord has been pleased to represent. Spain had
+    discovered herself our enemy, and our enemy in the highest degree,
+    before the French provoked her by that insult; and, therefore, how much
+    soever she might be enraged against France, there was no prospect that
+    she would favour us, nor could we have courted her alliance without the
+    lowest degree of meanness and dishonour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    See then, my lords, this atrocious accusation founded upon false dates,
+    upon a preposterous arrangement of occurrences; behold it vanish into
+    smoke at the approach of truth, and let this instance convince us how
+    easy it is to form chimerical blunders, and impute gross follies to the
+    wisest administration; how easy it is to charge others with mistakes and
+    how difficult to avoid them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But we are told, my lords, that the dangers of the confederacy at Vienna
+    were merely imaginary, that no contract was made to the disadvantage of
+    our dominions, or of our commerce, and that if the weakness of the
+    Spaniards and Germans had contrived such a scheme, it would soon have
+    been discovered by them to be an airy dream, a plan impossible to be
+    reduced to execution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been amused, my lords, on this occasion with great profusion of
+    mirth and ridicule, and have received the consolation of hearing that
+    Britain is an island, and that an island is not to be invaded without
+    ships. We have been informed of the nature of the king's territories,
+    and of the natural strength of the fortress of Gibraltar; but the noble
+    lord forgot that though Britain has no dominions on the continent, yet
+    our sovereign has there a very extensive country, which, though we are
+    not to make war for the sake of strengthening or enlarging it, we are,
+    surely, to defend when we have drawn an invasion upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The weakness of the Spaniards, my lords, has been also much enlarged
+    upon, but the strength of the jacobites at home has been passed over in
+    silence, though it is apparent how easily the pretender might have
+    landed here, and with what warmth his cause would have been espoused,
+    not only by those whose religion avowed and professed makes them the
+    enemies of the present royal family, but by many whom prospects of
+    interest, the love of novelty, and rage of disappointment, might have
+    inclined to a change.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no such stipulations were made by that treaty, that no injury was
+    intended to our commerce, nor any invasion proposed in favour of the
+    pretender, are very bold assertions, and though they could be supported
+    by all the evidence that negatives admit of, yet will not easily be
+    believed by your lordships, in opposition to the solemn assurances of
+    his late majesty. It is evident, from this instance, how much prejudice
+    prevails over argument; they are ready to condemn the right honourable
+    gentleman to whom they give the title of sole minister, upon the
+    suffrage of common fame, yet will not acquit him upon the testimony of
+    the king himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the arguments alleged to prove the improbability of such
+    a confederacy, are so weak in themselves, that they require no such
+    illustrious evidence to overbalance them. For upon what are they
+    founded, but upon the impossibility of executing such designs?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, how differently different parties consider
+    the same cause, the same designs, and the same state of affairs. Every
+    man is partial in favour of his own equity, strength, and sagacity. Who
+    can show that the same false opinion of their own power, and of our
+    intestine divisions, which now prompts the Spaniards to contend with us,
+    might not then incite them to invade us, or at least to countenance the
+    attempts of one, whom they are industriously taught to believe the
+    greatest part of the nation is ready to receive?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That they might have injured our trade is too evident from our present
+    experience, and that they would have supported the Ostend company, which
+    they espoused in an open manner, is undeniable. Nor is it in the least
+    unlikely, that, elated with the certain power of doing much mischief,
+    and with the imaginary prospects of far greater effects, they might
+    engage in a confederacy, and farther attempts against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far from imagining, my lords, that it was in the power of the
+    Germans and Spaniards united to force the pretender upon us, though we
+    had stood alone against them; but the impossibility of succeeding in
+    their design was not then so apparent to them as it is at present to us;
+    they had many reasons to wish, and therefore would not be long without
+    some to believe it practicable; and it was not the danger but the insult
+    that determined his late majesty to enter into an alliance with France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    War, my lords, is always to be avoided, if the possessions and
+    reputation of a people can be preserved without it; it was, therefore,
+    more eligible to oblige them to lay aside their scheme while it was yet
+    only in idea, than to defeat it in its execution. And an alliance with
+    France effectually restrained the emperour, as our fleets in America
+    reduced the Spaniards to desire peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we did not seize the cargo of the galleons, has been often asked,
+    and as often such answers have been returned as ought to satisfy any
+    rational examiner. We did not seize them, my lords, because a larger
+    part belonged to other nations than to the Spaniards, and because the
+    interests of our trade made it convenient not to exasperate the
+    Spaniards, so far as to render a reconciliation very difficult.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the terms of this reconciliation, my lords, it is charged upon the
+    ministry, that they were guilty of contributing to the power of the
+    house of Bourbon, by stipulating that Spain, instead of neutral troops,
+    should be introduced into Italy. That those troops were less agreeable
+    to the emperour cannot be denied, but it has already been shown how
+    little reason we had to consult his satisfaction; and with regard to the
+    advantages gained by the French and Spaniards in the late war, a very
+    small part of them can be ascribed to six thousand troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With as little reason, my lords, is the charge advanced of neglecting to
+    preserve the balance of Europe, by declining to assist the emperour
+    against the French; for the intention of the war seems to have been
+    rather revenge than conquest, and the emperour rather exchanged than
+    lost his dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we declined engaging too far in the affairs of the continent,
+    proceeded, my lords, from a regard to the trade of the nation, which is
+    not only suspended and interrupted during the time of war, but often
+    thrown into another channel, out of which it is the business of many
+    years to recover it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have the ministry, my lords, deviated from their regard to trade, in
+    their transactions with Spain, which have been the subject of so much
+    clamour, and such pathetick declamations; they always knew what the
+    nation now feels, that the merchants would suffer much more from a war
+    than from piracies and depredations, which, however, they were far from
+    submitting to, and for which they constantly made demands of
+    satisfaction. To these demands they received such answers, as, if they
+    had been sincere, would have left the nation no room to complain; but
+    when it was discovered that nothing but verbal satisfaction was to be
+    expected, the security of our trade, and the honour of our country,
+    demanded that war should be declared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The conduct of the war, my lords, has been frequently the subject of
+    censure; we are told of the inactivity of one fleet, and the imperfect
+    equipment of another, the escape of our enemies, and the interception of
+    our trading ships. War, my lords, is confessed to be uncertain, and ill
+    success is not always the consequence of bad measures: naval wars are by
+    the nature of the element on which they are to be conducted, more
+    uncertain than any other; so that, though it cannot but be suspected
+    that the common people will murmur at any disappointment, call every
+    misfortune a crime, and think themselves betrayed by the ministry, if
+    Spain is not reduced in a single summer, it might be reasonably hoped,
+    that men enlightened by a long familiarity with the accounts of past,
+    and instructed by personal experience in national transactions, will
+    produce stronger arguments than want of success, when they charge the
+    ministry with misconduct in war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, they have not any misfortunes to complain of; nor is the
+    accusation, that we have been defeated ourselves, but that we have not
+    enough molested our enemies. Of this, my lords, it is not easy to judge,
+    at a distance from the scene of action, and without a more accurate
+    knowledge of a thousand minute circumstances, which may promote or
+    retard a naval expedition. It is undoubtedly true, my lords, that many
+    of our merchant ships have been taken by the enemy; but it is not
+    certain that they do not murmur equally that they have been obstructed
+    in their commerce, and have been so little able to interrupt ours, since
+    they have so many advantages from the situation of their coasts. When we
+    reckon those that are lost, let us not forget to number those that have
+    escaped. If admiral Vernon's fleet was ill provided with arms and
+    ammunition, even then, let all censure be suspended till it can be
+    proved that it was ill furnished by the fault of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more common, my lords, in all naval wars, than sudden changes
+    of fortune; for on many occasions an accidental gust of wind, or
+    unexpected darkness of the weather, may destroy or preserve a fleet from
+    destruction, or may make the most formidable armaments absolutely
+    useless; and in the present disposition of some people towards the
+    ministry, I should not wonder to hear an alteration of wind charged upon
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what objections may they not expect, my lords, when all the
+    disadvantages which the nation suffers from the enemies of his majesty,
+    are imputed to them; when daily endeavours are used to make them
+    suspected of favouring arbitrary power, for maintaining an army which
+    nothing has made necessary but the struggles of those men whose
+    principles have no other tendency than to enslave their country. Let not
+    our domestick animosities be kept alive and fomented by a constant
+    opposition to every design of the administration, nor our foreign
+    enemies incited by the observation of our divisions, to treat us with
+    insolence, interrupt our trade, prescribe bounds to our dominions, and
+    threaten us with invasions&mdash;and the army may safely be disbanded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the ministry, my lords, are not conscious of having consulted any
+    thing but the happiness of the nation, and have, therefore, no
+    apprehensions of publick resentment, nor want the protection of an armed
+    force. They desire only the support of the laws, and to them they
+    willingly appeal from common fame and unequitable charges.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I mention the ministry, my lords, because I am unacquainted with any man
+    who either claims or possesses the power or title of sole minister. I
+    own, in my province, no superiour but his majesty, and am willing and
+    ready to answer any charge which relates to that part of the publick
+    business which I have had the honour to transact or direct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A great part of what I have now offered was, therefore, no otherwise
+    necessary on the present occasion, than because silence might have
+    appeared like a consciousness of misconduct, and have afforded a new
+    subject of airy triumph to the enemies of the administration; for very
+    few of the transactions which have been so severely censured, fell under
+    the particular inspection of the right honourable gentleman against whom
+    the motion is levelled; he was not otherwise concerned in counselling or
+    in ratifying, than as one of his majesty's privy council; and,
+    therefore, though they should be defective, I do not see how it is
+    reasonable or just, that he should be singled out from the rest for
+    disgrace or punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, therefore, my lords, appears to me neither founded on facts,
+    nor law, nor reason, nor any better grounds than popular caprice, and
+    private malevolence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it is contrary to law to punish without proof; if it is not agreeable
+    to reason that one should be censured for the offences of another; if it
+    is necessary that some crime should be proved before any man can suffer
+    as a criminal, then, my lords, I am convinced that your lordships will
+    be unanimous in rejecting the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE spoke next, as follows:&mdash;My lords, if we will
+    obstinately shut our eyes against the light of conviction; if we will
+    resolutely admit every degree of evidence that contributes to support
+    the cause which we are inclined to favour, and to reject the plainest
+    proofs when they are produced against it, to reason and debate is to
+    little purpose: as no innocence can be safe that has incurred the
+    displeasure of partial judges, so no criminal that has the happiness of
+    being favoured by them, can ever be in danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any lord has already determined how to vote on the present
+    occasion, far be it from me to assert: may it never, my lords, be
+    suspected that private interest, blind adherence to a party, personal
+    kindness or malevolence, or any other motive than a sincere and
+    unmingled regard for the prosperity of our country, influences the
+    decisions of this assembly; for it is well known, my lords, that
+    authority is founded on opinion; when once we lose the esteem of the
+    publick, our votes, while we shall be allowed to give them, will be only
+    empty sounds, to which no other regard will be paid than a standing army
+    shall enforce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The veneration of the people, my lords, will not easily be lost: this
+    house has a kind of hereditary claim to their confidence and respect;
+    the great actions of our ancestors are remembered, and contribute to the
+    reputation of their successours; nor do our countrymen willingly suspect
+    that they can be betrayed by the descendants of those, by whose bravery
+    and counsels they have been rescued from destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But esteem must languish, and confidence decline, unless they are
+    renewed and reanimated by new acts of beneficence; and the higher
+    expectations the nation may have formed of our penetration to discover
+    its real advantages, and of our steadiness to pursue them, the more
+    violent will be its resentment, if it shall appear, on this important
+    question, that we are either ignorant or timorous, that we are
+    unconcerned at the miseries of the people, or content ourselves with
+    pitying what our ancestors never failed to redress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, for our own interest, attend impartially to
+    the voice of the people; let us hear their complaints with tenderness,
+    and if, at last, we reject them, let it be evident that they were
+    impartially heard, and that we only differed from them because we were
+    not convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even then, my lords, we shall suffer, for some time, under the suspicion
+    of crimes, from which I hope we shall always be free; the people will
+    imagine that we were influenced by those whose interest it appears to
+    continue their miseries, and, my lords, all the consolation that will be
+    left us, must arise from the consciousness of having done our duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, this is to suppose what I believe no history can furnish
+    an example of; it is to conceive that we may inquire diligently after
+    the true state of national affairs, and yet not discover it, or not be
+    able to prove it by such evidence as may satisfy the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people, my lords, however they are misrepresented by those who, from
+    a long practice of treating them with disregard, have learned to think
+    and speak of them with contempt, are far from being easily deceived, and
+    yet farther from being easily deceived into an opinion of their own
+    unhappiness: we have some instances of general satisfaction, and an
+    unshaken affection to the government, in times when the publick good has
+    not been very diligently consulted, but scarcely any of perpetual
+    murmurs and universal discontent, where there have been plain evidences
+    of oppression, negligence, or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not, therefore, my lords, think of the people as of a herd to be
+    led or driven at pleasure, as wretches whose opinions are founded upon
+    the authority of seditious scribblers, or upon any other than that of
+    reason and experience; let us not suffer them to be at once oppressed
+    and ridiculed, nor encourage, by our example, the wretched advocates for
+    those whom they consider as their enemies, nor represent them as
+    imputing to the misconduct of the ministry the late contrariety of the
+    winds, and severity of the winter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people, my lords, if they are mistaken in their charge, are mistaken
+    with such evidence on their side, as never misled any nation before; not
+    only their reason but their senses must have betrayed them; and those
+    marks of certainty that have hitherto established truth, must have
+    combined in the support of falsehood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They are persuaded, my lords, too firmly persuaded, to yield up their
+    opinions to rhetorick, or to votes, or any proof but demonstration, that
+    there is a <i>first</i>, or, to speak in the language of the nation, a <i>sole</i>
+    minister, one that has the possession of his sovereign's confidence, and
+    the power of excluding others from his presence, one that exalts and
+    degrades at his pleasure, and distributes, for his own purposes, the
+    revenues of his master, and the treasure of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this, my lords, can it be maintained that they have no proof? Can
+    this be termed a chimerical suspicion, which nothing can be produced to
+    support? How can power appear but by the exercise of it? What can prove
+    any degree of influence or authority, but universal submission and
+    acknowledgment? And surely, my lords, a very transient survey of the
+    court and its dependents, must afford sufficient conviction, that this
+    man is considered by all that are engaged in the administration, as the
+    only disposer of honours, favours, and employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Attend to any man, my lords, who has lately been preferred, rewarded, or
+    caressed, you will hear no expressions of gratitude but to that <i>man</i>;
+    no other benefactor is ever heard of, the royal bounty itself is
+    forgotten and unmentioned, nor is any return of loyalty, fidelity, or
+    adherence professed, but to the minister; the minister! a term which,
+    however lately introduced, is now in use in every place in the kingdom,
+    except this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Preferments, my lords, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military, are
+    either wholly in his hands, or those who make it the business of their
+    lives to discover the high road to promotion, are universally deceived,
+    and are daily offering their adorations to an empty phantom that has
+    nothing to bestow; for, no sooner is any man infected with avarice or
+    ambition, no sooner is extravagance reduced to beg new supplies from the
+    publick, or wickedness obliged to seek for shelter, than this man is
+    applied to, and honour, conscience, and fortune offered at his feet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did either those whose studies and station give them a claim to
+    advancement in the church, or those whose bravery and long service
+    entitle them to more honourable posts in the army; did either those who
+    profess to understand the laws of their own country, or they who declare
+    themselves versed in the interests and transactions of foreign powers,
+    apply to any other man for promotion or employment, he might then,
+    indeed, be called the <i>chief</i>, but not properly the <i>sole</i> minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is well known, my lords; many of us know it too well, that
+    whatever be the profession or the abilities of any person, there is no
+    hope of encouragement or reward by any other method than that of
+    application to this man, that he shall certainly be disappointed who
+    shall attempt to rise by any other interest, and whoever shall dare to
+    depend on his honesty, bravery, diligence, or capacity, or to boast any
+    other merit than that of implicit adherence to his measures, shall
+    inevitably lie neglected and obscure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, every one whose calmness of temper can enable
+    him to support the sight, without starts of indignation and sallies of
+    contempt, may daily see at the levee of this great man, what I am
+    ashamed to mention, a mixture of men of all ranks and all professions,
+    of men whose birth and titles ought to exalt them above the meanness of
+    cringing to a mere child of fortune, men whose studies ought to have
+    taught them, that true honour is only to be gained by steady virtue, and
+    that all other arts, all the low applications of flattery and servility
+    will terminate in contempt, disappointment, and remorse.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This scene, my lords, is daily to be viewed, it is ostentatiously
+    displayed to the sight of mankind, the minister amuses himself in
+    publick with the splendour, and number, and dignity of his slaves; and
+    his slaves with no more shame pay their prostrations to their master in
+    the face of day, and boast of their resolutions to gratify and support
+    him. And yet, my lords, it is inquired why the people assert that there
+    is a <i>sole</i> minister?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who deny, my lords, that there is a <i>sole</i> minister to whom the
+    miscarriages of the government may justly be imputed, may easily
+    persuade themselves to believe that there have been no miscarriages,
+    that all the measures were necessary, and well formed, that there is
+    neither poverty nor oppression felt in the nation, that our compliance
+    with France was no weakness, and that our dread of the treaty of Vienna
+    was not chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Vienna, my lords, which has been the parent of so many
+    terrours, consultations, embassies, and alliances is, I find, not yet to
+    be acknowledged, what it certainly was, a mere phantom, an empty
+    illusion, sent by the arts of the French to terrify our ministry. His
+    late majesty's testimony is cited to prove that stipulations were really
+    entered into by the two powers allied by that treaty, to destroy our
+    trade, subvert our constitution, and set a new king upon the throne,
+    without consent of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such improbabilities, my lords, ought, indeed, to be proved by a high
+    testimony, by a testimony which no man shall dare to question or
+    contradict; for as any man is at liberty to consult his reason, it will
+    always remonstrate to him, that it is no less absurd to impute the folly
+    of designing impossibilities to any powers not remarkable for weak
+    counsels, than unjust to suspect princes of intending injuries, to which
+    they have not been incited by any provocation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, nowithstanding the solemnity with which his late majesty
+    has been introduced, his testimony can prove nothing more than that he
+    believed the treaty to be such as he represents, that he had been
+    deceived into false apprehensions and unnecessary cautions by his own
+    ministers, as they had been imposed upon by the agents of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is all, my lords, that can be collected from the royal speech, and
+    to infer more from it is to suppose that the king was himself a party in
+    the designs formed against him; for if he was not himself engaged in
+    this treaty, he could only be informed, by another, of the stipulations,
+    and could only report what he had been told upon the credit of the
+    informer, a man, necessarily of very little credit. Thus, my lords, all
+    the evidence of his late majesty vanishes into nothing more than the
+    whisper of a spy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as great stress ought, doubtless, to be laid upon intelligence which
+    the nation is believed to purchase at a very high price, let it be
+    inquired, what proofs those have who dare to suspect the sagacity of our
+    ministers, to put in the balance against their intelligence, and it will
+    be discovered, my lords, that they have a testimony no less than that of
+    the German emperour himself, who could not be mistaken with regard to
+    the meaning of the treaty concluded at his own court, and to whom it
+    will not be very decent to deny such a degree of veracity as may set him
+    at least on the level with a traitor and a hireling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the treaty of Vienna was an imposture, most of our misfortunes are
+    evidently produced by the weakness of the minister; but even supposing
+    it real, as it was only a formidable mockery, an idle threat, that could
+    never be executed, it was not necessary, that in order to obviate it, we
+    should give ourselves implicitly into the hands of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was not necessary, my lords, that we should suffer them first to
+    elude the treaty of Utrecht, by making a port at Mardyke, and then
+    directly and openly to violate it by repairing Dunkirk. That this latter
+    is a port contrary to treaty, the bills of entry at the custom-house
+    daily show; and as the customs are particularly under the inspection of
+    the commissioners of the treasury, this man cannot plead ignorance of
+    this infraction, were no information given him by other means. If it
+    should now be asked, my lords, what, in my opinion, ought to be done, I
+    cannot advise that we should attempt to demolish it by force, or draw
+    upon ourselves the whole power of France by a declaration of war, but
+    what it may be difficult now to remedy, it was once easy to obviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had we shown the same contempt of the French power with our ancestors,
+    and the same steadiness in our councils, the same firmness in our
+    alliances, and the same spirit in our treaties, that court would never
+    have ventured to break a known solemn stipulation, to have exasperated a
+    brave and determined adversary by flagrant injustice, and to have
+    exposed themselves to the hazard of a war, in which it would have been
+    the interest of every prince of Europe who regarded justice or posterity
+    to wish their defeat.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now they see us engaged in a war, my lords, they may be animated to a
+    more daring contempt of the faith of treaties, and insult us with yet
+    greater confidence of success, as they cannot but remark the cowardice
+    or the ignorance with which we have hitherto carried on this war. They
+    cannot but observe that either our minister means in reality to make war
+    rather upon the Britons than the Spaniards, or that he is totally
+    unacquainted with military affairs, and too vain to ask the opinion of
+    others who have greater knowledge than himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more apparent than that the minister was forced,
+    by the continual clamours of the nation, to declare war, contrary to his
+    own inclination, and that he always affected to charge it upon others,
+    and to exempt himself from the imputation of it. It is, therefore,
+    probable that he has not acted on this occasion so wisely as even his
+    own experience and penetration might, if they were honestly employed,
+    enable him to act, and that he has suffered our counsels to be
+    embarrassed; that he sees with great tranquillity those suffering by the
+    war, at whose request it was begun, and imagines it a proof of the
+    excellence of his own scheme, that those who forced him to break it, may
+    in time repent of their importunities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that in the management of the war, my lords, no regard has been had
+    either to the advantages which the course of our trade inevitably gives
+    to our enemies, or to the weakness to which the extent of their
+    dominions necessarily subjects them, that neither the interest of the
+    merchant has been consulted, nor the ease of the nation in general
+    regarded, that the treasure of the publick has been squandered, and that
+    our military preparations have intimidated no nation but our own, is
+    evident beyond contradiction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, to every man but the minister, that we have
+    nothing to fear from either the fleets or armies of the Spaniards, that
+    they cannot invade us except in America, and that they can only molest
+    us by intercepting our traders. This they can only effect by means of
+    their privateers, whose vessels, being light and active, may be easily
+    fitted out, nimbly seize their prey, and speedily retire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The experience of the last French war, my lords, might have taught us
+    how much we have to fear from the activity of men incited by prospects
+    of private gain, and equipped with that care and vigilance, which,
+    however omitted in national affairs, the interest of particular men
+    never fails to dictate. It is well known, my lords, how much we lost
+    amidst our victories and triumphs, and how small security the merchants
+    received from our magnificent navies, and celebrated commanders. It was,
+    therefore, surely the part of wise men, not to miscarry twice by the
+    same omission, when they had an opportunity to supply it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not inform your lordships of what every reader of newspapers can
+    tell, and which common sense must easily discover, that privateers are
+    only to be suppressed by ships of the same kind with their own, which
+    may scour the seas with rapidity, pursue them into shallow water, where
+    great ships cannot attack them, seize them as they leave the harbours,
+    or destroy them upon their own coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is, in its own nature, at once obvious to be contrived, and
+    easy to be done, must appear upon the bare mention of it, and yet that
+    it has been either treacherously neglected, or ignorantly omitted, the
+    accounts of every day have long informed us. Not a week passes in which
+    our ships are not seized, and our sailors carried into a state of
+    slavery. Nor does this happen only on the wide ocean, which is too
+    spacious to be garrisoned, or upon our enemies' coasts, where they may
+    have, sometimes, insuperable advantages, but on our own shores, within
+    sight of our harbours, and in those seas of which we vainly style our
+    nation the sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who is there, my lords, whose indignation is not raised at such
+    ignominy? Who is there by whom such negligence will not be resented? It
+    cannot be alleged that we had not time to make better preparations; we
+    had expected war long before we declared it, and if the minister was the
+    only man by whom it was not expected, it will make another head of
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was his disregard of our dominions less flagrant than that of our
+    trade: it was publickly declared by don Geraldino, that his master would
+    never give up his claim to part of our American colonies, which yet were
+    neither fortified on the frontiers, nor supplied with arms, nor enabled
+    to oppose an enemy, nor protected against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One man there is, my lords, whose natural generosity, contempt of
+    danger, and regard for the publick, prompted him to obviate the designs
+    of the Spaniards, and to attack them in their own territories; a man,
+    whom by long acquaintance I can confidently affirm to have been equal to
+    his undertaking, and to have learned the art of war by a regular
+    education, who yet miscarried in his design, only for want of supplies
+    necessary to a possibility of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there, my lords, much probability that the forces sent lately to
+    Vernon will be more successful; for this is not a war to be carried on
+    by boys: the state of the enemy's dominions is such, partly by
+    situation, and partly by the neglect of that man whose conduct we are
+    examining, that to attack them with any prospect of advantage, will
+    require the judgment of an experienced commander; of one who had learned
+    his trade, not in Hyde-park, but in the field of battle; of one that has
+    been accustomed to sudden exigencies and unsuspected difficulties, and
+    has learned cautiously to form, and readily to vary his schemes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An officer, my lords, an officer qualified to invade kingdoms is not
+    formed by blustering in his quarters, by drinking on birth-nights, or
+    dancing at assemblies; nor even by the more important services of
+    regulating elections, and suppressing those insurrections which are
+    produced by the decay of our manufactures. Many gallant colonels have
+    led out their forces against women and children, with the exactest
+    order, and scattered terrour over numerous bodies of colliers and
+    weavers, who would find difficulties not very easily surmountable, were
+    they to force a pass, or storm a fortress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, those whom we have destined for the conquest of America,
+    have not even flushed their arms with such services, nor have learned,
+    what is most necessary to be learned, the habit of obedience; they are
+    only such as the late frost hindered from the exercise of their trades,
+    and forced to seek for bread in the service; they have scarcely had time
+    to learn the common motions of the exercise, or distinguish the words of
+    command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are their officers, my lords, extremely well qualified to supply
+    those defects, and establish discipline and order in a body of
+    new-raised forces; for they are absolutely strangers to service, and
+    taken from school to receive a commission, or if transplanted from other
+    regiments, have had time only to learn the art of dress. We have sent
+    soldiers undisciplined, and officers unable to instruct them, and sit in
+    expectation of conquests to be made by one boy acting under the
+    direction of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To their commander-in-chief, my lords, I object nothing but his
+    inexperience, which is by no means to be imputed to his negligence, but
+    his want of opportunities; though of the rest, surely it may be said,
+    that they are such a swarm as were never before sent out on military
+    designs; and, in my opinion, to the other equipments, the government
+    should have added provisions for women to nurse them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had my knowledge of war, my lords, been thought sufficient to have
+    qualified me for the chief command in this expedition, or had my advice
+    been asked with regard to the conduct of it, I should willingly have
+    assisted my country with my person or my counsels; but, my lords, this
+    man, who engrosses all authority, seems, likewise, to believe that he is
+    in possession of all knowledge, and that he is equally capable, as he is
+    equally willing, to usurp the supreme and uncontroulable direction both
+    of civil and military affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why new forces were raised, my lords, it is very easy to judge; new
+    forces required new commissions, and new commissions produced new
+    dependencies, which might be of use to the minister at the approaching
+    election; but why the new-raised troops were sent on this expedition
+    rather than those which had been longer disciplined, it is very
+    difficult to assign a reason, unless it was considered that some who had
+    commands in them had likewise seats in the senate; and the minister was
+    too grateful to expose his friends to danger, and too prudent to hazard
+    the loss of a single vote. Besides the commander-in-chief, there is but
+    one senator in the expedition, and, my lords, he is one of too great
+    integrity to be corrupted, and, though sensible of the weakness of the
+    troops, too brave to quit his post. How much our country may suffer by
+    such absurd conduct, I need not explain to your lordships; it may easily
+    be conceived how much one defeat may dispirit the nation, and to what
+    attempts one victory may excite our enemies; those enemies whom, under a
+    steady and wise administration, we should terrify into submission, even
+    without an army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot forbear to remark on this occasion, how much the ignorance of
+    this man has exposed a very important part of our foreign dominions to
+    the attempts of the Spaniards. Gibraltar, my lords, is well known to be
+    so situated, as to be naturally in very little danger of an attack from
+    the land, and to command the country to a great distance; but these
+    natural advantages are now taken away, or greatly lessened, by new
+    fortifications, erected within much less than gunshot of the place,
+    erected in the sight of the garrison, and while one of our admirals was
+    cruizing upon the coast.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pretence, my lords, upon which they were erected, was, that though
+    Gibraltar was granted to Britain, yet there was no district appendent to
+    it, nor did the British authority extend beyond the walls of the town:
+    this poor excuse did the chicanery of the Spaniards invent, and with
+    this, my lords, was our minister contented, either not knowing or not
+    appearing to know what, I hope, the children whom we have despatched to
+    America have been taught, and what no man, versed in national affairs,
+    can be ignorant of without a crime, that when a fortress is yielded to
+    another nation, the treaty always virtually includes, even without
+    mentioning it, an extent of land as far as the guns of the fortification
+    can reach.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this man, my lords, was so ignorant as to be deceived thus
+    grossly, or so abandoned as willingly to deceive his country, he is
+    equally unqualified to support the office of first minister, and almost
+    equally deserves to be prosecuted by the indignation and justice of this
+    assembly, in the severest manner; for how great must be his wickedness
+    who undertakes a charge above his abilities, when his country may be
+    probably ruined by his errours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Your lordships cannot but observe, that I make use rather of the term
+    minister than that of the administration, which others are so desirous
+    to substitute in its place, either to elude all inquiry into the
+    management of our affairs, or to cover their own shameful dependence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Administration, my lords, appears to me a term without a meaning, a wild
+    indeterminate word, of which none can tell whom it implies, or how
+    widely it may extend: a charge against the administration may be
+    imagined a general censure of every officer in the whole subordination
+    of government, a general accusation of instruments and agents, of
+    masters and slaves: my charge, my lords, is against the minister,
+    against that man, who is believed by every one in the nation, and known
+    by great numbers, to have the chief, and, whenever he pleases to require
+    it, the sole direction of the publick measures; he, to whom all the
+    other ministers owe their elevation, and by whose smile they hold their
+    power, their salaries, and their dignity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this appellation is not without sufficient reason bestowed upon
+    that man, I have already proved to your lordships; and as it has already
+    been made appear that common fame is a sufficient ground of accusation,
+    it will easily be shown that this man has a just claim to the title of
+    minister; for if any man be told of an accusation of the minister; he
+    will not ask the name of the person accused.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there is in the motion one title conferred upon him, to which he has
+    no pretensions; for there is no law for styling him the first
+    commissioner of the treasury. The commissioners, my lords, who
+    discharge, in a collective capacity, the office of lord high treasurer,
+    are constituted by the same patent, invested with equal power and equal
+    dignity, and I know not why this man should be exalted to any
+    superiority over his associates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we take, my lords, a review of our affairs, and examine the state of
+    the nation in all its relations and all its circumstances, we cannot,
+    surely, conceive that we are in a state of prosperity, unless discontent
+    at home, and scorn abroad, the neglect of our allies, and insolence of
+    our enemies, the decay of trade, and multitude of our imposts, are to be
+    considered as proofs of a prosperous and nourishing nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Will it be alleged, my lords, has this man one friend adventurous enough
+    to assert, in open day, that the people are not starving by thousands,
+    and murmuring by millions, that universal misery does not overspread the
+    nation, and that this horrid series of calamities is not universally,
+    among all conditions, imputed to the conduct of this man?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That great evils are felt, my lords, no Briton, I am certain, who
+    converses promiscuously with his countrymen, will attempt to dispute,
+    and until some other cause more proportioned to the effect shall be
+    assigned, I shall join the publick in their opinion, and while I think
+    this man the author of our miseries, shall conclude it necessary to
+    comply with the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARDWICK spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, though I
+    very readily admit that crimes ought to be punished, that a treacherous
+    administration of publick affairs is, in a very high degree, criminal,
+    that even ignorance, where it is the consequence of neglect, deserves
+    the severest animadversion, and that it is the privilege and duty of
+    this house to watch over the state of the nation, and inform his majesty
+    of any errours committed by his ministers; yet I am far from being
+    convinced either of the justice or necessity of the motion now under
+    consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The most flagrant and invidious part of the charge against the right
+    honourable gentleman appears to consist in this, that he has engrossed
+    an exorbitant degree of power, and usurped an unlimited influence over
+    the whole system of government, that he disposes of all honours and
+    preferments, and that he is not only <i>first</i> but <i>sole</i> minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But of this boundless usurpation, my lords, what proof has been laid
+    before you? What beyond loud exaggerations, pompous rhetorick, and
+    specious appeals to common fame; common fame, which, at least, may
+    sometimes err, and which, though it may afford sufficient ground for
+    suspicion and inquiry, was never yet admitted as conclusive evidence,
+    where the immediate necessities of the publick did not preclude the
+    common forms of examination, where the power of the offender did not
+    make it dangerous to attack him by a legal prosecution, or where the
+    conduct of the accusers did not plainly discover that they were more
+    eager of blood than of justice, and more solicitous to destroy than to
+    convict.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope none of these circumstances, my lords, can at present obstruct a
+    candid and deliberate inquiry: with regard to the publick, I am not able
+    to discover any pressing exigencies that demand a more compendious
+    method of proceeding, than the established laws of the land, and the
+    wisdom of our ancestors have prescribed. I know not any calamity that
+    will be aggravated, nor any danger that will become move formidable, by
+    suffering this question to be legally tried.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there, my lords, in the circumstances of the person accused, any
+    thing that can incite us to a hasty process; for, if what is alleged by
+    the noble lords is not exaggerated beyond the truth, if he is
+    universally detested by the whole nation, and loaded with execrations by
+    the publick voice; if he is considered as the author of all our
+    miseries, and the source of all our corruptions; if he has ruined our
+    trade, and depressed our power, impoverished the people, and attempted
+    to enslave them, there is, at least, no danger of an insurrection in his
+    favour, or any probability that his party will grow stronger by delays.
+    For, my lords, to find friends in adversity, and assertors in distress,
+    is only the prerogative of innocence and virtue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentleman against whom this formidable charge is drawn up, is, I
+    think, not suspected of any intention to have recourse either to force
+    or flight; he has always appeared willing to be tried by the laws of his
+    country, and to stand an impartial examination; he neither opposes nor
+    eludes inquiry, neither flies from justice, nor defies it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet less, my lords, can I suspect, that those by whom he is accused,
+    act from any motive that may influence them to desire a sentence not
+    supported by evidence, or conformable to truth; or that they can wish
+    the ruin of any man whose crimes are not notorious and flagrant, that
+    they persecute from private malice, or endeavour to exalt themselves by
+    the fall of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, inquire before we determine, and suffer
+    evidence to precede our sentence. The charge, if it is just, must be, by
+    its own nature, easily proved, and that no proof is brought may,
+    perhaps, be sufficient to make us suspect that it is not just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For, my lords, what is the evidence of common fame, which has been so
+    much exalted, and so confidently produced? Does not every man see that,
+    on such occasions, two questions may be asked, of which, perhaps,
+    neither can easily be answered, and which, yet, must both be resolved
+    before common fame can be admitted as a proof of facts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is first to be inquired, my lords, whether the reports of fame are
+    necessarily or even probably true? A question very intricate and
+    diffusive, entangled with a thousand, and involving a thousand,
+    distinctions; a question of which it may be said, that a man may very
+    plausibly maintain either side, and of which, perhaps, after months or
+    years wasted in disputation, no other decision can be obtained than what
+    is obvious at the first view, that they are often true, and often false,
+    and, therefore, can only be grounds of inquiry, not reasons of
+    determination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if it appear, my lords, that this oracle cannot be deceived, we are
+    then to inquire after another difficulty, we are to inquire, <i>What is
+    fame?</i>
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is fame, my lords, that fame which cannot err? a report that flies, on a
+    sudden, through a nation, of which no man can discover the original; a
+    sudden blast of rumour, that inflames or intimidates a people, and
+    obtains, without authority, a general credit? No man versed in history
+    can inquire whether such reports may not deceive. Is fame rather a
+    settled opinion, prevailing by degrees, and for some time established?
+    How long, then, my lords, and in what degree must it have been
+    established, to obtain undoubted credit, and when does it commence
+    infallible? If the people are divided in their opinions, as in all
+    publick questions it has hitherto happened, fame is, I suppose, the
+    voice of the majority; for, if the two parties are equal in their
+    numbers, fame will be equal; then how great must be the majority before
+    it can lay claim to this powerful auxiliary? and how shall that majority
+    be numbered?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These questions, my lords, may be thought, perhaps with justice, too
+    ludicrous in this place, but, in my opinion, they contribute to show the
+    precarious and uncertain nature of the evidence so much confided in.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame, my lords, is to every man only what he himself commonly
+    hears; and it is in the power of any man's acquaintance to vitiate the
+    evidence which they report, and to stun him with clamours, and terrify
+    him with apprehensions of miseries never felt, and dangers invisible.
+    But, without such a combination, we are to remember, that most men
+    associate with those of their own opinions, and that the rank of those
+    that compose this assembly naturally disposes such as are admitted to
+    their company, to relate, or to invent, such reports as may be
+    favourably received, so that what appears to one lord the general voice
+    of common fame, may, by another, be thought only the murmur of a petty
+    faction, despicable, with regard to their numbers, and detestable, if we
+    consider their principles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So difficult is it, my lords, to form any solid judgment concerning the
+    extent and prevalence of any particular report, and the degree of credit
+    to be given to it. The industry of a party may supply the defect of
+    numbers, and some concurrent circumstances may contribute to give credit
+    to a false report.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, we are ourselves appealed to as witnesses of the truth of
+    facts, which prove him to be sole minister, of the number of his
+    dependents, the advancement of his friends, the disappointments of his
+    opponents, and the declarations made by his followers of adherence and
+    fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be granted, my lords, that there is nothing in these
+    representations exaggerated beyond the truth, and that nothing is
+    represented in an improper light, what consequence can we draw, but that
+    the followers of this gentleman, make use of those arts which have
+    always been practised by the candidates of preferment, that they
+    endeavour to gain their patron's smile by flattery and panegyrick, and
+    to keep it by assiduity and an appearance of gratitude. And if such
+    applications exalted any man to the authority and title of first
+    minister, the nation has never, in my memory, been without some man in
+    that station, for there is always some one to whom ambition and avarice
+    have paid their court, and whose regards have been purchased at the
+    expense of truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it to be wondered at, my lords, that posts of honour and profit
+    have been bestowed upon the friends of the administration; for who
+    enriches or exalts his enemies? who will increase the influence that is
+    to be exerted against him, or add strength to the blow that is levelled
+    at himself?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the right honourable gentleman is the only disposer of honours, has
+    never yet appeared; it is not pretended, my lords, that he distributes
+    them without the consent of his majesty, nor even that his
+    recommendation is absolutely necessary to the success of any man's
+    applications. If he has gained more of his majesty's confidence and
+    esteem than any other of his servants, he has done only what every man
+    endeavours, and what, therefore, is not to be imputed to him as a crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impossible, my lords, that kings, like other men, should not have
+    particular motions of inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
+    may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
+    their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
+    and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
+    and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
+    desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
+    effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
+    confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
+    pretended that he assumes the title of <i>prime minister</i>, or indeed, that
+    it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
+    conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
+    if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
+    against it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
+    against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
+    that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
+    injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
+    was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
+    country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
+    or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
+    upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
+    honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
+    treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
+    able to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
+    have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
+    spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+    would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
+    blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
+    lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
+    administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
+    the decisions of my own judgment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
+    accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
+    cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
+    confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
+    conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
+    corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if every man's regard to
+    his own safety and reputation will prevent him from betraying his trust,
+    or abusing his power, much more will it incite him to prevent any
+    misconduct in another for which he must himself be accountable. Men are,
+    usually, sufficiently tenacious of power, and ready to vindicate their
+    separate rights, when nothing but their pride is affected by the
+    usurpation, but surely no man will patiently suffer his province to be
+    invaded when he may himself be ruined by the conduct of the invader.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it appears to me to be not only without proof, but
+    without probability, and the first minister can, in my opinion, be
+    nothing more than a formidable illusion, which, when one man thinks he
+    has seen it, he shows to another, as easily frighted as himself, who
+    joins with him in propagating the notion, and in spreading terrour and
+    resentment over the nation, till at last the panick becomes general, and
+    what was at first only whispered by malice or prejudice in the ears of
+    ignorance or credulity, is adopted by common fame, and echoed back from
+    the people to the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have hitherto, my lords, confined myself to the consideration of one
+    single article of this complicated charge, because it appears to me to
+    be the only part of it necessary to be examined; for if once it be
+    acknowledged that the affairs of the nation are transacted not by the
+    minister but the administration, by the council in which every man that
+    sits there has an equal voice and equal authority, the blame or praise
+    of all the measures must be transferred from him to the council, and
+    every man that has advised or concurred in them, will deserve the same
+    censure or the same applause; as it is unjust to punish one man for the
+    crimes of another, it is unjust to choose one man out for punishment
+    from among many others equally guilty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I doubt not, my lords, when all those measures are equitably
+    considered, there will be no punishment to be dreaded, because neither
+    negligence nor treachery will be discovered. For, my lords, with regard
+    to the treaty of Vienna, let us suppose our ministers deceived by
+    ignorant or corrupt intelligence, let us admit that they were cautious
+    where there was no danger, and neglected some opportunities, which, if
+    they had received better information, they might have improved to the
+    advantage and security of the nation. What have they done, even under
+    all these disadvantageous suppositions, but followed the lights which
+    they judged most clear, and by which they hoped to be conducted to
+    honour and to safety?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Policy, my lords, is very different from prescience; the utmost that can
+    be attained is probability, and that, for the most part, in a low
+    degree. It is observed, that no man is wise but as you take into
+    consideration the weakness of another; a maxim more eminently true of
+    political wisdom, which consists, very often, only in discovering
+    designs which could never be known but by the folly or treachery of
+    those to whom they are trusted. If our enemies were wise enough to keep
+    their own secrets, neither our ministers nor our patriots would be able
+    to know or prevent their designs, nor would it be any reproach to their
+    sagacity, that they did not know what nobody would tell them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If therefore, my lords, the princes, whose interest is contrary to our
+    own, have been at any time served by honest and wise men, there was a
+    time when our ministers could act only by conjecture, and might be
+    mistaken without a crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it was always in our power to penetrate into the intentions of our
+    enemies, they must necessarily have the same means of making themselves
+    acquainted with our projects, and yet when any of them are discovered we
+    think it just to impute it to the negligence of the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, every man is inclined to judge with prejudice and
+    partiality. When we suffer by the prudence of our enemies, we charge our
+    ministers with want of vigilance, without considering, that very often
+    nothing is necessary to elude the most penetrating sagacity, but
+    obstinate silence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we inquire into the transactions of past times, shall we find any
+    man, however renowned for his abilities, not sometimes imposed upon by
+    falsehoods, and sometimes betrayed by his own reasonings into measures
+    destructive of the purposes which he endeavoured to promote? There is no
+    man of whose penetration higher ideas have been justly formed, or who
+    gave more frequent proofs of an uncommon penetration into futurity than
+    Cromwell; and yet succeeding times have sufficiently discovered the
+    weakness of aggrandizing France by depressing Spain, and we wonder now
+    how so much policy could fall into so gross an errour, as not rather to
+    suffer power to remain in the distant enemy, than transfer it to another
+    equally divided from us by interest, and far more formidable by the
+    situation of his dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Cromwell, my lords, suffered himself to be hurried away by the near
+    prospect of present advantages, and the apprehension of present dangers;
+    and every other man has been, in the same manner, sometimes deluded into
+    a preference of a smaller present advantage, to a greater which was more
+    remote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be urged, my lords, that politicks are advanced since the
+    time of Cromwell, and that errours which might then be committed by the
+    wisest administration, are now gross and reproachful; we are to remember
+    that every part of policy has been equally improved, and that if more
+    methods of discovery have been struck out, there have been likewise more
+    arts invented of eluding it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, we inquire into the conduct, or examine the abilities
+    of a minister, we are not to expect that he should appear never to have
+    been deceived, but that he should never be found to have neglected any
+    proper means of information, nor ever to have willingly given up the
+    interest of his country; but we are not to impute to his weakness what
+    is only to be ascribed to the wisdom of those whom he opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this plea, my lords, is reasonable, it will be necessary for those
+    who support the motion, to prove, not only that the treaty of Vienna was
+    never made, but that the falsehood of the report either was or might
+    have been known by our ministers; otherwise, those who are inclined to
+    retain a favourable opinion of their integrity and abilities, may
+    conclude, that they were either not mistaken, or were led into errour by
+    such delusions as would no less easily have imposed on their accusers,
+    and that by exalting their enemies to their stations, they shall not
+    much consult the advantage of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion, therefore, my lords, founded upon no acknowledged, no
+    indisputable facts, nor supported by legal evidence; this motion, which,
+    by appealing to common fame, as the ultimate judge of every man's
+    actions, may bring every man's life, or fortune, into danger; this
+    motion, which condemns without hearing, and decides without examining, I
+    cannot but reject, and hope your lordships will concur with me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARLISLE spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;My lords, the state
+    of the question before us has, in my opinion, not been rightly
+    apprehended by the noble lord who spoke last, nor is the innocence or
+    guilt of the minister the chief question before us, because a minister
+    may possibly mean well, and yet be, in some particular circumstances,
+    unqualified for his station.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He may not only want the degree of knowledge and ability requisite to
+    make his good intentions effectual, but, my lords, however skilful,
+    sagacious, or diligent, he may be so unfortunate, in some parts of his
+    conduct, as to want the esteem and confidence of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That a very able and honest minister may be misinformed by his
+    intelligence, disappointed by his agents, or baffled by other men of
+    equal capacity and integrity with himself, cannot be controverted; but
+    it must surely be owned likewise, that when this has happened so often,
+    and in cases of such importance, as to deprive him entirely of the
+    regard and affection of the people; when he is reduced to intrench
+    himself behind his privileges, to employ all the influence of the crown
+    for his own security, and make it his daily endeavour to create new
+    dependencies, he ought to be pitied and discarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the state of the minister whose removal is desired by the
+    motion, cannot be denied; the exaltation of his adherents to places and
+    preferments, the noble lord has been so far from questioning, that he
+    has endeavoured to justify it, and has in plain terms inquired, who
+    would have acted otherwise?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, my lords, would have acted otherwise, whose character had not
+    been blasted by general detestation; every man would have acted
+    otherwise, who preferred the publick good to his own continuance in
+    power; and every man has acted otherwise who has distinguished himself
+    as a friend to the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the interest of the nation, my lords, that every office should be
+    filled by that man who is most capable of discharging it, whatever may
+    be his sentiments with regard to the minister; and that his attention
+    should be confined to his employment, rather than distracted by various
+    concerns and opposite relations. It is, therefore, an injury to the
+    publick, to thrust a skilful commissioner into the senate, or to
+    embarrass an industrious senator with a post or commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, my lords, that multitudes have obtained places, who have no
+    acquaintance with the duties of their offices, nor any other pretensions
+    to them, than that they have seats in the other house, and that by
+    distinguishing himself in that assembly, any man may most easily obtain
+    the preferments of the crown, is too obvious for controversy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This practice, my lords, is a sufficient foundation for the motion; a
+    practice so injurious to the nation, so long continued, and so openly
+    avowed, requires to be vigorously opposed, lest it should become
+    established by long custom, and entangle itself with our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the minister, my lords, has made it necessary to employ none but his
+    adherents and blind followers, this necessity is alone a sufficient
+    proof how little he confides in his own prudence or integrity, how
+    apprehensive he is of the censure of the senate, and how desirous of
+    continuing his authority, by avoiding it. And, surely, my lords, it is
+    our duty, as well as our right, to address the throne, that a minister
+    should be removed who fears the people, since few men fear without
+    hating, and nothing so much contributes to make any man an enemy to his
+    country, as the consciousness that he is universally abhorred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if this is done by him without necessity, if the general
+    preference of his friends is only the consequence of mistaken judgment,
+    or corrupt gratitude, this address is equally necessary, because the
+    effects are equally pernicious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a minister, suspected of ill intentions, is continued in
+    employment, discontent must naturally spread over the nation; and if the
+    end of government be the happiness of the people; if suspicion and
+    jealousy be contrary to a state of happiness; and if this suspicion
+    which generally prevails, this discontent which fills the whole nation,
+    can only be appeased by the removal of the minister; prudence, justice,
+    and the examples of our ancestors, ought to influence us to endeavour
+    that the affairs of the nation may be transferred to such whose greater
+    integrity or wisdom has recommended them to the affection of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this motion, therefore, we need not be supposed to imply that the
+    minister is either ignorant or corrupt, but that he is disliked by the
+    people, disliked to such a degree, my lords, that it is not safe for his
+    majesty to employ him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, doubtless, our duty, my lords, to guard both the rights of the
+    people, and the prerogatives of the throne, and with equal ardour to
+    remonstrate to his majesty the distresses of his subjects, and his own
+    danger. We are to hold the balance of the constitution, and neither to
+    suffer the regal power to be overborne by a torrent of popular fury, nor
+    the people to be oppressed by an illegal exertion of authority, or the
+    more insupportable hardships of unreasonable laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this motion, my lords, the happiness of the people, and the security
+    of his majesty, are at once consulted, nor can we suppress so general a
+    clamour without failing equally in our duty to both.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what, my lords, is the untimely end of so many kings and emperours to
+    be imputed, but to the cowardice or treachery of their counsellors, of
+    those to whom they trusted that intercourse, which is always to be
+    preserved between a monarch and his people? Were kings honestly informed
+    of the opinions and dispositions of their subjects, they would never,
+    or, at least rarely, persist in such measures, as, by exasperating the
+    people, tend necessarily to endanger themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the happiness of a British monarch, that he has a standing and
+    hereditary council, composed of men who do not owe their advancement to
+    the smiles of caprice, or the intrigues of a court; who are, therefore,
+    neither under the influence of a false gratitude, nor of a servile
+    dependence, and who may convey to the throne the sentiments of the
+    people, without danger, and without fear. But, my lords, if we are
+    either too negligent, or too timorous to do our duty, how is the
+    condition of our sovereign more safe, or more happy than that of an
+    emperour of Turkey, who is often ignorant of any complaints made against
+    the administration, till he hears the people thundering at the gates of
+    his palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, whatever may be our opinion of the conduct
+    of the minister, inform his majesty of the discontent of his subjects,
+    since, whether it is just or not, the danger is the same, and whenever
+    any danger threatens the king, we ought either to enable him to oppose,
+    or caution him to avoid it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, I
+    cannot but observe in this debate an ambition of popularity, in my
+    opinion not very consistent with the freedom of debate, and the dignity
+    of this assembly, which ought to be influenced by no other motive than
+    the force of reason and truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been a common method of eluding the efficacy of arguments, to
+    charge the opponent with blind adherence to interest, or corrupt
+    compliance with the directions of a court; nor has it been less frequent
+    to prevent inquiries into publick measures, by representing them as the
+    clamours of faction, the murmurs of disobedience, and the prelude to
+    rebellion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So necessary, my lords, has it been always thought to be uninfluenced in
+    our examinations by dependence or interest, that the most irrefragable
+    reasons have lost the power of conviction, by the condition and
+    characters of those by whom they were produced; and so much is it
+    expected from innocence and justice to despise all foreign assistance,
+    and to stand the test of inquiry without asking the support of power,
+    that every man has been concluded guilty that has fled for shelter to
+    the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And surely, my lords, if that man's suffrage is of little weight, who
+    appears determined to subscribe to the dictates of a minister, no
+    greater credit can be assigned to another, who professes himself only
+    the echo of the clamours of the populace. If it be a proof of a weak
+    cause, and consciousness of misconduct, to apply to the crown for
+    security and protection, it may be accounted an acknowledgment of the
+    insufficiency of arguments, when the people is called in to second them,
+    and they are only to expect success from the violence of multitudes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That all government is instituted for the happiness of the people, that
+    their interest ought to be the chief care of the legislature, that their
+    complaints ought patiently to be heard, and their grievances speedily
+    redressed, are truths well known, generally acknowledged, and, I hope,
+    always predominant in the mind of every lord in this assembly. But, that
+    the people cannot err, that the voice of fame is to be regarded as an
+    oracle, and every murmur of discontent to be pacified by a change of
+    measures, I have never before heard, or heard it only to disregard it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    True tenderness for the people, my lords, is to consult their advantage,
+    to protect their liberty, and to preserve their virtue; and perhaps
+    examples may be found sufficient to inform us that all these effects are
+    often to be produced by means not generally agreeable to the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is possible, my lords, for a very small part of the people to form
+    just ideas of the motives of transactions and the tendency of laws. All
+    negotiations with foreign powers are necessarily complicated with many
+    different interests, and varied by innumerable circumstances, influenced
+    by sudden exigencies, and defeated by unavoidable accidents. Laws have
+    respect to remote consequences, and involve a multitude of relations
+    which it requires long study to discover. And how difficult it is to
+    judge of political conduct, or legislative proceedings, may be easily
+    discovered by observing how often the most skilful statesmen are
+    mistaken, and how frequently the laws require to be amended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If then, my lords, the people judge for themselves on these subjects,
+    they must necessarily determine without knowledge of the questions, and
+    their decisions are then of small authority. If they receive,
+    implicitly, the dictates of others, and blindly adopt the opinions of
+    those who have gained their favour and esteem, their applauses and
+    complaints are, with respect to themselves, empty sounds, which they
+    utter as the organs of their leaders. Nor are the desires of the people
+    gratified when their petitions are granted; nor their grievances
+    overlooked when their murmurs are neglected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As it is no reproach to the people that they cannot be the proper judges
+    of the conduct of the government, so neither are they to be censured
+    when they complain of injuries not real, and tremble at the apprehension
+    of severities unintended. Unjust complaints, my lords, and unreasonable
+    apprehensions, are to be imputed to those who court their regard only to
+    deceive them, and exalt themselves to reputation by rescuing them from
+    grievances that were never felt, and averting dangers that were never
+    near.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He only who makes the happiness of the people his endeavour, loves them
+    with a true affection and a rational tenderness, and he certainly
+    consults their happiness who contributes to still all groundless
+    clamours, and appease all useless apprehensions, who employs his care,
+    not only to preserve their quiet and their liberty, but to secure them
+    from the fear of losing it, who not only promotes the means of
+    happiness, but enables them to enjoy it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, it appears, my lords, that it is possible to be a friend, at the
+    same time, to the people and the administration, and that no man can
+    more deserve their confidence and applause, than he that dissipates
+    their unreasonable terrours, and contributes to reconcile them to a good
+    government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That most of the clamours against the present government arise from
+    calumnies and misrepresentations, is apparent from the sanction of the
+    senate, which has been given to all the measures that are charged as
+    crimes upon the administration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is supported by the consent of the senate, that the senate
+    has approved the convention, and that our taxes are all imposed and
+    continued by the senate, cannot be denied. What then is demanded by
+    those that censure the conduct of publick affairs, but that their
+    opinion should be considered as an overbalance to the wisdom of the
+    senate, that no man should be allowed to speak but as they dictate, nor
+    to vote but as they shall influence them by their rhetorick or example?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To repeat the particular topicks of accusation, and recapitulate the
+    arguments which have been produced to confute it, would be a tedious and
+    unnecessary labour; unnecessary, because it is well known that they once
+    had the power of convincing this house, and that nothing has since
+    happened to lessen their force, and because many of them now have been
+    already repeated by the noble lords that have opposed the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To search far backward for past errors, and to take advantage of later
+    discoveries in censuring the conduct of any minister, is in a high
+    degree disingenuous and cruel; it is an art which may be easily
+    practised, of perplexing any question, by connecting distant facts, and
+    entangling one period of time with another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only candid method of inquiry is to recur back to the state of
+    affairs, as it then appeared, to consider what was openly declared, and
+    what was kept impenetrably secret, what was discoverable by human
+    sagacity, and what was beyond the reach of the most piercing politician.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the Hanover treaty, it is not, my lords, requisite that
+    we should engage ourselves in a very minute examination; for it was not
+    only not transacted by the right honourable gentleman whose behaviour is
+    the subject of this debate, but cannot be proved to have been known by
+    him till it was formally ratified. If he afterwards approved it either
+    in the council or the senate, he cannot justly, how destructive or
+    ridiculous soever that treaty may be thought, be charged with more than
+    his share of the guilt, the bare guilt of a single vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there is one accusation yet more malicious, an accusation not only
+    of crimes which this gentleman did not commit, but which have not yet
+    been committed, an accusation formed by prying into futurity, and
+    exaggerating misfortunes which are yet to come, and which may probably
+    be prevented. Well may any man, my lords, think himself in danger, when
+    he hears himself charged not with high crimes and misdemeanours, not
+    with accumulative treason, but with misconduct of publick affairs, past,
+    present, and future.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only charge against this gentleman, which seems to relate more to
+    him than to any other man engaged in the administration, is the
+    continuance of the harbour of Dunkirk, which, says the noble duke, he
+    must be acquainted with as commissioner of the treasury; but if the
+    title of first commissioner be denied, if his authority be but the same
+    with that of his associates, whence comes it, my lords, that he is more
+    particularly accused than they? Why is his guilt supposed greater if his
+    power is only equal?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, I believe it will appear, that no guilt has been
+    contracted on this account, and that Dunkirk was always intended, even
+    by those that demanded the demolition of it, to continue a harbour for
+    small trading vessels, and that if larger ever arrived from thence, they
+    lay at a distance from the shore, and were loaded by small vessels from
+    the town.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to other affairs, my lords, they were all transacted by the
+    council, not by his direction, but with his concurrence; and how it is
+    consistent with justice to single him out for censure, I must desire the
+    noble lords to show who approve the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the people, my lords, have been, by misrepresentations industriously
+    propagated, exasperated against him, if the general voice of the nation
+    condemns him, we ought more cautiously to examine his conduct, lest we
+    should add strength to prejudice too powerful already, and instead of
+    reforming the errours, and regulating the heat of the people, inflame
+    their discontent and propagate sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The utmost claim of the people is to be admitted as accusers, and
+    sometimes as evidence, but they have no right to sit as judges, and to
+    make us the executioners of their sentence; and as this gentleman has
+    yet been only condemned by those who have not the opportunities of
+    examining his conduct, nor the right of judging him, I cannot agree to
+    give him up to punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HALIFAX spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, though I do
+    not conceive the people infallible, yet I believe that in questions like
+    this they are seldom in the wrong, for this is a question not of
+    argument but of fact; of fact discoverable, not by long deductions and
+    accurate ratiocinations, but by the common powers of seeing and feeling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is difficult to know the motives of negotiations, and the
+    effects of laws, and that it requires long study and intense meditation
+    to discover remote consequences, is indubitably true. And, with regard
+    to the people in general, it cannot be denied, that neither their
+    education qualifies them, nor their employments allow them to be much
+    versed in such inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, to refer effects to their proper causes, and to observe,
+    when consequences break forth, from whence they proceed, is no such
+    arduous task. The people of the lowest class may easily feel that they
+    are more miserable this year than the last, and may inquire and discover
+    the reason of the aggravation of their misery; they may know that the
+    army is increased, or our trade diminished; that the taxes are heavier,
+    and penal laws become more grievous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less easy for them to discover that these calamities are not
+    brought upon them by the immediate hand of heaven, or the irresistible
+    force of natural causes; that their towns are not ruined by an invasion,
+    nor their trade confined by a pestilence; they may then easily collect,
+    that they are only unhappy by the misconduct of their governours; they
+    may assign their infelicity to that cause, as the only remaining cause
+    that is adequate to the effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be granted, my lords, that they may be mistaken in their
+    reasoning, it must be owned, that they are not mistaken without
+    probabilities on their side: it is probable that the ministry must
+    injure the publick interest when it decays without any other visible
+    cause; it is still more probable, when it appears that among those whose
+    station enables them to enter into national inquiries, every man imputes
+    his calamities to the minister, who is not visibly dependent on his
+    favour. It becomes more probable, yet, when it appears that it is the
+    great business of the minister to multiply dependencies, to list
+    accomplices, and to corrupt his judges.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At least, my lords, if it be granted, which, surely, cannot be denied,
+    that the people may be sensible of their own miseries, it is their part
+    to declare their sufferings, and to apply to this house for relief, and
+    it is our business to discover the authors of them, and bring them to
+    punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the people are very loud and importunate in their complaints, is
+    daily evident; nor is it less apparent, that their complaints are just;
+    if, therefore, their miseries must have an author, let the defenders of
+    this gentleman point out the man whom they may more properly accuse.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, nothing is more evident, than that the crimes and the
+    criminal are equally known, that there is one man predominant in his
+    majesty's councils, and that it has long been the practice of that man
+    at once to oppress and ridicule the people, to plunder them, and set
+    them at defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more known than that this man pretends to a superiour
+    knowledge, and exerts a superiour power in the management of the publick
+    revenues, and that they have been so ill managed for many years, that
+    the expenses of peace have been almost equal to those of a most vigorous
+    and extensive war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more probable, than that most of the foreign negotiations are
+    conducted by his direction, nor more certain, than that they have
+    generally tended only to make us contemptible.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the excise was projected in his own head, that it was recommended
+    by him upon his own conviction, and pressed upon the legislature by his
+    influence, cannot be questioned; and if this were his only crime, if
+    this were the only scheme of oppression that ever he planned out, it is
+    such a declaration of war upon the publick liberty, such an attack of
+    our natural and constitutional rights, as was never, perhaps, pardoned
+    by any nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less notorious, that the late infamous convention was
+    transacted by one of his own dependents, that he palliated or concealed
+    the losses of our merchants, that he opposed the declaration of war, and
+    has since obstructed its operations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, my lords, it may be useful to remark the apparent
+    partiality of this gentleman's vindicators, who declare, that measures
+    are not to be censured as imprudent, only because they are unsuccessful,
+    and yet when other instances of his conduct fall under our examination,
+    think it a sufficient defence to exclaim against the unreasonableness of
+    judging before the event.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To deny that, in the conduct both of civil and military affairs, he has
+    obtained, I know not by what means, an authority superiour to that of
+    any other man, an authority irresistible, uncontroulable, and regal, is
+    to oppose not only common fame, but daily experience. If as commissioner
+    of the treasury he has no more power than any of his associates, whence
+    is it, that to oppose or censure him, to doubt of his infallibility, to
+    suspect his integrity, or to obstruct his influence, is a crime punished
+    with no lighter penalty than forfeiture of employment, as appears, my
+    lords, from the late dismission of a gentleman, against whom nothing can
+    be alleged but an obstinate independence and open disregard of this
+    arbitrary minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But happy would it be, my lords, for this nation, if he endeavoured not
+    to extend his authority beyond the treasury or the court; if he would
+    content himself with tyrannising over those whose acceptance of salaries
+    and preferments has already subjected them to his command, without
+    attempting to influence elections, or to direct the members of the other
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the influence of the crown has operated upon all publick
+    councils since the advancement of this gentleman, how zealously it has
+    been supported, and how industriously extended, is unnecessary to
+    explain, since what is seen or felt by almost every man in the kingdom
+    cannot reasonably be supposed unknown to your lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing can be more contrary to the true notion of the British
+    constitution, than to imagine, that by such measures his majesty's real
+    interest is advanced. The true interest, my lords, of every monarch, is
+    to please the people, and the only way of pleasing Britons, is to
+    preserve their liberties, their reputation, and their commerce. Every
+    attempt to extend the power of the crown beyond the limits prescribed by
+    our laws, must in effect make it weaker, by diverting the only source of
+    its strength, the affection of his subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, my opinion, my lords, that we ought to agree to this
+    motion, as a standing memorial not only of our regard for the nation,
+    but of our adherence to our sovereign; that his councils may be no
+    longer influenced by that man whose pernicious advice, and unjustifiable
+    conduct, has added new hopes and new strength to his enemies,
+    impoverished and exasperated his subjects, inflamed the discontent of
+    the seditious, and almost alienated the affection of the loyal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bishop of SALISBURY spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;My lords,
+    after all the exaggerations of the errours, and all the representations
+    of the malconduct of the right honourable gentleman; after the most
+    affecting rhetorick, and the most acute inquiries, nothing has appeared
+    of weight sufficient to prevail with me to agree to the present motion;
+    a motion, if not of an unprecedented, yet of a very extraordinary kind,
+    which may extend in its consequences to futurity, and be, perhaps, more
+    dangerous to innocence than guilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot yet discover any proof sufficient to convict him of having
+    usurped the authority of <i>first</i> minister, or any other power than that
+    accidental influence which every man has, whose address or services have
+    procured him the favour of his sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The usurpation, my lords, of regal power must be made evident by
+    somewhat more than general assertions, must appear from some publick act
+    like that of one of the prelates left regent of the kingdom by Richard
+    the first, who, as soon as the king was gone too far to return, in the
+    first elevations of his heart, began his new authority by imprisoning
+    his colleague.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To charge this gentleman with the dismission of any of his colleagues,
+    can, after the strongest aggravations, rise no higher than to an
+    accusation of having advised his majesty to dismiss him, and even that,
+    my lords, stands, at present, unsupported by evidence; nor could it,
+    however uncontestably proved, discover either wickedness or weakness, or
+    show any other authority than every man would exercise, if he were able
+    to attain it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If he had discharged this gentleman by his own authority, if he had
+    transacted singly any great affair to the disadvantage of the publick,
+    if he had imposed either upon the king or the senate by false
+    representations, if he had set the laws at defiance, and openly trampled
+    on our constitution, and if by these practices he had exalted himself
+    above the reach of a legal prosecution, it had been worthy of the
+    dignity of this house, to have overleaped the common boundaries of
+    custom, to have neglected the standing rules of procedure, and to have
+    brought so contemptuous and powerful an offender to a level with the
+    rest of his fellow-subjects by expeditious and vigorous methods, to have
+    repressed his arrogance, broken his power, and overwhelmed him at once
+    by the resistless weight of an unanimous censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, we have in the present case no provocations from crimes
+    either openly avowed, or evidently proved; and certainly no incitement
+    from necessity to exert the power of the house in any extraordinary
+    method of prosecution. We may punish whenever we can convict, and
+    convict whenever we can obtain evidence; let us not, therefore, condemn
+    any man unheard, nor punish any man uncondemned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of BEDFORD spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, it
+    is easy to charge the most blameless and gentle procedure with injustice
+    and severity, but it is not easy to support such an accusation without
+    confounding measures widely different, and disguising the nature of
+    things with fallacious misrepresentations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident than that neither condemnation nor punishment is
+    intended by the motion before us, which is only to remove from power a
+    man who has no other claim to it than the will of his master, and who,
+    as he had not been injured by never obtaining it, cannot justly complain
+    that it is taken from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, my lords, is so far from inflicting punishment, that it
+    confers rewards, it leaves him in the possession of immense wealth,
+    however accumulated, and enables him to leave that office in security,
+    from which most of his predecessors have been precipitated by national
+    resentment, or senatorial prosecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is no censure, my lords, made of his conduct, no charge of
+    weakness, or suspicion of dishonesty, nor can any thing be equitably
+    inferred from it, than that in the opinion of this house his majesty may
+    probably be served by some other person, more to the satisfaction of the
+    British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it is not just to punish any man without examination, or to
+    censure his conduct merely because it has been unpleasing or
+    unsuccessful; though it is not reasonable that any man should forfeit
+    what he possesses in his own right, without a crime, yet it is just to
+    withdraw favours only to confer them on another more deserving; it is
+    just in any man to withhold his own, only to preserve his right, or
+    obviate an injurious prescription, and it is, therefore, just to advise
+    such a conduct whenever it appears necessary to those who have the right
+    of offering advice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To advise his majesty, my lords, is not only our right but our duty; we
+    are not only justifiable in practising, but criminal in neglecting it.
+    That we should declare our apprehensions of any impending danger, and
+    our disapprobation of publick misconduct, is expected both by our
+    sovereign and the people, and let us not, by omitting such warnings,
+    lull the nation and our sovereign into a dangerous security, and, from
+    tenderness to one man, prolong or increase the miseries of our country,
+    and endanger or destroy the honour of our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HERVEY spoke next, in effect as follows:&mdash;My lords, this is surely
+    a day destined by the noble lords who defend the motion, for the support
+    of paradoxical assertions, for the exercise of their penetration, and
+    ostentation of their rhetorick; they have attempted to maintain the
+    certainty of common fame in opposition to daily observation; the
+    existence of a sole minister in contradiction to the strongest evidence;
+    and having by these gradations arrived at the highest degree of
+    controversial temerity, are endeavouring to make it appear that the
+    publick censure of the house of lords is no punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we take the liberty, my lords, of using known words in a new sense,
+    in a meaning reserved to ourselves only, it will, indeed, be difficult
+    to confute, as it will be impossible to understand us; but if punishment
+    be now to be understood as implying the same idea which has hitherto
+    been conveyed by it, it will not be easy to show that a man thus
+    publickly censured is not severely punished, and, if his crimes are not
+    clearly proved, punished in opposition to law, to reason, and to
+    justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been hitherto imagined, my lords, that no punishment is heavier
+    than that of infamy; and shame has, by generous minds, been avoided at
+    the hazard of every other misery. That such a censure as is proposed by
+    the motion, must irreparably destroy the reputation of the person
+    against whom it is directed, that it must confirm the reports of his
+    enemies, impair the esteem of his friends, mark him out to all Europe as
+    unworthy of his sovereign's favour, and represent him to latest
+    posterity as an enemy to his country, is indisputably certain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are the evident consequences of the address moved for
+    by the noble lord; and, if such consequences are not penal, it will be
+    no longer in our power to enforce our laws by sanctions of terrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To condemn a man unheard, is an open and flagrant violation of the first
+    law of justice, but it is still a wider deviation from it to punish a
+    man unaccused; no crime has been charged upon this gentleman
+    proportioned to the penalty proposed by the motion, and the charge that
+    has been produced is destitute of proof.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, reverence the great laws of reason and
+    justice, let us preserve our high character and prerogative of judges,
+    without descending to the low province of accusers and executioners; let
+    us so far regard our reputation, our liberty, and our posterity, as to
+    reject the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Several other lords spoke in this debate, which lasted eleven hours; at
+    length the question was put, and, on a division, carried in the
+    negative. Content, 59. Not content, 108.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    After the determination of the foregoing question, the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH rose up, and spoke as follows:&mdash;My lords, though your
+    patience must undoubtedly be wearied by the unusual length of this day's
+    debate, a debate protracted, in my opinion, not by the difficulty of the
+    question, but by the obstinacy of prejudice, the ardour of passion, and
+    the desire of victory; yet, I doubt not but the regard which this
+    assembly has always paid to the safety and happiness of the state, will
+    incline you to support the fatigue of attention a little longer, and to
+    hear with your usual impartiality another motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proposition which I am about to lay down, my lords, is not such as
+    can admit of controversy; it is such a standing principle as was always
+    acknowledged, even by those who have deviated from it. Such a known
+    truth as never was denied, though it appears sometimes to have been
+    forgotten.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, as it never can be forgotten, without injury to
+    particular persons, and danger to the state in general, it cannot be too
+    frequently recollected, or too firmly established; it ought not only to
+    be tacitly admitted, but publickly declared, since no man's fortune,
+    liberty, or life, can be safe, where his judges shall think themselves
+    at liberty to act upon any other principle. I therefore move, "That any
+    attempt to inflict any kind of punishment on any person without allowing
+    him an opportunity to make his defence, or without any proof of any
+    crime or misdemeanour committed by him, is contrary to natural justice,
+    the fundamental laws of this realm, and the ancient established usage of
+    the senate, and is a high infringement of the liberties of the subject."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by the duke of DEVONSHIRE:&mdash;My lords, though the motion
+    made by the noble duke is of such a kind, that no opposition can be
+    expected or feared, yet I rise up to second it, lest it should be
+    imagined that what cannot be rejected is yet unwillingly admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That where this maxim is not allowed and adhered to, rights and
+    liberties are empty sounds, is uncontestably evident; if this principle
+    be forsaken, guilt and innocence are equally secure, all caution is
+    vain, and all testimony useless. Caprice will, in our courts, supply the
+    place of reason, and all evidence must give way to malice, or to favour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, my lords, that your regard to justice, to truth, and
+    to your own safety, will influence you to confirm this great and
+    self-evident principle by a standing resolution, that may not only
+    restrain oppression in the present age, but direct the judiciary
+    proceedings of our successors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord LOVEL rose next, and spoke as follows:&mdash;My lords, liberty and
+    justice must always support each other, they can never long flourish
+    apart; every temporary expedient that can be contrived to preserve or
+    enlarge liberty by means arbitrary and oppressive, forms a precedent
+    which may, in time, be made use of to violate or destroy it. Liberty is
+    in effect suspended whenever injustice is practised; for what is
+    liberty, my lords, but the power of doing right without fear, without
+    control, and without danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if any man may be condemned unheard, if judgment may
+    precede evidence, what safety or what confidence can integrity afford?
+    It is in vain that any man means well, and acts prudently; it is even in
+    vain that he can prove the justice and prudence of his conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By liberty, my lords, can never be meant the privilege of doing wrong
+    without being accountable, because liberty is always spoken of as
+    happiness, or one of the means to happiness, and happiness and virtue
+    cannot be separated. The great use of liberty must, therefore, be to
+    preserve justice from violation; justice, the great publick virtue, by
+    which a kind of equality is diffused over the whole society, by which
+    wealth is restrained from oppression, and inferiority preserved from
+    servitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Liberty, general liberty, must imply general justice; for wherever any
+    part of a state can be unjust with impunity, the rest are slaves. That
+    to condemn any man unheard is oppressive and unjust, is beyond
+    controversy demonstrable, and that no such power is claimed by your
+    lordships will, I hope, appear from your resolutions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GOWER spoke next:&mdash;My lords, to the principle laid down by those
+    noble lords, I have no objection, and concur with them in hoping that
+    all our proceedings will contribute to establish it; but why it should
+    be confirmed by a formal resolution, why the house should solemnly
+    declare their assent to a maxim which it would be madness to deny, it is
+    beyond my penetration to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though the noble lord's position cannot be controverted, yet his motion,
+    if it is designed to imply any censure of the proceedings of this day,
+    may reasonably be rejected, and that some censure is intended we may
+    conjecture, because no other reason can be given why it was not made at
+    some other time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HALIFAX then rose:&mdash;My lords, that a censure is intended, will, I
+    suppose, not be denied, and that such a censure is unjust must doubtless
+    be the opinion of all those who are supposed to have incurred it, and it
+    will, therefore, not be wondered that the motion is opposed by them, as
+    indecent and calumnious: late as it is, my lords, I will not, for my
+    part, suffer such an indignity without opposition, and shall think my
+    conscience and my honour require, that I should not be overborne by
+    perseverance or by numbers, but that I should, if I cannot convince the
+    noble lords by argument, of the impropriety of the motion, record my
+    reasons against it, which may, perhaps, be more candidly received by
+    posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, it is not without
+    indignation that I hear a motion so injurious to my own honour, and to
+    that of the noble lords who have concurred with me in the last debate,
+    nor without contempt that I observed the motion confounded with the
+    positions contained in it; the low subtilty of such conduct is no less
+    to be despised than the malice to be abhorred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Fifty-nine lords are here branded as strangers, or enemies to the first
+    principle of judicial equity, for doing what will entitle them to the
+    general applause of every man in the kingdom that has the full
+    possession of his understanding, or the free use of his senses; of every
+    man that can distinguish truth, or feel oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have endeavoured to rescue their country from the rapine of
+    pensioners and the tyranny of an army, from perpetual taxes, and useless
+    expenses; they have attempted to expose the errours of arrogant
+    ignorance, and to depress the power of greatness, founded on corruption,
+    and swelling beyond legal restraints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
+    observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
+    nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
+    who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
+    whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
+    their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
+    ascribed, their places, their dependence&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, I rise
+    thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
+    publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
+    assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
+    methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
+    preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
+    solemn grandeur of its procedure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
+    avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
+    transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
+    abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
+    preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
+    remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
+    same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
+    reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
+    right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
+    the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT then resumed:&mdash;My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
+    me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
+    For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
+    lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
+    to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
+    character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
+    endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
+    court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
+    should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
+    submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
+    restrain me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
+    merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
+    examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
+    that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
+    observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
+    authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
+    I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
+    speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable&mdash;
+    But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
+    endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
+    been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
+    of your lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:&mdash;My lords, the present motion is
+    undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
+    the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
+    established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
+    which I know not that it has ever departed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As there is, therefore, no particular necessity of confirming it by a
+    new resolution, and as the present time seems less proper than any
+    other, I cannot but declare my opinion, that to resume it at some other
+    time will be more prudent, than to give the lords, who think their
+    conduct censured, any occasion of resentment or discontent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, the maxim laid
+    down in the present motion, is in itself incontestable, and so far from
+    any inconsistency with the former, that as there was no reason for
+    making, there is, in my opinion, none for opposing it; as it may at any
+    time be made, it may at any time be properly passed. And I hope that our
+    unanimity on this occasion will show that truth, however unseasonably
+    advanced, will, in this house, be always received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, lest the noble lords who have opposed the motion, should think
+    their honour engaged in continuing the opposition, I take the liberty,
+    my lords, to move that the previous question may be put.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Other lords spoke on each side; at last the previous question was put
+    by the president, who demanded, "Is it your lordships' pleasure, that
+    the question be now put? Those lords who are for it, say, Content:
+    those who are against it, say, Not content." There was, accordingly, a
+    cry of both; after which the president declared, "the contents have it;"
+    and some lords replying, "the non-contents have it," his lordship said,
+    "the non-contents must go below the bar:" which is the manner of
+    dividing the house. Those who remained being told in their seats, and
+    those who went out being told at coming in again, there were Content,
+    81; Not content, 54: so that the resolution moved for, passed without a
+    division.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_12"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON CLEANSING THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Lord TYRCONNEL made a motion for bringing in a bill for the better
+    cleansing and paving the streets of Westminster, and the liberties
+    thereof; in support of which motion he spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, though the grievance which I am about to lay before the house is
+    not of the most formidable or dangerous kind, yet as it is such as grows
+    every day greater, and such as every day endangers the lives of
+    thousands, I hope it will not be thought useless or improper to propose
+    it to the consideration of this assembly, to offer my thoughts on the
+    methods by which it may be most easily removed, and to endeavour to
+    incite others to the same considerations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impossible, sir, to come to this assembly, or to return from it
+    without observations on the present condition of the streets of
+    Westminster; observations forced upon every man, however inattentive, or
+    however engrossed by reflections of a different kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The warmest zeal for publick happiness, the most anxious vigilance
+    against general dangers, must, I believe, sometimes give way to objects
+    of immediate, though of less importance, nor will the most
+    publick-spirited senators deny, that they have often been in the streets
+    alarmed with obstructions, or shocked with nuisances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The filth, sir, of some parts of the town, and the inequality and
+    ruggedness of others, cannot but in the eyes of foreigners disgrace our
+    nation, and incline them to imagine us a people, not only without
+    delicacy, but without government, a herd of barbarians, or a colony of
+    hottentots.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The most disgusting part of the character given by travellers, of the
+    most savage nations, is their neglect of cleanliness, of which, perhaps,
+    no part of the world affords more proofs, than the streets of the
+    British capital; a city famous for wealth, and commerce, and plenty, and
+    for every other kind of civility and politeness, but which abounds with
+    such heaps of filth, as a savage would look on with amazement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If that be allowed which is generally believed, that putrefaction and
+    stench are the causes of pestilential distempers, the removal of this
+    grievance may be pressed from motives of far greater weight than those
+    of delicacy and pleasure; and I might solicit the timely care of this
+    assembly for the preservation of inuumerable multitudes, and intreat
+    those, who are watching against slight misfortunes, to unite their
+    endeavours with mine, to avert the greatest and most dreadful of
+    calamities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not to dwell, sir, upon dangers, which may, perhaps, be thought only
+    imaginary, I hope that it will be at least considered, how much the
+    present neglect of the pavement is detrimental to every carriage,
+    whether of trade, or pleasure, or convenience, and that those who have
+    allowed so much of their attention to petitions, relating to the roads
+    of the kingdom, the repair of some of which is almost every session
+    thought of importance sufficient to produce debates in this house, will
+    not think the streets of the capital alone unworthy of their regard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the present neglect of cleansing and paving the streets is such as
+    ought not to be borne, that the passenger is every where either
+    surprised and endangered by unexpected chasms, or offended or obstructed
+    by mountains of filth, is well known to every one that has passed a
+    single day in this great city; and that this grievance is without remedy
+    is a sufficient proof that no magistrate has, at present power to remove
+    it; for every man's private regard to his own ease and safety, would
+    incite him to exert his authority on this occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I humbly propose, therefore, that a bill may be brought into the house,
+    to enable his majesty's justices of peace for the liberties of
+    Westminster, to inspect the publick ways of this city, and punish the
+    neglect of cleansing and paving them; or that a new officer be
+    appointed, and vested with full authority for the same purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I believe the grievance, so
+    much complained of by the right honourable member, is not difficult to
+    be removed without a new act of the legislature, being, perhaps, more
+    properly to be imputed to the negligence of the justices, than a defect
+    of their authority; for they have already sufficient power to regulate
+    this disorder: and I may be allowed to hope, sir, that they do not want
+    leisure to observe it, for their number is so great, that if we suppose
+    them to be wholly engaged by the common business of their office, a
+    foreigner would have occasion of reproaching us with defects more
+    important than want of delicacy, and might justly censure us as a people
+    corrupt beyond the common rate of human wickedness, a nation divided
+    only into two classes, magistrates and criminals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But they, in reality, abound so much among us, that most of them are
+    only nominal magistrates, vested with authority which they never exert,
+    or exert to bad purposes, and which it were well if they were obliged to
+    employ in the real service of their country, by superintending the
+    paviers and the scavengers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason it is unnecessary to erect a new officer, as an
+    inspector of our streets, since every office that is not necessary is
+    pernicious. Were the consequences of this grievance such as they have
+    been represented, I should, perhaps, willingly erect a new office,
+    though I should not be surprised to hear the wisest man declare rather
+    for a pestilence than an increase of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I neither think the grievance insupportable, nor the methods proposed
+    for removing it necessary or proper, I declare myself against the
+    motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, as the grievance cannot
+    be denied to be real, and the motion, therefore, may reasonably be
+    imagined to have been made without any other intention than of
+    benefiting the publick by an useful law, I cannot discover any
+    sufficient reason for a rejection so peremptory and contemptuous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every man is disgusted, and almost every man daily endangered in
+    our streets, has not been denied; nor will any man, I suppose, question
+    what, if he has not yet experienced it, he may, perhaps, be fully
+    convinced of, in his next visit or excursion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those evils, which every man feels, though slight, are worthy of the
+    attention of the legislature; and that danger that threatens multitudes,
+    though distant, ought to be averted: for a small disorder, like a small
+    expense, when it extends to multitudes, becomes a national affair.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though this motion may, perhaps, be liable to some objections, there
+    is, certainly, no such absurdity to be found in it, as may justify us in
+    rejecting it without examination; to reject a motion when it is first
+    offered, is a proof of prejudice, next to that of rejecting it unheard;
+    it is to determine a question, before it is discussed, or can be fully
+    understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but differ
+    very widely in opinion from the right honourable member that spoke last,
+    with regard to the propriety of opposing a motion when it is first made;
+    a practice, which I can by no means think inconsistent with either
+    decency or prudence, and which would, perhaps, be of use to the publick,
+    if it was more frequent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any motion is made, it is subjected to the consideration of this
+    assembly, and every member is at full liberty to examine and discuss it.
+    If it appears to deserve farther attention, it may be admitted, but if
+    the subject be either improper or unseasonable, or the measures proposed
+    injudicious or dangerous, it is then to be rejected; and if it is at
+    last to be rejected, it is apparent that no time ought to be thrown away
+    upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The hours, and days, and weeks, that have been improfitably spent upon
+    bills which after all our endeavours could not be passed; the delays of
+    real benefits to the publick, which have been produced by long pursuits
+    of shadowy advantages, have inclined me to a more expeditious method of
+    proceeding, and determined me speedily to reject what I cannot hope to
+    amend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question being put, passed in the negative, 142 against 109.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_13"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF A BILL TO PREVENT <br>INCONVENIENCIES
+    ARISING FROM INSURANCE OF SHIPS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The bill being read, sir John BARNARD spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, there cannot be
+    brought before this house any questions more difficult in themselves,
+    more entangled with a multiplicity of relations, or more perplexed with
+    an endless diversity of circumstances, than those which relate to
+    commercial affairs; affairs on which the most experienced often
+    disagree, and on which the most sagacious may deceive themselves with
+    erroneous conjectures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are no questions, sir, which require so much personal knowledge of
+    the subject to which they relate, nor is there any subject with which so
+    few gentlemen in this house have had opportunities of being acquainted.
+    There are no questions, sir, which their variety of relations to
+    different persons exposes to be so easily misrepresented without
+    detection, nor any in which the opposition of particular interests so
+    much incites a false representation. In all these cases, deceit is easy,
+    and there is a strong temptation to deceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are these questions, sir, always perplexed by intentional fraud, or
+    false assertions, of which they that utter them are themselves
+    conscious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who deceive us, do not always suppress any truth of which they are
+    convinced, nor set facts before us in any other light, than that in
+    which themselves behold them; they for the most part err with an honest
+    intention, and propagate no mistakes but those which they have
+    themselves admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind, sir, are, doubtless, the measures proposed in the bill
+    before us, which those by whom they are promoted may easily think to be
+    of benefit to the publick, but which, I believe, will appear the result
+    of imperfect views, and partial consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The great and fundamental errour, sir, of the patrons of this bill,
+    seems to be an opinion that the practice of insuring is not known to
+    other nations, nor can be carried on in any other place; and from this
+    principle they deduce consequences, which, if they were inevitably
+    certain, might easily influence us to an immediate approbation of the
+    bill, as necessary to secure our commerce, and distress our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They conclude, sir, with sufficient justness, that very few merchants
+    would hazard their fortunes in long voyages or distant commerce, or
+    expose themselves to the dangers of war, without the security which
+    insurances afford them; and having persuaded themselves that such
+    security is to be obtained from no other nation, they imagine that we
+    might, by prohibiting it, confine all the foreign vessels in their
+    ports, and destroy, by one resolution, the trade of both our rivals and
+    our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our East India company may desire the ratification of this bill, I
+    cannot deny, because they might, perhaps, receive from it some temporary
+    advantage by the short inconveniencies which those whom they consider as
+    the enemies of their commerce would feel from it. They may desire it,
+    because the experiment, if it fails, as it must, cannot injure them; and
+    if it succeeds, may produce great advantages to them: they may wish it,
+    because they will feel the immediate benefit, and the detriment will
+    fall upon others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall not inquire whether our merchants are inclined to look with
+    malevolence on all those who cultivate the same branches of commerce
+    with themselves, though they have neither the violation of natural
+    rights, nor the infringement of national treaties, to complain of. I
+    should be unwilling to suspect a British merchant, whose acquaintance
+    with the constitution of his own country ought to show him the value of
+    liberty, who ought to be above narrow schemes, by the knowledge which
+    his profession enables him to gain, of a desire to encroach upon the
+    rights of others, or to engross the general benefits of nature; and
+    shall only observe, that several other nations can plead a claim to the
+    East India trade, a claim of equal validity with our own; that the Danes
+    have their settlement there, and that the Portuguese discovered the way
+    to those regions of wealth, from which some, perhaps, are inclined to
+    exclude them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But nothing is more vain than to attempt to exclude them by refusing to
+    ensure their ships, because the opinion that they can be insured by no
+    other nation is entirely without foundation. There are at this time
+    offices of insurance along the whole coasts of the midland sea, among
+    the Dutch, and even among the French. Nothing can debar any nation from
+    the trade of insurance but the want of money; and that money is not
+    wanted by foreigners for this purpose, appears from the great sums which
+    they have deposited in our funds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this trade is now carried on chiefly by this nation, though not
+    solely, is incontestable; but what can be inferred from that, but that
+    we ought not to obstruct our own gain; that we ought not to make a law
+    to deprive ourselves of that advantage of which either favourable
+    accidents or our own sagacity have put us in possession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason it appears that it would not contribute to the wealth of
+    the publick to debar us from insuring the ships even of those with whom
+    we are at war, for it is always to be remembered that they will receive
+    no detriment from such prohibitions, nor will feel any other consequence
+    from them than a necessity of transferring to some other nation the
+    profit which we receive from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What the profit is which arises to the nation from the trade of
+    insurance it is not possible exactly to determine, but that the trade is
+    really advantageous may be reasonably conceived, because after many
+    years' experience it is diligently followed, and a law was never
+    necessary to prohibit the pursuit of a business by which nothing was to
+    be gained. But could the gain of the insurer be a doubtful point, there
+    is a certain advantage to the nation by the money paid for commission,
+    brokerage, stamps, and the credit of the premium deposited here.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I might add, sir, another considerable sum yearly arising to the
+    government from the additional letters, occasioned by this trade, which
+    increase the revenues of the post-office, without any deduction for
+    additional charge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the loss of this profit, and the gain of insuring, will ensue upon
+    the ratification of this bill, cannot be denied; nor does it appear,
+    that this loss will be counterbalanced by any advantage that will be
+    gained over our rivals or our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this bill, sir, would produce to the merchants of that city by
+    which it is promoted, the advantages which they expect from it, or
+    remove any of the grievances of which they complain, I am not able
+    positively to determine; but know, that it is not uncommon for
+    merchants, as well as other men, to confound private with publick
+    grievances, and to imagine their own interest the interest of the
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the practice of insuring, <i>interest or no
+    interest</i>, as the term is, when an imaginary value is put upon the ship
+    or cargo, often much above its real worth, it cannot be denied, that
+    some opportunities may be given by it for wicked practices. But there
+    will always be circumstances in which there can be no security against
+    frauds, but common faith; nor do I see how we can secure the insurers
+    against the possibility of being defrauded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, indeed, discover, sir, how this method of insuring can be
+    prevented; for how can the value of a cargo be estimated, which is to be
+    collected in a long voyage, at different ports, and where the success of
+    the adventurers often depends upon lucky accidents, which are, indeed,
+    always hoped for, but seldom happen. An imaginary value must, therefore,
+    be fixed upon, when the ship leaves the port; because the success of
+    that voyage cannot be foreknown, and the contracting parties may be
+    safely trusted to set that value, without any law to direct or restrain
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the merchants are oppressed by any peculiar inconveniencies, and can
+    find means of redressing them without injuring the publick commerce, any
+    proposal for that purpose ought to be favourably received; but as the
+    bill now before us proposes general restraints, and proposes to remove
+    grievances which are not felt, by remedies, which those upon whom they
+    are to operate, do not approve, I think it ought not to be referred to a
+    committee, but rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, in terms to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, when I first
+    proposed this bill to the house, I lamented the absence of that
+    honourable gentleman, from whose discussions and arguments I expected
+    great information; and for whose judgment, in all commercial questions,
+    I have the highest esteem, as his penetration not only enables him to
+    discover the consequences of methods which have not yet been tried, but
+    as his extensive acquaintance with many branches of trade, cannot but
+    have informed him of the success of many expedients tried, as well in
+    other nations as our own, for the advancement of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Trade, sir, is a subject, of which it has been justly observed, that
+    very few gentlemen have attained knowledge sufficient to qualify
+    themselves to judge of the propriety of any new regulation; and I cannot
+    but confess, that I have no uncommon skill in these questions. What I
+    have to offer on this occasion, has been suggested to me, not so much by
+    my own observations, as by the intelligence which I have very
+    industriously sought, and by which, as I endeavoured to inquire of those
+    whose opinion was least likely to be perverted by their interest, I hope
+    I have not been misled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, to whom it has been my fortune to apply, have
+    generally concurred in the opinion that the present practice of insuring
+    is prejudicial to our commerce, nor have I found any disagreement
+    between my constituents and the traders of this great metropolis.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am unwilling to imagine that there can be any evil for which the
+    wisdom of this assembly cannot discover a remedy, and am, therefore, of
+    opinion, that if the grievance is real, some expedient may be discovered
+    for removing it; and that it is real, I cannot but be convinced by the
+    declarations of so many men, who can have no interest in complaining
+    when they suffer nothing, and whose known abilities exempt them from the
+    suspicion of imputing any part of their uneasiness to a cause which
+    cannot produce it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill before us, sir, requires, in my opinion, some amendments, and
+    in its present state might, perhaps, produce more detriment than
+    advantage; but since it is necessary at least to attempt something for
+    the relief of men so useful to this nation, it appears to me necessary
+    to form a committee, and to deliberate on this subject with more
+    attention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LOCKWOOD spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, though I am not
+    of opinion that the bill in its present state ought to be passed into a
+    law, yet I am far from thinking it so imperfect as not easily to be
+    amended, and, therefore, am desirous that it should be considered in a
+    committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not, indeed, sir, often observed, that bills injudiciously drawn
+    up at first have received great improvements from a second
+    consideration, and have found it more easy to form a new bill, than to
+    make alterations in one that is laid before us; for some original errour
+    will commonly remain, and the sentiments of different men, pursuing
+    different views, can seldom be modelled into one consistent scheme. But
+    I am far from considering this bill as one of those that cannot be
+    amended, for I can discover but few objections to the regulations
+    proposed in it, and those not relating to any of the essential parts,
+    but slight and circumstantial, such as will easily be removed, or,
+    perhaps, answered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The grievance, sir, for which this bill proposes a remedy, is so
+    generally known, and so universally lamented, that, I believe, there is
+    not any thing more worthy of the attention of the legislature than an
+    inquiry into the cause of it, and the proper method of redressing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In our inquiry into the causes of this obstruction of trade, I am of
+    opinion, sir, that the practice of insuring, <i>interest or no interest</i>,
+    will appear to be the foundation of this general uneasiness; it will be
+    found a practice of so natural a tendency to fraud, and so easily
+    susceptible of dishonest artifices, that I believe every member of this
+    house will desire its suppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To confirm my assertion, sir, and illustrate the question before us, I
+    shall mention some particular instances of fraud to which this custom
+    has given occasion; of fraud so evident and so detestable that it cannot
+    be related without indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Royal George was a large ship belonging to the South sea company,
+    which, having been a voyage to Vera Cruz, put in at Jamaica in her
+    return; and being there refitted to proceed on her voyage homewards, set
+    sail, and came within a week's sailing of the port, when, upon a sudden,
+    the officers entered into a consultation, and determined to go back a
+    month's voyage to Antigua; for what reason, sir, may easily be guessed,
+    when it was told that a ship was insured upon a supposed value of sixty
+    thousand pounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This resolution, sir, was no sooner formed, than orders were given to
+    change the course and steer to Antigua, in opposition to all the
+    remonstrances of the carpenter, who is the proper judge of the condition
+    of a vessel, and who declared, with honesty and resolution, against
+    their whole procedure. But they pursued their new scheme without any
+    regard to his murmurs or assertions; and when they arrived at Antigua,
+    found some method of influencing the officers of that island to declare
+    the ship unfit for the prosecution of the voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their design, sir, was now happily completed. To confirm the
+    determination which had been pronounced in their favour, they stranded
+    the ship upon a bank of sand, forced out the iron that grapples the
+    timber together, and having first taken away the masts and rigging, and
+    whatever else could be used or sold, threw the ballast to each end, and
+    so broke the vessel in the middle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this well-contrived shipwreck, having, as they imagined, raised their
+    fortunes, they came home triumphantly from their prosperous voyage, and
+    claimed the money for which the ship was insured. The insurers, startled
+    at a demand so unexpected, inquired into the affair with all the
+    industry which its importance might naturally incite, and, after some
+    consultation, determined to try whether the ship might not be refitted
+    and brought to Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In pursuance of this resolution, they sent workmen and materials, and,
+    without much expense, or any difficulty, brought it hither.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, this relation is sufficient at once to prove the
+    practice, and explain the nature of the frauds to which this method of
+    insurance gives occasion; but as the frequency of them is such, that
+    many instances may be produced, I shall offer another short narrative of
+    the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A ship that belonged to the East India company, insured after this
+    method, was run ashore by the captain, in such a manner that he imagined
+    none but himself able to recover it, and therefore, though it cost five
+    thousand pounds, sold it for five hundred; but the purchaser, no less
+    expert than the captain, found means very speedily to disengage it, to
+    restore it to a proper condition with little expense, and was much
+    enriched by his fortunate bargain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but observe, sir, that this kind of fraud is more formidable,
+    as it may be practised without a possibility of detection: had the
+    captain, instead of stranding, destroyed his vessel, how could his
+    wickedness ever have been discovered; or how could the South sea
+    company's ship have been brought home, had it been sunk in some distant
+    corner of the world.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This practice, sir, and the frauds which it has occasioned, and the
+    suspicions which the easy practice of frauds always creates, have
+    produced so many trials, and filled the courts of justice with such
+    intricate contentions, that the judges, who know, perhaps, nothing of
+    this practice but from its effects, have often declared it to be so
+    pregnant with contests and cheats, that it ought not to be suffered, and
+    that a law for suppressing it would much contribute to the establishment
+    of peace, and the security of property.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not insensible, sir, of the force of the argument made use of by
+    the honourable gentleman who spoke in favour of this practice, and
+    cannot but allow it that regard which his reasonings always deserve; it
+    is the strongest, and perhaps the only argument that can be produced.
+    His assertion of the impossibility of estimating the real value of a
+    ship, or of foreknowing the success of a voyage, is incontestable: but
+    perhaps it will follow from thence, not that an imaginary value ought to
+    be admitted, but that no insurance ought to be allowed, where there is
+    no rational method of ascertaining it; or, at least, that all such
+    insurance ought to be rather below the probable value than above it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the grievance complained of has been proved not to be imaginary, we
+    ought, doubtless, to consult how it may be remedied; nor do I believe
+    that our consultations will be ineffectual, if we engage in them, not
+    with an intention to perplex, but to inform each other. I am of opinion,
+    sir, that the importance of the question requires a committee; nor can I
+    discover any essential defect in the bill, which should hinder it from
+    passing into a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BURRELL spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am convinced by experience, as
+    well as reason, that so many inconveniencies arise from this method of
+    insurance, that it affords so many opportunities of fraud, and gives
+    such encouragement to negligence, that I shall willingly concur in any
+    measures that may effectually suppress it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, too well known to require proof, that interest is the parent
+    of diligence, and that men attend to the performance of their duty, in
+    proportion as they must suffer by the neglect of it; and, therefore,
+    every practice that deprives honesty of its reward is injurious to the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that this is the consequence of estimating ships at an imaginary
+    value in the offices of insurance, is, to the highest degree, evident.
+    When a ship is estimated above its real value, how will the commander
+    suffer by a wreck, or what shall restrain him from destroying his
+    vessel, when it may be done with security to himself, except that
+    integrity, which, indeed, ought to be generally diffused, but which is
+    not always to be found, and to which few men think it safe to trust upon
+    occasions of far less importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To show, sir, that I do not indulge groundless suspicions, or magnify
+    the bare possibility of fraud into reality; that I do not blacken human
+    nature, or propose laws against wickedness that has not yet existed; it
+    may be proper to mention some letters, in which I have been informed, by
+    my correspondent at Leghorn, of the state of the ships which have
+    arrived there; ships so weakly manned, and so penuriously or negligently
+    stored, so much decayed in the bottoms, and so ill fitted with rigging,
+    that he declares his astonishment at their arrival.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may deserve our consideration, sir, whether the success of the
+    Spanish privateers may not be, in great part, attributed to this
+    pernicious practice; whether captains, when their vessels are insured
+    for more than their value, do not rashly venture into known danger?
+    whether they do not wilfully miss the security of convoys? whether they
+    do not direct their courses where privateers may most securely cruise?
+    whether they do not surrender with less resistance than interest would
+    excite? and whether they do not raise clamours against the government
+    for their ill success, to avoid the suspicion of negligence or fraud?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That other frauds are committed in the practice of insuring, is well
+    known to the honourable gentleman: it is a common practice to take money
+    upon bottomry, by way of pledge, for the captain's fidelity, and to
+    destroy this security by insuring above the real value; so that the
+    captain may gain by neglecting the care of his vessel, or, at least,
+    secure himself from loss, and indulge his ease or his pleasure without
+    any interruption from the fear of diminishing his fortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The whole practice of insurance, sir, is, in its present state, I
+    believe, so perplexed with frauds, and of such manifest tendency to the
+    obstruction of commerce, that it absolutely requires some legal
+    regulations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Of frauds in the practice
+    of insurance, with regard to which the honourable gentleman has appealed
+    to me, I can confidently affirm that I am totally ignorant: I know not
+    of any fraudulent practices openly carried on, or established by custom,
+    which I suppose are meant: for with regard to single acts of fraud,
+    committed by particular men, it is not to be supposed but that they have
+    been detected in this, as in all other branches of traffick: nor can I
+    conceive that any argument can be drawn from them against the practice;
+    for if every part of commerce is to be prohibited, which has furnished
+    villains with opportunities of deceit, we shall contract trade into a
+    narrow compass.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the instance of the Royal George, though the
+    proceedings of the officers are not wholly to be vindicated, yet part of
+    their conduct is less inexplicable than it has been represented. Their
+    return to Antigua, when they were bound for Britain, and were within a
+    week's sailing of their port, is easily to be defended, if the wind was
+    contrary to their intended course; for it is not difficult to conceive
+    that they might reach a distant port, with a favourable wind, much
+    sooner than one much nearer, with the wind against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have always observed, sir, that the gentlemen engaged in the trade to
+    the East Indies, assume an air of superiority, to which I know not what
+    claim they can produce, and seem to imagine, that their charter gives
+    them more extensive knowledge, and more acute sagacity, than falls to
+    the lot of men not combined in their association.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But however these gentlemen may disapprove my arguments, and however
+    they may misrepresent them, I shall be satisfied, that they will have,
+    with the disinterested and impartial, their just weight, and that this
+    affair will not be hastily determined upon an imperfect examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to this effect:&mdash;Whether the merchants are
+    satisfied with the present methods of insuring, or what is the opinion
+    of any separate body of men, I think it absolutely unnecessary to
+    inquire. We are constituted for the publick advantage, and are engaged
+    by our senatorial character to consider, not the private interest of
+    particular men, but the general advantage of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In our pursuit, sir, of national interest, we shall be obliged
+    frequently to oppose the schemes which private men or separate
+    fraternities, have formed for their own advantage, and which they may be
+    expected to defend with all their art; both because every man is
+    unwilling to imagine that the publick interest and his own are opposite,
+    and because it is to be feared, that many may consider the publick only
+    in subordination to themselves, and be very little solicitous about the
+    general prosperity of their country, provided none of the calamities
+    which afflict it extend their influence to themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are in the discussion of this question, sir, to consider that we are
+    engaged in a war against a nation from which insults, depredations,
+    oppressions, and cruelties, have been long complained of, and against
+    which we are, therefore, to act with a resolution proportioned to the
+    injuries which we have suffered, and to our desire of vengeance. We are
+    to practice every method of distressing them, and to promote the success
+    of our arms even at the expense of present gain, and the interest of
+    private men.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, to all who have either heard or read of the
+    Spaniards, that they live in carelessness and indolence, neglect all the
+    natural advantages of their own country, despise the gain of foreign
+    commerce, and depend wholly on their American settlements, for all the
+    conveniences, and, perhaps, for most of the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is the particular circumstance that makes a war with Britain so
+    much to be dreaded by them. A nation superiour to them by sea holds them
+    besieged, like a garrison surrounded by an army, precludes them from
+    supplies, intercepts their succours, and if it cannot force their walls
+    by attack, can, at least, by a blockade, starve them to a capitulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, by a naval war with an enemy of superiour strength, they must
+    at length be subdued, and subdued, perhaps, without a battle, and
+    without the possibility of resistance; against such an enemy their
+    courage or their discipline is of no use; they may form armies, indeed,
+    but which can only stand upon the shore, to defend what their enemies
+    have no intention of invading, and see those ships seized in which their
+    pay is treasured, or their provisions are stored.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is our natural superiority over the Spaniards, a species of
+    superiority that must inevitably prevail, if it be not defeated by our
+    own folly; and surely a more effectual method of defeating it, the
+    Spaniards themselves could not have discovered, than that of insuring,
+    their ships among our merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a ship thus insured is taken, which, notwithstanding all
+    precautions, must sometimes happen, we examine the cargo, find it
+    extremely valuable, and triumph in our success; we not only count the
+    gain to ourselves, but the loss to our enemies, and determine that a
+    small number of such captures will reduce them to offer us peace upon
+    our own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the conclusions which are made, and made with reason, by men
+    unacquainted with the secret practices of our merchants, and who do not
+    suspect us to be stupid enough to secure our enemies against ourselves;
+    but it is often found, upon a more close examination, that our ships of
+    war have only plundered our merchants, and that our privateers may,
+    indeed, have enriched themselves, but impoverished their country. It is
+    discovered that the loss of the Spaniards is to be repaid, and, perhaps,
+    sometimes with interest, by the British insurers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be urged, that we ought not to enact any laws which may obstruct
+    the gain of our fellow-subjects, may it not be asked, why all trade with
+    Spain is prohibited; may not the trade be equally gainful with the
+    insurance, and may not the gain be more generally distributed, and,
+    therefore, be more properly national?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this trade was prohibited, because it was more necessary to our
+    enemies than to ourselves; it was prohibited, because the laws of war
+    require, that a less evil should be suffered to inflict a greater; it is
+    upon this principle that every battle is fought, and that we fire our
+    own ships to consume the navies of the enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, it appears to me evident beyond contradiction,
+    that the insurance of Spanish ships ought to be prohibited: we shall,
+    indeed, lose the profit of the insurance, but we shall be reimbursed by
+    the captures, which is an argument that cannot be produced for the
+    prohibition of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is urged, sir, that they may insure their ships in other countries;
+    an assertion, of which, whether it be true or not, I am not able to
+    decide; but it is acknowledged, that the necessity of establishing new
+    correspondence will be at least a temporary obstruction of their trade,
+    and an obstruction of even a short continuance may lay them at our
+    mercy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us, sir, reflect upon the weakness of this argument,&mdash;<i>they
+    must be allowed to insure here, because they may insure in other
+    places;</i> will it not be equally just to urge, that <i>they must trade with
+    us, because they may trade with other nations?</i> And may it not be
+    answered, that though we cannot wholly suspend their commerce, it is yet
+    our business to obstruct it as far as we are able?
+</p>
+<p>
+    May it-not, sir, be farther affirmed, that by insuring in other nations,
+    they may injure their allies by falling into our hands, but do not the
+    less benefit us? that if they do not grow weaker, we at least are
+    strengthened; but that by insuring among us, whatever steps are taken,
+    the equilibrium of the war is preserved always the same?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is asserted, and I suppose with truth, that we insure at a lower rate
+    than others, and it will, therefore, follow, that the Spaniards,
+    whenever their ships shall escape us, will suffer more by having-insured
+    amongst foreigners, than if they had contracted with our merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears, sir, that there are stronger reasons for prohibiting
+    the insurance of Spanish ships, than for putting a stop to our commerce
+    with them; and that whether their ships are taken by us, or escape us,
+    it is the general interest of the nation, that they shall be insured by
+    foreign merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With respect, sir, to the East India company, I have no regard to their
+    interest, considered as distinct from that of the rest of the nation;
+    nor have received any solicitations from them to promote this bill, or
+    to espouse their interest; but cannot, without concealing my real
+    sentiments, deny, that as they have the grant of an exclusive trade to
+    the East Indies, to insure the ships that are sent thither without their
+    permission, is to invade their rights, and to infringe their charter;
+    and that the practice, if the validity of their charter be admitted, is
+    illegal, and ought to be discountenanced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The practice, sir, of insuring, <i>interest or no interest</i>, or of
+    assigning to ships an imaginary value, is nothing more than a particular
+    game, a mere solemn species of <i>hazard</i>, and ought, therefore, to be
+    prohibited, for every reason that can be urged against games of chance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to this bill in general, it is, in my opinion, highly
+    necessary, nor can I discover any important objection that can be made
+    against it. Some law of this kind, and to this purpose, I have long
+    intended to offer to the consideration of this assembly, and since it is
+    now before us, I think we ought to consider it with the attention which
+    may be justly expected from us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I know not how properly the practice of
+    insuring may be termed a species of hazard, nor do I think any thing
+    more is to be considered, than whether the game be gainful to the
+    nation, or not, for I cannot discover that there is any absurdity in
+    enriching ourselves at the expense of other nations, whether enemies or
+    allies. That we ought to prefer the general good to the advantage of
+    individuals, is undoubted, but I cannot conceive that in this case there
+    can be any opposition between private and publick interest. If our
+    insurers gain by securing the ships of our enemies, the nation is
+    benefited, for all national gain must circulate through the hands of
+    individuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No man will assert that we ought to assist our enemies, nor will any man
+    imagine that we assist them by impoverishing them, and if our insurers
+    gain by their practice, the Spaniards must undoubtedly be losers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WILLIMOT spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have
+    conversed on the question to which this bill relates, with men engaged
+    in various kinds of traffick, and who have no common interest but that
+    of their country. I have dispersed among the merchants, most eminent for
+    their acquaintance with the whole extent of commerce, and for their
+    knowledge of the true interest of the nation, copies of this bill, and
+    cannot find any of them so sensible of the grievance of which we have so
+    loud complaints, as to desire that it should be redressed by the
+    measures now proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That frauds are practised on every side, in this, as well as in other
+    trades, the general corruption of our age gives us sufficient reason to
+    suspect; but what is common to every sort of traffick, cannot be
+    produced as an argument for the prohibition of any.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the practice of insuring an imaginary value may give opportunity
+    for greater frauds than can be practised in common dealings, is likewise
+    evident, but I cannot discover such frauds to require the interposition
+    of the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they are practised only by those of our own nation, the publick does
+    not suffer; for property is only transferred from one subject to
+    another: the fraud ought, indeed, to be severely punished in the courts
+    of criminal justice, but the custom which gave the opportunity of
+    practising it, ought not to be restrained, any more than any other
+    profession not criminal in itself, but liable to accidental abuses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our insurers are defrauded by foreigners, the nation is then, indeed,
+    more nearly affected, but even in that case, it is to be remembered,
+    that the private interest of the insurers, who must be immediately
+    ruined, is a sufficient security for the publick. For it cannot, sir, be
+    conceived that any man will obstinately carry on a business, by which he
+    becomes every day poorer, or, that when he desists he will be succeeded
+    by another, who cannot but know that he engages in that traffick to his
+    certain ruin.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The true state of this affair is, that frauds are, indeed, often
+    committed, and are for that reason always suspected, and that the
+    insurers, when they insure the ship and cargo against accidents, reckon,
+    among other chances, the probability of being cheated, and proportion
+    their demands, not only to the length and danger of the voyage, but to
+    the character, likewise, of the man with whom they contract.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is always the practice of those whom experience has made
+    acquainted with the danger of implicit confidence and unsuspecting
+    credulity, nor do any but the young and unskilful suffer themselves to
+    be so exposed to frauds, as that their fortunes should be injured, or
+    the general gain of their business overbalanced, by a few deceits.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the ease and safety with which the
+    present methods of insurance admit fraud to be practised, the insurers,
+    by a proportionate degree of caution, secure themselves from being
+    injured, and, by consequence, the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The insurance of foreign ships is now to be considered, by which great
+    profit arises to the nation. We insure, sir, as it has been observed, at
+    lower rates than other nations, because we have more business of this
+    kind, and the smallness of our profit is compensated by the frequency;
+    the cheapness of insurances, and eagerness of foreigners to insure here,
+    reciprocally contribute to each other; we are often applied to, because
+    we insure at an easy rate, and we can insure at an easy rate, because we
+    are often applied to.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is the cheapness of British insurance the only motive to the
+    preference which it preserves among foreigners, who are induced to apply
+    to this nation, by the reputation which our merchants have deservedly
+    gained for probity and punctuality superiour to that of any other
+    traders. Our merchants, sir, bargain without artifice, pay without
+    subterfuges, and are ready on all occasions to preserve their character
+    at the hazard of their profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From these two considerations we may draw unanswerable arguments against
+    any restraints upon the practice of insuring: if foreigners are once
+    disappointed in their applications to us, our business will in a great
+    part cease, and as we shall not then be able to insure at lower rates
+    than other nations, we shall never recover that branch of our trade. And
+    as the character of the British merchants exempts them from any
+    suspicion of practices pernicious to the publick, why should they be
+    restrained? Why, sir, should they appear to be suspected by the
+    legislature of their own country, whom foreigners trust without
+    hesitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been objected to them with great warmth, and urged with much
+    rhetorical exaggeration, that they assist the enemies of their country,
+    that they prolong the war, and defeat those advantages which our
+    situation and commerce have given us; imputations sufficiently
+    atrocious, if they were founded upon truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us, sir, examine the arguments by which this accusation has been
+    supported, and inquire whether this triumph of eloquence has been
+    occasioned by any real superiority of evidence or reason; it is urged,
+    that we have already prohibited commerce with the Spaniards, and that,
+    therefore, we ought, likewise, to prohibit the insurance of their ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not require, sir, an imagination very fertile, or a knowledge
+    very extensive, to supply arguments sufficient to refute the supposed
+    demonstration; in opposition to which it may be urged, that this kind of
+    commerce is of a peculiar nature, that it subsists upon opinion, and is
+    preserved by the reputation of our insurers; a reputation that the
+    insurers of other nations may obtain by the same means, and from whom we
+    shall, therefore, never recover it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be observed, sir, that other commodities are the peculiar product
+    of different countries, and that there is no danger of losing our other
+    trade by suspending it, because it depends upon the excellence of our
+    manufactures; but that insurance may be the commodity of any country,
+    where money and common honesty are to be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This argument may, perhaps, be yet more effectually invalidated, or,
+    perhaps, entirely subverted, by denying the expedience of that
+    prohibition which is produced as a precedent for another restraint. Nor,
+    indeed, does it appear why we should preclude ourselves from a gainful
+    trade, because the money is drawn by it out of the hands of our enemies;
+    or why the product of our lands should lie unconsumed, or our
+    manufactures stand unemployed, rather than we should sell to our enemies
+    what they will purchase at another place, or by the intervention of a
+    neutral power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To sell to an enemy that which may enable him to injure us, that which
+    he must necessarily obtain, and which he could buy from no other, would,
+    indeed, be to the last degree, absurd; but that may surely be sold them
+    without any breach of morality or policy, which they can want with less
+    inconvenience than we can keep. If we were besieging a town, I should
+    not advise our soldiers to sell to the inhabitants ammunition or
+    provisions, but cannot discover the folly of admitting them to purchase
+    ornaments for their houses, or brocades for their ladies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, without examining with the utmost accuracy, whether the late
+    prohibition was rational or not, I have, I hope, suggested objections
+    sufficient to make the question doubtful, and to incline us to try the
+    success of one experiment, before we venture upon another more
+    hazardous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am never willing, sir, to load trade with restraints; trade is, in its
+    own nature, so fugitive and variable, that no constant course can be
+    prescribed to it; and those regulations which were proper when they were
+    made, may, in a few months, become difficulties and obstructions. We
+    well know, that many of the measures which our ancestors pursued for the
+    encouragement of commerce, have been found of pernicious consequence;
+    and even in this age, which, perhaps, experience, more than wisdom, has
+    enlightened, I have known few attempts of that kind which have not
+    defeated the end for which they were made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is more prudent to leave the merchants at liberty to pursue those
+    measures which experience shall dictate upon every occasion, and suffer
+    them to snatch the present opportunity of honest gain, whenever it shall
+    happen; they will never injure their own interest by the use of this
+    liberty, and by preserving themselves, they will preserve the nation
+    from detriment; nor will they need to be restrained by a law proposed
+    without their solicitation, and of which they cannot discover any
+    beneficial consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, for the bill now
+    before us I have no particular fondness, nor desire that it should be
+    promoted by any other means than rational arguments, and the
+    representation of indubitable facts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have no regard, sir, in this inquiry, to any private interest, or any
+    other desire than that of securing the interest of my country, which, in
+    my opinion, evidently requires that we should give no assistance to our
+    enemies, that our merchants should cooperate with our navies, and that
+    we should endeavour to withhold every thing that may make the war less
+    burdensome to them, and, consequently, of longer continuance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was observed, sir, in the beginning of the debate, by a gentleman
+    eminently skilled in mercantile affairs, that insurance was practised by
+    many nations; but he did not inform us of what one of the clauses makes
+    it proper to inquire, whether they allowed the method of insuring
+    <i>interest or no interest</i>, and rating ships at an imaginary value. This
+    is, I know, prohibited by the Dutch, a nation whose authority on
+    commercial questions will not be disputed, nor do they allow their East
+    Indian ships to be insured at all.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The difficulty of estimating the value of any cargo has been urged in
+    defence of this practice, nor is the defence wholly without weight,
+    because the cargo in many voyages cannot be ascertained. I shall,
+    however, take this opportunity of observing, though I may somewhat
+    digress from the present argument, how necessary it is that some of our
+    exported cargoes should be exactly specified.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been lately informed, sir, that six ships laden with British
+    wool, have entered at one time into a port of France; nor do I know how
+    this practice, which is justly complained of as pernicious to our trade,
+    and threatening the ruin of our country, can be prevented but by a
+    constant and regular particularization of every cargo carried to France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I admit, sir, that some cargoes which are imported cannot be
+    particularly registered; such is the gold with which we are daily
+    supplied by our commerce with the Portuguese, in opposition to their
+    laws, and which our merchants are, therefore, under the necessity of
+    concealing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, easy to foresee all the inconveniencies that may
+    arise from new regulations of commerce; but the difficulty is not so
+    great as has been represented, nor can I conceive why all our
+    consultations on trade should be without effect. Gentlemen may obtain
+    some knowledge of commerce from their own observation, which they may
+    enlarge by an unconfined and indifferent conversation with traders of
+    various classes, and by inquiries into the different branches of
+    commerce; inquiries, sir, which are generally neglected by those whose
+    employments confine their attention to particular parts of commerce, or
+    whose application to business hinders them from attending to any
+    opinions but those which their own personal experience enables them to
+    form.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From these informations impartially collected, and diligently compared,
+    a man not engaged in the profession of a merchant may form general
+    principles, and draw consequences, more certain, and more extensive in
+    their relations, than those which are struck out only from the
+    observation of one subdivided species of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A member of this house, sir, thus enlightened by inquiry, and whose
+    judgment is not diverted from its natural rectitude by the impulse of
+    any private consideration, may judge of any commercial debate with less
+    danger of errour or partiality than the merchants, of whom,
+    nevertheless, I have the highest esteem, and whose knowledge, or
+    probity, I do not intend to depreciate, when I declare my fears that
+    they may sometimes confound general maxims of trade with the opinions of
+    particular branches, and sometimes mistake their own gain for the
+    interest of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The interest of the merchants ought, indeed, always to be considered in
+    this house; but then it ought to be regarded only in subordination to
+    that of the whole community, a subordination which the gentleman who
+    spoke last seems to have forgotten. He may, perhaps, not intend long to
+    retain his senatorial character, and, therefore, delivered his opinion
+    only as a merchant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has distinguished between the conduct of experienced and unskilful
+    insurers, with how much justice I shall not determine. I am afraid that
+    a vigorous inquiry would discover, that neither age nor youth has been
+    able to resist strong temptations to some practices, which neither law
+    nor justice can support, and that those, whose experience has made them
+    cautious, have not been always equally honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this is a subject upon which I am not inclined to dwell, and only
+    mention as the reason which convinces me of the propriety of the bill
+    before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, there appears no
+    probability that the different opinions which have been formed of this
+    bill will be reconciled by this debate; nor, indeed, is there any reason
+    for wondering at this contrariety of sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The several clauses of the bill have relations and consequences so
+    different, that scarce any one man can approve them all; and in our
+    present deliberation, an objection to a particular clause is considered
+    as an argument against the whole bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, necessary, to prevent an unprofitable expense of time,
+    to resolve the house into a committee, in which the bill may be
+    considered by single clauses, and that part which cannot be defended may
+    be rejected, and that only retained which deserves our approbation. In
+    the committee, when we have considered the first clause, and heard the
+    objections against it, we may mend it; or, if it cannot be amended,
+    reject or postpone it, and so proceed through the whole bill with much
+    greater expedition, and at the same time, with a more diligent view of
+    every clause, than while we are obliged to take the whole at once into
+    our consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, for my part, approve some clauses, and make objections to
+    others; but think it proper to reserve my objections, and the reasons of
+    my approbation, for the committee into which we ought to go on this
+    occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The bill was referred to a committee, but not forty members staying in
+    the house, it was dropped.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_14"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND <br>INCREASE OF SEAMEN.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The bill was ordered to be read the second time, and to be printed for
+    the use of the members, that it might be thoroughly examined and
+    understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the forty-fourth day, the second reading of the bill was postponed to
+    the fiftieth; but the grand motion being debated on that day, nothing
+    else was heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-first it was again put off; but
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-sixth day, being read a second time, it was, after some
+    opposition, referred to a committee of the whole house, to sit five days
+    after. In the meanwhile,
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-seventh, it was ordered that the proper officers do lay
+    before this house an account of what persons were authorized, by virtue
+    of the act in the 4th of queen Anne, for "the encouragement and increase
+    of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning her fleet;" to
+    conduct seamen or seafaring men taken upon privy searches made by
+    applications to justices; and what number of seamen or seafaring men
+    were returned; also, the charge attending the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-first day, moved that the said account should be read;
+    which being done, the house resolved itself into a grand committee on
+    the present bill; and the first clause being read, proposing the blanks
+    to be filled thus: that every volunteer seamen, after five years'
+    service, be entitled to six pounds per year, during life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, as it is our duty to
+    provide laws, by which all frauds and oppressions may be punished, when
+    they are detected, we are no less obliged to obviate such practices as
+    shall make punishments necessary; nor are we only to facilitate the
+    detection, but take away, as far as it is possible, the opportunities of
+    guilt. It is to no purpose that punishments are threatened, if they can
+    be evaded, or that rewards are offered, if they may by any mean
+    artifices be withheld.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, I think it necessary to observe, that the intent
+    of this clause, the most favourable and alluring clause in the bill, may
+    lose its effect by a practice not uncommon, by which any man, however
+    inclined to serve his country, may be defrauded of the right of a
+    volunteer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many men have voluntarily applied to the officers of ships of war, and
+    after having been rejected by them as unfit for the service, have been
+    dragged on board within a few days, perhaps within a few hours
+    afterwards, to undergo all the hardships, without the merit, of
+    volunteers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any man, sir, has been rejected by the sea officers, he ought to
+    have a certificate given him, which shall be an exemption from an
+    impress, that if any other commander shall judge more favourably of his
+    qualifications, he may always have the privilege of a volunteer, and be
+    entitled to the reward which he deserved, by his readiness to enter the
+    service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If such provisions are not made, this hateful practice, a practice, sir,
+    common and notorious, and very discouraging to such as would enter the
+    service of the publick, may so far prevail, that no man shall be able to
+    denominate himself a volunteer, or claim the reward proposed by the
+    bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    common for men to receive injuries without applying for redress, when it
+    may certainly be obtained. If any proceedings like those which are now
+    complained of, had been mentioned at the board of admiralty, they had
+    been immediately censured and redressed; but as no such accusations were
+    offered, I think it may probably be concluded, that no such crimes have
+    been committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose oppressions of this kind should be practised, it is not
+    easy to conceive; for the officers are not at all rewarded for
+    impressing sailors. As, therefore, it is not probable that any man acts
+    wickedly or cruelly without temptation: as I have never heard any such
+    injury complained of by those that suffered it, I cannot but imagine,
+    that it is one of those reports which arise from mistake, or are forged
+    by malice, to injure the officers, and obstruct the service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;That the
+    practice now complained of, sir, is very frequent, and, whatever may be
+    the temptation to it, such as every day produces some instances of, I
+    have reasons for asserting with great confidence. I have, within these
+    few days, as I was accidentally upon the river, informed myself of two
+    watermen ignominiously dragged by force into the service to which they
+    had voluntarily offered themselves a few days before. The reasons of
+    such oppression, it is the business of those gentlemen to inquire, whom
+    his majesty intrusts with the care of his fleet; but to interrupt the
+    course of wickedness, to hinder it from frustrating the rewards offered
+    by the publick, is the province of the representatives of the people.
+    And I hope, sir, some proviso will be made in this case.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS rose and said:&mdash;Sir, if any such practices had been
+    frequent, to what can it be imputed, that those who employ their lives
+    in maritime business should be strangers to them? Why have no complaints
+    been made by those that have been injured? Or why should officers expose
+    themselves to the hazard of censure without advantage? I cannot
+    discover why these hardships should be inflicted, nor how they could
+    have been concealed, and, therefore, think the officers of the navy may
+    be cleared from the imputation, without farther inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke again, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is in
+    vain that objections are made, if the facts upon which they are founded
+    may be denied at pleasure: nothing is more easy than to deny, because
+    proofs are not required of a negative. But as negatives require no
+    proof, so they have no authority, nor can any consequence be deduced
+    from them. I might, therefore, suffer the facts to remain in their
+    present state, asserted on one side by those that have reasons to
+    believe them, and doubted on the other without reasons; for surely he
+    cannot be said to reason, who questions an assertion only because he
+    does not know it to be true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as every question, by which the liberty of a Briton may be affected,
+    is of importance sufficient to require that no evidence should be
+    suppressed by which it may be cleared, I cannot but think it proper that
+    a committee should be formed to examine the conduct of the officers in
+    this particular; and in confidence of the veracity of those from whom I
+    received my information, I here promise to produce such evidence as
+    shall put an end to controversy and doubt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this is not granted, sir, the fact must stand recorded and allowed;
+    for to doubt, and refuse evidence, is a degree of prejudice and
+    obstinacy without example. Nor is this the only objection to the clause
+    before us, which appears very imperfect, with regard to the
+    qualifications specified as a title to the reward. The reward ought not
+    to be confined to those who shall hereafter be invited by the promise of
+    it to engage in the service, while those who entered into it without any
+    such prospect, are condemned to dangers and fatigues without a
+    recompense. Where merit is equal, the reward ought to be equal; and,
+    surely, where there is greater merit, the reward proposed by the senate,
+    as an encouragement to bravery, ought not to be less. To be excluded
+    from the advantages which others have obtained, only by avoiding the
+    service, cannot but depress the spirit of those whose zeal and courage
+    incited them, at the beginning of the war, to enter into the fleet; and
+    to deject those from whom we expect defence and honour, is neither
+    prudent nor just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, in my opinion, proper to offer the same reward
+    indiscriminately to all that shall accept it; rewards ought to be
+    proportioned to desert, and no man can justly be paid for what he cannot
+    perform; there ought, therefore, to be some distinction made between a
+    seaman by profession, one that has learned his art at the expense of
+    long experience, labour, and hazard, and a man who only enters the ship
+    because he is useless on land, and who can only incommode the sailors
+    till he has been instructed by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, sir, to me, a considerable defect in our naval regulations,
+    that wages are not proportioned to ability; and I think it may not be
+    now unseasonably proposed, that sailors should be paid according to the
+    skill which they have acquired; a provision by which an emulation would
+    be raised among them, and that industry excited, which now languishes
+    for want of encouragement, and those capacities awakened which now
+    slumber in ignorance and sloth, from the despair of obtaining any
+    advantage by superiority of knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;That this charge,
+    sir, however positively urged, is generally unjust, the declarations of
+    these honourable gentlemen are sufficient to evince, since it is not
+    probable that the injured persons would not have found some friend to
+    have represented these hardships to the admiralty, and no such
+    representations could have been made without their knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, I am far from doubting that by accident, or, perhaps, by
+    malice, some men have been treated in this manner; for it is not in the
+    power of any administration to make all those honest or wise whom they
+    are obliged to employ; and when great affairs are depending, minute
+    circumstances cannot always be attended to. If the vigilance of those
+    who are intrusted with the chief direction of great numbers of
+    subordinate officers be such, that corrupt practices are not frequent,
+    and their justice such, that they are never unpunished when legally
+    detected, the most strict inquirer can expect no more. Power will
+    sometimes be abused, and punishment sometimes be escaped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, easy to be conceived that a report may become general,
+    though the practice be very rare. The fact is multiplied as often as it
+    is related, and every man who hears the same story twice, imagines that
+    it is told of different persons, and exclaims against the tyranny of the
+    officers of the navy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these, in my opinion, sir, are questions, if not remote from the
+    present affair, yet by no means essential to it. The question now before
+    us is, not what illegalities have been committed in the execution of
+    impresses, but how impresses themselves may become less necessary? how
+    the nation may be secured without injury to individuals? and how the
+    fleet may be manned with less detriment to commerce?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the reward now proposed is intended to excite men to enter the
+    service without compulsion; and if this expedient be not approved,
+    another ought to be suggested: for I hope gentlemen are united in their
+    endeavours to find out some method of security to the publick, and do
+    not obstruct the proceedings of the committee, that when the fleets lie
+    inactive and useless, they may have an opportunity to reproach the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS spoke next, in substance:&mdash;Sir, though it is not
+    necessary to enter into an accurate examination of the gentleman's
+    proposal, yet I cannot but observe, that by making it, he discovers
+    himself unacquainted with the disposition of seamen, among whom nothing
+    raises so much discontent as the suspicion of partiality. Should one
+    man, in the same rank, receive larger wages than another, he who thought
+    himself injured, as he who is paid less will always think, would be so
+    far from exerting his abilities to attain an equality with his
+    associate, that he would probably never be prevailed on to lay his hand
+    upon the tackling, but would sit sullen, or work perversely, though the
+    ship were labouring in a storm, or sinking in a battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GORE then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the danger of introducing
+    distinctions among men in the same rank, where every man that imagines
+    his merit neglected, may have an opportunity of resenting the injury,
+    is, doubtless, such as no prudent commander will venture to incur.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, in this case, becomes the judge of his own merit; and as he
+    will always discover some reason for the preference of another very
+    different from superiority of desert, he will, by consequence, be either
+    enraged or dispirited, will either resolve to desert his commander, or
+    betray him to the enemies, or not oppose them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I remember, sir, though imperfectly, a story which I heard in my
+    travels, of an army in which some troops received a penny a day less
+    than the rest; a parsimony which cost dear in the day of battle; for the
+    disgusted troops laid down their arms before the enemy, and suffered
+    their general to be cut in pieces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur with
+    the honourable gentleman in his opinion, that those who are already
+    engaged in the service, who have borne the fatigues of a long voyage,
+    and perhaps are, at this hour, exposing their lives in battle to defend
+    the rights of their country, ought to have the same claim to the reward
+    proposed, with those who shall hereafter offer themselves. Nor, in my
+    opinion, ought those who have hitherto been pressed into our fleets to
+    be discouraged from their duty by an exclusion from the same advantage.
+    For if they were compelled to serve in the fleet, they were compelled
+    when there was not this encouragement for volunteers, which, perhaps,
+    they would have accepted if it had been then proposed, Every man, at
+    least, will allege, that he would have accepted it, and complain he
+    suffers only by the fault of the government; a government which he will
+    not be very zealous to defend, while he is considered with less regard
+    than others, from whom no greater services are expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A prospect of new rewards, sir, will add new alacrity to all the forces,
+    and an equal distribution of favour will secure an unshaken and
+    inviolable fidelity. Nothing but union can produce success, and nothing
+    can secure union but impartiality and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the efficacy of rewards,
+    and the necessity of an impartial distribution, are no unfruitful
+    subjects for rhetorick; but it may, perhaps, be more useful at present
+    to consider, with such a degree of attention as the question must be
+    acknowledged to deserve, to whom these rewards are to be paid, and from
+    what fund they are expected to arise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to those who are to claim the reward, sir, they seem very
+    negligently specified; for they are distinguished only by the character
+    of having served five years; a distinction unintelligible, without
+    explanation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, I suppose, sir, the intent of the bill, that no man shall miss
+    the reward but by his own fault; and, therefore, it may be inquired,
+    what is to be the fate of him who shall be disabled in his first
+    adventure, whom in the first year, or month, of his service, an unlucky
+    shot shall confine for the remaining part of his life to inactivity: as
+    the bill is now formed, he must be miserable without a recompense; and
+    his wounds, which make him unable to support himself, will, though
+    received in defence of his country, entitle him to no support from the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only difficulty that may arise from the specifying of so
+    long a service; for how can any man that shall enter on board the fleet
+    be informed that the war will continue for five years? May we not all
+    justly hope, that alacrity, unanimity, and prudence, may, in a much
+    shorter time, reduce our enemies to beg for peace? And shall our sailors
+    lose the reward of their hazards and their labours, only because they
+    have been successful? What will this be less than making their bravery a
+    crime or folly, and punishing them for not protracting the war by
+    cowardice or treachery?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us suppose, sir, those defects supplied by a more explicit and
+    determinate specification; there will yet arise an objection far more
+    formidable; an objection, which the present state of our revenues will
+    not suffer to be answered. The consideration of the greatness of the
+    annual payment which this proposal requires, ought to incite every man
+    to employ all his sagacity in search of some other method, equally
+    efficacious, and less expensive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have already, sir, forty thousand seamen in our pay, to whom eight
+    thousand more are speedily to be added: when each of these shall demand
+    his stipend, a new burden of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand
+    pounds must be laid upon the nation; upon a nation, whose lands are
+    mortgaged, whose revenues are anticipated, and whose taxes cannot be
+    borne without murmurs, nor increased without sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The nation has found, by experience, that taxes once imposed for just
+    reasons, and continued upon plausible pretences, till they are become
+    familiar, are afterwards continued upon motives less laudable, are too
+    productive of influence, and too instrumental towards facilitating the
+    measures of the ministry, to be ever willingly remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BLADEN spoke next, as follows:&mdash;Sir, it is obvious, that when the
+    balance is unequal, it may be reduced to an equilibrium, as well by
+    taking weight out of one scale, as adding it to the other. The wages
+    offered by the merchants overbalance, at present, those which are
+    proposed by the crown; to raise the allowance in the ships of war, will
+    be, to lay new loads upon the publick, and will incommode the merchants,
+    whose wages must always bear the same proportion to the king's. The only
+    method, then, that remains, is to lighten the opposite scale, by
+    restraining the merchants from giving wages, in time of war, beyond a
+    certain value; for, as the service of the crown is then more immediately
+    necessarv to the general advantage than that of the merchants, it ought
+    to be made more gainful. Sailors, sir, are not, generally, men of very
+    extensive views; and, therefore, we cannot expect that they should
+    prefer the general good of their country before their own present
+    interest; a motive of such power, that even in men of curious
+    researches, refined sentiments, and generous education, we see, too
+    often, that it surmounts every other consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE then spoke again:&mdash;Sir, to the expedient which the
+    honourable gentleman who spoke last has suggested, and which he must be
+    confessed to have placed in the strongest light, many objections may be
+    raised, which I am afraid will not easily be removed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first, sir, which occurs to me on this short reflection is not less
+    than the impossibility of putting his scheme in execution. The
+    prescription of wages which he proposes, may be eluded by a thousand
+    artifices, by advanced money, by gratuitous acknowledgments, the payment
+    of money for pretended services, or by secret contracts, which it would
+    be the interest of both parties to conceal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if this objection could be surmounted by severity and vigilance,
+    would not this expedient help to defeat the general intention of the
+    bill? A bill not designed as an immediate resource, a mere temporary
+    project to supply our fleets for the present year, but as a method for
+    removing the only obstruction of the British power, the difficulty of
+    manning our ships of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, I hope, sir, the intention of every man who has offered his
+    sentiments on this occasion, to contrive some general encouragement for
+    seamen, which shall not only invite them to assist their country at the
+    first summons, but shall allure others to qualify themselves for the
+    publick service, by engaging in the same profession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is only to be done by making the condition of sailors less
+    miserable, by entitling them to privileges, and honouring them with
+    distinctions. But by limiting the merchant's wages, if such limitations
+    are, indeed, possible, though we may palliate the present distress, we
+    shall diminish the number of sailors, and thereby not only contract our
+    commerce but endanger our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. TRACEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not for
+    what reasons the present method of advancing rewards at entrance is
+    practised, of which, however specious it might appear, the success by no
+    means encourages the continuance. The sailors, though not a generation
+    of men much disposed to reflection, or qualified for ratiocination, are
+    not yet so void of thought as not easily to perceive that a small
+    increase of constant wages is of more value than several pounds to be
+    paid only at once, and which are squandered as soon as they are
+    received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Instead, therefore, of restraining the wages of the merchants, it seems
+    probable, that by raising those of the king, we may man the fleet with
+    most expedition; and one method of raising the wages will be to suppress
+    the advanced money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke next:&mdash;Sir, if the sum of money now paid by
+    way of advance can be supposed to have any effect, if it can be imagined
+    that any number of seamen, however inconsiderable, are allured by it
+    into the fleet, it is more usefully employed than it can be supposed to
+    be when sunk into the current wages, and divided into small payments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advance money is only paid to those that enter: if no volunteers
+    present themselves, no money is paid, and the nation doth not suffer by
+    the offer: but if the wages are raised, the expense will be certain,
+    without the certainty of advantage; for those that enter voluntarily
+    into the fleet, will receive no more than those that are forced into it
+    by an impress; and therefore there will be no incitement to enter
+    without compulsion. Thus every other inconvenience will remain, with the
+    addition of a new burden to the nation; our forces will be maintained at
+    a greater expense, and not raised with less difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE said:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur in opinion with the
+    honourable gentleman who spoke last, from my own acquaintance with the
+    sentiments and habits that unalterably prevail among those who have been
+    accustomed to the sea, a race of men to the last degree negligent of any
+    future events, and careless about any provision against distant evils;
+    men who have no thoughts at sea, but how to reach the land; nor at land,
+    but how to squander what they have gained at sea. To men like these, it
+    may easily be imagined that no encouragement is equal to the temptation
+    of present gain, and the opportunity of present pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this any man, sir, may convince himself, who shall talk to a crew but
+    half an hour; for he shall find few among them, who will not, for a
+    small sum of present money, sell any distant prospect of affluence or
+    happiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether I am mistaken in my opinion, the honourable members who have
+    long commanded in the naval service can easily determine, and I doubt
+    not but they will agree that no motive can be proposed to a sailor
+    equivalent to immediate reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next:&mdash;Sir, that some distinction ought to be
+    made to the advantage of volunteers, if we intend to man our fleet
+    without compulsion, is obvious and incontestable; and to avoid the
+    necessity of compulsion ought to be the chief end of this bill; for
+    nothing can be less to the advantage of the nation, than to continue the
+    use of such ungrateful methods, and yet increase the publick expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought, therefore, in my opinion, to determine upon some peculiar
+    reward, either to be advanced upon their entrance into the service, or
+    paid at their dismission from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I see, sir, no reason for hoping that all the encouragement which
+    can be offered, will raise volunteers in a sufficient number to secure
+    our navigation, and assert our sovereignty, it seems not proper to
+    confine our consultations to this part of the bill; for since compulsion
+    is on many occasions apparently necessary, some method requires to be
+    considered, in which it may be legal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What new power ought to be placed in the magistrate, for what time, and
+    with what restrictions, I am far from assuming the province of
+    determining; but that some measures must be taken for compelling those
+    who cannot be persuaded, and discovering those that will not offer
+    themselves, cannot admit of doubt; and as the magistrate is at present
+    without any authority for this purpose, it is evident that his power
+    must be extended, for the same reason as it was given in its present
+    degree&mdash;the general benefit of the whole community.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, if the
+    intent of this bill be to enable one part of the nation to enslave the
+    other; if the plausible and inviting professions of encouraging and
+    increasing seamen, are to terminate in violence, constraint, and
+    oppression; it is unnecessary to dwell longer upon particular clauses.
+    The intention of the bill is detestable, and deserves not the ceremony
+    of debate, or the forms of common regard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a man, sir, is liable to be forced from the care of his own private
+    affairs, from his favourite schemes of life, from the engagements of
+    domestick tenderness, or the prospects of near advantage, and subjected,
+    without his consent, to the command of one whom he hates, or dreads, or
+    perhaps despises, it requires no long argument to show, that by whatever
+    authority he is thus treated, he is reduced to the condition of a slave,
+    to that abject, to that hateful state, which every Englishman has been
+    taught to avoid at the hazard of his life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is therefore evident, that a law which tends to confer such a power,
+    subverts our constitution as far as its effects extend; a constitution,
+    which was originally formed as a barrier against slavery, and which one
+    age after another has endeavoured to strengthen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such a power, therefore, in whatever hands it may be lodged, I shall
+    always oppose. It is dangerous, sir, to intrust any man with absolute
+    dominion, which is seldom known to be impartially exercised, and which
+    often makes those corrupt, and insolent, whom it finds benevolent and
+    honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill proposes only encouragement, and encouragement may be given by
+    his majesty, without a new law; let us, therefore, draw up an address,
+    and cease to debate, where there is no prospect of agreement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the payment of an annual salary
+    will, in my opinion, be to the last degree inconvenient and dangerous.
+    The yearly expense has been already estimated, and arises to a sum very
+    formidable in our present state. Nor is the necessity of adding to the
+    publick burden, a burden which already is hard to be borne, the only
+    objection to this proposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing can more contribute to dispirit the nation, than to protract the
+    consequences of a war, and to make the calamity felt, when the pleasures
+    of victory and triumph have been forgotten; we shall be inclined rather
+    to bear oppression and insult than endeavour after redress, if we
+    subject ourselves and our posterity to endless exactions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expenses of the present provision for superannuated and disabled
+    sailors, is no inconsiderable tax upon the publick, which is not less
+    burdened by it for the manner of collecting it by a deduction from the
+    sailors' wages; for, whoever pays it immediately, it is the ultimate
+    gift of the nation, and the utmost that can be allowed for this purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It must be confessed, sir, the persons entitled to the pension are not
+    sufficiently distinguished in the bill; by which, as it now stands, any
+    of the worthless superfluities of a ship, even the servants of the
+    captains, may, after five years, put in their demand, and plunder that
+    nation which they never served.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think, sir, the efficacy of this method will bear any
+    proportion to the expense of it; for I am of opinion, that few of the
+    sailors will be much affected by the prospect of a future pension. I am,
+    therefore, for dazzling them with five pounds, to be given them at their
+    entrance, which will be but a single payment, and probably fill our
+    fleets with greater expedition, than methods which appear more refined,
+    and the effects of deeper meditation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, nothing is more clear
+    than that a yearly pension will burden the nation, without any
+    advantage; and as it will give occasion to innumerable frauds, it is a
+    method which ought to be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As to the new power, sir, which is proposed to be placed in the hands of
+    the magistrates, it undoubtedly reduces every sailor to a state of
+    slavery, and is inconsistent with that natural right to liberty, which
+    is confirmed and secured by our constitution. The bill, therefore, is,
+    in my opinion, defective in all its parts, of a tendency generally
+    pernicious, and cannot be amended but by rejecting it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but think it
+    necessary, that on this occasion, at least, gentlemen should remit the
+    ardour of disputation, and lay the arts of rhetorick aside; that they
+    should reserve their wit and their satire for questions of less
+    importance, and unite, for once, their endeavours, that this affair may
+    meet with no obstructions but from its natural difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are now, sir, engaged in a war with a nation, if not of the first
+    rank in power, yet by no means contemptible in itself; and, by its
+    alliances, extremely formidable. We are exposed, by the course of our
+    trade, and the situation of our enemies, to many inevitable losses, and
+    have no means of preventing our merchants from being seized, without any
+    danger or expense to the Spaniards, but by covering the sea with our
+    squadrons.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are we, sir, to satisfy ourselves with barely defeating the designs
+    of the Spaniards; our honour demands that we should force them to peace
+    upon advantageous terms; that we should not repulse, but attack them;
+    not only preserve our own trade and possessions, but endanger theirs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is by no means certain, sir, that in the prosecution of these designs
+    we shall not be interrupted by the interest or jealousy of a nation far
+    more powerful, whose forces we ought, therefore, to be able to resist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A vigorous exertion of our strength will probably either intimidate any
+    other power that may be inclined to attack us, or enable us to repel the
+    injuries that shall be offered: discord and delay can only confirm our
+    open enemies in their obstinacy, and animate those that have hitherto
+    concealed their malignity to declare against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in no degree prudent to aggravate the
+    inconveniencies of the measures proposed for accomplishing what every
+    man seems equally to desire; to declaim against the expedients offered
+    in the bill as pernicious, unjust, and oppressive, contributes very
+    little to the production of better means. That our affairs will not
+    admit of long suspense, and that the present methods of raising seamen
+    are not effectual, is universally allowed; it, therefore, evidently
+    follows, sir, that some other must be speedily struck out.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it necessary to propose, that the house be resolved into a
+    committee to-morrow morning; and hope all that shall assemble on this
+    occasion, will bring with them no other passion than zeal for their
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The speaker having taken the chair, the chairman of the committee
+    reported, that they had made some progress; and desiring leave to sit
+    again, it was resolved to go into the committee again on the morrow.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    MARCH 4, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-second day the affair was put off; but on the sixty-third,
+    the house resolving itself into a committee, a clause was offered, by
+    which five pounds were proposed to be advanced to an able seaman, and
+    three pounds to every other man that should enter voluntarily into his
+    majesty's service, after twenty days, and within sixty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After which, Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, this is a clause in
+    which no opposition can be apprehended, as those gentlemen who declared
+    their disapprobation of the former, were almost unanimous in proposing
+    this expedient, as the least expensive, and the most likely to succeed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The time for the reception of volunteers upon this condition, is, sir,
+    in my opinion, judiciously determined. If it was extended to a greater
+    length, or left uncertain, the reward would lose its efficacy, the
+    sailors would neglect that which they might accept at any time, and
+    would only have recourse to the ships of war when they could find no
+    other employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet I cannot conceal my apprehensions, that this bounty will not alone
+    be sufficient to man our fleets with proper expedition; and that as
+    allurements may be useful on one hand, force will be found necessary on
+    the other; that the sailors may not only be incited to engage in the
+    service by the hopes of a reward, but by the fear of having their
+    negligence to accept it punished, by being compelled into the same
+    service, and forfeiting their claim by staying to be compelled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, to the reward
+    proposed in this clause, I have declared in the former conference on
+    this bill, that I have no objection, and, therefore, have no amendment
+    to propose, except with regard to the time limited for the payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As our need of seamen, sir, is immediate, why should not a law for their
+    encouragement immediately operate? What advantage can arise from
+    delays? Or why is not that proper to be advanced now, that will be
+    proper in twenty days? That all the time between the enaction and
+    operation of this law must be lost, is evident; for who will enter for
+    two pounds, that may gain five by withholding himself from the service
+    twenty days longer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think the time now limited sufficient; many sailors who are now
+    in the service of the merchants, may not return soon enough to lay claim
+    to the bounty, who would gladly accept it, and who will either not serve
+    the crown without it, or will serve with disgust and complaints; as the
+    loss of it cannot be imputed to their backwardness, but to an accident
+    against which they could not provide.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, though I think the time now fixed by the
+    bill sufficient, as I hope that our present exigency will be but of
+    short continuance, and that we shall soon be able to raise naval forces
+    at a cheaper rate, yet as the reasons alleged for an alteration of the
+    time may appear to others of more weight than to me, I shall not oppose
+    the amendment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD next rose, and said:&mdash;Sir, with regard to the duration
+    of the time fixed for the advancement of this bounty, we may have
+    leisure to deliberate; but surely it must be readily granted by those
+    who have expatiated so copiously upon the present exigencies of our
+    affairs, that it ought immediately to commence. And if this be the
+    general determination of the house, nothing can be more proper than to
+    address his majesty to offer, by proclamation, an advance of five
+    pounds, instead of two, which have been hitherto given; that while we
+    are concerting other measures for the advantage of our country, those in
+    which we have already concurred may be put in execution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY rose up next, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I take this
+    opportunity to lay before the house a grievance which very much retards
+    the equipment of our fleets, and which must be redressed before any
+    measures for reconciling the sailors to the publick service can be
+    pursued with the least probability of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Observation, sir, has informed me, that to remove the detestation of the
+    king's service, it is not necessary to raise the wages of the seamen; it
+    is necessary only to secure them; it is necessary to destroy those
+    hateful insects that fatten in idleness and debauchery upon the gains of
+    the industrious and honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a sailor, sir, after the fatigues and hazards of a long voyage,
+    brings his ticket to the pay-office, and demands his wages, the
+    despicable wretch to whom he is obliged to apply, looks upon his ticket
+    with an air of importance, acknowledges his right, and demands a reward
+    for present payment; with this demand, however exorbitant, the
+    necessities of his family oblige him to comply.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this manner, sir, are the wives of the sailors also treated when they
+    come to receive the pay of their husbands; women, distressed,
+    friendless, and unsupported; they are obliged to endure every insult,
+    and to yield to every oppression. And to such a height do these
+    merciless exacters raise their extortions, that sometimes a third part
+    of the wages is deducted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, do the vilest, the meanest of mankind, plunder those who have
+    the highest claim to the esteem, the gratitude, and the protection of
+    their country. This is the hardship which withholds the sailors from our
+    navies, and forces them to seek for kinder treatment in other countries.
+    This hardship, sir, both justice and prudence call upon us to remedy;
+    and while we neglect it, all our deliberations will be ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, of the hardships
+    mentioned by the honourable gentleman who spoke last, I have myself
+    known an instance too remarkable not to be mentioned. A sailor in
+    Ireland, after his voyage, met with so much difficulty in obtaining his
+    wages, that he was at length reduced to the necessity of submitting to
+    the reduction of near a sixth part. Such are the grievances with which
+    those are oppressed, upon whom the power, security, and happiness of the
+    nation are acknowledged to depend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE, the prime minister, then rose, and spoke as
+    follows:&mdash;Sir, it is not without surprise that I hear the disgust of the
+    sailors ascribed to any irregularity in the payment of their wages,
+    which were never, in any former reign, so punctually discharged. They
+    receive, at present, twelve months' pay in eighteen months, without
+    deduction; so that there are never more than six months for which any
+    demand remains unsatisfied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, the punctuality of the payment has produced of late great
+    inconveniencies; for there has been frequently a necessity of removing
+    men from one ship to another; and it is the stated rule of the
+    pay-office, to assign every man so removed his full pay. These men, when
+    the government is no longer indebted to them, take the first opportunity
+    of deserting the service, and engaging in business to which they are
+    more inclined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not a chimerical complaint, founded upon rare instances, and
+    produced only to counterbalance an objection; the fact and the
+    consequences are well known; so well, that near fourteen hundred sailors
+    are computed to have been lost by this practice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRESIDENT of the commons, who always in a committee takes his seat
+    as another member, rose here, and spoke to the following effect, his
+    honour being paymaster of the navy:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, the nature of the
+    employment with which I am intrusted makes it my duty to endeavour that
+    this question may be clearly understood, and the condition of the
+    seamen, with regard to the reception of their pay, justly represented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not been able to discover that any sailor, upon producing his
+    ticket, was ever obliged to submit to the deduction of any part of his
+    wages, nor should any clerk or officer under my inspection, escape, for
+    such oppression, the severest punishment and most publick censure: I
+    would give him up to the law without reserve, and mark him as infamous,
+    and unworthy of any trust or employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there are extortions, sir, by which those unhappy men, after having
+    served their country with honesty and courage, are deprived of their
+    lawful gains of diligence and labour. There are men to whom it is usual
+    amongst the sailors to mortgage their pay before it becomes due, who
+    never advance their money but upon such terms as cannot be mentioned
+    without indignation. These men advance the sum which is stipulated, and
+    by virtue of a letter of attorney are reimbursed at the pay-office.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This corruption is, I fear, not confined to particular places, but has
+    spread even to America, where, as in his own country, the poor sailor is
+    seduced, by the temptation of present money, to sell his labour to
+    extortioners and usurers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I appeal to the gentleman, whether the instance which he mentioned was
+    not of this kind. I appeal to him without apprehension of receiving an
+    answer that can tend to invalidate what I have asserted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is, indeed, a grievance pernicious and oppressive, which no
+    endeavours of mine shall be deficient in attempting to remove; for by
+    this the sailor is condemned, notwithstanding his industry and success,
+    to perpetual poverty, and to labour only for the benefit of his
+    plunderer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The clauses were then read, "empowering the justices of the peace, etc.
+    to issue warrants to the constables, etc. to make general privy
+    searches, by day or night, for finding out and securing such seamen and
+    seafaring men as lie hid or conceal themselves; and making it lawful for
+    the officers appointed to make such searches, to force open the doors of
+    any house, where they shall <i>suspect</i> such seamen to be concealed, if
+    entrance be not readily admitted; and for punishing those who shall
+    harbour or conceal any seaman."]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD upon this rose up, and spoke to the following
+    effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, we have been hitherto deliberating upon
+    questions, in which diversity of opinions might naturally be expected,
+    and in which every man might indulge his own opinion, whatever it might
+    be, without any dangerous consequences to the publick. But the clauses
+    now before us are of a different kind; clauses which cannot be read
+    without astonishment and indignation, nor defended without betraying the
+    liberty of the best, the bravest, and most useful of our
+    fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If these clauses, sir, should pass into a law, a sailor and a slave will
+    become terms of the same signification. Every man who has devoted
+    himself to the most useful profession, and most dangerous service of his
+    country, will see himself deprived of every advantage which he has
+    laboured to obtain, and made the mere passive property of those who live
+    in security by his valour, and owe to his labour that affluence which
+    hardens them to insensibility, and that pride that swells them to
+    ingratitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why must the sailors alone, sir, be marked out from all the other orders
+    of men for ignominy and misery? Why must they be ranked with the enemies
+    of society, stopped like vagabonds, and pursued like the thief and the
+    murderer by publick officers? How or when have they forfeited the common
+    privilege of human nature, or the general protection of the laws of
+    their country? If it is a just maxim, sir, that he who contributes most
+    to the welfare of the publick, deserves most to be protected in the
+    enjoyment of his private right or fortune; a principle which surely will
+    not be controverted; where is the man that dares stand forth and assert,
+    that he has juster claims than the brave, the honest, the diligent
+    sailor?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am extremely unwilling, sir, to engage in so invidious an undertaking
+    as the comparison of the harmless, inoffensive, resolute sailor, with
+    those who think themselves entitled to treat him with contempt, to
+    overlook his merit, invade his liberty, and laugh at his remonstrances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, sir, necessary to dwell upon the peculiar merit of this body
+    of men; it is sufficient that they have the same claims, founded upon
+    the same reasons with our own, that they have never forfeited them by
+    any crime, and, therefore, that they cannot be taken away without the
+    most flagrant violation of the laws of nature, of reason, and of our
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us consider the present condition of a sailor, let us reflect a
+    little upon the calamities to which custom, though not law, has already
+    made him subject, and it will surely not be thought that his unhappiness
+    needs any aggravation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He is already exposed to be forced, upon his return from a tedious
+    voyage, into new hardships, without the intermission of a day, and
+    without the sight of his family; he is liable, after a contract for a
+    pleasing and gainful voyage, to be hurried away from his prospects of
+    interest, and condemned amidst oppression and insolence, to labour and
+    to danger, almost without the possibility of a recompense. He has
+    neither the privilege of choosing his commander, nor of leaving him when
+    he is defrauded and oppressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, sir, I say, are the calamities to which he is now subject, but
+    there is now a possibility of escaping them. He is not yet deprived of
+    the right of resistance, or the power of flight; he may now retire to
+    his friend, and be protected by him; he may take shelter in his own
+    cottage, and treat any man as a robber, that shall attempt to force his
+    doors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any crews are returning home in time of war, they are acquainted
+    with the dangers of an impress, but they comfort themselves with
+    contriving stratagems to elude it, or with the prospect of obtaining an
+    exemption from it by the favour of their friends; prospects which are
+    often deceitful, and stratagems frequently defeated, but which yet
+    support their spirits, and animate their industry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if this bill, sir, should become a law, the sailor, instead of
+    amusing himself on his return with the prospects of ease, or of
+    pleasure, will consider his country as a place of slavery, a residence
+    less to be desired than any other part of the world. He will probably
+    seek, in the service of some foreign prince, a kinder treatment; and
+    will not fail, in any country but his own, to see himself, at least, on
+    a level with other men.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will this bill, sir, only give the seamen new reasons of disgust,
+    but it will tend, likewise, to aggravate those grievances, which already
+    have produced a detestation of the publick service, scarcely to be
+    conquered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The officers of the navy, sir, will hardly be made less insolent by an
+    increase of power; they whose tyranny has already alienated their
+    fellow-subjects from the king's service, though they could only depend
+    upon the character of probity and moderation for the prospect of manning
+    their ships in succeeding expeditions, will probably, when they are
+    animated by a law like this, and made absolute both by land and sea,
+    indulge themselves in the enjoyment of their new authority, contrive new
+    hardships and oppressions, and tyrannise without fear and without mercy.
+    Thus, sir, will the bill not only be tyrannical in itself, but the
+    parent of tyranny; it will give security to the cruel, and confidence to
+    the arrogant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any man, at least any man bred from his infancy to change his
+    residence, and accustomed to different climates and to foreign nations,
+    will fix by choice in that country where he finds the worst reception,
+    is hardly to be imagined. We see indeed, that men unqualified to support
+    themselves in other countries, or who have, by long custom, contracted a
+    fondness for particular methods of life, will bear very uncomfortable
+    circumstances, without endeavouring to improve their conditions by a
+    change of their habitations. But the temper of a sailor, acquainted with
+    all parts, and indifferent to all, is of another kind. Such, sir, is his
+    love of change, arising either from wantonness, or curiosity, that he is
+    hard to be retained by the kindest treatment and most liberal rewards;
+    and will, therefore, never struggle with his habitual dispositions, only
+    to continue in a state of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, therefore, sir, very evident that this new method of
+    <i>encouraging</i> sailors will be so far from <i>increasing</i> them, that it may
+    probably drive them out of the empire, and at once ruin our trade and
+    our navy; at once beggar and disarm us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let me now suppose, sir, for a moment, the bill less pernicious in its
+    consequences, and consider only the difficulties of executing it. Every
+    seafaring man is to be seized, at pleasure, by the magistrate; but what
+    definition is given of a seafaring man? Or by what characteristick is
+    the magistrate to distinguish him? I have never been able to discover
+    any peculiarities in the form of a seaman that mark him out from the
+    rest of the species. There is, indeed, less servility in his air, and
+    less effeminacy in his face, than in those that are commonly to be seen
+    in drawing-rooms, in brothels, and at reviews; but I know not that a
+    seaman can be distinguished from any other man of equal industry or use,
+    who has never enervated himself by vice, nor polished himself into
+    corruption. So that this bill, sir, if it shall pass into a law, will
+    put it at once in the power of the magistrate to dispose of seamen at
+    his pleasure, and to term whom he pleases a seaman.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another expedient, sir, has been offered on this occasion, not equally
+    tyrannical, but equally inadequate to the end in view. It is proposed to
+    restrain the merchants from giving wages beyond a certain rate, on the
+    supposition that the sailors have no motive but that of larger wages, to
+    prefer the service of the merchants to that of the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is a mistake which might easily arise from a partial and
+    imperfect knowledge of the affair, with which very few gentlemen have
+    opportunities of being well acquainted. The wages, sir, are the smallest
+    inducements which fix the seamen in their choice. The prospect of kinder
+    treatment, the certainty of returning home in a fixed time, and the
+    power of choosing what voyages they will undertake, cannot but be
+    acknowledged very reasonable motives of preference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the contrary, sir, when they are once engaged in a ship of war, they
+    know neither whither they are going, what dangers they shall encounter,
+    what hardships they shall suffer, nor when they shall be dismissed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Besides, sir, I do not think it possible by any law to limit the wages
+    to be paid by merchants, since they will change the term of wages into
+    that of a present, or admit the sailors to a small share in the freight,
+    and so all the precaution we can take will become ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, sir, how much shall we embarrass our own commerce, and
+    impair our natural strength&mdash;the power of our fleets? We shall terrify
+    our sailors on the one hand, and endeavour to starve them on the other;
+    we shall not only drive them from us by unheard-of severities, but take
+    away every motive that can induce them to expose themselves to the
+    danger of suffering them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, sir, with what effect methods nearly approaching these
+    were practised in the reign of the late queen, we shall find that not
+    more than one thousand five hundred seamen were raised, and those at the
+    expense of more than four thousand pounds; so that the effects bore no
+    proportion to the means; our laws were infringed, and our constitution
+    violated to no purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what reason, sir, can be assigned for which it must be more
+    difficult to supply the fleet now with sailors than at any other time?
+    This war, sir, was demanded by the publick voice, in pursuance of the
+    particular remonstrances of the merchants, and it is not to be supposed
+    that the sailors or any other body of men engage in it with a particular
+    reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, inclined to believe that the suspicion of great numbers
+    hid in the country, at a distance from the coast, is merely chimerical;
+    and that if we should pass this bill, we should do nothing more than
+    grant an oppressive and unconstitutional power of search for what, in
+    reality, is not to be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How oppressive this power may become in the hands of a corrupt or
+    insolent magistrate, any man may discover, who remembers that the
+    magistrate is made judge without appeal, of his own right to denominate
+    any man a sailor, and that he may break open any man's doors at any
+    time, without alleging any other reason than his own suspicion; so that
+    no man can secure his house from being searched, or, perhaps, his person
+    from being seized.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, indeed, be alleged, sir, that this will be only a temporary law,
+    and is to cease with the exigence that made it necessary: but long
+    experience has informed us, that severe laws are enacted more readily
+    than they are repealed; and that most men are too fond of power to
+    suffer willingly the diminution of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, though this law should not be perpetuated, every precedent of
+    an infringement of our constitution, makes way for its dissolution; and
+    the very cessation of an oppressive law, may be a plea, hereafter, for
+    the revival of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This bill, therefore, must be confessed to be at once violent and
+    ineffectual; to be a transgression of the laws of justice to particular
+    men, without any prospect of real benefit to the community; and,
+    therefore, cannot be passed without deviating at once from prudence and
+    our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Captain CORNWALL then rose, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;I have observed,
+    sir, that every man is apt to think himself ill treated, who is not
+    treated according to his own opinion of his deserts, and will endeavour
+    to diffuse his own notion of the partiality and tyranny of the naval
+    officers; general clamours, therefore, are little to be regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have had, from my early years, a command in the sea service, and can
+    assert, that I never knew more than one instance of injustice, and that
+    was punished with the severity which it deserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRIME MINISTER rose next, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman,
+    it is with uncommon satisfaction that I see every clause of this bill
+    regularly debated, without unbecoming impatience, or passionate
+    exclamations. I am willing to collect from this conduct, that the
+    disposition of every gentleman is, on this occasion, the same with my
+    own; and that every expedient here proposed will be diligently examined,
+    and either be seriously approved, or be calmly rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such coolness and impartiality, sir, is certainly required by the
+    importance of the present question; a question which cannot but
+    influence the prosperity of the nation for many years.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not necessary to remind any gentleman of the importance of our
+    trade, of the power of the enemy against whom we have declared war in
+    defence of it, or of the necessity of showing the world that our
+    declarations of war are not empty noises, or farces of resentment. But
+    it may be proper, sir, to remark, that this is not the only enemy, nor
+    the most powerful, whose attempts we have reason to provide against, and
+    who may oblige us to exert our whole power, and practise every expedient
+    to increase our forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war has been, hitherto, prosecuted with the utmost vigour, with all
+    the attention that its importance requires, and with success not
+    disproportioned to our preparations; nor will it ever be suffered to
+    languish, if the powers necessary for carrying it on are not denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident, sir, than that the natural power of the nation
+    consists in its fleets, which are now, by the care of the government, so
+    numerous, that the united power of many nations cannot equal them. But
+    what are fleets unfurnished with men? How will they maintain the
+    dominion of the sea, by lying unactive in our harbours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no methods, hitherto used, have been sufficient to man our navies,
+    and that our preparations have, therefore, been little more than an
+    expensive show of war, the whole nation is sufficiently informed; it is,
+    therefore, not doubtful that some new measures must be taken; whether
+    any better can be suggested than are offered in this bill, must be
+    inquired.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the clause now under our consideration, it is to be
+    remembered, that little more is proposed by it, than to add the sanction
+    of legality to a power which has long been exercised by the admiralty,
+    without any other authority than that of long prescription, the power of
+    issuing warrants of impress upon emergent occasions, by which sailors
+    are forced into the publick service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This power, in its present state, must be allowed to have no foundation
+    in any law, and, by consequence, to be unlimited, arbitrary, and easily
+    abused, and, upon the whole, to be justifiable only by necessity: but
+    that necessity is so frequent, that it is often exercised, and,
+    therefore, ought to be regulated by the legislature; and by making such
+    regulations, we may rather be said to remove than introduce a grievance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of searching for sailors, however it has been represented, is
+    far from setting them on a level with felons, murderers, or vagabonds;
+    or, indeed, from distinguishing them, to their disadvantage, from the
+    rest of the community, of which every individual is obliged to support
+    the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those that possess estates, or carry on trades, transfer part of their
+    property to the publick; and those ought, by parity of reason, to serve
+    the publick in person, that have no property to transfer. Every man is
+    secured by the constitution in the enjoyment of his life, his liberty,
+    or his fortune; and, therefore, every man ought reciprocally to defend
+    the constitution to which he is himself indebted for safety and
+    protection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, sir, unable to discover in what consists the hardship
+    of a law by which no new duties are enjoined, nor any thing required,
+    which is not already every man's duty. Every man, indeed, who is
+    desirous of evading the performance of any of the duties of society,
+    will consider every compulsion as a hardship, by which he is obliged to
+    contribute to the general happiness; but his murmurs will prove nothing
+    but his own folly and ingratitude, and will certainly deserve no regard
+    from the legislative power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is in the bill before us, sir, encouragement sufficient for
+    volunteers, and an offer of greater rewards than some gentlemen think
+    consistent with the present state of the national revenues; and what
+    remains to be done with respect to those who are deaf to all
+    invitations, and blind to all offers of advantage? Are they to sit at
+    ease only because they are idle, or to be distinguished with indulgence
+    only for want of deserving it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems generally granted, sir, that such drones are the proper objects
+    of an impress. Let us then suppose that every man who is willing to
+    serve his country, has laid hold of the reward proposed, and entered a
+    volunteer. The fleets are not yet sufficiently manned, and more sailors
+    must be procured. Warrants are issued out in the common form. The
+    negligent, the imprudent, the necessitous, are taken. The vigilant, the
+    cunning, and those that have more money, find shelter and escape. Can it
+    be said, that those whose circumstances, or good fortune, enable them to
+    secure themselves from the officers of the impress, deserve any
+    exemption from the publick service, or from the hardships to which their
+    companions are exposed? Have they discharged their debt of gratitude to
+    the publick so effectually by running away from its service, that no
+    search ought to be made after them? It seems evident, that if it was
+    right to seize the one, it is likewise right to pursue the other; and if
+    it be right to pursue him, it is likewise right to hinder him from
+    escaping the pursuers. It is then right to vest some persons with the
+    power of apprehending him, and in whom is that power to be lodged, but
+    in the civil magistrate?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, sir, is obliged by compulsive methods to serve his country,
+    if he can be prevailed upon by no other. If any man shall refuse to pay
+    his rates or his taxes, will not his goods be seized by force, and sold
+    before his face? If any particular methods are proposed for obliging
+    seamen to contribute to the publick safety, it is only because their
+    service is necessary upon more pressing occasions than that of others;
+    upon occasions which do not admit of delay, without the hazard of the
+    whole community.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I must confess, sir, there are instances in which the hardships of the
+    seafaring part of the nation are peculiar, and truly calamitous. A
+    sailor, after the dangers and toils of a long voyage, when he is now in
+    the sight of the port, where he hopes to enjoy that quiet which he has
+    deserved by so long a series of fatigues, to repair the injuries which
+    his health has suffered, by change of climate, and the diet of the
+    ships, and to recover that strength which incessant vigilance has worn
+    away; when he is in expectation of being received by his family with
+    those caresses, which the succours that he brings them naturally
+    produce, and designs to rest awhile from danger and from care; in the
+    midst of these pleasing views, he is, on the sudden, seized by an
+    impress, and forced into a repetition of all his miseries, without any
+    interval of refreshment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let no man who can think without compassion on such a scene as this,
+    boast his zeal for freedom, his regard for bravery, or his gratitude to
+    those who contribute to the wealth and power of their country; let every
+    man who declares himself touched with the pity which the slightest
+    reflection upon such a disappointment must naturally produce, sincerely
+    endeavour to obviate the necessity of such oppressive measures, which
+    may, at least in part, be prevented, by assigning to magistrates the
+    power of hunting out of their retreats, those who neglect the business
+    of their callings, and linger at once in laziness and want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are great numbers who retire not from weariness but idleness, or
+    an unreasonable prepossession against the publick service; and, surely,
+    nothing is more unreasonable, than that bad dispositions should be
+    gratified, and that industry should expose any man to penalties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the whole, sir, I am not able to discover, that any man should be
+    exempted from an impress merely because he finds means to escape it, or
+    because idleness or disinclination to the publick service prompts him to
+    abscond.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any men deserve indulgence, in opposition to the demands of the
+    publick, they are rather those who have already, in some degree,
+    discharged their duty to it, by contributing to bring in that wealth
+    which is the consequence of a prosperous and well-regulated commerce,
+    and without which war cannot be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not without grief and regret, that I am obliged to represent, on
+    this occasion, the obstructions which the war has suffered from those at
+    whose request it was undertaken; and to declare, that the conduct of the
+    merchants, has afforded proof that some law of this tendency is
+    absolutely necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, who have so loudly complained of the decline of
+    trade, the interruption of navigation, and the insolence, rapacity, and
+    cruelty of the Spaniards; the merchants, who filled the nation with
+    representations of their hardships, discouragements, and miseries, and
+    lamented in the most publick manner, that they were the only body for
+    whom the legislature had no regard, who were abandoned to the caprice of
+    other nations, were plundered abroad, and neglected at home; the
+    merchants, after having at length by their importunities engaged the
+    state in a war, of which they have themselves certainly not the least
+    pretensions to question either the justice or necessity, now, when by
+    the natural consequences of a naval armament, sailors become less
+    numerous, and ships more difficult to be equipped, contract in private
+    with such sailors as they are inclined to employ, and conceal them in
+    garrets, hired for that purpose, till the freight is ready, or the
+    danger of an impress is past, and thus secure their own private affairs
+    at the hazard of the publick, and hinder the operations of a war, which
+    they, and they only, solicited.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of having other enemies than the Spaniards, enemies, sir,
+    more active, more powerful, and more ambitious, has already been
+    mentioned; a danger so near, and so formidable, that he will not be
+    thought very solicitous for his country, whom the bare mention of it
+    does not alarm. This danger we are, therefore, to obviate by vigorous
+    preparations, and unanimous resolutions; nor do I doubt but both our
+    enemies, if they find us united, will repent of attacking us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the most efficacious method of manning our fleets, which law or
+    custom has yet put into our hands, is that of suspending our commerce by
+    an embargo; and yet the whole nation knows how much, and by what means,
+    it has been eluded: no sooner was it known that an embargo was laid,
+    than the sailors flew away into the country, or hid themselves in
+    corners of this great city, as from the most formidable danger; and no
+    sooner did the embargo cease, than the banks of the river were again
+    crowded with sailors, and all the trading vessels were immediately
+    supplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I cannot doubt, sir, that every gentleman is equally zealous for the
+    success of the war, and the prosperity of his country; and as the
+    insufficiency of the present methods of providing for them is apparent,
+    I hope, that either the regulations proposed by this bill, to which I
+    see no important objections, or some other of equal use, will be
+    established by a general concurrence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke next:&mdash;Though no gentleman in this assembly, sir,
+    can more ardently wish the success of the British arms, or shall more
+    willingly concur in any measure that may promote it, yet I cannot agree
+    to the clause now under our consideration; I disapprove it both from
+    moral and political motives; I disapprove it as neither just nor
+    prudent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The injustice of so flagrant an invasion of the liberty of particular
+    men has been already exposed; nor is it, in my opinion, less easy to
+    discover the imprudence of exhausting all our supplies at once, and
+    sweeping away all our sailors, to supply a single exigency.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has often been remarked, sir, in favour of a standing army, that it
+    is requisite to have a number of regular forces, who, though too weak to
+    oppose an invasion, might be able to establish discipline in a larger
+    body. An observation which may, with much greater justness, be applied
+    to the seamen, whose art is much more difficult to be attained, and who
+    are equally necessary in war and peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our stock of seamen, sir, be destroyed, if there is not left in our
+    trading vessels a sufficient number of experienced artists to initiate
+    novices, and propagate the profession, not only our ships of war must
+    lie useless, but our commerce sink to nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have I reason to believe the naval power of France so formidable, as
+    that we ought to be terrified by the apprehensions of it into any
+    extraordinary methods of procedure. I am informed that they have now
+    very few ships of force left in their harbours; and that they have
+    exerted their whole strength in the American fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not, therefore, sir, for providing against present dangers, without
+    regard to our future security; and think nothing more worthy of the
+    consideration of this assembly, than the means of encouraging and
+    increasing our seamen, which will not be effected by the bill before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Land forces may be hired upon emergencies; but sailors are our own
+    peculiar strength, and the growth of our own soil; we are, therefore,
+    above all other regards, to attend, if I may use the term, to the
+    preservation of the species.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER next spoke:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, as there can be no stronger
+    objection to any law than ambiguity, or indeterminate latitude of
+    meaning, I think it necessary to propose, that some word of known and
+    limited import, be substituted in the place of <i>seafaring men</i>; an
+    expression which, if I was asked the meaning of it, I should find it
+    difficult to explain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Are <i>seafaring</i> men those only who navigate in the <i>sea</i>? The term is
+    then superfluous, for all such are evidently comprised in the word
+    <i>seamen</i>. Are they bargemen or watermen, who ply on rivers and transport
+    provision or commodities from one inland town to another? In that sense
+    nobody will affirm that it is a proper word; and impropriety in the
+    expression of laws, produces uncertainty in the execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Captain CORNWALL rose up:&mdash;Sir, the term <i>seafaring men</i>, of which an
+    explication is desired, is intended to include all those who live by
+    conveying goods or passengers upon the water, whether the sea or inland
+    rivers: nor can we restrain it to a narrower sense, without exempting
+    from the publick service great numbers, whose manner of life has
+    qualified them for it, and from whom their country may, with equal
+    justice, expect assistance, as from those who are engaged in foreign
+    traffick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER replied:&mdash;Sir, I am far from concurring with the honourable
+    gentleman in his opinion, that the inland watermen are, by their
+    profession, in any degree qualified for sea service, or can properly be
+    called <i>seafaring men</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All qualifications for the service must consist either in some knowledge
+    of the arts of navigation, or in some familiarity with the dangers of
+    the sea. With regard to any previous knowledge of naval business, it is
+    well known that they have no advantage over any common labourer; for the
+    manner of navigating a ship and a barge have, for the most part, nothing
+    in common.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are these watermen, sir, more able to stand firm in the terrours of
+    the storm, or the noise of a battle, than those who follow any other
+    occupation. Many of them never saw the sea, nor have less dread of its
+    danger than the other inhabitants of the inland counties. They are,
+    therefore, neither <i>seafaring</i> men, nor peculiarly capable of being made
+    <i>seamen</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the hardship upon particular men is not the strongest objection to
+    this clause, which, by obstructing our inland navigation, may make our
+    rivers useless, and set the whole trade of the nation at a stand. For
+    who will bring up his son a waterman, who knows him exposed by that
+    profession to be impressed for a seaman?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, necessary, sir, either to omit the term <i>seafaring
+    men</i> [Footnote: Agreed to be omitted.], or to explain it in such a
+    manner, that inland watermen may not be included.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke next:&mdash;Sir, so much has been urged against the
+    compulsive methods proposed in this clause, and so little produced in
+    favour of them, that it may seem superfluous to add any thing, or to
+    endeavour, by a multiplicity of arguments, to prove what common reason
+    must immediately discover. But there is one consequence of this clause
+    which has not yet been observed, and which is yet too important not to
+    be obviated by a particular proviso.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, that many of those to whom this act will extend,
+    are freeholders and voters, for electing the representatives of the
+    nation; and it is therefore apparent, that elections may be influenced
+    by an ill-timed or partial execution of it. How easy will it be, when an
+    election approaches, to raise a false alarm, to propose some secret
+    expedition, or threaten us with an invasion from some unknown country,
+    and to seize on all the seafaring voters whose affections are suspected,
+    and confine them at Spithead till the contest is over.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, sir, but think it necessary, that if this clause be
+    suffered to pass, some part of its hateful consequences should be
+    prevented by an exception in favour of freeholders and voters, which,
+    surely, is no less than what every man owes to his own security, to the
+    welfare of his country, and to those by whom he has been honoured with
+    the care of their liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM then said, as follows:&mdash;Sir, I do not rise in
+    opposition to the proposal made by that right honourable member, nor do
+    I think this the proper time either for opposing or approving it. Method
+    is of the highest importance in inquiries like these; and if the order
+    of the debate be interrupted by foreign questions, or incidental
+    objections, no man will be able to consider the clauses before us with
+    the attention necessary to his own satisfaction, or to the conviction of
+    others; the mind will be dissipated by a multiplicity of views, and
+    nothing can follow but perplexity and confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The great end, sir, for which we are now assembled, is to strike out
+    methods of manning the fleet with expedition and certainty. It is,
+    therefore, proper, in the first place, to agree upon some general
+    measures, to each of which there may, undoubtedly, be particular
+    objections raised, that may be afterwards removed by exceptions or
+    provisions; but these provisions should, for the sake of order, be
+    inserted in particular clauses, to be separately considered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind is the exception now offered, to which I have no objection
+    but its present impropriety, and the interruption of the debate which it
+    may now occasion; for I see, at present, no reason against admitting it
+    in a particular clause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When it is considered how much the success of the war may depend upon
+    the determinations of this day, and how much our future happiness and
+    security may depend upon the success of our present undertakings, I hope
+    my solicitude for regularity and expedition will be easily excused.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Hind COTTON answered:&mdash;I am not able, sir, to discover any imminent
+    danger to the nation in suspending our attention to the clause before
+    us, for a few moments; nor, indeed, do we cease to attend to it, while
+    we are endeavouring to mollify it, and adapt it to our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The exception proposed is, in the opinion of the honourable gentleman,
+    so reasonable, that he declares himself ready to approve it in another
+    place; and, to me, no place seems more proper of its making part of this
+    bill than this. As a connexion between the clause and exception appears
+    necessary and immediate, I cannot see why it should be postponed, unless
+    it is hoped that it may be forgotten.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY then spoke:&mdash;Sir, that this exception should be forgotten
+    there is no danger; for how long soever it be delayed, I will never
+    agree to the act till I see it inserted. If we suffer the liberty of the
+    freeholders to be infringed, what can we expect but to be charged with
+    betraying our trust, and giving up to servitude and oppression those who
+    deputed us to this assembly, as the guardians of their privileges, and
+    the asserters of their birthright; a charge too just to be denied, and
+    too atrocious to be borne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the right of a freeholder is independent on every other
+    circumstance, and is neither made more or less by wealth or poverty: the
+    estate, however small, which gives a right of voting, ought to exempt
+    the owner from every restraint that may hinder the exertion of his
+    right; a right on which our constitution is founded, and which cannot be
+    taken away without subverting our whole establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To overlook the distinctions which the fundamental laws of our country
+    have made in respect to different orders of men, and to regard only the
+    accidents of affluence and necessity, is surely unjust in itself, and
+    unworthy of this assembly; an assembly, sir, instituted principally to
+    protect the weak against the strong, and deputed to represent those, in
+    a collective state, who are not considerable enough to appear singly,
+    and claim a voice in the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To expose an honest, a laborious, and an useful man, to be seized by the
+    hands of an insolent officer, and dragged from the enjoyment of his
+    right, only because he will not violate his conscience, and add his
+    voice to those of sycophants, dependents, and prostitutes, the slaves of
+    power, the drudges of a court, and the hirelings of a faction, is the
+    highest degree of injustice and cruelty. Let us rather, sir, sweep away,
+    with an impress, the drones of large fortunes, the tyrants of villages,
+    and the oppressors of the poor; let us oblige those to serve their
+    country by force, whose fortunes have had no other effect than to make
+    them insolent and worthless; but let such who, by contributing to
+    commerce, make every day some addition to the publick wealth, be left in
+    the full enjoyment of the rights which they deserve: let those, by whose
+    labour the expenses of the war are furnished, be excused from
+    contributing to it by personal service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, to have our laws established by the
+    representatives of the people; it is necessary that those
+    representatives should be freely elected; and, therefore, every law that
+    obstructs the liberty of voters, is contrary to the fundamental laws of
+    our constitution; and what multitudes may, by this law, be either
+    hindered from giving their votes, or be terrified into such a choice as
+    by no means corresponds with their judgments or inclinations, it is easy
+    to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, of opinion, sir, that this clause cannot be adapted to our
+    constitution, nor modified, by any expedient, into a law, which will not
+    lay insupportable hardships upon the nation, and make way for absolute
+    power. But as it is necessary that a constant supply of seamen should be
+    provided, I think it not improper to observe, that there is one
+    expedient yet remaining, by which, though it will not much assist us in
+    our present exigence, the fleets of this nation may hereafter be
+    constantly supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have, at present, great numbers of charity schools established in
+    this nation, where the children of the poor receive an education
+    disproportioned to their birth. This has often no other consequences
+    than to make them unfit for their stations, by placing them, in their
+    own opinion, above the drudgery of daily labour; a notion which is too
+    much indulged, as idleness, cooperating with vanity, can hardly fail to
+    gain the ascendant, and which sometimes prompts them to support
+    themselves by practices not only useless, but pernicious to society.
+    This evil, sir, cannot be better obviated than by allotting a reasonable
+    proportion out of every school to the service of the sea, in which, by
+    entering early, they cannot fail to become proficients; and where their
+    attainments, which, at present, too frequently produce laziness and
+    dishonesty, might enable them to excel, and entitle them to promotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the confidence with which
+    some gentlemen have proposed this amendment, and the easiness with which
+    others have consented to it, I declare, without hesitation, that I
+    oppose it now, and intend to oppose it whenever it shall be offered,
+    because it will defeat all the other provisions which shall be made in
+    the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I will venture to say, sir, that if every man, who has, by whatever
+    tenure, the right of voting, shall be exempted from the necessity of
+    contributing to the publick safety by his personal service, every man
+    qualified for the sea will by some means acquire a vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, a very small part of those who give their votes in this nation for
+    representatives in senate, enjoy that right as the appendage of a
+    freehold; to live in some towns, and to be born only in others, gives
+    the unalienable privilege of voting. Any gentleman, to secure his own
+    interest, or obstruct the publick service, may, by dividing a small
+    piece of barren ground among a hundred sailors, exalt them all to
+    freeholders, and exempt them from the influence of this law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    However, sir, I am not less a friend to the freeholders than those who
+    propose the exception in their favour, but, in my opinion, the great
+    interest of the freeholders is the preservation of their freeholds,
+    which can only be secured by a vigorous exertion of the power of the
+    nation, in the war which is now declared against the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BARRINGTON spoke next:&mdash;Sir, by the observations which I have
+    opportunities of making at the place which I have the honour to
+    represent, I am convinced of the influence that this law will have upon
+    all the boroughs along the coasts. There, most of the voters are, in one
+    sense or other, sir, seafaring men, being, almost all of them, owners of
+    vessels, and in some degree acquainted with navigation; they may,
+    therefore, be hurried away at the choice of an officious or oppressive
+    magistrate, who may, by partiality and injustice, obtain a majority,
+    contrary to the general inclination of the people, and determine the
+    election by his own authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then said:&mdash;Sir, if every freeholder and voter is to
+    be exempted from the influence of the law, the bill that we are with so
+    much ardour endeavouring to draw up and rectify, and of which the
+    necessity is so generally acknowledged, will be no other than an empty
+    sound, and a determination without an object; for while we are
+    empowering the government to call seamen into the service, we are
+    exempting almost all that are able to serve from the denomination of
+    seamen: what is this but to dispute without a subject? to raise with one
+    hand and demolish with the other?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the western parts of the nation, sir, where I reside, many who vote
+    at elections claim their privilege by no other title than that of
+    boiling a pot; a title which he who has it not, may easily obtain, when
+    it will either gratify his laziness or his cowardice, and which, though
+    not occasionally obtained, seems not sufficient to set any man out of
+    the reach of a just and necessary law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, undoubtedly requisite that the terms of the
+    exception should be explicit and definitive, and that only those should
+    be exempted who have such possessions or qualifications as this assembly
+    shall think a just title to exemption. For on the western coast, from
+    whence great supplies may be expected, almost every sailor has a vote,
+    to which nothing is there required but to hire a lodging, and boil a
+    pot; after which, if this exception be admitted in all its latitude, he
+    may sit at ease amidst the distresses of his country, ridicule the law
+    which he has eluded, and set the magistrate at open defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRIME MINISTER spoke next:&mdash;As I think, Sir, some exception may be
+    just and proper, so I suppose every gentleman will concur with me in
+    rejecting one of such extent as shall leave no object for the operation
+    of the law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, in my opinion, proper to restrain the exemption to those
+    freeholders who are possessed of such an estate as gives a vote for the
+    representative of the county, by which those whose privilege arises from
+    their property will be secured; and it seems reasonable that those who
+    have privileges without property, should purchase them by their
+    services.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Counsellor BROWN spoke next:&mdash;Sir, the exception proposed will not only
+    defeat the end of the bill, by leaving it few objects, but will obstruct
+    the execution of it on proper occasions, and involve the magistrate in
+    difficulties which will either intimidate him in the exertion of his
+    authority, or, if he persists in discharging his duty with firmness and
+    spirit, will perhaps oblige him sometimes to repent of his fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the necessary consequence, sir, of a seaman's profession, that he
+    is often at a great distance from the place of his legal settlement, or
+    patrimonial possessions; and he may, therefore, assert of his own
+    circumstances what is most convenient, without danger of detection.
+    Distance is a security that prompts many men to falsehoods, by which
+    only vanity is gratified; and few men will tell truth in opposition to
+    their interest, when they may lie without apprehension of being
+    convicted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, a magistrate receives directions to impress all the
+    seamen within his district, how few will he find who will not declare
+    themselves freeholders in some distant county, or freemen of some
+    obscure borough. It is to no purpose, sir, that the magistrate
+    disbelieves what he cannot confute; and if in one instance in a hundred
+    he should be mistaken, and, acting in consequence of his errour, force a
+    freeman into the service, what reparation may not be demanded?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I, therefore, propose it to the consideration of the committee, whether
+    any man ought to claim exemption from this law by a title, that may so
+    readily be procured, or so safely usurped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next:&mdash;Sir, the practice of impressing, which
+    has been declaimed against with such vehement exaggerations, is not only
+    founded on immemorial custom, which makes it part of the common law, but
+    is likewise established by our statutes; for I remember to have found it
+    in the statutes of queen Mary, and therefore cannot allow that it ought
+    to be treated as illegal, and anti-constitutional.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is not inconsistent with our constitution may be proved from the
+    practice of erecting the royal standard, upon great emergencies, to
+    which every man was obliged immediately to repair; this practice is as
+    old as our constitution, and as it may be revived at pleasure, may be
+    properly mentioned as equivalent to an impress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER answered:&mdash;This word, sir, which the learned member has by his
+    wonderful diligence discovered in the statutes, may perhaps be there,
+    but in a signification far different from that which it bears at
+    present. The word was, without doubt, originally French, <i>prêt</i>, and
+    implied what is now expressed by the term <i>ready</i>; and to impress any
+    man was in those days only to make him <i>ready</i>, or engage him to hold
+    himself in <i>readiness</i>, which was brought about not by compulsion,
+    pursuit, and violence, but by the allurements of a pecuniary reward, or
+    the obligation of some ancient tenure.
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 9, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-sixth day, the consideration of the bill for raising seamen
+    was resumed, and a clause read, by which every constable, headborough,
+    tithingman, or other person, was liable to be examined upon oath by the
+    justices of peace, who were empowered to lay a fine upon them for any
+    neglect, offence, or connivance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Mr.
+    Chairman, it is the peculiar happiness of the Britons, that no law can
+    be made without the consent of their representatives, and I hope no such
+    infatuation can ever fall upon them as may influence them to choose a
+    representative capable of concurring in absurdities like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The folly, the iniquity, the stupidity of this clause, can only be
+    conceived by hearing it repeated; it is too flagrant to be extenuated,
+    and too gross to admit exaggerations: to oblige a man to make oath
+    against himself, to subject himself by his own voice to penalties and
+    hardships, is at once cruel and ridiculous, a wild complication of
+    tyranny and folly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To call upon any man to accuse himself, is only to call upon him to
+    commit perjury, and has therefore been always accounted irrational and
+    wicked: in those countries where it is practised, the confession is
+    extorted by the rack, which indeed is so necessary on such occasions,
+    that I should not wonder to hear the promoters of this clause openly
+    declaring for the expediency of tortures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident than that this bill, however the importance of
+    the occasion may be magnified, was drawn up without reflection, and that
+    the clauses were never understood by those that offered them: errours
+    like these must arise only from precipitation and neglect, for they are
+    too gross to be committed either by ignorance or design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To expose such absurdities is, indeed, easy, but not pleasing; for what
+    end is answered by pointing at folly, or how is the publick service
+    advanced by showing that the methods proposed are totally to be
+    rejected? Where a proposition is of a mixed kind, and only erroneous in
+    part, it is an useful and no disagreeable task to separate truth from
+    errour, and disentangle from ill consequences such measures as may be
+    pursued with advantage to the publick; but mere stupidity can only
+    produce compassion, and afford no opportunities for inquiry or dispute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER replied:&mdash;Sir, this clause, however contemptuously
+    treated, has been already passed into a law by a senate which brought no
+    dishonour upon the British nation, by a senate which was courted and
+    dreaded by the greatest part of the universe, and was drawn up by a
+    ministry that have given their posterity no reason to treat them with
+    derision and contumely.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of the late great queen, this method of proceeding was
+    approved and established, and we may judge of the propriety of the
+    measures followed in that war by the success which they procured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, by whom this bill was drawn up have committed no new
+    absurdities, nor have proposed any thing which was not enacted by the
+    wisest of our predecessors, in one of the most illustrious periods of
+    our history.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GYBBON answered:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking a proposition
+    sufficiently defended by an assertion that it was admitted by our
+    predecessors; for though I have no inclination to vilify their memory, I
+    may without scruple affirm, that they had no pretensions to
+    infallibility, and that there are in many of our statutes instances of
+    such ignorance, credulity, weakness, and errour, as cannot be considered
+    without astonishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In questions of an abstruse and complicated nature, it is certain, sir,
+    that experience has taught us what could never have been discovered
+    previously by the wisdom of our ancestors; and we have found, by their
+    consequences, the impropriety of many practices which they approved, and
+    which we should have equally applauded in the same circumstances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to what purpose is observation, if we must shut our eyes against it,
+    and appeal for ever to the wisdom of our ancestors?&mdash;if we must fall
+    into errour, merely because they were mistaken, and rush upon rocks out
+    of veneration to those who were wrecked against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In questions easily to be examined, and determinations which comprised
+    no perplexing contrarieties of interest, or multiplicity of
+    circumstances, they were equally liable with ourselves to be supine and
+    negligent, to sink into security, or be surprised by haste. That the
+    clause now before us was enacted by them, must be ascribed merely to the
+    hurry of the session in which it was brought before them; a time in
+    which so many inquiries of the highest importance were to be made, and
+    great diversity of views to be regarded, that it is no wonder that some
+    absurdities should escape without detection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the fourth of the reign of the queen, this bill was brought in, as
+    now, at the latter end of a session, when the attention of the senate
+    was fatigued and distracted; and it was hurried through both houses, and
+    ratified by the queen, with very little consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But then, as this circumstance may be justly termed an extenuation of
+    their errour, it ought to be a lesson of caution to us, that we may not
+    be, in the like manner, betrayed into the same weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up:&mdash;Sir, the conduct of our predecessors
+    seems not to stand in need of any excuse; for it might be easy to
+    vindicate it by arguments, but that it is more proper to approve it by
+    imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whenever the bill was passed, or how hastily soever the law was enacted,
+    it was, I believe, rather the effect of necessity than of inadvertency;
+    of the same necessity which now presses, and which is very ill consulted
+    by tedious debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were then involved in a war, and were not so distracted by private
+    interests as not to unite in the most vigorous opposition of their
+    enemies. They knew that the publick good is often promoted by the
+    temporary inconveniencies of individuals; and when affairs of the
+    highest importance demanded their attention, when the security of the
+    whole nation and the happiness of their posterity were the subject of
+    their inquiries, they wisely suffered less considerations to pass,
+    without superfluous and unseasonable solicitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How justly they reasoned, sir, and what vigour their resolutions gave to
+    the military operations, our victories are a sufficient proof: and if
+    experience be the surest guide, it cannot be improper to imitate those
+    who, in the same circumstances with ourselves, found means to raise the
+    honour, and improve the commerce of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our circumstances are the same with those of the senate by which
+    this law was made, is obvious beyond dispute; or where they vary, the
+    difference is, perhaps, to our disadvantage. We have, sir, the same
+    enemies, or, at least, have reason to apprehend the same; but have
+    little hope of the same allies. The present war is to be carried on at a
+    greater distance, and in more places at the same instant; we cannot,
+    therefore, supply our ships occasionally, but must raise great numbers
+    in a short time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it was then concluded, that the method under our
+    examination was useful; if measures, not eligible in themselves, may be
+    authorized by necessity, why may not we, in compliance with the same
+    exigencies, have recourse to the same expedients?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then spoke:&mdash;Sir, how much weight is added to the
+    determinations of the senate, by the dignity of their procedure, and the
+    decency of their disputations, a slight knowledge of mankind is
+    sufficient to evince. It is well known that government is supported by
+    opinion; and that he who destroys the reputation, destroys the authority
+    of the legislative power. Nor is it less apparent, that he who degrades
+    debate into scurrility, and destroys the solemnity of consultation,
+    endeavours to sink the senate into contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was, therefore, sir, with indignation and surprise, that I heard the
+    clause before us censured with such indecency of language, and the
+    authors of it treated with contumelies and reproaches that mere errour
+    does not deserve, however apparent, but which were now vented before any
+    errour was detected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, sir, why the gentlemen, who are thus indecently attacked,
+    have suffered such reproaches without censure, and without reply. I know
+    not why they have omitted to put the honourable gentleman in mind of the
+    respect due to this assembly, or to the characters of those whom he
+    opposes; gentlemen equally skilled with himself in the subject of our
+    inquiries, and whom his own attainments, however large, or his
+    abilities, however comprehensive, cannot give him a right to charge with
+    ignorance or folly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To reproach men with incapacity, is a cheap method of answering their
+    arguments; but a method which the rules of this house ought to exclude
+    from our debates, as the general civility of the world has banished it
+    from every other place of concourse or conversation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I, for my part, sir, shall always endeavour to confine my attention to
+    the question before us, without suffering my reason to be biassed, or my
+    inquiries diverted by low altercations, or personal animosities; nor
+    when any other man deviates into reproachful and contemptuous language,
+    shall I be induced to think more highly of either his arguments or
+    capacity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD replied:&mdash;Sir, I have always heard it represented as an
+    instance of integrity, when the tongue and heart move in concert, when
+    the words are representations of the sentiments; and have, therefore,
+    hitherto, endeavoured to explain my arguments with perspicuity, and
+    impress my sentiments with force; I have thought it hypocrisy to treat
+    stupidity with reverence, or to honour nonsense with the ceremony of a
+    confutation. As knavery, so folly, that is not reclaimable, is to be
+    speedily despatched; business is to be freed from obstruction, and
+    society from a nuisance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, when I am censured by those whom I may offend, by the use of
+    terms correspondent with my ideas, will I, by a tame and silent
+    submission, give reason to suspect that I am conscious of a fault, but
+    will treat the accusation with open contempt, and show no greater regard
+    to the abettors, than to the authors of absurdity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That decency is of great use in publick debates, I shall readily allow;
+    it may sometimes shelter folly from ridicule, and preserve villany from
+    publick detection; nor is it ever more carefully supported, than when
+    measures are promoted that nothing can preserve from contempt, but the
+    solemnity with which they are established.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Decency is a proper circumstance; but liberty is the essence of
+    senatorial disquisitions: liberty is the parent of truth; but truth and
+    decency are sometimes at variance: all men and all propositions are to
+    be treated here as they deserve; and there are many who have no claim
+    either to respect or decency.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON then rose:&mdash;Sir, that it is improper in its own nature,
+    and inconsistent with our constitution, to lay any man under an
+    obligation to accuse himself, cannot be denied; it is, therefore,
+    evident, that some amendment is necessary to the clause before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, for this reason, drawn up an amendment, sir, which, if approved
+    by the committee, will, in my opinion, remove all the objections to this
+    part of the bill, and, by reconciling it with our natural and legal
+    rights, I hope, induce those to approve it, who have hitherto opposed
+    it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore propose, that these words should be substituted instead of
+    those which are the subject of the debate; or some other to this
+    purpose: <i>That no person shall be liable to be fined by virtue of this
+    act, unless a witness, being examined, shall make oath of the
+    misdemeanour or neglect</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the necessity of examining men upon oath in their own cause will be
+    entirely taken away; and, as the clause will then stand, there will
+    remain no suspicion of injustice, or oppression, because none can be
+    practised without the concurrence of many persons of different
+    interests.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [This clause, though agreed to in the committee, was at last rejected.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, it does
+    not yet appear that the gentlemen who have engaged in this debate, have
+    sufficiently attended to the exigence of our affairs, and the importance
+    of the question. They have lavished their oratory in declaiming upon the
+    absurdity of the methods proposed, and discovered their sagacity, by
+    showing how future navies may be supplied from charity schools, but have
+    substituted no expedients in the place of those which they so warmly
+    condemn, nor have condescended to inform us, how we may now guard our
+    coasts, or man our fleets for immediate service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some circumstances, sir, of the present war, which make our
+    necessity of raising sea forces greater than in those of William, and
+    Anne that succeeded him. The chief advantages that we gained over the
+    French, in their wars, were the consequences of our victories by land.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At sea, sir, the balance was almost equal, though the Dutch fleet and
+    ours were united; nor did they quit the sea because their fleets were
+    destroyed, but because they were obliged to recruit their land forces
+    with their sailors. Should they now declare war against us, they would
+    be under no such necessity of defrauding the sea service, for they have
+    now on foot an army of one hundred and sixty thousand men, which are
+    maintained at no greater expense than forty thousand, by the British
+    government; as they are, therefore, sir, so formidable by land, we have
+    no way of opposing them but by our sea forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is their navy so contemptible as some have, either by conjecture or
+    misinformation, represented it. The fleet which they have despatched to
+    America, consists not of fewer than twenty ships, of which the least
+    carry sixty guns, and they are fitting out now an equal number in their
+    own ports; besides, their East India company is obliged to furnish ten
+    ships of the line, at the demand of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears that we have neighbours sufficiently powerful to alarm
+    us with the sense of immediate danger; danger which is made more
+    imminent by the expeditious methods by which the French man their
+    fleets, and which we must imitate if we hope to oppose them with
+    success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not say how little we can depend upon any professions of
+    neutrality, which will be best observed when they cannot be securely
+    violated; or upon the pacifick inclination of their minister, which
+    interest, persuasion, or caprice, may alter, and to which it is not very
+    honourable to trust for safety. How can that nation sink lower, which is
+    only free because it is not invaded by its neighbours; and retains its
+    possessions, only because no other has leisure or inclination to take
+    them away?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be asked, what can provoke the French to interrupt us in the
+    prosecution of our designs, and in the punishment of those who have
+    plundered and insulted us, it is not only easy to urge the strict
+    alliance between the two crowns, the ties of blood, the conformity of
+    interests, and their equal hatred of the Britons, but another more
+    immediate reason may be added. It is suspected, that under pretence of
+    vindicating our own rights, we are endeavouring to gain the possession
+    of the Spanish dominions, and engross the wealth of the new world; and
+    that, therefore, it is the interest of every power, whose subjects
+    traffick to those countries, to oppose us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, whether we succeed or fail in our attempts upon America, we have
+    the French power to apprehend. If we make conquests, they may, probably,
+    think it necessary to obviate the torrent of our victories, and to
+    hinder the increase of our dominions, that they may secure their own
+    trade, and maintain their own influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we should be defeated, of which no man, sir, can deny the
+    possibility, the inclination of all to insult the depressed, and to push
+    down the falling, is well known; nor can it be expected that our
+    hereditary enemies would neglect so fair an opportunity of attacking us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How they might ravage our coasts, and obstruct our trade; how they might
+    triumph in the Channel, and block us up in our own ports, bombard our
+    towns, and threaten us with invasions, I hope I need but barely mention,
+    to incite this assembly to such despatch in manning our fleets, as may
+    secure us at once from insults and from terrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, undoubtedly, sir, in our power to raise a naval force sufficient
+    to awe the ocean, and restrain the most daring of our enemies from any
+    attempts against us; but this cannot be effected by harangues,
+    objections, and disputations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is nothing, sir, more frequently the subject of raillery or
+    declamation, than the uselessness or danger of a standing army, to which
+    I declare myself no otherwise inclined than by my concern for the common
+    safety; I willingly allow that not one soldier ought to be supported by
+    the publick, whose service is not necessary; but surely none of those
+    who declare so warmly for the honour and privileges of their country,
+    would expose it to the insults of foreign powers, without defence. If,
+    therefore, they think the danger of land forces more than equivalent to
+    the benefit, they ought unanimously to concur in the increase of our
+    naval strength, by which they may be protected, but cannot be oppressed:
+    they ought willingly to give their assistance to any propositions for
+    making the fleet, formidable, that their declarations against the army
+    may not be thought to proceed from a resolution to obstruct the measures
+    of the government, rather than from zeal for the constitution. For he
+    that equally opposes the establishment of the army, and the improvement
+    of the navy, declares in effect against the security of the nation; and
+    though, perhaps, without design, exposes his countrymen to the mercy of
+    their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next:&mdash;Sir, I cannot discover for what reason the
+    bill before us is so vigorously supported, but must observe, that I have
+    seldom known such vehement and continued efforts produced by mere
+    publick spirit, and unmingled regard for the happiness of the nation.
+    Nothing, sir, that can be urged in favour of the measures now proposed
+    has been omitted. When arguments are confuted, precedents are cited;
+    when precedents fail, the advocates for the bill have recourse to
+    terrour and necessity, and endeavour to frighten those whom they cannot
+    convince.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, perhaps, sir, these formidable phantoms may soon be put to flight,
+    and, like the other illusions of cowardice, disappear before the light.
+    Perhaps this necessity will be found only chimerical; and these dangers
+    appear only the visions of credulity, or the bugbears of imposture.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To arrive at a clear view of our present condition, it will be
+    necessary, sir, not to amuse ourselves with general assertions, or
+    overwhelm our reason by terrifying exaggerations: let us consider
+    distinctly the power and the conduct of our enemies, and inquire whether
+    they do not affright us more than they are able to hurt us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the force of Spain alone, sir, is much to be dreaded, no man will
+    assert; for that empire, it is well known, has long been seized with all
+    the symptoms of declining power, and has been supported, not by its own
+    strength, but by the interests of its neighbours. The vast dominions of
+    the Spaniards are only an empty show; they are lands without
+    inhabitants, and, by consequence, without defence; they are rather
+    excrescences, than members of the monarchy, and receive support rather
+    than communicate. In the distant branches of their empire the government
+    languishes, as the vital motion in an expiring body; and the struggles
+    which they now make, may be termed rather agonies than efforts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From Spain, therefore, unassisted, we have nothing to apprehend, and yet
+    from thence we have been threatened with insults and invasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the condition of the French is far different, cannot be denied;
+    their commerce flourishes, their dominions are connected, their wealth
+    increases, and their government operates with full vigour: their
+    influence is great, and their name formidable. But I cannot allow, sir,
+    that they have yet attained such a height of power as should alarm us
+    with constant apprehensions, or that we ought to secure ourselves
+    against them by the violation of our liberties. Not to urge that the
+    loss of freedom, and the destruction of our constitution, are the worst
+    consequences that can be apprehended from a conquest, and that to a
+    slave the change of his master is of no great importance, it is evident,
+    that the power of the French is of such kind as can only affect us
+    remotely, and consequentially. They may fill the continent with alarms,
+    and ravage the territories of Germany, by their numerous armies, but can
+    only injure us by means of their fleets. We may wait, sir, without a
+    panick terrour, though not without some degree of anxiety, the event of
+    their attempts upon the neighbouring princes, and cannot be reduced to
+    fight for our altars and our houses, but by a second armada, which, even
+    then, the winds must favour, and a thousand circumstances concur to
+    expedite.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that no such fleet can be fitted out by the united endeavours of the
+    whole world; that our navy, in its present state, is superiour to any
+    that can be brought against us, our ministers ought not to be ignorant:
+    and, therefore, to dispirit the nation with apprehensions of armies
+    hovering in the air, and of conquerors to be wafted over by supernatural
+    means, is to destroy that happiness which government was ordained to
+    preserve; to sink us to tameness and cowardice; and to betray us to
+    insults and to robberies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our danger, sir, be such as has been represented, to whom must we
+    impute it? Upon whom are our weakness, our poverty, and our miseries to
+    be charged? Upon whom, but those who have usurped the direction of
+    affairs which they did not understand, or to which their solicitude for
+    the preservation of their own power hindered them from attending?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the Spaniards, sir, are now enabled to make resistance, and,
+    perhaps, to insult and depopulate our colonies; that the French have
+    despatched a fleet into the American seas, to obstruct, as may be
+    conjectured, the progress of our arms, and that we are in danger of
+    meeting opposition which we did not expect, is too evident to be
+    concealed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, is not the spirit of our enemies the consequence rather of our
+    cowardice than of their own strength? Does not the opposition to our
+    designs, by whatever nation it shall be made, arise from the contempt
+    which has been brought upon us by our irresolution, forbearance, and
+    delays? Had we resented the first insult, and repaired our earliest
+    losses by vigorous reprisals, our merchants had long ago carried on
+    their traffick with security, our enemies would have courted us with
+    respect, and our allies supported us with confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our negotiations, treaties, proposals, and concessions, not only
+    afforded them leisure to collect their forces, equip their fleets, and
+    fortify their coasts; but gave them, likewise, spirit to resist those
+    who could not be conquered but by their own cowardice and folly. By our
+    ill-timed patience, and lingering preparations, we encouraged those to
+    unite against us, who would, otherwise, have only hated us in secret;
+    and deterred those from declaring in our favour, whom interest or
+    gratitude might have inclined to assist us. For who will support those
+    from whom no mutual support can be expected? And who will expect that
+    those will defend their allies, who desert themselves?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, however late our resentment was awakened, had the war been
+    prosecuted vigorously after it was declared, we might have been now
+    secure from danger, and freed from suspense, nor would any thing have
+    remained but to give laws to our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From the success of Vernon with so inconsiderable forces, we may
+    conjecture what would have been performed with an armament proportioned
+    to his undertaking; and why he was not better supplied, no reason has
+    yet been given; nor can it be easily discovered why we either did not
+    begin the war before our enemies had concerted their measures, or delay
+    it till we had formed our own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Notwithstanding some opportunities have been neglected, and all the
+    advantages of a sudden attack have been irrecoverably lost;
+    notwithstanding our friends, sir, have learned to despise and neglect
+    us, and our enemies are animated to confidence and obstinacy, yet our
+    real and intrinsick strength continues the same; nor are there yet any
+    preparations made against us by the enemy, with views beyond their own
+    security and defence. It does not yet appear, sir, that our enemies,
+    however insolent, look upon us as the proper objects of a conquest, or
+    that they imagine it possible to besiege us in our own ports, or to
+    confine us to the defence of our own country. We are not, therefore, to
+    have recourse to measures, which, if they are ever to be admitted, can
+    be justified by nothing but the utmost distress, and can only become
+    proper, as the last and desperate expedient. The enemy, sir, ought to
+    appear not only in our seas, but in our ports, before it can be
+    necessary that one part of the nation should be enslaved for the
+    preservation of the rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To destroy any part of the community, while it is in our power to
+    preserve the whole, is certainly absurd, and inconsistent with the
+    equity and tenderness of a good government: and what is slavery less
+    than destruction? What greater calamity has that man to expect, who has
+    been already deprived of his liberty, and reduced to a level with
+    thieves and murderers? With what spirit, sir, will he draw his sword
+    upon his invaders, who has nothing to defend? Or why should he repel the
+    injuries which will make no addition to his misery, and will fall only
+    on those to whom he is enslaved?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that gratitude is the foundation of our duty to our
+    country, and to our superiours, whom we are obliged to protect upon some
+    occasions, because, upon others, we receive protection from them, and
+    are maintained in the quiet possession of our fortunes, and the security
+    of our lives. But what gratitude is due to his country from a man
+    distinguished, without a crime, by the legislature, from the rest of the
+    people, and marked out for hardships and oppressions? From a man who is
+    condemned to labour and to danger, only that others may fatten with
+    indolence, and slumber without anxiety? From a man who is dragged to
+    misery without reward, and hunted from his retreat, as the property of
+    his master?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Where gratitude, sir, is not the motive of action, which may easily
+    happen in minds not accustomed to observe the ends of government, and
+    relations of society, interest never fails to preside, which may be
+    distinguished from gratitude, as it regards the immediate consequences
+    of actions, and confines the view to present advantages. But what
+    interest can be gratified by a man who is not master of his own actions,
+    nor secure in the enjoyment of his acquisitions? Why should he be
+    solicitous to increase his property, who may be torn from the possession
+    of it in a moment? Or upon what motive can he act who will not become
+    more happy by doing his duty?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of those to whom this bill is proposed to extend, have raised
+    fortunes at the expense of their ease, and at the hazard of their lives;
+    and now sit at rest, enjoying the memory of their past hardships, and
+    inciting others to the prosecution of the same adventures. How will it
+    be more reasonable to drag these men from their houses, than to seize
+    any other gentleman upon his own estate? and how negligently will our
+    navigation and our commerce be promoted, when it is discovered that
+    either wealth cannot be gained by them, or, if so gained, cannot be
+    enjoyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is still urged, sir, that there is a necessity of manning the
+    fleet; a necessity which, indeed, cannot totally be denied, though a
+    short delay would produce no frightful consequences, would expose us to
+    no invasions, nor disable us from prosecuting the war. Yet, as the
+    necessity at least deserves the regard of the legislature, let us
+    consider what motives have hitherto gained men over to the publick
+    service; let us examine how our land forces are raised, and how our
+    merchants equip their ships. How is all this to be effected without
+    murmurs, mutinies, or discontent, but by the natural and easy method of
+    offering rewards?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be objected, sir, that rewards have been already proposed without
+    effect; but, not to mention the corrupt arts which have been made use of
+    to elude that promise, by rejecting those that came to claim them, we
+    can infer from their inefficacy only, that they were too small; that
+    they were not sufficient to dazzle the attention, and withdraw it from
+    the prospect of the distant advantages which may arise from the service
+    of the merchants. Let the reward, therefore, be doubled, and if it be
+    not then sufficient, doubled anew. There is nothing but may be bought,
+    if an adequate price is offered; and we are, therefore, to raise the
+    reward, till it shall be adjudged by the sailors equivalent to the
+    inconveniencies of the service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let no man urge, that this is profusion; that it is a breach of our
+    trust, and a prodigality of the publick money. Sir, the money thus paid
+    is the price of liberty; it is disbursed to hinder slavery from
+    encroaching, to preserve our natural rights from infraction, and the
+    constitution of our country from violation. If we vote away the
+    privilege of one class among us, those of another may quickly be
+    demanded; and slavery will advance by degrees, till the last remains of
+    freedom shall be lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But perhaps, sir, it will appear, upon reflection, that even this method
+    needs not to be practised. It is well known, that it is not necessary
+    for the whole crew of a ship to be expert sailors; there must be some
+    novices, and many whose employment has more of labour than of art. We
+    have now a numerous army, which burdens our country, without defending
+    it, and from whom we may, therefore, draw supplies for the fleet, and
+    distribute them amongst the ships in just proportions; they may
+    immediately assist the seamen, and will become able, in a short time, to
+    train up others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will, doubtless, sir, be objected to this proposal, that the
+    continent is in confusion, and that we ought to continue such a force as
+    may enable us to assist our allies, maintain our influence, and turn the
+    scale of affairs in the neighbouring countries. I know not how we are
+    indebted to our allies, or by what ties we are obliged to assist those
+    who never assisted us; nor can I, upon mature consideration, think it
+    necessary to be always gazing on the continent, watching the motions of
+    every potentate, and anxiously attentive to every revolution. There is
+    no end, sir, of obviating contingencies, of attempting to secure
+    ourselves from every possibility of danger. I am, indeed, desirous that
+    our friends, if any there be that deserve that name, should succeed in
+    their designs, and be protected in their claims; but think it ought
+    always to be remembered, that our own affairs affect us immediately,
+    theirs only by consequence, and that the nearest danger is to be first
+    regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With respect to the amendment offered to this clause, I cannot see that
+    it will produce any advantage, nor think any evidence sufficient to
+    justify the breach of our constitution, or subject any man to the
+    hardship of having his dwelling entered by force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And, sir, I am not entirely satisfied of the impartiality and equity
+    with which it is promised that this law will be put in execution, or
+    what new influence is to cooperate with this law, by which corruption
+    and oppression will be prevented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, that many other laws are made ineffectual by
+    partiality or negligence, which remarkably appears by the immense
+    quantities of corn that are daily carried into foreign countries, by
+    illegal exportations, by which traffick I am informed that we obtain
+    most of our foreign gold, which, in reality, is paid us for corn by the
+    Dutch; though it is studiously represented to the nation as gained by
+    our traffick with Portugal. Who can assure us that this law will not be
+    perverted, after the example of others? and that there will not be
+    wretches found that may employ it to the extortion of money, or the
+    gratification of revenge?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, I have shown by what means our fleet may now be equipped, and
+    how a supply of sailors may be perpetuated; for I cannot think how the
+    boys which are educated in charity schools can be more properly
+    employed. A proportion may be easily selected for the service, who will
+    benefit the publick much more than by serving sharpers and attorneys,
+    and pilfering either at low gaming houses, or in the inns of court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Since, therefore, it is not pretended, sir, that this bill can be
+    justified otherwise than by necessity, and it appears that supplies may
+    be raised by other means; since, instead of increasing and encouraging
+    seamen, nothing is proposed that does not manifestly tend, by depressing
+    and harassing them, to diminish their numbers, I think it reasonable to
+    declare that I shall continue to oppose it, and hope that every friend
+    of liberty, or commerce, will concur in the opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I have
+    considered the bill before us with the utmost impartiality, and I can
+    see no reason to apprehend that it will produce such universal
+    discontent, and give occasion to so many abuses, as the honourable
+    gentlemen by whom it is opposed, appear to suspect. It is not uncommon,
+    sir, in judging of future events, and tracing effects from causes, for
+    the most sagacious to be mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The safest method of conjecturing upon the future, is to consider the
+    past, for it is always probable, that from like causes like consequences
+    will arise. Let us, therefore, sir, examine what injustice or oppression
+    has been hitherto produced by laws of the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of searching, however it is now become the subject of loud
+    exclamation and pathetick harangues, is no new invasion of the rights of
+    the people, but has been already granted in its utmost extent, for an
+    end of no greater importance than the preservation of the game. This
+    formidable authority has been already trusted to the magistrate, and the
+    nation has been already subjected to this insupportable tyranny, only
+    lest the hares and partridges should be destroyed, and gentlemen be
+    obliged to disband their hounds and dismiss their setting dogs. Yet,
+    sir, even with regard to this power, thus exorbitant, and thus lightly
+    granted, I have heard no general complaints, nor believe that it is
+    looked upon as a grievance by any, but those whom it restrains from
+    living upon the game, and condemns to maintain themselves by a more
+    honest and useful industry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, those that think this law for the preservation of their
+    amusement, rational and just, will have at least the same regard to the
+    defence of their country, and will not think their venison deserves
+    greater solicitude than their fortunes and their liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it difficult, sir, to produce instances of the exercise of this
+    power, for the end which is now proposed, without any consequences that
+    should discourage us from repeating the experiment. I have now in my
+    hand a letter, by which the mayor and aldermen of Bristol are empowered
+    to seize all the sailors within the bounds of their jurisdiction, which
+    order was executed without any outcries of oppression, or apprehensions
+    of the approach of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this law, sir, will be always executed with the strictest
+    impartiality, and without the least regard to any private purposes,
+    cannot, indeed, be demonstratively proved; every law may possibly be
+    abused by a combination of profligates; but it must, I think, be
+    granted, that it is drawn up with all the caution that reason, or
+    justice, or the corruption of the present age requires. I know not what
+    can be contrived better than an association of men, unlikely to concur
+    in their views and interests&mdash;a justice of the peace, a lieutenant of a
+    ship, and a commissioner of the navy&mdash;three men, probably unknown to
+    each other, and of which no one will be at all solicitous to desire the
+    rest to unite to commit a crime, to which no temptation can be readily
+    imagined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This caution, sir, which cannot but be approved, and which surely is
+    some proof of judgment and consideration, ought, in my opinion, to have
+    exempted the bill, and those by whose assistance it was drawn up, from
+    the reproachful and indecent charge of absurdity, ignorance, and
+    incapacity; terms which the dignity of this assembly does not admit,
+    even when they are incontestably just, and which surely ought not to be
+    made use of when the question is of a doubtful nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentlemen, sir, who are now intrusted with publick employments, have
+    never yet discovered that they are inferiour to their predecessors in
+    knowledge or integrity; nor do their characters suffer any diminution by
+    a comparison with those who vilify and traduce them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, sir, that treat others with such licentious contempt, ought
+    surely to give some illustrious proof of their own abilities; and yet if
+    we examine what has been produced on this question, we shall find no
+    reason to admire their sagacity or their knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been told, sir, that the fleet might properly be manned by a
+    detachment from the army; but it has not been proved that we have any
+    superfluous forces in the kingdom, nor, indeed, will our army be found
+    sufficiently numerous, if, by neglecting to equip our fleet, we give our
+    enemies an opportunity of entering our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be inquired what necessity there is for our present forces? What
+    expeditions are designed? Or what dangers are feared? I shall not think
+    it my duty to return any answer. It is, sir, the great unhappiness of
+    our constitution, that our determinations cannot be kept secret, and
+    that our enemies may always form conjectures of our designs, by knowing
+    our preparations; but surely more is not to be published than necessity
+    extorts, and the government has a right to conceal what it would injure
+    the nation to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I, sir, approve the method of levying sailors by the incitement
+    of an exorbitant reward, a reward to be augmented at the pleasure of
+    those who are to receive it. For what can be the consequence of such
+    prodigality, but that those to whom the largest sum is offered, will yet
+    refuse their service in expectation of a greater. The reward already
+    proposed is, in my opinion, the utmost stretch of liberality; and all
+    beyond may be censured as profusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be imagined, sir, that all these objections were not made,
+    and answered, in the reign of the late queen, when a bill of the same
+    nature was proposed; they were answered, at least, by the necessity of
+    those times, which necessity has now returned upon us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We do not find that it produced any consequences so formidable and
+    destructive, that they should for ever discourage us from attempting to
+    raise forces by the same means; it was then readily enacted, and
+    executed without opposition, and without complaints; nor do I believe
+    that any measures can be proposed of equal efficacy, and less severity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, whether the
+    precedents produced in defence of this bill, will have more weight than
+    the arguments, must be shown by a careful examination, which will
+    perhaps discover that the order sent to the magistrates of Bristol
+    conveyed no new power, nor such as is, in any respect, parallel to that
+    which this bill is intended to confer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were only enjoined to inquire with more than usual strictness,
+    after strollers and vagabonds, such as the law has always subjected to
+    punishment, and send them to the fleet, instead of any other place of
+    correction; a method which may now be pursued without danger,
+    opposition, or complaint.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But for my part, I am not able, upon the closest attention to the
+    present scene of affairs, to find out the necessity of extraordinary
+    methods of any kind. The fears of an invasion from France, are, in my
+    opinion, sir, merely chimerical; from their fleet in America the coasts
+    of Britain have nothing to fear, and after the numerous levies of seamen
+    by which it was fitted out, it is not yet probable that they can
+    speedily send out another. We know, sir, that the number of seamen
+    depends upon the extent of commerce, and surely there is as yet no such
+    disproportion between their trade and ours, as that they should be able
+    to furnish out a naval armament with much greater expedition than
+    ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In America our forces are at least equal to theirs, so that it is not
+    very probable, that after the total destruction of our fleet by them,
+    they should be so little injured, as to be able immediately to set sail
+    for the channel, and insult us in our own ports; to effect this, sir,
+    they must not only conquer us, but conquer us without resistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they do not interrupt us in our attempts, nor expose themselves to an
+    engagement, they may, indeed, return without suffering great damages,
+    but I know not how they can leave the shores of America unobserved, or
+    pour an unexpected invasion upon us. If they continue there, sir, they
+    cannot hurt as, and when they return, we may prepare for their
+    reception.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are men, I know, sir, who have reason to think highly of the
+    French policy, and whose ideas may be exalted to a belief that they can
+    perform impossibilities; but I have not yet prevailed upon myself to
+    conceive that they can act invisibly, or that they can equip a fleet by
+    sorcery, collect an army in a moment, and defy us on our own coast,
+    without any perceptible preparations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then admiral WAGER spoke thus:&mdash;The calamities produced by discord and
+    contention, need not to be pointed out; but it may be proper to reflect
+    upon the consequences of a house divided against itself, that we may
+    endeavour to avoid them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Unanimity is produced by nothing more powerfully than by impending
+    danger, and, therefore, it may be useful to show those who seem at
+    present in profound security, that the power of France is more
+    formidable than they are willing to allow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My age, sir, enables me to remember many transactions of the wars in the
+    late reigns, to which many gentlemen are strangers, or of which they
+    have only imperfect ideas from history and tradition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the second year of the reign of William, the French gained a victory
+    over the united fleets of the maritime powers, which gave them, for the
+    summer following, the dominion of the Channel, enabled them to shut up
+    our merchants in their ports, and produced a total suspension of our
+    commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, sir, to whom the importance of trade is so well known, will
+    easily apprehend the weight of this calamity, and will, I hope, reject
+    no measures that have a manifest tendency to prevent it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ships, sir, do not lie useless because there is any want of seamen
+    in the nation, but because any service is preferred to that of the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are now, to my knowledge, in one town on the west coast, no fewer
+    than twelve hundred sailors, of which surely a third part may be justly
+    claimed by the publick interest; nor do I know why they who obstinately
+    refuse to serve their country, should be treated with so much
+    tenderness. It is more reasonable that they should suffer by their
+    refusal, than that the general happiness should be endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, when any
+    authority shall be lodged in my hands, to be exercised for the publick
+    benefit, I shall always endeavour to exert it with honesty and
+    diligence; but will never be made the instrument of oppression, nor
+    execute any commission of tyranny or injustice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, the power of searching is to be placed in the hands of
+    justices of the peace, I think it necessary to declare, that I will
+    never perform so hateful a part of the office, and that if this bill
+    becomes a law, I will retire from the place to which my authority is
+    limited, rather than contribute to the miseries of my fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LITTLETON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, all the arguments which have been
+    offered in support of this bill, are reduced at last to one constant
+    assertion of the necessity of passing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been told, sir, with great acuteness, that a war cannot be
+    carried on without men, and that ships are useless without sailors; and
+    from thence it is inferred that the bill is necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That forces are by some means necessary to be raised, the warmest
+    opponents of the bill will not deny, but they cannot, therefore, allow
+    the inference, that the methods now proposed are necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They are of opinion, sir, that cruel and oppressive measures can never
+    be justified, till all others have been tried without effect; they think
+    that the law, when it was formerly passed, was unjust, and are
+    convinced, by observing that it never was revived, and that it was by
+    experience discovered to be useless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Necessity, absolute necessity, is a formidable sound, and may terrify
+    the weak and timorous into silence and compliance; but it will be found,
+    upon reflection, to be often nothing but an idle feint, to amuse and to
+    delude us, and that what is represented as necessary to the publick, is
+    only something convenient to men in power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Necessity, sir, has, heretofore, been produced as a plea for that which
+    could be no otherwise defended. In the days of Charles the first,
+    ship-money was declared to be legal, because it was necessary. Such was
+    the reasoning of the lawyers, and the determination of the judges; but
+    the senate, a senate of patriots! without fear, and without corruption,
+    and influenced only by a sincere regard for the publick, were of a
+    different opinion, and neither admitted the lawfulness nor necessity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will become us, on this occasion, to act with equal vigour, and
+    convince our countrymen, that we proceed upon the same principles, and
+    that the liberties of the people are our chief care.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope we shall unite in defeating any attempts that may impair the
+    rights which every Briton boasts as his birthright, and reject a law
+    which will be equally dreaded and detested with the inquisition of
+    Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though many
+    particular clauses of this bill have been disapproved and opposed, some
+    with more, and some with less reason, yet the committee has hitherto
+    agreed that a bill for this purpose is necessary in the present state of
+    our affairs; upon this principle we have proceeded thus far, several
+    gentlemen have proposed their opinions, contributed their observations,
+    and laboured as in an affair universally admitted to be of high
+    importance to the general prosperity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But now, sir, when some of the difficulties are surmounted, some
+    expedients luckily struck out, some objections removed, and the great
+    design brought nearer to execution, we are on a sudden informed, that
+    all our labour is superfluous, that we are amusing ourselves with
+    useless consultations, providing against calamities that can never
+    happen, and raising bulwarks without an enemy; that, therefore, the
+    question before us is of no importance, and the bill ought, without
+    farther examination, to be totally rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I suppose, sir, I shall be readily believed, when I declare that I shall
+    willingly admit any arguments that may evince our safety; but, in
+    proportion as real freedom from danger is to be desired, a supine and
+    indolent neglect of it is to be dreaded and avoided; and I cannot but
+    fear that our enemies are more formidable, and more malicious, than the
+    gentlemen that oppose this bill have represented them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This bill can only be opposed upon the supposition that it gives a
+    sanction to severities, more rigorous than our present circumstances
+    require; for nothing can be more fallacious or invidious than a
+    comparison of this law with the demand of ship-money, a demand contrary
+    to all law, and enforced by the manifest exertion of arbitrary power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How has the conduct of his present majesty any resemblance with that of
+    Charles the first? Is any money levied by order of the council? Are the
+    determinations of the judges set in opposition to the decrees of the
+    senate? Is any man injured in his property by an unlimited extension of
+    the prerogative? or any tribunal established superiour to the laws of
+    the nation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To draw parallels, sir, where there is no resemblance; and to accuse, by
+    insinuations, where there is no shadow of a crime; to raise outcries
+    when no injury is attempted; and to deny a real necessity because it was
+    once pretended for a bad purpose; is surely not to advance the publick
+    service, which can be promoted only by just reasonings, and calm
+    reflections, not by sophistry and satire, by insinuations without
+    ground, and by instances beside the purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LITTLETON answered:&mdash;Sir, true zeal for the service of the publick
+    is never discovered by collusive subterfuges and malicious
+    representations; a mind, attentive to the common good, would hardly, on
+    an occasion like this, have been at leisure to pervert an harmless
+    illustration, and extract disaffection from a casual remark.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, indeed, not impossible, sir, that I might express myself
+    obscurely; and it may be, therefore, necessary to declare that I
+    intended no disrespectful reflection on the conduct of his majesty; but
+    must observe, at the same time, that obscure or inaccurate expressions
+    ought always to be interpreted in the most inoffensive meaning, and that
+    to be too sagacious in discovering concealed insinuations, is no great
+    proof of superiour integrity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Wisdom, sir, is seldom captious, and honesty seldom suspicious; a man
+    capable of comprehending the whole extent of a question, disdains to
+    divert his attention by trifling observations; and he that is above the
+    practice of little arts, or the motions of petty malice, does not easily
+    imagine them incident to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That in the question of ship-money necessity was pretended, cannot be
+    denied; and, therefore, all that I asserted, which was only that the
+    nation had been once terrified without reason, by the formidable sound
+    of necessity, is evident and uncontested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a fraud has once been practised, it is of use to remember it, that
+    we may not twice be deceived by the same artifice; and, therefore, I
+    mentioned the plea of necessity, that it may be inquired whether it is
+    now more true than before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the senate, sir, and not the judges, is now applied to, is no proof
+    of the validity of the arguments which have been produced; for in the
+    days of ship-money, the consent of the senate had been asked, had there
+    been any prospect of obtaining it; but the court had been convinced, by
+    frequent experiments, of the inflexibility of the senate, and despaired
+    of influencing them by prospects of advantage, or intimidating them by
+    frowns or menaces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    May this and every future senate imitate their conduct, and, like them,
+    distinguish between real and pretended necessity; and let not us be
+    terrified, by idle clamours, into the establishment of a law at once
+    useless and oppressive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied:&mdash;Sir, that I did not intend to misrepresent
+    the meaning of the honourable gentleman, I hope it is not necessary to
+    declare; and that I have, in reality, been guilty of any
+    misrepresentation, I am not yet convinced. If he did not intend a
+    parallel between ship-money and the present bill, to what purpose was
+    his observation? and if he did intend it, was it not proper to show
+    there was no resemblance, and that all which could be inferred from it
+    was, therefore, fallacious and inconclusive?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I only differ, sir, in opinion with the honourable gentleman with
+    relation to his comparison of measures, which have nothing in common
+    with each other; but will venture to declare, that he is not more
+    accurate in his citations from history. The king did not apply to the
+    judges, because the senate would not have granted him the money that he
+    demanded, but because his chief ambition was to govern the nation by the
+    prerogative alone, and to free himself and his descendants from
+    senatorial inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this account, sir, is just, I am confident the histories of those
+    times will discover; and, therefore, any invidious comparison between
+    that senate and any other, is without foundation in reason or in truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, that this law will easily admit, in
+    the execution of it, such abuses as will overbalance the benefits, may
+    readily be proved; and it will not be consistent with that regard to the
+    publick, expected from us by those whom we represent, to enact a law
+    which may probably become an instrument of oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The servant by whom I am now attended, may be termed, according to the
+    determination of the vindicators of this bill, a seafaring man, having
+    been once in the West Indies; and he may, therefore, be forced from my
+    service, and dragged into a ship, by the authority of a justice of the
+    peace, perhaps of some abandoned prostitute, dignified with a commission
+    only to influence elections, and awe those whom excises and riot-acts
+    cannot subdue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, sir, not improper to declare, that I would by force oppose
+    the execution of a law like this; that I would bar my doors and defend
+    them; that I would call my neighbours to my assistance; and treat those
+    who should attempt to enter without my consent, as thieves, ruffians,
+    and murderers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, it is well known that by the laws
+    of this nation, poverty is, in some degree, considered as a crime, and
+    that the debtor has only this advantage over the felon, that he cannot
+    be pursued into his dwelling, nor be forced from the shelter of his own
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it is universally agreed, that the condition of a man in debt is
+    already sufficiently miserable, and that it would be more worthy of the
+    legislative power to contrive alleviations of his hardships, than
+    additions to them; and it seems, therefore, no inconsiderable objection
+    to this bill, that, by conferring the power of entering houses by force,
+    it may give the harpies of the law an opportunity of entering, in the
+    tumult of an impress, and of dragging a debtor to a noisome prison,
+    under pretence of forcing sailors into the service of the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. TRACEY then said:&mdash;Sir, that some law for the ends proposed by the
+    bill before us, is necessary, I do not see how we can doubt, after the
+    declarations of the admirals, who are fully acquainted with the service
+    for which provision is to be made; and of the ministry, whose knowledge
+    of the present state of our own strength, and the designs of our
+    enemies, is, doubtless, more exact than they can acquire who are not
+    engaged in publick employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, the measures now proposed are necessary, though they may
+    not be agreeable to the present dispositions of the people, for whose
+    preservation they are intended, I shall think it my duty to concur in
+    them, that the publick service may not be retarded, nor the safety of a
+    whole nation hazarded, by a scrupulous attention to minute objections.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I have often, amidst my elogies on
+    British liberty, and my declarations of the excellence of our
+    constitution, the impartiality of our government, and the efficacy of
+    our laws, been reproached by foreigners with the practice of impresses,
+    as a hardship which would raise a rebellion in absolute monarchies, and
+    kindle those nations into madness, that have, for many ages, known no
+    other law than the will of their princes. A hardship which includes
+    imprisonment and slavery, and to which, therefore, no aggravations ought
+    to be added.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if justice and reason, sir, are to be overborne by necessity; if
+    necessity is to stop our ears against the complaints of the oppressed,
+    and harden our hearts at the sight of their misery, let it, at least,
+    not destroy our memories, nor deprive us of the advantages of
+    experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us inquire, sir, what were the effects of this hateful authority
+    when it was formerly consigned to the magistrates. Were our fleets
+    manned in an instant? were our harbours immediately crowded with
+    sailors? did we surprise our enemies by our expedition, and make
+    conquests before an invasion could be suspected? I have heard, sir, of
+    no such consequences, nor of any advantages which deserved to be
+    purchased by tyranny and oppression. We have found that very few were
+    procured by the magistrates, and the charge of seizing and conveying was
+    very considerable; and, therefore, cannot but conclude that illegal
+    measures, which have been once tried without success, should, for a
+    double reason, never be revived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, it is not without regret
+    that I rise so often on this occasion: for to dispute with those whose
+    determinations are not influenced by reason, is a ridiculous task, a
+    tiresome labour, without prospect of reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as an honourable gentleman has lately remarked, that by denying the
+    necessity of the bill, instead of making objections to particular
+    clauses, the whole design of finding expedients to supply the sea
+    service is at once defeated; I think it necessary to remind him, that I
+    have made many objections to this bill, and supported them by reasons
+    which have not yet been answered. But I shall now no longer confine my
+    remarks to single errours, but observe that there is one general defect,
+    by which the whole bill is made absurd and useless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the foundation of a law like this, sir, the description of a seaman
+    ought to be accurately laid down, it ought to be declared what acts
+    shall subject him to that denomination, and by what means, after having
+    once enlisted himself in this unhappy class of men, he may withdraw into
+    a more secure and happy state of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is a man, who has once only lost sight of the shore, to be for ever
+    hunted as a seaman? Is a man, who, by traffick, has enriched a family,
+    to be forced from his possessions by the authority of an impress? Is a
+    man, who has purchased an estate, and built a seat, to solicit the
+    admiralty for a protection from the neighbouring constable? Such
+    questions as these, sir, may be asked, which the bill before us will
+    enable no man to answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a bill for this purpose be truly necessary, let it, at least, be
+    freed from such offensive absurdities; let it be drawn up in a form as
+    different as is possible from that of the bill before us; and, at last,
+    I am far from imagining that a law will be contrived not injurious to
+    individuals, nor detrimental to the publick; not contrary to the first
+    principles of our establishment, and not loaded with folly and
+    absurdities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER then spoke:&mdash;Sir, a definition of a seaman is so necessary in
+    a bill for this purpose, that the omission of it will defeat all the
+    methods that can be suggested. How shall a law be executed, or a penalty
+    inflicted, when the magistrate has no certain marks whereby he may
+    distinguish a criminal? and when even the man that is prosecuted may not
+    be conscious of guilt, or know that the law extended to him, which he is
+    charged with having offended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, in defining a seaman on the present occasion, it be thought proper
+    to have any regard to the example of our predecessors, whose wisdom has,
+    in this debate, been so much magnified; it may be observed, that a
+    seaman has been formerly defined, a man who haunts the seas; a
+    definition which seems to imply habit and continuance, and not to
+    comprehend a man who has, perhaps, never gone more than a single voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though this definition, sir, should be added to the amendments
+    already proposed, and the bill thereby be brought somewhat nearer to the
+    constitutional principles of our government; I cannot yet think it so
+    much rectified, as that the hardships will not outweigh the benefits,
+    and, therefore, shall continue to oppose the bill, though to some
+    particular clauses I have no objection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The term <i>seafaring man</i> was left out, and the several amendments were
+    admitted in the committee, but the clauses themselves, to the number of
+    eleven, were given up on the report.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 10, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The commons resolved their house into a committee, to consider the bill
+    for the encouragement of sailors, when admiral WAGER offered a clause,
+    by which it was to be enacted, "That no merchants, or bodies corporate
+    or politick, shall hire sailors at higher wages than thirty-five
+    shillings for the month, on pain of forfeiting the treble value of the
+    sum so agreed for;" which law was to commence after fifteen days, and
+    continue for a time to be agreed on by the house: and then spoke to the
+    following purpose:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the necessity of this clause must be so apparent to every gentleman
+    acquainted with naval and commercial affairs, that as no opposition can
+    be apprehended, very few arguments will be requisite to introduce it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the publick calamities of war are improved by the sailors to
+    their own private advantage; how generally they shun the publick
+    service, in hopes of receiving exorbitant wages from the merchants; and
+    how much they extort from the merchants, by threatening to leave their
+    service for that of the crown, is universally known to every officer of
+    the navy, and every commander of a trading vessel.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A law, therefore, sir, to restrain them in time of war from such
+    exorbitant demands; to deprive them of those prospects which have often
+    no other effect than to lull them in idleness, while they skulk about in
+    expectation of higher wages; and to hinder them from deceiving
+    themselves, embarrassing the merchants, and neglecting the general
+    interest of their country, is undoubtedly just. It is just, sir, because
+    in regard to the publick it is necessary to prevent the greatest
+    calamity that can fall upon a people, to preserve us from receiving laws
+    from the most implacable of our enemies; and it is just, because with
+    respect to particular men it has no tendency but to suppress idleness,
+    fraud, and extortion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henby FOX spoke next:&mdash;Sir, I have no objection to any part of this
+    clause, except the day proposed for the commencement: to make a law
+    against any pernicious practice, to which there are strong temptations,
+    and to give those whose interest may incite them to it, time to effect
+    their schemes, before the law shall begin to operate, seems not very
+    consistent with wisdom or vigilance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not denied, sir, that the merchants are betrayed by that regard to
+    private interest which prevails too frequently over nobler views, to
+    bribe away from the service of the crown, by large rewards, those
+    sailors whose assistance is now so necessary to the publick; and,
+    therefore, it is not to be imagined that they will not employ their
+    utmost diligence to improve the interval which the bill allows in making
+    contracts for the ensuing, year, and that the sailors will not eagerly
+    engage themselves before this law shall preclude their prospects of
+    advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, to make no law, and to make a law that will not be
+    observed, is in consequence the same; and the time allowed by the
+    clause, as it now stands, may make the whole provision ineffectual; it
+    is my opinion, that either it ought to begin to operate to-morrow, or
+    that we ought to leave the whole affair in its present state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then sir Robert WALPOLE spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, nothing has a greater
+    appearance of injustice, than to punish men by virtue of laws, with
+    which they were not acquainted; the law, therefore, is always supposed
+    to be known by those who have offended it, because it is the duty of
+    every man to know it; and certainly it ought to be the care of the
+    legislature, that those whom a law will affect, may have a possibility
+    of knowing it, and that those may not be punished for failing in their
+    duty, whom nothing but inevitable ignorance has betrayed into offence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if the operation of this law should commence to-morrow, what numbers
+    may break it, and suffer by the breach of it involuntarily, and without
+    design; and how shall we vindicate ourselves from having been accessory
+    to the crime which we censure and punish?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX replied:&mdash;Sir, I shall not urge in defence of my motion what is
+    generally known, and has been frequently inculcated in all debates upon
+    this bill, that private considerations ought always to give way to the
+    necessities of the publick; for I think it sufficient to observe, that
+    there is a distinction to be made between punishments and restraints,
+    and that we never can be too early in the prevention of pernicious
+    practices, though we may sometimes delay to punish them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The law will be known to-morrow, to far the greatest number of those who
+    may be tempted to defeat it; and if there be others that break it
+    ignorantly, how will they find themselves injured by being only obliged
+    to pay less than they promised, which is all that I should propose
+    without longer warning. The debate upon this particular, will be at
+    length reduced to a question, whether a law for this purpose is just and
+    expedient? If a law be necessary, it is necessary that it should be
+    executed; and it can be executed only by commencing to-morrow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it appears to me of no great importance
+    how soon the operation of the law commences, or how long it is delayed,
+    because I see no reason for imagining that it will at any time produce
+    the effects proposed by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been the amusement, sir, of a great part of my life, to converse
+    with men whose inclinations or employments have made them well
+    acquainted with maritime affairs, and amidst innumerable other schemes
+    for the promotion of trade, have heard some for the regulation of wages
+    in trading ships; schemes, at the first appearance plausible and likely
+    to succeed, but, upon a nearer inquiry, evidently entangled with
+    insuperable difficulties, and never to be executed without danger of
+    injuring the commerce of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The clause, sir, now before us contains, in my opinion, one of those
+    visionary provisions, which, however infallible they may appear, will be
+    easily defeated, and will have no other effect than to promote cunning
+    and fraud, and to teach men those acts of collusion, with which they
+    would otherwise never have been acquainted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LODWICK spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with the honourable
+    gentleman by whom this clause has been offered, that the end for which
+    it is proposed, is worthy of the closest attention of the legislative
+    power, and that the evils of which the prevention is now endeavoured,
+    may in some measure not only obstruct our traffick, but endanger our
+    country; and shall therefore very readily concur in any measures for
+    this purpose, that shall not appear either unjust or ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this clause will be sufficient to restrain all elusive
+    contracts, and whether all the little artifices of interest are
+    sufficiently obviated, I am yet unable to determine; but by a reflection
+    upon the multiplicity of relations to be considered, and the variety of
+    circumstances to be adjusted in a provision of this kind, I am inclined
+    to think that, it is not the business of a transient inquiry, or of a
+    single clause, but that it will demand a separate law, and engage the
+    deliberation and regard of this whole assembly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD said:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the impatience and
+    resentment with which some men see their mistakes and ignorance
+    detected; notwithstanding the reverence which negligence and haste are
+    said to be entitled to from this assembly, I shall declare once more,
+    without the apprehension of being confuted, that this bill was drawn up
+    without consideration, and is defended without being understood; that
+    after all the amendments which have been admitted, and all the additions
+    proposed, it will be oppressive and ineffectual, a chaos of absurdities,
+    and a monument of ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied:&mdash;Sir, the present business of this assembly
+    is to examine the clause before us; but to deviate from so necessary an
+    inquiry into loud exclamations against the whole bill, is to obstruct
+    the course of the debate, to perplex our attention, and interrupt the
+    senate in its deliberation upon questions, in the determination of which
+    the security of the publick is nearly concerned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war, sir, in which we are now engaged, and, I may add, engaged by
+    the general request of the whole nation, can be prosecuted only by the
+    assistance of the seamen, from whom it is not to be expected that they
+    will sacrifice their immediate advantage to the security of their
+    country. Publick spirit, where it is to be found, is the result of
+    reflection, refined by study and exalted by education, and is not to be
+    hoped for among those whom low fortune has condemned to perpetual
+    drudgery. It must be, therefore, necessary to supply the defects of
+    education, and to produce, by salutary coercions, those effects which it
+    is vain to expect from other causes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the service of the sailors will be set up to sale by auction, and
+    that the merchants will bid against the government, is incontestable;
+    nor is there any doubt that they will be able to offer the highest
+    price, because they will take care to repay themselves by raising the
+    value of their goods. Thus, without some restraint upon the merchants,
+    our enemies, who are not debarred by their form of government from any
+    method which policy can invent, or absolute power put in execution, will
+    preclude all our designs, and set at defiance a nation superiour to
+    themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then said:&mdash;Sir, I think myself obliged by my duty to
+    my country, and by my gratitude to those by whose industry we are
+    enriched, and by whose courage we are defended, to make, once more, a
+    declaration, not against particular clauses, not against single
+    circumstances, but against the whole bill; a bill unjust and oppressive,
+    absurd and ridiculous; a bill to harass the industrious and distress the
+    honest, to puzzle the wise and add power to the cruel; a bill which
+    cannot be read without astonishment, nor passed without the violation of
+    our constitution, and an equal disregard of policy and humanity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these assertions will need to be proved only by a bare perusal of
+    this hateful bill, by which the meanest, the most worthless reptile,
+    exalted to a petty office by serving a wretch only superiour to him in
+    fortune, is enabled to flush his authority by tyrannising over those who
+    every hour deserve the publick acknowledgments of the community; to
+    intrude upon the retreats of brave men, fatigued and exhausted by honest
+    industry, to drag them out with all the wantonness of grovelling
+    authority, and chain them to the oar without a moment's respite, or
+    perhaps oblige them to purchase, with the gains of a dangerous voyage,
+    or the plunder of an enemy lately conquered, a short interval to settle
+    their affairs, or bid their children farewell.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any gentleman in this house, let those, sir, who now sit at ease,
+    projecting laws of oppression, and conferring upon their own slaves such
+    licentious authority, pause a few moments, and imagine themselves
+    exposed to the same hardships by a power superiour to their own; let
+    them conceive themselves torn from the tenderness and caresses of their
+    families by midnight irruptions, dragged in triumph through the streets
+    by a despicable officer, and placed under the command of those by whom
+    they have, perhaps, been already oppressed and insulted. Why should we
+    imagine that the race of men for whom those cruelties are preparing,
+    have less sensibility than ourselves? Why should we believe that they
+    will suffer without complaint, and be injured without resentment? Why
+    should we conceive that they will not at once deliver themselves, and
+    punish their oppressors, by deserting that country where they are
+    considered as felons, and laying hold on those rewards and privileges
+    which no other government will deny them?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, indeed, the only tendency, whatever may have been the intention
+    of the bill before us; for I know not whether the most refined sagacity
+    can discover any other method of discouraging navigation than those
+    which are drawn together in the bill before us. We first give our
+    constables an authority to hunt the sailors like thieves, and drive
+    them, by incessant pursuit, out of the nation; but lest any man should
+    by friendship, good fortune, or the power of money, find means of
+    staying behind, we have with equal wisdom condemned him to poverty and
+    misery; and lest the natural courage of his profession should incite him
+    to assist his country in the war, have contrived a method of precluding
+    him from any advantage that he might have the weakness to hope from his
+    fortitude and diligence. What more can be done, unless we at once
+    prohibit to seamen the use of the common elements, or doom them to a
+    general proscription.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is just that advantage, sir, should be proportioned to the hazard by
+    which it is to be obtained, and, therefore, a sailor has an honest claim
+    to an advance of wages in time of war; it is necessary to excite
+    expectation, and to fire ambition by the prospect of great acquisitions,
+    and by this prospect it is that such numbers are daily allured to naval
+    business, and that our privateers are filled with adventurers. The large
+    wages which war makes necessary, are more powerful incentives to those
+    whom impatience of poverty determines to change their state of life,
+    than the secure gains of peaceful commerce; for the danger is overlooked
+    by a mind intent upon the profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    War is the harvest of a sailor, in which he is to store provisions for
+    the winter of old age, and if we blast this hope, he will inevitably
+    sink into indolence and cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of the sailors are bred up to trades, or capable of any laborious
+    employment upon land; nor is there any reason for which they expose
+    themselves to the dangers of a seafaring life, but the hope of sudden
+    wealth, and some lucky season in which they may improve their fortunes
+    by a single effort. Is it reasonable to believe that all these will not
+    rather have recourse to their former callings, and live in security,
+    though not in plenty, than encounter danger and poverty at once, and
+    face an enemy without any prospect of recompense?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any man recollect the ideas that arose in his mind upon hearing of a
+    bill for encouraging and increasing sailors, and examine whether he had
+    any expectation of expedients like these. I suppose it was never known
+    before, that men were to be encouraged by subjecting them to peculiar
+    penalties, or that to take away the gains of a profession, was a method
+    of recommending it more generally to the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is not of very great importance to dwell longer upon the
+    impropriety of this clause, which there is no possibility of putting in
+    execution. That the merchants will try every method of eluding a law so
+    prejudicial to their interest, may be easily imagined, and a mind not
+    very fruitful of evasions, will discover that this law may be eluded by
+    a thousand artifices. If the merchants are restrained from allowing men
+    their wages beyond a certain sum, they will make contracts for the
+    voyage, of which the time may very easily be computed, they may offer a
+    reward for expedition and fidelity, they may pay a large sum by way of
+    advance, they may allow the sailors part of the profits, or may offer
+    money by a third hand. To fix the price of any commodity, of which the
+    quantity and the use may vary their proportions, is the most excessive
+    degree of ignorance. No man can determine the price of corn, unless he
+    can regulate the harvest, and keep the number of the people for ever at
+    a stand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us suppose these methods as efficacious as their most sanguine
+    vindicators are desirous of representing them, it does not yet appear
+    that they are necessary, and to inflict hardships without necessity, is
+    by no means the practice of either wisdom or benevolence. To tyrannise
+    and compel is the low pleasure of petty capacities, of narrow minds,
+    swelled with the pride of uncontroulable authority, the wantonness of
+    wretches who are insensible of the consequences of their own actions,
+    and of whom candour may, perhaps, determine, that they are only cruel
+    because they are stupid. Let us not exalt into a precedent the most
+    unjust and rigorous law of our predecessors, of which they themselves
+    declared their repentance, or confessed the inefficacy, by never
+    reviving it; let us rather endeavour to gain the sailors by lenity and
+    moderation, and reconcile them to the service of the crown by real
+    encouragements; for it is rational to imagine, that in proportion as men
+    are disgusted by injuries, they will be won by kindness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is one expedient, sir, which deserves to be tried, and from which,
+    at least, more success may be hoped than from cruelty, hunger, and
+    persecution. The ships that are now to be fitted out for service, are
+    those of the first magnitude, which it is usual to bring back into the
+    ports in winter. Let us, therefore, promise to all seamen that shall
+    voluntarily engage in them, besides the reward already proposed, a
+    discharge from the service at the end of six or seven months. By this
+    they will be released from their present dread of perpetual slavery, and
+    be certain, as they are when in the service of the merchants, of a
+    respite from their fatigues. The trade of the nation will be only
+    interrupted for a time, and may be carried on in the winter months, and
+    large sums will be saved by dismissing the seamen when they cannot be
+    employed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By adding this to the other methods of encouragement, and throwing aside
+    all rigorous and oppressive schemes, the navy may easily be manned, our
+    country protected, our commerce reestablished, and our enemies subdued;
+    but to pass the bill as it now stands, is to determine that trade shall
+    cease, and that no ship shall sail out of the river.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT spoke to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, it is common for those to
+    have the greatest regard to their own interest who discover the least
+    for that of others. I do not, therefore, despair of recalling the
+    advocates of this bill from the prosecution of their favourite measures,
+    by arguments of greater efficacy than those which are founded on reason
+    and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, is more evident, than that some degree of reputation is
+    absolutely necessary to men who have any concern in the administration
+    of a government like ours; they must either secure the fidelity of their
+    adherents by the assistance of wisdom, or of virtue; their enemies must
+    either be awed by their honesty, or terrified by their cunning. Mere
+    artless bribery will never gain a sufficient majority to set them
+    entirely free from apprehensions of censure. To different tempers
+    different motives must be applied: some, who place their felicity in
+    being accounted wise, are in very little care to preserve the character
+    of honesty; others may be persuaded to join in measures which they
+    easily discover to be weak and ill-concerted, because they are convinced
+    that the authors of them are not corrupt but mistaken, and are unwilling
+    that any man should be punished for natural defects or casual ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot say, sir, which of these motives influences the advocates for
+    the bill before us; a bill in which such cruelties are proposed as are
+    yet unknown among the most savage nations, such as slavery has not yet
+    borne, or tyranny invented, such as cannot be heard without resentment,
+    nor thought of without horrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, perhaps, not unfortunate, that one more expedient has been
+    added, rather ridiculous than shocking, and that these tyrants of the
+    administration, who amuse themselves with oppressing their
+    fellow-subjects, who add without reluctance one hardship to another,
+    invade the liberty of those whom they have already overborne with taxes,
+    first plunder and then imprison, who take all opportunities of
+    heightening the publick distresses, and make the miseries of war the
+    instruments of new oppressions, are too ignorant to be formidable, and
+    owe their power not to their abilities, but to casual prosperity, or to
+    the influence of money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The other clauses of this bill, complicated at once with cruelty and
+    folly, have been treated with becoming indignation; but this may be
+    considered with less ardour of resentment, and fewer emotions of zeal,
+    because, though, perhaps, equally iniquitous, it will do no harm; for a
+    law that can never be executed can never be felt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it will consume the manufacture of paper, and swell the books of
+    statutes, is all the good or hurt that can be hoped or feared from a law
+    like this; a law which fixes what is in its own nature mutable, which
+    prescribes rules to the seasons and limits to the wind. I am too well
+    acquainted, sir, with the disposition of its two chief supporters, to
+    mention the contempt with which this law will be treated by posterity,
+    for they have already shown abundantly their disregard of succeeding
+    generations; but I will remind them, that they are now venturing their
+    whole interest at once, and hope they will recollect, before it is too
+    late, that those who believe them to intend the happiness of their
+    country, will never be confirmed in their opinion by open cruelty and
+    notorious oppression; and that those who have only their own interest in
+    view, will be afraid of adhering to those leaders, however old and
+    practised in expedients, however strengthened by corruption, or elated
+    with power, who have no reason to hope for success from either their
+    virtue or abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST next spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the clause now under our
+    consideration is so inconsiderately drawn up, that it is impossible to
+    read it in the most cursory manner, without discovering the necessity of
+    numerous amendments; no malicious subtilties or artful deductions are
+    required in raising objections to this part of the bill, they crowd upon
+    us without being sought, and, instead of exercising our sagacity, weary
+    our attention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first errour, or rather one part of a general and complicated
+    errour, is the computation of time, not by days, but by calendar months,
+    which, as they are not equal one to another, may embarrass the account
+    between the sailors and those that employ them. In all contracts of a
+    short duration, the time is to be reckoned by weeks and days, by certain
+    and regular periods, which has been so constantly the practice of the
+    seafaring men, that, perhaps, many of them do not know the meaning of a
+    calendar month: this, indeed, is a neglect of no great importance,
+    because no man can be deprived by it of more than the wages due for the
+    labour of a few days; but the other part of this clause is more
+    seriously to be considered, as it threatens the sailors with greater
+    injuries: for it is to be enacted, that all contracts made for more
+    wages than are here allowed shall be totally void.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be denied to be possible, and in my opinion it is very likely,
+    that many contracts will be made without the knowledge of this law, and
+    consequently without any design of violating it; but ignorance,
+    inevitable ignorance, though it is a valid excuse for every other man,
+    is no plea for the unhappy sailor; he must suffer, though innocent, the
+    penalty of a crime; must undergo danger, hardships, and labour, without
+    a recompense, and at the end of a successful voyage, after having
+    enriched his country by his industry, return home to a necessitous
+    family, without being able to relieve them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is scarcely necessary, sir, to raise any more objections to a clause
+    in which nothing is right; but, to show how its imperfections multiply
+    upon the slightest consideration, I take the opportunity to observe,
+    that there is no provision made for regulating the voyages performed in
+    less time than a month, so that the greatest part of the abuses, which
+    have been represented as the occasion of this clause, are yet without
+    remedy, and only those sailors who venture far, and are exposed to the
+    greatest dangers, are restrained from receiving an adequate reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus much, sir, I have said upon the supposition that a regulation of
+    the sailors' wages is either necessary or just; a supposition of which I
+    am very far from discovering the truth. That it is just to oppress the
+    most useful of our fellow-subjects, to load those men with peculiar
+    hardships to whom we owe the plenty that we enjoy, the power that yet
+    remains in the nation, and which neither the folly nor the cowardice of
+    ministers have yet been able to destroy, and the security in which we
+    now sit and hold our consultations; that it is just to lessen our
+    payments at a time when we increase the labour of those who are hired,
+    and to expose men to danger without recompense, will not easily be
+    proved, even by those who are most accustomed to paradoxes, and are
+    ready to undertake the proof of any position which it is their interest
+    to find true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it much more easy to show the necessity of this expedient in our
+    present state, in which it appears from the title of the bill, that our
+    chief endeavour should be the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+    and, I suppose, it has not often been discovered, that by taking away
+    the profits of a profession greater numbers have been allured to it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The high wages, sir, paid by merchants are the chief incitements that
+    prevail upon the ambitious, the necessitous, or the avaricious, to
+    forsake the ease and security of the land, to leave easy trades, and
+    healthful employments, and expose themselves to an element where they
+    are not certain of an hour's safety. The service of the merchants is the
+    nursery in which seamen are trained up for his majesty's navies, and
+    from thence we must, in time of danger, expect those forces by which
+    alone we can be protected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it is necessary to encourage sailors, it is necessary to
+    reject all measures that may terrify or disgust them; and as their
+    numbers must depend upon our trade, let us not embarrass the merchants
+    with any other difficulties than those which are inseparable from war,
+    and which very little care has been hitherto taken to alleviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY replied:&mdash;Sir, the objections which have been urged with so much
+    ardour, and displayed with such power of eloquence, are not, in my
+    opinion, formidable enough to discourage us from prosecuting our
+    measures; some of them may be, perhaps, readily answered, and the rest
+    easily removed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The computation of time, as it now stands, is allowed not to produce any
+    formidable evil, and therefore did not require so rhetorical a censure:
+    the inconveniency of calendar months may easily be removed by a little
+    candour in the contracting parties, or, that the objection may not be
+    repeated to the interruption of the debate, weeks or days may be
+    substituted, and the usual reckoning of the sailors be still continued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That some contracts may be annulled, and inconveniencies or delays of
+    payment arise, is too evident to be questioned; but in that case the
+    sailor may have his remedy provided, and be enabled to obtain, by an
+    easy process, what he shall be judged to <i>have deserved</i>; for it must be
+    allowed reasonable, that every man who labours in honest and useful
+    employments, should receive the reward of his diligence and fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, may the clause, however loudly censured and violently
+    opposed, be made useful and equitable, and the publick service advanced
+    without injury to individuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, every law
+    which extends its influence to great numbers in various relations and
+    circumstances, must produce some consequences that were never foreseen
+    or intended, and is to be censured or applauded as the general
+    advantages or inconveniencies are found to preponderate. Of this kind is
+    the law before us, a law enforced by the necessity of our affairs, and
+    drawn up with no other intention than to secure the publick happiness,
+    and produce that success which every man's interest must prompt him to
+    desire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If in the execution of this law, sir, some inconveniencies should arise,
+    they are to be remedied as fast as they are discovered, or if not
+    capable of a remedy, to be patiently borne, in consideration of the
+    general advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That some temporary disturbances may be produced is not improbable; the
+    discontent of the sailors may, for a short time, rise high, and our
+    trade be suspended by their obstinacy; but obstinacy, however
+    determined, must yield to hunger, and when no higher wages can be
+    obtained, they will cheerfully accept of those which are here allowed
+    them. Short voyages, indeed, are not comprehended in the clause, and
+    therefore the sailors will engage in them upon their own terms, but this
+    objection can be of no weight with those that oppose the clause,
+    because, if it is unjust to limit the wages of the sailors, it is just
+    to leave those voyages without restriction; and those that think the
+    expedient here proposed equitable and rational, may, perhaps, be willing
+    to make some concessions to those who are of a different opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the bill will not remove every obstacle to success, nor add weight
+    to one part of the balance without making the other lighter; that it
+    will not supply the navy without incommoding the merchants in some
+    degree; that it may be sometimes evaded by cunning, and sometimes abused
+    by malice; and that at last it will be less efficacious than is desired,
+    may, perhaps, be proved; but it has not yet been proved that any other
+    measures are more eligible, or that we are not to promote the publick
+    service as far as we are able, though our endeavours may not produce
+    effects equal to our wishes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what
+    fatality it is that nothing can be urged in defence of the clause before
+    us which does not tend to discover its weakness and inefficacy. The
+    warmest patrons of this expedient are impelled, by the mere force of
+    conviction, to such concessions as invalidate all their arguments, and
+    leave their opponents no necessity of replying.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If short voyages are not comprehended in this provision, what are we now
+    controverting? What but the expedience of a law that will never be
+    executed? The sailors, however they are contemned by those who think
+    them only worthy to be treated like beasts of burden, are not yet so
+    stupid but that they can easily find out, that to serve a fortnight for
+    greater wages is more eligible than to toil a month for less; and as the
+    numerous equipments that have been lately made have not left many more
+    sailors in the service of the merchants than may be employed in the
+    coasting trade, those who traffick to remoter parts, must shut up their
+    books and wait till the expiration of this act, for an opportunity of
+    renewing their commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To regulate the wages for one voyage, and to leave another without
+    limitation, in time of scarcity of seamen, is absolutely to prohibit
+    that trade which is so restrained, and is, doubtless, a more effectual
+    embargo than has been yet invented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any man but suppose that the East India company were obliged to give
+    only half the wages that other traders allow, and consider how that part
+    of our commerce could be carried on; would not their goods rot in their
+    warehouses, and their ships lie for ever in the harbour? Would not the
+    sailors refuse to contract with them? or desert them after a contract,
+    upon the first prospect of more advantageous employment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is not requisite to multiply arguments in a question which may
+    not only be decided without long examination, but in which we may
+    determine our conclusions by the experience of our ancestors. Scarcely
+    any right or wrong measures are without a precedent, and, amongst
+    others, this expedient has been tried by the wisdom of former times; a
+    law was once made for limiting the wages of tailors, and that it is
+    totally ineffectual we are all convinced. Experience is a very safe
+    guide in political inquiries, and often discovers what the most
+    enlightened reason failed to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, improve the errours of our ancestors to our own
+    advantage, and whilst we neglect to imitate their virtues, let us, at
+    least, forbear to repeat their follies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PERRY spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, there is one objection more which
+    my acquaintance with foreign trade impresses too strongly upon my mind
+    to suffer me to conceal it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that the condition of a seaman subjects him to the
+    necessity of spending a great part of his life at a distance from his
+    native country, in places where he can neither hear of our designs, nor
+    be instructed in our laws, and, therefore, it is evident that no law
+    ought to affect him before a certain period of time, in which he may
+    reasonably be supposed to have been informed of it. For every man ought
+    to have it in his power to avoid punishment, and to suffer only for
+    negligence or obstinacy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is quite unnecessary, sir, to observe to this assembly, that there
+    are now, as at all times, great numbers of sailors in every part of the
+    world, and that they, at least, equally deserve our regard with those
+    who are under the more immediate influence of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These seamen have already contracted for the price of their labour, and
+    the recompense of their hazards, nor can we, in my opinion, without
+    manifest injustice, dissolve a contract founded upon equity, and
+    confirmed by law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, an undisputed principle of government, that no person should
+    be punished without a crime; but is it no punishment to deprive a man of
+    what is due to him by a legal stipulation, the condition of which is, on
+    his part, honestly fulfilled?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, can be imagined more calamitous than the disappointment to
+    which this law subjects the unhappy men who are now promoting the
+    interest of their country in distant places, amidst dangers and
+    hardships, in unhealthy climates, and barbarous nations, where they
+    comfort themselves, under the fatigues of labour and the miseries of
+    sickness, with the prospect of the sum which they shall gain for the
+    relief of their families, and the respite which their wages will enable
+    them to enjoy; but, upon their return, they find their hopes blasted,
+    and their contracts dissolved by a law made in their absence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No human being, I think, can coolly and deliberately inflict a hardship
+    like this, and, therefore, I doubt not but those who have, by
+    inadvertency, given room for this objection, will either remove it by an
+    amendment, or what is, in my opinion, more eligible, reject the clause
+    as inexpedient, useless, and unjust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next to this effect:&mdash;Sir, this debate has been
+    protracted, not by any difficulties arising from the nature of the
+    questions which have been the subject of it, but by a neglect with which
+    almost all the opponents of the bill may be justly charged, the neglect
+    of distinguishing between measures eligible in themselves, and measures
+    preferable to consequences which are apprehended from particular
+    conjunctures; between laws made only to advance the publick happiness,
+    and expedients of which the benefit is merely occasional, and of which
+    the sole intention is to avert some national calamity, and which are to
+    cease with the necessity that produced them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the measures, sir, which are now intended; measures, which, in
+    days of ease, security, and prosperity, it would be the highest degree
+    of weakness to propose, but of which I cannot see the absurdity in times
+    of danger and distress. Such laws are the medicines of a state, useless
+    and nauseous in health, but preferable to a lingering disease, or to a
+    miserable death.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even those measures, sir, which have been mentioned as most grossly
+    absurd, and represented as parallel to the provision made in this clause
+    only to expose it to contempt and ridicule, may, in particular
+    circumstances, be rational and just. To settle the price of corn in the
+    time of a famine, may become the wisest state, and multitudes might, in
+    time of publick misery, by the benefit of temporary laws, be preserved
+    from destruction. Even those masts, to which, with a prosperous gale,
+    the ship owes its usefulness and its speed, are often cut down by the
+    sailors in the fury of a storm.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the ships which are now in distant places, whither no
+    knowledge of this law can possibly be conveyed, it cannot be denied that
+    their crews ought to be secured from injury by some particular
+    exception; for though it is evident in competitions between publick and
+    private interest, which ought to be preferred, yet we ought to remember
+    that no unnecessary injury is to be done to individuals, even while we
+    are providing for the safety of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot be supposed to
+    have much acquaintance with naval affairs, and, therefore, may not,
+    perhaps, discover the full force of the arguments that have been urged
+    in favour of the clause now under consideration, yet I cannot but think
+    myself under an indispensable obligation to examine it as far as I am
+    able, and to make use of the knowledge which I have acquired, however
+    inferiour to that of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, the only real argument, which has been produced in
+    favour of the restraint of wages now proposed, appears to me by no means
+    conclusive; nor can I believe that the meanest and most ignorant seaman
+    would, if it were proposed to him, hesitate a moment for an answer to
+    it. Let me suppose, sir, a merchant urging it as a charge against a
+    seaman, that he raises his demand of wages in time of war, would not the
+    sailor readily reply, that harder labour required larger pay? Would he
+    not ask, why the general practice of mankind is charged as a crime upon
+    him only? Inquire, says he, of the workmen in the docks, have they not
+    double wages for double labour? and is not their lot safe and easy in
+    comparison with mine, who at once encounter danger and support fatigue,
+    carry on war and commerce at the same time, conduct the ship and oppose
+    the enemy, and am equally exposed to captivity and shipwreck?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is, in reality, the state of a sailor in time of war, I think,
+    sir, too evident to require proof; nor do I see what reply can be made
+    to the sailor's artless expostulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not why the sailors alone should serve their country to their
+    disadvantage, and be expected to encounter danger without the incitement
+    of a reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will any part of the hardships of this clause be alleviated by the
+    expedient suggested by an honourable member, who spoke, some time ago,
+    of granting, or allowing, to a sailor, whose contract shall be void,
+    what our courts of law should adjudge him to deserve, a <i>quantum
+    meruit</i>: for, according to the general interpretation of our statutes,
+    it will be determined that he has forfeited his whole claim by illegal
+    contract. To instance, sir, the statute of usury. He that stipulates for
+    higher interest than is allowed, is not able to recover his legal
+    demand, but irrecoverably forfeits the whole.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, an unhappy sailor who shall innocently transgress this law,
+    must lose all the profit of his voyage, and have nothing to relieve him
+    after his fatigues; but when he has by his courage repelled the enemy,
+    and, by his skill, escaped storms and rocks, must suffer yet severer
+    hardships, in being subject to a forfeiture where he expected applause,
+    comfort, and recompense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, the clause
+    before us cannot, in my opinion, produce any such dreadful consequences
+    as the learned gentleman appears to imagine: however, to remove all
+    difficulties, I have drawn up an amendment, which I shall beg leave to
+    propose, that the contracts which may be affected as the clause now
+    stands, <i>shall be void only as to so much of the wages as shall exceed
+    the sum to which the house shall agree to reduce the seamen's pay;</i> and,
+    as to the forfeitures, they are not to be levied upon the sailors, but
+    upon the merchants, or trading companies, who employ them, and who are
+    able to pay greater sums without being involved in poverty and distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the reasons for introducing this clause, they are,
+    in my judgment, valid and equitable. We have found it necessary to fix
+    the rate of money at interest, and the rate of labour in several cases,
+    and if we do not in this case, what will be the consequence?&mdash;a second
+    embargo on commerce, and, perhaps, a total stop to all military
+    preparations. Is it reasonable that any man should rate his labour
+    according to the immediate necessities of those that employ him? or that
+    he should raise his own fortune by the publick calamities? If this has
+    hitherto been a practice, it is a practice contrary to the general
+    happiness of society, and ought to prevail no longer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the sailor, sir, is exposed to greater dangers in time of war, is not
+    the merchant's trade carried on, likewise, at greater hazard? Is not the
+    freight, equally with the sailors, threatened at once by the ocean and
+    the enemy? And is not the owner's fortune equally impaired, whether the
+    ship is dashed upon a rock, or seized by a privateer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchant, therefore, has as much reason for paying less wages in
+    time of war, as the sailor for demanding more, and nothing remains but
+    that the legislative power determine a medium between their different
+    interests, with justice, if possible, at least with impartiality.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE, who had stood up several times, but was prevented by
+    other members, spoke next, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, I was unwilling to
+    interrupt the course of this debate while it was carried on with
+    calmness and decency, by men, who do not suffer the ardour of opposition
+    to cloud their reason, or transport them to such expressions as the
+    dignity of this assembly does not admit. I have hitherto deferred to
+    answer the gentleman who declaimed against the bill with such fluency of
+    rhetorick, and such vehemence of gesture; who charged the advocates for
+    the expedients now proposed, with having no regard to any interest but
+    their own, and with making laws only to consume paper, and threatened
+    them with the defection of their adherence, and the loss of their
+    influence, upon this new discovery of their folly and their ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, do I now answer him for any other purpose than to remind him
+    how little the clamours of rage and petulancy of invectives contribute
+    to the purposes for which this assembly is called together; how little
+    the discovery of truth is promoted, and the security of the nation
+    established by pompous diction and theatrical emotions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Formidable sounds, and furious declamations, confident assertions, and
+    lofty periods, may affect the young and unexperienced; and, perhaps, the
+    gentleman may have contracted his habits of oratory by conversing more
+    with those of his own age, than with such as have had more opportunities
+    of acquiring knowledge, and more successful methods of communicating
+    their sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the heat of his temper, sir, would suffer him to attend to those
+    whose age and long acquaintance with business give them an indisputable
+    right to deference and superiority, he would learn, in time, to reason
+    rather than declaim, and to prefer justness of argument, and an accurate
+    knowledge of facts, to sounding epithets and splendid superlatives,
+    which may disturb the imagination for a moment, but leave no lasting
+    impression on the mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He will learn, sir, that to accuse and prove are very different, and
+    that reproaches, unsupported by evidence, affect only the character of
+    him that utters them. Excursions of fancy, and flights of oratory, are,
+    indeed, pardonable in young men, but in no other; and it would surely
+    contribute more, even to the purpose for which some gentlemen appear to
+    speak, that of depreciating the conduct of the administration, to prove
+    the inconveniencies and injustice of this bill, than barely to assert
+    them, with whatever magnificence of language, or appearance of zeal,
+    honesty, or compassion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT replied:&mdash;Sir, the atrocious crime of being a young man, which
+    the honourable gentleman has with such spirit and decency charged upon
+    me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny, but content myself
+    with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with
+    their youth, and not of that number, who are ignorant in spite of
+    experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir,
+    assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly
+    contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away
+    without improvement, and vice appears to prevail when the passions have
+    subsided. The wretch that, after having seen the consequences of a
+    thousand errours, continues still to blunder, and whose age has only
+    added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of either abhorrence
+    or contempt, and deserves not that his grey head should secure him from
+    insults.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Much more, sir, is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age,
+    has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with less temptation;
+    who prostitutes himself for money which he cannot enjoy, and spends the
+    remains of his life in the ruin of his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But youth, sir, is not my only crime; I have been accused of acting a
+    theatrical part&mdash;a theatrical part may either imply some peculiarities
+    of gesture, or a dissimulation of my real sentiments, and an adoption of
+    the opinions and language of another man.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the first sense, sir, the charge is too trifling to be confuted, and
+    deserves only to be mentioned, that it may be despised. I am at liberty,
+    like every other man, to use my own language; and though I may, perhaps,
+    have some ambition to please this gentleman, I shall not lay myself
+    under any restraint, nor very solicitously copy his diction, or his
+    mien, however matured by age, or modelled by experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any man shall, by charging me with theatrical behaviour, imply that I
+    utter any sentiments but my own, I shall treat him as a calumniator and
+    a villain; nor shall any protection shelter him from the treatment which
+    he deserves. I shall, on such an occasion, without scruple, trample upon
+    all those forms, with which wealth and dignity intrench themselves, nor
+    shall any thing but age restrain my resentment: age, which always brings
+    one privilege, that of being insolent and supercilious without
+    punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, with regard, sir, to those whom I have offended, I am of opinion,
+    that if I had acted a borrowed part, I should have avoided their
+    censure; the heat that offended them is the ardour of conviction, and
+    that zeal for the service of my country, which neither hope nor fear
+    shall influence me to suppress. I will not sit unconcerned while my
+    liberty is invaded, nor look in silence upon publick robbery. I will
+    exert my endeavours, at whatever hazard, to repel the aggressor, and
+    drag the thief to justice, whoever may protect them in their villany,
+    and whoever may partake of their plunder. And if the honourable
+    gentleman&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here Mr. WINNINGTON called to order, and Mr. PITT sitting down, he spoke
+    thus:&mdash;It is necessary, sir, that the order of this assembly be
+    observed, and the debate resumed without personal altercations. Such
+    expressions as have been vented on this occasion, become not an assembly
+    intrusted with the liberty and welfare of their country. To interrupt
+    the debate on a subject so important as that before us, is, in some
+    measure, to obstruct the publick happiness, and violate our trust: but
+    much more heinous is the crime of exposing our determinations to
+    contempt, and inciting the people to suspicion or mutiny, by indecent
+    reflections, or unjust insinuations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not, sir, undertake to decide the controversy between the two
+    gentlemen, but must be allowed to observe, that no diversity of opinion
+    can justify the violation of decency, and the use of rude and virulent
+    expressions; expressions dictated only by resentment, and uttered
+    without regard to&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT called to order, and said:&mdash;Sir, if this be to preserve order,
+    there is no danger of indecency from the most licentious tongue: for
+    what calumny can be more atrocious, or what reproach more severe, than
+    that of speaking with regard to any thing but truth. Order may sometimes
+    be broken by passion, or inadvertency, but will hardly be reestablished
+    by monitors like this, who cannot govern his own passion, whilst he is
+    restraining the impetuosity of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Happy, sir, would it be for mankind, if every one knew his own province;
+    we should not then see the same man at once a criminal and a judge. Nor
+    would this gentleman assume the right of dictating to others what he has
+    not learned himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That I may return, in some degree, the favour which he intends me, I
+    will advise him never hereafter to exert himself on the subject of
+    order; but, whenever he finds himself inclined to speak on such
+    occasions, to remember how he has now succeeded, and condemn, in
+    silence, what his censures will never reform.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, as I was hindered by the gentleman's
+    ardour and impetuosity from concluding my sentence, none but myself can
+    know the equity or partiality of my intentions, and, therefore, as I
+    cannot justly be condemned, I ought to be supposed innocent; nor ought
+    he to censure a fault of which he cannot be certain that it would ever
+    have been committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has, indeed, exalted himself to a degree of authority never yet
+    assumed by any member of this house, that of condemning others to
+    silence. I am henceforward, by his inviolable decree, to sit and hear
+    his harangues without daring to oppose him. How wide he may extend his
+    authority, or whom he will proceed to include in the same sentence, I
+    shall not determine; having not yet arrived at the same degree of
+    sagacity with himself, nor being able to foreknow what another is going
+    to pronounce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I had given offence by any improper sallies of passion, I ought to
+    have been censured by the concurrent voice of the assembly, or have
+    received a reprimand, sir, from you, to which I should have submitted
+    without opposition; but I will not be doomed to silence by one who has
+    no pretensions to authority, and whose arbitrary decisions can only tend
+    to introduce uproar, discord, and confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, when, in
+    the ardour of controversy upon interesting questions, the zeal of the
+    disputants hinders them from a nice observation of decency and
+    regularity, there is some indulgence due to the common weakness of our
+    nature; nor ought any gentleman to affix to a negligent expression a
+    more offensive sense than is necessarily implied by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To search deep, sir, for calumnies and reproaches is no laudable nor
+    beneficial curiosity; it must always be troublesome to ourselves by
+    alarming us with imaginary injuries, and may often be unjust to others
+    by charging them with invectives which they never intended. General
+    candour and mutual tenderness will best preserve our own quiet, and
+    support that dignity which has always been accounted essential to
+    national debates, and seldom infringed without dangerous consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LYTTLETON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, no man can be more zealous for
+    decency than myself, or more convinced of the necessity of a methodical
+    prosecution of the question before us. I am well convinced how near
+    indecency and faction are to one another, and how inevitably confusion
+    produces obscurity; but I hope it will always be remembered, that he who
+    first infringes decency, or deviates from method, is to answer for all
+    the consequences that may arise from the neglect of senatorial customs:
+    for it is not to be expected that any man will bear reproaches without
+    reply, or that he who wanders from the question will not be followed in
+    his digressions, and hunted through his labyrinths.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, sir, be denied, that some insinuations were uttered injurious
+    to those whose zeal may sometimes happen to prompt them to warm
+    declarations, or incite them to passionate emotions. Whether I am of
+    importance enough to be included in the censure, I despise it too much
+    to inquire or consider, but cannot forbear to observe, that zeal for the
+    right can never become reproachful, and that no man can fall into
+    contempt but those who deserve it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The clause was amended, and agreed to.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The seventieth day of the session being appointed for the report from
+    the committee on the bill for the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+    sir John BARNARD presented a petition from the merchants of London, and
+    spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, this petition I am directed to lay before this house by many of the
+    principal merchants of that great city which I have the honour to
+    represent; men too wise to be terrified with imaginary dangers, and too
+    honest to endeavour the obstruction of any measures that may probably
+    advance the publick good, merely because they do not concur with their
+    private interest; men, whose knowledge and capacity enable them to judge
+    rightly, and whose acknowledged integrity and spirit set them above the
+    suspicion of concealing their sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore present this petition in the name of the merchants of
+    London, in full confidence that it will be found to deserve the regard
+    of this assembly, though I am, equally with the other members, a
+    stranger to what it contains; for it is my opinion that a representative
+    is to lay before the house the sentiments of his constituents, whether
+    they agree with his own or not, and that, therefore, it would have been
+    superfluous to examine the petition, which, though I might not wholly
+    have approved it, I had no right to alter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition was read, and is as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "The humble petition of the merchants and traders of the city of
+    London&mdash;showeth, that your petitioners are informed a bill is depending
+    in this honourable house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+    and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, in which
+    are clauses, that, should the bill pass into a law, your petitioners
+    apprehend will be highly detrimental to the trade and navigation of this
+    kingdom, by discouraging persons from entering into or being bred to the
+    sea service, and entirely prevent the better and speedier manning his
+    majesty's fleet, by giving the seamen of Great Britain, and of all other
+    his majesty's dominions, a distaste of serving on board the royal navy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners conceive nothing can be of so bad consequence to
+    the welfare and defence of this nation, as the treating so useful and
+    valuable a body of men, who are its natural strength and security, like
+    criminals of the highest nature, and so differently from all other his
+    majesty's subjects; and at the same time are persuaded, that the only
+    effectual and speedy method of procuring, for the service of his
+    majesty's fleet, a proportionable number of the sailors in this kingdom,
+    is to distinguish that body of men by bounties and encouragements, both
+    present and future, and by abolishing all methods of severity and ill
+    usage, particularly that practice whereby they are deprived, after long
+    and hazardous voyages, of enjoying, for a short space of time, the
+    comforts of their families, and equal liberty with other their
+    fellow-subjects in their native country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such
+    methods pointed out as will tend to supply the present necessities, and
+    at the same time effectually promote the increase of seamen, when this
+    honourable house shall think fit to inquire into a matter of such high
+    importance to the naval power, trade, and riches of this kingdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners are convinced this bill will not only be
+    ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by it, but will be destructive
+    of the liberties of all his majesty's subjects, as it empowers any
+    parish officer, accompanied with an unlimited number of persons, at any
+    hour, by day or by night, to force open the dwelling-houses, warehouses,
+    or other places, provided for the security and defence of their lives
+    and fortunes, contrary to the undoubted liberties of the people of Great
+    Britain, and the laws of this land.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "In consideration, therefore, of the premises, and of the particular
+    prejudices, hardships, and dangers, which must inevitably attend your
+    petitioners, and all others the merchants and traders of this kingdom,
+    should this bill pass into a law, your petitioners most humbly pray this
+    honourable house, that they may be heard by their counsel against the
+    said clauses in the said bill."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST then presented a petition, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the
+    alarm which the bill, now depending, has raised, is not confined to the
+    city of London, or to any particular province of the king's dominions;
+    the whole nation is thrown into commotions, and the effects of the law
+    now proposed, are dreaded, far and wide, as a general calamity. Every
+    town which owes its trade and its provisions to navigation, apprehends
+    the approach of poverty and scarcity, and those which are less
+    immediately affected, consider the infraction of our liberties as a
+    prelude to their destruction. Happy would it be, if we, who are
+    intrusted with their interest, could find any arguments to convince them
+    that their terrour was merely panick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these fears have already extended their influence to the county
+    which I represent, the petition which I now beg leave to lay before the
+    house, will sufficiently evince; and I hope their remonstrances will
+    prevail with this assembly to remove the cause of their disquiet, by
+    rejecting the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This was entitled "a petition of several gentlemen, freeholders, and
+    other inhabitants of the county of Gloucester, in behalf of themselves,
+    and all other, the freeholders of the said county," setting forth, in
+    substance, "That the petitioners being informed that a bill was
+    depending in this house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+    and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, containing
+    several clauses which, should the bill pass into a law, would, as the
+    petitioners apprehend, impose hardships upon the people too heavy to be
+    borne, and create discontents in the minds of his majesty's subjects;
+    would subvert all the rights and privileges of a Briton; and overturn
+    Magna Charta itself, the basis on which they are built; and, by these
+    means, destroy that very liberty, for the preservation of which the
+    present royal family was established upon the throne of Britain; for
+    which reasons, such a law could never be obeyed, or much blood would be
+    shed in consequence of it."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM then spoke, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, I have attended to
+    this petition with the utmost impartiality, and have endeavoured to
+    affix, to every period, the most innocent sense; but cannot forbear to
+    declare it as my opinion, that it is far distant from the style of
+    submission and request: instead of persuading, they attempt to
+    intimidate us, and menace us with no less than bloodshed and rebellion.
+    They make themselves the judges of our proceedings, and appeal, from our
+    determinations, to their own opinion, and declare that they will obey no
+    longer than they approve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If such petitions as these, sir, are admitted; if the legislature shall
+    submit to receive laws, and subjects resume, at pleasure, the power with
+    which the government is vested, what is this assembly but a convention
+    of empty phantoms, whose determinations are nothing more than a mockery
+    of state?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every insult upon this house is a violation of our constitution; and the
+    constitution, like every other fabrick, by being often battered, must
+    fall at last. It is, indeed, already destroyed, if there be, in the
+    nation, any body of men who shall, with impunity, refuse to comply with
+    the laws, plead the great charter of liberty against those powers that
+    made it, and fix the limits of their own obedience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, sir, pass over, in silence, the mention of the king, whose
+    title to the throne, and the reasons for which he was exalted to it, are
+    set forth with uncommon art and spirit of diction; but spirit, which, in
+    my opinion, appears not raised by zeal, but by sedition; and which,
+    therefore, it is our province to repress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That his majesty reigns for the preservation of liberty, will be readily
+    confessed; but how shall we be able to preserve it, if his laws are not
+    obeyed?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, in regard to the dignity of the assembly, to the
+    efficacy of our determinations, and the security of our constitution,
+    discourage all those who shall address us for the future, on this or any
+    other occasion, from speaking in the style of governours and dictators,
+    by refusing that this petition should be laid on the table.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question was put, and it was agreed, by the whole house, that it
+    should not lie on the table.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM rose up again, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    congratulate the house upon the unanimity with which this petition, a
+    petition of which I speak in the softest language, when I call it
+    irreverent and disrespectful, has been refused the regard commonly paid
+    to the remonstrances of our constituents, whose rights I am far from
+    desiring to infringe, when I endeavour to regulate their conduct, and
+    recall them to their duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is an occasion, on which it is, in my opinion, necessary to exert
+    our authority with confidence and vigour, as the spirit of opposition
+    must always be proportioned to that of the attack. Let us, therefore,
+    not only refuse to this petition the usual place on our table, but
+    reject it as unworthy of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question was put, and the petition rejected, with scarcely any
+    opposition.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house then entered upon the consideration of the bill, and when the
+    report was made from the committee, and the blanks filled up, sir
+    William YONGE spoke, in the following manner:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the bill has been brought, by steady perseverance and diligent
+    attention, to such perfection, that much more important effects may be
+    expected from it than from any former law for the same purpose, if it be
+    executed with the same calmness and resolution, the same contempt of
+    popular clamour, and the same invariable and intrepid adherence to the
+    publick good, that has been shown in forming and defending it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what can we hope from this, or any other law, if particular men, who
+    cannot be convinced of its expedience, shall not only refuse to obey it,
+    but declare their design of obstructing the execution of it? shall
+    determine to retire from the sphere of their authority, rather than
+    exercise it in compliance with the decree of the senate, and threaten,
+    in plain terms, to call the country in to their assistance, and to pour
+    the rabble by thousands upon those who shall dare to do their duty, and
+    obey their governours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such declarations as these, sir, are little less than sallies of
+    rebellion; and, if they pass without censure, will, perhaps, produce
+    such commotions as may require to be suppressed by other means than
+    forms of law and senatorial censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think that, by rejecting the petition, we have sufficiently
+    established our authority; for, in my opinion, we yielded too much in
+    receiving it. The bill before us whatever may be its title, is, in
+    reality, a money bill; a bill, by which aids are granted to the crown;
+    and we have, therefore, no necessity of rejecting petitions on this
+    occasion, because the standing orders of the house forbid us to admit
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They then proceeded to the amendments, and when the clause for limiting
+    the wages of seamen was read, sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to
+    this effect:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, we are now to consider the clause to which the petition relates,
+    which I have now presented, a petition on a subject of so general
+    importance, and offered by men so well acquainted with every argument
+    that can be offered, and every objection which can be raised, that their
+    request of being heard by their council cannot be denied, without
+    exposing us to the censure of adhering obstinately to our own opinions,
+    of shutting our ears against information, of preferring expedition to
+    security, and disregarding the welfare of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not be necessary to defer our determinations on this clause for
+    more than three days, though we should gratify this just and common
+    request. And will not this loss be amply compensated by the satisfaction
+    of the people, for whose safety we are debating, and by the
+    consciousness that we have neglected nothing which might contribute to
+    the efficacy of our measures?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, do not come before us with loud remonstrances and
+    harassing complaints, they do not apply to our passions, but our
+    understandings, and offer such informations as will very much facilitate
+    the publick service. It has been frequent, in the course of this debate,
+    to hear loud demands for better expedients, and more efficacious, than
+    those which have been proposed; and is it to be conceived that those who
+    called thus eagerly for new proposals, intended not to inform
+    themselves, but to silence their opponents?
+</p>
+<p>
+    From whom, sir, are the best methods for the prosecution of naval
+    affairs to be expected, but from those whose lives are spent in the
+    study of commerce, whose fortunes depend upon the knowledge of the sea,
+    and who will, most probably, exert their abilities in contriving
+    expedients to promote the success of the war, than they whom the
+    miscarriage of our fleets must irreparably ruin?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, are enabled by their profession to inform us&mdash;are
+    deterred by their interest from deceiving us; they have, like all other
+    subjects, a right to be heard on any question; and a better right than
+    any other when their interest is more immediately affected; and,
+    therefore, to refuse to hear them, will be, at once, impolitick and
+    cruel; it will discover, at the same time, a contempt of the most
+    valuable part of our fellow-subjects, and an inflexible adherence to our
+    own opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expedient of asserting this to be a money bill, by which the just
+    remonstrances of the merchants are intended to be eluded, is too trivial
+    and gross to be adopted by this assembly: if this bill can be termed a
+    money bill, and no petitions are, therefore, to be admitted against it,
+    I know not any bill relating to the general affairs of the nation which
+    may not plead the same title to an exemption from petitions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore desire that the consideration of this clause may be deferred
+    for two days, that the arguments of the merchants may be examined, and
+    that this affair may not be determined without the clearest knowledge
+    and exactest information.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the petition,
+    whether justifiable or not, with regard to the occasion on which it is
+    presented, or the language in which it is expressed, is certainly
+    offered at an improper time, and, therefore, can lay no claim to the
+    regard of this assembly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The time prescribed, by the rules of this house, for the reception of
+    petitions, is that at which the bill is first introduced, not at which
+    it is to be finally determined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition before us is said not to regard the bill in general, but a
+    particular clause; and it is, therefore, asserted, that it may now
+    properly be heard: but this plea will immediately vanish, when it shall
+    be made appear that the clause is not mentioned in it, and that there is
+    no particular relation between that and the petition, which I shall
+    attempt&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here sir John BARNARD, remarking that sir Robert WALPOLE had the
+    petition in his hand, rose, and said:&mdash;Sir, I rise thus abruptly to
+    preserve the order of this assembly, and to prevent any gentleman from
+    having, in this debate, any other advantage, above the rest, than that
+    of superiour abilities, or more extensive knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition was not ordered, by the house, to be placed in the right
+    honourable gentleman's hand, but on the table; nor has he a right to
+    make use of any other means for his information, than are in the power
+    of any other member: if he is in doubt upon any particulars contained in
+    it, he may move that the clerk should read it to the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE laid down the paper; Mr. PELHAM rose, and said:&mdash;Sir,
+    I am so far from thinking the rules of the house asserted, that, in my
+    opinion, the right of the members is infringed by this peremptory
+    demand. Is it not, in the highest degree, requisite, that he who is
+    about to reason upon the petition should acquaint himself with the
+    subject on which he is to speak.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What inconveniencies can ensue from such liberties as this, I am not
+    able to discover; and, as all the orders of the house are, doubtless,
+    made for more easy and expeditious despatch, if an order be contrary to
+    this end, it ought to be abrogated for the reasons for which others are
+    observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The confidence with which this petition was presented, will not suffer
+    us to imagine that the person who offered it fears that it can suffer by
+    a close examination; and I suppose, though he has spoken so warmly in
+    favour of it, without perusing, he does not expect that others should
+    with equal confidence admit&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD observing that sir Robert WALPOLE leaned forward
+    towards the table, to read the petition as it lay, rose, and said:&mdash;Sir,
+    I rise once more to demand the observation of the orders of the house,
+    and to hinder the right honourable gentleman from doing by stratagem,
+    what he did more openly and honestly before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was to little purpose that he laid down the petition, if he placed it
+    within reach of his inspection? for I was only desirous, sir, to hinder
+    him from reading, and was far from suspecting that he would take it
+    away. I insist, that henceforward, he obey the rules of this assembly,
+    with his eyes as well as with his hands, and take no advantage of his
+    seat, which may enable him to perplex the question in debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it is, undoubtedly, required by the
+    orders of the house, that the petitions should lie upon the table; and
+    that any member, who is desirous of any farther satisfaction, should
+    move that they be read by the clerk, that every member may have the same
+    opportunity of understanding and considering them; and that no one may
+    be excluded from information, by the curiosity or delays of another. But
+    the importance of this affair seems not to be so very great as to
+    require a rigorous observance of the rules; and it were to be wished,
+    for the ease and expedition of our deliberations, that gentlemen would
+    rather yield points of indifference to one another, than insist so
+    warmly on circumstances of a trivial nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the petition,
+    which being immediately done, he proceeded in the following manner:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, having sat above forty years in this assembly, and never been
+    called to order before, I was somewhat disconcerted by a censure so new
+    and unexpected, and, in my opinion, undeserved. So that I am somewhat at
+    a loss, with regard to the train of arguments which I had formed, and
+    which I will now endeavour to recover. Yet I cannot but remark, that
+    those gentlemen who are so solicitous for order in others, ought,
+    themselves, invariably to observe it; and that if I have once given an
+    unhappy precedent of violating the rules of this house, I have, in some
+    measure, atoned for my inadvertence, by a patient attention to reproof,
+    and a ready submission to authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, I may claim some indulgence from the motive of my offence,
+    which was only a desire of accuracy, and an apprehension that I might,
+    by mistaking or forgetting some passages in the petition, lose my own
+    time, and interrupt the proceedings of the house to no purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But having now, according to order, heard the petition, and found no
+    reason to alter my opinion, I shall endeavour to convince the house that
+    it ought not to be granted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition, sir, is so far from bearing any particular relation to the
+    clause now before us, that it does not, in any part, mention the
+    expedient proposed in it, but contains a general declaration of
+    discontent, suspicion, apprehensions of dangerous proceedings, and
+    dislike of our proceedings; insinuations, sir, by no means consistent
+    with the reverence due to this assembly, and which the nature of civil
+    government requires always to be paid to the legislative power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To suspect any man, sir, in common life, is in some degree to detract
+    from his reputation, which must suffer in proportion to the supposed
+    wisdom and integrity of him who declares his suspicion. To suspect the
+    conduct of this senate, is to invalidate their decisions, and subject
+    them to contempt and opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, and such only, appears to be the tendency of the petition which
+    has now been read; a petition, sir, very unskilfully drawn, if it was
+    intended against the clause under our consideration, for it has not a
+    single period or expression that does not equally regard all the other
+    clauses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any particular objection is made, or any single grievance more
+    distinctly pointed at, it is the practice of impresses, a hardship, I
+    own, peculiar to the sailors; but it must be observed that it is a
+    practice established by immemorial custom, and a train of precedents not
+    to be numbered; and it is well known that the whole common law of this
+    nation is nothing more than custom, of which the beginning cannot be
+    traced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Impresses, sir, have in all ages been issued out by virtue of the
+    imperial prerogative, and have in all ages been obeyed; and if this
+    exertion of the authority had been considered as a method of severity
+    not compensated by the benefits which it produces, we cannot imagine but
+    former senates, amidst all their ardour for liberty, all their
+    tenderness for the people, and all their abhorrence of the power of the
+    crown, would have obviated it by some law, at those times when nothing
+    could have been refused them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proper time for new schemes and long deliberations, for amending our
+    constitution, and removing inveterate grievances, are the days of
+    prosperity and safety, when no immediate danger presses upon us, nor any
+    publick calamity appears to threaten us; but when war is declared, when
+    we are engaged in open hostilities against one nation, and expect to be
+    speedily attacked by another, we are not to try experiments, but apply
+    to dangerous evils those remedies, which, though disagreeable, we know
+    to be efficacious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And though, sir, the petitioners have been more particular, I cannot
+    discover the reasonableness of hearing them by their council; for to
+    what purpose are the lawyers to be introduced? Not to instruct us by
+    their learning, for their employment is to understand the laws that have
+    been already made, and support the practices which they find
+    established. But the question before us relates not to the past but the
+    future, nor are we now to examine what has been done in former ages, but
+    what it will become us to establish on the present occasion; a subject
+    of inquiry on which this house can expect very little information from
+    the professors of the law?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps the petitioners expect from their counsel, that they should
+    display the fecundity of their imagination, and the elegance of their
+    language; that they should amuse us with the illusions of oratory,
+    dazzle us with bright ideas, affect us with strong representations, and
+    lull us with harmonious periods; but if it be only intended that just
+    facts and valid arguments should be laid before us, they will be
+    received without the decorations of the bar. For this end, sir, it would
+    have been sufficient had the merchants informed their representatives of
+    the methods which they have to propose; for the abilities of the
+    gentlemen whom the city has deputed to this assembly, are well known to
+    be such as stand in need of no assistance from occasional orators. Nor
+    can it be expected that any men will be found more capable of
+    understanding the arguments of the merchants, or better qualified to lay
+    them before the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every petitioner has, except on money bills, a right to be heard,
+    is undoubtedly true; but it is no less evident that this right is
+    limited to a certain time, and that on this occasion the proper time is
+    elapsed. Justice is due both to individuals and to the nation; if
+    petitions may at any time be offered, and are, whenever offered, to be
+    heard, a small body of men might, by unseasonable and importunate
+    petitions, retard any occasional law, till it should become unnecessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Petitions, sir, are to be offered when a new bill is brought into the
+    house, that all useful information may be obtained; but when it has
+    passed through the examination of the committees, has been approved by
+    the collective wisdom of the senate, and requires only a formal
+    ratification to give it the force of a law, it is neither usual nor
+    decent to offer petitions, or declare any dislike of what the senate has
+    admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are not, when we have proceeded thus far, to suffer pleaders to
+    examine our conduct, or vary our determinations, according to the
+    opinions of those whom we ought to believe less acquainted with the
+    question than ourselves. Should we once be reduced to ask advice, and
+    submit to dictators, what would be the reputation of this assembly in
+    foreign courts, or in our own country? What could be expected, but that
+    our enemies of every kind would endeavour to regulate our determinations
+    by bribing our instructers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I think it necessary that lawyers should be employed in laying
+    before us any scheme which the merchants may propose, for supplying the
+    defects, and redressing the inconveniencies, of the laws by which
+    sailors are at present levied for the royal navy; for how should lawyers
+    be more qualified than other men, to explain the particular advantages
+    of such expedients, or to answer any objections which may happen to
+    rise?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that it is not easy for the most happy speaker to
+    impress his notions with the strength with which he conceives them, and
+    yet harder is the task of transmitting imparted knowledge, of conveying
+    to others those sentiments which we have not struck out by our own
+    reflection, nor collected from our own experience, but received merely
+    from the dictates of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet such must be the information that lawyers can give us, who can only
+    relate what they have implicitly received, and weaken the arguments
+    which they have heard, by an imperfect recital.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I only oppose the admission of lawyers to our bar, but think the
+    right of the merchants themselves, in the present case, very
+    questionable; for though in general it must be allowed, that every
+    petitioner has a claim to our attention, yet it is to be inquired
+    whether it is likely that the publick happiness is his chief concern,
+    and whether his private interest is not too much affected to suffer him
+    to give impartial evidence, or honest information. Scarcely any law can
+    be made by which some man is not either impoverished, or hindered from
+    growing rich; and we are not to listen to complaints, of which the
+    foundation is so easily discovered, or imagine a law less useful,
+    because those who suffer some immediate inconvenience from it, do not
+    approve it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us is required, by the present exigence of our
+    affairs, to be speedily decided; and though the merchants have, with
+    great tenderness, compassion, and modesty, condescended to offer us
+    their advice, I think expedition preferable to any information that can
+    reasonably be expected from them, and that as they will suffer, in the
+    first place, by any misconduct of our naval affairs, we shall show more
+    regard to their interest by manning our fleet immediately, than by
+    waiting three or four days for farther instructions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS answered to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the merchants of London
+    whether we consider their numbers, their property, their integrity, or
+    their wisdom, are a body of too much importance to be thus
+    contemptuously rejected; rejected when they ask nothing that can be
+    justly denied to the meanest subject of the empire, when they propose to
+    speak on nothing but what their profession enables them to understand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To no purpose is it urged, that the bill is far advanced, for if we have
+    not proceeded in the right way, we ought to be in more haste to return,
+    in proportion as we have gone farther; nor can I discover why we should
+    expedite, with so much assiduity, measures which are judged ineffectual,
+    by those who know their consequences best, and for whose advantage they
+    are particularly designed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we have already spent so much time in considering methods for
+    manning the fleet, is surely one reason why we should endeavour at last
+    to establish such as may be effectual; nor can we hope to succeed
+    without a patient attention to their opinion, who must necessarily be
+    well experienced in naval affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, therefore, neither prudent nor just to shut out
+    intelligence from our assemblies, and ridicule the good intention of
+    those that offer it, to consult upon the best expedients for encouraging
+    and increasing sailors, and when the merchants offer their scheme, to
+    treat them as saucy, impertinent, idle meddlers, that assume&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here the ATTORNEY GENERAL called him to order, and spoke after this
+    manner:&mdash;Sir, it is not very consistent to press the despatch of
+    business, and to retard it, at the same time, by invidious insinuations,
+    or unjust representations of arguments or expressions: whenever any
+    expression is censured, it ought to be repeated in the same words; for
+    otherwise, does not the animadverter raise the phantom that he
+    encounters? Does he not make the stain, which he endeavours, with so
+    much officious zeal, to wipe away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no epithets of contempt or ridicule have, in this debate, been
+    applied to the merchants, nor any violation of decency attempted, it is
+    unnecessary to prove, and, therefore, it is neither regular nor candid
+    to represent any man as aggravating the refusal of their petition with
+    reproaches and insults. But not to dwell longer on this incident, I will
+    take the liberty of reminding the gentleman, that personal invectives
+    are always, at least superfluous, and that the business of the day
+    requires rather arguments than satire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am by no means convinced that
+    the learned gentleman who charges me with irregularity, is better
+    acquainted than myself with the rules and customs of this house, which I
+    have studied with great application, assisted by long experience. I
+    hope, therefore, it will be no inexcusable presumption, if, instead of a
+    tacit submission to his censure, I assert, in my own vindication, that I
+    have not deviated from the established rules of the senate, that I have
+    spoken only in defence of merit insulted, and that I have condemned only
+    such injurious insinuations. I did not, sir, attempt to repeat
+    expressions, as ought not to be heard without reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT said:&mdash;I believe the gentleman either heard
+    imperfectly, or misunderstood these expressions, which he so warmly
+    condemns, for nothing has been uttered that could justly excite his
+    indignation. My office obliges me on this occasion to remark, that the
+    regard due to the dignity of the house ought to restrain every member
+    from digressions into private satire; for in proportion as we proceed
+    with less decency, our determinations will have less influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the reputation
+    which the honourable gentleman has acquired by his uncommon knowledge of
+    the usages of the senate, is too well founded to be shaken, nor was any
+    attack upon his character intended, when he was interrupted in the
+    prosecution of his design. To censure any indecent expression, by
+    whomsoever uttered, is, doubtless, consistent with the strictest
+    regularity; nor is it less proper to obviate any misrepresentation which
+    inattention or mistake may produce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far, sir, from thinking that the gentleman's indignation was
+    excited rather by malice than mistake; but mistakes of this kind may
+    produce consequences which cannot be too cautiously avoided. How
+    unwillingly would that gentleman propagate through the nation an opinion
+    that the merchants were insulted in this house, their interest
+    neglected, and their intelligence despised, at a time when no aspersion
+    was thrown upon them, nor any thing intended but tenderness and regard?
+    And yet such had been the representation of this day's debate, which
+    this numerous audience would have conveyed to the populace, had not the
+    mistake been immediately rectified, and the rumour crushed in the birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, can be more injurious to the character of this assembly,
+    by which the people are represented, than to accuse them of treating any
+    class of men with insolence and contempt; and too much diligence cannot
+    be used in obviating a report which cannot be spread in the nation,
+    without giving rise to discontent, clamours, and sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who shall be inclined to reject the petition, may, perhaps, act
+    with no less regard to the merchants, and may promote their interest and
+    their security with no less ardour than those who most solicitously
+    labour for its reception: for, if they are not allowed to be heard, it
+    is only because the publick interest requires expedition, and because
+    every delay of our preparations is an injury to trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is not a proper time for petitions against the bill to be
+    heard, is universally known; and I can discover nothing in the petition
+    that restrains it to this particular clause, which is so far from being
+    specified, that it appears to be the only part of the bill of which they
+    have had no intelligence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let the warmest advocates for the petition point out any part of it that
+    relates to this single clause, and I will retract my assertion; but as
+    it appears that there are only general declarations of the inexpediency
+    of the measures proposed, and the pernicious tendency of the methods now
+    in use, what is the petition, but a complaint against the bill, and a
+    request that it should be laid aside.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The practice of impresses, sir, is particularly censured, as severe and
+    oppressive; a charge which, however true, has no relation to this
+    clause, which is intended to promote the voluntary engagement of sailors
+    in the service of the crown; yet it may not be improper to observe, that
+    as the practice of impressing is, in itself, very efficacious, and well
+    adapted to sudden emergencies; as it has been established by a long
+    succession of ages, and is, therefore, become almost a part of our
+    constitution; and as it is at this time necessary to supply the navy
+    with the utmost expedition, it is neither decent nor prudent to complain
+    too loudly against, or to heighten the discontent of the people at a
+    necessary evil.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have, sir, examined every part of this bill with the attention which
+    the defence of the nation requires; we have softened the rigour of the
+    methods first proposed, and admitted no violence or hardship that is not
+    absolutely necessary, to make the law effectual, which, like every other
+    law, must be executed by force, if it be obstructed or opposed. We have
+    inserted a great number of amendments, proposed by those who are
+    represented as the most anxious guardians of the privileges of the
+    people; and it is not, surely, to no purpose that the great council of
+    the nation has so long and so studiously laboured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who are chosen by the people to represent them, have undoubtedly,
+    sir, some claim as individuals to their confidence and respect; for to
+    imagine that they have committed the great charge of senatorial
+    employments, that they have trusted their liberties and their happiness
+    to those whose integrity they suspect, or whose understandings they
+    despise, is to imagine them much more stupid than they have been
+    represented by those who are censured as their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But far different is the regard due to the determinations formed by the
+    collective wisdom of the senate; a regard which ought to border upon
+    reverence, and which is scarcely consistent with the least murmur of
+    dissatisfaction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we are to hear the present petitioners, is it not probable, that
+    before we have despatched them, we shall be solicited by others, who
+    will then plead the same right, supported by a new precedent? And is it
+    not possible that by one interruption upon another, our measures may be
+    delayed, till they shall be ineffectual?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems to me to be of much more importance to defend the merchants
+    than to hear them; and I shall, therefore, think no concessions at this
+    time expedient, which may obstruct the great end of our endeavours, the
+    equipment of the fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the art and
+    eloquence with which this grant of the merchants' petition has been
+    opposed, I am not yet able to discover that any thing is asked
+    unreasonable, unprecedented, or inconvenient; and I am confident, that
+    no real objection can have been overlooked by the gentlemen who have
+    spoken against it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have spent, sir, thirty-five years of my life in the senate, and know
+    that information has always, upon important questions, been willingly
+    received; and it cannot surely be doubted that the petitioners are best
+    able to inform us of naval business, and to judge what will be the right
+    method of reconciling the sailors to the publick service, and of
+    supplying our fleets without injuring our trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their abilities and importance have been hitherto so generally
+    acknowledged, that no senate has yet refused to attend to their opinion;
+    and surely we ought not to be ambitious of being the first assembly of
+    the representatives of the people, that has refused an audience to the
+    merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the expedience of delaying the bill at the present
+    conjuncture, he must think very contemptuously of the petitioners, who
+    imagines that they have nothing to offer that will counterbalance a
+    delay of two days, and must entertain an elevated idea of the vigilance
+    and activity of our enemies, enemies never before eminent for
+    expedition, if he believes that they can gain great advantages in so
+    short a time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief reason of the opposition appears, indeed, not to be either the
+    irregularity or inexpediency of hearing them, but the offence which some
+    have received from an irreverent mention of the power of impressing, a
+    power which never can be mentioned without complaint or detestation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, impossible that they may intend to represent to the
+    house, how much the sailors are oppressed, how much our commerce is
+    impeded, and how much the power of the nation is exhausted, by this
+    cruel method. They may propose to show that sailors, not having the
+    choice of their voyages, are often hurried through a sudden change of
+    climates, from one extreme to another, and that nothing can be expected
+    from such vicissitudes, but sickness, lameness, and death. They may
+    propose, that to have just arrived from the south may be pleaded as an
+    exemption from an immediate voyage to the north, and that the seaman may
+    have some time to prepare himself for so great an alteration, by a
+    residence of a few months in a temperate climate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this should be their intention, it cannot, in my opinion, sir, be
+    called either unreasonable or disrespectful, nor will their allegations
+    be easily disproved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is insinuated, that their grievances are probably such as affect
+    them only as distinct from the rest of the community, and that they have
+    nothing to complain of but a temporary interruption of their private
+    advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, no idea of the <i>private advantage</i> of a legal trader:
+    for unless, sir, we neglect our duty of providing that no commerce shall
+    be carried on to the detriment of the publick, the merchant's profit
+    must be the profit of the nation, and their interests inseparably
+    combined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, however, be possible, that the merchants may, like other men,
+    prefer their immediate to their greater advantage, and may be impatient
+    of a painful remedy, though necessary to prevent a more grievous evil.
+    But let us not censure them by suspicion, and punish them for a crime
+    which it is only possible they may commit; let us, sir, at least have
+    all the certainty that can be obtained, and allow them an audience; let
+    us neither be so positive as not to receive information, nor so rigorous
+    as not to listen to entreaties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the merchants have nothing to offer, nothing but complaints, and can
+    propose no better measures than those which they lament, if their
+    arguments should be found to regard only their present interest, and to
+    be formed upon narrow views and private purposes, it will be easy to
+    detect the imposture, and reject it with the indignation it shall
+    deserve; nor will our proceedings be then censured by the nation, which
+    requires not that the merchants should be implicitly believed, though it
+    expects that they should be heard. Let us at least have a <i>convention</i>,
+    though we should not be able to conclude a treaty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, sir, why we have not taken care to obviate all these
+    difficulties, and to remove the necessity of petitions, debates,
+    searches, and impresses, by the plain and easy method of a voluntary
+    register; by retaining such a number of seamen as may probably be
+    requisite upon sudden emergencies. Would not the nation with more
+    cheerfulness contribute half-pay to those who are daily labouring for
+    the publick good, than to the caterpillars of the land service, that
+    grow old in laziness, and are disabled only by vice?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let ten thousand men receive daily a small salary, upon condition that
+    they shall be ready, whenever called upon, to engage in the service of
+    the crown, and the difficulty of our naval preparations will be at an
+    end.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is necessary to exert ourselves on this occasion, and to strike
+    out some measures for securing the dominion of the ocean, cannot be
+    denied by any one who considers that we have now no other pretensions to
+    maintain; that all our influence on the continent, at whatever expense
+    gained and supported, is now in a manner lost, and only the reputation
+    of our naval strength remains to preserve us from being trampled on and
+    insulted by every power, and from finding Spaniards in every climate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance, as follows:&mdash;Sir, the violence
+    and severity of impresses, so often and so pathetically complained of,
+    appears to be now nothing more than a punishment inflicted upon those
+    who neglect or refuse to receive the encouragement offered, with the
+    utmost liberality, by the government, and decline the service of their
+    country from a spirit of avarice, obstinacy, or resentment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That such men deserve some severities, cannot be doubted, and therefore
+    a law by which no penalty should be enacted, would be imperfect and
+    ineffectual. The observation, sir, of all laws is to be enforced by
+    rewards on one side, and punishments on the other, that every passion
+    may be influenced, and even our weakness made instrumental to the
+    performance of our duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the bill before us no punishment is, indeed, expressly decreed,
+    because the sailors who shall disregard it, are only left to their
+    former hardships, from which those who engage voluntarily in the service
+    of the navy are exempted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why so many rewards and so much violence should be necessary to allure
+    or force the sailors into the publick service, I am unable to
+    comprehend: for, excepting the sudden change of climates, which may,
+    doubtless, sometimes bring on distempers, the service of the king has no
+    disadvantages which are not common to that of the merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wages in the navy are, indeed, less: but then it is to be
+    remembered, that they are certainly paid, and that the sailor is in less
+    danger of losing, by a tempest or a wreck, the whole profits of his
+    voyage; because, if he can preserve his life, he receives his pay. But
+    in trading voyages, the seamen mortgage their wages, as a security for
+    their care, which, if the ship is lost, they are condemned to forfeit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the hardships of the navy appear not so great when compared
+    with those of the merchants' service, as they have been hitherto
+    represented; and I doubt not, that if counsellors were to be heard on
+    both sides, the measures taken for supplying the fleet would be found to
+    be reasonable and just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose to speak, when Mr. FOX called to order, and
+    proceeded:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, it is well known to be one of the standing and unvariable orders of
+    this house, that no member shall speak twice in a debate on the same
+    question, except when for greater freedom we resolve ourselves into a
+    committee. Upon this question the honourable gentleman has already
+    spoken, and cannot, therefore, be heard again without such a
+    transgression of our orders as must inevitably produce confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I know not for what reason the
+    honourable gentleman apprehends any violation of the order of the house;
+    for, as I have not yet spoken upon the present question, I have an
+    undoubted right to be heard, a right which that gentleman cannot take
+    away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE next spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what
+    secret distinction the gentleman supports in his own mind this
+    declaration, which, to the whole house, must appear very difficult to be
+    defended; for we must, before we can admit it, allow our memories to
+    have forsaken us, and our eyes and ears to have been deceived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did he not, as soon as the clause before us was read, rise and assert
+    the characters of the petitioners, and their right to the attention of
+    the house? Did he not dwell upon their importance, their abilities, and
+    their integrity; and enforce, with his usual eloquence, every motive to
+    the reception of the petition? How then can he assert that he has not
+    spoken in the present debate, and how can he expect to be heard a second
+    time, since, however his eloquence may please, and his arguments
+    convince, that pleasure and conviction cannot now be obtained, without
+    infringing the standing orders of the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT rose, and spoke to this purport: It is not without
+    uneasiness that I see the time of the house, and of the publick, wasted
+    in fruitless cavils and unnecessary controversies. Every gentleman ought
+    now to consider that we are consulting upon no trivial question, and
+    that expedition is not less necessary than accuracy. It cannot be
+    denied, sir, [to sir John BARNARD] that you have already spoken on this
+    question, and that the rules of the house do not allow you to speak a
+    second time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE said:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking the order of the
+    house so sacred, as that it may not be neglected on some important
+    occasions; and if the gentleman has any thing to urge so momentous,
+    that, in his own opinion, it outweighs the regard due to our rules, I
+    shall willingly consent that he shall be heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am far from being inclined to
+    receive as a favour, what, in my own opinion, I may claim as a right,
+    and desire not to owe the liberty of speaking to the condescension of
+    the right honourable gentleman.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What I have to urge is no less against the bill in general, than the
+    particular clause now immediately under our consideration, and though
+    the petition should relate likewise to the whole bill, I cannot discover
+    why we should refuse to hear it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Petitions from men of much inferiour rank, and whose interest is much
+    less closely connected with that of the publick, have been thought
+    necessary to be heard, nor is the meanest individual to be injured or
+    restrained, without being admitted to offer his arguments in his own
+    favour. Even the journeymen shoemakers, one of the lowest classes of the
+    community, have been permitted to bring their counsel to our bar, and
+    remonstrate against the inconveniencies to which they were afraid of
+    being subjected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am always willing to hear petitions,
+    when respectfully drawn up, and regularly subscribed, but can by no
+    means discover that this is a real petition, for I have heard of no
+    names affixed to it; it is, therefore, a request from nobody, and by
+    rejecting it no man is refused. It may, so far as can be discovered, be
+    drawn up by the gentleman who offered it, and, perhaps, no other person
+    may be acquainted with it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY spoke to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, it is, in my opinion,
+    necessary that a petition in the name of the merchants of London should
+    be subscribed by the whole number, for if only a few should put their
+    names to it, how does it appear that it is any thing more than an
+    apprehension of danger to their own particular interest, which, perhaps,
+    the other part, their rivals in trade, may consider as an advantage, or
+    at least regard with indifference. This suspicion is much more
+    reasonable, when a petition is subscribed by a smaller number, who may
+    easily be imagined to have partial views, and designs not wholly
+    consistent with the interest of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, if I am rightly informed, another
+    petition is preparing by several eminent merchants, that this clause may
+    stand part of the bill; and, certainly, they ought to be heard as well
+    as the present petitioners, which will occasion great and unnecessary
+    delays, and, therefore, I am against the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Advocate CAMPBELL answered to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with that
+    honourable gentleman, that if the merchants are divided in opinion upon
+    this point, one side ought to be heard as well as the other, and hope
+    the house will come to a resolution for that purpose: for I shall
+    invariably promote every proposal which tends to procure the fullest
+    information in all affairs that shall come before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Then the question was put, that the farther consideration of the report
+    be adjourned for two days, in order to hear the merchants, and it passed
+    in the negative, ayes, 142; noes, 192.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    [On the report this day, the eleven clauses of severity were given up
+    without any division, and a clause was added, viz. "Provided that
+    nothing in this bill shall be construed to extend to any contracts or
+    agreements for the hire of seamen (or persons employed as such) in
+    voyages from parts beyond the seas, to any other parts beyond the seas,
+    or to Great Britain."]
+</p>
+<p>
+    The engrossed bill "for the increase and encouragement of seamen," was
+    read, according to order, when Mr. DIGBY rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, I have a clause to be offered to the house, as necessary to be
+    inserted in the bill before us, which was put into my hands by a member,
+    whom a sudden misfortune has made unable to attend his duty, and which,
+    in his opinion, and mine, is of great importance, and I shall,
+    therefore, take the liberty of reading it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "Be it enacted, that every seaman offering himself to serve his majesty,
+    shall, upon being refused, receive from such captain, lieutenant, or
+    justice of the peace, a certificate, setting forth the reasons for which
+    he is refused, which certificate may be produced by him, as an exemption
+    from being seized by a warrant of impress."
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope the reasonableness and equity of this clause is so incontestably
+    apparent, that it will find no opposition; for what can be more cruel,
+    unjust, or oppressive, than to punish men for neglect of a law which
+    they have endeavoured to obey. To what purpose are rewards offered, if
+    they are denied to those who come to claim them? What is it less than
+    theft, and fraud, to force a man into the service, who would willingly
+    have entered, and subject him to hardships, without the recompense which
+    he may justly demand from the solemn promise of the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER next spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, to this clause, which the
+    gentleman has represented as so reasonable and just, objections may, in
+    my opinion, be easily made, of which he will himself acknowledge the
+    force. The great obstruction of publick measures is partiality, whether
+    from friendship, bribery, or any other motive; against partiality alone
+    the clause which is now offered, is levelled; and, indeed, it is so
+    dangerous an evil, that it cannot be obviated with too much caution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this clause, instead of preventing private correspondence, and
+    illegal combinations, has an evident tendency to produce them, by
+    inciting men to apply with pretended offers of service to those who are
+    before suborned to refuse them, then make a merit of their readiness,
+    and demand a certificate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By such artifices multitudes may exempt themselves from the impress, who
+    may be known to be able sailors, even by those that conduct it; and may,
+    under the protection of a certificate, fallaciously obtained, laugh at
+    all endeavours to engage them in the publick service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. DIGBY spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, if this authority, lodged in the hands of
+    those who are proposed in the clause to be intrusted with it, be in
+    danger of being executed, without due regard to the end for which it is
+    granted, let it be placed where there is neither temptation nor
+    opportunity to abuse it. Let the admiralty alone have the power of
+    granting such certificates, the officers of which will be able to judge
+    whether the sailor is really unfit for the service, and deliver those
+    whom age or accidents have disabled from the terrour of impresses; for
+    surely, he that is fit to serve, when taken by violence, is no less
+    qualified when he enters voluntarily, and he who could not be admitted
+    when he tendered himself, ought not to be dragged away, when, perhaps,
+    he has contracted for another voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WAGER replied:&mdash;Sir, it is, doubtless, more proper to place such
+    authority in the officers of the admiralty, than in any other; but it
+    does not appear that the benefit which the sailors may receive from it,
+    to whatever hands it is intrusted, will not be overbalanced by the
+    injury which the publick will probably suffer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sailors are frequently levied in remote parts of the kingdom; in ports
+    where the admiralty cannot speedily be informed of the reasons for which
+    those that may petition for certificates have been refused, and
+    therefore cannot grant them without danger of being deceived by
+    fraudulent accounts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The grievance for which the remedy is proposed cannot frequently occur;
+    for it is not probable that in a time of naval preparations, any man
+    qualified for the service should be rejected, since the officers gain
+    nothing by their refusal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, it is very possible that those instances
+    which may be produced of men, who have been impressed by one officer,
+    after they have been rejected by another, may be only the consequences
+    of the high value which every man is ready to set upon his own
+    abilities: for he that offers himself, no doubt, demands the highest
+    premium, though he be not an able sailor; and, if rejected, and
+    afterwards impressed as a novice, thinks himself at liberty to complain,
+    with the most importunate vehemence, of fraud, partiality, and
+    oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question being put was resolved in the negative, almost
+    unanimously.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL offered a clause, importing, "That all sailors who should
+    take advance-money of the merchants, should be obliged to perform their
+    agreements, or be liable to be taken up by any magistrate or justice of
+    the peace, and deemed deserters, except they were in his majesty's ships
+    of war."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by lord GAGE:&mdash;Sir, as this clause has no other tendency
+    than to promote the interest of the merchants, without obstructing the
+    publick preparations; as it tends only to confirm legal contracts, and
+    facilitate that commerce from whence the wealth and power of this nation
+    arises, I hope it will readily be admitted; as we may, by adding this
+    sanction to the contracts made between the merchants and sailors, in
+    some degree balance the obstructions wherewith we have embarrassed trade
+    by the other clauses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER replied:&mdash;This clause is unquestionably reasonable, but
+    not necessary; for it is to be found already in an act made for the
+    encouragement of the merchants, which is still in force, and ought,
+    whenever any such frauds are committed, to be rigorously observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the act, in
+    which the clause was accordingly found, and Mr. SOUTHWELL withdrew his
+    motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Then the question was put, whether the bill "for the increase and
+    encouragement of sailors" do pass, which was resolved in the
+    affirmative, 153 against 79.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_15"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF <br>MUTINY AND DESERTION.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The house being resolved into a committee for the consideration of the
+    bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion, and for the better
+    payment of the army and their quarters, etc. sir William YONGE desired
+    that the twentieth and twenty-sixth clauses of the late act might be
+    read, which were read as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    XX. It is hereby enacted, that the officers and soldiers, so quartered
+    and billeted, shall be received by the owners of the inns,
+    livery-stables, ale-houses, victualling-houses, and other houses in
+    which they are allowed to be quartered and billeted by this act; and
+    shall pay such reasonable prices as shall be appointed, from time to
+    time, by the justices of the peace, in their general and
+    quarter-sessions of each county, city, or division, within their
+    respective jurisdictions: and the justices of the peace aforesaid, are
+    hereby empowered and required to set and appoint, in their general or
+    quarter-sessions aforesaid, such reasonable rates, for all necessary
+    provisions for such officers and soldiers, for one or more nights, in
+    the several cities, towns, villages and other places, which they shall
+    come to in their march, or which shall be appointed for their residence
+    and quarters.
+</p>
+<p>
+    XXVI. That the quarters, both of officers and soldiers in Great Britain,
+    may be duly paid and satisfied, be it enacted, that every officer, to
+    whom it belongs to receive the pay or subsistence-money, either for a
+    whole regiment, or particular troops and companies, shall immediately,
+    upon each receipt of every particular sum, on account of pay or
+    subsistence, give publick notice thereof to all persons keeping inns, or
+    other places where officers or soldiers are quartered by virtue of this
+    act: also appoint them and others to repair to their quarters, within
+    four days at the farthest, after the receipt of the same, to declare the
+    accounts or debts (if any shall be) between them and the officers and
+    soldiers quartered in their respective houses: which accounts the said
+    officer or officers are hereby required immediately to discharge, before
+    any part of the said pay or subsistence be distributed to the officers
+    or soldiers: provided the said accounts exceed not for a commission
+    officer of horse, under a captain, for <i>one day's diet and small beer</i>,
+    two shillings; for one commission officer of dragoons, under a captain,
+    one shilling; for one commission officer of foot, under a captain one
+    shilling; and for hay and straw, for one horse, sixpence; for one
+    dragoon or light horseman's diet and small beer, each day sixpence, and
+    hay and straw for his horse, sixpence; and also not to exceed
+    <i>fourpence</i> a-day, for one <i>foot soldier's diet and small beer</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whether there is any real
+    difficulty in the clauses which you have now heard read, or whether
+    there are such passages as may be easily understood by those who have no
+    interest to mistake them, and which are only clouded by an artificial
+    obscurity, whether they are in themselves capable of different meanings,
+    or whether avarice or poverty have produced unreasonable
+    interpretations, and found ambiguities only because they were determined
+    not to be disappointed in their search; whether this law is disobeyed
+    because it is misunderstood, or only misunderstood by those who have
+    resolved to disobey it, the committee must determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been for many years understood that innholders and keepers of
+    publick-houses were obliged by this law to supply soldiers quartered
+    upon them with diet and small beer, and hay and straw for their horses,
+    at such rates as are mentioned in the act; nor can I discover that these
+    clauses admit of any other interpretation, or that any other could be
+    intended by the senate by which it was enacted. The pay of the soldiers,
+    sir, was well known to those who gave their consent to this law, it was
+    intended by them that the soldiers should be supplied with necessaries,
+    and it could not be meant that they should pay for them more than they
+    received; they, therefore, established the rate at which they were to be
+    furnished, and fixed the highest rate which the wages of a soldier allow
+    him to pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This interpretation was, as I suppose, from its apparent consonance to
+    reason, universally allowed, till the inhabitants of Ledbury, whither
+    soldiers had been sent to suppress a riot and enforce the laws, found
+    their apprehensions so sharpened by their malice, that they discovered
+    in the act an ambiguity, which had, till that time, escaped the
+    penetration of the most sagacious, and, upon comparison of one
+    circumstance with another, found themselves under no obligation to give
+    any assistance to the soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They therefore, sir, not only refused to afford them victuals at the
+    accustomed rates, but proceeding from one latitude of interpretation to
+    another, at length denied them not only the privilege of diet, but the
+    use of kitchen utensils, to dress the provisions which they bought for
+    themselves, and at last denied their claim to the fire itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The soldiers, exasperated not only at the breach of their established
+    and uncontested privileges, but at the privation of the necessaries of
+    life, began to think of methods more speedy and efficacious than those
+    of arguments and remonstrances, and to form resolutions of procuring by
+    force, what, in their opinions, was only by force withheld from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What might have been the event of this controversy, to what extremities
+    a contest about things so necessary might have been carried, how wide
+    the contest might have spread, or how long it might have lasted, we may
+    imagine, but cannot determine; had not a speedy decision been procured,
+    its consequences might have been fatal to multitudes, and a great part
+    of the nation been thrown into confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having received an account of the affair from the officers who commanded
+    at that place, I consulted the attorney-general what was the design of
+    the law, and the extent of the obligation enforced by it, and was
+    answered by him, that the sums which were to be paid for the diet of the
+    men, and the hay and straw for the horses, being specified, it must
+    necessarily be intended, by the legislature, that no higher rates should
+    be demanded;&mdash;that the power granted to the justices of peace was wholly
+    in favour of the soldier, and that they might lessen the payment at
+    discretion in places of uncommon cheapness, or years of extraordinary
+    plenty, but could not increase it on any occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another dispute, sir, of the like nature was occasioned by the late
+    scarcity at Wakefield, where the justices, upon the application of the
+    innkeepers, made use of the authority which they supposed to have been
+    reposed in them by the act, and raised the price of hay and straw to
+    eight-pence, which the soldiers were not able to pay, without suffering
+    for want of victuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, likewise, I was applied to, and upon consulting the
+    present attorney-general, received the same answer as before; and
+    transmitting his opinion to the place from whence I received the
+    complaint, it had so much regard paid to it, that the additional demand
+    was thence-forward remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The letters which those two learned lawyers sent to me on this subject I
+    have now in my hand; and hope their opinion will be thought sufficient
+    authority for the interpretation of an act of the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is their authority, sir, however great, so strong a proof of the
+    justness of this interpretation, as the reasonableness, or rather
+    necessity of admitting it. The only argument that can be produced
+    against it, is the hardship imposed by it on the innholder, who, as it
+    is objected, must be obliged by the law, so understood, to furnish the
+    soldiers with provisions for a price at which he cannot afford them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let it be considered, how much more easily the landlord can furnish
+    them at this price, than they can provide for themselves, and the
+    difficulty will immediately vanish. If soldiers are necessary, they must
+    necessarily be supported, and it appears, upon reflection, that their
+    pay will not support them by any other method. If they are obliged to
+    buy their victuals, they must likewise buy fire and implements to dress
+    them; and what is still a greater hardship, they must sell them, and buy
+    new, at every change of their quarters; if this is impossible, it will
+    be allowed not to be the meaning of the senate, upon whose wisdom it
+    would be a censure too severe to suppose them capable of enacting
+    impossibilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to the innholder, sir, whose utensils are always in use, and whose
+    fire is always burning, the diet of a soldier costs only the original
+    price paid to the butcher; and, in years of common plenty, may be
+    afforded, without loss, at the price mentioned in the act. It cannot,
+    indeed, be denied, that, at present, every soldier is a burden to the
+    family on which he is quartered, in many parts of the kingdom; but, it
+    may be reasonably hoped, that the present scarcity will quickly cease,
+    and that provisions will fall back to their former value; and even,
+    amidst all the complaints with which the severity and irregularity of
+    the late seasons have filled the nation, there are many places where
+    soldiers may be maintained at the stated rates, with very little
+    hardship to their landlords.
+</p>
+<p>
+    However, sir, as this interpretation of the act, though thus supported,
+    both by authority and reason, has been disputed and denied; as some
+    lawyers may be of a different opinion from those whom I have consulted;
+    and as it is not likely that the practice, thus interrupted, will now be
+    complied with as a prescription; I think it necessary to propose, that
+    the price of a soldier's diet be more explicitly ascertained, that no
+    room may remain for future controversies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am very far from
+    thinking the authority of these learned gentlemen, whose letters are
+    produced, incontrovertible proof of the justness of an interpretation of
+    an act of the senate, where that interpretation is not in itself
+    warranted by reason, nor consistent with the preservation or enjoyment
+    of property. Much less shall I agree to support their interpretation by
+    a new law; or establish, by an act of the legislature, a kind of
+    oppression, for which, however tacitly submitted to, nothing could be
+    pleaded hitherto but custom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The burden, sir, of a standing army, is already too heavy to be much
+    longer supported, nor ought we to add weight to it by new impositions;
+    it surely much better becomes the representatives of the nation to
+    attend to the complaints of their constituents; and where they are found
+    to arise from real grievances, to contrive some expedient for
+    alleviating their calamities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A heavy and dreadful calamity, sir, lies now, in a particular manner,
+    upon the people; the calamity of famine, one of the severest scourges of
+    providence, has filled the whole land with misery and lamentation; and,
+    surely, nothing can be more inhuman than to choose out this season of
+    horrour for new encroachments on their privileges, and new invasions of
+    the rights of nature, the dominion of their own houses, and the
+    regulation of their own tables.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The honourable gentleman, sir, has mentioned places where provisions, as
+    he says, are still to be bought at easy rates. For my part, I am fixed
+    in no such happy corner of the kingdom; I see nothing but scarcity, and
+    hear nothing but complaints; and shall, therefore, be very far from
+    admitting now such methods of supporting the army, as were thought too
+    burdensome in times of plenty; nor will combine in laying a new tax upon
+    any class of my countrymen, when they are sinking under an enormous load
+    of imposts, and in want of the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, nothing is
+    more easy than outcry and exaggeration; nor any thing less useful for
+    the discovery of truth, or the establishment of right. The most
+    necessary measures may often admit of very florid exclamations against
+    them, and may furnish very fruitful topicks of invective.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When our liberties, sir, are endangered, or our country invaded, it may
+    be very easy, when it is proposed that we should have recourse to our
+    swords for security, to bewail, in pathetick language, the miseries of
+    war, to describe the desolation of cities, the waste of kingdoms, the
+    insolence of victory, and the cruelty of power inflamed by hostilities.
+    Yet to what will those representations contribute, but to make that
+    difficult which yet cannot be avoided, and embarrass measures which
+    must, however, be pursued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, appear to me to be the objections made to the methods now
+    proposed of providing necessaries for the soldiers; methods not eligible
+    for their own sake, but which ought not to be too loudly condemned, till
+    some better can be substituted; for why should the publick be alarmed
+    with groundless apprehensions? or why should we make those laws which
+    our affairs oblige us to enact, less agreeable to the people by partial
+    representations?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the discussion of this question, sir, is to be considered whether
+    soldiers are to be supported, and whether it will be more proper to
+    maintain them by the method of ascertaining the rates at which they are
+    to be supplied, or by increasing their pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One of these two ways it is necessary to take; the provisions are
+    already fixed at as high a price as their pay will allow; if, therefore,
+    they are expected to pay more, their wages must be increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I shall comply with either method; though I cannot but
+    think it my duty to declare, that, in my opinion, it is safer to fix the
+    price of provisions, which must sink in their value, than to raise the
+    pay of the army, which may never afterwards be reduced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GYBBON then spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with the honourable
+    gentleman, that if soldiers are necessary, we must make provision for
+    their support. This is indisputably certain; but it is no less certain,
+    that where soldiers are necessary, restraints and regulations are
+    necessary likewise, to preserve those from being insulted and plundered
+    by them, who maintain them for the sake of protection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The usefulness, sir, of this caution seems not to be known, or not
+    regarded, by the gentleman whose proposal gave occasion to this debate;
+    for, by enacting laws in general terms, as he seems to advise, we should
+    leave the unhappy innkeeper wholly at the mercy of his guests, who might
+    plunder and insult him under the protection of the legislature, might
+    riot, as in a conquered country, and say, "To this treatment you are
+    subjected by the determination of the senate."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The unhappy man, sir, could have no prospect, either of quiet or safety,
+    but by gratifying all the expectations of his masters; returning
+    civilities for insolence, and receiving their commands with the same
+    submission that is paid in capitulating towns to the new garrison.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary to ascertain the price, is it not necessary, at the
+    same time, to ascertain the species and quantity of provisions to be
+    allowed for it? Is a soldier to fatten on delicacies, and to revel in
+    superfluities, for fourpence a-day? Ought not some limits to be set to
+    his expectations, and some restraints prescribed to his appetite? Is he
+    to change his fare, with all the capriciousness of luxury, and relieve,
+    by variety, the squeamishness of excess?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such demands as these, sir, may be thought ludicrous and trifling, by
+    those who do not reflect on the insolence of slaves in authority, who do
+    not consider that the license of a military life is the chief inducement
+    that brings volunteers into the army; an inducement which would, indeed,
+    make all impresses superfluous, were this proposal to be adopted: for
+    how readily would all the lazy and voluptuous engage in a state of life
+    which would qualify them to live upon the labour of others, and to be
+    profuse without expense?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our army may, by this method, be increased; but the number of those by
+    whom they are to be maintained, must quickly diminish: for, by exaction
+    and oppression, the poorer innkeepers must quickly become bankrupts; and
+    the soldiers that lose their quarters, must be added to the dividend
+    allotted to the more wealthy, who, by this additional burden will soon
+    be reduced to the same state, and then our army must subsist upon their
+    pay, because they will no longer have it in their power to increase it
+    by plunder.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will then be inevitably necessary to divide the army from the rest of
+    the community, and to build barracks for their reception; an expedient
+    which, though it may afford present ease to the nation, cannot be put in
+    practice without danger to our liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The reason, for which so many nations have been enslaved by standing
+    armies, is nothing more than the difference of a soldier's condition
+    from that of other men. Soldiers are governed by particular laws, and
+    subject to particular authority; authority which, in the manner of its
+    operation, has scarcely any resemblance of the civil power. Thus, they
+    soon learn to think themselves exempt from all other laws; of which they
+    either do not discover the use, and, therefore, easily consent to
+    abolish them; or envy the happiness of those who are protected by them,
+    and so prevail upon themselves to destroy those privileges which have no
+    other effect, with regard to them, but to aggravate their own
+    dependence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, sir, are the natural consequences of a military subjection; and
+    if these consequences are not always speedily produced by it, they must
+    be retarded by that tenderness which constant intercourse with the rest
+    of the nation produces, by the exchange of reciprocal acts of kindness,
+    and by the frequent inculcation of the wickedness of contributing to the
+    propagation of slavery, and the subversion of the rights of nature;
+    inculcations which cannot be avoided by men who live in constant
+    fellowship with their countrymen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But soldiers, shut up in a barrack, excluded from all conversation with
+    such as are wiser and honester than themselves, and taught that nothing
+    is a virtue but implicit obedience to the commands of their officer,
+    will soon become foreigners in their own country, and march against the
+    defenders of their constitution, with the same alacrity as against an
+    army of invaders ravaging the coasts; they will lose all sense of social
+    duty, and of social happiness, and think nothing illustrious but to
+    enslave and destroy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So fatal, sir, will be the effects of an establishment of barracks, or
+    petty garrisons, in this kingdom; and, therefore, as barracks must be
+    built when innkeepers are ruined, and our concurrence with this proposal
+    must produce their ruin, I hope it-will not be necessary to prove by any
+    other argument, that the motion ought to be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in terms to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, though I am not
+    inclined, by loud exaggerations and affected expressions of tenderness,
+    to depress the courage or inflame the suspicions of the people, to teach
+    them to complain of miseries which they do not feel, or ward against ill
+    designs, which were never formed, yet no man is more really solicitous
+    for their happiness, or more desirous of removing every real cause of
+    fear and occasion of hardships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This affection to the people, an affection steady, regular, and
+    unshaken, has always prompted me to prefer their real to their seeming
+    interest, and rather to consult the security of their privileges than
+    the gratification of their passions; it has hitherto determined me to
+    vote for such a body of troops, as may defend us against sudden inroads
+    and wanton insults, and now incites me to propose that some efficacious
+    method may be struck out for their support, without exasperating either
+    the soldiers or their landlords by perpetual wrangles, or adding to the
+    burden of a military establishment the necessity of contentions in
+    courts of law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not with what view those have spoken, by whom the proposal first
+    made has been opposed; they have, indeed, produced objections, some of
+    which are such as may be easily removed, and others such as arise from
+    the nature of things, and ought not, therefore, to be mentioned, because
+    they have no other tendency than to inflame the minds of those that hear
+    them against an army, at a time when it is allowed to be necessary, and
+    prove only what was never denied, that no human measures are absolutely
+    perfect, and that it is often impossible to avoid a greater evil, but by
+    suffering a less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us, sir, is in its own nature so simple, so little
+    connected with circumstances that may distract our attention, or induce
+    different men to different considerations, that when I reflect upon it,
+    I cannot easily conceive by what art it can be made the subject of long
+    harangues, or how the most fruitful imagination can expatiate upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is already admitted that an army is necessary; the pay of that army
+    is already established; the accidental scarcity of forage and victuals
+    is such, that the pay is not sufficient to maintain them; how then must
+    the deficiency be supplied? It has been proposed, either to fix the
+    price of provisions with respect to them, or to advance their wages in
+    some proportion to the price of provisions. Both these methods seem to
+    meet with disapprobation, and yet the army is to be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who reason thus, do surely not expect to be answered, or at least
+    expect from a reply no other satisfaction than that of seeing the time
+    of the session wasted, and the administration harassed with trivial
+    delays; for what can be urged with any hope of success to him who will
+    openly deny contradictory propositions, who will neither move nor stand
+    still, who will neither disband an army nor support it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether these gentlemen conceive that an army may subsist without
+    victuals till the time of scarcity is over, or whether they have raised
+    those forces only to starve them, I am not sagacious enough to
+    conjecture, but shall venture to observe, that if they have such a
+    confidence in the moderation and regularity of the soldiers, as to
+    imagine that they will starve with weapons in their hands, that they
+    will live within the sight of full tables, and languish with hunger, and
+    perish for want of necessaries, rather than diminish the superfluities
+    of others, they ought for ever to cease their outcries about the
+    licentiousness, insolence, and danger of a standing army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, not to sink into levity unworthy of this assembly, may I be
+    permitted to hint that these arts of protracting our debates, are by no
+    means consistent with the reasons for which we are assembled, and that
+    it is a much better proof, both of ability and integrity, to remove
+    objections, than to raise them, and to facilitate, than to retard, the
+    business of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proposal made at first was only to elucidate a law which had been
+    regularly observed for fifty years, and to remove such ambiguities as
+    tended only to embarrass the innholders, not to relieve them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this many objections have been made, and much declamation has been
+    employed to display the hardships of maintaining soldiers, but no better
+    method has been yet discovered, nor do I expect that any will be started
+    not attended with greater difficulties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In all political questions, questions too extensive to be fully
+    comprehended by speculative reason, experience is the guide which a wise
+    man will follow with the least distrust, and it is no trivial
+    recommendation of the present method, that it has been so long pursued
+    without any formidable inconvenience or loud complaints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Hardships, even when real, are alleviated by long custom; we bear any
+    present uneasiness with less regret, as we less remember the time in
+    which we were more happy: at least, by long acquaintance with any
+    grievance we gain this advantage, that we know it in its whole extent,
+    that it cannot be aggravated by our imagination, and that there is no
+    room for suspecting that any misery is yet behind more heavy than that
+    which we have already borne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the present state of the practice now recommended to this
+    assembly, a practice to which the innkeepers have long submitted, and
+    found it at least tolerable, to which they knew themselves exposed when
+    they took out a license for the exercise of that profession, and which
+    they consider as a tax upon them, to be balanced against the advantages
+    which they expect from their employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This tax cannot be denied at present to be burdensome in a very uncommon
+    degree, but this weight has not been of long continuance, and it may be
+    reasonably hoped that it will now be made every day lighter. It is,
+    indeed, true, that no unnecessary impositions ought to be laid upon the
+    nation even for a day; and if any gentleman can propose a method by
+    which this may be taken off or alleviated, I shall readily comply with
+    his proposal, and concur in the establishment of new regulations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to barracks, I cannot deny that they are justly names of
+    terrour to a free nation, that they tend to make an army seem part of
+    our constitution, and may contribute to infuse into the soldiers a
+    disregard of their fellow-subjects, and an indifference about the
+    liberties of their country; but I cannot discover any connexion between
+    a provision for the support of soldiers in publick-houses, in a state of
+    constant familiarity with their countrymen, and the erection of
+    barracks, by which they will be, perhaps for ever, separated from them,
+    nor can discover any thing in the method of supporting them now
+    recommended that does not tend rather to the promotion of mutual good
+    offices, and the confirmation of friendship and benevolence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advocate CAMPBELL next spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, whence
+    the impropriety of raising objections to any measures that are proposed
+    is imagined to arise I am unable to discover, having hitherto admitted
+    as an incontrovertible opinion, that it is the duty of every member of
+    this assembly to deliver, without reserve, his sentiments upon any
+    question which is brought before him, and to approve or censure,
+    according to his conviction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be his duty, sir, to condemn what he thinks dangerous or
+    inconvenient, it seems by no means contrary to his duty, to show the
+    reason of his censure, or to lay before the house those objections which
+    he cannot surmount by his own reflection. It certainly is not necessary
+    to admit implicitly all that is asserted; and to deny, or disapprove
+    without reason, can he no proof of duty, or of wisdom; and how shall it
+    be known, that he who produces no objections, acts from any other
+    motives, than private malevolence, discontent, or caprice?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, sir, to be imputed as a just reason for censure to those who
+    have opposed the motion, that no other measures have been offered by
+    them to the consideration of the committee. It is necessary to demolish
+    a useless or shattered edifice, before a firm and habitable building can
+    be erected in its place: the first step to the amendment of a law is to
+    show its defects; for why should any alteration be made where no
+    inconveniency is discovered?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To the chief objection that was offered, no answer has yet been made,
+    nor has the assembly been informed how the innkeeper shall be able to
+    discover when he has paid the tax which this law lays upon him. This is,
+    indeed, a tax of a very particular kind, a tax without limits, and to be
+    levied at the discretion of him for whose benefit it is paid. Soldiers
+    quartered upon these terms, are more properly raising contributions in
+    an enemy's country, than receiving wages in their own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is it intended, by this motion, that the innkeepers shall judge what
+    ought to be allowed the soldier for his money? I do not see, then, that
+    any alteration is proposed in the present condition of our army; for who
+    has ever refused to sell them food for their money at the common price,
+    or what necessity is there for a law to enforce a practice equally to
+    the advantage of all parties? If it be proposed that the soldier shall
+    judge for himself, that he shall set what value he shall think fit on
+    his own money, and that he shall be at once the interpreter and
+    executioner of this new law, the condition of the innkeeper will then be
+    such as no slave in the mines of America can envy, and such as he will
+    gladly quit for better treatment under the most arbitrary and oppressive
+    government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will the insolence of the soldier, thus invested with unlimited
+    authority, thus entitled to implicit obedience, and exalted above the
+    rest of mankind, by seeing his claim only bounded by his own moderation,
+    be confined to his unhappy landlord. Every guest will become subject to
+    his intrusion, and the passenger must be content to want his dinner,
+    whenever the lord of the inn shall like it better than his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these apprehensions, sir, are not groundless, may be proved from
+    the conduct of these men, even when the law was not so favourable to
+    their designs; some of them have already claimed the sole dominion of
+    the houses in which they have been quartered, and insulted persons of
+    very high rank, and whom our ancient laws had intended to set above the
+    insults of a turbulent soldier. They have seen the provisions which they
+    had ordered taken away by force, partly, perhaps, to please the appetite
+    of the invader, and partly to gratify his insolence, and give him an
+    opportunity of boasting among his comrades, how successfully he
+    blustered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary, sir, to insert a new clause in the act to prevent
+    lawsuits, which, however advantageous they may sometimes be to me, I
+    shall always be ready to obviate, it is surely proper to limit the claim
+    of one party as well as that of the other, for how else is the ambiguity
+    taken away? The difficulty may be, indeed, transferred, but is by no
+    means removed, and the innkeeper must wholly repose himself upon the
+    lenity and justice of the soldier, or apply to the courts of law for the
+    interpretation of the act.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us is said to be so free from perplexity, that it
+    can scarcely give occasion for harangues or disputations; and, indeed,
+    it cannot but be allowed, that the controversy may soon be brought to a
+    single point, and I think nothing more is necessary than to inquire, if
+    innholders shall be obliged to provide victuals for soldiers at a stated
+    price, what, and how much the soldier shall demand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of raising money at pleasure, has been hitherto denied to our
+    kings, and surely we ought not to place that confidence in the lowest,
+    that has been refused to the most exalted of mankind, or invest our
+    soldiers with power, which neither the most warlike of our monarchs
+    could constrain us, nor the most popular allure us to grant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power now proposed to be granted, is nothing less than the power of
+    levying money, or what is exactly equivalent, the power of raising the
+    money in their own hands, to any imaginary value. A soldier may, if this
+    motion be complied with, demand for a penny, what another man must
+    purchase at forty times that price. While this is the state of our
+    property, it is surely not very necessary to raise armies for the
+    defence of it; for why should we preserve it from one enemy only to
+    throw it into the hands of another, equally rapacious, equally
+    merciless, and only distinguished from foreign invaders by this
+    circumstance, that he received from our own hands the authority by which
+    he plunders us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having thus evinced the necessity of determining the soldier's
+    privileges, and the innkeeper's rights, I think it necessary to
+    recommend to this assembly an uncommon degree of attention to the
+    regulation of our military establishment, which is become not only more
+    burdensome to our fellow-subjects by the present famine, but by the
+    increase of our forces; an increase which the nation will not behold
+    without impatience, unless they be enabled to discern for what end they
+    have been raised.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people of this nation are, for very just reasons, displeased, even
+    with the appearance of a standing army, and surely it is not prudent to
+    exasperate them, by augmenting the troops in a year of famine, and
+    giving them, at the same time, new powers of extortion and oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have heard nothing in this
+    debate, but doubts and objections, which afford no real information, nor
+    tend to the alleviation of those grievances, which are so loudly
+    lamented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not sufficient to point out inconveniencies, or to give striking
+    representations of the hardships to which the people are exposed; for
+    unless some better expedient can be proposed, or some method discovered
+    by which we may receive the benefits, without suffering the
+    disadvantages of the present practice, how does it appear that these
+    hardships, however severe, are not inseparable from our present
+    condition, and such as can only be removed by exposing ourselves to more
+    formidable evils?
+</p>
+<p>
+    As no remedy, sir, has been proposed by those who appear dissatisfied
+    with the present custom, it is reasonable to imagine that none will be
+    easily discovered; and, therefore, I cannot but think it reasonable that
+    the motion should be complied with. By it no new imposition is intended,
+    nor any thing more than the establishment of a practice which has
+    continued for more than fifty years, and never, except on two occasions,
+    been denied to be legal. It is only proposed that the senate should
+    confirm that interpretation of the act which has been almost universally
+    received; that they should do what can produce no disturbance, because
+    it will make no alterations; but may prevent them, because it may
+    prevent any attempts of innovation, or diversity of opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whether the
+    interpretation of the act which is now contended for, has been
+    universally admitted, it is impossible to know; but it is at least
+    certain, that the practice which is founded upon it, has in many places
+    never been followed, nor, indeed, can it be made general without great
+    impropriety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of those, sir, who are styled keepers of publick-houses, and on
+    whom soldiers are quartered under that denomination, have no conveniency
+    of furnishing provisions, because they never sell them; such are many of
+    the keepers of livery stables, among whom it is the common method to pay
+    soldiers a small weekly allowance, instead of lodging them in their
+    houses, a lodging being all which they conceive themselves obliged to
+    provide, and all that the soldiers have hitherto required; nor can we
+    make any alteration in this method without introducing the license and
+    insolence of soldiers into private houses; into houses hitherto
+    unacquainted with any degree of riot, incivility, or uproar.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The reason for which publick-houses are assigned for the quarters of
+    soldiers, is partly the greater conveniency of accommodating them in
+    families that subsist, by the entertainment of strangers, and partly the
+    nature of their profession, which, by exposing them to frequent
+    encounters with the rude and the debauched, enables them either to bear
+    or repress the insolence of a soldier.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But with regard, sir, to the persons whom I have mentioned, neither of
+    these reasons have any place; they have not, from their daily
+    employment, any opportunities of furnishing soldiery with beds or
+    victuals, nor, by their manner of life, are adapted to support intrusion
+    or struggle with perverseness. Nor can I discover why any man should
+    force soldiers into their houses, who would not willingly admit them
+    into his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. COCKS spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the practice mentioned by the
+    honourable gentleman, I know to be generally followed by all those that
+    keep alehouses in the suburbs of this metropolis, who pay the soldiers
+    billeted on them a composition for their lodging, nor ever see them but
+    when they come to receive it; so far are they from imagining that they
+    can claim their whole subsistence at any stated price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is apparent, therefore, that by admitting this motion, we should not
+    confirm a law already received, but establish a new regulation unknown
+    to the people; that we should lay a tax upon the nation, and send our
+    soldiers to collect it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE rose, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have been long
+    conversant with military affairs; and, therefore, may perhaps be able to
+    give a more exact account, from my own knowledge, of the antiquity and
+    extent of this practice, than other gentlemen have had, from their way
+    of life; an opportunity of obtaining.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was, sir, in the reign of king William, the constant method by which
+    the army was supported, as may be easily imagined by those who reflect,
+    that it was common for the soldiers to remain for eight or ten months
+    unpaid, and that they had, therefore, no possibility of providing for
+    themselves the necessaries of life. Their pay never was received in
+    those times by themselves, but issued in exchequer bills for large sums,
+    which the innkeepers procured to be exchanged and divided among
+    themselves, in proportion to their debts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the practice, sir, in that reign, which has been generally
+    followed to this time, and the rates then fixed have not since been
+    changed; and as no inconveniency has arisen from this method, I can
+    discover no reason against confirming and continuing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTKNEY spoke next, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, those that have
+    spoken in defence of the motion, have accused their opponents, with
+    great confidence, of declaiming without arguments, and of wasting the
+    time of the session in a useless repetition of objections. I do not,
+    indeed, wonder that the objections which have been raised should have
+    given some disgust, for who can be pleased with hearing his opponent
+    produce arguments which he cannot answer? But surely the repetitions may
+    be excused; for an objection is to be urged in every debate till it is
+    answered, or is discovered to be unanswerable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what, sir, have those urged in defence of their own opinions, who so
+    freely animadvert upon the reasonings of others? What proofs, sir, have
+    they given of the superiority of their own abilities, of the depth of
+    their researches, or the acuteness of their penetration?
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have not produced one argument in favour of their motion, but that
+    it is founded on custom; they have not discovered, however wise and
+    sagacious, that it is always necessary to inquire whether a custom be
+    good or bad; for surely without such inquiry no custom ought to be
+    confirmed. The motion which they would support, is, indeed, useless in
+    either case, for a good custom will continue of itself, and one that is
+    bad ought not to be continued. It is the business of the legislature to
+    reform abuses, and eradicate corruptions, not to give them new strength
+    by the sanction of a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been urged, sir, that the law in reality exists already in that
+    the act has been interpreted in this sense by the attorney general; and
+    that his interpretation is generally received. This is then the state of
+    the question: if the practice, founded upon this sense of the act,
+    generally prevails, there is no need of a new clause to enforce what is
+    already complied with; if it does not prevail, all that has been urged
+    in defence of the motion falls to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not doubt, sir, that this custom has been received without many
+    exceptions, and therefore think it ought still to remain a custom,
+    rather than be changed into a law; because it will be complied with as a
+    custom, where there are no obstacles to the observation of it; and it
+    ought not to be enforced by law, where it is inconvenient and
+    oppressive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    While the soldier, sir, is moderate in his demands, and peaceable and
+    modest in his behaviour, the innkeeper will cheerfully furnish him even
+    more than he can afford at the stated price; and certainly, rudeness,
+    insolence, and unreasonable expectations, may justly be punished by the
+    forfeiture of some conveniencies. Thus, sir, the innkeeper will preserve
+    some degree of authority in his own house, a place where the laws of
+    nature give every man dominion, and the soldier will continue a regular
+    and inoffensive member of civil society.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The absurdity of leaving the soldier at large in his demands, and
+    limiting the price which the innkeeper is to require, has been already
+    exposed beyond the possibility of reply; nor, indeed, has the least
+    attempt been made to invalidate this objection; for it has been passed
+    in silence by those who have most zealously espoused the motion. The
+    account given by the honourable gentleman of the reason for which this
+    regulation was first introduced in the reign of king William, is
+    undoubtedly just; but it proves, sir, that there is no necessity of
+    continuing it; for the soldiers are now constantly paid, and therefore
+    need not that assistance from the innkeeper, which was absolutely
+    requisite when they were sometimes six months without money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been urged, sir, with great importunity and vehemence, that some
+    expedient should be proposed in the place of this, which so many
+    gentlemen who have spoken on this occasion seem inclined to reject, and
+    which, indeed, cannot be mentioned without contempt or abhorrence. That
+    the soldiers should know, as well as their landlord, their own rights,
+    is undoubtedly just, as well as that they should have some certain means
+    of procuring the necessaries of life; it may, therefore, be proper to
+    enact, that the innkeeper shall either furnish them with diet at the
+    established rates, or permit them to dress the victuals which they shall
+    buy for themselves, with his fire and utensils, and allow them candles,
+    salt, vinegar, and pepper. By this method the soldiers can never be much
+    injured by the incivility of their landlord, nor can the innkeeper be
+    subjected to arbitrary demands. The soldier will still gain, by decency
+    and humanity, greater conveniencies than he can procure for himself by
+    his pay alone, and all opportunities of oppression on either side will,
+    in a great measure, be taken away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but express my hopes that this method will be generally
+    approved. Those that have opposed the establishment of an army will be
+    pleased to see it made less grievous to the people; and those that have
+    declared in its favour, ought surely to adopt, without opposition, any
+    measures, by the pursuit of which it may be borne with fewer complaints,
+    and less reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The consideration of this question was deferred, and the chairman
+    having moved for leave to sit again, it was resolved to proceed on this
+    business upon the next day but one, in a committee of the whole house.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 15, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The order of the day being read for the house to resolve itself into a
+    committee of the whole house, to consider the bill for punishing mutiny
+    and desertion, and the better paying the army and their quarters,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the last day
+    which was assigned to the consideration of this bill, was spent in long
+    altercations, in vague and unnecessary disquisitions, in retrospective
+    reflections upon events long past, and in aggravating of grievances that
+    may never happen; much sagacity was exerted, and much eloquence
+    displayed, but no determination was attained, nor even that expedient
+    examined, by which those objections might be removed which appeared so
+    important, or those dangers obviated which were represented so
+    formidable and so near.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, part of the time which has intervened between that debate
+    and the present day, has been employed by the gentlemen, whose scruples
+    were so numerous, and whose caution is so vigilant, in contriving some
+    methods of maintaining the army without oppressing the victuallers, and
+    of providing for our defence against foreign enemies without subjecting
+    us to the evils of discontent and disaffection, which they impute to the
+    present state of the military establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To object for ever, and to advance nothing, is an easy method of
+    disputation upon any question, but contributes very little to the
+    increase of knowledge: an artful and acute objector may confound, and
+    darken, and disturb, but never assists inquiry, or illustrates truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In political questions, sir, it is still more easy and less ingenuous;
+    for all political measures are in some degree right and wrong at the
+    same time: to benefit some they very frequently bear hard upon others,
+    and are, therefore, only to be approved or rejected as advantages appear
+    to overbalance the inconveniencies, or the inconveniencies to outweigh
+    the advantages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, the proper province of a senator to promote, not to obstruct
+    the publick counsels; and when he declares his disapprobation of any
+    expedient, to endeavour to substitute a better: for how can he be said
+    to sustain his part of the general burden of publick affairs, who lays
+    others under the necessity of forming every plan, and inventing every
+    expedient, and contents himself with only censuring what he never
+    endeavours to amend?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every man, who is called forth by his country to sit here as the
+    guardian of the publick happiness, is obliged, by the nature of his
+    office, to propose, in this assembly, whatever his penetration or
+    experience may suggest to him as advantageous to the nation, I doubt not
+    but all that hear me are sufficiently convinced; and, therefore, cannot
+    but suppose that they have so far attended to their duty, as to be able
+    to inform us how the present inconveniencies of this bill may be
+    remedied, and its defects supplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To show, sir, at least my inclination to expedite an affair so
+    important, I shall lay before the house an amendment that I have made to
+    the clause, pursuant to a hint offered the last day by an honourable
+    member, "That all innholders, victuallers, etc. shall be obliged to
+    furnish soldiers with salt, vinegar, small beer, candles, fire, and
+    utensils to dress their victuals, and so doing shall not be obliged to
+    supply the troops with provisions, except on a march."
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far, sir, from thinking the clause, as it will stand after this
+    amendment, complete and unexceptionable, being conscious that some
+    articles in it may require explanation. The quantity of small beer to be
+    allowed to each soldier must necessarily be ascertained, in order to
+    prevent endless and indeterminable disputes; for one man, sir, may
+    demand a greater quantity than another, and a man may be prompted by
+    malice or wantonness to demand more than health requires; it will,
+    therefore, be proper to limit the quantity which must be furnished, that
+    neither the soldier may suffer by the avarice of his landlord, nor the
+    landlord be oppressed by the gluttony of the soldier.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to this question, sir, I expect to find different opinions
+    in this assembly, which every man is at liberty to offer and to
+    vindicate; and I shall take this opportunity of proposing on my part,
+    that every man may have a daily allowance of three quarts. One quart to
+    each meal may be allowed in my opinion to be sufficient, and sure no
+    gentleman can imagine that by this limitation much superfluity is
+    indulged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some parts, sir, of this kingdom, in which cider is more
+    plentiful, and cheaper than small beer; consequently, it may be for the
+    ease of the victualler to have the choice allowed him of furnishing one
+    or the other; it will, therefore, be a very proper addition to this
+    clause, that the innkeepers shall allow the soldier, every day, three
+    quarts of either small beer or cider.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That penal sanctions, sir, are essential to laws, and that no man will
+    submit to any regulations inconvenient to himself, but that he may avoid
+    some heavier evil, requires not to be proved; and, therefore, to
+    complete this clause, I propose that the victualler who shall neglect or
+    refuse to observe it, shall be subject to some fine for his
+    non-compliance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot omit this opportunity of
+    observing how much the burden of the army is diminished by the judicious
+    regulations invariably observed in the late reigns, and how little the
+    assignment of troops is to be dreaded by the victualler.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of king William, sir, before funds were established, while
+    the credit of the government was low, the measures of the court were
+    often obviated or defeated by the superiority of the discontented party,
+    and the supplies denied which were necessary to support them, and in
+    expectation of which they had been undertaken, it was not uncommon for
+    the towns in which the troops were stationed, to murmur at their guests;
+    nor could they be charged with complaining without just reasons: for to
+    quarter soldiers upon a house, was in those days little less than to
+    send troops to live at discretion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As all supplies, sir, were then occasional and temporary, and nothing
+    was granted but for the present exigence, the prevalence of the
+    opposition, for a single session, embarrassed all the measures of the
+    court in the highest degree; their designs were at a stand, the forces
+    were unpaid, and they were obliged to wait till another session for an
+    opportunity of prosecuting their schemes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the soldiers were sometimes five months without their pay,
+    and were necessarily supported by the innkeeper at his own expense, with
+    how much reluctance and discontent I need not mention. It cannot but be
+    immediately considered, upon hearing this account of the soldier's
+    condition, with how many reproaches he would receive his victuals, how
+    roughly he would be treated, how often he would be insulted as an idler,
+    and frowned upon as an intruder. Nor can it be imagined that such
+    affronts, however they might be provoked, would be borne without return,
+    by those who knew themselves not the authors of the provocation, and who
+    thought themselves equal suf-ferers with those who complained. When the
+    innkeeper growled at the soldier, the soldier, it may be supposed,
+    seldom failed to threaten or to plunder the innkeeper, and to rise in
+    his demands as his allowance was retrenched.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the landlord and his guest were the constant enemies of each
+    other, and spent their lives in mutual complaints, injuries, and
+    insults.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But by the present regularity of our military establishment, this great
+    evil is taken away; as the soldier requires no credit of the victualler,
+    he is considered as no great incumbrance on his trade; and being treated
+    without indignities, like any other member of the community, he
+    inhabits his quarters without violence, insolence, or rapacity, and
+    endeavours to recommend himself by officiousness and civility.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present method of payment, sir, the troops have always one
+    month's pay advanced, and receive their regular allowance on the stated
+    day; so that every man has it in his power to pay his landlord every
+    night for what he has had in the day; or if he imagines himself able to
+    procure his own provisions at more advantage, he can now go to market
+    with his own money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, to me, sir, that the amendment now proposed is
+    the proper mean between the different interests of the innkeeper and
+    soldier; by which neither is made the slave of the other, and by which
+    we shall leave, to both, opportunities of kindness, but take from them
+    the power of oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAREW next spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the amendment now offered is not,
+    in my opinion, so unreasonable or unequitable as to demand a warm and
+    strenuous opposition, nor so complete as not to be subject to some
+    objections; objections which, however, may be easily removed, and which
+    would, perhaps, have been obviated, had they been foreseen by the
+    gentleman who proposed it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The allowance, sir, of small liquors proposed, I cannot but think more
+    than sufficient; three quarts a-day are surely more than the demands of
+    nature make necessary, and I know not why the legislature should
+    promote, or confirm in the soldiery, a vice to which they are already
+    too much inclined, the habit of tippling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The innkeeper, sir, will be heavily burdened by the obligation to supply
+    the soldier with so many of the necessaries of life without payment;
+    and, therefore, it may be justly expected by him, that no superfluities
+    should be enjoyed at his expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there remains another objection, sir, of far more importance, and
+    which must be removed before this clause can be reasonably passed into a
+    law. It is not declared, or not with sufficient perspicuity, that it is
+    to be left to the choice of the innkeeper, whether he will furnish the
+    soldier with provisions at fourpence a-day, or with the necessaries
+    enumerated in the clause for nothing. If it is to be left to the choice
+    of the soldier, the victualler receives no relief from the amendment, to
+    whose option, since he must suffer in either case, it ought to be
+    referred, because he only can tell by which method he shall suffer
+    least.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CORNWALL spoke in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, it is not without the
+    greatest diffidence that I rise to oppose the gentleman who offered the
+    amendment; for his abilities are so far superiour to mine, that I
+    object without hope of being able to support my objection, and contend
+    with an absolute certainty of being overcome. I know not whether it may
+    be allowed me to observe, that the difference between our faculties is,
+    with regard to strength and quickness, the same as between the cider of
+    his county and that of mine, except that in one part of the parallel the
+    advantage is on our side, and in the other on his.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The cider, sir, of our county is one of our most valuable commodities;
+    so much esteemed in distant places, that our merchants often sell it by
+    the bottle, for more than the soldier has to give for the provision of a
+    day; and of such strength, that I, who am accustomed to the use of it,
+    never was able to drink three quarts in any single day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, sir, the soldier is to have three quarts of this cider,
+    when small beer is not easily to be procured, not only the innkeeper,
+    but the army will be injured; for what greater harm can be done to any
+    man, than to initiate him in a habit of intemperance? and what outrages
+    and insolencies may not be expected from men trusted with swords, and
+    kept, from day to day, and from month to month, in habitual drunkenness
+    by a decree of the senate?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I know not why the
+    gentleman has thought this a proper opportunity for displaying his
+    eloquence in the praise of his own cider. That he loves his own county
+    cannot be wondered, for no passion is more universal, and few less to be
+    censured;-but he is not to imagine that the produce of his native soil
+    will be generally allowed to excel that of other counties, because early
+    habits have endeared it to him, and familiarized it to his particular
+    palate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The natives of every place prefer their own fruits and their own liquor,
+    and, therefore, no inference can be drawn from approbation so apparently
+    partial. From this prejudice I am far from suspecting myself free, nor
+    am desirous or industrious to overcome it: neither am I afraid of
+    exposing myself to all the censure that so innocent a prepossession may
+    bring upon me, by declaring that, in my opinion, the cider of my native
+    county is of equal excellence with that which this gentleman has so
+    liberally extolled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CORNWALL answered to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, how little I expect
+    victory in this controversy I have already declared, and I need not
+    observe of how small importance it is what soil produces cider of the
+    greatest excellence and value; since, if there be other places where the
+    cider is equally esteemed, and purchased at the same rate, it is yet
+    more necessary to provide, by some exception, that the soldier shall not
+    be entitled to demand, of the victualler, liquor to more than thrice the
+    value of his pay, nor be allowed to revel in continual drunkenness, and
+    to corrupt his morals, and enervate his limbs by incessant debauchery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But since, sir, the preference due to the cider of my county has been
+    denied, in my opinion, with great partiality and injustice, I think
+    myself obliged, by all the laws of honour and gratitude, to stand up
+    once more to vindicate its superiority, and assert its value.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The laws of honour, sir, require this from me, as they oblige every man
+    to stand forth a vindicator of merit slighted and oppressed; and
+    gratitude calls loudly upon me to exert myself in the protection of that
+    to which I have been often indebted for a pleasing suspense of care, and
+    a welcome flow of spirit and gaiety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The cider, sir, which I am now rescuing from contemptuous comparisons,
+    has often exhilarated my social hours, enlivened the freedom of
+    conversation, and improved the tenderness of friendship, and shall not,
+    therefore, now want a panegyrist. It is one of those few subjects on
+    which an encomiast may expatiate without deviating from the truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would the honourable gentleman, sir, who has thus vilified this
+    wonder-working nectar, but honour my table with his company, he would
+    quickly be forced to retract his censures; and, as many of his
+    countrymen have done, confess that nothing equal to it is produced in
+    any other part of the globe; nor will this confession be the effect of
+    his regard to politeness, but of his adherence to truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of liquor like this, sir, two quarts is, undoubtedly, sufficient for a
+    daily allowance, in the lieu of small beer; nor ought even that to be
+    determined by the choice of the soldier, but of the innkeeper, for whose
+    benefit this clause is said to be inserted, and from whose grievances I
+    hope we shall not suffer our attention to be diverted by any incidental
+    questions, or ludicrous disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GORE then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, that the allowance of
+    two quarts a-day is sufficient, and that to demand more is a wanton
+    indulgence of appetite, is experimentally known, and, therefore, no more
+    ought to be imposed upon the innkeeper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this, sir, the only part of the clause that requires our
+    consideration; for some of the other particulars to be provided by the
+    victualler, may easily furnish perverse tempers with an opportunity of
+    wrangling: vinegar is not to be had in every part, of the kingdom, and,
+    where it cannot be procured, ought not to be required; for neither
+    reason nor experience will inform us that vinegar ought to be ranked
+    among the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE made the following reply:&mdash;Sir, by the alteration now
+    made in the clause, the innkeepers are effectually relieved from a great
+    part of the burden which, in my opinion, this act has hitherto laid upon
+    them; the necessity of furnishing the soldiers quartered upon them, with
+    provisions at the stated price, whatever might be the scarcity of the
+    season or of the country. That this was the intention of the act, is
+    asserted by those whose reputation and promotion are sufficient
+    evidences of their ability in the interpretation of our laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The innkeeper may now either accept or refuse the limited price, as it
+    shall appear to him most consistent with his interest; nor will there
+    be, for the future, any room for murmuring at unreasonable demands,
+    since he may oblige that soldier whom he cannot satisfy, to please
+    himself better at his own expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The choice of the liquor is, likewise, wholly referred to the innkeeper;
+    for the words in the clause requiring that he shall furnish three quarts
+    of small beer or cider, he complies, indisputably, with the law by
+    supplying either; and, therefore, the value of cider in any particular
+    county is not of much importance in the question before us; if cider be
+    more valuable than small beer, it may be withheld; if it be cheaper, it
+    may be substituted in its place; so that the innkeeper has nothing to
+    consult but his own interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the meaning of the clause, is, I suppose, obvious to every
+    man that hears it read; and, therefore, I see no reason for any
+    alterations, because I know not any effect which they can possibly have,
+    except that of obscuring the sense which is now too clear to be
+    mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, though it
+    should be granted, that the clause before us is intelligible to every
+    member of this assembly, it will not certainly follow, that there is no
+    necessity of farther elucidations; for a law very easily understood by
+    those who make it, may be obscure to others who are less acquainted with
+    our general intention, less skilled in the niceties of language, or less
+    accustomed to the style of laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is to be considered, that this law will chiefly affect a class of men
+    very little instructed in literature, and very unable to draw
+    inferences; men to whom we often find it necessary, in common cases, to
+    use long explanations, and familiar illustrations, and of whom it maybe
+    not unreasonably suspected, that the same want of education, which makes
+    them ignorant, may make them petulant, and at once incline them to
+    wrangle, and deprive them of the means of deciding their controversies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That both innholders and soldiers are, for the greatest part, of this
+    rank and temper, I suppose, sir, every gentleman knows, from daily
+    observation; and, therefore, it will, I hope, be thought necessary to
+    descend to their understandings, and to give them laws in terms of which
+    they will know the meaning; we shall, otherwise, more consult the
+    interest of the lawyers than the innholders, and only, by one
+    alteration, produce a necessity of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am therefore desirous, sir, that all the difficulties which have been
+    mentioned by every gentleman on this occasion, should be removed by
+    clear, familiar, and determinate expressions; for what they have found
+    difficult, may easily be, to an innholder or soldier, absolutely
+    inexplicable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but declare, while I am speaking on this subject, that in my
+    opinion, two quarts of liquor will be a sufficient allowance. If we
+    consider the demands of nature, more cannot be required; if we examine
+    the expense of the innholder, he ought not to supply soldiers with a
+    greater quantity for nothing. It is to be remembered, that small beer,
+    like other liquors, is charged with an excise in publick-houses; and
+    that two quarts will probably cost the landlord a penny, and as we
+    cannot suppose that fire, candles, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the use of
+    utensils, and lodging, can be furnished for less than threepence a-day,
+    every soldier that is quartered upon a publick-house, may be considered
+    as a tax of six pounds a-year&mdash;a heavy burden, which surely ought not to
+    be aggravated by unnecessary impositions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The committee having gone through the bill, and settled the amendments,
+    the chairman was ordered to make his report the next day.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 16, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The report was read, and the amendments to the clauses in debate, which
+    then ran thus:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the officers and soldiers to be quartered and billeted as
+    aforesaid, shall be received, and furnished with diet and small beer by
+    the owners of the inns, livery stables, alehouses, victualling-houses,
+    etc. paying and allowing for the same the several rates mentioned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Provided, that in case the innholder on whom any non-commission officers
+    or soldiers shall be quartered, by virtue of this act, (except on a
+    march,) shall be desirous to furnish such officers or soldiers with
+    candles, vinegar, and salt, and with either small beer or cider, not
+    ex-ceeding three quarts for each man <i>a-day gratis</i>, and to allow them
+    the use of fire, and the necessary utensils for dressing and eating
+    their meat, and shall give notice of such his desire to the commanding
+    officers, and shall furnish and allow them the same accordingly; then,
+    and in such case, the non-commission officers and soldiers so quartered
+    shall provide their own victuals; and the officer to whom it belongs to
+    receive, or that does actually receive the pay and subsistence of such
+    non-commission officers and soldiers, shall pay the several sums,
+    payable out of the subsistence-money for diet and small beer, to the
+    non-commission officers and soldiers aforesaid, and not to the innholder
+    or other person on whom such non-commission officers or soldiers are
+    quartered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question being put whether this clause should stand thus,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAREW spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though it may, perhaps, be
+    allowed, that the circumstances of our present situation oblige us to
+    support a more numerous army than in former years, surely no argument
+    can be drawn from them that can show the necessity of a profuse
+    allowance to our soldiers, or of gratifying their desires by the
+    oppression of the innholders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, sir, the designs of our enemies are so malicious, and their power so
+    formidable, as to demand augmentations of our troops, and additions to
+    our natural securities, they ought, surely, to impress upon us the
+    necessity of frugal measures, that no useless burdens may be imposed
+    upon the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To furnish two quarts of beer, sir, every day for nothing, is,
+    undoubtedly, an imposition sufficiently grievous; and I can, therefore,
+    discover no reason for which an allowance of three should be
+    established; a proposal injurious to the victualler, because it exacts
+    more than he can afford to allow, and of no benefit to the soldier,
+    because it offers him more than he can want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, if it is an
+    instance of misconduct to spend upon any affair more time than the
+    importance of it deserves, I am afraid that the clause, to which our
+    attention is now recalled, may expose us to censure, and that we may be
+    charged with neglecting weighty controversies, and national questions,
+    to debate upon trifles; of wasting our spirits upon subjects unworthy of
+    contention; of defeating the expectations of the publick, and diverting
+    our enemies rather than opposing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, as nothing has a more immediate tendency to the security of
+    the nation than a proper establishment of our forces, and the regulation
+    of their quarters is one of the most necessary and difficult parts of
+    the establishment; it is requisite that we think no question of this
+    kind too trivial for our consideration, since very dangerous
+    disturbances have often been produced by petty disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The quantity, sir, of small beer to be allowed by the victualler to
+    those soldiers who shall provide their own victuals, was disputed
+    yesterday, and, as I thought, agreed upon; but since this question is
+    revived, I must take the opportunity to declare, that we ought not to
+    assign less than three quarts a-day to each man; for it is to be
+    remembered by those who estimate the demands by their own, how much
+    their way of life is different from that of a common soldier, and how
+    little he can be charged with wantonness and superfluity, for drinking
+    more small liquor than themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are few members of this house, who do not, more than once a-day,
+    drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or some other cooling and diluting
+    infusion; delicacies which the soldier cannot purchase; to which he is
+    entirely a stranger, and of which the place must be supplied by some
+    other cheap and wholesome liquors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, sir, those gentlemen whose close attention to the interest of the
+    innholder has, perhaps, abstracted them, in some degree, from any regard
+    to the necessities of a soldier, will consent to allow him five pints
+    a-day, I shall contend no longer; for though I cannot agree that it is a
+    sufficient provision, yet, as other gentlemen, equally able to judge in
+    this subject with myself, are of a different opinion, I shall show my
+    regard for their sentiments by desisting from opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am not able to
+    discover any necessity of compromising this debate, by taking the mean
+    between the two different opinions, or for denying to the soldiers what
+    every labourer or serving-man would murmur to be refused for a single
+    day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, every gentleman, who examines the expense of his family,
+    will find that each of his servants consumes daily at least three quarts
+    of small beer, and surely it is not to be required that a soldier should
+    live in a perpetual state of war with his constitution, and a constant
+    inability to comply with the calls of nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General HANDASYD spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, the inclination
+    shown by several gentlemen for a penurious and scanty provision for the
+    soldiers, must, in my opinion, proceed from an inattentive consideration
+    of their pay, and will, therefore, be removed, by laying before them an
+    account of his condition, and comparing his daily pay with his daily
+    expenses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The whole pay of a foot soldier, sir, is sixpence a-day, of which he is
+    to pay fourpence to his landlord for his diet, or, what is very nearly
+    the same, to carry fourpence daily to the market, for which how small a
+    supply of provisions he can bring to his quarters, especially in time of
+    scarcity, I need not mention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There remain then only twopence, sir, to be disbursed for things not
+    immediately necessary for the preservation of life, but which no man can
+    want without being despicable to others and burdensome to himself.
+    Twopence a-day is all that a soldier has to lay out upon cleanliness and
+    decency, and with which he is likewise to keep his arms in order, and to
+    supply himself with some part of his clothing. If, sir, after these
+    deductions, he can, from twopence a-day, procure himself the means of
+    enjoying a few happy moments in the year with his companions over a cup
+    of ale, is not his economy much more to be envied than his luxury? Or
+    can it be charged upon him that he enjoys more than his share of the
+    felicities of life? Is he to be burdened with new expenses lest he
+    should hoard up the publick money, stop the circulation of coin, and
+    turn broker or usurer with twopence a-day?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been so long acquainted, sir, with the soldier's character, that
+    I will adventure to secure him from the charge of avarice, and to
+    promise that whatever he shall possess not necessary to life, he will
+    enjoy to the advantage of his landlord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the advocate CAMPBELL spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am far
+    from intending to oppose this proposal of five pints, though, upon a
+    rigorous examination, it might appear more than the mere wants of nature
+    require; for I cannot but declare that this question has too long
+    engaged the attention of the house, and that the representatives of a
+    mighty nation beset with enemies, and encumbered with difficulties, seem
+    to forget their importance and their dignity, by wrangling from day to
+    day upon a pint of small beer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I conceive the bill, which we are now considering, sir, not as a
+    perpetual and standing law, to be interwoven with our constitution, or
+    added to the principles of our government, but as a temporary
+    establishment for the present year; an expedient to be laid aside when
+    our affairs cease to require it; an experimental essay of a new
+    practice, which may be changed or continued according to its success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To allow, sir, five pints of small beer a-day to our soldiers, for a
+    single year, can produce no formidable inconveniency, and may, though it
+    should not be entirely approved, be of less disadvantage to the publick,
+    than the waste of another day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [An alteration was made to five pints, instead of three quarts; and the
+    bill, thus amended, was ordered to be engrossed, and a few days
+    afterwards, being read a third time, was passed, and ordered to the
+    lords, where it occasioned no debate.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_16"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON ADDRESSING THE KING.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    A copy of his majesty's speech being read, Mr. CLUTTERBUCK-BUCK rose,
+    and spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the present confusion in Europe, the known designs of the French,
+    the numerous claims to the Austrian dominions, the armies which are
+    levied to support them, and the present inability of the queen of
+    Hungary to maintain those rights which descend to her from her
+    ancestors, and have been confirmed by all the solemnities of treaties,
+    evidently require an uncommon degree of attention in our consultations,
+    and of vigour in our proceedings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever may be the professions of the French, their real designs are
+    easily discovered, designs which they have carried on, either openly, or
+    in private, for near a century, and which it cannot be expected that
+    they will lay aside, when they are so near to success. Their view, sir,
+    in all their wars and treaties, alliances and intrigues, has been the
+    attainment of universal dominion, the destruction of the rights of
+    nature, and the subjection of all the rest of mankind; nor have we any
+    reason to imagine that they are not equally zealous for the promotion of
+    this pernicious scheme, while they pour troops into Germany, for the
+    assistance of their ally, as when they wasted kingdoms, laid cities in
+    ashes, and plunged millions into misery and want, without any other
+    motive than the glory of their king.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French are not the only nation at this time labouring for the
+    subversion of our common liberties. Our liberties, sir, are endangered
+    by those equally interested with ourselves in their preservation; for in
+    what degree soever any of the princes who are now endeavouring to divide
+    among themselves the dominions of Austria, may be pleased with the
+    acquisition of new territories, and an imaginary increase of influence
+    and power, it must be evident to all who are not dazzled by immediate
+    interest, that they are only fighting for France, and that by the
+    destruction of the Austrian family, they must in a short time fall
+    themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, though it is not always remembered, that
+    political as well as natural greatness is merely comparative, and that
+    he only is a powerful prince, who is more powerful than those with whom
+    he can have any cause of contention. That prince, therefore, who
+    imagines his power enlarged by a partition of territories, which gives
+    him some additional provinces, may be at last disappointed in his
+    expectations: for, if this partition gives to another prince already
+    greater than himself, an opportunity of increasing his strength in a
+    degree proportionate to his present superiority, the former will soon
+    find, that he has been labouring for nothing, and that his danger is
+    still the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is the case of the king of Prussia, who, when he has overrun
+    that part of Germany, to which he now lays claim, will only have
+    weakened the house of Austria, without strengthening himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He is at present secure in the possession of his dominions, because
+    neither the Austrians would suffer the French, nor the French permit the
+    Austrians to increase-their power by subduing him. Thus, while the
+    present equipoise of power is maintained, jealousy and caution would
+    always procure him an ally whenever he should be attacked; but when, by
+    his assistance, the Austrian family shall be ruined, who shall defend
+    him against the ambition of France?
+</p>
+<p>
+    While the liberties of mankind are thus equally endangered by folly and
+    ambition, attacked on one side, and neglected on the other, it is
+    necessary for those who foresee the calamity that threatens them, to
+    exert themselves in endeavours to avert it, and to retard the fatal
+    blow, till those who are now lulled by the contemplation of private
+    advantage, can be awakened into a just concern for the general happiness
+    of Europe, and be convinced that they themselves can only be secure by
+    uniting in the cause of liberty and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, our sovereign has asserted the Pragmatick
+    sanction, and promised to assist the queen of Hungary with the forces
+    which former treaties have entitled her to demand from him; for this
+    reason he has endeavoured to rouse the Dutch from their supineness, and
+    excite them to arm once more for the common safety, to intimidate, by
+    new augmentations, those powers whose ardour, perhaps, only subsists
+    upon the confidence that they shall not be resisted, and to animate, by
+    open declarations in favour of the house of Austria, those who probably
+    are only hindered from offering their assistance, by the fear of
+    standing alone against the armies of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That by this conduct he may expose his dominions on the continent to
+    invasions, ravages, and the other miseries of war, every one who knows
+    their situation must readily allow; nor can it be doubted by any man who
+    has heard of the power of the Prussians and French, that they may commit
+    great devastations with very little opposition, the forces of the
+    electorate not being sufficient to give them battle; for though the
+    fortified towns might hold out against them, that consideration will
+    very little alleviate the concern of those who consider the miseries of
+    a nation, whose enemies are in possession of all the open country, and
+    who from their ramparts see their harvest laid waste, and their villages
+    in flames. The fortifications contain the strength, but the field and
+    the trading towns comprise the riches of a people, and the country may
+    be ruined which is not subdued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, sir, the electoral dominions of his majesty are now
+    endangered, not by any private dispute with the neighbouring princes,
+    but by his firmness in asserting the general rights of Europe; as the
+    consequences of his conduct, on this occasion, will be chiefly
+    beneficial to Britain, we ought surely to support him in the prosecution
+    of this design; a design which we cannot but approve, since our
+    ancestors have always carried it on without regard either to the danger
+    or the expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In conformity to this maxim of politicks, so clearly founded in equity,
+    and so often justified by the votes of the senate, has his majesty been
+    pleased to declare to us his resolution to adhere to his engagements,
+    and oppose all attempts that may be forming in favour of any unjust
+    pretensions to the prejudice of the house of Austria. 'Tis for this end
+    he desires the concurrence of his senate. I hope every gentleman in this
+    house will agree with me that we ought to declare our approbation of
+    these measures, in such terms as may show the world, that those who
+    shall dare to obstruct them, must resolve to incur the resentment of
+    this nation, and expose themselves to all the opposition which the
+    senate of Britain can send forth against them. We ought to pronounce
+    that the territories of Hanover will be considered, on this occasion, as
+    the dominions of Britain, and that any attack on one or the other will
+    be equally resented. I, therefore, move, that an humble address be
+    presented by this house to his majesty,
+</p>
+<p>
+    To return our thanks for his speech; to express our dutiful sense of his
+    majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen of Hungary, and for
+    maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; to declare our concurrence in the
+    prudent measures which his majesty is pursuing for the preservation of
+    the liberties and balance of power in Europe; to acknowledge his
+    majesty's wisdom and resolution, in not suffering himself to be diverted
+    from steadily persevering in his just purposes of fulfilling his
+    engagements with the house of Austria; also, further to assure his
+    majesty, that, in justice to and vindication of the honour and dignity
+    of the British crown, we will effectually stand by and support his
+    majesty against all insults and attacks, which any prince or power, in
+    resentment of the just measures which he has so wisely taken, shall make
+    upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not belonging to the crown
+    of Great Britain. And that in any future events, which might make it
+    necessary for him to enter into still larger expenses, this house will
+    enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+    of the queen of Hungary, to the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+    subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the
+    Pragmatick sanction and the liberties and balance of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX seconded the motion in this manner:&mdash;Sir, the expediency, if not
+    the necessity of the address now moved for, will, I believe, be readily
+    allowed by those who consider the just measures which are pursued by his
+    majesty, the end which is intended by them, and the powers by which they
+    are opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much it is our duty to support the house of Austria it is not
+    necessary to explain to any man who has heard the debates of this
+    assembly, or read the history of the last war. How much it is our duty
+    to support it, is evident, as soon as it is known by whom it is
+    attacked; by the ancient enemy of these nations, by the general
+    disturber of the universe, by the formidable oppressors of liberty,
+    exulting in new acquisitions, inflamed with the madness of universal
+    monarchy, and elated with an opportunity of subjecting Germany, by
+    exalting to the supreme power a prince who shall hold his authority only
+    by their permission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house of Austria, which has so often stood forth in defence of our
+    common rights, which has poured armies into the field, in confederacy
+    with Britain, to suppress the insolence of that family which nothing
+    could satisfy but boundless power, now demands the assistance which it
+    has so often afforded; that assistance is demanded from us by every
+    claim which the laws of society can enact, or the dictates of nature can
+    suggest, by treaties maturely considered, and solemnly confirmed, by the
+    ties of ancient friendship, and the obligations of common interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To violate the publick faith, and to neglect the observation of
+    treaties, is to sink ourselves below barbarity, to destroy that
+    confidence which unites mankind in society. To deny or evade our
+    stipulations, sir, is to commit a crime which every honest mind must
+    consider with abhorrence, and to establish a precedent which may be used
+    hereafter to our own destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To forsake an ancient ally only because we can receive no immediate
+    advantage from his friendship, or because it may be in some degree
+    dangerous to adhere to him; to forsake him when he most wants our good
+    offices, when he is distressed by his enemies, and deserted by others
+    from whom he had reason to hope for kinder treatment, is the most
+    despicable, the most hateful degree of cowardice and treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The obligations of interest, sir, it is not often needful to enforce,
+    but it may be observed on this occasion, that a single year of neglect
+    may never be retrieved. We may, sir, now be able to support those whom,
+    when once dispossessed, it will not be in our power to restore; and that
+    if we suffer the house of Austria to be overborne, our posterity,
+    through every generation, may have reason to curse our injudicious
+    parsimony, our fatal inactivity, and our perfidious cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With what views the king of Prussia concurs in the French measures, or
+    upon what principles of policy he promises to himself any security in
+    the enjoyment of his new dominions, it is not easy to conjecture; but as
+    it is easy to discover, that whatever he may propose to himself, his
+    conduct evidently tends to the ruin of Europe, so he may, in my opinion,
+    justly be opposed, if he cannot be diverted or made easy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can we, sir, if this opposition should incite him, or any other
+    power, to an invasion of his majesty's foreign dominions, refuse them
+    our protection and assistance: for as they suffer for the cause which we
+    are engaged to support, and suffer only by our measures, we are at
+    least, as allies, obliged by the laws of equity and the general compacts
+    of mankind, to arm in their defence; and what may be claimed by the
+    common right of allies, we shall surely not deny them, only because they
+    are more closely united to us, because they own the same monarch with
+    ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, with what eagerness
+    the French snatch every opportunity of increasing their influence,
+    extending their dominions, and oppressing their neighbours, the
+    experience of many years has convinced all Europe; and it is evident
+    that unless some power be preserved in a degree of strength nearly equal
+    to theirs, their schemes, pernicious as they are, cannot be defeated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the only power from which this opposition can be hoped, is the
+    house of Austria, a very superficial view of this part of the globe,
+    will sufficiently demonstrate; of this we were long since so strongly
+    convinced, that we employed all our forces and all our politicks to
+    aggrandize this house. We endeavoured not only to support it in all its
+    hereditary rights, but to invest it with new sovereignties, and extend
+    its authority over new dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we afterwards varied in our councils and our measures, I have long
+    inquired without any satisfaction, having never, sir, with the utmost
+    application, been able to discover the motives to the memorable treaty
+    of Hanover, by which we stipulated to destroy the fabrick that we had
+    been so long and so laboriously endeavouring to erect; by which we
+    abandoned that alliance which we had so diligently cultivated, which we
+    had preferred to peace, plenty, and riches, and for which we had
+    cheerfully supported a tedious, a bloody, and an expensive war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This conduct, sir, raises a greater degree of admiration, as the authors
+    of it had exhausted all their eloquence in censuring the treaty of
+    Utrecht, and had endeavoured to expose those who transacted it to the
+    general hatred of the nation; as they always expressed in the strongest
+    terms their dread and detestation of the French; as they animated all
+    their harangues, and stunned their opponents with declarations of their
+    zeal for the liberties of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By what impulse or what infatuation, these asserters of liberty, these
+    enemies of France, these guardians of the balance of power, were on the
+    sudden prevailed on to declare in favour of the power whom they had so
+    long thought it their chief interest and highest honour to oppose, must
+    be discovered by sagacity superiour to mine. But after such perplexity
+    of councils and such fluctuation of conduct, it is necessary to inquire
+    more particularly what are the present intentions of the ministry, what
+    alliances have been formed, and what conditions are required to be
+    fulfilled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we are obliged only to supply the queen of Hungary with twelve
+    thousand men, we have already performed our engagements; if we have
+    promised any pecuniary assistance, the sum which we have stipulated to
+    furnish ought to be declared; for I suppose, at least, our engagements
+    have some limits, and that we are not to exert all the force of the
+    nation, to fight as if fire and sword were at our gates, or an invader
+    were landing armies upon our coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, sir, from my earliest years been zealous for the defence and
+    exaltation of the house of Austria, and shall be very far from proposing
+    that any danger or distress should influence us to desert it; but I do
+    not easily discover by what means we shall be able to afford any
+    efficacious assistance: for the power of Britain consists chiefly in
+    naval armaments, which can be of very little use to the queen of
+    Hungary, and I know not any state that will easily consent to unite with
+    us on this occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If there be, sir, any states remaining in Europe which the French can
+    neither intimidate nor bribe, we ought studiously to solicit and
+    diligently to cultivate their friendship; but whether any, except the
+    Moscovites, are now independent, or sufficiently confident of their own
+    strength to engage in such a hazardous alliance, may be justly doubted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The late grand alliance, sir, was supported at the expense of this
+    nation alone; nor was it required from the other confederates to exhaust
+    the treasure of their country in the common cause. I hope the debt which
+    that war has entailed upon us will instruct us to be more frugal in our
+    future engagements, and to stipulate only what we may perform without
+    involving the nation in misery, which victories and triumphs cannot
+    compensate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity, sir, of publick economy obliges me to insist, that before
+    any money shall be granted, an account be laid before the senate, in
+    particular terms, of the uses to which it is to be applied. To ask for
+    supplies in general terms, is to demand the power of squandering the
+    publick money at pleasure, and to claim, in softer language, nothing
+    less than despotick authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has not been uncommon for money, granted by the senate, to be spent
+    without producing any of those effects which were expected from it,
+    without assisting our allies, or humbling our enemies; and, therefore,
+    there is reason for suspecting that money has sometimes been asked for
+    one use and applied to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our concurrence, sir, is necessary to increase his majesty's
+    influence on the continent, to animate the friends of the house of
+    Austria, or to repress the disturbers of the publick tranquillity, I
+    shall willingly unite with the most zealous advocates for the
+    administration in any vote of approbation or assistance, not contrary to
+    the act of settlement, that important and well-concerted act, by which
+    the present family was advanced to the throne, and by which it is
+    provided, that Britain shall never be involved in war for the
+    enlargement or protection of the dominions of Hanover, dominions from
+    which we never expected nor received any benefit, and for which,
+    therefore, nothing ought to be either suffered or hazarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be again necessary to form a confederacy, and to unite the
+    powers of Europe against the house of Bourbon, that ambitious, that
+    restless family, by which the repose of the world is almost every day
+    interrupted, which is incessantly labouring against the happiness of
+    human nature, and seeking every hour an opportunity of new
+    encroachments, I declare, sir, that I shall not only, with the greatest
+    cheerfulness, bear my share of the publick expense, but endeavour to
+    reconcile others to their part of the calamities of war. This, sir, I
+    have advanced in confidence, that sufficient care shall be taken, that
+    in any new alliance we shall be parties, not principals; that the
+    expense of war, as the advantage of victory, shall be common; and that
+    those who shall unite with us will be our allies, not our mercenaries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE then spoke, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    without reason that the honourable gentleman desires to be informed of
+    the stipulations contained in the treaty by which we have engaged to
+    support the Pragmatick sanction; for I find that he either never knew
+    them or has forgotten them; and, therefore, those reasonings which he
+    has formed upon them fall to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are obliged, sir, by this treaty, to supply the house of Austria with
+    twelve thousand men, and the Dutch, who were engaged in it by our
+    example, have promised a supply of five thousand. This force, joined to
+    those armies which the large dominions of that family enable them to
+    raise, were conceived sufficient to repel any enemy by whom their rights
+    should be invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But because in affairs of such importance nothing is to be left to
+    hazard, because the preservation of the equipoise of power, on which the
+    liberties of almost all mankind, who can call themselves free, must be
+    acknowledged to depend, ought to be rather certain, than barely
+    probable; it is stipulated farther, both by the French and ourselves,
+    that if the supplies, specified in the first article, shall appear
+    insufficient, we shall unite our whole force in the defence of our ally,
+    and struggle, once more, for independence, with ardour proportioned to
+    the importance of our cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By these stipulations, sir, no engagements have been formed that can be
+    imagined to have been prohibited by the act of settlement, by which it
+    is provided, that the house of Hanover shall not plunge this nation into
+    a war, for the sake of their foreign dominions, without the consent of
+    the senate; for this war is by no means entered upon for the particular
+    security of Hanover, but for the general advantage of Europe, to repress
+    the ambition of the French, and to preserve ourselves and our posterity
+    from the most abject dependence upon a nation exasperated against us by
+    long opposition, and hereditary hatred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is the act of settlement only preserved unviolated by the reasons of
+    the present alliance, but by the regular concurrence of the senate which
+    his majesty has desired, notwithstanding his indubitable right of making
+    peace and war by his own authority. I cannot, therefore, imagine upon
+    what pretence it can be urged, that the law, which requires that no war
+    shall be made on account of the Hanoverian dominions without the consent
+    of the senate, is violated, when it is evident that the war is made upon
+    other motives, and the concurrence of the senate is solemnly desired.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But such is the malevolence with which the conduct of the administration
+    is examined, that no degree of integrity or vigilance can secure it from
+    censure. When, in the present question, truth and reason are evidently
+    on their side, past transactions are recalled to memory, and those
+    measures are treated with the utmost degree of contempt and ridicule, of
+    which the greatest part of the audience have probably forgotten the
+    reasons, and of which the authors of them do not always stand up in the
+    defence, because they are weary of repeating arguments to those who
+    listen with a resolution never to be convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How well, sir, those by whom the ministry is opposed, have succeeded in
+    hardening their minds against the force of reason, is evident from their
+    constant custom of appealing from the senate to the people, and
+    publishing, in pamphlets, those arguments which they have found
+    themselves, in this assembly, unable to support; a practice which
+    discovers rather an obstinate resolution to obstruct the government,
+    than zeal for the prosperity of their country, and which, to speak of it
+    in the softest terms, seems to be suggested more by the desire of
+    popularity than the love of truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the
+    confidence with which this motion has been offered and defended,
+    notwithstanding the specious appearance of respect to his majesty, by
+    which it is recommended, I am not ashamed to declare, that it appears to
+    me inconsistent with the trust reposed in us by our constituents, who
+    owe their allegiance to the king of Britain, and not to the elector of
+    Hanover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will be urged, sir, by the people, whom we sit here to represent,
+    that they are already embarrassed with debts, contracted in a late war,
+    from which, after the expense of many millions, and the destruction of
+    prodigious multitudes, they receive no advantage; and that they are now
+    loaded with taxes for the support of another, of which they perceive no
+    prospect of a very happy or honourable conclusion, of either security or
+    profit, either conquests or reprisals; and that they are, therefore, by
+    no means willing to see themselves involved in any new confederacy, by
+    which they may entail on their posterity the same calamities, and oblige
+    themselves to hazard their fortunes and their happiness in defence of
+    distant countries, of which many of them have scarcely heard, and from
+    which no return of assistance is expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE spoke again, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, though it is not
+    necessary to refute every calumny that malice may invent, or credulity
+    admit, or to answer those of whom it may reasonably be conceived that
+    they do not credit their own accusations, I will yet rise, once more, in
+    vindication of the treaty of Hanover, to show with how little reason it
+    is censured, to repress the levity of insult, and the pride of
+    unreasonable triumph.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Hanover, sir, how long soever it has been ridiculed, and
+    with whatever contempt those by whom it was negotiated have been
+    treated, was wise and just. It was just, because no injury was intended
+    to any power, no invasion was planned, no partition of dominions
+    stipulated, nothing but our own security desired. It was wise, because
+    it produced the end proposed by it, and established that security which
+    the Austrians and Spaniards were endeavouring to destroy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The emperour of Germany, sir, had then entered into a secret treaty of
+    alliance with Spain, by which nothing less was designed than the total
+    destruction of our liberties, the diminution of our commerce, the
+    alienation of our dominions, and the subversion of our constitution. We
+    were to have been expelled from Gibraltar, and totally excluded from the
+    Mediterranean, the pretender was to have been exalted to the throne, and
+    a new religion, with the slavery that always accompanies it, to have
+    been introduced amongst us, and Ostend was to have been made a port, and
+    to have shared the poor remains of our commerce to foreign nations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This unjust, this malicious confederacy, was then opposed with the
+    utmost vehemence by the imperial general, whose courage and military
+    capacity are celebrated throughout the world, and whose political
+    abilities and knowledge of the affairs of Europe, were equal to his
+    knowledge of war. He urged, with great force, that such a confederacy
+    would disunite the empire for ever from the maritime powers, by which it
+    had been supported, and which were engaged by one common interest in the
+    promotion of its prosperity: but his remonstrances availed nothing, and
+    the alliance was concluded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When our ancient allies, who had been so often succoured with our
+    treasure, and defended by our arms, had entered into such engagements;
+    when it was stipulated not only to impoverish but enslave us; not only
+    to weaken us abroad, but to deprive us of every domestick comfort; when
+    a scheme was formed that would have spread misery over the whole nation,
+    and have extended its consequences to the lowest orders of the
+    community, it was surely necessary to frustrate it by some alliance, and
+    with whom could we then unite, but with France?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not the only fact on which gentlemen have ventured to speak with
+    great freedom without sufficient information; the conduct of our allies
+    in the late war has been no less misrepresented than that of our
+    ministers in their negotiations. They have been charged with imposing
+    upon us the whole expense of the confederacy, when it may be proved,
+    beyond controversy, that the annual charge of the Dutch was five
+    millions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did they, sir, only contribute annually thus largely to the common
+    cause, but when we forsook the alliance, and shamefully abandoned the
+    advantages we had gained, they received our mercenaries into their own
+    pay, and expended nine millions in a single year.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the truth of these assertions it is easy to produce incontestable
+    evidence, which, however, cannot be necessary to any man who reflects,
+    that from one of the most wealthy nations in the world, the Dutch, with
+    all their commerce, and all their parsimony, are reduced to penury and
+    distress; for who can tell by what means they have sunk into their
+    present low condition, if they suffered nothing by the late war?
+</p>
+<p>
+    How this gentleman, sir, has been deceived, and to whose insinuations
+    his errours are to be imputed, I am at no loss to discover. I hope he
+    will, by this confutation, be warned against implicit credulity, and
+    remember with what caution that man is to be trusted, whose pernicious
+    counsels have endangered his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it is, in my opinion, an incontestable
+    maxim, that no measures are eligible, which are unjust; and that,
+    therefore, before any resolutions are formed, we ought to examine not
+    what motives may be suggested by expedience, but what arguments may be
+    advanced by equity on one part or the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I do not mistake the true intent of the address now proposed, we are
+    invited to declare that we will oppose the king of Prussia in his
+    attempts upon Silesia, a declaration in which I know not how any man can
+    concur, who knows not the nature of his claim, and the laws of the
+    empire. It ought, therefore, sir, to have been the first endeavour of
+    those by whom this address has been so zealously promoted, to show that
+    his claim, so publickly explained, so firmly urged, and so strongly
+    supported, is without foundation in justice or in reason, and is only
+    one of those imaginary titles, which ambition may always find to the
+    dominions of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But no attempt has been yet made towards the discussion of this
+    important question, and, therefore, I know not how any man can call upon
+    us to oppose the king of Prussia, when his claim may probably be just,
+    and, by consequence, such as, if it were necessary for us to engage in
+    the affairs of those distant countries, we ought to join with him in
+    asserting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, as no member of
+    this assembly can feel a greater degree of zeal for his majesty's honour
+    than myself; none shall more readily concur in any expression of duty or
+    adherence to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I have been always taught that allegiance to my prince is consistent
+    with fidelity to my country, that the interest of the king and the
+    people of great Britain is the same; and that he only is a true subject
+    of the crown, who is a steady promoter of the happiness of the nation:
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason I think it necessary to declare, that Hanover is always
+    to be considered as a sovereignty separate from that of Britain, and as
+    a country with laws and interests distinct from ours; and that it is the
+    duty of the representatives of this nation, to take care that interests
+    so different may never be confounded, and that Britain may incur no
+    expense of which Hanover alone can enjoy the advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the elector of Hanover should be engaged in war with any of the
+    neighbouring sovereigns, who should be enabled, by a victory, to enter
+    into the country, and carry the terrours of war through all his
+    territories, it would by no means be necessary for this nation to
+    interpose; for the elector of Hanover might lose his dominions without
+    any disadvantage or dishonour to the king or people of Britain.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_17"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON A MOTION FOR SUPPORTING THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
+</center>
+<p>
+    His majesty went this day to the house of lords, and after his assent to
+    several bills, he, in a speech from the throne to both houses of the
+    senate, acquainted them, that the war raised against the queen of
+    Hungary, and the various claims on the late German emperour's
+    succession, might expose the dominions of such princes as should incline
+    to support the Pragmatick sanction to imminent danger. That the queen of
+    Hungary required the twelve thousand men stipulated by treaty, and
+    thereupon he had demanded of the king of Denmark, and of the king of
+    Sweden, as sovereign of Hesse Cassel, their respective bodies of troops,
+    of six thousand men each, to be in readiness to march to her assistance.
+    That he was concerting such farther measures as may disappoint all
+    dangerous designs forming to the prejudice of the house of Austria,
+    which might make it necessary for him to enter into still larger
+    expenses for maintaining the Pragmatick sanction. He, therefore, in a
+    conjuncture so critical, desired the concurrence of his senate, in
+    enabling him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+    of the queen of Hungary, the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+    subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the liberties
+    and balance of power in Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house of commons, in their address upon this occasion, expressed a
+    dutiful sense of his majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen
+    of Hungary, and for the maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; they
+    declared their concurrence in the prudent measures which his majesty was
+    pursuing for the preservation of the liberties and balance of power in
+    Europe; they assured his majesty, that, in justice to, and vindication
+    of the honour and dignity of the British crown, they would effectually
+    stand by and support his majesty against all insults and attacks, which
+    any power, in resentment of the just measures which he had so wisely
+    taken, should make upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not
+    belonging to the crown of Great Britain. They farther assured his
+    majesty, that in any future events which might make it necessary for him
+    to enter into still larger expenses, they would enable him to
+    contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the designs
+    he proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty, in his answer to this address, observed their readiness in
+    enabling him to make good his engagements with the queen of Hungary, and
+    the assurances given him not to suffer his foreign dominions to be
+    insulted on account of the measures he was pursuing for the support of
+    the Pragmatick sanction, etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In consequence of this procedure, the house, pursuant to order, resolved
+    itself into a committee, to consider of the supplies granted to his
+    majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon this occasion, a motion was made by sir Robert WALPOLE for a grant
+    of three hundred thousand pounds, for the support of the queen of
+    Hungary, on which arose the following debate:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE supported his motion by a speech, in substance as
+    follows:&mdash;Sir, the necessity of this grant appears so plainly from the
+    bare mention of the purposes for which it is asked, that I can scarcely
+    conceive that its reasonableness will be disputed. I can discover no
+    principles upon which an objection to this motion can be founded, nor
+    the least arguments by which such objection can be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The indispensable obligations of publick faith, the great ties by which
+    nations are united, and confederacies formed, I cannot suppose any man
+    inclined to invalidate. An exact performance of national promises, and
+    inviolable adherence to treaties, is enforced at once by policy and
+    justice, and all laws both of heaven and earth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Publick perfidy, sir, like private dishonesty, whatever temporary
+    advantages it may promise or produce, is always, upon the whole, the
+    parent of misery. Every man, however prosperous, must sometimes wish for
+    a friend; and every nation, however potent, stand in need of an ally;
+    but all alliances subsist upon mutual confidence, and confidence can be
+    produced only by unlimited integrity, by known firmness, and approved
+    veracity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The use of alliances, sir, has, in the last age, been too much
+    experienced to be contested; it is by leagues well concerted, and
+    strictly observed, that the weak are defended against the strong, that
+    bounds are set to the turbulence of ambition, that the torrent of power
+    is restrained, and empires preserved from those inundations of war,
+    that, in former times, laid the world in ruins. By alliances, sir, the
+    equipoise of power is maintained, and those alarms and apprehensions
+    avoided, which must arise from daily vicissitudes of empire, and the
+    fluctuations of perpetual contest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is the interest of this nation to cultivate the friendship of
+    the house of Austria, to protect its rights, and secure its succession,
+    to inform it when mistaken, and to assist it when attacked, is allowed
+    by every party. Every man, sir, knows that the only power that can
+    sensibly injure us, by obstructing our commerce, or invading our
+    dominions, is France, against which no confederacy can be formed, except
+    with the house of Austria, that can afford us any efficacious support.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The firmest bond of alliances is mutual interest. Men easily unite
+    against him whom they have all equal reason to fear and to hate; by whom
+    they have been equally injured, and by whom they suspect that no
+    opportunity will be lost of renewing his encroachments. Such is the
+    state of this nation, and of the Austrians. We are equally endangered by
+    the French greatness, and equally animated against it by hereditary
+    animosities, and contests continued from one age to another; we are
+    convinced that, however either may be flattered or caressed, while the
+    other is invaded, every blow is aimed at both, and that we are divided
+    only that we may be more easily destroyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason we engaged in the support of the Pragmatick sanction,
+    and stipulated to secure the imperial crown to the daughters of Austria;
+    which was nothing more than to promise, that we would endeavour to
+    prevent our own destruction, by opposing the exaltation of a prince who
+    should owe his dignity to the French, and, in consequence of so close an
+    alliance, second all their schemes, admit all their claims, and
+    sacrifice to their ambition the happiness of a great part of mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such would probably be the consequence, if the French should gain the
+    power of conferring the imperial crown. They would hold the emperour in
+    perpetual dependence, would, perhaps, take possession of his hereditary
+    dominions, as a mortgage for their expenses; would awe him with the
+    troops which they sent under a pretence of assisting him, and leave him
+    only the titles of dominion, and the shadows of empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this state would he remain, whilst his formidable allies were
+    extending their dominions on every side. He would see one power subdued
+    after another, and himself weakened by degrees, and only not deprived of
+    his throne, because it would be unnecessary to dethrone him; or he would
+    be obliged to solicit our assistance to break from his slavery, and we
+    should be obliged, at the utmost hazard, and at an expense not to be
+    calculated, to remedy what it is, perhaps, now in our power to prevent
+    with very little difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this danger is too near to be merely chimerical, that the queen of
+    Hungary is invaded, and her right to the imperial dignity contested, is
+    well known; it is, therefore, the time for fulfilling our engagements;
+    engagements of the utmost importance to ourselves and our posterity; and
+    I hope the government will not be accused of profusion, if, for three
+    hundred thousand pounds, the liberties of Europe shall be preserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We cannot deny this grant without acting in opposition to our late
+    professions of supporting his majesty in his endeavours to maintain the
+    Pragmatick sanction, and of assisting him to defend his foreign
+    dominions from any injuries to which those endeavours should expose
+    them; for how can he without forces defend his dominions, or assist his
+    ally? or how can he maintain forces without supplies?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SHIPPEN next rose, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, as I have always
+    endeavoured to act upon conviction of my duty, to examine opinions
+    before I admit them, and to speak what I have thought the truth, I do
+    not easily change my conduct, or retract my assertions; nor am I
+    deterred from repeating my arguments when I have a right to speak, by
+    the remembrance that they have formerly been unsuccessful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, when he is confident himself, conceives himself able to
+    persuade others, and imagines that their obstinacy proceeds from other
+    motives than reason; and that, if he fails at one time to gain over his
+    audience, he may yet succeed in some happier moment, when their
+    prejudices shall be dissipated, or their interest varied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, though it cannot be suspected that I have forgotten the
+    resentment which I have formerly drawn upon myself, by an open
+    declaration of my sentiments with regard to Hanover, I stand up again,
+    with equal confidence, to make my protestations against any
+    interposition in the affairs of that country, and to avow my dislike of
+    the promise lately made to defend it: a promise, inconsistent, in my
+    opinion, with that important and inviolable law, the <i>act of
+    settlement!</i>&mdash;a promise, which, if it could have been foreknown, would,
+    perhaps, have for ever precluded from the succession that illustrious
+    family, to which we owe such numberless blessings, such continued
+    felicity!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Far be it from me to insinuate that we can be too grateful to his
+    majesty, or too zealous in our adherence to him; only let us remember,
+    that true gratitude consists in real benefits, in promoting the true
+    interest of him to whom we are indebted; and surely, by hazarding the
+    welfare of Britain in defence of Hanover, we shall very little consult
+    the advantage, or promote the greatness of our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known how inconsiderable, in the sight of those by whom the
+    succession was established, Hanover appeared, in comparison with
+    Britain. Those men, to whom even their enemies have seldom denied praise
+    for knowledge and capacity, and who have been so loudly celebrated by
+    many, who have joined in the last address, for their honest zeal, and
+    the love of their country, enacted, that the king of Britain should
+    never visit those important territories, which we have so solemnly
+    promised to defend, at the hazard of our happiness. It was evidently
+    their design that our sovereign, engrossed by the care of his new
+    subjects, a care which, as they reasonably imagined, would arise from
+    gratitude for dignity and power so liberally conferred, should in time
+    forget that corner of the earth on which his ancestors had resided, and
+    act, not as elector of Hanover, but as king of Britain, as the governour
+    of a mighty nation, and the lord of large dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was expressly determined, that, this nation should never be involved
+    in war for the defence of the dominions on the continent, and,
+    doubtless, the same policy that has restrained us from extending our
+    conquests in countries from which some advantages might be received,
+    ought to forbid all expensive and hazardous measures, for the sake of
+    territories from whence no benefit can be reaped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are the purposes, sir, for which this supply is demanded, the only
+    objections that may be urged against it, for the manner in which it is
+    asked, makes it necessary at least to delay it. The ministers have been
+    so little accustomed to refusals that they have forgot when to ask with
+    decency, and expect the treasure of the nation to be poured upon them,
+    whenever they shall think it proper to hint that they have discovered
+    some new opportunity of expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, that when a supply is desired, the house should be
+    informed, some time before, of the sum that is required, and of the ends
+    to which it is to be applied, that every member may consider, at
+    leisure, the expediency of the measures proposed, and the proportion of
+    the sum to the occasion on which it is demanded; that he may examine
+    what are the most proper methods of raising it, and, perhaps, inquire
+    with what willingness his constituents will advance it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether any man is enabled by his acuteness and experience, to determine
+    all these questions upon momentaneous reflection, I cannot decide. For
+    my part, I confess myself one of those on whom nature has bestowed no
+    such faculties, and therefore move that the consideration of this supply
+    may be deferred for a few days; for if it be now pressed upon us, I
+    shall vote against it, because I do not yet fully discover all the
+    reasons for it, nor all the consequences which it may produce, and I
+    think myself obliged to know for what purpose I give away the money
+    which is not my own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, whatever may be the necessity of
+    maintaining the Pragmatick sanction, or whatever the obligations of
+    national pacts, of which I hope no man is desirous of countenancing the
+    neglect, yet they cannot oblige us to arm without an enemy, to embarrass
+    ourselves with watching every possibility of danger, to garrison
+    dominions which are not threatened, or assert rights which are not
+    invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expediency of maintaining the house of Austria on the imperial
+    throne, it is not at present necessary to assert, because it does not
+    appear that any other family is aspiring to it. There may, indeed, be
+    whispers of secret designs and artful machinations, whispers, perhaps,
+    spread only to affright the court into treaties, or the senate into
+    grants; or designs, which, like a thousand others that every day
+    produces, innumerable accidents may defeat; which may be discovered, not
+    only before they are executed, but before they are fully formed, and
+    which, therefore, are not worthy to engross much of our attention, or to
+    exhaust the wealth of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Pragmatick sanction is nothing more than a settlement of the
+    imperial dignity upon the eldest daughter of the late German emperour
+    and her son; and if she has no son, upon the son of the second daughter;
+    nor has the crown of Britain, by engaging to support that sanction,
+    promised any thing more than to preserve this order of succession, which
+    no power, at present, is endeavouring to interrupt; and which,
+    therefore, at present, requires no defence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The dispute, sir, between the king of Prussia and the queen of Hungary,
+    is of a different kind; nor is it our duty to engage in it, either as
+    parties or judges. He lays claim to certain territories usurped, as he
+    alleges, from his ancestors by the Austrian family, and asserts, by
+    force, this claim, which is equally valid, whether the queen be emperess
+    or not. We have no right to limit his dominions, or obligation to
+    examine the justice of his demands. If he is only endeavouring to gain
+    what has been forcibly withheld from him, what right have we to obstruct
+    his undertaking? And if the queen can show a better title, she is, like
+    all other sovereigns, at liberty to maintain it; nor are we necessarily
+    to erect ourselves into judges between sovereigns, or distributors of
+    dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The contest seems to have very little relation to the Pragmatick
+    sanction: if the king of Prussia succeeds, he will contribute to support
+    it; and if the queen is able to frustrate his designs, she will be too
+    powerful to need our assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though, sir, the Pragmatick sanction were in danger of violation,
+    are we to stand up alone in defence of it, while other nations, equally
+    engaged with ourselves by interest and by treaties, sit still to look
+    upon the contest, and gather those advantages of peace which we
+    indiscreetly throw away? Are we able to maintain it without assistance,
+    or are we to exhaust our country, and ruin our posterity in prosecution
+    of a hopeless project, to spend what can never be repaid, and to fight
+    with certainty of a defeat?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Dutch, whose engagements and whose interests are the same as our
+    own, have not yet made any addition to their expenses, nor augmentation
+    of their troops; nor does a single potentate of Europe, however united
+    by long alliances to the house of Austria, or however endangered by
+    revolutions in the empire, appear to rouse at the approach of alarm, or
+    think himself obliged to provoke enemies by whom he is not yet injured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, persuade myself that we are to stand up single in
+    the defence of the Pragmatick sanction, to fight the quarrel of others,
+    or live in perpetual war, that our neighbours may be at peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall always think it my duty to disburse the publick money with the
+    utmost parsimony, nor ever intend, but on the most pressing necessity,
+    to load with new exactions a nation already overwhelmed with debts,
+    harassed with taxes, and plundered by a standing army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose these numerous forces are maintained, who are now
+    preying on the publick; why we increase our armies by land when we only
+    fight by sea; why we aggravate the burden of the war, and add domestick
+    oppressions to foreign injuries, I am at a loss to determine. Surely
+    some regard should be had to the satisfaction of the people, who ought
+    not, during the present scarcity of provisions, to be starved by the
+    increase of an army, which seems supported only to consume them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, part of our present expense is, in my opinion,
+    unnecessary, I shall not contribute to aggravate it by a new grant, for
+    purposes of which I cannot discover that they will promote the advantage
+    of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, the Pragmatick
+    sanction, which we are engaged to support, is not confined to the
+    preservation of the order of succession, but extends to all the rights
+    of the house of Austria, which is now attacked, and by a very formidable
+    enemy, at a time of weakness and distraction, and therefore requires our
+    assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That others, equally obliged by treaty and by interest to lend their
+    help on this occasion, sit reluctive, either through cowardice or
+    negligence, or some prospect of temporary advantage, may, perhaps, be
+    true; but is it any excuse of a crime, that he who commits it is not the
+    only criminal? Will the breach of faith in others excuse it in us?
+    Ought we not rather to animate them by our activity, instruct them by
+    our example, and awaken them by our representations?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps the other powers say to themselves, and to one another, Why
+    should we keep that treaty which Britain is violating? Why should we
+    expose ourselves to danger, of which that mighty nation, so celebrated
+    for courage, is afraid? Why should we rush into war, in which our most
+    powerful ally seems unwilling to support us?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the same argument, an argument evidently false, and made specious
+    only by interest, may be used by all, till some one, more bold and
+    honest than the rest, shall dare to rise in vindication of those rights
+    which all have promised to maintain; and why should not the greatest
+    nation be the first that shall avow her solemn engagements? Why should
+    not they be most diligent in the prosecution of an affair who have most
+    to lose by its miscarriage?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am always willing to believe, that no member of this assembly makes
+    use, in any solemn debate, of arguments which do not appear rational to
+    himself, and yet it is difficult to conceive that any man can imagine
+    himself released from a promise, because the same promise is broken by
+    another, or that he is at liberty to desert his friend in distress,
+    because others desert him, whose good offices he has equal reason to
+    expect, and that the more his assistance is needed, the more right he
+    has to deny it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely such arguments as these deserve not, need not a confutation.
+    Before we regulate our conduct by that of others, we must either prove
+    that they have done right, which proof will be a sufficient defence
+    without the precedent, or own that they are more capable of judging than
+    we, and that, therefore, we pay an implicit submission to their dictates
+    and example; a sacrifice which we shall not willingly make to the vanity
+    of our neighbours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present case it is evident that if other nations neglect the
+    performance of their contracts, they are guilty of the breach of publick
+    faith; of a crime, that, if it should generally be imitated, would
+    dissolve society, and throw human nature into confusion, that would
+    change the most happy region into deserts, in which one savage would be
+    preying on another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are they only propagating an example, which in some distant times
+    may be pleaded against themselves, but they are exposing themselves to
+    more immediate dangers; they are forwarding designs that have no
+    tendency but to their ruin, they are adding strength to their inveterate
+    enemies, and beckoning invasion to their own frontiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, instead of hardening ourselves in perfidy, or lulling
+    ourselves in security by their example, exert all our influence to unite
+    them, and all our power to assist them. Let us show them what they ought
+    to determine by our resolutions, and teach them to act by our vigour;
+    that, if the house of Austria be preserved, our alliance may be
+    strengthened by new motives of gratitude; and that, if it must be that
+    the liberties of this part of the world be lost, we may not reproach
+    ourselves with having neglected to defend them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not to be supposed
+    that such members of this assembly as are not engaged in publick
+    affairs, should receive very exact intelligence of the dispositions of
+    foreign powers, and, therefore, I do not wonder that the conduct of the
+    Dutch has been misrepresented, and that they are suspected of neglecting
+    their engagements at a time when they are endeavouring to perform them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Dutch have now under consideration the most proper methods of
+    assisting the queen of Hungary, and maintaining the Pragmatick sanction;
+    it may be, indeed, justly suspected, from the nature of their
+    constitution, that their motions will be slow, but it cannot be
+    asserted, that they break their engagements, or desert their
+    confederates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there any reason for imagining that the other princes, who have
+    incurred the same obligations, will not endeavour to perform their
+    promises; it may be easily conceived that some of them are not able at a
+    sudden summons to afford great assistance, and that others may wait the
+    result of our deliberations, and regulate their conduct by our example.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that we ought to neglect our engagements, or endanger our country,
+    because other powers are either perfidious, or insensible; for I am not
+    afraid to declare, that if that should happen, which there is no reason
+    to suspect, if all the other powers should desert the defence of the
+    Austrian line, should consent to annul the Pragmatick sanction, and
+    leave the queen of Hungary to the mercy of her enemies, I would advise
+    that Britain alone should pour her armies into the continent, that she
+    should defend her ally against the most formidable confederacy, and show
+    mankind an example of constancy not to be shaken, and of faith not to be
+    violated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be, therefore, our duty to support the Pragmatick sanction, it is
+    now the time for declaring our resolutions, when the imperial crown is
+    claimed by a multitude of competitors, among whom the elector of
+    Bavaria, a very powerful prince, has, by his minister, notified his
+    pretensions to the court of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ancient alliance between this prince and the French is well known,
+    nor can we doubt that he will now implore their assistance for the
+    attainment of the throne to which he aspires; and I need not say what
+    may be expected from an emperour, whose elevation was procured by the
+    forces of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only prince that claims the imperial crown upon
+    plausible pretences, or whose claims other powers may combine to
+    support; it is well known, that even the Spanish monarch believes
+    himself entitled to it, nor can we, who have no communication with him,
+    know whether he has not declared to all the other princes of Europe, his
+    resolution to assert his claim.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is far from being impossible that the pretensions of the house of
+    Bourbon may be revived, and that though no single prince of that family
+    should attempt to mount the imperial throne, they may all conspire to
+    dismember the empire into petty kingdoms, and free themselves from the
+    dread of a formidable neighbour, by erecting a number of diminutive
+    sovereigns, who may be always courting the assistance of their
+    protectors, for the sake of harassing each other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus will the house by which Europe has been hitherto protected, sink
+    into an empty name, and we shall be left to stand alone against all the
+    powers that profess a different religion, and whose interest is opposite
+    to that of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought, indeed, to act with the utmost vigour, when we see one of the
+    most powerful of the reformed princes so far forgetful of the interest
+    of our religion, as to cooperate with the designs of France, and so
+    intent upon improving the opportunity of distressing the house of
+    Austria, as to neglect the common cause, and expose himself or his
+    posterity to the danger of becoming a dependant on the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, I cannot agree that our army, though numerous and
+    burdensome, is greater than the necessity of affairs requires: if we
+    cast our eyes on the continent, nothing is to be seen but general
+    confusion, powerful armies in motion, the dominions of one prince
+    invaded, of another threatened; the tumults of ambition in one place,
+    and a panick stillness in another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What will be the event of these commotions who can discover? And how can
+    we know what may determine the course of that flood of power, which is
+    now in a state of uncertain fluctuation, or seems driven to different
+    points by different impulses? How soon may the Dutch see their barrier
+    attacked, and call upon us for the ten thousand men which we are obliged
+    to send them? How soon may the house of Austria be so distressed, as to
+    require all our power for its preservation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we are to leave nothing unattempted for the security of our own
+    religion and liberty, will easily be granted, and, therefore, unless it
+    can be proved that we may be equally secure, though the house of Austria
+    be ruined, it will necessarily follow that we are, with all our power,
+    to enforce the observation of the Pragmatick sanction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not an act of romantick generosity, but such as the closest
+    attention to our own interest shows to be necessary; in defending the
+    queen of Hungary we defend ourselves, and only extinguish that flame, by
+    which, if it be suffered to spread, we shall ourselves be consumed. The
+    empire may be considered as the bulwark of Britain, which, if it be
+    thrown down, leaves us naked and defenceless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, consider our own danger, and remember, that while we
+    are considering this supply, we are deliberating upon nothing less than
+    the fate of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, I am on this
+    occasion of an opinion different from that of the honourable member who
+    spoke the second in this debate, though on most questions our judgment
+    has been the same. I am so far from seconding his proposal for delaying
+    the consideration of this supply, that I think it may justly be
+    inquired, why it was not sooner proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the support of the house of Austria, and the assertion of the
+    Pragmatick sanction, no man can be more zealous than myself; I am
+    convinced how closely the interest of this nation and that of the
+    Austrian family are united, and how much either must be endangered by
+    the ruin of the other, and, therefore, I shall not delay, for a single
+    moment, my consent to any measures that may reestablish our interest on
+    the continent, and rescue Germany once more from the jaws of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am afraid that we have lost part of our influence in the neighbouring
+    countries, and that the name of Britain is less formidable than
+    heretofore; but if reputation is lost, it is time to recover it, and I
+    doubt not but it may be recovered by the same means that it was at first
+    obtained. Our armies may be yet equally destructive, and our money
+    equally persuasive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have not yet suffered, amidst all our misconduct, our naval force to
+    be diminished; our sailors yet retain their ancient courage, and our
+    fleets are sufficient to keep the dominion of the ocean, and prescribe
+    limits to the commerce of every nation. While this power remains
+    unimpaired, while Britain retains her natural superiority, and asserts
+    the honour of her flag in every climate, we cannot become despicable,
+    nor can any nation ridicule our menaces or scorn our alliance. We may
+    still extend our influence to the inland countries, and awe those
+    nations which we cannot invade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To preserve this power let us watch over the disposal of our money;
+    money is the source of dominion; those nations may be formidable for
+    their affluence which are not considerable for their numbers; and by a
+    negligent profusion of their wealth, the most powerful people may
+    languish into imbecility, and sink into contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the grant which is now demanded will be sufficient to produce the
+    ends to which it is proposed to be applied, if we are assured of the
+    proper application of it, I shall agree to it without hesitation. But
+    though it cannot be affirmed that the sum now demanded is too high a
+    price for the liberties of Europe, it is at least more than ought to be
+    squandered without effect, and we ought at least to know before we grant
+    it, what advantages may be expected from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    May not the sum demanded for the support of the queen of Hungary be
+    employed to promote very different interests? May it not be lavished to
+    support that power, to which our grants have too long contributed? that
+    power by which ourselves have been awed, and the administration has
+    tyrannised without control?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this sum is really intended to support the queen of Hungary, may we
+    not inquire how it is to be employed for her service? Is it to be sent
+    her for the payment of her armies, and the support of her court? Should
+    we not more effectually secure her dominions by purchasing with it the
+    friendship and assistance of the king of Prussia, a prince, whose extent
+    of dominions and numerous forces, make him not more formidable than his
+    personal qualities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What may be hoped, sir, from a prince of wisdom and courage, at the head
+    of a hundred and ten thousand regular troops, with eight millions in his
+    treasury? How much he must necessarily add to the strength of any party
+    in which he shall engage, is unnecessary to mention; it is evident,
+    without proof, that nothing could so much contribute to the
+    reestablishment of the house of Austria, as a reconciliation with this
+    mighty prince, and that, to bring it to pass, would be the most
+    effectual method of serving the unfortunate queen that requires our
+    assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we should despair, sir, of such a reconciliation I cannot perceive;
+    a reconciliation equally conducive to the real interest of both parties.
+    It may be proved, with very little difficulty, to the king of Prussia,
+    that he is now assisting those with whom interests incompatible and
+    religions irreconcilable have set him at variance, whom he can never see
+    prosperous but by the diminution of his own greatness, and who will
+    always project his ruin while they are enjoying the advantages of his
+    victories. We may easily convince him that their power will soon become,
+    by his assistance, such as he cannot hope to withstand, and show, from
+    the examples of other princes, how dangerous it is to add to the
+    strength of an ambitious neighbour. We may show him how much the fate of
+    the empire is now in his hands, and how much more glorious and more
+    advantageous it will be to preserve it from ruin, than to contribute to
+    its destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If by such arguments, sir, this potent monarch can be induced to act
+    steadily in defence of the common cause, we may once more stand at the
+    head of a protestant confederacy; of a confederacy that may contract the
+    views and repress the ambition of the house of Bourbon, and alter their
+    schemes of universal monarchy into expedients for the defence of their
+    dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But in transacting these affairs, let us not engage in any intricate
+    treaties, nor amuse ourselves with displaying our abilities for
+    negotiation; negotiation, that fatal art which we have learned as yet
+    very imperfectly, and which we have never attempted to practise but to
+    our own loss. While we have been entangled in tedious disquisitions, and
+    retarded by artful delays, while our commissaries have been debating
+    about what was only denied to produce controversies, and inquiring after
+    that which has been hid from them only to divert their attention from
+    other questions, how many opportunities have been lost, and how often
+    might we have secured by war, what was, at a much greater expense, lost
+    by treaties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Treaties, sir, are the artillery of our enemies, to which we have
+    nothing to oppose; they are weapons of which we know not the use, and
+    which we can only escape by not coming within their reach. I know not by
+    what fatality it is, that to treat and to be cheated, are, with regard
+    to Britons, words of the same signification; nor do I intend, by this
+    observation, to asperse the characters of particular persons, for
+    treaties, by whomsoever carried on, have ended always with the same
+    success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is time, therefore, to know, at length, our weakness and our
+    strength, and to resolve no longer to put ourselves voluntarily into the
+    power of our enemies: our troops have been always our ablest
+    negotiators, and to them it has been, for the most part, necessary at
+    last to refer our cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, then, always preserve our martial character, and neglect the
+    praise of political cunning; a quality which, I believe, we shall never
+    attain, and which, if we could obtain, would add nothing to our honour.
+    Let it be the practice of the Britons to declare their resolutions
+    without reserve, and adhere to them in opposition to danger; let them be
+    ambitious of no other elogies than those which may be gained by honesty
+    and courage, nor will they then ever find their allies diffident, or
+    their enemies contemptuous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By recovering and asserting this character, we may become once more the
+    arbiters of Europe, and be courted by all the protestant powers as their
+    protectors: we may once more subdue the ambition of the aspiring French,
+    and once more deliver the house of Austria from the incessant pursuit of
+    those restless enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The defence of that illustrious family, sir, has always appeared to me,
+    since I studied the state of Europe, the unvariable interest of the
+    British nation, and our obligations to support it on this particular
+    occasion have already been sufficiently explained.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whence it proceeded, sir, that those who now so zealously espouse the
+    Austrian interest, have been so plainly forgetful of it on other
+    occasions, I cannot determine. That treaties have been made very little
+    to the advantage of that family, and that its enemies have been suffered
+    to insult it without opposition, is well known; nor was it long ago that
+    it was debated in this house, whether any money should be lent to the
+    late emperour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No publick or private character can be supported, no enemy, sir, can be
+    intimidated, nor any friend confirmed in his adherence, but by a steady
+    and consistent conduct, by proposing, in all our actions, such ends as
+    may be openly avowed, and by pursuing them without regard to temporary
+    inconveniencies, or petty obstacles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such conduct, sir, I would gladly recommend on the present occasion, on
+    which I should be far from advising a faint, an irresolute, or momentary
+    assistance, such supplies as declare diffidence in our own strength, or
+    a mean inclination to please contrary parties at the same time, to
+    perform our engagements with the queen, and continue our friendship with
+    France. It is, in my opinion, proper to espouse our ally with the spirit
+    of a nation that expects her decisions to be ratified, that holds the
+    balance of the world in her hand, and can bestow conquest and empire at
+    her pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, it cannot be denied that many powerful reasons may be brought
+    against any new occasions of expense, nor is it without horrour and
+    astonishment that any man, conversant in political calculations, can
+    consider the enormous profusion of the national treasure. In the late
+    dreadful confusion of the world, when the ambition of France had set
+    half the nations of the earth on flame, when we sent our armies to the
+    continent, and fought the general quarrel of mankind, we paid, during
+    the reigns of king William and his great successour, reigns of which
+    every summer was distinguished by some important action, but four
+    millions yearly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our preparations for the present war, in which scarcely a single
+    ship of war has been taken, or a single fortress laid in ruins, have
+    brought upon the nation an expense of five millions. So much more are we
+    now obliged to pay to amuse the weakest, than formerly to subdue the
+    most powerful of our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality, which is always prudent, is, at this time, sir,
+    indispensable, when war, dreadful as it is, may be termed the lightest
+    of our calamities; when the seasons have disappointed us of bread, and
+    an universal scarcity afflicts the nation. Every day brings us accounts
+    from different parts of the country, and every account is a new evidence
+    of the general calamity, of the want of employment for the poor, and its
+    necessary consequence, the want of food.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He that is scarce able to preserve himself, cannot be expected to assist
+    others; nor is that money to be granted to foreign powers, which is
+    wanted for the support of our fellow-subjects, who are now languishing
+    with diseases, which unaccustomed hardships and unwholesome provisions
+    have brought upon them, while we are providing against distant dangers,
+    and bewailing the distresses of the house of Austria.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not add to the miseries of famine the mortifications of insult
+    and neglect; let our countrymen, at least, divide our care with our
+    allies, and while we form schemes for succouring the queen of Hungary,
+    let us endeavour to alleviate nearer distresses, and prevent or pacify
+    domestick discontents.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If there be any man whom the sight of misery cannot move to compassion,
+    who can hear the complaints of want without sympathy, and see the
+    general calamity of his country without employing one hour on schemes
+    for its relief; let not that man dare to boast of integrity, fidelity,
+    or honour; let him not presume to recommend the preservation of our
+    faith, or adherence to our confederates: that wretch can have no real
+    regard to any moral obligation, who has forgotten those first duties
+    which nature impresses; nor can he that neglects the happiness of his
+    country, recommend any good action for a good reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It should be considered, sir, that we can only be useful to our allies,
+    and formidable to our enemies, by being unanimous and mutually confident
+    of the good intentions of each other, and that nothing but a steady
+    attention to the publick welfare, a constant readiness to remove
+    grievances, and an apparent unwillingness to impose new burdens, can
+    produce that unanimity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the cause is, therefore, necessarily to precede the effect, as
+    foreign influence is the consequence of happiness at home, let us first
+    endeavour to establish that alacrity and security that may animate the
+    people to assert their ancient superiority to other nations, and restore
+    that plenty which may raise them above any temptation to repine at
+    assistance given to our allies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No man, sir, can very solicitously watch over the welfare of his
+    neighbour whose mind is depressed by poverty, or distracted by terrour;
+    and when the nation shall see us anxious for the preservation of the
+    queen of Hungary, and unconcerned about the wants of our
+    fellow-subjects, what can be imagined, but that we have some method of
+    exempting ourselves from the common distress, and that we regard not the
+    publick misery when we do not feel it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, it is always
+    proper for every man to lay down some principles upon which he proposes
+    to act, whether in publick or private; that he may not be always
+    wavering, uncertain, and irresolute; that his adherents may know what
+    they are to expect, and his adversaries be able to tell why they are
+    opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, even for his own sake, that he may not be always
+    struggling with himself; that he may know his own determinations, and
+    enforce them by the reasons which have prevailed upon him to form them;
+    that he may not argue in the same speech to contrary purposes, and weary
+    the attention of his hearers with contrasts and antitheses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a man admits the necessity of granting a supply, expatiates upon
+    the danger that may be produced by retarding it, declares against the
+    least delay, however speciously proposed, and enforces the arguments
+    which have been already offered to show how much it is our duty and
+    interest to allow it; may it not reasonably be imagined, that he intends
+    to promote it, and is endeavouring to convince them of that necessity of
+    which he seems himself convinced?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But when the same man proceeds to display, with equal eloquence, the
+    present calamities of the nation, and tells to how much better purposes
+    the sum thus demanded may be applied; when he dwells upon the
+    possibility that an impolitick use may be made of the national treasure,
+    and hints that it may be asked for one purpose and employed to another,
+    what can be collected from his harangue, however elegant, entertaining,
+    and pathetick? How can his true opinion be discovered? Or how shall we
+    fix such fugitive reasonings, such variable rhetorick?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not able, sir, to discern, why truth should be obscured; or why any
+    man should take pleasure in heaping together all the arguments that his
+    knowledge may supply, or his imagination suggest, against a proposition
+    which he cannot deny. Nor can I assign any good purpose that can be
+    promoted by perpetual renewals of debate, and by a repetition of
+    objections, which have in former conferences, on the same occasion, been
+    found of little force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the system of affairs is not fully laid open, and the schemes of
+    the administration are in part unknown, it is easy to raise objections
+    formidable in appearance, which, perhaps, cannot be answered till the
+    necessity of secrecy is taken away. When any general calamity has fallen
+    upon a nation, it is a very fruitful topick of rhetorick, and may be
+    very pathetically exaggerated, upon a thousand occasions to which it has
+    no necessary relation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, In my opinion, sir, is the use now made of the present scarcity, a
+    misfortune inflicted upon us by the hand of providence alone; not upon
+    us only, but upon all the nations on this side of the globe, many of
+    which suffer more, but none less than ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If at such a time it is more burdensome to the nation to raise supplies,
+    it must be remembered, that it is in proportion difficult to other
+    nations to oppose those measures for which the supplies are granted; and
+    that the same sum is of greater efficacy in times of scarcity than of
+    plenty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our present distress will, I hope, soon be at an end; and, perhaps, a
+    few days may produce at least some alteration. It is not without reason,
+    that I expect the news of some successful attempts in America, which
+    will convince the nation, that the preparations for war have not been
+    idle shows, contrived to produce unnecessary expenses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time it is necessary that we support that power which may be
+    able to assist us against France, the only nation from which any danger
+    can threaten us, even though our fleets in America should be
+    unsuccessful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we defeat the Spaniards, we may assist the house of Austria without
+    difficulty, and if we fail in our attempts, their alliance will be more
+    necessary. The sum demanded for this important purpose cannot be
+    censured as exorbitant, yet will, I hope, be sufficient: if more should
+    hereafter appear necessary, I doubt not but it will be granted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question passed without opposition.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_18"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON CHOOSING A SPEAKER.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The new house of commons being met, the usher came from the house of
+    lords, with his majesty's commands for their immediate attendance, when
+    they were ordered to choose a speaker; and being returned, Mr. PELHAM
+    addressed himself in the following manner to the clerk of the house:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HARDINGE,
+</p>
+<p>
+    As we are here assembled, in pursuance of the imperial summons, it is
+    necessary, in obedience to his majesty's commands, and the established
+    custom of this house, that we proceed immediately to the choice of a
+    person qualified for the chair.&mdash;Gentlemen, it is with no common degree
+    of satisfaction, that I observe this assembly so numerous on the first
+    day; because whatever is transacted by us, must necessarily be
+    considered by the nation with more regard, as it is approved by a
+    greater number of their representatives; and because the present affair,
+    which relates particularly to this house, must be more satisfactorily
+    conducted, as our number is greater; since every man must willingly
+    abide by his own choice, and cheerfully submit to that authority, of
+    which he has himself concurred to the establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The qualifications required in the person who shall fill the chair, to
+    his own reputation, and the advantage of the house, it is not necessary
+    minutely to recount; it being obvious to every gentleman who hears me,
+    that he must possess such an equality of temper, as may enable him
+    always to preserve a steady and impartial attention, neither discomposed
+    by the irregularities into which some gentlemen, unacquainted with the
+    forms of this assembly, may easily fall, nor disconcerted by the heat
+    and turbulence to which, in former parliaments, some of those whose
+    experience might have taught them the necessity of decency, have been
+    too often hurried by the eagerness of controversy. That he must add to
+    his perpetual serenity, such a firmness of mind, as may enable him to
+    repress petulance and subdue contumacy, and support the orders of the
+    house, in whatever contrariety of counsels, or commotion of debate,
+    against all attempts of infraction or deviation. That to give efficacy
+    to his interpositions, and procure veneration to his decisions, he must,
+    from his general character and personal qualities, derive such dignity
+    and authority, as may naturally dispose the minds of others to
+    obedience, as may suppress the murmurs of envy, and prevent the
+    struggles of competition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These qualifications were eminently conspicuous in the gentleman who
+    filled the chair in the earlier part of my life, and who is now one of
+    the ornaments of the other house. Such were his abilities, and such his
+    conduct, that it would be presumptuous in any man, however endowed by
+    nature, or accomplished by study, to aspire to surpass him; nor can a
+    higher encomium be easily conceived, than this house bestowed upon that
+    person, who was thought worthy to succeed him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The office which we have now to confer, is not only arduous with regard
+    to the abilities necessary to the execution of it, but extremely
+    burdensome and laborious, such as requires continual attendance, and
+    incessant application; nor can it be expected that any man would engage
+    in it, who is not ready to devote his time and his health to the service
+    of the publick, and to struggle with fatigue and restraint for the
+    advantage of his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the gentleman whom I shall propose to your choice; one whose
+    zeal for the present imperial house, and the prosperity of the nation,
+    has been always acknowledged, and of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+    will be deterred by any difficulties from a province which will afford
+    him so frequent opportunities of promoting the common interest of the
+    emperour and the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What success may be expected from his endeavours, we can only judge from
+    his present influence; influence produced only by his private virtues;
+    but so extensive in that part of the nation which lies within the reach
+    of his beneficence, and the observation of his merit, that it sets him
+    not only above the danger, but above the fear of opposition, and secures
+    him a seat in this assembly without contest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus deputed by his country to many successive senates, he has acquired
+    an unrivalled degree of knowledge in the methods of our proceedings, and
+    an eminent dexterity in digesting them with that order and perspicuity
+    by which only the transaction of great affairs can be made expeditious,
+    and the discussion of difficult questions be disentangled from
+    perplexity; qualities which are now made particularly necessary by the
+    importance of the subjects to be considered in this senate: so that I
+    doubt not but you will unanimously concur with me in desiring that the
+    chair may be filled by a person eminently distinguished by his
+    knowledge, his integrity, his diligence, and his reputation; and
+    therefore I move, without scruple, that the right honourable Arthur
+    ONSLOW, esquire, be called to the chair.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion in this manner:&mdash;That I am not
+    able to add any thing to the encomium of the right honourable gentleman
+    nominated to the president's chair, gives me no concern, because I am
+    confident, that in the opinion of this assembly, his name alone includes
+    all panegyrick, and that he who recommends Arthur ONSLOW, esquire, will
+    never be required to give the reason of his choice. I therefore rise now
+    only to continue the common methods of the house, and to second a motion
+    which I do not expect that any will oppose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Here the whole assembly cried out, with a general acclamation, ONSLOW,
+</p>
+<center>
+    ONSLOW.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. ONSLOW then rose up and said:&mdash;Though I might allege many reasons
+    against this choice, of which the strongest is my inability to discharge
+    the trust conferred upon me in a manner suitable to its importance, yet
+    I have too high an idea of the wisdom of this assembly, to imagine that
+    they form any resolution without just motives; and therefore shall think
+    it my duty to comply with their determination, however opposite to my
+    own opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM and Mr. CLUTTERBUCK then led him to the chair, where, before
+    he went up to it, he desired, That the house would consider how little
+    he was qualified for the office which they were about to confer upon
+    him, and fix their choice upon some other person, who might be capable
+    of discharging so important a trust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The members calling out, The chair, chair, chair, he ascended the step,
+    and then addressed himself thus to the house:&mdash;Gentlemen, since it is
+    your resolution, that I should once more receive the honour of being
+    exalted to this important office, for which it is not necessary to
+    mention how little I am qualified, since I may hope that those defects
+    which have hitherto been excused, will still find the same indulgence;
+    my gratitude for a distinction so little deserved, will always incite me
+    to consult the honour of the house, and enable me to supply, by duty and
+    diligence, what is wanting in my knowledge and capacity.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_19"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The king came again to the house of lords, and the commons being sent
+    for, his majesty approved their choice of a president, and made a speech
+    to both houses, in which he represented to them, That their counsel was
+    in a particular manner necessary, as they were engaged in a war with
+    Spain, as the affairs of all Europe were in confusion, by the
+    confederacy of many formidable powers for the destruction of the house
+    of Austria; that both houses of the preceding session had come to the
+    strongest resolutions in favour of the queen of Hungary, but that the
+    other powers who were equally engaged to support her, had not yet acted
+    according to their stipulations; that he had endeavoured to assist her
+    ever since the death of the emperour Charles, and hoped that a just
+    sense of common danger would induce other nations to unite with him; but
+    that in this uncertain situation, it was necessary that Britain should
+    be in a condition of supporting itself and its allies, as any exigency
+    might require. He therefore ordered the estimates for the ensuing year
+    to be laid before the commons.&mdash;This speech being under the consideration
+    of the house of lords, lord MILTON spoke in the following manner:
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, though the present perplexity of our affairs, the contrariety
+    of opinions produced by it, and the warmth with which each opinion will
+    probably be supported, might justly discourage me from proposing any of
+    my sentiments to this great assembly, yet I cannot repress my
+    inclination to offer a motion, in my opinion, regular and seasonable,
+    and which, if it should appear otherwise to your lordships, will, I
+    hope, though it should not be received, at least be forgiven, because I
+    have never before wearied your patience, or interrupted or retarded your
+    consultations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I am very far from imagining that by this motion I can give any
+    occasion to debate or opposition, because I shall propose no innovation
+    in the principles, or alteration of the practice of this assembly, nor
+    intend any thing more than to lay before your lordships my opinion of
+    the manner in which it may be proper to address his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To return him our humble thanks for his most gracious speech from the
+    throne, and, at the same time, to present unto his majesty our sincere
+    and joyful congratulations on his safe and happy return into this
+    empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To observe with the utmost thankfulness the great concern which his
+    majesty has been pleased to express for carrying on the just and
+    necessary war against Spain, which we hope, by the divine blessing upon
+    his majesty's arms, will be attended with success equal to the justice
+    of his cause, and the ardent wishes of his people. That,
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty has so truly represented the impending dangers to which
+    Europe is exposed, in the present critical conjuncture, as must awaken,
+    in every one, an attention suitable to the occasion: and we cannot but
+    be fully sensible of the evil consequences arising from the designs and
+    enterprises, formed and carrying on for the subversion or reduction of
+    the house of Austria, which threaten such apparent mischiefs to the
+    common cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To acknowledge his imperial goodness in expressing so earnest a desire
+    to receive, and so high a regard for, the advice of his parliament: his
+    majesty, secure of the loyalty and affections of his people, may rely
+    upon that, with the best-grounded confidence; and to assure his majesty,
+    that we will not fail to take the important points, which he has been
+    pleased to mention to us, into our most serious consideration; and, in
+    the most dutiful manner, to offer to his majesty such advice as shall
+    appear to us to be most conducive to the honour and true interest of his
+    crown and kingdoms. To assure his majesty that we have a due sense, how
+    much the present posture of affairs calls upon us for that unanimity,
+    vigour, and despatch, which his majesty has so wisely recommended to us;
+    and to give his majesty the strongest assurances, that we will
+    vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary measures for
+    the defence and support of his majesty, the maintenance of the balance
+    and liberties of Europe, and the assistance of our allies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That as duty and affection to his majesty are, in us, fixed and
+    unalterable principles, so we feel the impressions of them, at this
+    time, so strong and lively in our breasts, that we cannot omit to lay
+    hold on this opportunity of approaching his imperial presence, to renew
+    the most sincere professions of our constant and inviolable fidelity:
+    and to promise his majesty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is
+    dear to us, exert ourselves for the defence and preservation of his
+    sacred person and government, and the maintenance of the protestant
+    succession in his imperial house, on which the continuance of the
+    protestant religion, and the liberties of Britain, do, under God,
+    depend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, as this address will not obstruct any future inquiries, by any
+    approbation of past measures, either positive or implied, I doubt not
+    but your lordships will readily concur in it, and am persuaded, that it
+    will confirm his majesty's regard for our councils, and confidence in
+    our loyalty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord LOVEL spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;My lords, the dangers which have
+    been justly represented by his majesty, ought to remind us of the
+    importance of unusual circumspection in our conduct, and deter us from
+    any innovations, of which we may not foresee the consequences, at a time
+    when there may be no opportunity of repairing any miscarriage, or
+    correcting any mistake.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There appears, my lords, not to be at this time any particular reason
+    for changing the form of our addresses, no privileges of our house have
+    been invaded, nor any designs formed against the publick. His majesty
+    has evidently not deviated from the practice of the wisest and most
+    beloved of our British monarchs; he has, upon this emergence of
+    unexpected difficulties, summoned the senate to counsel and assist him;
+    and surely it will not be consistent with the wisdom of this house to
+    increase the present perplexity of our affairs, by new embarrassments,
+    which may be easily imagined likely to arise from an address different
+    from those which custom has established.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The prospect which now lies before us, a prospect which presents us only
+    with dangers, distraction, invasions, and revolutions, ought to engage
+    our attentions, without leaving us at leisure for disputations upon
+    ceremonies or forms. It ought to be the care of every lord in this
+    house, not how to address, but how to advise his majesty; how to assist
+    the councils of the publick, and contribute to such determinations, as
+    may avert the calamities that impend over mankind, and stop the wild
+    excursions of power and ambition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought to reflect, my lords, that the expectations of all Europe are
+    raised by the convocation of this assembly; and that from our
+    resolutions, whole nations are waiting for their sentence. And how will
+    mankind be disappointed when they shall hear, that instead of declaring
+    war upon usurpers, or imposing peace on the disturbers of mankind,
+    instead of equipping navies to direct the course of commerce, or raising
+    armies to regulate the state of the continent, we met here in a full
+    assembly, and disagreed upon the form of an address.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, lay aside, at least for this time, all
+    petty debates and minute inquiries, and engage all in the great attempt
+    of reestablishing quiet in the world, and settling the limits of the
+    kingdoms of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then lord CARTERET spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, there is,
+    I find, at least one point upon which it is probable that those will now
+    agree whose sentiments have hitherto been, on almost every occasion,
+    widely different. The danger of our present situation is generally
+    allowed; but the consequences deduced from it are so contrary to each
+    other, as give little hopes of that unanimity which times of danger
+    particularly require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is alleged by the noble lord who spoke last, that since we are now
+    involved in difficulties, we ought only to inquire how to extricate
+    ourselves, and, therefore, ought not to leave ourselves the right of
+    inquiring how we were entangled in them, lest the perplexity of
+    different considerations should dissipate our attention, and disable us
+    from forming any useful determinations, or exerting any vigorous efforts
+    for our deliverance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, in my opinion, my lords, the most probable way of removing
+    difficulties, is to examine how they were produced, and, by consequence,
+    to whom they are to be imputed; for certainly, my lords, it is not to be
+    hoped that we shall regain what we have lost, but by measures different
+    from those which have reduced us to our present state, and by the
+    assistance of other counsellors than those who have sunk us into the
+    contempt, and exposed us to the ravages of every nation throughout the
+    world.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this inquiry, my lords, may be free and unobstructed, it is
+    necessary to address the throne, after the manner of our ancestors, in
+    general terms, without descending to particular facts, which, as we have
+    not yet examined them, we can neither censure nor approve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been objected by the noble lord, that foreign nations will be
+    disappointed by hearing, that instead of menaces of vengeance, and
+    declarations of unalterable adherence to the liberties of Europe, we
+    have wasted our time at this important juncture in settling the form of
+    an address.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That little time may be wasted on this occasion, I hope your lordships
+    will very speedily agree to an address suitable to the dignity of those
+    who make it, and to the occasion upon which it is made; for I cannot but
+    allow, that the present state of affairs calls upon us for despatch: but
+    though business ought, at this time, undoubtedly to be expedited, I hope
+    it will not be precipitated; and if it be demanded that the most
+    important questions be first determined, I know not any thing of greater
+    moment than that before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How we shall gratify the expectations of foreign powers, ought not, my
+    lords, to be our first or chief consideration; we ought, certainly,
+    first to inquire how the people may be set free from those suspicions,
+    which a long train of measures, evidently tending to impair their
+    privileges, has raised; and how they may be confirmed in their fidelity
+    to the government, of which they have for many years found no other
+    effects than taxes and exactions, for which they have received neither
+    protection abroad, nor encouragement at home.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if it be necessary to consult the inclinations, and
+    cultivate the esteem of foreign powers, I believe nothing will raise
+    more confidence in our allies, if there be any who are not now ashamed
+    of that name, or more intimidate those whose designs it is our interest
+    to defeat, than an open testimony of our resolution no longer to approve
+    that conduct by which the liberty of half Europe has been endangered;
+    and not to lavish praises on those men, who have in twenty years never
+    transacted any thing to the real benefit of their country, and of whom
+    it is highly probable that they have in the present war stipulated for
+    the defeat of all our attempts, and agreed, by some execrable compact,
+    to facilitate the exaltation of the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what facts I ground accusations so atrocious may justly be inquired
+    by your lordships; nor shall I find any difficulty in answering your
+    demand. For, if we extend our view over the whole world, and inquire
+    into the state of all our affairs, we shall find nothing but defeats,
+    miscarriages, and impotence, with their usual consequences, contempt and
+    distrust. We shall discover neither any tokens of that fear among our
+    enemies, which the power of the nation, and the reputation of our former
+    victories, might naturally produce; nor any proofs of that confidence
+    among those whom we still continue to term our allies, which the vigour
+    with which we have formerly supported our confederacies, give us a right
+    to expect. Those whom we once trampled, insult us; and those whom we
+    once protected, give us no credit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How reasonably, my lords, all nations have withdrawn from us their
+    reverence and esteem, will appear by a transient examination of our late
+    conduct, whether it regarded Europe in general, or influenced only the
+    particular affairs of the British nation; for it will appear beyond
+    possibility of doubt, that whoever has trusted the administration,
+    whether their own country, or any foreign powers, has trusted only to be
+    betrayed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is among our allies none whom we are more obliged to support than
+    the queen of Hungary, whose rights we are engaged, by all the
+    solemnities of treaties, to defend, and in whose cause every motive
+    operates that can warm the bosom of a man of virtue. Justice and
+    compassion plead equally on her side, and we are called upon to assist
+    her by our own interest, as well as the general duty of society, by
+    which every man is required to prevent oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What has been the effect of all these considerations may easily be
+    discovered from the present state of the continent, which is ravaged
+    without mercy by the armies of Spain and France. Why all succours have
+    been denied the queen of Hungary, and why the inveterate and hereditary
+    enemies of our nation, are suffered to enlarge their dominions without
+    resistance; why the rivals of our trade are left at full liberty to
+    equip their squadrons, and the persecutors of our religion suffered to
+    overrun those countries from whence only we can hope for assistance,
+    when the hatred which the difference of opinions produces, shall
+    threaten us with invasions and slavery, the whole world has long asked
+    to no purpose, and, therefore, it is without prospect of receiving
+    satisfaction that I engage in the same inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, since it is our duty to judge of the state of the publick, and a
+    true judgment can be the result only of accurate examination, I shall
+    proceed, without being discouraged by the ill success of former
+    attempts, to discover the motives of our late measures, and the ends
+    intended to be produced by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why the queen of Hungary was not assisted with land-forces, I shall, at
+    present, forbear to ask; that she expected them is, indeed, evident from
+    her solicitations; and, I suppose, it is no less apparent from treaties,
+    that she had a right to expect them; nor am I able to conceive, why
+    subsidies have been paid for troops which are never to be employed, or
+    why foreign princes should be enriched with the plunder of a nation
+    which they cannot injure, and do not defend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I know, my lords, how easily it may be replied, that the expenses of
+    a land war are certain, and the event hazardous, and that it is always
+    prudent to act with evident advantage on our side, and that the
+    superiority of Britain consists wholly in naval armaments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the fleets of Britain are equal in force and number of ships to the
+    united navies of the greatest part of the world; that our admirals are
+    men of known bravery, and long experience, and, therefore, formidable
+    not only for their real abilities and natural courage, but for the
+    confidence which their presence necessarily excites in their followers,
+    and the terrour which must always accompany success, and enervate those
+    who are accustomed to defeats; that our sailors are a race of men
+    distinguished by their ardour for war, and their intrepidity in danger,
+    from the rest of the human species; that they seem beings superiour to
+    fear, and delighted with those objects which cannot be named without
+    filling every other breast with horrour; that they are capable of
+    rushing upon apparent destruction without reluctance, and of standing
+    without concern amidst the complicated terrours of a naval war, is
+    universally known, and confessed, my lords, even by those whose interest
+    it is to doubt or deny it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the ocean, therefore, we are allowed to be irresistible; to be able
+    to shut up the ports of the continent, imprison the nations of Europe
+    within the limits of their own territories, deprive them of all foreign
+    assistance, and put a stop to the commerce of the world. It is allowed
+    that we are placed the sentinels at the barriers of nature, and the
+    arbiters of the intercourse of mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These are appellations, my lords, which, however splendid and
+    ostentatious, our ancestors obtained and preserved with less advantages
+    than we possess, by whom I am afraid they are about to be forfeited. The
+    dominion of the ocean was asserted in former times in opposition to
+    powers far more able to contest it, than those which we have so long
+    submissively courted, and of which we are now evidently afraid.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that we fear them, my lords, they are sufficiently convinced; and it
+    must be confessed, with whatsoever shame, that their opinion is well
+    founded; for to what motive but fear can it be imputed, that we have so
+    long supported their insolence without resentment, and their ravages
+    without reprisals; that we have fitted out fleets without any design of
+    dismissing them from our harbours, or sent them to the sea only to be
+    gazed at from the shores, by those whose menaces or artifice had given
+    occasion to their equipment, and in whom they raised no other emotions
+    than contempt of our cowardice, or pity of our folly?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what, my lords, can it be attributed, that the queen of Hungary has
+    yet received no assistance from allies thus powerful; from allies whose
+    fleets cover the sea, whose commerce extends to the remotest part of the
+    world, and whose wealth may be justly expected to be proportionate to
+    their commerce. To what can we ascribe the confidence with which the
+    house of Bourbon threatens the ruin of a princess, who numbers among her
+    allies the emperour of Britain?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident, my lords, than that the queen of Hungary has
+    been disappointed of the advantages which she expected from her
+    friendship with this nation, only by a degree of cowardice too
+    despicable to be mentioned without such terms, as the importance of this
+    debate, and the dignity of this assembly, do not admit; nor is it less
+    certain, from the conduct of her enemies, that they knew what would be
+    our measures, and confided for security in that cowardice which has
+    never yet deceived them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, my lords, be asserted, that our ally, however distressed, has
+    yet received the least assistance from our arms; neither the justice of
+    our cause has yet been able to awaken our virtue, nor the inseparable
+    union of her interest with our own, to excite our vigilance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, perhaps, my lords, we have had no opportunity of exerting our
+    force; perhaps the situation both of our enemies and ally was such, that
+    neither the one could be protected, nor the other opposed, by a naval
+    power; and, therefore, our inactivity was the effect not of want of
+    courage, but want of opportunity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though our ministers, my lords, have hitherto given no eminent proofs of
+    geographical knowledge, or of very accurate acquaintance with the state
+    of foreign countries, yet there is reason to believe that they must at
+    some time have heard or read, that the house of Austria had territories
+    in Italy; they must have been informed, unless their disbursements for
+    secret service are bestowed with very little judgment, that against
+    these dominions an army has been raised by the Spaniards; and they must
+    have discovered, partly by the information of their correspondents,
+    partly by the inspection of a map, and partly by the sagacity which
+    distinguishes them from all past and present ministers, that this army
+    was to be transported by sea from the coast of Spain to that of Italy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This knowledge, my lords, however attained, might have furnished minds,
+    which have always been found so fruitful of expedients, with a method of
+    hindering the descent of the Spanish troops, for which nothing more was
+    necessary than that they should have ordered admiral Haddock, instead of
+    retiring before the Spanish fleet of war, and watching them only that
+    they might escape, to lie still before Barcelona, where the transports
+    were stationed, with a convoy of only three men of war, and hinder their
+    departure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope it will be observed by your lordships, that though the road of
+    Barcelona is open and indefensible, though the fleet was unprotected by
+    ships of force, and though they lay, as I am informed, beyond the reach
+    of the guns on the fortifications upon the shore, I do not require that
+    Haddock should have destroyed the army and the ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am too well acquainted, my lords, with the lenity of our ministers to
+    the enemies of their country, and am too well convinced of the prudence
+    and tenderness of the restrictions by which the power of our admirals is
+    limited, to expect that our guns should be ever used but in salutations
+    of respect, or exultations on the conclusion of a peace. I am convinced,
+    that our ministers would shudder at the name of bloodshed and
+    destruction, and that they had rather hear that a thousand merchants
+    were made bankrupts by privateers, or all our allies deprived of their
+    dominions, than that one Spanish ship was sunk or burnt by the navies of
+    Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, though they are willing to spare the blood of their
+    enemies, yet surely they might have obstructed their enterprises; they
+    might have withheld those whom they were unwilling to strike, and have
+    endeavoured to fright those whom they determined never to hurt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To speak in terms more adapted to the subject before us: that the fleet
+    of Spain, a fleet of transports with such a convoy, should lie three
+    weeks in an open road, professedly fitted out against an ally united to
+    us by every tie of nature, and of policy, by the solemnity of treaties,
+    and conformity of interest; that it should lie undisturbed almost within
+    sight of a British navy; that it should lie there not only without
+    danger, but without apprehension of danger, has raised the astonishment
+    of every nation in Europe, has blasted the reputation of our arms,
+    impaired the influence of our counsels, and weakened the credit of our
+    publick faith.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There may be some, my lords, that will impute this absurdity of our
+    conduct, this disregard of our interest, this desertion of our
+    alliances, and this neglect of the most apparent opportunities of
+    success, not to cowardice, but treachery; a cause more detestable, as
+    more atrociously criminal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This opinion, my lords, I think it not necessary to oppose, both because
+    it cannot be charged with improbability, and because I think it may be
+    easily reconciled with my own assertions; for cowardice abroad produces
+    treachery at home, and they become traitors to their country who are
+    hindered by cowardice from the prosecution of her interest, and the
+    opposition of her enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may however be proper to declare, my lords, that I do not impute this
+    fatal cowardice to those who are intrusted with the command of our
+    navies, but to those from whom they are obliged to receive their
+    instructions, and upon whom they unhappily depend for the advancement of
+    their fortunes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is at least reasonable to impute miscarriages rather to those, who
+    are known to have given, formerly, such orders as a brave admiral
+    perished under the ignominious necessity of observing, than to those of
+    whom it cannot be said that any former part of their lives has been
+    stained with the reproach of cowardice; at least it is necessary to
+    suspend our judgment, till the truth shall be made apparent by a rigid
+    inquiry; and it is, therefore, proper to offer an address in general
+    terms, by which neither the actions or counsels of any man shall be
+    condemned nor approved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It would be more unreasonable to charge our soldiers or our sailors with
+    cowardice, because they have shown, even in those actions which have
+    failed of success, that they miscarried rather through temerity than
+    fear; and that whenever they are suffered to attack their enemies, they
+    are ready to march forward even where there is no possibility of
+    returning, and that they are only to be withheld from conquest by
+    obstacles which human prowess cannot surmount.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, was the state of those heroes who died under the walls
+    of Carthagena; that died in an enterprise so ill concerted, that I
+    ventured, with no great skill in war, and without the least pretence to
+    prescience, to foretell in this house that it would miscarry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it would, that it must miscarry; that it was even intended only to
+    amuse the nation with the appearance of an expedition, without any
+    design of weakening our enemies, was easily discovered; for why else, my
+    lords, was the army composed of men newly drawn from the shop, and from
+    the plough, unacquainted with the use of arms, and ignorant of the very
+    terms of military discipline, when we had among us large bodies of
+    troops long kept up under the appearance of a regular establishment;
+    troops of whom we have long felt the expense, but of which the time is
+    not, it seems, yet come, that we are to know the use.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These men, my lords, who have so long practised the motions of battle,
+    and who have given in the park so many proofs of their dexterity and
+    activity, who have at least learned to distinguish the different sounds
+    of the drum, and know the faces and voices of the subaltern officers, at
+    least, might have been imagined better qualified for an attempt upon a
+    foreign kingdom, than those who were necessarily strangers to every part
+    of the military operations, and might have been sent upon our first
+    declaration of war, while the new-raised forces acquired at home the
+    same arts under the same inspection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, whether it was imagined that new forces would be long
+    before they learned the implicit obedience necessary to a soldier;
+    whether it was imagined that it would not be easy on a sudden to collect
+    troops of men so tall and well proportioned, or so well skilled in the
+    martial arts of curling and powdering their hair; or whether it would
+    have been dangerous to have deprived the other house of the counsels and
+    votes of many worthy members, who had at the same time a seat in the
+    senate, and a commission in the army, it was thought necessary to send
+    out raw forces to attack our enemies, and to keep our disciplined troops
+    at home to awe the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did the minister, my lords, think it sufficient to obstruct the
+    expedition to America by employing new-raised troops, unless they were
+    likewise placed under the command of a man, who, though of undoubted
+    courage, was, with respect to the conduct of an army, as ignorant as
+    themselves. It was therefore determined, my lords, that all those
+    officers who had gained experience in former wars, and purchased
+    military knowledge by personal danger, should be disappointed and
+    rejected for the sake of advancing a man, who, as he had less skill, was
+    less likely to be successful, and was, therefore, more proper to direct
+    an expedition proposed only to intimidate the British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the event was such as might be expected from the means, your
+    lordships need not to be informed, nor can it be questioned with what
+    intentions these means were contrived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am very far, my lords, from charging our ministers with ignorance, or
+    upbraiding them with mistakes on this occasion, for their whole conduct
+    has been uniform, and all their schemes consistent with each other: nor
+    do I doubt their knowledge of the consequence of their measures, so far
+    as it was to be foreseen by human prudence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether they have carried on negotiations, or made war; whether they
+    have conducted our own affairs, or those of our ally the queen of
+    Hungary, they have still discovered the same intention, and promoted it
+    by the same means. They have suffered the Spanish fleets to sail first
+    for supplies from one port to another, and then from the coasts of Spain
+    to those of America. They have permitted the Spaniards, without
+    opposition, to land in Italy, when it was not necessary even to withhold
+    them from it by any actual violence; for had the fleet, my lords, been
+    under my command, I would have only sent the Spanish admiral a
+    prohibition to sail, and am sure it would have been observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have neglected to purchase the friendship of the king of Prussia,
+    which might, perhaps, have been obtained upon easy terms, but which they
+    ought to have gained at whatever rate; and, to conclude, we have been
+    lately informed that the neutrality is signed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the conduct of the ministry, by which it cannot be
+    denied that we are involved in many difficulties, and exposed to great
+    contempt; but from this contempt we may recover, and disentangle
+    ourselves from these difficulties, by a vigorous prosecution of measures
+    opposite to those by which we have been reduced to our present state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, without that confusion which fear naturally produces,
+    the circumstances of our affairs, it will appear that we have
+    opportunities in our hands of recovering our losses, and reestablishing
+    our reputation; those losses which have been suffered while we had two
+    hundred ships of war at sea, which have permitted three hundred
+    merchant-ships to be taken; and that reputation which has been destroyed
+    when there was no temptation either to a compliance with our enemies, or
+    to a desertion of our friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that we make war at present rather with the
+    queen than the people of Spain; and it is reasonable to conclude, that a
+    war carried on contrary to the general good, and against the general
+    opinion, cannot be lasting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is certain that the Spaniards, whenever they have been attacked by
+    men acquainted with the science of war, and furnished with necessary
+    stores for hostile attempts, have discovered either ignorance or
+    cowardice, and have either fled meanly, or resisted unskilfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, probable, my lords, that either our enemies will
+    desist from the prosecution of a war, which few of them approve; or that
+    we shall, by vigorous descents upon their coasts, and their colonies,
+    the interruption of their trade, and the diminution of their forces,
+    soon compel them to receive peace upon our own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these advantages, my lords, are only to be expected from a change of
+    conduct, which change can never be produced by a seeming approbation of
+    the past measures. I am therefore of opinion, that we ought to address
+    the throne in general terms, according to the ancient practice of this
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In considering the address proposed, I cannot but conclude that it is
+    too much diffused, and that it would be more forcible if it was more
+    concise: to shorten it will be no difficult task, by the omission of all
+    the clauses that correspond with particular parts of his majesty's
+    speech, which I cannot discover the necessity of repeating.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the congratulation to his majesty upon his return to his once
+    glorious dominions, no lord shall concur more readily or more zealously
+    than myself; nor shall I even deny to extend my compliments to the
+    ministry, when it shall appear that they deserve them; but I am never
+    willing to be lavish of praise, because it becomes less valuable by
+    being prodigally bestowed; and on occasions so important as this, I can
+    never consent to praise before I have examined, because inquiry comes
+    too late after approbation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY rose next, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, if the
+    dangers that threaten our happiness and our safety be such as they have
+    been represented; if ambition has extended her power almost beyond a
+    possibility of resistance, and oppression, elated with success, begins
+    to design no less than the universal slavery of mankind; if the powers
+    of Europe stand aghast at the calamities which hang over them, and
+    listen with helpless confusion to that storm which they can neither
+    avoid nor resist, how ought our conduct to be influenced by this
+    uncommon state of affairs? Ought we not to catch the alarm while it is
+    possible to make preparation against the danger? Ought we not to
+    improve, with the utmost diligence, the important interval? to unite our
+    counsels for the protection of liberty, and exert all our influence
+    against the common enemies of society, the unwearied disturbers of the
+    tranquillity of mankind?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what purpose, my lords, are the miseries that the present
+    distractions of Europe may bring upon us, so pathetically described, and
+    so accurately enumerated, if they are to produce no effect upon our
+    counsels? And what effect can be wished from them, but unanimity, with
+    that vigour and despatch which are its natural consequences, and that
+    success with which steadiness and expedition are generally rewarded?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It might be hoped, my lords, that those who have so clear a view of our
+    present embarrassments, and whose sagacity and acuteness expose them to
+    a sensibility of future miseries, perhaps more painful than would be
+    excited by any present and real calamities, should not be thus tortured
+    to no purpose. Every passion, my lords, has its proper object by which
+    it may be laudably gratified, and every disposition of mind may be
+    directed to useful ends. The true use of that foresight of future
+    events, with which some great capacities are so eminently endowed, is
+    that of producing caution and suggesting expedients. What advantage, my
+    lords, would it be to navigators, that their pilot could, by any
+    preternatural power, discover sands or rocks, if he was too negligent or
+    too stubborn to turn the vessel out of the danger?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Or how, my lords, to pursue the comparison, would that pilot be treated
+    by the crew, who, after having informed them of their approach to a
+    shoal or whirlpool, and set before them, with all his rhetorick, the
+    horrours of a shipwreck, should, instead of directing them to avoid
+    destruction, and assisting their endeavours for their common safety,
+    amuse them with the miscarriages of past voyages, and the blunders and
+    stupidity of their former pilot?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether any parallel can be formed between such ill-timed satire, and
+    wild misconduct, and the manner in which your lordships have been
+    treated on this occasion, it is not my province to determine. Nor have I
+    any other design than to show that the only proper conduct in time of
+    real danger, is preparation against it; and that wit and eloquence
+    themselves, if employed to any other purpose, lose their excellence,
+    because they lose their propriety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It does not appear, my lords, that the address now proposed includes any
+    approbation of past measures, and therefore it is needless to inquire,
+    on this occasion, whether the conduct of our ministers or admirals
+    deserves praise or censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It does not appear, my lords, that by censuring any part of our late
+    conduct, however detrimental to the publick it may at present be
+    imagined, any of our losses will be repaired, or any part of our
+    reputation retrieved; and, therefore, such proceedings would only retard
+    our counsels, and divert our thoughts from more important
+    considerations; considerations which his majesty has recommended to us,
+    and which cannot be more strongly pressed upon us than by the noble lord
+    who opposed the motion; for he most powerfully incites to unanimity and
+    attention, who most strongly represents the danger of our situation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the good effects of publick consultations, I need not observe, my
+    lords, that they arise from the joint endeavour of many understandings
+    cooperating to the same end; from the reasonings and observations of
+    many individuals of different studies, inclinations, and experience, all
+    directed to the illustration of the same question, which is, therefore,
+    so accurately discussed, so variously illustrated, and so amply
+    displayed, that a more comprehensive view is obtained of its relations
+    and consequences, than can be hoped from the wisdom or knowledge of any
+    single man.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this advantage, my lords, can only be expected from union and
+    concurrence; for when the different members of a national council enter
+    with different designs, and exert their abilities not so much to promote
+    any general purposes, as to obviate the measures, and confute the
+    arguments of each other, the publick is deprived of all the benefit that
+    might be expected from the collective wisdom of assemblies, whatever may
+    be the capacity of those who compose them. The senate thus divided and
+    disturbed, will, perhaps, conclude with less prudence than any single
+    member, as any man may more easily discover truth without assistance,
+    than when others of equal abilities are employed in perplexing his
+    inquiries, and interrupting the operations of his mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it might be safer for a nation, even in time of terrour
+    and disorder, to be deprived of the counsels of this house, than to
+    confide in the determinations of an assembly not uniform in its views,
+    nor connected in its interests; an assembly from which little can be
+    hoped by those who observe that it cannot, without a tedious debate,
+    prolonged with all the heat of opposition, despatch the first and most
+    cursory part of publick business,&mdash;an address to his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been for a long time a practice too frequent, to confound past
+    with present questions, to perplex every debate by an endless
+    multiplication of objects, and to obstruct our determinations by
+    substituting one inquiry in the place of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only question, my lords, now before us is, whether the address which
+    the noble lord proposed, implies any commendation of past measures, not
+    whether those measures deserve to be commended; which is an inquiry not
+    at present to be pursued, because we have not now before us the means of
+    attaining satisfaction in it, and which ought, therefore, to be delayed
+    till it shall be your lordships' pleasure to appoint a day for examining
+    the state of the nation, and to demand those letters, instructions, and
+    memorials, which are necessary to an accurate and senatorial
+    disquisition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, since it is at least as expedient for me to vindicate,
+    as for others to accuse those of whose conduct neither they nor I have
+    yet any regular cognizance, and I may justly expect from the candour of
+    your lordships, that you will be no less willing to hear an apologist
+    than a censurer, I will venture to suspend the true question a few
+    moments, to justify that conduct which has been so wantonly and so
+    contemptuously derided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the preservation of the house of Austria, my lords, ought to engage
+    the closest attention of the British nation, is freely confessed. It is
+    evident that by no other means our commerce, our liberty, or our
+    religion can be secured, or the house of Bourbon restrained from
+    overwhelming the universe. It is allowed that the queen of Hungary has a
+    claim to our assistance by other ties than those of interest; that it
+    was promised upon the faith of treaties, and it is demanded by the
+    loudest calls of honour, justice and compassion. And did it not appear
+    too juvenile and romantick, I might add, that her personal excellencies
+    are such as might call armies to her assistance from the remotest
+    corners of the earth; that her constancy in the assertion of her rights
+    might animate every generous mind with equal firmness; and her
+    intrepidity in the midst of danger and distress, when every day brings
+    accounts of new encroachments, and every new encroachment discourages
+    those from whom she may claim assistance from declaring in her favour,
+    might inspire with ardour for her preservation all those in whom virtue
+    can excite reverence, or whom calamities unjustly inflicted can touch
+    with indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor am I afraid to affirm, my lords, that the condition of this
+    illustrious princess raised all these emotions in the court of Britain,
+    and that the vigour of our proceedings will appear proportioned to our
+    ardour for her success. No sooner was the true state of affairs
+    incontestably known, than twelve thousand auxiliary troops were hired,
+    and commanded to march to her assistance, but her affairs making it more
+    eligible for her to employ her own subjects in her defence, and the want
+    of money being the only obstacle that hindered her from raising armies
+    proportioned to those of her enemies, she required, that instead of
+    troops, a supply of money might be sent her, with which his majesty
+    willingly complied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The British ministers in the mean time endeavoured, by the strongest
+    arguments and most importunate solicitations, to animate her allies to
+    equal vigour, or to procure her assistance from other powers whose
+    interest was more remotely affected by her distress: if the effects of
+    their endeavours are not yet manifest, it cannot be imputed to the want
+    either of sincerity or diligence; and if any other powers should be
+    persuaded to arm in the common cause, it ought to be ascribed to the
+    influence of the British counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the prosecution of the war with Spain, it does not appear, my lords,
+    that any measures have been neglected, which prudence, or bravery, or
+    experience, could be expected to dictate. If we have suffered greater
+    losses than we expected, if our enemies have been sometimes favoured by
+    the winds, or sometimes have been so happy as to conceal their designs,
+    and elude the diligence of our commanders, who is to be censured? or
+    what is to be concluded, but that which never was denied, that the
+    chance of war is uncertain, that men are inclined to make fallacious
+    calculations of the probabilities of future events, and that our enemies
+    may sometimes be as artful, as diligent, and as sagacious as ourselves?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was the general opinion of the British people, my lords, if the
+    general opinion may be collected from the clamours and expectations
+    which every man has had opportunities of observing, that in declaring
+    war upon Spain, we only engaged to chastise the insolence of a nation of
+    helpless savages, who might, indeed, rob and murder a defenceless
+    trader, but who could only hold up their hands and cry out for mercy, or
+    sculk in secret creeks and unfrequented coasts, when ships of war should
+    be fitted out against them. They imagined that the fortifications of the
+    Spanish citadels would be abandoned at the first sound of cannon, and
+    that their armies would turn their backs at the sight of the standard of
+    Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was not remembered, my lords, that the greatest part of our trade was
+    carried on in sight of the Spanish coasts, and that our merchants must
+    be consequently exposed to incessant molestation from light vessels,
+    which our ships of war could not pursue over rocks and shallows. It was
+    not sufficiently considered, that a trading nation must always make war
+    with a nation that has fewer merchants, under the disadvantage of being
+    more exposed to the rapacity of private adventurers. How much we had to
+    fear on this account was shown us by the late war with France, in which
+    the privateers of a few petty ports, injured the commerce of this
+    nation, more than their mighty navies and celebrated admirals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, it would very little become this august assembly, this
+    assembly so renowned for wisdom, and for justice, to confound want of
+    prudence with want of success; since on many occasions the wisest
+    measures may be defeated by accidents which could not be foreseen; since
+    they may sometimes be discovered by deserters, or spies, and sometimes
+    eluded by an enemy equally skilful with ourselves in the science of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any of these apologies are necessary to the administration, I am
+    far from intending to insinuate, for I know not that we have failed of
+    success in any of our designs, except the attack of Carthagena, of which
+    the miscarriage cannot, at least, be imputed to the ministry; nor is it
+    evident that any other causes of it are to be assigned than the
+    difficulty of the enterprise; and when, my lords, did any nation make
+    war, without experiencing some disappointments?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These considerations, my lords, I have thought myself obliged, by my
+    regard to truth and justice, to lay before you, to dissipate those
+    suspicions and that anxiety which might have arisen from a different
+    representation of our late measures; for I cannot but once more observe,
+    that a vindication of the conduct of the ministry is by no means a
+    necessary preparative to the address proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address which was so modestly offered to your lordships, cannot be
+    said to contain any more than a general answer to his majesty's speech,
+    and such declarations of our duty and affection, as are always due to
+    our sovereign, and always expected by him on such occasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our allies have been neglected or betrayed, my lords, we shall be
+    still at liberty to discover and to punish negligence so detrimental,
+    and treachery so reproachful to the British nation. If in the war
+    against Spain we have failed of success, we shall still reserve in our
+    own hands the right of inquiring whether we were unsuccessful by the
+    superiority of our enemies, or by our own fault; whether our commanders
+    wanted orders, or neglected to obey them; for what clause can be
+    produced in the address by which any of these inquiries can be supposed
+    to be predetermined?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, remember, my lords, the danger of our present state,
+    and the necessity of steadiness, vigour, and wisdom, for our own
+    preservation and that of Europe; let us consider that publick wisdom is
+    the result of united counsels, and steadiness and vigour, of united
+    influence; let us remember that our example may be of equal use with our
+    assistance, and that both the allies and the subjects of Great Britain
+    will be conjoined by our union, and distracted by our divisions; and let
+    us, therefore, endeavour to promote the general interest of the world,
+    by an unanimous address to his majesty, in the terms proposed by the
+    noble lord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT spoke in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, after the display
+    of the present state of Europe, and the account of the measures of the
+    British ministers, which the noble lord who spoke against the motion has
+    laid before you, there is little necessity for another attempt to
+    convince you that our liberty and the liberty of Europe are in danger,
+    or of disturbing your reflections by another enumeration of follies and
+    misfortunes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To mention the folly of our measures is superfluous likewise, for
+    another reason. They who do not already acknowledge it, may be justly
+    suspected of suppressing their conviction; for how can it be possible,
+    that they who cannot produce a single instance of wisdom or fortitude,
+    who cannot point out one enterprise wisely concerted and successfully
+    executed, can yet sincerely declare, that nothing has been omitted which
+    our interest required?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The measures, my lords, which are now pursued, are the same which for
+    twenty months have kept the whole nation in continual disturbance, and
+    have raised the indignation of every man, whose private interest was not
+    promoted by them. These measures cannot be said to be rashly censured,
+    or condemned before they are seen in their full extent, or expanded into
+    all their consequences; for they have been prosecuted, my lords, with
+    all the confidence of authority and all the perseverance of obstinacy,
+    without any other opposition than fruitless clamours, or petitions
+    unregarded. And what consequences have they produced? What but poverty
+    and distractions at home, and the contempt and insults of foreign
+    powers? What but the necessity of retrieving by war the losses sustained
+    by timorous and dilatory negotiations; and the miscarriages of a war, in
+    which only folly and cowardice have involved us?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more astonishing, than that it should be asserted
+    in this assembly that we have no ill success to complain of. Might we
+    not hope for success, if we have calculated the events of war, and made
+    a suitable preparation? And how is this to be done, but by comparing our
+    forces with that of our enemy, who must, undoubtedly, be more or less
+    formidable according to the proportion which his treasures and his
+    troops bear to our own?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the assurance of the certainty of this practice, upon the evidence,
+    my lords, of arithmetical demonstration, we were inclined to believe,
+    that the power of Britain was not to be resisted by Spain, and therefore
+    demanded that our merchants should be no longer plundered, insulted,
+    imprisoned, and tortured by so despicable an enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we did not foresee all the consequences of this demand, we are now
+    ready to confess; we did not conjecture that new troops would be raised
+    for the invasion of the Spanish dominions, only that we might be reduced
+    to the level with our enemies. We did not imagine that the superiority
+    of our naval force would produce no other consequence than an inequality
+    of expense, and that the royal navies of Britain would be equipped only
+    for show, only to harass the sailors with the hateful molestation of an
+    impress, and to weaken the crews of our mercantile vessels, that they
+    might be more easily taken by the privateers of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We did not expect, my lords, that our navies would sail out under the
+    command of admirals renowned for bravery, knowledge, and vigilance, and
+    float upon the ocean without design, or enter ports and leave them,
+    equally inoffensive as a packet-boat, or petty trader.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But not to speak any longer, my lords, in terms so little suited to the
+    importance of the question which I am endeavouring to clear, or to the
+    enormity of the conduct which I attempt to expose; the success of war is
+    only to be estimated by the advantages which are gained, in proportion
+    to the loss which is suffered; of which loss the expenses occasioned by
+    the war are always the chief part, and of which it is, therefore, usual,
+    at the conclusion of a peace, for the conquered power to promise the
+    payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us examine, my lords, in consequence of this position, the success
+    of our present war against Spain; let us consider what each nation has
+    suffered, and it will easily appear how justly we boast of our wisdom
+    and vigour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not on this occasion necessary to form minute calculations, or to
+    compute the expense of every company of soldiers and squadron of ships;
+    it is only necessary to assert, what will, I hope, not be very readily
+    denied, even by those whom daily practice of absurd apologies has
+    rendered impregnable by the force of truth, that such expenses as have
+    neither contributed to our own defence, nor to the disadvantage of the
+    Spaniards, have been thrown away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this be granted, my lords, it will appear, that no nation ever beheld
+    its treasures so profusely squandered, ever paid taxes so willingly, and
+    so patiently saw them perverted; for it cannot, my lords, be proved,
+    that any part of our preparations has produced a proportionate effect;
+    but it may be readily shown how many fleets have been equipped only that
+    the merchants might want sailors, and that the public stores might be
+    consumed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As to our ill success in America, which has been imputed only to the
+    chance of war, it will be reasonable, my lords, to ascribe to other
+    causes, so much of it as might have been prevented by a more speedy
+    reinforcement of Vernon, or may be supposed to have arisen from the
+    inexperience of our troops, and the escape of the Spaniards from Ferrol.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our fleets had been sent more early into that part of the world, the
+    Spaniards would have had no time to strengthen their garrisons; had our
+    troops been acquainted with discipline, the attack would have been made
+    with greater judgment; and had not the Spaniards escaped from Ferrol, we
+    should have had no enemy in America to encounter. Had all our ministers
+    and all our admirals done their duty, it is evident that not only
+    Carthagena had been taken, but that half the dominions of Spain might
+    now have owned the sovereignty of the crown of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, may be observed of the only enterprise, which it is
+    reasonable to believe was in reality intended against the Spaniards, if
+    even of this our ministers had not before contrived the defeat. But of
+    all the rest of our armaments it does not appear that any effect has
+    been felt but by ourselves, it cannot be discovered that they even
+    raised any alarms or anxiety either in our enemies or their allies, by
+    whom perhaps it was known that they were only designed as punishments
+    for the merchants of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our merchants have already been severely chastised for their
+    insolence in complaining of their losses, and their temerity in raising
+    in the nation a regard for its commerce, its honour, and its rights, is
+    evident from a dreadful list of three hundred ships taken by the
+    Spaniards, some of which were abandoned by their convoys, and others
+    seized within sight of the coasts of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be urged, my lords, that the Spaniards have likewise lost a great
+    number of vessels; but what else could they expect when they engaged in
+    a war against the greatest naval power of the universe? And it is to be
+    remembered, that the Spaniards have this consolation in their
+    misfortunes, that of their ships none have been deserted by their
+    convoys, or wilfully exposed to capture by being robbed of their crews,
+    to supply ships of war with idle hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards will likewise consider, that they have not harassed their
+    subjects for the protection of their trade; that they have not fitted
+    out fleets only to amuse the populace. They comfort themselves with the
+    hope, that the Britons will soon be reduced to a state of weakness below
+    themselves, and wait patiently for the time in which the masters of the
+    sea shall receive from them the regulation of their commerce and the
+    limits of their navigation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can it be doubted, my lords, but that by adhering to these measures,
+    our ministers will in a short time gratify their hopes; for whatsoever
+    be the difference between the power of two contending nations, if the
+    richer spends its treasures without effect, and exposes its troops to
+    unhealthy climates and impracticable expeditions, while the weaker is
+    parsimonious and prudent, they must soon be brought to an equality; and
+    by continuing the same conduct, the weaker power must at length prevail.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this has been hitherto the state of the war between Britain and
+    Spain, it is not necessary to prove to your lordships; it is apparent,
+    that the expenses of the Spaniards have been far less than those of
+    Britain; and, therefore, if we should suppose the actual losses of war
+    equal, we are only wearing out our force in useless efforts, and our
+    enemies grow every day comparatively stronger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, let us not flatter ourselves that our actual losses have
+    been equal; let us, before we determine this question, accurately
+    compare the number and the value of our ships and cargoes with those of
+    the Spaniards, and see on which side the loss will fall.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And let us not forget, what in all the calculations which I have yet
+    seen on either part has been totally overlooked, the number of men
+    killed, or captives in the British and Spanish dominions. Men, my lords,
+    are at once strength and riches; and, therefore, it is to be considered,
+    that the most irreparable loss which any nation can sustain is the
+    diminution of its people: money may be repaid, and commerce may be
+    recovered; even liberty may be regained, but the loss of people can
+    never be retrieved. Even the twentieth generation may have reason to
+    exclaim, How much more numerous and more powerful would this nation have
+    been, had our ancestors not been betrayed in the expedition to
+    Carthagena!
+</p>
+<p>
+    What loss, my lords, have the Spaniards sustained which can be put in
+    balance with that of our army in America, an army given up to the
+    vultures of an unhealthy climate, and of which those who perished by the
+    sword, were in reality rescued from more lingering torments?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What equivalent can be mentioned for the liberty of multitudes of
+    Britons, now languishing in the prisons of Spain, or obliged by
+    hardships and desperation to assist the enemies of their country? What
+    have the Spaniards suffered that can be opposed to the detriment which
+    the commerce of this nation feels from the detention of our sailors?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are losses not to be paralleled by the destruction of
+    Porto Bello, even though that expedition should be ascribed to the
+    ministry. These are losses which may extend their consequences to many
+    ages, which may long impede our commerce, and diminish our shipping.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be imagined, my lords, that in this time of peculiar
+    danger, parents will destine their children to maritime employments, or
+    that any man will engage in naval business who can exercise any other
+    profession; and therefore the death or captivity of a sailor leaves a
+    vacuity in our commerce, since no other will be ready to supply his
+    place. Thus, by degrees, the continuance of the war will contract our
+    trade, and those parts of it which we cannot occupy, will be snatched by
+    the French or Dutch, from whom it is not probable that they will ever be
+    recovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is another circumstance of disadvantage to which the
+    Spaniards are not exposed; for their traffick being only from one part
+    of their dominions to another, cannot be destroyed, but will, after the
+    short interruption of a war, be again equally certain and equally
+    profitable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, my lords, that we have hitherto suffered more
+    than the Spaniards, more than the nation which we have so much reason to
+    despise; it appears that our fleets have been useless, and that our
+    troops have been only sent out to be destroyed; and it will, therefore,
+    surely be allowed me to assert, that the war has not been hitherto
+    successful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, of opinion, my lords, that as the address now proposed,
+    cannot but be understood both by his majesty and the nation, to imply,
+    in some degree, a commendation of that conduct which cannot be
+    commended, which ought never to be mentioned but with detestation and
+    contempt, it will be unworthy of this house, offensive to the whole
+    nation, and unjust to his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty, my lords, has summoned us to advise him in this important
+    juncture, and the nation expects from our determinations its relief or
+    its destruction: nor will either have much to hope from our counsels,
+    if, in our first publick act, we endeavour to deceive them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, proper to change the common form of our addresses
+    to the throne, to do once, at least, what his majesty demands and the
+    people expect, and to remember that no characters are more inconsistent,
+    than those of a counsellor of the king, and a flatterer of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then lord ABINGDON spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, I have always
+    observed that debates are prolonged, and inquiries perplexed, by the
+    neglect of method; and therefore think it necessary to move, That the
+    question may be read, that the noble lords who shall be inclined to
+    explain their sentiments upon it, may have always the chief point in
+    view, and not deviate into foreign considerations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was read accordingly.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke next, to the purpose following:&mdash;My lords, I am
+    convinced of the propriety of the last motion by the advantage which it
+    has afforded me of viewing more deliberately and distinctly the question
+    before us; the consideration of which has confirmed me in my own
+    opinion, that the address now proposed is only a flattering repetition
+    of the speech, and that the speech was drawn up only to betray us into
+    an encomium on the ministry; who, as they certainly have not deserved
+    any commendations, will, I hope, not receive them from your lordships.
+    For what has been the result of all their measures, but a general
+    confusion, the depression of our own nation and our allies, and the
+    exaltation of the house of Bourbon?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is universally allowed, my lords, and therefore it would be
+    superfluous to prove, that the liberties of Europe are now in the utmost
+    danger; that the house of Bourbon has arrived almost at that exalted
+    pinnacle of authority, from whence it will look down with contempt upon
+    all other powers, to which it will henceforward prescribe laws at
+    pleasure, whose dominions will be limited by its direction, and whose
+    armies will march at its command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That Britain will be long exempted from the general servitude, that we
+    shall be able to stand alone against the whole power of Europe, which
+    the French may then bring down upon us, and preserve ourselves
+    independent, while every other nation acknowledges the authority of an
+    arbitrary conqueror, is by no means likely, and might be, perhaps,
+    demonstrated to be not possible.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How long we might be able to retain our liberty, it is beyond the reach
+    of policy to determine, but as it is evident, that when the empire is
+    subdued, the Dutch will quickly fall under the same dominion, and that
+    all their ports and all their commerce will then be in the hands of the
+    French, it cannot be denied that our commerce will quickly be at an end.
+    We shall then lose the dominion of the sea, and all our distant colonies
+    and settlements, and be shut up in our own island, where the continuance
+    of our liberties can be determined only by the resolution with which we
+    shall defend them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this, my lords, must probably, in a few years, be our state, if the
+    schemes of the house of Bourbon should succeed, is certain beyond all
+    controversy; and therefore it is evident, that no man to whom such a
+    condition does not appear eligible, can look unconcerned at the
+    confusion of the continent, or consider the destruction of the house of
+    Austria, without endeavouring to prevent it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, though such endeavours are the duty of all who are
+    engaged in the transaction of publick affairs, though the importance of
+    the cause of the queen of Hungary be acknowledged in the speech to which
+    we are to return an address, it does not appear that the ministers of
+    Britain have once attempted to assist her, or have even forborne any
+    thing which might aggravate her distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only effectual methods by which any efficacious relief could have
+    been procured, were that of reconciling her with the king of Prussia, or
+    that of prevailing upon the Muscovites to succour her.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A reconciliation with the king of Prussia would have been my first care,
+    if the honour of advising on this occasion had fallen to my lot. To have
+    mediated successfully between them could surely have been no difficult
+    task, because each party could not but know how much it was their common
+    interest to exclude the French from the empire, and how certainly this
+    untimely discord must expose them both to their ancient enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As in private life, my lords, when two friends carry any dispute between
+    them to improper degrees of anger or resentment, it is the province of a
+    third to moderate the passion of each, and to restore that benevolence
+    which a difference of interest or opinion had impaired; so in alliances,
+    or the friendships of nations, whenever it unhappily falls out that two
+    of them forget the general good, and lay themselves open to those evils
+    from which a strict union only can preserve them, it is necessary that
+    some other power should interpose, and prevent the dangers of a
+    perpetual discord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this was attempted, my lords, I know not; but if any such design
+    was in appearance prosecuted, it may be reasonably imagined from the
+    event, that the negotiators were defective either in skill or in
+    diligence; for how can it be conceived that any man should act contrary
+    to his own interest, to whom the state of his affairs is truly
+    represented?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But not to suppress what I cannot doubt, I am convinced, my lords, that
+    there is in reality no design of assisting the queen of Hungary; either
+    our ministers have not yet recovered from their apprehensions of the
+    exorbitant power of the house of Austria, by which they were frighted
+    some years ago into the bosom of France for shelter, and which left them
+    no expedient but the treaty of Hanover; or they are now equally afraid
+    of France, and expect the <i>pretender</i> to be forced upon them by the
+    power whom they so lately solicited to secure them from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever is the motive of their conduct, it is evident, my lords, that
+    they are at present to the unfortunate queen of Hungary, either
+    professed enemies, or treacherous allies; for they have permitted the
+    invasion of her Italian dominions, when they might have prevented it
+    without a blow, only by commanding the Spaniards not to transport their
+    troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To argue that our fleet in the Mediterranean was not of strength
+    sufficient to oppose their passage, is a subterfuge to which they can
+    only be driven by the necessity of making some apology, and an absolute
+    inability to produce any which will not immediately be discovered to be
+    groundless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is known, my lords, to all Europe, that Haddock had then under his
+    command thirteen ships of the line, and nine frigates, and that the
+    Spanish convoy consisted only of three ships; and yet they sailed before
+    his eyes with a degree of security which nothing could have produced but
+    a passport from the court of Britain, and an assured exemption from the
+    danger of an attack.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be urged, that they were protected by the French squadron, and
+    that Haddock durst not attack them, because he was unable to contend
+    with the united fleets; but my lords, even this is known to be false: it
+    is known that they bore no proportion to the strength of the British
+    squadron, that they could not have made even the appearance of a battle,
+    and that our commanders could have been only employed in pursuit and
+    captures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, was well known to our ministers, who were afraid only of
+    destroying the French squadron, and were very far from apprehending any
+    danger from it; but being determined to purchase, on any terms, the
+    continuance of the friendship of their old protectors, consented to the
+    invasion of Italy, and procured a squadron to sail out, under pretence
+    of defending the Spanish transports, that their compliance might not be
+    discovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All this, my lords, may reasonably be suspected at the first view of
+    their proceedings; for how could an inferiour force venture into the way
+    of an enemy, unless upon security that they should not be attacked? But
+    the late treaty of neutrality has changed suspicion into certainty, has
+    discovered the source of all their measures, and shown that the invasion
+    of Italy is permitted to preserve Hanover from the like calamity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is great danger, my lords, lest this last treaty of Hanover should
+    give the decisive blow to the liberties of Europe. How much it
+    embarrasses the queen of Hungary, by making it necessary for her to
+    divide her forces, is obvious at the first view; but this is not, in my
+    opinion, its most fatal consequence. The other powers will be incited,
+    by the example of our ministry, to conclude treaties of neutrality in
+    the same manner. They will distrust every appearance of our zeal for the
+    house of Austria, and imagine that we intend only an hypocritical
+    assistance, and that our generals, our ambassadors, and our admirals,
+    have, in reality, the same orders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more dangerous than to weaken the publick faith.
+    When a nation can be no longer trusted, it loses all its influence,
+    because none can fear its menaces, or depend on its alliance. A nation
+    no longer trusted, must stand alone and unsupported; and it is certain
+    that the nation which is justly suspected of holding with its open
+    enemies a secret intercourse to the prejudice of its allies, can be no
+    longer trusted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This suspicion, my lords, this hateful, this reproachful character, is
+    now fixed upon the court of Britain; nor does it take its rise only from
+    the forbearance of our admiral, but has received new confirmation from
+    the behaviour of our ambassador, who denied the treaty of neutrality,
+    when the French minister declared it to the Dutch. Such now, my lords,
+    is the reputation of the British court, a reputation produced by the
+    most flagrant and notorious instances of cowardice and falsehood, which
+    cannot but make all our endeavours ineffectual, and discourage all those
+    powers whose conjunction we might have promoted, from entering into any
+    other engagements than such as we may purchase for stated subsidies. For
+    who, upon any other motive than immediate interest, would form an
+    alliance with a power which, upon the first appearance of danger, gives
+    up a confederate, to purchase, not a large extent of territory, not a
+    new field of commerce, not a port or a citadel, but an abject
+    neutrality!
+</p>
+<p>
+    But however mean may be a supplication for peace, or however infamous
+    the desertion of an ally, I wish, my lords, that the liberty of invading
+    the queen of Hungary's dominions without opposition, had been the most
+    culpable concession of our illustrious ministers, of whom it is
+    reasonable to believe, that they have stipulated with the Spaniards,
+    that they shall be repaid the expense of the war by the plunder of our
+    merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our commerce has been unnecessarily exposed to the ravages of
+    privateers, from which a very small degree of caution might have
+    preserved it; that three hundred trading ships have been taken, and that
+    three thousand British sailors are now in captivity, is a consideration
+    too melancholy to be long dwelt upon, and a truth too certain to be
+    suppressed or denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How such havock could have been made, had not our ships of war concluded
+    a treaty of neutrality with the Spaniards, and left the war to be
+    carried on only by the merchants, it is not easy to conceive; for surely
+    it will not be pretended, that all these losses were the necessary
+    consequence of our situation with regard to Spain, which, if it exposed
+    the Portugal traders to hazard, did not hinder us from guarding our own
+    coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet on our own coasts, my lords, have multitudes of our ships been
+    taken by the Spaniards; they have been seized by petty vessels as they
+    were entering our ports, and congratulating themselves upon their escape
+    from danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the late war with France, an enemy much more formidable both for
+    power and situation, methods were discovered by which our trade was more
+    efficaciously protected: by stationing a squadron at the mouth of the
+    Channel, of which two or three ships at a time cruized at a proper
+    distance on the neighbouring seas, the privateers were kept in awe, and
+    confined to their own harbours, or seized if they ventured to leave
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But of such useful regulations in the present war there is little hope;
+    for if the publick papers are of any credit, the king of Spain considers
+    the captures of our merchants as a standing revenue, and has laid an
+    indulto upon them as upon other parts of the Spanish trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, to little purpose that measures are proposed in this
+    house, or schemes presented by the merchants for the preservation of our
+    commerce; for the merchants are considered as the determined enemies of
+    our minister, who therefore resolved that they should repent of the war
+    into which he was forced by them, contrary to those favourite schemes
+    and established maxims, which he has pursued till the liberties of
+    mankind are almost extinguished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, indeed, some hopes, my lords, that new measures, resolutely
+    pursued, might yet repair the mischiefs of this absurd and cowardly
+    conduct, and that by resolution and dexterity, the ambition of France
+    might once more be disappointed. The king of Prussia appears, at length,
+    convinced that he has not altogether pursued his real interest, and that
+    his own family must fall in the ruin of the house of Austria. The king
+    of Sardinia appears firm in his determination to adhere to the queen of
+    Hungary, and has therefore refused a passage through his dominions to
+    the Spanish troops. The States of Holland seem to have taken the alarm,
+    and nothing but their distrust of our sincerity can hinder them from
+    uniting against the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This distrust, my lords, we may probably remove, by reviving, on this
+    occasion, our ancient forms of address, and declaring at once to his
+    majesty, and to all the powers of Europe, that we are far from approving
+    the late measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is another reason why the short addresses of our ancestors may be
+    preferred to the modern forms, in which a great number of particular
+    facts are often comprehended. It is evident, that the addresses are
+    presented, before there can be time to examine whether the facts
+    contained in them are justly stated; and they must, therefore, lose
+    their efficacy with the people, who are sufficiently sagacious to
+    distinguish servile compliance from real approbation, and who will not
+    easily mistake the incense of flattery for the tribute of gratitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the propriety of the address proposed to your lordships,
+    which is, like others, only a repetition of the speech, there is, at
+    least, one objection to it too important to be suppressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is affirmed in the speech, in what particular words I cannot exactly
+    remember, that since the death of the late German emperour, the interest
+    of the queen of Hungary has been diligently and invariably promoted; an
+    assertion which his majesty is too wise, too equitable, and too generous
+    to have uttered, but at the persuasion of his ministers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty well knows, that no important assistance has been hitherto
+    given to that unhappy princess; he knows that the twelve thousand men,
+    who are said to have been raised for the defence of the empire, those
+    mighty troops, by whose assistance the enemies of Austria were to be
+    scattered, never marched beyond the territory of Hanover, nor left that
+    blissful country for a single day. And is it probable that the queen
+    would have preferred money for troops, had she not been informed that it
+    would be more easily obtained?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was even this pecuniary assistance, though compatible with the
+    security of Hanover, granted her without reluctance and difficulty; of
+    which no other proof is necessary, than the distance between the promise
+    and the performance of it. The money, my lords, is not yet all paid,
+    though the last payment was very lately fixed. Such is the assistance
+    which the united influence of justice and compassion has yet procured
+    from the court of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ministers have been, therefore, hitherto, my lords, so far from
+    acting with vigour in favour of the house of Austria, that they have
+    never solicited the court of Muscovy, almost the only court now
+    independent on France, to engage in her defence. How wisely that mighty
+    power distinguishes her real interest, and how ardently she pursues it,
+    the whole world was convinced in her alliance with the late emperour;
+    nor is it unlikely, that she might have been easily persuaded to have
+    protected his daughter with equal zeal. But we never asked her alliance
+    lest we should obtain it, and yet we boast of our good offices.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our governours thought it more nearly concerned them to humble our
+    merchants than to succour our allies, and therefore admitted the
+    Spaniards into Italy; by which prudent conduct they dexterously at once
+    gratified the house of Bourbon, embarrassed the queen of Hungary, and
+    endangered the effects of the British merchants, lying at Leghorn;
+    effects which were lately valued at six hundred thousand pounds, but
+    which, by the seasonable arrival of the Spaniards, are happily reduced
+    to half their price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, I need not urge to your lordships the necessity of
+    confining our address to thanks and congratulations, because it is not
+    necessary to say how inconsistent it must be thought with the dignity of
+    this house to echo falsehood, and to countenance perfidy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the duke of NEWCASTLE spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, the
+    manner in which the noble lord who spoke last expresses his sentiments,
+    never fails to give pleasure, even where his arguments produce no
+    conviction; and his eloquence always receives its praise, though it may
+    sometimes be disappointed of its more important effects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present debate, my lords, I have heard no argument, by which I am
+    inclined to change the usual forms of address, or to reject the motion
+    which has been made to us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address which has been proposed, is not, in my opinion, justly
+    chargeable either with flattery to the ministers, or with disingenuity
+    with respect to the people; nor can I discover in it any of those
+    positions which have been represented so fallacious and dangerous. It
+    contains only a general declaration of our gratitude, and an assertion
+    of our zeal; a declaration and assertion to which I hope no lord in this
+    assembly will be unwilling to subscribe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As an inquiry into the propriety of this address has produced, whether
+    necessarily or not, many observations on the present state of Europe,
+    and many animadversions upon the late conduct, it cannot be improper for
+    me to offer to your lordships my opinion of the measures which have been
+    pursued by us, as well in the war with Spain, as with regard to the
+    queen of Hungary, and to propose my conjectures concerning the events
+    which may probably be produced by the distractions on the continent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This deviation from the question before us, will at least be as easily
+    pardoned in me as in the noble lords who have exhibited so gloomy a
+    representation of our approaching condition, who have lamented the
+    slavery with which they imagine all the states of Europe about to be
+    harassed, and described the insolence and ravages of those oppressors to
+    whom their apprehensions have already given the empire of the world. For
+    surely, my lords, it is an endeavour no less laudable to dispel terrour,
+    than to excite it; and he who brings us such accounts as we desire to
+    receive, is generally listened to with indulgence, however unelegant may
+    be his expressions, or however irregular his narration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the power of the family of Bourbon is arrived at a very dangerous
+    and formidable extent; that it never was hitherto employed but to
+    disturb the happiness of the universe; that the same schemes which our
+    ancestors laboured so ardently and so successfully to destroy, are now
+    formed afresh, and intended to be put in immediate execution; that the
+    empire is designed to be held henceforward in dependence on France; and
+    that the house of Austria, by which the common rights of mankind have
+    been so long supported, is now marked out for destruction, is too
+    evident to be contested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is allowed, my lords, that the power of the house of Austria, which
+    there was once reason to dread, lest it might have been employed against
+    us, is now almost extinguished; and that name, which has for so many
+    ages filled the histories of Europe, is in danger of being forgotten. It
+    is allowed, that the house of Austria cannot fall without exposing all
+    those who have hitherto been supported by its alliance, to the utmost
+    danger; and I need not add, that they ought, therefore, to assist it
+    with the utmost expedition, and the most vigorous measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be suggested, my lords, that this assistance has been already
+    delayed till it is become useless, that the utmost expedition will be
+    too slow, and the most vigorous measures too weak to stop the torrent of
+    the conquests of France: that the fatal blow will be struck, before we
+    shall have an opportunity to ward it off, and that our regard for the
+    house of Austria will be only compassion for the dead.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these, my lords, I hope, are only the apprehensions of a mind
+    overborne with sudden terrours, and perplexed by a confused survey of
+    complicated danger; for if we consider more distinctly the powers which
+    may be brought in opposition to France, we shall find no reason for
+    despairing that we may once more stand up with success in defence of our
+    religion and the liberty of mankind, and once more reduce those
+    troublers of the world to the necessity of abandoning their destructive
+    designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lord has already mentioned the present disposition of three
+    powerful states, as a motive for vigorous resolutions, and a
+    consideration that may, at least, preserve us from despair; and it is no
+    small satisfaction to me to observe, that his penetration and experience
+    incline him to hope upon the prospect of affairs as they now appear;
+    because I doubt not but that hope will be improved into confidence, by
+    the account which I can now give your lordships of the intention of
+    another power, yet more formidable, to engage with us in the great
+    design of repressing the insolence of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A treaty of alliance, my lords, has been for some time concerted with
+    the emperour of Muscovy, and has been negotiated with such diligence,
+    that it is now completed, and I doubt not but the last ratifications
+    will arrive at this court in a few days; by which it will appear to your
+    lordships, that the interest of this nation has been vigilantly
+    regarded, and to our allies, that the faith of Britain has never yet
+    been shaken. It will appear to the French, that they have precipitated
+    their triumphs, that they have imagined themselves masters of nations by
+    whom they will be in a short time driven back to their own confines, and
+    that, perhaps, they have parcelled out kingdoms which they are never
+    likely to possess.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was affirmed, and with just discernment, that applications ought to
+    be made to this powerful court, as the professed adversary of France;
+    and if it was not hitherto known that their assistance had been
+    assiduously solicited, our endeavours were kept secret only that their
+    success might be more certain, and that they might surprise more
+    powerfully by their effects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have the two other princes, which were mentioned by the noble lord,
+    been forgotten, whose concurrence is at this time so necessary to us:
+    and I doubt not but that the representations which have been made with
+    all the force of truth, and all the zeal that is awakened by interest
+    and by danger, will in time produce the effects for which they were
+    intended; by convincing those princes that they endanger themselves by
+    flattering the French ambition, that they are divesting themselves of
+    that defence of which they will quickly regret the loss, and that they
+    are only not attacked at present, that they may be destroyed more easily
+    hereafter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is always to be remembered, my lords, that in publick
+    transactions, as in private life, interest acts with less force as it is
+    at greater distance, and that the immediate motive will generally
+    prevail. Futurity impairs the influence of the most important objects of
+    consideration, even when it does not lessen their certainty; and with
+    regard to events only probable, events which a thousand accidents may
+    obviate, they are almost annihilated, with regard to the human mind, by
+    being placed at a distance from us. Wherever imagination can exert its
+    power, we easily dwell upon the most pleasing views, and flatter
+    ourselves with those consequences, which though perhaps least to be
+    expected, are most desired. Wherever different events may arise, which
+    is the state of all human transactions, we naturally promote our hopes,
+    and repress our fears; and in time so far deceive ourselves, as to quiet
+    all our suspicions, lay all our terrours asleep, and believe what at
+    first we only wished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, must be the delusion by which some states are induced to
+    favour, and others to neglect the encroachments of France. Men are
+    impolitick, as they are wicked; because they prefer the gratification of
+    the present hour to the assurance of solid and permanent, but distant
+    happiness. The French take advantage of this general weakness of the
+    human mind, and by magnificent promises to one prince, and petty grants
+    to another, reconcile them to their designs. Each finds that he shall
+    gain more by contracting an alliance with them, than with another state
+    which has no view besides that of preserving to every sovereign his just
+    rights, and which, therefore, as it plunders none, will have nothing to
+    bestow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is the disadvantage under which our negotiators labour
+    against those of France; we have no kingdoms to parcel out among those
+    whose confederacy we solicit; we can promise them no superiority above
+    the neighbouring princes which they do not now possess; we assume not
+    the province of adjusting the boundaries of dominion, or of deciding
+    contested titles: we promise only the preservation of quiet, and the
+    establishment of safety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French, my lords, oppose us with other arguments, arguments
+    which, indeed, receive their force from folly and credulity; but what
+    more powerful assistance can be desired? They promise not mere negative
+    advantages, not an exemption from remote oppression, or an escape from
+    slavery, which, as it was yet never felt, is very little dreaded; they
+    offer an immediate augmentation of dominion, and an extension of power;
+    they propose new tracts of commerce, and open new sources of wealth;
+    they invite confederacies, not for defence, but for conquests; for
+    conquests to be divided among the powers by whose union they shall be
+    made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not, therefore, be objected, my lords, to our ministers, or our
+    negotiators, that the French obtain more influence than they; that they
+    are more easily listened to, or more readily believed: for while such is
+    the condition of mankind, that what is desired is easily credited, while
+    profit is more powerful than reason, the French eloquence will
+    frequently prevail.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether, my lords, our seeming want of success in the war with Spain
+    admits of as easy a solution, my degree of knowledge in military
+    affairs, does not enable me to determine. An account of this part of our
+    conduct is to be expected from the commissioners of the admiralty, by
+    whom, I doubt not, but such reasons will be assigned for all the
+    operations of our naval forces, and such vindications offered of all
+    those measures, which have been hitherto imputed too precipitately to
+    negligence, cowardice, or treachery, as will satisfy those who have been
+    most vehement in their censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But because it does not seem to me very difficult to apologize for those
+    miscarriages which have occasioned the loudest complaints, I will lay
+    before your lordships what I have been able to collect from inquiry, or
+    to conjecture from observation; and doubt not but it will easily appear,
+    that nothing has been omitted from any apparent design of betraying our
+    country, and that our ministers and commanders will deserve, at least,
+    to be heard before they are condemned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That great numbers of our trading vessels have been seized by the
+    Spaniards, and that our commerce has, therefore, been very much
+    embarrassed and interrupted, is sufficiently manifest; but to me, my
+    lords, this appears one of the certain and necessary consequences of
+    war, which are always to be expected, and to be set in our consultations
+    against the advantages which we propose to obtain. It is as rational to
+    expect, that of an army sent against our enemies, every man should
+    return unhurt to his acquaintances, as that every merchant should see
+    his ship and cargo sail safely into port.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we examine, my lords, the late war, of which the conduct has been so
+    lavishly applauded, in which the victories which we obtained have been
+    so loudly celebrated, and which has been proposed to the imitation of
+    all future ministers, it will appear, that our losses of the same kind
+    were then very frequent, and, perhaps, not less complained of, though
+    the murmurs are now forgotten, and the acclamations transmitted to
+    posterity, because we naturally relate what has given us satisfaction,
+    and suppress what we cannot recollect without uneasiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we look farther backward, my lords, and inquire into the event of any
+    other war in which we engaged since commerce has constituted so large a
+    part of the interest of this nation, I doubt not but in proportion to
+    our trade will be found our losses; and in all future wars, as in the
+    present, I shall expect the same calamities and the same complaints. For
+    the escape of any number of ships raises no transport, nor produces any
+    gratitude; but the loss of a few will always give occasion to clamours
+    and discontent. For vigilance, however diligent, can never produce more
+    safety than will be naturally expected from our incontestable
+    superiority at sea, by which a great part of the nation is so far
+    deceived as to imagine, that because we cannot be conquered, we cannot
+    be molested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I see how it is possible to employ our power more effectually for
+    the protection of our trade than by the method now pursued of covering
+    the ocean with our fleets, and stationing our ships of war in every
+    place where danger can be apprehended. If it be urged, that the
+    inefficacy of our measures is a sufficient proof of their impropriety,
+    it will be proper to substitute another plan of operation, of which the
+    success may be more probable. To me, my lords, the loss of some of our
+    mercantile vessels shows only the disproportion between the number of
+    our ships of war, and the extent of the sea, which is a region too vast
+    to be completely garrisoned, and of which the frequenters must
+    inevitably be subject to the sudden incursions of subtle rovers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The disposition of our squadrons has been such, as was doubtless
+    dictated by the most acute sagacity, and the most enlightened
+    experience. The squadron which was appointed to guard our coasts has
+    been ridiculed as an useless expense; and its frequent excursions and
+    returns, without any memorable attempt, have given occasion to endless
+    raillery, and incessant exclamations of wonder and contempt. But it is
+    to be considered, my lords, that the enemies of this nation, either
+    secret or declared, had powerful squadrons in many ports of the
+    Mediterranean, which, had they known that our coasts were without
+    defence, might have issued out on a sudden, and have appeared
+    unexpectedly in our Channel, from whence they might have laid our towns
+    in ruin, entered our docks, burnt up all our preparations for future
+    expeditions, carried into slavery the inhabitants of our villages, and
+    left the maritime provinces of this kingdom in a state of general
+    desolation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Out of this squadron, however necessary, there was yet a reinforcement
+    of five ships ordered to assist Haddock, that he might be enabled to
+    oppose the designs of the Spaniards, though assisted by their French
+    confederates, whom it is known that he was so far from favouring, that
+    he was stationed before Barcelona to block them up. Why he departed from
+    that port, and upon what motives of policy, or maxims of war, he
+    suffered the Spaniards to prosecute their scheme, he only is able to
+    inform us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the Spaniards have not at least been spared by design, is evident
+    from their sufferings in this war, which have been much greater than
+    ours. Many of our ships have, indeed, been snatched up by the rapacity
+    of private adventurers, whom the ardour of interest had made vigilant,
+    and whose celerity of pursuit as well as flight, enables them to take
+    the advantage of the situation of their own ports, and those of their
+    friends. But as none of our ships have been denied convoys, I know not
+    how the loss of them can be imputed to the ministry; and if any of those
+    who sailed under the protection of ships of war have been lost, the
+    commanders may be required to vindicate themselves from the charge of
+    negligence or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this inquiry, my lords, must be, in my opinion, reserved for another
+    day, when it may become the immediate subject of our consultations, with
+    which it has at present no coherence, or to which, at least, it is very
+    remotely related. For I am not able, upon the most impartial and the
+    most attentive consideration of the address now proposed to your
+    lordships, to perceive any necessity of a previous inquiry into the
+    conduct of the war, the transaction of our negotiations, or the state of
+    the kingdom, in order to our compliance with this motion, by which we
+    shall be far from sheltering any crime from punishment, or any doubtful
+    conduct from inquiry; shall be far from obstructing the course of
+    national justice, or approving what we do not understand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief tendency of his majesty's speech is to ask our advice on this
+    extraordinary conjuncture of affairs; a conduct undoubtedly worthy of a
+    British monarch, and which we ought not to requite with disrespect; but
+    what less can be inferred from an alteration of our established forms of
+    address, by an omission of any part of the speech? For what will be
+    imagined by his majesty, by the nation, and by the whole world, but that
+    we did not approve what we did not answer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, it is with
+    great reason that the present time has been represented to us from the
+    throne as a time of uncommon danger and disturbance, a time in which the
+    barriers of kingdoms are broken down, in contempt of every law of heaven
+    and of earth, and in which ambition, rapine, and oppression, seem to be
+    let loose upon mankind; a time in which some nations send out armies and
+    invade the territories of their neighbours, in opposition to the most
+    solemn treaties, of which others, with equal perfidy, silently suffer,
+    or secretly favour the violation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At a time like this, when treaties are considered only as momentary
+    expedients, and alliances confer no security, it is evident that the
+    preservation of our rights, our interest, and our commerce, must depend
+    only on our natural strength; and that instead of cultivating the
+    friendship of foreign powers, which we must purchase upon
+    disadvantageous conditions, and which will be withdrawn from us whenever
+    we shall need it; we ought, therefore, to collect our own force, and
+    show the world how little we stand in need of assistance, and how little
+    we have to fear from the most powerful of our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our country, my lords, seems designed by nature to subsist without any
+    dependence on other nations, and by a steady and resolute improvement of
+    these advantages with which providence has blessed it, may bid defiance
+    to mankind; it might become, by the extension of our commerce, the
+    general centre at which the wealth of the whole earth might be collected
+    together, and from whence it might be issued upon proper occasions, for
+    the diffusion of liberty, the repression of insolence, and the
+    preservation of peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this glory, and this influence, my lords, must arise from domestick
+    felicity; and domestick felicity can only be produced by a mutual
+    confidence between the government and the people. Where the governours
+    distrust the affections of their subjects, they will not be very
+    solicitous to advance their happiness; for who will endeavour to
+    increase that wealth which will, as he believes, be employed against
+    him? Nor will the subjects cheerfully concur even with the necessary
+    measures of their governours, whose general designs they conceive to be
+    contrary to the publick interest; because any temporary success or
+    accidental reputation, will only dazzle the eyes of the multitude, while
+    their liberties are stolen away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confidence, my lords, must be promoted where it exists, and
+    regained where it is lost, by the open administration of justice, by
+    impartial inquiries into publick transactions, by the exaltation of
+    those whose wisdom and bravery has advanced the publick reputation, or
+    increased the happiness of the nation, and the censure of those, however
+    elate with dignities, or surrounded with dependants, who by their
+    unskilfulness or dishonesty, have either embarrassed their country or
+    betrayed it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, it is, in my opinion, necessary to gratify
+    the nation, at the present juncture, with the prospect of those
+    measures, without which no people can reasonably be satisfied; and to
+    pacify their resentment of past injuries, and quiet their apprehensions
+    of future miseries, by a possibility, at least, that they may see the
+    authors of all our miscarriages called to a trial in open day, and the
+    merit of those men acknowledged and rewarded, by whose resolution and
+    integrity they imagine that the final ruin of themselves and posterity
+    has been hitherto prevented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the present discontent of the British nation is almost universal,
+    that suspicion has infused itself into every rank and denomination of
+    men, that complaints of the neglect of our commerce, the misapplication
+    of our treasure, and the unsuccessfulness of our arms, are to be heard
+    from every mouth, and in every place, where men dare utter their
+    sentiments, I suppose, my lords, no man will deny; for whoever should
+    stand up in opposition to the truth of a fact so generally known, would
+    distinguish himself, even in this age of effrontery and corruption, by a
+    contempt of reputation, not yet known amongst mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And indeed, my lords, it must be confessed that these discontents and
+    clamours are produced by such an appearance of folly, or of treachery,
+    as few ages or nations have ever known; by such an obstinate
+    perseverance in bad measures, as shame has hitherto prevented in those
+    upon whom nobler motives, fidelity to their trust, and love of their
+    country, had lost their influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Other ministers, when they have formed designs of sacrificing the
+    publick interest to their own, have been compelled to better measures by
+    timely discoveries, and just representations; they have been criminal
+    only because they hoped for secrecy, and have vindicated their conduct
+    no longer than while they had hopes that their apologies might deceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our heroick ministers, my lords, have set themselves free from the
+    shackles of circumspection, they have disburdened themselves of the
+    embarrassments of caution, and claim an exemption from the necessity of
+    supporting their measures by laborious deductions and artful reasonings;
+    they defy the publick when they can no longer delude it, and prosecute,
+    in the face of the sun, those measures which they have not been able to
+    support, and of which the fatal consequences are foreseen by the whole
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When they have been detected in one absurdity, they take shelter in
+    another; when experience has shown that one of their attempts was
+    designed only to injure their country, they propose a second of the same
+    kind with equal confidence, boast again of their integrity, and again
+    require the concurrence of the legislature, and the support of the
+    people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When they had for a long time suffered our trading vessels to be seized
+    in sight of our own ports, when they had despatched fleets into the
+    Mediterranean, only to lie exposed to the injuries of the weather, and
+    to sail from one coast to another, only to show that they had no hostile
+    intentions, and that they were fitted out by the friends of the
+    Spaniards, only to amuse and exhaust the nation, they at length thought
+    it necessary to lull the impatience of the people, who began to discover
+    that they had hitherto been harassed with taxes and impresses to no
+    purpose, by the appearance of a new effort for the subjection of the
+    enemy, and to divert, by the expectations which an army and a fleet
+    naturally raise, any clamours at their past conduct'.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this end, having entered into their usual consultations, they
+    projected an expedition into America, for which they raised forces and
+    procured transports, with all the pomp of preparation for the conquest
+    of half the continent, not so much to alarm the Spaniards, which I
+    conceive but a secondary view, as to fill the people of Britain with
+    amusing prospects of great achievements, of the addition of new
+    dominions to this empire, and an ample reparation for all their damages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus provided with forces sufficient, in appearance, for this mighty
+    enterprise, they embarked them after many delays, and dismissed them to
+    their fate, having first disposed their regulations in such a manner,
+    that it was impossible that they should meet with success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I can call your lordships to witness, that this impossibility was not
+    discovered by me after the event, for I foretold in this house, that
+    their designs, so conducted, must evidently miscarry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was this prediction, my lords, the effect of any uncommon sagacity,
+    or any accidental conjecture on future consequences which happened to be
+    right; for to any man who has had opportunities of observing that
+    knowledge in war is necessary to success, and experience is the
+    foundation of knowledge, it was sufficiently plain that our forces must
+    be repulsed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The forces sent into America, my lords, were newly raised, placed under
+    the direction of officers not less ignorant than themselves, and
+    commanded by a man who never had commanded any troops before; and who,
+    however laudable he might have discharged the duty of a captain, was
+    wholly unacquainted with the province of a general.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet was this man, my lords, preferred, not only to a multitude of other
+    officers, to whom experience must have been of small advantage, if it
+    did not furnish them with knowledge far superiour to his, but to five
+    and forty generals, of whom I hope the nation has no reason to suspect
+    that any of them would not gladly have served it on an occasion of so
+    great importance, and willingly have conducted an expedition intended to
+    retrieve the honour of the British name, the terrour of our arms, and
+    the security of our commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When raw troops, my lords, with young officers, are to act under the
+    command of an unskilful general, what is it reasonable to expect, but
+    what has happened&mdash;overthrow, slaughter, and ignominy? What but that
+    cheap victories should heighten the insolence, and harden the obstinacy
+    of our enemies; and that we should not only be weakened by our loss, but
+    dispirited by our disgrace; by the disgrace of being overthrown by those
+    whom we have despised, and with whom nothing but our own folly could
+    have reduced us to a level.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The other conjecture which I ventured to propose to your lordships, with
+    regard to the queen of Hungary, was not founded on facts equally evident
+    with the former, though experience has discovered that it was equally
+    true. It was then asserted, both by other lords and myself, that money
+    would be chosen by that princess as an assistance more useful than
+    forces; an opinion, which the lords who are engaged in the
+    administration vigorously opposed. In consequence of their
+    determination, forces were hired, for what purpose&mdash;let them now
+    declare, since none but themselves have yet known.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That at least they were not taken into our pay for the service for which
+    they were required, the succour of the house of Austria, is most
+    evident, unless the name of armies is imagined sufficient to intimidate
+    the French, as the Spaniards are to be subdued by the sight of fleets.
+    They never marched towards her frontiers, never opposed her enemies, or
+    afforded her the least assistance, but stood idle and unconcerned in the
+    territories of Hanover; nor was it known that they existed by any other
+    proof than that remittances were made for their pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, was the assistance, asked with so much solicitude, and
+    levied with so much expedition, for the queen of Hungary; such were the
+    effects of the zeal of our illustrious ministers for the preservation of
+    that august house, to whose alliance we are perhaps indebted for the
+    preservation of our religion and our liberties, and to which all Europe
+    must have recourse for shelter from the oppression of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When this formidable body of men was assembled, my lords, and reviewed,
+    they were perhaps found too graceful and too well sorted to be exposed
+    to the dangers of a battle; and the same tenderness that has so long
+    preserved our own forces from any other field than the park, might
+    rescue them from the fatigues of accompanying the active hussars in
+    their incursions, or the steady Austrians in their conflicts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever was the reason, my lords, it is certain that they have been
+    reserved for other opportunities of signalizing their courage; and they
+    slept in quiet, and fattened upon the wealth of Britain, while the
+    enemies of our illustrious, magnanimous, and unfortunate ally, entered
+    her territories without opposition, marched through them uninterrupted,
+    and rather took possession than made conquests.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That in this condition of her affairs, the queen would refuse an offer
+    of twelve thousand men; that when she was driven from one country to
+    another, attended by an army scarcely sufficient to form a flying camp,
+    she would not gladly have accepted a reinforcement so powerful, let
+    those believe, my lords, who have yet never been deceived by ministerial
+    faith.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The real designs of the ministry, my lords, are sufficiently obvious,
+    nor is any thing more certain, than that they had, in requiring this
+    mock assistance for the queen of Hungary, no other design than that of
+    raising her expectations only to deceive them; and to divert her, by
+    confidence in their preparations, from having recourse to more
+    efficacious expedients, that she might become, without resistance, the
+    slave of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this purpose they determined to succour her with forces rather than
+    with money, because many reasons might be pretended, by which the march
+    of the forces might be retarded; but the money, my lords, when granted,
+    must have been more speedily remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At last the queen, weary with delays, and undoubtedly sufficiently
+    informed of those designs, which are now, however generally discovered,
+    confidently denied, desired a supply of money, which might be granted
+    without leaving Hanover exposed to an invasion. With this demand, which
+    they had no pretence to deny, they have yet found expedients to delay
+    their compliance. For it does not appear that the whole sum granted has
+    yet been paid; and it would well become those noble lords, whose offices
+    give them an opportunity of observing the distribution of the publick
+    money, to justify themselves from the suspicions of the nation, by
+    declaring openly what has been remitted, and what yet remains to be
+    disbursed for some other purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is it not, therefore, evident, my lords, that by promising assistance to
+    this unhappy princess, the ministry intended to deceive her? That when
+    they flattered her with the approach of auxiliary forces, they designed
+    only to station them where they might garrison the frontiers of Hanover?
+    And that when they forced her to solicit for pecuniary aid, they delayed
+    the payment of the subsidy, that it might not be received till it could
+    produce no effect?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is not only evident from the manifest absurdity of their
+    conduct upon any other supposition, but from the general scheme which
+    has always been pursued by the man whose dictatorial instructions
+    regulate the opinions of all those that constitute the ministry, and of
+    whom it is well known, that it has been the great purpose of his life to
+    aggrandize France, by applying to her for assistance in imaginary
+    distresses from fictitious confederacies, and by sacrificing to her in
+    return the house of Austria, and the commerce of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How then, my lords, can it be asserted by us, that the house of Austria
+    has been vigilantly supported? How can we approve measures, of which we
+    discover no effect but the expense of the nation? A double expense,
+    produced first by raising troops, which though granted for the
+    assistance of the Austrians, have been made use of only for the
+    protection of Hanover, and by the grant of money in the place of these
+    troops, which were thus fallaciously obtained, and thus unprofitably
+    employed!
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose these forces were in reality raised, I suppose no man
+    can be ignorant, and no man to whom it is known can possibly approve it.
+    How then, my lords, can we concur in an address by which the people must
+    be persuaded, that we either are deceived ourselves, or endeavour to
+    impose upon them; that we either dare not condemn any measures, however
+    destructive, or that, at least, we are in haste to approve them, lest
+    inquiry should discover their tendency too plainly to leave us the power
+    of applauding them, without an open declaration of our own impotence, or
+    disregard for the welfare of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The complaints of the people are already clamorous, and their discontent
+    open and universal; and surely the voice of the people ought, at least,
+    to awake us to an examination of their condition. And though we should
+    not immediately condemn those whom they censure and detest, as the
+    authors of their miseries, we ought, at least, to pay so much regard to
+    the accusation of the whole community, as not to reject it without
+    inquiry, as a suspicion merely chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether these complaints and suspicions, my lords, proceed from real
+    injuries and imminent dangers, or from false accusations and groundless
+    terrours, they equally deserve the attention of this house, whose great
+    care is the happiness of the people: people equally worthy of your
+    tenderness and regard, whether they are betrayed by one party or
+    another; whether they are plundered by the advocates of the
+    administration, under pretence of supporting the government, or
+    affrighted with unreasonable clamours by the opponents of the court,
+    under the specious appearance of protecting liberty. The people, my
+    lords, are in either case equally miserable, and deserve equally to be
+    rescued from distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By what method, my lords, can this be effected, but by some publick
+    assurance from this house, that the transactions of the nation shall no
+    longer be concealed in impenetrable secrecy; that measures shall be no
+    longer approved without examination; that publick evils shall be traced
+    to their causes; and that disgrace, which they have hitherto brought
+    upon the publick, shall fall for the future only upon the authors of
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of giving this assurance, and of quieting by it the clamours of the
+    people; clamours which, whether just or not, are too formidable to be
+    slighted, and too loud not to be heard, we have now the most proper
+    opportunity before us. The address which the practice of our ancestors
+    requires us to make to his majesty, may give us occasion of expressing
+    at once our loyalty to the crown, and our fidelity to our country; our
+    zeal for the honour of our sovereign, and our regard for the happiness
+    of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this purpose it is necessary that, as we preserve the practice of
+    our ancestors in one respect, we revive it in another; that we imitate
+    those in just freedom of language whom we follow in the decent forms of
+    ceremony; and show that as we preserve, like them, a due sense of the
+    regal dignity, so, like them, we know likewise how to preserve our own,
+    and despise flattery on one side, as we decline rudeness on the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A practice, my lords, has prevailed of late, which cannot but be allowed
+    pernicious to the publick, and derogatory from the honour of this
+    assembly; a practice of retaining in our address the words of the
+    speech, and of following it servilely from period to period, as if it
+    were expected that we should always adopt the sentiments of the court;
+    as if we were not summoned to advise, but to approve, and approve
+    without examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By such addresses, my lords, all inquiries may be easily precluded; for
+    the minister by whom the speech is compiled, may easily introduce the
+    most criminal transactions in such a manner, as that they may obtain the
+    approbation of this house; which he may plead afterwards at our bar,
+    when he shall be called before it, and either involve us in the disgrace
+    of inconsistency, and expose us to general contempt, or be acquitted by
+    our former suffrages, which it would be reproachful to retract, and yet
+    criminal to confirm.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not necessary, my lords, on this occasion to observe, what all
+    parties have long since acknowledged, when it did not promote their
+    interest to deny it, that every speech from the throne is to be
+    considered as the work of the minister, because it is generally written
+    by him; or if composed by the king himself, must be drawn up in
+    pursuance of the information and counsel of the ministry, to whom it is,
+    therefore, ultimately to be referred, and may consequently be examined
+    without any failure of respect to the person of the prince.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This ought, however, to be observed, my lords, that it may appear more
+    plainly how certainly this practice may be imputed to the artifices of
+    ministers, since it does not promote the honour of the prince, and
+    manifestly obstructs the interest of the people; since it is a practice
+    irrational in itself, because it is inconsistent with the great purpose
+    of this assembly, and can, therefore, serve no other purpose than that
+    of procuring indemnity to the ministers, by placing them out of the
+    reach of future animadversion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let not, my lords, the uninterrupted continuance of this practice for
+    some reigns be pleaded in its defence; for nothing is more worthy of the
+    dignity of this house, than to prevent the multiplication of dangerous
+    precedents. That a custom manifestly injurious to the publick has
+    continued long, is the strongest reason for breaking it, because it
+    acquires every year new authority and greater veneration: if when a
+    nation is alarmed and distracted, a custom of twenty years is not to be
+    infringed, it may in twenty years more be so firmly established, that
+    many may think it necessary to be supported, even when those calamities
+    are incontestably felt, which, perhaps, now are only feared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, my lords, propose, that of the address moved for,
+    all be left out but the first paragraph; it will then be more consistent
+    with the honour of your lordships, with our regard for the people, and
+    with our duty to the crown, and hope no lord will refuse his
+    concurrence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARDWICKE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords,
+    upon an attentive consideration of the address now proposed, I am not
+    able to discover any objections which can justly hinder the unanimous
+    concurrence of this assembly, since there is not any proposition
+    contained in it either dangerous or uncertain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lords who have opposed this motion with the most ardent
+    vehemence, are very far from denying what is asserted in it; they
+    readily grant that designs are concerted by many formidable powers
+    against the house of Austria, and that the consequences of the ruin of
+    that family must extend to the utmost parts of Europe, and endanger the
+    liberties of Britain itself; that the power of France will then be
+    without a rival, and that she may afterwards gratify her ambition
+    without fear and without danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, my lords, less obvious in itself, or less generally allowed,
+    that this is a time which demands the most active vigour, the most
+    invariable unanimity, and the most diligent despatch; that nothing can
+    interrupt the course of our common enemies but the wisest counsels, and
+    the most resolute opposition; and that upon our conduct at this great
+    conjuncture may probably depend the happiness and liberty of ourselves,
+    our allies, and our posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All this, my lords, is allowed to be apparently and indisputably true; I
+    am, therefore, at a loss to conceive what can be the occasion of the
+    debate in which some of your lordships have engaged. As the causes of
+    the calamities which are said to threaten us are not assigned in the
+    address, we shall leave ourselves at full liberty to charge them upon
+    those who shall appear from future inquiries to deserve so heavy an
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the ministers of the court have, by any inconstancy in their
+    measures, or folly in their negotiations, given an opportunity to the
+    enemies of Europe to extend their influence, or endangered either our
+    own interest, or that of our allies; if they have by oppression or
+    negligence alienated from his majesty the affections of his people, or
+    the confidence of his confederates, nothing that is contained in the
+    address now before us can be produced by them in justification of their
+    conduct, or secure them from accusation, censure, and punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the war, my lords, has been hitherto carried on with clandestine
+    stipulations, or treacherous compacts; if our admirals have received
+    orders to retire from the coast of Spain, only to give our enemies an
+    opportunity of invading the dominions of the queen of Hungary, or have,
+    without directions, deserted their stations, and abandoned the
+    protection of our commerce and our colonies; we shall, notwithstanding
+    this address, retain in our hands the privilege of inquiring into their
+    conduct, and the power, if it be found criminal, of inflicting such
+    penalties as justice shall require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, therefore, my lords, upon what motives the debate is
+    continued, nor what objections they are which hinder our unanimity, at a
+    time when all petty controversies ought to be forgot, and all nominal
+    distinctions laid aside; at a time when general danger may justly claim
+    general attention, and we ought to suspend the assertion of our
+    particular opinions, and the prosecution of our separate interests, and
+    regard only the opposition of France, the support of our allies, and the
+    preservation of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lords who have offered their sentiments on this occasion, have
+    very diffusely expatiated on the miseries that impend over us, and have
+    shown uncommon dexterity and acuteness in tracing them all to one
+    source, the weakness or dishonesty of the British ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, my lords, though, perhaps, I believe that many
+    circumstances of the present distress are to be imputed to accidents
+    which could not be foreseen, and that the conduct of the ministry,
+    however sometimes disappointed of the effects intended by it, was yet
+    prudent and sincere, I shall at present forbear to engage in their
+    defence, because the discussion of a question so complicated must
+    necessarily require much time, and because I think it not so useful to
+    inquire how we were involved in our present difficulties, as by what
+    means we may be extricated from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The method by which weak states are made strong, and by which those that
+    are already powerful, are enabled to exert their strength with efficacy,
+    is the promotion of union, and the abolition of all suspicions by which
+    the people may be incited to a distrust of their sovereign, or the
+    sovereign provoked to a disregard of his people. With this view, my
+    lords, all addresses ought to be drawn up, and this consideration will
+    be sufficient to restrain us from any innovations at a time like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be granted, my lords, that the ancient method were better
+    adapted to the general intention of addresses, more correspondent to the
+    dignity of this house, and liable to fewer inconveniencies than that
+    which later times have introduced, yet it will not follow that we can
+    now safely change it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing in the whole doctrine of politicks is better known, than that
+    there are times when the redress of grievances, inveterate and
+    customary, is not to be attempted; times when the utmost care is barely
+    sufficient to avert extreme calamities, and prevent a total dissolution;
+    and in which the consideration of lighter evils must not be suffered to
+    interrupt more important counsels, or divert that attention which the
+    preservation of the state necessarily demands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the present time, even by the confession of those who
+    have opposed the motion, and of whom, therefore, it may be reasonably
+    demanded, why they waste these important hours in debates upon forms and
+    words?
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that only forms and words have produced the debate, must be
+    apparent, even to themselves, when the fervour of controversy shall have
+    slackened; when that vehemence, with which the most moderate are
+    sometimes transported, and that acrimony, which candour itself cannot
+    always forbear, shall give way to reflection and to reason. That the
+    danger is pressing, and that pressing dangers require expedition and
+    unanimity, they willingly grant; and what more is asserted in the
+    address?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any lord should be unwilling to concur in the customary expressions
+    of thankfulness and duty to his majesty, or in acknowledgments of that
+    regard for this assembly with which he asks our assistance and advice, I
+    am unwilling to suspect; nor can I imagine that any part of the
+    opposition to this proposal can be produced by unwillingness to comply
+    with his majesty's demands, and to promise that advice and assistance,
+    which it is our duty, both to our sovereign, our country, and ourselves,
+    to offer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That those, my lords, who have expressed in terms so full of indignation
+    their resentment of the imaginary neglect of the queen of Hungary's
+    interest, have declared the house of Austria the only bulwark of Europe,
+    and expressed their dread of the encroachments of France with emotions
+    which nothing but real passion can produce, should be unwilling to
+    assert their resolution of adhering to the Pragmatick sanction, and of
+    defending the liberties of the empire, cannot be supposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet, my lords, what other reasons of their conduct can be assigned
+    either by the emperour, or the people, or the allies of Britain; those
+    allies whose claim they so warmly assert, and whose merits they so
+    loudly extol? Will it not be imagined in foreign courts, that the
+    measures now recommended by the emperour, are thought not consistent
+    with the interest of the nation? Will it not be readily believed, that
+    we propose to abandon those designs of which we cannot be persuaded to
+    declare our approbation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What will be the consequence of such an opinion artfully propagated by
+    France, and confirmed by appearances so likely to deceive, may easily be
+    foreseen, and safely predicted. The French will prosecute their schemes
+    with fresh ardour, when they dread no longer any interruption from the
+    only nation able to resist them; and it is well known, my lords, how
+    often confidence, by exciting courage, produces success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, indeed, can the success of their endeavours, thus animated and
+    quickened, be easily doubted, since the same appearances that encourage
+    them will intimidate their enemies. Our allies will then think no longer
+    of union against the general enemy; they must imagine their united force
+    insufficient, and the only emulation amongst them will quickly be, which
+    shall first offer his liberty to sale, who shall first pay his court to
+    the masters of the world, and merit mercy by a speedy submission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, will the house of Austria, that house so faithful to
+    Britain, and so steady in its opposition to the designs of the French
+    ambition, be finally sunk in irrecoverable ruin, by those who appear to
+    please themselves with declamations in its praise, and resolutions for
+    its defence; and who never speak of the French without rage and
+    detestation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If on this occasion, my lords, we should give any suspicion of unusual
+    discontent, what could be concluded but that we are unwilling any longer
+    to embarrass ourselves with remote considerations, to load this nation
+    with taxes for the preservation of the rights of other sovereigns, and
+    to hazard armies in the defence of the continent? What can our allies
+    think, but that we are at present weary of the burdensome and expensive
+    honour of holding the balance of power in our hands, are content to
+    resign the unquiet province of the arbiters of Europe, and propose to
+    confine our care henceforward to our immediate interest, and shut up
+    ourselves in our own island?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the real design of any of those noble lords who have
+    opposed the motion, I do not intend to insinuate; for I doubt not but
+    they believe the general interest both of this nation and its allies,
+    most likely to be promoted by the method of address which they
+    recommend, since they declare that they do not think our state
+    desperate, and confess the importance of the affairs on which we are
+    required by his majesty to deliberate, to be such, that nothing ought to
+    repress our endeavours but impossibility of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the knowledge and experience of those noble lords, that the
+    hopes which I had formed of seeing the destructive attempts of the
+    French once more defeated, and power restored again to that equipoise
+    which is necessary to the continuance of tranquillity and happiness,
+    have received new strength from their concurrence, and I shall now hear
+    with less solicitude the threats of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the French, my lords, are not invincible, the noble duke who spoke
+    last has often experienced; nor is there any reason for imagining that
+    they are now more formidable than when we encountered them in the fields
+    of Blenheim and Ramillies. Nothing is requisite but a firm union among
+    those princes who are immediately in danger from their encroachments, to
+    reduce them to withdraw their forces from the countries of their
+    neighbours, and quit, for the defence of their own territories, their
+    schemes of bestowing empires, and dividing dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That such an union is now cultivated, we have been informed by his
+    majesty, whose endeavours will probably be successful, however they may
+    at first be thwarted and obstructed; because the near approach of danger
+    will rouse those whom avarice has stupified, or negligence intoxicated;
+    thus truth and reason will become every day more powerful, and sophistry
+    and artifice be in time certainly detected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, my lords, we are engaged in consultations which may
+    affect the liberties of a great part of mankind, and by which our
+    posterity to many ages may be made happy or miserable; when the daily
+    progress of the enemies of justice and of freedom ought to awaken us to
+    vigilance and expedition, and there are yet just hopes that diligence
+    and firmness may preserve us from ruin, let us not waste our time in
+    unnecessary debates, and keep the nations of Europe in suspense by the
+    discussion of a question, the decision of which may be delayed for
+    years, without any manifest inconvenience. Let us not embarrass his
+    majesty by an unusual form of address, at a time when he his negotiating
+    alliances, and forming plans for the rescue of the empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more remote from the real end of addresses, than a
+    representation of them as made only to the minister; for if there be any
+    commerce between a prince and his subjects, in which he is the immediate
+    agent, if his personal dignity be interested in any act of government, I
+    think it is not to be denied, that in receiving the addresses of the two
+    houses, he assumes a peculiar and distinct character, which cannot be
+    confounded with his council or ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE rose again, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, if
+    there was now any contest amongst us for superiority of regard to his
+    majesty, of zeal for his honour, or reverence of his person, I should
+    not doubt of proving that no lord in this house can boast of more
+    ardour, fidelity, or respect than myself; and if the chief question now
+    amongst us related to the terms in which he deserves to be addressed by
+    us, I should be unwilling that any man should propose language more
+    submissive and reverend, or more forcible and comprehensive than myself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But addresses, however they may for present purposes be represented as
+    regarding the personal character of the king, are in reality nothing
+    more than replies to a speech composed by the minister, whose measures,
+    if we should appear to commend, our panegyrick may, in some future
+    proceeding, be cited against us. Every address, therefore, ought to be
+    considered as a publick record, and to be drawn up, to inform the
+    nation, not to mislead our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address now proposed, is, indeed, equally indefensible to whomsoever
+    it may be supposed to relate. If it respects the people, it can only
+    drive them to despair; if it be confined to the sovereign, our advice,
+    not our panegyrick, is now required, and Europe is to be preserved from
+    ruin, not by our eloquence, but our sincerity. Respect to his majesty,
+    my lords, will be best shown by preserving his influence in other
+    nations, and his authority in his own empire. This can only be done by
+    showing him how the one has been impaired, and how the other may be in
+    time endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By addresses like this which is now proposed, my lords, has his majesty
+    been betrayed into an inadvertent appro bation of measures pernicious to
+    the nation, and dishonourable to himself, and will now be kept ignorant
+    of the despicable conduct of the war, the treacherous connivance at the
+    descent of the Spaniards upon the dominions of the queen of Hungary, and
+    the contempt with which every nation of the continent has heard of the
+    neutrality lately concluded. By addresses like this, my lords, have the
+    rights of the nation been silently given up, and the invaders of
+    liberty, and violators of our laws, preserved from prosecution; by such
+    addresses have our monarchs been ruined at one time, and our country
+    enslaved at another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARRINGTON spoke next, in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, it is
+    necessary to explain that treaty of neutrality which has been mentioned
+    by some lords as an act to the last degree shameful, an act by which the
+    nation has been dishonoured, and the general liberties of Europe have
+    been betrayed; a representation so distant from the truth, that it can
+    only be imputed to want of information.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This treaty of neutrality, my lords, is so far from being reproachful to
+    this nation, that it has no relation to it, being made by his majesty
+    not in the character of emperour of Britain, but elector of Hanover, nor
+    is any thing stipulated by it but security of the dominions of Hanover,
+    from the invasion of the French for a single year.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What part of this transaction, my lords, can be supposed to fall under
+    the cognizance of this assembly? Or with what propriety can it be
+    mentioned in our debates, or produce an argument on either side? That
+    the dominions of Britain and Hanover are distinct, and independent on
+    each other, has often been asserted, and asserted with truth; and I hope
+    those who so studiously separate their interest on all other occasions,
+    will not now unite them only to reflect maliciously on the conduct of
+    his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not, indeed, charge any lord with a design so malignant and unjust;
+    having already asserted it as my opinion, that these reproaches were
+    produced only by ignorance of the true state of the affair, but cannot
+    with equal readiness allow that ignorance to be wholly blameless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, my lords, in common life, to every man who would avoid
+    contempt and ridicule, to refrain from speaking, at least from speaking
+    with confidence, on subjects with which he has not made himself
+    sufficiently acquainted. This caution, my lords, is more necessary when
+    his discourse tends to the accusation or reproach of another, because he
+    can then only escape contempt himself by bringing it, perhaps unjustly,
+    on him whom he condemns. It is more necessary still, to him who speaks
+    in the publick council of the nation, and who may, by false reflections,
+    injure the publick interest; and is yet more indispensably required in
+    him who assumes the province of examining the conduct of his sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord ISLAY spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;'My lords, it appears that
+    all those who have spoke on either side of the present question, however
+    they may generally differ in their opinions, agree at least in one
+    assertion, that the time which is spent in this debate might be far more
+    usefully employed, and that we, in some degree, desert the great cause
+    of liberty, by giving way to trifling altercations. This, indeed, is an
+    argument of equal force for a concession on either side; but, as in
+    affairs of such importance, no man ought to act in a manner contrary to
+    the convictions of his own reason, it cannot be expected that we should
+    be unanimous in our opinions, or that the dispute should be determined
+    otherwise than by the vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, heard no arguments against the motion, which require
+    long consideration; for little of what has been urged, has, in my
+    opinion, been very nearly connected with the question before us, which
+    is not whether the ministers have pursued or neglected the interest of
+    the nation, whether the laws have been violated or observed, the war
+    timorously or magnanimously conducted, or our negotiations managed with
+    dexterity or weakness, but whether we shall offer to his majesty the
+    address proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this address, my lords, it has never yet been proved that any
+    assertions are contained either false or uncertain in themselves, or
+    contrary to the dignity of this assembly; that any act of cowardice or
+    treachery, any crime, or any errour, will be secured by it from
+    detection and from punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this, my lords, may appear more plainly, I move that the motion may
+    be read; nor do I doubt but that the question will, by a closer
+    examination, be speedily decided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The motion being again read, in order to put the question.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BATHURST spoke to the effect following:&mdash;My lords, I know not why
+    the noble lord should expect, that by reading the motion, a more speedy
+    determination of the question would be produced; for if the repeated
+    consideration of it operates upon the minds of the lords that have
+    opposed it, in the same manner as upon mine, it will only confirm their
+    opinion, and strengthen their resolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are required, my lords, to join in an address of thanks to his
+    majesty for his endeavours to <i>maintain</i> the balance of power; in an
+    address, that implies a falsehood open and indisputable, and which will,
+    therefore, only make us contemptible to our fellow-subjects, our allies,
+    and our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What is meant, my lords, by the balance of power, but such a
+    distribution of dominion, as may keep the sovereign powers in mutual
+    dread of each other, and, by consequence, preserve peace; such an
+    equality of strength between one prince, or one confederacy and another,
+    that the hazard of war shall be nearly equal on each side? But which of
+    your lordships will affirm, that this is now the state of Europe?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, my lords, that the French are far from imagining that
+    there is now any power which can be put in the balance against their
+    own, and therefore distribute kingdoms by caprice, and exalt emperours
+    upon their own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, that the continuance of the balance of power is not now
+    to be perceived by its natural consequences, tranquillity and liberty;
+    the whole continent is now in confusion, laid waste by the ravages of
+    armies, subject to one sovereign to-day, and to-morrow to another: there
+    is scarcely any place where the calamities of war are not felt or
+    expected, and where property, by consequence, is not uncertain, and life
+    itself in continual danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One happy corner of the world, indeed, is to be found, my lords, secured
+    from rapine and massacre, for one year at least, by a well-timed
+    neutrality, of which, on what terms it was obtained, I would gladly
+    hear, and whether it was purchased at the expense of the honour of
+    Britain, though the advantages of it are confined to Hanover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I am not of opinion, my lords, that the balance of power is
+    preserved by the security of Hanover; or that those territories, however
+    important, will be able to furnish forces equivalent to the power of
+    France, I cannot agree to promise, in an address of this house, to
+    assist his majesty in <i>maintaining</i> the balance of power, though I shall
+    cheerfully give my concurrence in every just and vigorous effort to
+    <i>restore</i> it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as it may be urged, that any direct expressions of discontent may
+    be too wide a deviation from the common forms, which for a long time
+    have admitted nothing but submission and adulation, I shall only venture
+    to propose that we may, at least, contract our address, that if we do
+    not in plain language declare all our sentiments, we may, however,
+    affirm nothing that we do not think; and I am confident, that all the
+    praises which can be justly bestowed on the late measures, may be
+    comprised in a very few words.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been insinuated, that this change of our style may, perhaps,
+    surprise his majesty, and raise in him some suspicions of discontent and
+    disapprobation; that it may incline him to believe his measures, either
+    not understood by us, or not applauded, and divert him from his present
+    schemes, by the necessity of an inquiry into the reasons of our dislike.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And for what other purpose, my lords, should such a change of our style
+    be proposed? Why should we deny on this occasion the encomiastick
+    language which has been of late so profusely bestowed, but to show that
+    we think this time too dangerous for flattery, and the measures now
+    pursued, such as none but the most abject flatterers can commend?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I should hope, that if it be asked by his majesty to what cause it is to
+    be imputed, that the address of this house is so much contracted, there
+    would be found some amongst us honest enough to answer, that all which
+    can be said with truth is contained in it, and that flattery and
+    falsehood were not consistent with the dignity of the lords of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, my lords, some one amongst us would explain to his majesty the
+    decency as well as the integrity of our conduct, and inform him that we
+    have hinted our discontent in the most respectful manner; and where
+    there was sufficient room for the loudest censure, have satisfied
+    ourselves with modest silence, with a mere negation of applause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should we, my lords, in opposition to the complaints of our countrymen,
+    to the representations of our allies, and all the conviction which our
+    reason can admit, or our senses produce, continue to act this farce of
+    approbation, what can his majesty conceive, but that those measures
+    which we applaud, ought to be prosecuted as the most effectual and safe?
+    And what consequence but total ruin can arise from the prosecution of
+    measures, by which we are already reduced to penury and contempt?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, it is
+    never without grief and wonder that I hear any suspicion insinuated of
+    injustice or impropriety in his majesty's measures, of whose wisdom and
+    goodness I have so much knowledge, as to affirm, with the utmost
+    confidence, that he is better acquainted than any lord in this assembly
+    with the present state of Europe; so that he is more able to judge by
+    what methods tranquillity may be reestablished; and that he pursues the
+    best methods with the utmost purity of intention, and the most incessant
+    diligence and application.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the justest intentions may be sometimes defeated, and the wisest
+    endeavours fail of success, I shall readily grant; but it will not
+    follow, that we ought not to acknowledge that wisdom and integrity which
+    is exerted in the prosecution of our interest, or that we ought not to
+    be grateful for the benefits which were sincerely intended, though not
+    actually received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wisdom of his majesty's counsels, my lords, is not sufficiently
+    admired, because the difficulties which he has to encounter are not
+    known, or not observed. Upon his majesty, my lords, lies the task of
+    teaching the powers of the continent to prefer their real to their
+    seeming interest, and to disregard, for the sake of distant happiness,
+    immediate acquisitions and certain advantages. His majesty is
+    endeavouring to unite in the support of the Pragmatick sanction those
+    powers whose dominions will be enlarged by the violation of it, and whom
+    France bribes to her interest with the spoils of Austria; and who can
+    wonder that success is not easy in attempts like this?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In such measures we ought, doubtless, to endeavour to animate his
+    majesty, by an address, at least not less expressive of duty and respect
+    than those which he has been accustomed to receive; and, therefore, I
+    shall concur with the noble lords who made and supported the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question, on a division, passed in the affirmative, Content, 89.
+    Not Content, 43.]
+</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10351 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #10351 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10351)
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+Project Gutenberg's The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10., by Samuel Johnson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+       Parlimentary Debates I.
+
+Author: Samuel Johnson
+
+Release Date: December 1, 2003 [EBook #10351]
+[Last updated. February 17, 2013]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK S. JOHNSON, V10 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Tom Allen and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,
+
+VOLUME THE TENTH.
+
+MDCCCXXV.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+Debate on the bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn.
+
+Debate on a seditious paper.
+
+Debate on incorporating the new-raised men into the standing regiments.
+
+Debate on taking the state of the army into consideration.
+
+Debate respecting officers on half-pay.
+
+Debate on an address for papers relating to admiral Haddock.
+
+Debate regarding the departure of the French and Spanish squadrons.
+
+Debate on addressing his majesty for the removal of sir R. Walpole.
+
+Debate on cleansing the city of Westminster.
+
+Debate on the bill to prevent inconveniencies arising from the insurance
+of ships.
+
+Debate on the bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen.
+
+Debate on the bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion.
+
+Debate on addressing the king.
+
+Debate on supporting the queen of Hungary.
+
+Debate on choosing a speaker.
+
+Debate on the address.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+
+
+The government of this country has long and justly been considered the
+best among the nations of Europe; and the English people have ever
+evinced a proportionate desire for information in its proceedings. But
+in the earlier days of our constitution, we shall find that much
+jealousy on the part of our rulers debarred the people from access to
+the national deliberations. Queen Elizabeth, with a sagacity that
+derived no assurance from the precedents of former times, foresaw the
+mighty power of the press, as an engine applied to state purposes, and
+accordingly aroused the spirit of her subjects, by causing the first
+gazettes to be published in the year of the armada [Footnote: See sir J.
+Mackintosh's Defence in the Peltier case.]: and D'Ewes's journals of her
+parliaments contain the earliest reports of parliamentary debates.
+
+The first volume of the commons' journals comprises the debates from the
+accession of James the first, to the cessation of parliaments under
+Charles the first. The publication, in 1766, of a member's notes,
+furnished authentic debates of the session in 1621. Rushworth, in his
+voluminous collections, presents us with many of the debates during the
+civil wars. Gray's more regular debates succeeded. From these, until the
+times that followed the glorious revolution in 1688, we have no reports
+of parliamentary proceedings, interesting as they must have been, on
+which we can place any more reliance, than on those of Dr. Johnson,
+which, we shall presently see, cannot pretend to the character of
+faithful reports, however deservedly eminent they are as eloquent and
+energetic compositions. But the revolution was not immediately followed
+by a liberal diffusion of parliamentary intelligence, for the newspapers
+of William's reign only give occasionally a detached speech. That
+sovereign scarcely allowed liberty of speech to the members of
+parliament themselves, and was fully as tyrannical in disposition as his
+predecessor on the throne; but, happily for the English nation, he was
+tied and bound by the strong fetters of law.
+
+The stormy period that ensued on William's death, is somewhat
+illustrated by Boyer's POLITICAL STATE. The HISTORICAL REGISTERS which
+appeared on the accession of George the first, may be considered as more
+faithful depositories of political information than Boyer's partial
+publication. The spirited opposition to sir Robert Walpole excited an
+unprecedented anxiety in the nation to learn the internal proceedings of
+parliament. This wish on the part of constituents to know and scrutinize
+the conduct of their representatives, which to us appears so reasonable
+a claim, was regarded in a different light by our ancestors. But the
+frown of authority in the reign of George the second began to have less
+power to alarm a people whose minds were undergoing progressive
+illumination. A general desire was then loudly expressed for
+parliamentary information, which Cave sought to gratify by the insertion
+of the debates in the GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. The jealousy of the houses,
+however, subjected that indefatigable man to the practices of stratagem
+for the accomplishment of his design. He held the office of inspector of
+franks in the postoffice, which brought him into contact with the
+officers of both houses of parliament, and afforded him frequent and
+ready access to many of the members. Cave, availing himself of this
+advantage, frequented the houses when any debate of public interest was
+expected, and, along with a friend, posted himself in the gallery of the
+house of commons, and in some retired station in that of the lords,
+where, unobserved, they took notes of the several speeches. These notes
+were afterwards arranged and expanded by Guthrie, the historian, then in
+the employment of Cave, and presented to the public, monthly, in the
+Gentleman's Magazine. They first appeared in July, 1736 [Footnote: Gent.
+Mag. vol. vi.], and were perused with the greatest eagerness. But it was
+soon intimated to Cave, that the speaker was offended with this freedom,
+which he regarded in the light of a breach of privilege, and would
+subject Cave, unless he desisted, to parliamentary censure, or perhaps
+punishment. To escape this, and likewise to avoid an abridgment of his
+magazine, Cave had recourse to the following artifice. He opened his
+magazine for June, 1738, with an article entitled, "Debates in the
+senate of Magna Lilliputia;" in which he artfully deplores the
+prohibition that forbids him to present his readers with the
+consultations of their own representatives, and expresses a hope that
+they will accept, as a substitute, those of that country which Gulliver
+had so lately rendered illustrious, and which untimely death had
+prevented that enterprising traveller from publishing himself. Under
+this fiction he continued to publish the debates of the British
+parliament, hiding the names of persons and places by the transposition
+of letters, in the way of anagram. These he contrived to explain to his
+readers, by annexing to his volume for 1738, feigned proposals for
+printing a work, to be called Anagrammata Rediviva. This list, and
+others from different years, we give in the present edition, though we
+have rejected the barbarous jargon from the speeches themselves. A
+contemporary publication, the LONDON MAGAZINE, feigned to give the
+debates of the Roman senate, and adapted Roman titles to the several
+speakers. This expedient, as well as Cave's contrivance, sufficed to
+protect its ingenious authors from parliamentary resentment; as the
+resolution of the commons was never enforced.
+
+The debates contained in the following volumes, commence with the 19th
+November, 1740, and terminate with the 23d February, 1742-3. The
+animated attempts that were made to remove sir Robert Walpole from
+administration, seemed, in Cave's opinion, to call for an abler reporter
+than Guthrie. Johnson was selected for the task; and his execution of it
+may well justify the admiration which we have so often avowed for those
+wonderful powers of mind, which, apparently, bade defiance to all
+impediments of external fortune.
+
+He was only thirty-two years of age, little acquainted with the world;
+had never, perhaps, been in either house, and certainly had never
+conversed with the men whose style and sentiments he took upon himself
+to imitate. But so well and skilfully did he assume, not merely the
+sedate and stately dignity of the lords, and the undaunted freedom of
+the commons, but also the tone of the respective parties, that the
+public imagined they recognised the individual manner of the different
+speakers. Voltaire, and other foreigners of distinction, compared
+British with Greek and Roman eloquence; and ludicrous instances are
+detailed by Johnson's biographers, of praises awarded to Pulteney or to
+Pitt, in the presence of the unsuspected author of the orations which
+had excited such regard [Footnote: See Boswell, and sir John Hawkins.]!
+For Johnson confessed, that he composed many of the speeches entirely
+from his own imagination, and all of them from very scanty materials.
+
+This confession he undoubtedly made from his love of truth, and not for
+the gratification of vanity. When he heard that Smollett was preparing
+his History of England, he warned him against relying on the debates as
+authentic; and, on his death-bed, he professed that the recollection of
+having been engaged in an imposture was painful to him. That this was a
+refined scrupulosity the most rigid moralist must allow; but,
+nevertheless, it is matter for congratulation, that the liberality of
+parliament no longer subjects its reporters to the subterfuges which we
+have thus briefly attempted to describe. And a comparison of this age
+and its privileges with the restrictions of former times, may not be
+without its use, if, by reminding us that we were not always free, it
+teaches us political contentment, suggests to us the policy of
+moderation, and enables us to love liberty, and yet be wise.
+
+OXFORD, NOVEMBER, 1825.
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Terms used by Cave to disguise the real Names
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Abingdon, Ld. ... Adonbing or Plefdrahn
+  Ambrose, Captain ... Ambreso
+  Archer ... Arech
+  Argyle, Duke of ... Agryl
+  Arthur ... Aruth
+  Anne ... Nuna
+  Aston ... Anots
+  Aylesford, Lord ... Alysfrop
+  Baltimore, Lord ... Blatirome
+  Barnard, Sir John ... Branard
+  Barrington ... Birrongtan
+  Bath, Earl of ... Baht
+  Bathurst, Lord ... Brustath
+  Bedford, Duke of ... Befdort
+  Berkeley, Lord ... Berelky
+  Bishop ... Flamen
+  Bladen, Mr. ... Bledna
+  Bootle, Mr. ... Butul
+  Bowles, Mr. ... Bewlos
+  Bristol, Lord ... Broslit
+  Bromley, Mr. ... Bormlye
+  Brown, Mr. ... Brewon or Buron
+  Burleigh ... Bruleigh
+  Burrell, Mr. ... Berrull
+  Campbell ... Campobell
+  Carew, Mr. ... Cawar
+  Carlisle, Earl of ... Carsilel
+  Carteret, Lord ... Quadrert
+  Castres, Mons ... Cahstrehs
+  Cavendish ... Candevish
+  Charles ... Chorlo
+  Chesterfield, Earl of ... Castroflet
+  Cholmondeley, Earl of ... Sholmlug
+  Churchill ... Chillchurch
+  Clutterbuck, Mr. ... Cluckerbutt
+  Cocks ... Cosck
+  Coke, Mr. ... Quoke
+  Cooke ... Coeko
+  Cooper, Mr. ... Quepur
+  Corbet, Mr. ... Croteb
+  Cornwall, Mr. ... Carnwoll
+  Cromwell ... Clewmro
+  Danes ... Danians
+  Danvers ... Dranevs
+  Delawarr, Lord ... Devarlar
+  Devonshire, Duke of ... Dovenshire
+  Digby ... Dibgy
+  Drake, Mr. ... Dekra
+  Earle, Mr. ... Eral
+  Edmund ... Emdond
+  Edward ... Eddraw
+  Elizabeth ... Ezila
+  Erskine, Mr. ... Eserkin
+  Eugene, Prince ... Eunege
+  Falconberg, Lord ... Flacnobrug
+  Falkland ... Flakland
+  Fanshaw, Mr. ... Fashnaw
+  Fazakerly ... Fakazerly
+  Fenwick, Mr. ... Finweck
+  Ferrol ... Ferlor
+  Fox, Mr. ... Feaux
+  Francis ... Farncis or Friscan
+  Gage, Lord ... Gega
+  George ... Gorgenti
+  Gibbon, Mr. ... Gibnob
+  Gloucester, Duke of ... Glustre
+  Godolphin, Lord ... Golphindo
+  Gore ... Gero
+  Gower, Lord ... Gewor
+  Grenville, Mr. ... Grevillen
+  Gybbon, Mr. ... Gybnob
+  Halifax, Lord ... Haxilaf
+  Haddock, Admiral ... Hockadd
+  Handasyd, Mr. ... Hasandyd
+  Harding, Mr. ... Hadringe
+  Hardwick, Lord ... Hickrad
+  Harrington ... Hargrinton
+  Hay, Mr. ... Heagh
+  Heathcote ... Whethtoc
+  Henry ... Hynrec
+  Herbert ... Hertreb
+  Hervey, Lord ... Heryef
+  Hessian ... Hyessean
+  Hind Cotton ... Whind Cotnot
+  Hindford ... Honfryd
+  Hinton ... Hwenton
+  Hobart ... Hobrat
+  Holdernesse, Lord ... Hodrelness
+  Hooper ... Horeop
+  Hosier, Admiral ... Hozeri
+  Howe ... Hewo
+  Islay, Lord ... Yasli
+  Isham ... Ishma
+  Ilchester ... Itchletser
+  James ... Jacomo
+  Jekyl ... Jelyco
+  Jenkins ... Jenkino
+  John ... Juan
+  Joseph ... Josippo
+  Keene, Mr. ... Knee
+  Ledbury, Mr. ... Lebdury
+  Lindsay ... Lisnayd
+  Litchneld ... Liftchield
+  Lockwood ... Lodowock
+  Lombe ... Lebom
+  Lonsdale, Lord ... Lodsneal
+  Lovel ... Levol
+  Lymerick, Lord ... Lyromick
+  Lyttleton ... Lettyltno
+  Marlborough, Duke of ... Maurolburgh
+  Malton, Lord ... Matlon
+  Manley ... Manly
+  Mary ... Marya
+  Montrose, Duke of ... Morontosse
+  Mordaunt ... Madrount
+  Morton ... Motron
+  Newcastle, Duke of ... Nardac secretary
+  Noel ... Neol
+  Norris, Admiral ... Nisror
+  Nugent ... Netgun
+  Ogle, Admiral ... Oleg
+  Onslow ... Olswon
+  Orange ... Organe
+  Ord, Mr. ... Whord
+  Orford, Earl of ... Orfrod
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ormond, Duke of ... Omrond
+  Oxford, Earl of ... Odfrox
+  Oxenden ... Odnexen
+  Paxton ... Pantox
+  Pelham, Mr. ... Plemahm
+  Perry ... Peerur
+  Peterborough ... Petraborauch
+  Pitt, Mr. ... Ptit
+  Plumer, Mr. ... Plurom
+  Polwarth ... Polgarth
+  Portland, Duke of ... Poldrand
+  Powlett ... Powltet or Pletow
+  Pretender ... Rednetrep
+  Puffendorf ... Pudenfforf
+  Pulteney ... Pulnub
+  Quarendon ... Quenardon
+  Rainsford ... Rainsfrod
+  Ramelies ... Ramles
+  Raymond ... Ramonyd
+  Robert ... Retrob
+  Rochester ... Roffen
+  Saint Aubyn ... St. Aybun
+  Salisbury ... Sumra
+  Samuel ... Salvem
+  Sandwich, Earl of ... Swandich
+  Sandys, Mr. ... Snadsy
+  Scarborough, Lord ... Sarkbrugh
+  Scroop, Mr. ... Screop
+  Sidney, Lord ... Sedyin
+  Selwin, Mr. ... Slenwy
+  Shaftsbury, Lord ... Shyftasbrug
+  Shippen, Mr. ... Skeiphen
+  Sloper ... Slerop
+  Somers ... Sosrem
+  Somerset ... Sosermet
+  Southwell ... Suthewoll
+  Strafford ... Stordraff
+  Stair ... Stari
+  Stanislaus ... Stasinlaus
+  Sundon ... Snodun
+  Talbot ... Toblat
+  Thomas ... Tsahom
+  Thomson, Mr. ... Thosmon
+  Tracey ... Tryace
+  Trenchard ... Trachnerd
+  Trevor, Mr. ... Tervor
+  Turner ... Truron
+  Tweedale, Marquis of ... Tewelade
+  Tyrconnel, Lord ... Trinocleng
+  Vernon, Admiral ... Venron
+  Vyner, Mr. ... Vynre or Venry
+  Wade ... Weda
+  Wager, Admiral ... Werga
+  Wakefield ... Wafekeild
+  Waller, Mr. ... Welral
+  Walpole, Sir Robert ... Walelop
+  Walpole, Mr. ... Walelop
+  Walter, Mr. ... Gusbret
+  Watkins, Mr. ... Waknits
+  Wendover ... Wednevro
+  Westmoreland ... Westromland
+  William ... Wimgul
+  Willimot, Mr. ... Guillitom
+  Winchelsea, Lord ... Wichensale
+  Winnington, Mr. ... Wintinnong
+  Wortley, Mr. ... Wolresyt or Werotyl
+  Wyndham ... Gumdahm
+  Wynn ... Ooyn
+  Yonge ... Yegon
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Places
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Almanza ... Almanaz
+  America ... Columbia
+  Amsterdam ... Amstredam
+  Aschaffenburg ... Aschafnefburg
+  Austria ... Aurista
+  Barbadoes ... Bardosba
+  Barcelona ... Bracolena
+  Brittany ... Brateney
+  Bavaria ... Baravia
+  Blenheim ... Blehneim or Blenhem
+  Bourbon ... Buorbon
+  Brandenburg ... Brangburden
+  Bristol ... Broslit
+  Britain ... Lilliput
+  Cadiz ... Cazid
+  Cambridge ... Guntar
+  Campechy ... Capemchy
+  Carolina ... Carolana
+  Carthagena ... Carthanega
+  Cologne ... Colgone
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Connecticut ... Contecticnu
+  Cressy ... Cerlsy
+  Cuba ... Cabu
+  Denmark ... Dancram
+  Dettingen ... Detteneg
+  Dunkirk ... Donkirk
+  Dutch ... Belgians
+  Edinburgh ... Edina
+  Europe ... Degulia
+  Flanders ... Flandria
+  France ... Blefuscu
+  Georgia ... Gorgentia
+  Germany ... Allemanu
+  Gibraltar ... Grablitra
+  Guastalla ... Gua Stalla
+  Guernsey ... Guensrey
+  Hanover ... Hanevro
+  Haversham ... Havremarsh
+  Hesse Cassel ... Hyesse Clessa
+  Hispaniola ... Iberionola
+  Holland ... Belgia
+  Hungary ... Hungruland
+  India ... Idnia
+  Ireland ... Ierne
+  Italy ... Itlascu
+  Jamaica ... Zamengol
+  Jucatan ... Jutacan
+  Leghorn ... Lehgron
+  London ... Mildendo
+  Madrid ... Mardit
+  Malplaquet ... Malpalquet
+  Mardyke ... Mardryke
+  Martinico ... Marnitico
+  Mediterranean ... Middle Sea
+  Minorca ... Minocra
+  Munster ... Munstru
+  Muscovy ... Mausqueeta
+  New York ... Noveborac
+  Orkney ... Orkyen
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ostend ... Odsten
+  Parma ... Par Ma
+  Pennsylvania ... Pennvasilia
+  Poland ... Poldrand
+  Portugal ... Lusitania
+  Port Mahon ... Port Mohan
+  Prussia ... Parushy
+  Prague ... Praga
+  Sardinia ... Sadrinia
+  Schellembourg ... Schemelbourg
+  Seville ... Sebfule
+  Sicily ... Cilisy
+  South Sea ... Pacific Ocean
+  Spain ... Iberia
+  Straits ... Narrow Seas
+  Sweden ... Swecte
+  Turkey ... Korambec
+  Utrecht ... Ultralt
+  Vienna ... Vinena
+  Virginia ... Vegrinia
+  Westminster ... Belfaborac
+  Wolfenbuttle ... Wobentuffle
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Names of
+Things that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Admiral ... Galbet
+  Baronet ... Hurgolen
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Duke ... Nardac
+  Earl ... Cosern
+  Esquire ... Urg
+  Gentleman ... Urgolen
+  High Heels or Tory ... Tramecsan
+  Knight ... Hurgolet
+  Legal ... Snilpal
+  Lord ... Hurgo
+  Penny ... a Grull
+  Popery ... Missalsm
+  Prophet ... Lustrug
+  Sprug ... a Pound
+  Squire ... Urg
+  Viscount ... Comvic
+  Years ... Moons
+
+
+REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+
+  Abingdon, Lord,
+  Archer, Mr. Hy.
+  Argyle, Duke of,
+  Attorney General,
+  Bathurst, Mr.
+  Baltimore, Lord,
+  Barnard, Sir John,
+  Barrington, Mr.
+  Bedford, Duke of,
+  Bladen, Mr.
+  Bowles, Mr.
+  Brown, Mr.
+  Burrel, Mr.
+  Campbell, Mr.
+  Carew, Mr.
+  Carlisle, Lord,
+  Carteret, Lord,
+  Cholmondeley, Lord,
+  Clutterbuck, Mr.
+  Cocks, Mr.
+  Cornwall, Capt.
+  Cornwall, Mr.
+  Cotton, Sir Hind,
+  Devonshire, Duke of,
+  Digby, Mr.
+  Earle, Mr.
+  Fazakerly, Mr.
+  Fox, Mr.
+  Gage, Lord,
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gower, Lord,
+  Gybbon, Mr.
+  Halifax, Lord,
+  Hardwick, Lord,
+  Harrington, Lord,
+  Hay, Mr.
+  Hervey, Lord,
+  Howe, Mr.
+  Littleton, Mr.
+  Lockwood, Mr.
+  Lord Chancellor,
+  Lovel, Lord,
+  Marlborough, Duke of,
+  Mordaunt, Col.
+  Newcastle, Duke of,
+  Norris, Admiral,
+  Onslow, Mr.
+  Ord, Mr.
+  Pelham, Mr.
+  Pitt, Mr.
+  Pulteney, Mr.
+  Quarendon, Lord,
+  Salisbury, Bishop of,
+  Sandys, Mr.
+  Shippen, Mr.
+  Sloper, Mr.
+  Southwell, Mr.
+  Talbot, Lord,
+  Thompson, Lord,
+  Tracey, Mr.
+  Tyrconnel,
+  Vyner, Mr.
+  Wade, General,
+  Wager, Sir Charles,
+  Waller, Mr.
+  Walpole, Sir Robert,
+  Walpole, Mr.
+  Westmoreland, Lord,
+  Willimot, Mr.
+  Winnington, Mr.
+  Yonge, Sir Wm.
+
+
+
+
+DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+
+PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATE, WITH REGARD TO THE BILL FOR PROHIBITING THE
+EXPORTATION OF CORN, ETC.
+
+
+On the first day of the session, his majesty, in his speech from the
+throne, recommended to parliament to consider of some good law to
+prevent the growing mischief of the exportation of corn to foreign
+countries.
+
+On the fourth day, a bill for preventing, for a limited time, the
+exportation, etc, was read a first time in the house of commons, and the
+question put, whether it should be printed, which passed in the
+negative.
+
+This day the agent for the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
+presented a petition against the said corn bill, which was referred to
+the committee.
+
+Another petition was also presented by the agent for the colony of
+Connecticut, in New England, setting forth that the chief trade of that
+colony arose from supplying other British colonies with corn, so that
+unless that colony be excepted from the restraints intended by this
+bill, both that and those which are supplied by it will be reduced to
+great distress, and praying, therefore, that such exception may be
+allowed.
+
+The allegations in this petition were confirmed by another, from one of
+the provinces supplied by the colony of Connecticut.
+
+Another petition was presented by the agent for South Carolina, setting
+forth, that unless the rice produced in that province were allowed to be
+exported, the colony must be ruined by the irretrievable loss of their
+whole trade, as the countries now supplied from thence might easily
+procure rice from the French settlements, already too much their rivals
+in trade.
+
+This petition was supported by another, offered at the same time by the
+merchants of Bristol.
+
+A petition was likewise presented by the agent for the sugar islands, in
+which it was alleged, that if no provisions be imported thither from
+Britain, they must, in one month, suffer the extremities of famine.
+
+All these petitions were referred to the committee for the bill.
+
+A printed paper was also delivered to the members, entitled,
+'considerations on the embargo,' which enumerated many dangerous
+consequences likely to be produced by an embargo on provisions, and
+suggested that it was no better than a wicked scheme for private profit,
+with other reflections, for which the paper was deemed a libel, and the
+author committed to prison.
+
+The bill being read in the committee, produced the following memorable
+debate.
+
+Mr. PULTNEY spoke to this effect:--Sir, after all the attention which
+has been bestowed upon the bill now before us, I cannot yet conceive it
+such as can benefit the nation, or such as will not produce far greater
+inconveniencies than those which it is intended to obviate, and
+therefore, as those inconveniencies may be prevented by other means, I
+cannot but declare that I am far from approving it.
+
+Our ancestors, sir, have always thought it the great business of this
+house to watch against the encroachments of the prerogative, and to
+prevent an increase of the power of the minister; and the commons have
+always been considered as more faithful to their trust, and more
+properly the representatives of the people, in proportion as they have
+considered this great end with more attention, and prosecuted it with
+more invariable resolution. If we inquire into the different degrees of
+reputation, which the several assemblies of commons have obtained, and
+consider why some are remembered with reverence and gratitude, and
+others never mentioned but with detestation and contempt, we shall
+always find that their conduct, with regard to this single point, has
+produced their renown or their infamy. Those are always, by the general
+suffrage of mankind, applauded as the patterns of their country, who
+have struggled with the influence of the crown, and those condemned as
+traitors, who have either promoted it by unreasonable grants, or seen it
+increase by slow degrees, without resistance.
+
+It has not, indeed, sir, been always the practice of ministers to make
+open demands of larger powers, and avow, without disguise, their designs
+of extending their authority; such proposals would, in former times,
+have produced no consequences but that of awakening the vigilance of the
+senate, of raising suspicions against all their proceedings, and of
+embarrassing the crown with petitions, addresses, and impeachments.
+
+They were under a necessity, in those times, of promoting their schemes;
+those schemes which scarcely any ministry has forborne to adopt, by more
+secret and artful and silent methods, by methods of diverting the
+attention of the publick to other objects, and of making invisible
+approaches to the point in view, while they seemed to direct all their
+endeavours to different purposes.
+
+But such, sir, have been the proofs of implicit confidence, which the
+administration has received from this assembly, that it is now common to
+demand unlimited powers, and to expect confidence without restriction,
+to require an immediate possession of our estates by a vote of credit,
+or the sole direction of our trade by an act for prohibiting, during
+their pleasure, the exportation of the produce of our lands.
+
+Upon what instances of uncommon merit, of regard to the publick
+prosperity, unknown in former times, or of discernment superior to that
+of their most celebrated predecessors, the present ministers found their
+new claims to submission and to trust, I am, indeed, at a loss to
+discover; for, however mankind may have determined concerning the
+integrity of those by whom the late memorable convention was transacted,
+defended, and confirmed, I know not that their wisdom has yet appeared
+by any incontestable or manifest evidence, which may set their abilities
+above question, and fix their reputation for policy out of the reach of
+censure and inquiries.
+
+The only act, sir, by which it can be discovered that they have any
+degree of penetration proportionate to their employments, is the embargo
+lately laid upon provisions in Ireland, by which our enemies have been
+timely hindered from furnishing themselves, from our dominions, with
+necessaries for their armies and their navies, and our fellow-subjects
+have been restrained from exposing themselves to the miseries of famine,
+by yielding to the temptation of present profit; a temptation generally
+so powerful as to prevail over any distant interest.
+
+But as nothing is more contrary to my natural disposition, or more
+unworthy of a member of this house, than flattery, I cannot affirm that
+I ascribe this useful expedient wholly to the sagacity or the caution of
+the ministry, nor can I attribute all the happy effects produced by it
+to their benign solicitude for the publick welfare.
+
+I am inclined to believe that this step was advised by those who were
+prompted to consider its importance by motives more prevalent than that
+of publick spirit, and that the desire of profit which has so often
+dictated pernicious measures, has, for once, produced, in return, an
+expedient just and beneficial; and it has, for once, luckily fallen out,
+that some of the friends of the administration have discovered that the
+publick interest was combined with their own.
+
+It is highly probable, sir, that the contractors for supplying the navy
+with provisions, considering, with that acuteness which a quick sense of
+loss and gain always produces, how much the price of victuals would be
+raised by exportation, and, by consequence, how much of the advantage of
+their contracts would be diminished, suggested to the ministry the
+necessity of an embargo, and laid before them those arguments which
+their own observation and wisdom would never have discovered.
+
+Thus, sir, the ministers, in that instance of their conduct, on which
+their political reputation must be founded, can claim, perhaps, no
+higher merit, than that of attending to superiour knowledge, of
+complying with good advice when it was offered, and of not resisting
+demonstration when it was laid before them.
+
+But as I would never ascribe to one man the merit of another, I should
+be equally unwilling to detract from due commendations, and shall
+therefore freely admit, that not to reject good counsel, is a degree of
+wisdom, at which I could not expect that they by whom the convention was
+concluded would ever have arrived.
+
+But whatever proficiency they may have made in the art of government
+since that celebrated period, however they may have increased their
+maxims of domestick policy, or improved their knowledge of foreign
+affairs, I cannot but confess myself still inclined to some degree of
+suspicion, nor can prevail upon myself to shut my eyes, and deliver up
+the publick and myself implicitly to their direction.
+
+Their sagacity, sir, may, perhaps, of late, have received some
+improvements from longer experience, and with regard to their integrity,
+I believe, at least, that it is not much diminished; and yet I cannot
+forbear asserting the right of judging for myself, and of determining
+according to the evidence that shall be brought before me.
+
+I have, hitherto, entertained an opinion that for this purpose only we
+are deputed by our constituents, who, if they had reposed no confidence
+in our care or abilities, would have given up, long since, the vexatious
+right of contesting for the choice of representatives. They would have
+furnished the ministry with general powers to act for them, and sat at
+ease with no other regard to publick measures, than might incite them to
+animate, with their applauses, the laudable endeavours of their
+profound, their diligent, and their magnanimous governours.
+
+As I do not, therefore, check any suspicions in my own mind, I shall not
+easily be restrained from uttering them, because I know not how I shall
+benefit my country, or assist her counsels by silent meditations. I
+cannot, sir, but observe that the powers conferred by this bill upon the
+administration are larger than the nation can safely repose in any body
+of men, and with which no man who considers to what purposes they may be
+employed will think it convenient to invest the negotiators of the
+convention.
+
+Nor do my objections to this act, arise wholly from my apprehensions of
+their conduct, who are intrusted with the execution of it, but from my
+reflections on the nature of trade, and the conduct of those nations who
+are most celebrated for commercial wisdom.
+
+It is well known, sir, how difficult it is to turn trade back into its
+ancient channel, when it has by any means been diverted from it, and how
+often a profitable traffick has been lost for ever, by a short
+interruption, or temporary prohibition. The resentment of disappointed
+expectations inclines the buyer to seek another market, and the civility
+to which his new correspondents are incited by their own interest,
+detains him, till those by whom he was formerly supplied, having no
+longer any vent for their products or their wares, employ their labours
+on other manufactures, or cultivate their lands for other purposes.
+
+Thus, sir, if those nations who have hitherto been supplied with corn
+from Britain, should find a method of purchasing it from Denmark, or any
+other of the northern regions, we may hereafter see our grain rotting in
+our storehouses, and be burdened with provisions which we can neither
+consume ourselves, nor sell to our neighbours.
+
+The Hollanders, whose knowledge of the importance or skill in the arts
+of commerce will not be questioned, are so careful to preserve the
+inlets of gain from obstruction, that they make no scruple of supplying
+their enemies with their commodities, and have been known to sell at
+night those bullets which were next day to be discharged against them.
+
+Whether their example, sir, deserves our imitation I am not able to
+determine, but it ought at least to be considered, whether their conduct
+was rational or not, and whether they did not, by a present evil, ensure
+an advantage which overbalanced it.
+
+There are, doubtless, sir, sometimes such exigencies as require to be
+complied with at the hazard of future profit, but I am not certain that
+the scarcity which is feared or felt at present, is to be numbered
+amongst them; but, however formidable it may be thought, there is surely
+no need of a new law to provide against it: for it is one of those
+extraordinary incidents, on which the king has the right of exerting
+extraordinary powers. On occasions like this the prerogative has
+heretofore operated very effectually, and I know not that the law has
+ever restrained it.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, most prudent to determine nothing
+in so dubious a question, and rather to act as the immediate occasion
+shall require, than prosecute any certain method of proceeding, or
+establish any precedent by an act of the senate.
+
+To restrain that commerce by which the necessaries of life are
+distributed is a very bold experiment, and such as once produced an
+insurrection in the empire of the Turks, that terminated in the
+deposition of one of their monarchs.
+
+I therefore willingly confess, sir, that I know not how to conclude: I
+am unwilling to deprive the nation of bread, or to supply our enemies
+with strength to be exerted against ourselves; but I am, on the other
+hand, afraid to restrain commerce, and to trust the authors of the
+convention.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, to the following purport:--Sir, I am always in
+expectation of improvement and instruction when that gentleman engages
+in any discussion of national questions, on which he is equally
+qualified to judge by his great abilities and long experience, by that
+popularity which enables him to sound the sentiments of men of different
+interests, and that intelligence which extends his views to distant
+parts of the world; but, on this occasion, I have found my expectations
+frustrated, for he has inquired without making any discovery, and
+harangued without illustrating the question before us.
+
+He has satisfied himself, sir, with declaring his suspicions, without
+condescending to tell us what designs or what dangers he apprehends. To
+fear, without being able to show the object of our terrours, is the
+last, the most despicable degree of cowardice; and to suspect, without
+knowing the foundation of our own suspicions, is surely a proof of a
+state of mind, which would not be applauded on common occasions, and
+such as no man but a patriot would venture to confess.
+
+He has, indeed, sir, uttered some very ingenious conceits upon the late
+convention, has alluded to it with great luxuriancy of fancy, and
+elegance of diction, and must, at least, confess that whatever may be
+its effects upon the interest of the nation, it has to him been very
+beneficial, as it has supplied him with a subject of raillery when other
+topics began to fail him, and given opportunity for the exercise of that
+wit which began to languish, for want of employment.
+
+What connexion his wonderful sagacity has discovered between the
+convention and the corn bill, I cannot yet fully comprehend, but have
+too high an opinion of his abilities to imagine that so many
+insinuations are wholly without any reason to support them. I doubt not,
+therefore, sir, but that when some fitter opportunity shall present
+itself he will clear their resemblance, and branch out the parallel
+between them into a thousand particulars.
+
+In the mean time, sir, it may be proper for the house to expedite the
+bill, against which no argument has yet been produced, and which is of
+too much importance to be delayed by raillery or invectives.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the bill before
+us, as it is of too great importance to be negligently delayed, is
+likewise too dangerous to be precipitately hurried into a law.
+
+It has been always the practice of this house to consider money bills
+with particular attention, because money is power in almost the highest
+degree, and ought not, therefore, to be given but upon strong assurances
+that it will be employed for the purposes for which it is demanded, and
+that those purposes are in themselves just.
+
+But if we consider, sir, the bill now before us, it will appear yet more
+than a money bill, it will be found a bill for regulating the disposal
+of that, which it is the great use of money to procure, and is,
+therefore, not to be passed into a law without a close attention to
+every circumstance that may be combined with it, and an accurate
+examination of all the consequences that may be produced by it.
+
+Some of these circumstances or consequences, it is the duty of every
+member to lay before the house, and I shall, therefore, propose that the
+inducements to the discovery of any provisions illegally exported, and
+the manner of levying the forfeiture, may be particularly discussed; for
+by a defect in this part, the regulation lately established by the
+regency, however seasonable, produced tumults and distractions, which
+every good government ought studiously to obviate.
+
+By their proclamation, sir, half the corn that should be found designed
+for exportation was to be given to those who should discover and seize
+it. The populace, alarmed at once with the danger of a famine, and
+animated by a proclamation that put into their own hands the means of
+preventing it, and the punishment of those from whose avarice they
+apprehended it, rose in throngs to execute so grateful a law. Every
+man, sir, whose distress had exasperated him, was incited to gratify his
+resentment; every man, whose idleness prompted him to maintain his
+family by methods more easy than that of daily labour, was delighted
+with the prospect of growing rich on a sudden by a lucky seizure. All
+the seditious and the profligate combined together in the welcome
+employment of violence and rapine, and when they had once raised their
+expectations, there was no small danger lest their impatience of
+disappointment should determine them to conclude, that corn, wherever
+found, was designed for exportation, and to seize it as a lawful prize.
+
+Thus, sir, by an imprudent regulation, was every man's property brought
+into hazard, and his person exposed to the insults of a hungry, a
+rapacious, and ungovernable rabble, let loose by a publick proclamation,
+and encouraged to search houses and carriages by an imaginary law.
+
+That we may not give occasion to violence and injustice of the same
+kind, let us carefully consider the measures which are proposed, before
+we determine upon their propriety, and pass no bill on this important
+occasion without such deliberation as may leave us nothing to change or
+to repent.
+
+Mr. EARLE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, notwithstanding the dangers
+which have been represented as likely to arise from any errour in the
+prosecution of this great affair, I cannot but declare my opinion, that
+no delay ought to be admitted, and that not even the specious pretence
+of more exact inquiries, and minute considerations, ought to retard our
+proceedings for a day.
+
+My imagination, sir, is, perhaps, not so fruitful as that of some other
+members of this house, and, therefore, they may discover many
+inconveniencies which I am not able to conceive. But, as every man ought
+to act from his own conviction, it is my duty to urge the necessity of
+passing this bill, till it can be proved to me, that it will produce
+calamities equally to be dreaded with the consequences of protracting
+our debates upon it, equal to the miseries of a famine, or the danger of
+enabling our enemies to store their magazines, to equip their fleets,
+and victual their garrisons.
+
+If it could be imagined, that there was in this assembly a subject of
+France or Spain, zealous for the service of his prince, and the
+prosperity of his country, I should expect that he would summon all his
+faculties to retard the progress of this bill, that he would employ all
+his sophistry to show its inconveniency and imperfections, and exhaust
+his invention to suggest the dangers of haste; and certainly he could do
+nothing that would more effectually promote the interest of his
+countrymen, or tend more to enfeeble and depress the power of the
+British nation.
+
+If this would naturally be the conduct of an enemy, it is unnecessary to
+prove that we can only be safe by acting in opposition to it, and I
+think it superfluous to vindicate my ardour for promoting this bill,
+when it is evident that its delay would be pleasing to the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BURREL then spoke as follows:--Sir, if this law be necessary at any
+time, it cannot now be delayed, for a few days spent in deliberation,
+may make it ineffectual, and that evil may be past of which we sit here
+contriving the prevention.
+
+That many contracts, sir, for the exportation of provisions are already
+made in all the maritime parts of the empire, is generally known; and it
+requires no great sagacity to discover that those by whom they are made,
+and made with a view of immense profit, are desirous that they may be
+executed; and that they will soon complete the execution of them, when
+they are alarmed with the apprehension of a bill, which, in a few days,
+may take from them the power of exporting what they have already
+collected, and snatch their gain from them when it is almost in their
+hands.
+
+A bill for these purposes, sir, ought to fall upon the contractors like
+a sudden blow, of which they have no warning or dread; against which
+they, therefore, cannot provide any security, and which they can neither
+elude nor resist.
+
+If we allow them a short time, our expedients will be of little benefit
+to the nation, which is every day impoverished by the exportation of the
+necessaries of life, in such quantities, that in a few weeks the law, if
+it be passed, may be without penalties, for there will be no possibility
+of disobeying it.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I cannot
+discover the necessity of pressing the bill with such precipitation, as
+must necessarily exclude many useful considerations, and may produce
+errours extremely dangerous; for I am not able to conceive what
+inconveniencies can arise from a short delay.
+
+The exportation of provisions from Ireland is at present stopped by the
+proclamation; and the beef which was designed for other nations, has
+been prudently bought up by the contractors, by which those murmurs have
+been in a great measure obviated which naturally arise from
+disappointments and losses.
+
+There is, therefore, sir, no danger of exportations from that part of
+our dominions, which is the chief market for provisions, and from whence
+our enemies have been generally supplied: in Britain there is less
+danger of any such pernicious traffick, both because the scarcity here
+has raised all provisions to a high price, and because merchants do not
+immediately come to a new market.
+
+The bill, at least, ought not to be passed without regard to the general
+welfare of our fellow-subjects, nor without an attentive consideration
+of those petitions which have been presented to us; petitions not
+produced by panic apprehensions of imaginary dangers, or distant
+prospects of inconveniencies barely possible, but by the certain
+foresight of immediate calamities, the total destruction of trade, and
+the sudden desolation of flourishing provinces.
+
+By prohibiting the exportation of rice, we shall, sir, in one year,
+reduce the colony of South Carolina below the possibility of subsisting;
+the chief product of that country, the product which induced us
+originally to plant it, and with which all its trade is carried on, is
+rice. With rice the inhabitants of that province purchase all the other
+necessaries of life, and among them the manufactures of our own country.
+This rice is carried by our merchants to other parts of Europe, and sold
+again for large profit.
+
+That this trade is very important appears from the number of ships which
+it employs, and which, without lading, must rot in the harbours, if rice
+be not excepted from the general prohibition. Without this exception,
+sir, it is not easy to say what numbers, whose stations appear very
+different, and whose employments have no visible relation to each other,
+will be at once involved in calamity, reduced to sudden distress, and
+obliged to seek new methods of supporting their families. The sailor,
+the merchant, the shipwright, the manufacturer, with all the
+subordinations of employment that depend upon them, all that supply them
+with materials, or receive advantage from their labours, almost all the
+subjects of the British crown, must suffer, at least, in some degree, by
+the ruin of Carolina.
+
+Nor ought the danger of the sugar islands, and other provinces, less to
+alarm our apprehensions, excite our compassion, or employ our
+consideration, since nothing is more evident than that by passing this
+bill without the exceptions which their petitions propose, we shall
+reduce one part of our colonies to the want of bread, and confine the
+other to live on nothing else; for they subsist by the exchange of those
+products to which the soil of each country is peculiarly adapted: one
+province affords no corn, and the other supplies its inhabitants with
+corn only.
+
+The necessity of expediting this bill, however it has been exaggerated,
+is not so urgent but that we may be allowed time sufficient to consider
+for what purpose it is to be passed, and to recollect that nothing is
+designed by it, but to hinder our enemies from being supplied from the
+British dominions with provisions, by which they might be enabled more
+powerfully to carry on the war against us.
+
+To this design no objection has been made, but it is well known, that a
+good end may be defeated by an absurd choice of means, and I am not able
+to discover how we shall increase our own strength, or diminish that of
+our enemies, by compelling one part of our fellow-subjects to starve the
+other.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to prohibit the exportation of corn to the ports
+of our enemies, and of those nations by which our enemies will be
+supplied, but surely it is of no use to exclude any part of our own
+dominions from the privilege of being supplied from another. Nor can any
+argument be alleged in defence of such a law, that will not prove with
+equal force, that corn ought to remain in the same granaries where it is
+now laid, that all the markets in this kingdom should be suspended, and
+that no man should be allowed to sell bread to another.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, a possibility that the liberty for which I
+contend, may be used to wicked purposes, and that some men may be
+incited by poverty or avarice to carry the enemy those provisions, which
+they pretend to export to British provinces. But if we are to refuse
+every power that may be employed to bad purposes, we must lay all
+mankind in dungeons, and divest human nature of all its rights; for
+every man that has the power of action, may sometimes act ill.
+
+It is, however, prudent to obstruct criminal attempts even when we
+cannot hope entirely to defeat them, and, therefore, I am of opinion,
+that no provisions ought to be exported without some method of security,
+by which the governours of every place may be assured that they will be
+conveyed to our own colonies. Such securities will easily be contrived,
+and may be regulated in a manner that they shall not be defeated without
+such hazard, as the profit that can be expected from illegal commerce,
+will not be able to compensate.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, proper to delay the bill so long, at least, as
+that we may produce by it the ends intended, and distress our enemies
+more than ourselves; that we may secure plenty at home, without the
+destruction of our distant colonies, and without obliging part of our
+fellow-subjects to desert to the Spaniards for want of bread.
+
+Mr. BOWLES spoke in this manner:--Sir, the necessity of excepting rice
+from the general prohibition, is not only sufficiently evinced by the
+agent of South Carolina, but confirmed beyond controversy or doubt, by
+the petition of the merchants of Bristol, of which the justice and
+reasonableness appears at the first view, to every man acquainted with
+the nature of commerce.
+
+How much the province of South Carolina will be distressed by this
+prohibition, how suddenly the whole trade of that country will be at a
+stand, and how immediately the want of many of the necessaries of life
+will be felt over a very considerable part of the British dominions, has
+already, sir, been very pathetically represented, and very clearly
+explained; nor does there need any other argument to persuade us to
+allow the exportation of rice.
+
+But, from the petition of the merchants of Bristol, it appears that
+there are other reasons of equal force for this indulgence, and that our
+regard for the inhabitants of that particular province, however
+necessary and just, is not the only motive for complying with their
+request.
+
+It is shown, sir, in this petition, that the prohibition of rice will
+very little incommode our enemies, or retard their preparations; for
+they are not accustomed to be supplied with it from our plantations. We
+ought, therefore, not to load our fellow-subjects with embarrassments
+and inconveniencies, which will not in any degree extend to our enemies.
+
+It appears, sir, not only that a very important part of our commerce
+will be obstructed, but that it will, probably, be lost beyond recovery;
+for, as only a small quantity of the rice of Carolina is consumed at
+home, and the rest is carried to other countries, it is easy to conceive
+that those who shall be disappointed by our merchants will procure so
+necessary a commodity from other places, as there are many from which it
+may be easily purchased; and it is well known that trade, if it be once
+diverted, is not to be recalled, and, therefore, that trade which may be
+without difficulty transferred, ought never to be interrupted without
+the most urgent necessity.
+
+To prove, sir, that there is now no such necessity, by a long train of
+arguments, would be superfluous, for it has been shown already, that our
+enemies will not suffer by the prohibition, and the miseries that
+inevitably arise from a state of war, are too numerous and oppressive,
+to admit of any increase or aggravation upon trivial motives.
+
+The province of Carolina, sir, has already suffered the inconveniencies
+of this war beyond any other part of his majesty's dominions, as it is
+situate upon the borders of the Spanish dominions, and as it is weak by
+the paucity of the inhabitants in proportion to its extent; let us,
+therefore, pay a particular regard to this petition, lest we aggravate
+the terrour which the neighbourhood of a powerful enemy naturally
+produces, by the severer miseries of poverty and famine.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, nothing is
+more absurd than for those who declare, on all occasions, with great
+solemnity, their sincere zeal for the service of the publick, to
+protract the debates of this house by personal invectives, and delay the
+prosecution of the business of the nation, by trivial objections,
+repeated after confutation, and, perhaps, after conviction of their
+invalidity.
+
+I need not observe how much time would be spared, and how much the
+despatch of affairs would be facilitated by the suppression of this
+practice, a practice by which truth is levelled with falsehood, and
+knowledge with ignorance; since, if scurrility and merriment are to
+determine us, it is not necessary either to be honest or wise to obtain
+the superiority in any debate, it will only be necessary to rail and to
+laugh, which one man may generally perform with as much success as
+another.
+
+The embargo in Ireland was an expedient so necessary and timely, that
+the reputation of it is thought too great to be allowed to the
+administration, of whom it has been for many years the hard fate, to
+hear their actions censured only because they were not the actions of
+others, and to be represented as traitors to their country for doing
+always what they thought best themselves, and perhaps sometimes what was
+in reality approved by those who opposed them.
+
+This, sir, they have borne without much uneasiness, and have contented
+themselves with the consciousness of doing right, in expectation that
+truth and integrity must at last prevail, and that the prudence of their
+conduct and success of their measures would at last evince the justice
+of their intentions.
+
+They hoped, sir, that there would be some occasions on which their
+enemies would not deny the expedience of their counsels, and did not
+expect that after having been so long accused of engrossing exorbitant
+power, of rejecting advice, and pursuing their own schemes with the most
+invincible obstinacy, they should be supposed on a sudden to have laid
+aside their arrogance, to have descended to adopt the opinions, and give
+themselves up to the direction of others, only because no objection
+could be made to this instance of their conduct.
+
+How unhappy, sir, must be the state of that man who is only allowed to
+be a free agent, when he acts wrong, and whose motions, whenever they
+tend to the proper point, are supposed to be regulated by another!
+
+Whether such capricious censurers expect that any regard should be paid
+by the publick to their invectives, I am not able to determine, but I am
+inclined to think so well of their understandings, as to believe that
+they intend only to amuse themselves, and perplex those whom they
+profess to oppose. In one part of their scheme I know not but they may
+have succeeded, but in the other it is evident how generally they have
+failed. It must, at least, sir, be observed of these great patrons of
+the people, that if they expect to gain them by artifices like this,
+they have no high opinion of their discernment, however they may
+sometimes magnify it as the last appeal, and highest tribunal.
+
+With regard, sir, to the manner in which the embargo was laid, and the
+expedients made use of to enforce the observation of it, they were not
+the effects of a sudden resolution, but of long and deliberate
+reflection, assisted by the counsels of the most experienced and
+judicious persons of both nations; so that if any mistake was committed,
+it proceeded not from arrogance or carelessness, but a compliance with
+reasons, that if laid before the house, would, whether just or not, be
+allowed to be specious.
+
+But, sir, it has not appeared that any improper measures have been
+pursued, or that any inconveniencies have arisen from them which it was
+possible to have avoided by a different conduct; for when any expedient
+fails of producing the end for which it was proposed, or gives occasion
+to inconveniencies which were neither expected nor designed, it is not
+immediately to be condemned; for it might fail from such obstacles as
+nothing could surmount, and the inconveniencies which are complained of
+might be the consequences of other causes acting at the same time, or
+cooperating, not by the nature of things, but by the practices of those
+who prefer their own interest to that of their country.
+
+But though it is, in my opinion, easy to defend the conduct of the
+ministry, I am far from thinking this a proper time to engage in their
+vindication. The important business before us, must now wholly engage
+us, nor ought we to employ our attention upon the past, but the future.
+Whatever has been the ignorance or knowledge, whatever the corruption or
+integrity of the ministry, this bill is equally useful, equally
+necessary. The question is now concerning an act of the senate, not of
+the ministry, and the bill may proceed without obstructing future
+examinations.
+
+If the bill, sir, now before us be so far approved as to be conceived of
+any real benefit to the nation, if it can at all contribute to the
+distress or disappointment of our enemies, or the prevention of those
+domestic disturbances which are naturally produced by scarcity and
+misery, there is no need of arguments to evince the necessity of
+despatch in passing it. For if these effects are to be produced by
+preventing the exportation of provisions, and a law is necessary for
+that purpose, it is certain that the law must be enacted, while our
+provisions are yet in our own hands, and before time has been given for
+the execution of those contracts which are already made.
+
+That contracts, sir, are entered into for quantities that justly claim
+the care of the legislative power, I have been informed by such
+intelligence as I cannot suspect of deceiving me. In one small town in
+the western part of this kingdom, fifty thousand barrels of corn are
+sold by contract, and will be exported, if time be allowed for
+collecting and for shipping them.
+
+A few contracts like this will be sufficient to store an army with
+bread, or to furnish garrisons against the danger of a siege; a few
+contracts like this will produce a considerable change in the price of
+provisions, and plunge innumerable families into distress, who might
+struggle through the present difficulties, which unsuccessful harvests
+have brought upon the nation, had we not sold the gifts of providence
+for petty gain, and supported our enemies with those provisions which
+were barely sufficient for our own consumption.
+
+I have not heard many objections made against the intention of the bill,
+and those which were offered, were mentioned with such diffidence and
+uncertainty, as plainly showed, that even in the opinion of him that
+proposed them, they were of little weight; and I believe they had no
+greater effect upon those that heard them. It may, therefore, be
+reasonably supposed that the propriety of a law to prevent the
+exportation of victuals is admitted, and surely it can be no question,
+whether it ought to be pressed forward, or to be delayed till it will be
+of no effect.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, as the bill now under
+our consideration is entangled with a multitude of circumstances too
+important to be passed by without consideration, and too numerous to be
+speedily examined; as its effects, whether salutary or pernicious, must
+extend to many nations, and be felt in a few weeks to the remotest parts
+of the dominions of Britain, I cannot but think, that they who so much
+press for expedition on this occasion, consult rather their passions
+than their reason, that they discover rather enthusiasm than zeal, and
+that by imagining that they have already traced the effects of a law
+like this to their utmost extent, they discover rather an immoderate
+confidence in their own capacity than give any proofs of that anxious
+caution, and deliberate prudence, which true patriotism generally
+produces.
+
+There is another method, sir, of proceeding, more proper on this
+occasion, which has been already pointed out in this debate; a method of
+exerting the prerogative in a manner allowed by law, and established by
+immemorial precedents, and which may, therefore, be revived without
+affording any room for jealousy or complaints.
+
+An embargo imposed only by the prerogative may be relaxed or enforced as
+occasion may require, or regulated according to the necessity arising
+from particular circumstances; circumstances in themselves variable, and
+subject to the influence of a thousand accidents, and which, therefore,
+cannot be always foreseen, or provided against by a law positive and
+fixed.
+
+Let us not subject the commonwealth to a hazardous and uncertain
+security, while we have in our hands the means of producing the same
+end, with less danger and inconveniency; and since we may obviate the
+exportation of our corn by methods more speedily efficacious than the
+forms of making laws can allow, let us not oppress our fellow-subjects
+by hasty or imprudent measures, but make use of temporary expedients,
+while we deliberate upon the establishment of a more lasting regulation.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke to the following purpose;--Sir, that an embargo on
+merchandise or provisions may, upon sudden emergencies, or important
+occasions, be imposed by the prerogative, cannot be doubted by any man
+whose studies have made him acquainted with the extent of the regal
+power, and the manner in which it has been exerted in all ages. The
+chief use of the prerogative is to supply the defects of the laws, in
+cases which do not admit of long consultations, which do not allow time
+to convoke senates or inquire into the sentiments of the people.
+
+For this reason, in times of war the imperial power is much enlarged,
+and has still a greater extent as exigencies are more pressing. If the
+nation is invaded by a foreign force, the authority of the crown is
+almost without limits, the whole nation is considered as an army of
+which the king is general, and which he then governs by martial laws, by
+occasional judicature, and extemporary decrees.
+
+Such, sir, is the power of the king on particular emergencies, and such
+power the nature of human affairs must, sometimes, require; for all
+forms of government are intended for common good, and calculated for the
+established condition of mankind, but must be suspended when they can
+only obstruct the purposes for which they were contrived, and must vary
+with the circumstances to which they were adapted. To expect that the
+people shall be consulted in questions on which their happiness depends,
+supposes there is an opportunity of consulting them without hazarding
+their lives, their freedom, or their possessions, by the forms of
+deliberation.
+
+The necessity of extending the prerogative to the extremities of power,
+is, I hope, at a very great distance from us; but if the danger of the
+exportation of victuals be so urgent as some gentlemen have represented
+it, and so formidable as it appears to the whole nation, it is surely
+requisite that the latent powers of the crown should be called forth for
+our protection, that plenty be secured within the nation, by barring up
+our ports, and the people hindered from betraying themselves to their
+enemies, and squandering those blessings which the fertility of our soil
+has bestowed upon them.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied in the following manner:--Sir, it is so
+unusual among the gentlemen who have opposed my opinion to recommend an
+exertion of the regal authority, or willingly to intrust any power to
+the administration, that, though they have on this occasion expressed
+their sentiments without any ambiguity of language, or perplexity of
+ideas, I am in doubt whether I do not mistake their meaning, and cannot,
+without hesitation and uncertainty, propose the motion to which all
+their arguments seem necessarily to conduct me; arguments of which I do
+not deny the force, and which I shall not attempt to invalidate by
+slight objections, when I am convinced, in general, of their
+reasonableness and truth.
+
+The necessity of that despatch which I have endeavoured to recommend, is
+not only universally admitted, but affirmed to be so pressing, that it
+cannot wait for the solemnity of debates, or the common forms of passing
+laws. The danger which is every moment increasing, requires, in the
+opinion of these gentlemen, to be obviated by extraordinary measures,
+and that pernicious commerce, which threatens the distress of the
+community, is to be restrained by an immediate act of the prerogative.
+
+If this be the opinion of the house, it will be necessary to lay it
+before his majesty, by a regular address, that the nation may be
+convinced of the necessity of such extraordinary precautions, and that
+the embargo may be imposed, at once, with the expedition peculiar to
+despotick power, and the authority which can be conferred only by
+senatorial sanctions.
+
+Whether this is the intention of the members, from whose declarations I
+have deduced it, can only be discovered by themselves, who, if they have
+any other scheme in view, must explain it in clearer terms, that the
+house may deliberate upon it, and reject or adopt it, according to its
+conformity to the laws of our country, and to the present state of our
+affairs.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke thus:--Sir, whatever may be the meaning of other
+gentlemen, who must undoubtedly be left at full liberty to explain their
+own expressions, I will freely declare, that I am sufficiently
+understood by the right honourable gentleman, and that, in my opinion,
+no remedy can be applied to the present distemper of the nation, a
+distemper by which it is hourly pining away, by which its vitals are
+impaired, and the necessary nourishment withdrawn from it, that will
+operate with sufficient efficacy and speed, except an embargo be imposed
+by the prerogative.
+
+That this opinion, if received by the house, must be the subject of an
+address, is in itself manifest, and the reason for which an embargo is
+required, proves that an address ought not to be delayed.
+
+I cannot omit this opportunity of remarking, how plainly it must now
+appear that many of us have been unjustly charged with obstructing the
+progress of the bill for pernicious purposes, with views of raising
+discontents in the nation, of exposing the administration to publick
+hatred, of obstructing the measures of the government, or hindering the
+success of the war, when we have receded from our general principles,
+and suspended the influence of our established maxims, for the sake of
+facilitating an expedient which may promote the general advantage, by
+recommending his majesty to the affections of his people.
+
+Mr. PELHAM here replied, to this effect:--Sir, I am far from blaming any
+gentleman for asserting, on all occasions, the integrity of his designs,
+or displaying the reasonableness of his conduct; and of what I do not
+disapprove I shall not decline the imitation.
+
+It is not uncommon, in the heat of opposition, while each man is
+convinced of his own honesty, and strongly persuaded of the truth of his
+own positions, to hear each party accused by the other of designs
+detrimental to the publick interest, of protracting debates by artful
+delays, of struggling against their own conviction, and of obscuring
+known truth by objections which discover themselves to be without force.
+
+These accusations, which are on both sides frequent, are, I hope, on
+both sides generally false; at least, it must appear on this occasion,
+that those who press the bill had no views of strengthening their party
+by a victory, of wearying their opponents by obstinacy, or of promoting
+any private purposes by a new law; since an expedient, by which time may
+be gained, and the avowed end of hastening this necessary bill secured,
+is no sooner proposed on one part, than received on the other.
+
+At the close of the debate, a form of an address was proposed by Mr.
+CLUTTERBUCK; which, being approved by the house, was presented to his
+majesty: and an embargo was laid on all provisions accordingly.
+
+On the 17th day of sitting the house proceeded on the bill for
+preventing exportation; and ordered an account of the corn which had
+been exported for six years last past to be laid before the committee.
+
+The house also addressed his majesty to take off the embargo on ships
+laden with fish or rice, which his majesty had before ordered to be
+done.
+
+On the 21st the corn bill was again the subject of deliberation, and
+some amendments were offered by Mr. SANDYS, containing not only
+exceptions of rice and fish, which had been before admitted, but
+likewise of butter, as a perishable commodity, which, if it were not
+allowed to be exported, would corrupt and become useless in a short
+time.
+
+He proposed, likewise, that the two islands of Jersey and Guernsey might
+continue to be supplied, with certain restrictions, from the port of
+Southampton.
+
+It was proposed, likewise, in favour of some other colonies, that they
+might receive provisions from Britain, lest there should be a necessity
+for the inhabitants of those provinces to abandon their settlements.
+
+The penalties of this law, and the manner in which they should be
+recovered and applied, were likewise settled on this day.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 25, 1740.
+
+The consideration of the corn bill was resumed; and it was particularly
+debated from what time it should commence, which some of the members
+were inclined to fix on the 9th day of the session, on which occasion
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:
+
+Sir, that the laws may be observed by the nation without daily violence
+and perpetual compulsion, that our determinations may be received with
+reverence, and the regulations which we establish confirmed by the
+concurrence of our constituents, it is necessary that we endeavour to
+preserve their esteem, and convince them that the publick prosperity may
+be safely trusted in our hands.
+
+This confidence is to be gained as well in high stations, as in lower
+conditions, by large assemblies, as by individuals, only by a constant
+practice of justice, and frequent exertion of superiour wisdom. When any
+man finds his friend oppressive and malicious, he naturally withdraws
+his affections from him; when he observes him advancing absurd opinions,
+and adhering to them with obstinacy incapable of conviction, he falls
+unavoidably into a distrust of his understanding, and no longer pays any
+deference to his advice, or considers his conduct as worthy of
+imitation.
+
+In the same manner, sir, if the legislative powers shall, in making
+laws, discover that they regard any motives before the advantage of
+their country, or that they pursue the publick good by measures
+inadequate and ill-concerted, what can be expected from the people, but
+that they should set up their own judgment in opposition to that of
+their governours, make themselves the arbiters in all doubtful
+questions, and obey or disregard the laws at discretion?
+
+If this danger may arise from laws injudiciously drawn up, it may surely
+be apprehended from a compliance with this proposal; a proposal that the
+operation of the law should commence eleven days before the law itself
+is in being.
+
+I have, hitherto, sir, regarded it as a principle equally true in
+politicks as in philosophy, that nothing _can act_ when it does _not
+exist_; and I did not suspect that a position so evident would ever
+stand in need of a proof or illustration.
+
+We live, indeed, in an age of paradoxes, and have heard several notions
+seriously defended, of which some would, not many years ago, have
+condemned their abetter to a prison or a madhouse, and would have been
+heard by the wisest of our ancestors with laughter or detestation; but I
+did not expect that the most hardy innovator would have shocked my
+understanding with a position like this, or have asserted that a law may
+operate before it is made, or before it is projected.
+
+That where there is no law there is no transgression, is a maxim not
+only established by universal consent, but in itself evident and
+undeniable; and it is, sir, surely no less certain, that where there is
+no transgression there can be no punishment.
+
+If a man may be punished, sir, by a law made after the fact, how can any
+man conclude himself secure from the jail or the gibbet? A man may
+easily find means of being certain that he has offended no law in being,
+but that will afford no great satisfaction to a mind naturally timorous;
+since a law hereafter to be made, may, if this motion be supposed
+reasonable, take cognizance of his actions, and how he can know whether
+he has been equally scrupulous to observe the future statutes of future
+senates, he will find it very difficult to determine.
+
+Mr. PELHAM rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, notwithstanding the absurdity
+which the honourable gentleman imagines himself to have discovered in
+this proposal, and which he must be confessed to have placed in a very
+strong light, I am of opinion, that it may, with very little
+consideration, be reconciled to reason and to justice, and that the wit
+and satire that have been so liberally employed, will appear to have
+been lost in the air, without use and without injury.
+
+The operation of the law may, very properly, commence from the day on
+which the embargo was laid by his majesty's proclamation, which surely
+was not issued to no purpose, and which ought not to be disobeyed
+without punishment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but be
+somewhat surprised, that a gentleman so long conversant in national
+affairs, should not yet have heard or known the difference between a
+proclamation and a penal law.
+
+By a proclamation, his majesty may prevent, in some cases, what he
+cannot punish; he may hinder the exportation of our corn by ordering
+ships to be stationed at the entrance of our harbours; but if any should
+escape with prohibited cargoes, he can inflict no penalties upon them at
+their return.
+
+To enforce this prohibition by the sanction of punishments is the
+intention of the present bill, but a proclamation can make nothing
+criminal, and it is unjust and absurd to punish an action which was
+legal when it was done.
+
+The law ought, sir, in my opinion, not to commence till time is allowed
+for dispersing it to the utmost limits of this island; for as it is
+unreasonable to punish without law, it is not more equitable to punish
+by a law, of which, they who have unhappily broken it, could have no
+intelligence.
+
+A future day was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+
+DEBATE RELATING TO A SEDITIOUS PAPER OF THE SAME KIND WITH THE
+CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS.
+
+
+Lord THOMSON took notice of a paper which he had in his hand, and said
+he received it at the door, where it was given to the members as they
+came in, and, complaining of it as an indignity offered to the house,
+desired that it might be read. Which being done, he rose up, and spoke
+in substance as follows:
+
+Sir, the crime of exasperating the people against their governours, of
+raising discontent, and exciting murmurs in a time of general danger,
+and of attempting to represent wise and salutary measures, which have
+received the approbation of the whole legislature, as mean artifices,
+contrived only to raise the fortunes of some favourites of the minister,
+and aggrandize the officers of state, by the miseries of the people, is
+a crime too enormous to require or admit any aggravation from rhetorick,
+and too dangerous to hope for any excuse from candour and lenity.
+
+To read or hear this paper is sufficient for a full conviction of its
+pernicious tendency, and of the malice of its author; a charge not fixed
+upon particular expressions capable of a doubtful meaning, and which
+heat or inadvertency might casually have produced, but supported by the
+general design of the whole paper, and the continued tenour of the
+argument, which is evidently intended to show, that an act of
+government, which cannot but appear necessary and seasonable in the
+present state of our affairs, an act ratified by the concurrence of all
+the powers of the legislature, is nothing but a scheme of avarice to
+grow rich by oppression.
+
+Nor is this scandalous libel written with more confidence and insolence
+than it is dispersed. Not content, sir, with vilifying the proceedings
+of the state, the author has industriously published his calumny at our
+door: the time has been when defamation skulked in secret, and calumnies
+against the government were dispersed by whispers or private
+communication; but this writer adds insults to his injuries, and at once
+reproaches and defies us.
+
+I beg leave to move, therefore, that the house do censure this paper as
+"a malicious and scandalous libel, highly and injuriously reflecting
+upon a just and wise act of his majesty's government, and also upon the
+proceedings of both houses of senate; and tending to create jealousies
+in the minds of the people." I also move, "that the author may be
+ordered to attend, to be examined at our bar."
+
+[This was unanimously agreed to by the house. The doorkeeper was called
+in, and, being shown the paper, was asked from whom he received it? who
+answered, that he believed the person who delivered it to him, was then
+detained in one of the committee rooms, upon which he was ordered to
+look for, and fetch him to the bar.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS, taking notice that the person was already in custody, said,
+that he should be glad to know by what authority. It was not reasonable
+to punish first, and judge afterwards.
+
+Upon which sir William YONGE replied, that he had caused him to be
+detained, in order to know the pleasure of the house; and that he
+thought it his duty to secure so enormous an offender from escaping.
+
+Soon after, the doorkeeper brought the man in, when he declared, upon
+examination, his name and his profession, which was that of a scrivener,
+and owned with great openness, that he was the author of the paper. He
+was then asked who was the printer, and answered that he printed it
+himself. Which he explained afterwards, by saying, that as he had
+carried it to the printer's, he might be said, in the general
+acceptation of the term, as applied to an author, to be the printer. He
+then discovered the printer, and was asked, where was the original
+manuscript, which he said he had destroyed, as he did any other useless
+paper.
+
+It having been observed by some of the members, that it was printed in
+one of the daily papers, he was asked, who carried it thither? and
+answered, that he carried it himself. It was then demanded, what he gave
+for having it inserted, and he answered that he gave nothing.
+
+[After many questions, Mr. Henry ARCHER desired that he might be asked,
+whether on the Friday before he was in the gallery; at which some of the
+members expressed their disapprobation, and the man being ordered to
+withdraw, the following debate ensued upon the propriety of the
+question.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke first, in substance as follows:--Sir, those who are
+intrusted by their country with the authority of making laws, ought,
+undoubtedly, to observe them with the utmost circumspection, lest they
+should defeat their own endeavours, and invalidate, by their example,
+their own decrees.
+
+There is no part, sir, of our civil constitution more sacred, none that
+has been more revered by those that have trampled upon other forms of
+justice, and wantoned in oppression without restraint, than that
+privilege by which every Briton is exempted from the necessity of
+accusing himself, and by which he is entitled to refuse an answer to any
+question which may be asked, with a view to draw from him a confession
+of an offence which cannot be proved.
+
+Whether this great privilege, sir, is not violated; whether the
+unalienable right of a free subject is not infringed, by the question
+put to the person at our bar, the house must decide. The punishment to
+which intruders are subject by the orders of this house, proves that his
+presence in the house is considered as a crime, of which, as we have no
+proof of it, a confession ought not to be extorted by an artful and
+insidious question, of which he may not discover the intention or the
+consequence. Such treatment, sir, is rather to be expected by slaves in
+the inquisition of Spain, than a Briton at the bar of this house; a
+house instituted to preserve liberty, and to restrain injustice and
+oppression.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the opinion of the honourable gentleman, that, in requiring an answer to
+this question, we shall expose a man to a punishment against whom we
+have no evidence, but what is extorted from himself; and, consequently,
+no knowledge of his crime upon which we can proceed to inflict censures
+or penalties, without the manifest infraction of our constitution.
+
+It cannot be imagined, sir, that he intends to confess himself guilty of
+a crime of which no proof has been brought, or that he will voluntarily
+subject himself to punishments. It must, therefore, follow, that he is
+entrapped in his examination, by an artifice, which, I hope, will never
+find any countenance in this house.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON answered to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+impossible that the honourable gentlemen, having not lately looked into
+the orders of the house, may mistake the tendency of the question; I,
+therefore, move that the order may be read.
+
+[The order being read by the clerk, he proceeded.]
+
+It is evident, sir, that by the order now read, the serjeant at arms
+attending on this house, may take into custody all strangers that shall
+be found in the house or gallery while we are assembled; and that this
+order is not always put in practice, must be attributed to the lenity of
+the house. But that this order extends to past offences, and subjects
+any man to imprisonment for having been present in some former day,
+cannot be conceived. For how far may such a retrospect be extended? or
+at what time, after having intruded into the house, can any man presume
+to consider himself as exempt from the danger of imprisonment?
+
+Our order, sir, only decrees present punishment for present offences,
+and, therefore, the question asked by the honourable gentleman, may be
+insisted on without scruple, and answered without hazard. Let then the
+honourable gentlemen reserve their laudable zeal for our constitution
+till it shall be invaded by more important occasions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied:--Sir, what victory the honourable gentleman imagines
+himself to have gained, or whence proceeds all his wantonness of
+exultation, I am not able to discover. The question only relates to the
+interpretation of one of our own orders, and is, therefore, not of the
+highest importance; nor can his success, in so trivial a debate, entitle
+him to great applause from others, or produce, in a person of his
+abilities, any uncommon satisfaction to himself.
+
+But, whatever may be the pleasure of the victory, it must, at least, be
+gained before it can be celebrated; and it is by no means evident, that
+he has yet any reason to assure himself of conquest.
+
+His interpretation, sir, of the order, which he has so confidently laid
+before the house, seems to me to have no foundation in reason or
+justice; for if it be an offence against the house to be present at our
+consultations, and that offence be justly punishable, why should any man
+be exempt from a just censure by an accidental escape? or what makes the
+difference between this crime and any other, that this alone must be
+immediately punished, or immediately obliterated, and that a lucky
+flight is equivalent to innocence?
+
+It is surely, sir, more rational to believe, that the house may punish
+any breach of its orders at a distant time, that if our censure is once
+eluded, it may be afterwards enforced; and, therefore, that the question
+put to the person at the bar ought not to be asked, because it cannot
+safely be answered.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, in words to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+conceive that our order may extend its influence beyond the present
+moment, and that intrusions may be punished by the house on another day
+than that on which they were committed.
+
+I am so far, sir, from being of opinion, that, to make the execution of
+this order valid, the house must sit, without interruption, from the
+time of the offence to that of the punishment, that if the gentlemen in
+the gallery were to be taken into custody, I should advise the serjeant
+to wait till the house should break up, and seize them as they should
+come out.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, if any such
+punishment were now intended, I should advise the gentlemen in the
+gallery to retire, indeed, but not to hide themselves like felons, or
+men proscribed by proclamation; for as the power of seizing any man in
+the house is sufficient to secure us from intrusion, there is no reason
+to extend it farther; and penalties are not, without reason, to be
+inflicted, neither has the house ever coveted the power of oppressing;
+and what else is unnecessary punishment?
+
+If, therefore, an intruder is not seized in the act of intrusion, he
+cannot legally be imprisoned for it. And any of the strangers, who now
+hear this debate, may retire to a very small distance from the house,
+and set the serjeant at arms at defiance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, whether the question
+be proper or not, it seems very unnecessary to debate; because, however
+it be answered, it cannot be of great importance: the man has already
+confessed himself the author of the libel, and may, therefore, be
+punished without farther examination.
+
+That he is the real author, sir, I am not, indeed, convinced by his
+assertion, with whatever confidence it was made; for so far as his
+appearance enables me to judge of his education and sphere of life, it
+is not probable that he should be much versed in political inquiries, or
+that he should engage in the discussion of questions like this.
+
+There appears, sir, in the paper before us, a more extensive knowledge
+of facts, a more accurate attention to commerce, more artful reasoning,
+and a more elevated style, than it is reasonable to expect from this
+man, whom, without pretending to determine the limits of his capacity,
+or the compass of his knowledge, I am, for my part, inclined to look
+upon as an agent to some other person of higher station, and greater
+accomplishments.
+
+It is not uncommon, sir, for gentlemen to exercise their abilities, and
+employ their pens, upon political questions, and when they have produced
+any thing, which their complaisance for themselves equally hinders them
+from owning and suppressing, they are known to procure some person of
+inferiour rank, to take upon him, in publick, the character of the
+author, and to stand the danger of the prosecution, contenting
+themselves with the applause and admiration of their chosen friends,
+whom they trust with the important secret, and with whom they sit and
+laugh at the conjectures of the publick, and the ignorance of the
+ministry.
+
+This, sir, is a frequent practice, not only with those who have no other
+employment, but, as I have sufficient reasons to believe, among some
+gentlemen who have seats in this house; gentlemen, whose abilities and
+knowledge qualify them to serve the publick in characters much superiour
+to that of lampooners of the government.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY answered in terms to the following purpose:--Sir, whether
+the man who confessed himself the author of the paper, has accused
+himself of what he did not commit, or has ingenuously and openly
+discovered the truth, it is beyond my penetration absolutely to decide;
+the frankness and unconcern with which he made the declaration, gave it,
+at least, the appearance of truth, nor do I discover any reason for
+doubting his sincerity. Is there any improbability in the nature of the
+fact, that should incline us to suspect his veracity? Is there any
+apparent advantage to be gained by assuming a false character? Neither
+of those circumstances can be produced against him, and an assertion is
+to be admitted for its own sake, when there is nothing to invalidate it.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, sir, appears to have a very particular
+reason for his doubts; a reason, which will, I hope, have no weight with
+any but himself. By denying the paper to this man, he gives room for
+conjecture and suspicion to range far and wide, and wanton with whatever
+characters he shall think proper subjects for his amusement. An author
+is now to be sought, and many diverting arguments may be brought by the
+dullest inquirer for fixing it upon one man, or denying it to another.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has given us a bold specimen of this kind
+of wit, by insinuating that it is the production of some one of the
+members of this house; a conjecture of which I am not able to find the
+foundation, and therefore imagine, that raillery rather than argument
+was intended. But let the honourable gentleman recollect, that the chief
+excellence of raillery is politeness, to which he has surely paid little
+regard, in supposing that what has been unanimously condemned as a
+libel, has one of those who censured it for its author.
+
+If I am particularly hinted at in this sagacious conjecture, I take this
+opportunity of declaring that I am equally ignorant of the whole affair
+with any other gentleman in this house; that I never saw the paper till
+it was delivered to me at the door, nor the author till he appeared at
+the bar. Having thus cleared myself, sir, from this aspersion, I declare
+it as my opinion, that every gentleman in the house can safely purge
+himself in the same manner; for I cannot conceive that any of them can
+have written a libel like this. There are, indeed, some passages which
+would not disgrace the greatest abilities, and some maxims true in
+themselves, though perhaps fallaciously applied, and at least such an
+appearance of reasoning and knowledge, as sets the writer far above the
+level of the contemptible scribblers of the ministerial vindications: a
+herd of wretches whom neither information can enlighten, nor affluence
+elevate; low drudges of scurrility, whose scandal is harmless for want
+of wit, and whose opposition is only troublesome from the
+pertinaciousness of stupidity.
+
+Why such immense sums are distributed amongst these reptiles, it is
+scarce possible not to inquire; for it cannot be imagined that those who
+pay them expect any support from their abilities. If their patrons would
+read their writings, their salaries would quickly be withdrawn; for a
+few pages would convince them, that they can neither attack nor defend,
+neither raise any man's reputation by their panegyrick, nor destroy it
+by their defamation.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke in the following manner:--I hope it is not
+expected, that the heat with which one class of our political writers
+have been attacked by the honourable gentleman, should engage me to
+undertake their defence with the same earnestness. I have neither
+interest enough in the question to awaken my passions, nor curiosity or
+leisure sufficient for such an examination of the writings on each side,
+as is necessary, before the superiority of any author above his brethren
+can he justly asserted.
+
+It is no part, sir, of my employment or amusement to compare their
+arguments, or to balance their abilities; nor do I often read the papers
+of either party, except when I am informed by some that have more
+inclination to such studies than myself, that they have risen by some
+accident above their common level.
+
+Yet that I may not appear entirely to desert the question, I cannot
+forbear to say, that I have never, from these accidental inspections of
+their performances, discovered any reason to exalt the authors who write
+against the administration, to a higher degree of reputation than their
+opponents. That any of them deserve loud applauses, I cannot assert, and
+am afraid that all, which deserves to be preserved of the writings on
+either side, may be contracted to a very few volumes.
+
+The writers for the opposition appear to me to be nothing more than the
+echoes of their predecessors, or, what is still more despicable, of
+themselves, and to have produced nothing in the last seven years, which
+had not been said seven years before.
+
+I may, perhaps, be thought by some gentlemen of each class to speak
+contemptuously of their advocates, nor shall I think my own opinion less
+just for such a censure; for the reputation of controversial writers
+arises, generally, from the prepossession of their readers in favour of
+the opinions which they endeavour to defend. Men easily admit the force
+of an argument which tends to support notions, that it is their interest
+to diffuse, and readily find wit and spirit in a satire pointed at
+characters which they desire to depress: but to the opposite party, and
+even to themselves, when their passions have subsided, and their
+interest is disunited from the question, those arguments appear only
+loud assertions, or empty sophistry; and that which was clamorously
+praised, discovers itself to be only impudence or low conceits; the
+spirit evaporates, and the malignity only remains.
+
+If we consider, sir, what opposition of character is necessary to
+constitute a political writer, it will not be wondered that so few excel
+in that undertaking. He that will write well in politicks, must at the
+same time have a complete knowledge of the question, and time to digest
+his thoughts into method, and polish his style into elegance; which is
+little less than to say, he must be at once a man of business, and a man
+of leisure; for political transactions are not easily understood, but by
+those who are engaged in them, and the art of writing is not attainable
+without long practice, and sedentary application.
+
+Thus it happens that political writings are generally defective: for
+they are drawn up by men unacquainted with publick business, and who
+can, therefore, only amuse their readers with fallacious recitals,
+specious sophistries, or an agreeable style; or they are the hasty
+productions of busy negotiators, who, though they cannot but excel the
+other class of writers in that which is of most importance, the
+knowledge of their subject, are yet rarely at leisure to display that
+knowledge to advantage, or add grace to solidity.
+
+Writers of the latter sort appear but seldom, and most of our political
+papers are the amusements of leisure, or the expedients of want.
+
+Whether the paper now before us is the produce of ease, or of necessity,
+I shall not determine; I have already offered my opinion, that the man
+who claims it is not the author, nor do I discover any reason for
+changing my sentiment: the question is a question merely of conjecture,
+since neither I nor the honourable gentleman attempt to offer any
+demonstrative proofs of our opinion. If he has any to produce in favour
+of his own notions, let him lay them before you, but let him always
+forbear to impute to me assertions which I never uttered, and beware of
+representing me as declaring that I believe this paper the composition
+of some member of this house.
+
+[It was then debated, whether this offence should be punished by the
+authority of the house, or referred to the cognizance of some of the
+courts of judicature in Westminster hall, on which occasion Mr. HOWE
+spoke as follows:]
+
+Sir, it is the duty of every part of the legislature, not only to
+preserve the whole system of our government unaltered and unimpaired,
+but to attend particularly to the support of their own privileges,
+privileges not conferred upon them by our ancestors, but for wise
+purposes.
+
+It is the privilege of this house that we, and we only, are the judges
+of our own rights, and we only, therefore, can assign the proper
+punishment when they shall be presumptuously invaded.
+
+If we remit this offender, who has attempted to debase the house in the
+opinion of the nation, to any inferiour court, we allow that court to
+determine, by the punishment that shall be inflicted, the importance of
+this assembly, and the value of the collective character of this house.
+
+It therefore concerns us, in regard to our own dignity, and to the
+privileges of our successours, that we retain the cognizance of this
+crime in our own hands, in which it is placed by perpetual prescription
+and the nature of our constitution.
+
+[The house agreed to this, and the libeller was sent to the common jail
+of Middlesex, by warrant from the speaker.]
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am pleased with
+finding that the malice and indecency of this libel, has raised in the
+house a just resentment, and that the wretch, who, with a confidence so
+steady, and such appearance of satisfaction in his countenance,
+confesses, or rather proclaims himself the author, is treated as he
+deserves. But let us not forget that the same degree of guilt always
+requires the same punishment, and that when the author of scandal is in
+prison, the printer and propagator of it ought not to be at liberty.
+
+The printer of the daily news is surely the proper object of your
+indignation, who inserted this libel in his paper, without the fondness
+of an author, and without the temptation of a bribe; a bribe, by the
+help of which it is usual to circulate scurrility. To this man the
+expense or labour of aspersing the government was recompensed by the
+pleasure, and he could not prevail on himself to omit any opportunity of
+incensing the people, and exposing at once the whole legislature to
+censure and contempt.
+
+Those, therefore, that have concurred in the imprisonment of the author,
+will doubtless join with me in requiring the attendance of his officious
+accomplice, and I cannot forbear expressing my hopes, that he will not
+meet with kinder treatment.
+
+It is far from being the first offence of his licentious press; and the
+lenity of the government, by which he has been so long spared, has had
+no other effect upon him, than to add confidence to his malice, and
+incite him to advance from one degree of impudence to another.
+
+He has for several weeks persisted in misrepresenting the intention of
+the embargo, by letters pretended to be written by friends of the
+government who are injured by it. He has vented his insinuations
+hitherto, as without punishment, so, as it appears, without fear. It is
+time, therefore, to disturb his security, and restrain him from adding
+one calumny to another.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up hereupon, and opposed this motion in terms to
+the following effect:--Sir, the end of punishment is to prevent a
+repetition of the same crime, both in the offender, and in those who may
+have the same inclinations; and when that end is accomplished, all
+farther severities have an appearance rather of cruelty than justice.
+
+By punishing the author of this libel, we have, in my opinion,
+sufficiently secured our dignity from any future attacks, we have
+crushed the head of the confederacy, and prevented the subordinate
+agents from exerting their malice. Printers can do no injury without
+authors; and if no man shall dare to write a libel, it is not worthy of
+our inquiry how many may be inclined to publish it.
+
+But if the printer must necessarily be punished before the resentment of
+the house can be satisfied; if it shall not be thought sufficient to
+punish him without whose assistance the other could not have offended;
+let us, at least, confine our animadversion to the present fault,
+without tracing back his life for past misdemeanours, and charging him
+with accumulated wickedness; for if a man's whole life is to be the
+subject of judicial inquiries, when he shall appear at the bar of this
+house, the most innocent will have reason to tremble when they approach
+it.
+
+Even with regard, sir, to the offence of which he is now accused,
+somewhat may, perhaps, be said in extenuation of his guilt, which I do
+not offer to gratify any personal affection or regard for him, to whom I
+am equally a stranger with any other gentleman in this house, but to
+prevent a punishment which may be hereafter thought disproportioned to
+the crime.
+
+It is, sir, to be remembered, that he was not the original printer of
+the libel, which he only reprinted from a paper, of which he knew that
+it was to be dispersed at our door, and in which he could not naturally
+suspect any seditious or dangerous assertions to be contained. It is,
+therefore, probable that he fell into the offence by ignorance, or, at
+worst, by inadvertency; and, as his intention was not criminal, he may
+properly be spared.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke, in answer, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+think the honourable gentleman betrayed, by his zeal for the defence of
+this man, into some assertions not to be supported by law or reason. If
+it be innocent to print a paper once printed, will it not inevitably
+follow, that the most flagitious falsehoods, and the most enormous
+insults on the crown itself, the most seditious invectives, and most
+dangerous positions, may be dispersed through the whole empire, without
+any danger but to the original printer? And what reason, sir, can be
+assigned, why that which is criminal in one man, should be innocent in
+another?
+
+Nor is this the only position which has been advanced contrary to the
+laws of our country; for it has been asserted, that the general
+character of an offender is a consideration foreign from that of his
+immediate crime; and that whatever any man's past life has been, he is
+only to be judged according to the evidence for the offence which is
+then the subject of examination.
+
+How much this opinion is consistent with the practice of our courts, a
+very slight knowledge of their methods of proceeding will readily
+discover. Is any villain there convicted but by the influence of his
+character? And is not the chief question at a trial the past conduct of
+the person at the bar?
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose here, and spoke thus:--Sir, I rise up only to
+answer a question, which is, whether properly or not, put to me, and
+hope the irregularity will not be imputed to me, by the house, but to
+the occasion which produces it.
+
+I am asked, whether it is not the chief question at the bar of our
+courts of justice, what is the character of the prisoner? and cannot but
+feel some amazement that any man should be so ignorant of common
+proceedings, and so much unacquainted with the execution of our laws, as
+to have admitted a notion so chimerical.
+
+The character of the prisoner is never examined, except when it is
+pleaded by himself, and witnesses are produced to offer testimony in his
+favour; that plea, like all others, is then to be examined, and is
+sometimes confuted by contrary evidence. But, the character of a
+criminal, though it may be urged by himself as a proof of his innocence,
+is never to be mentioned by his prosecutor as an aggravation or proof of
+his guilt. It is not required by the law, that the general character of
+a criminal, but that the particular evidence of the crime with which he
+stands charged, should be examined; nor is his character ever mentioned
+but by his own choice.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, to prove
+the malignity of the intention with which this libel was inserted in the
+daily paper, it cannot be improper to observe, that the embargo has been
+for many days past the favourite topic of this printer, and that,
+therefore, it was not by accident that he admitted so zealous an
+advocate for his opinions to be seasonably assisted by the circulation
+of his paper, but that he, doubtless, was delighted with an opportunity
+of dispersing sedition by means of greater abilities than his own.
+
+Nor can it be justly pleaded, sir, in his favour, that he was encouraged
+to publish it by the confidence with which he saw it dispersed; for it
+was printed by him in the morning, and not brought hither till the
+afternoon. I cannot, therefore, but conclude, that his intentions were
+agreeable to his practice, and that he deserves to accompany the author
+in his present confinement.
+
+The advocate, CAMPBELL, spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, I hope it
+will not be imputed to me as disregard of the government, or neglect of
+the honour of this house, that I declare myself, on all occasions like
+this, inclined to lenity, and think it necessary always to proceed by
+regular methods, and known forms of justice, not by capricious
+determinations, and orders variable at pleasure.
+
+I opposed the imprisonment of the man who just now appeared at the bar
+of our house, and am still more unwilling to proceed to severities
+against another, who is criminal only in a subordinate degree. The
+loudest declaimers against these men cannot have stronger detestation of
+falsehood and sedition than myself; but however flagrant may be the
+crimes, they may be punished with unjustifiable rigour, and, in my
+opinion, we have already proceeded with severity sufficient to
+discourage any other attempts of the same kind.
+
+Whether it will promote the advantage of the publick, and the efficacy
+of our deliberations, to deter any man from the common practice of
+giving us information by delivering papers at our door, must be
+considered by the house.
+
+Nor is it less worthy of our most attentive inquiry, whether it is not
+more reasonable to prosecute this offender in the common forms of
+justice, than to punish him by any act of uncontroulable, unaccountable
+authority? Whether it is not more reasonable to have him prosecuted
+before a judge unprejudiced, and a disinterested jury, than to act at
+once as party, evidence, and judge? I have no desire, sir, of
+diminishing the privileges of this house; and yet less would I
+contribute to establish any precedents of unlimited power or arbitrary
+punishments.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whence so
+much tenderness can arise for an offender of this kind, I am at a loss
+to discover, nor am I able to conceive any argument that can be produced
+for exempting from punishment the printer of a paper, which has been
+already determined, by the vote of the house, to be a scandalous libel,
+tending to promote sedition.
+
+It has been, indeed, agreed, that there are contained in the paper some
+true positions, and some passages innocent, at least, and perhaps
+rational and seasonable. But this, sir, is nothing more than to say,
+that the paper, flagitious as it is, might have been swelled to a
+greater degree of impudence and scurrility; that what is already too
+heinous to be borne, might, by greater virulence, become more enormous.
+
+If no wickedness, sir, is to be checked till it has attained the
+greatest height at which it can possibly arrive, our courts of criminal
+judicature may be shut up as useless; and if a few innocent paragraphs
+will palliate a libel, treason may be written and dispersed without
+danger or restraint; for what libel was ever so crowded with sedition,
+that a few periods might not have been selected, which, upon this
+principle, might have secured it from censure.
+
+The danger of discouraging intelligence from being offered at the door
+of our house, does not alarm me with any apprehensions of disadvantage
+to the nation; for I have not so mean an opinion of the wisdom of this
+assembly, as to imagine that they can receive any assistance from the
+informations of their officious instructors, who ought, in my opinion,
+sir, rather to be taught by some senatorial censure to know their own
+station, than to be encouraged to neglect their proper employments, for
+the sake of directing their governours.
+
+When bills, sir, are depending, by which either the interest of the
+nation, or of particular men, may be thought to be endangered, it is,
+indeed, the incontestable right of every Briton to offer his petition at
+the bar of the house, and to deliver the reasons upon which it is
+founded. This is a privilege of an unalienable kind, and which is never
+to be infringed or denied; and this may always be supported without
+countenancing anonymous intelligence, or receiving such papers as the
+authors of them are afraid or ashamed to own, and which they, therefore,
+employ meaner hands to distribute.
+
+Of this kind, sir, undoubtedly, is the paper now under our
+consideration, of which I am far from imagining that it was drawn up by
+the man who declares himself the writer, and am, therefore, convinced of
+the necessity of calling the printer to the bar, that whatever the
+lenity or justice of this assembly may determine with regard to his
+punishment, he may be examined with respect to the real authors of the
+libel; and that our resentment may fall upon him, who has endeavoured to
+shelter himself by exposing another.
+
+Counsellor ORD spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am inclined to believe,
+that the persons associated in writing and dispersing this paper,
+whosoever they may be, are of no high rank, or considerable influence;
+as it is not likely that any man who had much to hazard, would expose
+himself to the resentment of the whole legislature; but let us not for
+that reason exert our superiority in wanton punishments, or tyrannise
+merely because we cannot be resisted. Let us remember that the same
+justice and the same humanity is due to the meanest, as the highest of
+our fellow-subjects; and that there is even less necessity of rigorous
+measures, as the attack is less formidable.
+
+But, sir, there is one motive to moderation that has seldom been found
+less efficacious than the consideration of the laws of justice or
+humanity. We ought to be withheld by regard to our posterity, and even
+to ourselves, from any exorbitant extension of our privileges. We know,
+that authority once exerted, is claimed afterwards by prescription. And
+who knows by what sudden rotation of power he may himself suffer by a
+precedent which he has concurred to establish, and feel the weight of
+that oppressive power which he first granted for the punishment of
+another?
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke thus:--Sir, I am always unwilling to oppose any proposal
+of lenity and forbearance, nor have now any intention of heightening the
+guilt of this man by cruel exaggerations, or inciting the house to
+rigour and persecution.
+
+But let us remember, sir, that justice and mercy are equally to be
+regarded, and while we pity the folly of a misguided, or, perhaps, a
+thoughtless offender, let us not suffer ourselves to be betrayed, by our
+compassion, to injure ourselves and our posterity.
+
+This house, sir, has always claimed and exerted the privilege of judging
+of every offence against itself, a privilege so long established, and so
+constantly exercised, that I doubt whether the inferiour courts of
+judicature will take cognizance of an attack upon us; for how can they
+venture to decide upon a question of such importance without any form or
+precedent for their proceedings.
+
+There seems also to be at this time, sir, an uncommon necessity for
+tenaciousness of our privileges, when, as some whispers, which have been
+wafted from the other house, inform us, a motion has been made in terms
+which might imply the subordination of this assembly, an assertion
+without foundation either in reason or justice, and which I shall always
+oppose as destructive to our rights, and dangerous to our constitution.
+
+Let us, therefore, sir, retain in our hands the cognizance of this
+affair, and let the criminal either suffer his punishment from _our_
+sentence, or owe his pardon to _our_ mercy.
+
+[It was agreed that the printer of the daily paper should attend next
+day, when, being called in, it was proposed that he should be asked,
+whether he printed the paper complained of. It was objected to, for the
+same reason as the question about the author's being in the gallery,
+because the answer might tend to accuse himself; and he being withdrawn,
+a debate of the same nature ensued, and the question being put whether
+he should be asked, if he be the person that printed the daily paper
+shown to him, which paper the house the day before resolved to contain a
+malicious and scandalous libel, etc. it was, on a division, carried in
+the affirmative, by two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and
+sixty-three: accordingly he was called in again, and being asked the
+question, he owned that he printed the said paper from a printed copy
+which was left for him with one of his servants; and being asked what he
+had to allege in his justification or excuse for printing the said
+libel, he said that as he had before printed several other things which
+he had received from the said person, which had not given offence, he
+inserted part of the paper in his news, and which he should not have
+inserted, if he had thought it would have given offence to the house,
+and that he forbore to print the remainder, having heard that it had
+given offence. Upon which he withdrew, and the house, after some debate,
+on a division, one hundred and eighty-eight to one hundred and
+forty-five, not only ordered him into the custody of the serjeant, but
+resolved to present an address to his majesty, that he would be pleased
+to give directions to his attorney general to prosecute him at law.
+
+The first printer of the libel was also ordered into custody. This was
+on the 3d of December, but the next day presenting his petition,
+expressing his sorrow for the offence, whereby he had justly incurred
+the displeasure of the house, and praying to be discharged, he was
+brought to the bar on the following day, received a reprimand on his
+knees, and was ordered to be discharged, paying his fees.]
+
+On the 12th, lord BARRINGTON presented a petition from the printer of
+the daily paper, expressing his sorrow, promising all possible care not
+to offend for the future, and praying to be discharged.
+
+This petition being read, a motion was made, that the serjeant at arms
+do carry the petitioner to some court of law, to give security for his
+appearance to the prosecution to be carried on against him by the
+attorney general; which done, that he be discharged, paying his fees.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, I know not for what reason
+this enormous offender is entitled to so much regard, or by what
+interest he has engaged so many, who, I doubt not, abhor his crimes, to
+pity his sufferings.
+
+Had he been young and unexperienced, and seduced into the commission of
+this offence by artifice or persuasion, his act might have been
+reasonably considered rather as an errour than a crime, and it might
+have been proper to treat with lenity a delinquent neither obstinate nor
+malicious.
+
+But how, sir, can this plea be urged in favour of a man, whose daily
+employment it has been, for these two years past, to misrepresent the
+public measures, to disperse scandal, and excite rebellion, who has
+industriously propagated every murmur of discontent, and preserved every
+whisper of malevolence from perishing in the birth.
+
+The proper judge, sir, of this affair, is his majesty's attorney
+general, who is not now in the house. I am, therefore, for detaining him
+in custody, and for referring the consideration of farther proceedings
+against him to that gentleman, whose proper province it is to prosecute
+for the crown.
+
+Mr. WALLER spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is
+undoubtedly the duty of every man to oppose the introduction of new
+laws, and methods of oppression and severity, which our constitution
+does not admit; and what else is the mention of a prisoner's character
+as an aggravation of his present offence?
+
+It is well known, and has been already asserted, upon this occasion,
+that in the lower courts of justice, though the prisoner may plead his
+character, in his own defence, his prosecutor is not at liberty to
+produce it to his disadvantage. Even those who are cited to the bar for
+murder or for treason, are tried only by the evidence of that crime for
+which they are indicted.
+
+That this house is not bound to strict forms, and is not accountable for
+the exercise of its power, is easily granted; but authority cannot
+change the nature of things, and what is unjust in a lower court, would
+be in us not less unjust, though it may not be punishable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was replied that this question had been before sufficiently
+discussed.
+
+The attorney general not being present, the debate was adjourned to the
+next sitting.
+
+On the next day of the session, the lord BARRINGTON proposed, that the
+adjourned debate might be resumed, and several members interceded for
+the petitioner, that he might be released; to which it was objected,
+that it was not proper to release him, unless an information was lodged
+against him, without which he could not be held to bail; and the
+question being put, whether he should be released, was determined in the
+negative.
+
+At the sixth sitting, the author of the libel, who was committed to the
+common prison of Middlesex, petitioned the house to permit him to
+implore pardon on his knees, and promising, by the strongest and most
+solemn assurances, not to offend again, was ordered to be discharged the
+next day, paying his fees.
+
+On the forty-seventh sitting, the printer of the daily paper again
+petitioned the house, representing, that he most heartily bewailed his
+offence, that he was miserably reduced by his confinement, having
+borrowed money of all his friends to support himself, his wife, and
+children, and praying the mercy of the house. He was then ordered to be
+discharged, paying his fees, and giving security for his appearance to
+answer the prosecution.
+
+On the eighty-fifth day, Mr. George Heathcote offered another petition
+for the said printer, and represented, that the fees amounting to one
+hundred and twenty-one pounds, he was not able to pay them, that,
+therefore, he hoped the house would consider his case; but the petition
+was not allowed to be brought up. On which he remained in custody
+fourteen days longer, till the end of the session, and, the authority of
+the senate ceasing, had his liberty without paying any fees.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+
+ON INCORPORATING THE NEW-RAISED MEN INTO THE STANDING REGIMENTS.
+
+
+On the 4th of December, sir William YONGE, secretary at war, having
+presented to the house of commons an estimate of the expense of raising
+ten thousand men, the same was taken into consideration in a committee
+on the supply, and after debate agreed to. At the report of this
+proceeding, on the 11th, another debate happened on a motion that the
+new-raised men should be incorporated into the standing regiments, etc.
+
+As in these two debates the arguments were the same, they are thrown
+into one, to prevent unnecessary repetitions.
+
+Sir William YONGE opened the debate with respect to what he had
+delivered in the estimate, after the manner following:--Sir, as this
+estimate has been drawn up after very accurate calculations and careful
+inquiries, I hope that no objections will be raised against it, and that
+the sum necessary for raising the new regiments will be very readily
+granted by that house, which voted the war necessary for which they are
+designed.
+
+I hope it will be admitted as some proof of frugality, that this
+estimate requires less money than one that was laid before the senate in
+the reign of king William; for if it be considered, that since that
+time, the necessaries of life are become dearer, and that, therefore,
+all expenses are increased, it will appear to be the effect of the
+exactest economy, that the sum required for the same service is less.
+
+I have heard, indeed, sir, that in conversation, the method of raising
+troops on this occasion has been censured as improper, and that in the
+opinion of some, whose judgment cannot be entirely disregarded, it would
+be more reasonable to add more men to our regiments already established,
+than to raise new regiments with new officers.
+
+The chief argument, sir, produced in support of their method of
+augmentation, is drawn from the necessity of publick frugality, a very
+popular topick, which never fails to produce favour and attention; for
+every man is naturally inclined to hear his friend, and to consider that
+man as performing the office of friendship, who proposes methods of
+alleviating his taxes.
+
+Frugality is undoubtedly a virtue very necessary to the happiness of the
+nation, and such as there occur frequent occasions of inculcating to
+those who are intrusted with the superintendence of publick
+disbursements, but I am far from thinking that this estimate affords any
+opportunity for declamations of this kind, and am of opinion that the
+addition of new soldiers to each regiment, would, in reality, be more
+expensive.
+
+It cannot be denied, sir, that by augmenting the regiments, there would
+be immediately saved to the publick the expense of the officers which
+are necessary in the method now proposed; but it is to be considered how
+much the number of officers contributes to the regularity and discipline
+of the troops, and how much discipline and order promote their success.
+It is to be considered, sir, that the most successful method of making
+war is undoubtedly the cheapest, and that nothing is more expensive than
+defeats.
+
+If by raising the same number of men under fewer officers, we should
+give our enemies any advantage, if a single party should be cut off, a
+garrison forced, an expedition rendered fruitless, or the war protracted
+but a few months, where will be the advantage of this admired frugality?
+What would be the consequence, but the same or a greater expense, not to
+gain advantages, but to repair losses, and obviate the effects of our
+former parsimony?
+
+In private life, sir, it is common for men to involve themselves in
+expense, only by avoiding it; to repair houses at greater charges than
+new ones might be built, and to pay interest, rather than the debt. Weak
+minds are frighted at the mention of extraordinary efforts, and decline
+large expenses, though security and future affluence may be purchased by
+them; as tender bodies shrink from severe operations, though they are
+the certain methods of restoring health and vigour. The effects of this
+timidity are the same in both cases, the estate is impaired insensibly,
+and the body languishes by degrees, till no remedy can be applied.
+
+Such examples, sir, are frequent, and the folly of imitating them is
+therefore greater, for who would pursue that track by which he has seen
+others led to destruction? Nor need we search for remote illustrations
+to discover the destructive tendency of unseasonable tenderness for the
+publick, for I believe the whole history of the wars of king William
+will prove, that too close an attention to parsimony is inconsistent
+with great achievements.
+
+It may be expected that I, who cannot claim any regard in this
+disquisition, from my own experience, should produce some decisive
+evidence in favour of the method which I have taken upon me to defend;
+this expectation I shall endeavour to satisfy, by alleging the authority
+of the greatest commander of later ages, whom neither his friends nor
+his enemies will deny to have been well versed in these subjects, and
+whose success is a sufficient proof of the soundness of his principles.
+
+The illustrious duke of MARLBOROUGH was of opinion, that the whole force
+of the French armies consisted in the number of the officers, and that
+to be always equal to them in the field, it was necessary to form our
+troops nearly upon the same plan; to this scheme he conformed in his
+practice of war, and how much his practice confirmed his opinion, let
+Blenheim and Ramillies attest.
+
+As I pretend not to have determined myself on this question, otherwise
+than by authority, and, as I know not any authority equal to that of the
+duke of MARLBOROUGH, I cannot discharge the trust reposed in me by my
+country, any otherwise, than by proposing, that, on this occasion, we
+agree to grant his majesty the sum calculated for raising the new
+regiments, as I believe that method of augmentation most likely to
+produce success in our undertakings, and consequently to procure a
+speedy conclusion of the war.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have been so
+long accustomed to the debates of this house, and have so often attended
+to the eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, that I am never
+startled at paradoxes, nor shocked at absurdities; I can now hear with
+great tranquillity an harangue upon the necessity of placemen in this
+house, upon the usefulness of standing armies, and the happiness of a
+general excise.
+
+I am no longer offended with facts quoted in opposition to history, nor
+with calculations drawn up without regard to the rules of arithmetick; I
+know that there are persons in this house, who think themselves obliged
+to speak, even when in their own opinion nothing can be said with weight
+or with propriety; who come hither prepared against the shame of
+confutation, and determined not to be convinced.
+
+To reason with such men, sir, is, indeed, no pleasing task; it is to
+fight with enchanted heroes, upon whom the common weapons of argument
+have no effect, and who must be softened by a countercharm, before they
+can be attacked with any prospect of success.
+
+There are some, however, of whom I am willing to believe that they
+dispute only for truth, and inquire with the view of attaining a
+solution of their doubts. For the sake of these, sir, I think it
+necessary to declare my sentiments, as I shall be desirous, in my turn,
+to hear their sentiments; but with regard to those whose opinion I know
+already by their posts, I should think it of great advantage to the
+despatch of publick affairs, if they would content themselves with
+voting for their pay, without any ambition of other service, or adding
+the praise of volubility to that of steadiness.
+
+Having this opportunity, sir, of declaring my opinion of the measures
+pursued in regulating our military preparations, I shall not confine
+myself entirely to the present question, but lay before the house my
+thoughts upon some parts of the establishment, which may, perhaps,
+require a reform, and which are at least proper objects of
+consideration, though not absolutely necessary to the determination of
+our opinion upon the present motion.
+
+I have long ago, sir, declared, what, therefore, it is scarcely of any
+use to repeat, that I know not any advantage to be hoped from a standing
+army, nor can discover why the ablest and most vigorous of the
+inhabitants of this kingdom should be seduced from the loom, the anvil
+and the plough, only to live at ease upon the labour of industry, only
+to insult their landlords, and rob the farmers. I never could find why
+any body of men should be exempt from the common labour of social
+duties, or why they should be supported by a community, who contribute
+neither to its honour nor its defence.
+
+I doubt not, sir, but I shall hear, on this occasion, of the service of
+our troops in the suppression of riots; we shall be told, by the next
+pompous orator who shall rise up in defence of the army, that they have
+often dispersed the smugglers; that the colliers have been driven down
+by the terrour of their appearance to their subterraneous
+fortifications; that the weavers, in the midst of that rage which hunger
+and oppression excited, fled at their approach; that they have at our
+markets bravely regulated the price of butter, and, sometimes, in the
+utmost exertion of heroick fury, broken those eggs which they were not
+suffered to purchase on their own terms.
+
+Some one, perhaps, of more penetration, may inform us of the use which
+has been made of them at elections, where the surly burgesses have been
+sometimes blind to the merit of those worthy gentlemen, whom the
+soldiers have known how to esteem according to their desert; nor,
+indeed, do I see how those can refuse their votes in favour of our
+troops, who are indebted for the power of giving them, to their kind
+interposition.
+
+To these arguments, sir, I shall content myself with answering, that
+those who are versed in the history of Britain, know that we have had
+colliers and weavers for many years before a standing army was heard of
+among us, and that it is, nevertheless, nowhere recorded that any of our
+kings were deposed by those formidable bodies of men, or that any
+remarkable changes were made by them in the form of our government; and,
+therefore, till some reason shall be alleged, why such insurrections are
+now more dangerous, and our civil magistrates more impotent than in
+former ages, I humbly conceive, that even without the protection of a
+standing army, we might yet sleep in security, notwithstanding the plots
+of the colliers, and the combinations of the weavers.
+
+But I must own, sir, these are not our only enemies, for there is
+somewhere, yet in existence, a person that lays claim to the dominion of
+these kingdoms, and pleads an hereditary title to dispose of our wealth,
+to subvert our liberties, and destroy our religion.
+
+If any foreigner, sir, unacquainted with our affairs, were to be present
+at our debates, and to hear with what ardour we animate each other to an
+obstinate resistance of this pretender to the throne, how often he is
+represented as hovering over us, and how often we have caught a general
+panick, and imagined ourselves upon the verge of destruction, how often
+our most zealous patriots take opportunities of declaring their
+resolution to die in defence of their liberties; and how pathetically
+our most elegant declaimers have expatiated on the misery of that
+unhappy race, whom they should leave behind to groan under the
+oppression of absolute power, what would be his opinion of this
+pretender, whom he saw so perpetually dreaded, against whom so many
+alliances were formed, so many armies were levied, and so many navies
+equipped?
+
+Would he not believe him to be some formidable tyrant in a neighbouring
+country, the lord of wide dominions, and the master of numerous armies
+and powerful fleets? Would he not imagine that he could assemble half
+the continent at his call, that he was supported by powerful alliances,
+and that nothing but a fair wind was required to land him on our coasts
+at the head of millions? And would he not, even on that supposition, be
+inclined to censure us as timorous, as somewhat regardless of the honour
+of our nation, and condemn us for giving way to such suspicions and
+exclamations, as have a natural tendency to heighten the apprehension of
+danger, and depress the spirits of the people?
+
+But what would be his conclusion, sir, when he should be told, what in
+reality is true, that this dreadful pretender is an unhappy fugitive,
+driven in his infancy from this country, and by consequence without any
+personal interest; that he is supported by the charity of a prince whose
+name is hated almost by every inhabitant of the kingdom; that he has
+neither sovereignty, nor money, nor alliances, nor reputation in war,
+nor skill in policy; that all his actions are watched by British spies;
+and that the few friends that remain to support the farce of a court,
+are such only as dare not return to their native country, and are,
+therefore, without fortune, and without dependants?
+
+What could a wise man conceive of a nation held in continual alarms by
+an enemy like this; of a nation always watchful against an invasion from
+a man who has neither dominions to supply, nor money to hire a single
+regiment; from a man whose title all the neighbouring princes disown,
+and who is at such a distance from them, that he cannot be assisted by
+them without open preparations, of which we cannot fail of having
+intelligence, and which may be defeated, without danger, by the vessels
+regularly stationed on our coasts?
+
+Would not any stranger imagine, sir, that we were a nation infected with
+a general phrensy, that cowardice had perverted our imaginations, filled
+us with apprehensions of impossible invasions, raised phantoms before
+our eyes, and distracted us with wild ideas of slavery and tyranny,
+oppression and persecution?
+
+I have dwelt thus long on this point, because I know the pretender is
+the last refuge of those who defend a standing army; not that I propose
+to convince any man of the folly of such apprehensions, or to fortify
+him against such terrours for the time to come; for if any man, in
+reality, now dreads the pretender, fear must be his distemper; he is
+doomed to live in terrours, and it is of no importance whether he dreads
+an invasion or a goblin, whether he is afraid to disband the army, or to
+put out his candle in the night; his imagination is tainted, and he must
+be cured, not by argument, but by physick.
+
+But the greatest part of those who disturb our consultations with the
+mention of the pretender, are men of a very different character, men
+equally unconcerned about his designs, or his motions, with those who
+are most desirous of setting the nation free from the burden of an army,
+and very often such as we may discover, from their conduct, to be
+determined to comply with every government; and such as have, therefore,
+nothing to fear from a change of masters.
+
+The men, for whose sake I am now speaking, sir, laugh equally with
+myself at the apprehensions of those whom they contribute to terrify;
+they know too well the impotence of the pretender to dread an invasion
+from him, and affect only to continue their outcries, that they may not
+be deprived of a topick, on which, by long practice, they have attained
+an uncommon facility of haranguing, which they know how to diversify
+with various combinations of circumstances, and how to accommodate to
+any emergent occasion, without the pain of torturing their inventions.
+
+It may be useful, sir, to inform these men, that their disguise ought at
+last to be thrown off, because it deceives no longer, and that the
+nation cannot be cheated but at the expense of more cunning than they
+are willing, or perhaps able, to display. A mask must necessarily be
+thrown aside, when, instead of concealing, it discovers him by whom it
+is used.
+
+Those who are attempting, sir, to deceive others, and whose character is
+exalted, in their own opinion, in proportion to the success of their
+endeavours, have surely a sense of shame, though they have none of
+virtue, and cannot, without pain, find their artifices detected, and
+themselves made the objects of ridicule, by those stratagems which they
+employ for the deception of others.
+
+I hope, therefore, sir, that, for their own sakes, these declaimers on
+the exploded story of the pretender, will change their bugbear, that if
+it be necessary to frighten those whom they want art or eloquence to
+persuade, they will find out some other object of terrour, which, after
+a little practice in private meetings, they may first produce in the
+court, and then turn loose in the senate.
+
+The world, methinks, allows them a sufficient choice of tyrants more
+formidable than the pretender. Suppose they should revive the history of
+the Mohocks. The Mohocks are a dreadful race, not to be mentioned
+without horrour, by a true lover of his country, and a steady adherent
+to the house of Hanover; they might then very easily increase our army,
+or enhance our taxes; for who would not be urged by his wife and
+daughter to agree to any measures that might secure them from the
+Mohocks?
+
+But as an army is, at present, likely to be kept up for our defence,
+against an enemy less formidable, it may be more seasonable to propose
+the regulation than the dismission of our troops, and to mention those
+evils which arise from the present establishment, rather than those
+which are inseparable from the expense of a standing force.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to support soldiers, I suppose that it will not
+be denied by the advocates for an army, that we ought to levy such
+troops as may be of use; yet in their practice they seem to have paid
+very little regard to this principle. Our troopers are mounted upon
+horses which can serve no purpose but that of show, which may, indeed,
+wheel about in the park with a formidable air, but can neither advance
+upon an enemy with impetuosity, nor retreat from him with expedition;
+and which, therefore, though purchased by the nation at a very high
+price, and supported at a large expense, can only grace a review, but
+are of very little use in an enemy's country, and must perish in the
+march, or stand unactive in the battle.
+
+Nor is much more service to be expected, sir, from their riders, than
+from the horses, for there are very few of them acquainted with the
+first elements of their profession, or who have ever learned more than a
+few postures of exercise, and the meaning of a few words of command, but
+have a number of officers with large appointments.
+
+The French troops, sir, if they are doubly officered, are officered and
+maintained at a less expense, and to greater effect; for the soldiers
+are better instructed, and the same number of men cost not, perhaps,
+much more than half the charge of a British regiment.
+
+The guards, sir, that are maintained about this metropolis, for no other
+purpose than to keep up the splendour of a modern court, cost the
+nation, yearly, such a sum as would be sufficient to support an army of
+Frenchmen, for the protection of their frontier towns, or the invasion
+of neighbouring countries.
+
+For my part, I cannot see what injury would be done to the nation by
+abolishing an establishment, at the same time useless and expensive, and
+employing that money which is at present squandered upon idlers without
+effect, upon levies of useful soldiers for marching regiments, who might
+be employed, when occasion should require them, in the service of their
+country.
+
+It will, doubtless, be objected, that the officers of this body of men,
+many of whom are persons of the highest merit, and who have, generally,
+purchased their commissions, might very justly complain of being
+deprived, without a crime, of that which they have bought at its full
+value, and to which, therefore, they imagine themselves entitled, till
+they shall forfeit their right by some offence against the laws, or some
+neglect of their duty.
+
+I shall not, sir, at present, inquire into the justness of this plea,
+nor examine, whether he who purchases an employment, which he knows to
+be useless, and therefore burdensome to the publick, deserves that the
+publick should be solicitous to support him in the enjoyment of it; but
+I shall declare, on this occasion, with confidence, that I know many of
+the officers of the guards to be men of honour, who would gladly
+exchange their posts, so chargeable to the nation, for an opportunity of
+serving it, and who are not very anxious for the increase of their pay,
+so they may not be degraded from their present rank.
+
+If these gentlemen, sir, might, in the regiments that should be raised
+by disbanding the guards, be advanced to higher commissions, though with
+some diminution of their pay, they would imagine themselves abundantly
+compensated by the happiness of becoming useful subjects, and serving
+that nation by which they have been, hitherto, supported only to fill up
+the pomp of levees, and add to the magnificence of drawing-rooms, to
+loiter in antechambers, and to quarrel at gaming tables.
+
+If this scheme should not be approved, the method eligible, in the next
+degree, seems to be that of incorporating our new levies into the
+regiments already raised, that being associated with men already
+acquainted with discipline, they may learn their duty much more
+expeditiously than in separate bodies, where one officer will be obliged
+to attend to the instruction of great numbers, and where no man will be
+excited to application, because no man will see any degree of excellence
+which he may be ambitious of attaining.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no reason alleged for the necessity of new levies,
+which appeared likely to convince even those by whom it was produced. It
+appears to me that our present army is more than sufficient for the
+publick service, without an augmentation, and that some of our regiments
+might immediately embark, not only without danger to the nation, but
+with far greater hopes of success, as our enemies would have less time
+to strengthen their fortifications, and collect their troops, and as
+disciplined forces are more formidable than troops newly levied; for
+discipline must be of great efficacy to the success of military
+undertakings, or all arguments which have been used in the defence of a
+standing army fall to the ground.
+
+In answer to this proposal, we shall probably be once again intimidated
+with an invasion, whether from the pretender, the Spaniards, the French,
+or any other power, it is of no great importance. An invasion is a
+formidable sound; the sack of towns, the destruction of villages, the
+captivity of our children, the ruin of our fortunes, and the desolation
+of our country, are frightful images, and may, therefore, be
+successfully produced, on this occasion, to perplex our thoughts, and
+embarrass our inquiries.
+
+To remove, therefore, this panick, and to dissipate, for ever, the
+phantoms of invasion, I will lay before the house the opinion of the
+great commander whose name has already been introduced in this debate.
+In the late reign, on a day when the great officers of the crown, and
+many of the council, were at a publick feast in the city, a report was
+suddenly spread that the duke of Ormond had landed in the west, with two
+thousand men. This account was, in appearance, well attested, and
+universally believed; all jollity was, therefore, at an end, the company
+departed, the council was summoned, and every man offered such
+expedients as his present thoughts, confused and oppressed with the
+proximity of the danger, suggested to him. One proposed, that a body of
+troops should be sent to a distant part of the kingdom, to restrain the
+seditions of the populace; another apprehended more danger from a
+different quarter, and advised that the inhabitants should be awed by
+another detachment sent thither; the most experienced easily saw the
+unprofitableness of the measures proposed, but could not so easily
+strike out more efficacious expedients, and therefore sat in great
+perplexity. Lord Somers, particularly, shook his head, and seemed to
+consider the kingdom as in the hands of the invaders, and the dreadful
+pretender as seated on the throne.
+
+At last, the duke of MARLBOROUGH, who had hitherto sat silent, asked
+calmly, whether they were certain that any forces were really landed,
+and was answered, that though it might not be absolutely certain, yet
+they were to consult and send orders upon that supposition. Then, says
+he, I will lay down this great rule to be observed invariably, whenever
+you are invaded. Attend only to one point, nor have any other purpose in
+view than that of destroying the regular forces that shall be landed in
+the kingdom, without any regard to petty insurrections, which may be
+always easily quelled, and which will probably cease of themselves, when
+the army by which they were excited is cut off. For this end, let it be
+your rule, to keep your army undivided, and to make no motion but
+towards the enemies; fight them with the utmost expedition before they
+can fortify themselves, or receive reinforcements from the continent. By
+the observation of this plain method of operation, continued he, I will
+engage, without any other force than the regiments generally stationed
+about the capital, to put a stop to any troops that shall be landed on
+the coast of Britain.
+
+So far was this great officer, who was acquainted with the whole art of
+war, from sinking into astonishment at the sound of an invasion, and so
+far from thinking it necessary that the nation should be harassed by
+standing troops, to preserve it from being plundered by a foreign army.
+
+But though our troops, sir, should not be necessary to prevent an
+invasion, they may be useful in services of equal importance; the
+ministry may think the suffrages of the officers more serviceable than
+their swords, and may be more afraid of exposing themselves than the
+nation by any detachment of their forces.
+
+Such is, at present, sir, the state of this unhappy country, that
+neither in peace nor war are any measures taken, but with a view of
+increasing or confirming the power of the ministry; for this purpose
+those troops whose officers have seats here, are to be retained at home,
+and the fate of our American settlements to be committed to new-levied
+forces, without military skill.
+
+For this reason is an army to be raised without necessity, and raised in
+a manner that may furnish the court with an opportunity of extending its
+influence, by the disposal of great numbers of new commissions. By this
+plan every family that is burdened with a relation whose vices have
+ruined his fortune, or whose stupidity disqualifies him for employment,
+will have an opportunity of selling, for a commission, its interest at
+the approaching election; dependence will be propagated, and the
+troublesome spirit of liberty be depressed.
+
+To little purpose will it be objected, that soldiers and officers will
+be equally ignorant, that discipline is not infused instantaneously,
+that a military dress will not make a soldier, that men can only know
+their duty by instruction, and that nothing is to be hoped from
+ploughmen and manufacturers, commanded by schoolboys. The success of the
+expedition is not so much considered by those who have the direction of
+the levies, as that of the election, and while they keep their posts,
+they are very little concerned about the affairs of America.
+
+In defence of this method, it has, indeed, been affirmed, that it was
+preferred by the duke of MARLBOROUGH; but we are not informed to whom,
+or upon what occasion he declared his opinion, and, therefore, are left
+at liberty to doubt, whether his authority is not produced for a method
+which he did not approve, or approved only at some particular time for
+some extraordinary service.
+
+It is urged, that he recommended it by his practice, and that his
+success is a sufficient proof that his practice was founded upon right
+maxims. But if it be remembered what was, in that time, the method of
+obtaining commissions, and who it was that had the disposal of them, it
+will appear not absolutely certain, that his practice ought to be
+produced as a decisive proof of his opinion.
+
+If the success of troops be properly urged as an argument for the form
+of their establishment, may not the victories of prince Eugene afford a
+proof, equally convincing, that a few officers are sufficient? And if
+the arguments which arise from success are equal on both sides, ought
+not the necessity of saving the publick money to turn the balance?
+
+War, sir, is in its own nature a calamity very grievous to the most
+powerful and flourishing people, and to a trading nation is particularly
+destructive, as it at once exhausts our wealth, and interrupts our
+commerce, at once drinks up the stream and chokes up the fountain. In
+those countries whose affairs are wholly transacted within their own
+frontiers, where there is either very little money, or where their
+wealth is dug out of their own mines, they are only weakened by the loss
+of men, or by the diminution of their dominions, and, in general, can
+only suffer by being overcome.
+
+But the state of Britain is far different; it is not necessary to our
+ruin that an enemy should be stronger than ourselves, that he should be
+able to pour armies into our country, to cover the sea with fleets, to
+burn our villages by incursions, or destroy our fortresses with bombs;
+for he that can secure his own dominions from our attacks, to which
+nothing but distance and some advantages of situation are necessary, may
+support a war against us, and he that can fit out privateers to
+interrupt our trade, may, without obtaining a victory, reduce us to
+distress.
+
+Our situation, sir, as it preserves us from the danger of an invasion,
+except from that powerful monarch, the pretender, who is, indeed, always
+to be dreaded, has, likewise, the effect of securing other nations from
+being invaded by us; for it is very difficult to transport in one fleet,
+and to land at one time, a number sufficient to force their way into a
+country where the ports are fortified, and the inhabitants in arms.
+
+Our wars, sir, are, therefore, to be determined by naval battles, and
+those nations have very little to fear from us who have no trade to be
+disturbed, and no navies to be destroyed; if they can only fit out
+cruisers, which may always be done by granting commissions to foreign
+adventurers, they may ruin our merchants by captures, exhaust the nation
+by the necessity of convoys, and give neutral traders an opportunity of
+establishing their credit at those markets which have been, hitherto,
+supplied by our manufactures.
+
+This is, indeed, far from being at present an exact account of the state
+of Spain, whose wide-extended dominions are liable to insults, and from
+whom many of her most wealthy provinces may be torn without great hazard
+or difficulty. The particular state of her commerce, which, being only
+carried on from one part of her dominions to another, can only be for a
+time interrupted, but is in no danger of being invaded by any rival, or
+lost by disuse, at least requires our consideration, and we ought to
+make war with the utmost frugality, against a people whom no hostilities
+can really impoverish, whose commerce may be said to lie at rest rather
+than to be shackled, as it will rise into greater vigour at the end of
+the war, and whose treasures, though the want of them is a present
+inconvenience, are only piled up for a time of security.
+
+As the only method, sir, of reducing this nation, must be that of
+invading its colonies, and dismembering its provinces, by which the
+chief persons will be deprived of their revenues, and a general
+discontent be spread over the people, the forces which are levied for
+this expedition, an expedition on which so much of the honour of our
+arms and the prosperity of our trade must necessarily depend, ought to
+be selected with the greatest care, and disciplined with the exactest
+regularity.
+
+On this occasion, therefore, it is surely improper to employ troops
+newly collected from shops and villages, and yet more irrational to
+trust them to the direction of boys called on this occasion from the
+frolicks of a school, or forced from the bosoms of their mothers, and
+the softness of the nursery. It is not without compassion, compassion
+very far extended, that I consider the unhappy striplings doomed to a
+camp, from whom the sun has hitherto been screened, and the wind
+excluded, who have been taught, by many tender lectures, the
+unwholesomeness of the evening mists and the morning dews, who have been
+wrapt in furs in winter, and cooled with fans in summer, who have lived
+without any fatigue but that of dress, or any care but that of their
+complexion.
+
+Who can forbear, sir, some degree of sympathy, when he sees animals like
+these taking their last farewell of the maid that has fed them with
+sweetmeats, and defended them from insects; when he sees them drest up
+in the habiliments of soldiers, loaded with a sword, and invested with a
+command, not to mount the guard at the palace, nor to display their lace
+at a review; not to protect ladies at the door of an assembly room, nor
+to show their intrepidity at a country fair, but to enter into a kind of
+fellowship with the rugged sailor, to hear the tumult of a storm, to
+sustain the change of climates, and to be set on shore in an enemy's
+dominions?
+
+Surely, he that can see such spectacles without sorrow, must have
+hardened his heart beyond the common degrees of cruelty, and it may
+reasonably be expected, that he who can propose any method by which such
+hardships may be escaped, will be thought entitled to gratitude and
+praise.
+
+For my part, I should imagine, sir, that an easy method might be
+discovered of obviating such misery, without lessening that number of
+officers, which, perhaps, in opposition to reason and experience, some
+gentlemen will continue to think necessary, and hope that this may be no
+improper time to declare my opinion.
+
+I have observed, that for some time no private centinel has ever risen
+to any rank above that of a serjeant, and that commissions have been
+reserved as rewards for other services than those of the camp. This
+procedure I cannot but think at once impolitick and unjust.
+
+It is impolitick, sir, as it has a natural tendency to extinguish in the
+soldiery all emulation and all industry. Soldiers have an equal genius
+with other men, and undoubtedly there might be found among them great
+numbers capable of learning and of improving the military sciences; but
+they have, likewise, the same love of ease, and the desire of honour and
+of profit, and will not condemn themselves to labour without the
+prospect of reward, nor sacrifice their time to the attainment of that
+knowledge, which can have no other effect than to make them discover the
+stupidity of their commanders, and render their obedience more
+difficult, as it will destroy that reverence which is necessary to
+subordination.
+
+It is unjust, sir, because it is not to be doubted, that some soldiers,
+by the natural force of their faculties, or by a laudable activity of
+mind, have extended their knowledge beyond the duties of a private
+station; and he that excels in his profession, has an equitable claim to
+distinction and preferment. To advance any man in the army, because his
+father is an orator in the senate, or the chief inhabitant of a borough,
+seems not more rational, than to make another man a judge, because some
+of his ancestors were skilled in gunnery; nor would the lawyers have
+juster reasons for complaint in one case, than the soldiers in the
+other.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, necessary to the advancement of
+military knowledge, that, as a centinel is, for excelling in his
+profession, advanced to the degree of a serjeant, the serjeant, who
+continues his application, and performs his duty, should, in time, be
+honoured with a commission.
+
+It may be objected, indeed, that serjeants, though they are skilful
+commanders in war, can very seldom arrive at any remarkable skill in
+politicks, and though they should be so fortunate as to gain estates,
+could never be of any use as the representatives of a borough; and to
+what purpose should those men be advanced, who can only serve their
+country, but can contribute very little to the support of the court?
+
+This is, I own, sir, an objection, which I despair of answering to the
+satisfaction of those by whom it will be raised. The hardy serjeant
+would never cringe gracefully at a levee, would never attain to any
+successful degree of address in soliciting votes; and if he should by
+mere bribery be deputed hither, would be unable to defend the conduct of
+his directors.
+
+In vindication of the present scheme, I believe few of those rugged
+warriours would find many arguments; they would not recommend to the
+nation a troop of boys, under the command of boys, as the most proper
+forces to be sent to make conquests in distant countries, nor would
+imagine, that unskilful soldiers could, under the direction of officers
+equally ignorant with themselves, attain the knowledge of their duty in
+the same time as if they were incorporated with regular troops, in which
+every man might receive instructions, and learn his business from his
+comrade.
+
+I had lately, sir, the opportunity of hearing the opinion of one of the
+greatest generals in the world, on this subject, who declared, with the
+utmost confidence of certainty, that raw troops could be disciplined in
+a short time, only by being incorporated with those that had been
+already taught their duty, and asserted, that with an army so mixed, he
+should think himself sufficiently enabled to meet any forces of the same
+number, and should not fear to acquit himself successfully, either in
+attacking or defending.
+
+Such are the sentiments of this great man, to whom I know not whether
+any name can be opposed that deserves equally to be reverenced. He has
+had the honour of defending the rights of his country in the senate as
+well as in the field, has signalized himself equally in the debate and
+in the battle, and, perhaps, deserves less regard for having hazarded
+his life, than for having been divested of his employments.
+
+Since, therefore, it is apparent that great numbers of officers are by
+no means necessary to success in war, since they are dangerous to our
+liberty in time of peace, since they are certainly expensive, and at
+best not certainly useful; and since the greatest general of the present
+age has declared, that our new levies ought to be mingled with our
+standing forces, I shall think it my duty to vote against the present
+scheme of raising new regiments, and shall agree to no other supplies
+than such as may be sufficient for adding the same numbers to the
+present army.
+
+General WADE then spoke as follows:--Sir, though I cannot pretend to
+pursue the honourable gentleman through the whole compass of his
+argument, nor shall attempt to stand up as his rival, either in extent
+of knowledge, or elegance of language, yet as my course of life has
+necessarily furnished me with some observations relating to the question
+before us, and my present station in the army may, in some measure, be
+said to make it my duty to declare my opinion, I shall lay before the
+house a few considerations, with the artless simplicity of a plain
+soldier, without engaging in a formal debate, or attempting to overthrow
+the arguments of others.
+
+It is observed, sir, that for the greatest part, the farther any man has
+advanced in life, the less confidence he places in speculation, and the
+more he learns to rest upon experience, as the only sure guide in human
+affairs; and as the transactions in which he is engaged are more
+important, with the greater anxiety does he inquire after precedents,
+and the more timorously does he proceed, when he is obliged to regulate
+his conduct by conjecture or by deliberation.
+
+This remark, sir, though it may be just with regard to all states of
+life, is yet more constantly and certainly applicable to that of the
+soldier; because, as his profession is more hazardous than any other, he
+must with more caution guard against miscarriages and errours. The old
+soldier, therefore, very rarely ventures beyond the verge of experience,
+unless in compliance with particular accidents, which does not make any
+change in his general scheme, or in situations where nothing can
+preserve him but some new stratagem or unprecedented effort, which are
+not to be mentioned as part of his original plan of operation, because
+they are produced always by unforeseen emergencies, and are to be
+imputed, not to choice, but to necessity; for, in consequence of my
+first principle, an old soldier never willingly involves himself in
+difficulties, or proceeds in such a manner as that he may not expect
+success by the regular operations of war.
+
+It will not, therefore, be strange, if I, who, having served in the
+army, in the wars of king William, may justly claim the title of an old
+soldier, should not easily depart from the methods established in my
+youth; methods of which their effects have shown me, that they at least
+answer the intention for which they were contrived, and which,
+therefore, I shall be afraid of rejecting, lest those which it is
+proposed to substitute in their place, however probable in speculation,
+should be found defective in practice, and the reasonings, which,
+indeed, I cannot answer, should be confuted in the field, where
+eloquence has very little power.
+
+The troops of Britain, formed according to the present establishment,
+have been found successful; they have preserved the liberties of Europe,
+and driven the armies of France before them; they have appeared equally
+formidable in sieges and in battles, and with strength equally
+irresistible have pressed forward in the field, and mounted the breach.
+It may be urged, that this vigour, alacrity, and success, cannot be
+proved to have been produced by the number of officers by whom they were
+commanded; but since, on the contrary, it cannot be shown that the
+number of officers did not contribute to their victories, I think it not
+prudent to try the experiment, which, if it should succeed, as it
+possibly may, would produce no great advantage; and if it should fail,
+and that it may fail no man will deny, must bring upon us, not only the
+expense which we are so solicitous to avoid, but disgrace and losses, a
+long interruption of our trade, and the slaughter of great numbers of
+our fellow-subjects.
+
+Thus far, sir, I have proceeded upon a supposition that the balance of
+argument is equal on both sides, and that nothing could be alleged on
+one part but experience, or objected to the other but the want of it;
+but as I am now called to declare my opinion in a question relating to
+my profession, a question of great importance to the publick, I should
+think that I had not discharged my duty to my country with that fidelity
+which may justly be exacted from me, if I should omit any observation
+that my memory may suggest, by which the house may be better enabled to
+proceed in this inquiry.
+
+I think it, therefore, proper to declare, that we not only, in the last
+great war, experienced the usefulness of numerous officers, but that we
+have likewise felt the want of them on a signal occasion, and that the
+only great advantage which our enemies obtained, was gained over an army
+rendered weak by the want of the usual number of officers. Such were the
+forces that were defeated at the fatal battle of Almanza, by which
+almost all Spain was recovered from us. And it is, sir, the opinion of
+very skilful commanders, that the Germans, only by having fewer officers
+than the French, did not succeed in those long and obstinate battles of
+Parma and Guastalla.
+
+It is, indeed, natural to imagine, that a greater number of officers
+must promote success, because courage is kindled by example, and it is,
+therefore, of use to every man to have his leader in his view. Shame, at
+one time, and affection at another, may produce the effects of courage
+where it is wanted, and those may follow their commander, who are
+inclined to desert their duty; for it is seldom known that, while the
+officers appear confident, the soldiers despair, or that they think of
+retreating but after the example of their leaders.
+
+Where there are only few officers, it is apparent that more is left to
+chance, in which it becomes not a wise man to place any confidence; for
+if the officers are killed at the beginning of the action, the soldiers
+must become an useless, defenceless herd, without order, without
+unanimity, and without design; but by the present method, if an officer
+happens to fall, his place is immediately supplied by another, the
+action goes forward, and the enemy receives no advantage from confusion
+or delay.
+
+I am, therefore of opinion, that in raising troops for the expedition
+now intended, the established method ought to be followed, and that we
+ought not to hazard the success of our attempt by new regulations, of
+which no human sagacity can fortell the event.
+
+Though it cannot be denied, that some addition might be made to our
+companies without any visible or certain inconvenience, yet the
+augmentation now intended is too numerous to be so incorporated without
+some neglect of discipline, as the officers would be charged with more
+men than they could properly superintend.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, another method of incorporation, by adding new
+companies to each regiment; but of this method the advantage would be
+small, because the number of captains and inferiour officers must be the
+same, and the pay of only the field officers would be saved, and this
+trifling gain would be far over-balanced by the inconveniencies which
+experience has shown to arise from it. There have been regiments formed
+of thirteen companies, instead of ten; but it was found, that as the
+officers of a company may be over-charged with soldiers, a colonel may
+likewise have more companies than he can conveniently inspect, and the
+ancient regulation was restored, as the least liable to difficulties and
+objections.
+
+Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the manner in which our new troops
+are proposed to be levied, it may be expected that I should now make
+some observations on the service in which they are to be employed, which
+I cannot think liable to any unanswerable objection. It is now, sir, in
+our choice whether we will send the new regiments abroad or keep them at
+home; and our choice may easily be determined by comparing the value of
+our colonies with that of their mother country. If it be not necessary
+to have any army here to defend us against insults and invasions, the
+question about the manner of raising or employing new regiments is
+superfluous, because none ought to be raised, as our old troops are
+sufficiently numerous for foreign service. But if the security of the
+nation requires an army, would it not be madness to send those troops to
+a distant part of the world, in which we can confide most! Would not
+those, who speak with such contempt of an expedition undertaken by boys,
+have a better reason for their censure, if only boys were stationed on
+our coasts to repel the veterans of France? Would not such measures
+animate our enemies, and invite an invasion?
+
+It may, perhaps, be urged farther, that the troops which are sent into
+America, are more likely to succeed in their design, than any regiment
+of ancient establishment. The chief danger to be feared in that part of
+the world, is not from the enemy but the climate, with which young men
+are most able to contend, though they may not be equally qualified for
+attempts in which skill is equally necessary with vigour.
+
+I am convinced, sir, that this war has hitherto been prosecuted with
+ardour and fidelity, and that no measures have been taken but such as
+experience and reason have supported, and therefore affirm, without
+scruple, that if we are not successful, our miscarriages must be imputed
+to the chance of war, from which no prudence can exempt us.
+
+Lord QUARENDON spoke next, in the following manner, being his first
+speech:--Sir, having-but very lately had the honour of a seat in this
+assembly, I am conscious how little I am acquainted with either the
+subjects or forms of debate, and should, therefore, continue to listen
+to the sentiments of persons more experienced, with silent veneration,
+did I not observe with how much indulgence they are heard who mean well,
+however deficient in knowledge, or in eloquence.
+
+As the honourable gentleman who spoke last, sir, professes to have
+formed his opinion rather from facts than arguments, I hope I shall be
+indulged by the house, in an attempt to examine those facts which he has
+produced, because I think them not sufficient to support his positions,
+which must, therefore, be established by some other proofs, before a
+decision of this question can be fixed by them.
+
+With regard to his experience, to which undoubtedly no small degree of
+veneration is due, he confesses that we have tried only one of the two
+forms of establishment now in competition, and that, therefore, though
+he has had reason to approve that with which he is most acquainted, he
+has no certain proofs of the inefficacy or imperfection of the other.
+
+But experience, sir, may be extended much farther than our own personal
+transactions, and may very justly comprehend those observations which we
+have had opportunities of making upon the conduct and success of others.
+This gentleman, though he has only commanded in the armies of Britain,
+has seen the forces of other nations, has remarked their regulations,
+and heard of their actions with our confederates in the last war; he has
+probably acted in conjunction, and though it is known that they differ
+from us in the proportion of soldiers and officers, he has mentioned no
+disadvantage which might be supposed to arise from their establishment,
+and therefore, I suppose, he cannot deny that their behaviour and
+success was the same with that of our own troops.
+
+The battles of Almanza, Parma, and Guastalla, which he has particularly
+mentioned, were lost, as he informs us, by armies not officered
+according to the establishment which he recommends to us: but it is
+observable that his argument is defective in an essential part; for
+though he affirms that the armies which were defeated had fewer officers
+than the enemy, he has neither shown, nor attempted to show, that the
+want of officers occasioned the defeat, or that the loss would have been
+prevented by a greater number.
+
+These instances, therefore, can be of no effect on the determination of
+the present question; for though it is certain that at Germany, and at
+other places, armies with few officers have lost the battle, it is not
+less common for those troops that are more liberally supplied, to be
+overthrown by others which are differently modelled.
+
+With regard, sir, to the troops of Germany, I have heard them praised,
+in many parts of Europe, as not inferiour either to those of France, or
+of any other nation, and have been informed, that their ill success,
+both at Parma and Guastalla, may be justly imputed to other causes than
+the want of officers.
+
+There has, perhaps, sir, seldom been an example of firmness, discipline,
+and resolution, beyond that which was shown by the Germans at the action
+of Parma, where they attacked the trenches of the French, sustained the
+fire of the ramparts of the city, and though they lost their
+commander-in-chief and two others, towards the beginning of the action,
+they continued the fight for eleven hours, and at last retired only at
+the approach of night.
+
+At Guastalla, sir, they attacked the French in their trenches, even with
+forces inferiour in number, so far were they from any diffidence in the
+form of their establishment; and after a fight of seven hours, in which
+their loss was, under all their disadvantages, not greater than that of
+their enemies, they retreated to their former camp unmolested and
+unpursued. The French, sir, were preserved in both these battles, not by
+the number of their officers, but by their situation, by woods,
+cassines, ditches, and intrenchments.
+
+Nor do I discover, sir, what can be inferred from his observation of the
+influence of example in time of action, but that officers should be
+selected with great care, and not be promoted by favour, or interest, or
+caprice; for an example of cowardice in a leader must be pernicious, in
+proportion as that of bravery is beneficial; and as, where more officers
+are supposed necessary, there is less room for choice, it must be
+allowed that the troops, which have more officers than other forces, are
+in more danger of being infected with cowardice.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me that the expense of the present
+establishment is a certain evil, and that the advantages are very
+doubtful: it appears that the present state of the nation requires
+frugality, and, therefore, I shall vote for the incorporation of our new
+levies with the old regiments.
+
+By this incorporation, sir, our new-levied troops will be no longer
+distinguished from our veterans; they will be equally acquainted with
+discipline, and will learn, from the conversation of their associates, a
+spirit of enterprise, and a contempt of danger; we may then employ
+forces equally formidable in all parts of the publick service, and
+invade the dominions of our enemies, without leaving our own country
+desolate.
+
+The arguments which the honourable gentleman has offered in defence of
+sending our younger troops to America, which may likewise be used
+against an incorporation, is, in my opinion, sir, far from being
+conclusive; for it supposes, what will not be granted, that a cold
+climate may be changed for a hotter with more safety by a young than an
+old man. I have been told, on the contrary, that superabundant heat is
+the great disease of youth, and that the want of it produces most of the
+infirmities of age; and every one has known the lives of persons
+languishing with age, prolonged by a removal into warm countries. I am,
+therefore, of opinion, that the honourable gentleman's argument is
+defective in all its parts, and hope that I shall not be charged with
+obstinacy or perverseness for dissenting from him.
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, before I engage in a
+discussion of the question, I cannot but think it necessary to observe,
+that the honourable gentleman who spoke the second in this debate, has
+been very far from consulting either policy or justice in his
+declamation, and that he deviated from the subject only to ridicule his
+country, to exalt our enemies, and depress our efforts.
+
+He has described, sir, the British youth, the sons of noble families,
+and the hopes of the nation, in terms too contemptuous to be heard
+without indignation; he has amused himself with displaying their
+ignorance and their effeminacy, and has indulged his imagination in a
+malignant kind of gaiety, which, however it may divert himself, is very
+far from contributing either to the reformation or prevention of those
+practices which he censures.
+
+I believe, sir, it will be granted, that nothing ought to please but in
+proportion to its propriety and truth; and, if we try the satire that we
+have lately heard, by this test, it will be found to have very little
+claim to applause; for our armies must be composed of the youth of the
+nation; and, for my part, I cannot discover what advantage we shall gain
+over the Spaniards, by informing them how little our troops are
+accustomed to danger, how short a time they have been acquainted with
+fatigue, how tenderly they have been nursed, how easily they may be
+frighted, and how certainly they will be conquered, if they but meet
+with opposition.
+
+Nor, sir, is such an account of the youth of Britain more true, in my
+opinion, than it is prudent. I am far from discovering any such
+remarkable degeneracy in the age, or any great prevalence of cowardice
+and unmanly delicacy; nor do I doubt of hearing that our youth, if they
+are sent upon any expedition, have shown that the British courage is not
+yet extinguished, and that, if they are ranged on the plains of America,
+they will discover themselves the sons of those that forced those
+passes, and those trenches, that other troops would have failed in
+attempting.
+
+That the degeneracy of the British youth, is, at least, not universal,
+we have just now sir, received an incontestable proof from the gentleman
+who spoke last, and spoke with so much elegance of language, and
+justness of reasoning, as shows, that there are to be found, among the
+youth of Britain, persons very well qualified for the senate; and I have
+never heard that a post in the army required greater abilities.
+
+The pleasure, however, with which I have attended to his remarks, has
+not so far prejudiced me in favour of his opinion, as that I shall
+easily consent to change that method of discipline, to which our troops
+have been accustomed, and of which we know by experience, that it is, at
+least, not less efficacious than that of any other nation. Customs, if
+they are not bad, are not to be changed, because it is an argument in
+favour of a practice that the people have experienced it, and approved
+it, and every change is disagreeable to those who judge only by
+prejudice, of whom I need not say how great is the number.
+
+Many arguments may, sir, in my opinion, be added to our experience in
+favour of the present establishment. The number of officers--but I find
+myself unable to pursue my design, because I can no longer read my
+notes, which, being written by another hand, somewhat embarrass me in
+this decline of the light. I shall, therefore, only make some
+observations upon the speech of the gentleman who spoke the second in
+this debate, and hope that I shall be allowed to deviate from the
+principal question, since I do it only in pursuit of another.
+
+He has observed, that our troopers are mounted upon horses that are of
+no use; a remark, sir, which I never heard from any other person, and
+for which, I believe, no authority can be produced: they are mounted,
+indeed, upon horses very different from those which are used by other
+nations, because scarcely any other country breeds horses of equal size
+and strength, and, therefore, I am informed that the French have
+purchased horses from this island, and believe that all the cavalry of
+Europe would be mounted upon our horses if they could procure them. I
+have been informed, that their pressure in the shock of battle is such,
+as no forces in the world are able to sustain; and that it was not less
+by the strength of our horses than the spirit of our soldiers, that the
+squadrons of France were, in the battle of Blenheim, pushed into the
+Danube.
+
+Nor do I less disapprove his censure of the choice which has been made
+of the troops intended for the American service, which, though I
+ardently desire its success, I cannot think of equal importance with the
+defence of our own country; for though we may be disgraced by a defeat,
+we can be endangered only by an invasion; and, therefore, I think it
+necessary to retain those troops on which we may best rely for the
+security of this island, lest our enemies should take the advantage of
+their absence, and set the pretender on the throne.
+
+Sir William YONGE next rose, and spoke to the effect following:--Sir, it
+is a standing maxim, both in private life and public transactions, that
+no man can obtain great advantages who is afraid of petty
+inconveniencies; and that he that will hope to obtain his end without
+expense, will languish for ever in fruitless wishes, and have the
+mortification of seeing the adventurous and the liberal enjoy that
+felicity, which, though it is within his reach, he is afraid of seizing.
+
+When the depredations of the Spaniards became first the subject of our
+debates, nothing was heard amongst us but threats of vengeance, demands
+of reparation, assertions of sovereignty, and resolutions to obtain
+security: the importance of our commerce, the necessity of rigorous
+measures, the danger of pusillanimity, the meanness of negotiation, and
+the disadvantages of delay, were thundered from every part of the house.
+Every man seemed to imagine that there was no mean between victory and
+ruin, and that not to humble Spain was to betray our country to insults,
+ignominy, and slavery.
+
+Far was I then, sir, from suspecting, that when the war, thus vehemently
+urged, should be declared, that the prosecution of it would produce any
+debates. I doubted not but that every man would be desirous of
+signalizing his zeal for the prosperity of commerce, by expediting the
+supplies, and forwarding the preparations; and that the only contention
+among us would be, who should appear the most ardent enemy of Spain.
+
+But no sooner are hostilities begun against this insolent and oppressive
+nation, than those who expressed most resentment at the prudence and
+moderation by which they were delayed, those that accused every attempt
+for an accommodation, of cowardice, and charged the ministry with
+conniving at the rapine of pirates, begin to inquire into the necessity
+of the expenses occasioned by the war, to harangue on the advantages of
+parsimony, and to think it of more importance to ease our taxes than to
+subdue our enemies.
+
+In pursuance of this new doctrine they are now endeavouring to embarrass
+the measures of his majesty, that they may save, according to their own
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, which, in reality, I can
+easily show to be no more than fifteen thousand.
+
+For the sake of this important sum, our army is to be modelled by a new
+regulation, and the success of the war is to be impeded, the security of
+our commerce to be hazarded, and our colonies are to be endangered.
+
+Frugality is, undoubtedly, a virtue, but is, like others, to be
+practised on proper occasions: to compute expenses with a scrupulous
+nicety, in time of war, is to prefer money to safety, and, by a very
+perverse kind of policy, to hazard the whole for the preservation of a
+part.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who have most endeavoured to distinguish themselves
+as the constant opponents of the administration, have charged it, on all
+occasions, with giving encouragement to the Spaniards, but can charge it
+with nothing so likely to raise the confidence and confirm the obstinacy
+of the enemy, as the objections which they themselves have made to the
+present scheme of levying forces; for to how great a degree of poverty
+must they believe that nation reduced, of which the warmest patriots
+struggle to save a sum so inconsiderable, by an experiment of so much
+uncertainty? And how easily will the Spaniards promise themselves, that
+they shall gain the victory only by obliging us to continue in a state
+of war, a state which, by our own confession, we are not able to
+support?
+
+Had any other argument, sir, been produced than the necessity of
+parsimony, it had been less dangerous to have agreed to this new scheme;
+but to adopt it only for the sake of sparing fifteen thousand pounds,
+would be to make ourselves contemptible, to intimidate our allies, and
+to unite all those against us, who are inclined to trample on misery,
+and to plunder weakness.
+
+I am inclined to judge so favourably, sir, of the intentions of those
+whom I am now opposing, that I believe they have only used this
+argument, because they were able to produce no other, and that if either
+reason or experience had been on their side, the poverty of the nation
+had not been mentioned.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, who has been so long engaged in military
+employments, has shown that all our success has been obtained by the
+present establishment, and that the battle in which we suffered most,
+was lost by our unfortunate deficiency of officers.
+
+Nor do his reasons, sir, however modestly offered, deserve less regard
+than his experience, for he has shown that a greater number of officers
+naturally contribute to preserve discipline, and excite courage; and it
+is not necessary that a man should be much a soldier to discover, that
+discipline and courage united, must generally prevail. To the examples
+which he has produced in favour of his opinion, it has been objected,
+that victories equally wonderful have been gained with fewer officers,
+and, by the honourable gentleman that spoke the second on this occasion,
+the actions of Eugene were opposed to those of the duke of MARLBOROUGH.
+
+That victories have been gained by troops differently regulated, I
+cannot deny; victories have likewise been gained, sir, under every
+circumstance of disadvantage; victories have been gained by inferiour
+numbers, and by raw troops, over veteran armies, yet no prudent general
+ever produced these instances as arguments against the usefulness of
+discipline, or as proofs that superiority of numbers was no advantage.
+
+The success of prince Eugene, in the late war, was far from convincing
+the British general, that the German establishment was preferable to our
+own; for he required that the Hessian troops, which were paid by
+Britain, should be officered like our national troops. In this he could
+be influenced only by his own opinion; for he neither nominated their
+officers, nor could advance his interest at home by creating new posts
+to which he did not recommend; he could, therefore, only regard the
+success of the war, and changed their model only because he thought it
+defective.
+
+The Germans themselves, sir, are far from imagining that their armies
+might not be made more formidable by approaching nearer to the British
+methods; for one of their officers, a man of great reputation and
+experience, has informed me, that they were convinced of their defect,
+and that nothing hindered them from adding more officers, but the fear
+of expenses; that they imputed all their defeats to the necessity of
+parsimony, that their men wanted not courage but leaders, and that their
+enemies gained advantages merely by the superiority of their opulence.
+
+In the late war, it was common for the auxiliary troops, when they were
+sent upon any expedition of importance, to be supplied with officers
+either from their other regiments, or by the British forces; so
+necessary did the duke of MARLBOROUGH think a larger number of officers
+in time of action, that where he could not alter the establishment, he
+deviated from the common methods of war, and transferred his officers
+occasionally into troops over which they had no settled authority.
+
+It is, therefore, most evident, sir, that the model on which our troops
+are formed, was, by this great commander, preferred to that which is now
+so warmly recommended, and I know not why we should recede from his
+practice, if we are desirous of his success.
+
+Nor can I discover, sir, any better method of selecting officers than
+that which has of late been followed, however some may censure or
+ridicule it. To advance gentlemen to command, seems to be the most
+likely way to unite authority with rank, for no man willingly obeys
+those to whom he has lately seen himself equal, or whose conduct in
+lower stations he has, perhaps, had opportunities of examining too
+nearly.
+
+The distinction of birth, however chimerical in itself, has been so long
+admitted, and so universally received, that it is generally imagined to
+confer on one man an indelible and evident superiority over another, a
+superiority, which those who would easily imagine themselves equal in
+merit cannot deny, and which they allow more willingly, because, though
+it be an advantage to possess it, to want it cannot be justly considered
+as a reproach.
+
+For this reason, sir, men cheerfully obey those to whom their birth
+seems to have subjected them, without any scrupulous inquiries into
+their virtue or abilities; they have been taught from their childhood to
+consider them as placed in a higher rank than themselves, and are,
+therefore, not disgusted at any transient bursts of impatience, or
+sudden starts of caprice, which would produce, at least, resentment,
+and, perhaps, mutiny, in men newly exalted from a low station. The more
+attentively, sir, we look upon the world, the more strongly shall we be
+convinced of the truth of these assertions, and the more evidently shall
+we discover the influence which operates, in a degree scarcely credible,
+even to those who have experienced its power, and which is, indeed, one
+of the chief means of subordination, by which society is held together.
+
+Nor are officers of birth, sir, to be preferred to men who are
+recommended by nothing but military service, only because they are more
+cheerfully obeyed, but for another reason of equal importance. It has
+been observed, that, in reality, they discharge the duty of commanders
+in a manner more likely to preserve dignity and increase reverence; that
+they discover, on all occasions, a sense of honour, and dread of
+disgrace, which are not easily to be found in a mind contracted by a
+mean education, and depressed by long habits of subjection.
+
+It is not, indeed, sir, universally and unvariably certain, that a man,
+raised from meanness and poverty, will be insolent and oppressive; nor
+do I doubt but there are many now languishing in obscurity, whose
+abilities might add new lustre to the highest honours, and whose
+integrity would very faithfully discharge the most important trust, and
+in their favour, wherever they can be discovered, some exceptions ought
+to be made; but as general rules are generally to be followed, as well
+in military regulations as other transactions, it will be found, upon
+the exactest inquiry, by no means improper to advance gentlemen to posts
+of command rather than private sentinels, however skilful or courageous.
+
+It is to be considered, sir, that the present state of the continent,
+has for many years made it necessary to support an army, even when we
+are not engaged in an actual war; that this army, though of late it has,
+for the ease of the people, been sometimes encamped during the summer,
+is, for the greatest part, quartered in towns, and mingled with the rest
+of the community, but governed, at the same time, by the officers, and
+subject to the martial law. It has often been observed by those who have
+argued against standing forces, that this difference of government makes
+different societies, which do not combine in the same interest, nor much
+favour one another; and it is, indeed, certain, that feuds are sometimes
+produced, that when any private quarrel happens, either by drunkenness
+or accident, or claims really disputable, between a soldier and any
+other, person, each applies for support and assistance to those in the
+same condition with himself, the cause becomes general, and the soldiers
+and townsmen are not easily restrained from blows and bloodshed.
+
+It is true, likewise, that the rhetorick of the patriots has been so
+efficacious, that their arguments have been so clamorously echoed, and
+their weekly productions so diligently dispersed, that a great part of
+the nation, as men always willingly admit what will produce immediate
+ease or advantage, believes the army to be an useless burden imposed
+upon the people for the support of the ministry; that the landlord,
+therefore, looks upon the soldier as an intruder forced into his house,
+and rioting in sloth at his expense; and the farmer and manufacturer
+have learned to call the army the vermin of the land, the caterpillars
+of the nation, the devourers of other men's industry, the enemies of
+liberty, and the slaves of the court.
+
+It is not to be supposed, sir, that the soldiers entertain the same
+ideas of their profession, or that they do not conceive themselves
+injured by such representations: they undoubtedly consider themselves as
+the bulwark of their country, as men selected for the defence of the
+rest of the community, as those who have engaged, at the hazard of their
+lives, to repel invasion, and repress rebellion, and who contribute more
+than their part to the general felicity, by securing property, and
+preventing danger.
+
+It is not to be doubted, sir, but sentiments so widely different, must
+produce an equal contrariety of claims, and diversity of conduct: the
+trader imagines, that the man who subsists upon the taxes which are
+raised only from his labour, ought to consider himself as his inferiour,
+at least, if not as his hireling and his servant; the soldier wonders
+how he can ever conceive himself sufficiently grateful to him that has
+devoted his life to his defence, and to whom he must fly for protection
+whenever danger shall approach him, and concludes, that he has an
+incontestable right to the better part of that, of which the
+preservation of the whole depends upon him.
+
+Thus does self-love magnify every man in his own eyes, and so
+differently will men determine when each is to judge in his own cause.
+Which of these competitors thinks most justly of his own station and
+character, or whether both are not mistaken in their opinion, I think it
+by no means necessary to decide. This, at least, is evident, that to
+preserve peace and harmony between two bodies of men obliged to live
+together with sentiments so opposite, there is required an uncommon
+degree of prudence, moderation, and knowledge of mankind, which is
+chiefly to be exerted on the part of the soldiers, because they are
+subject to more rigorous command, and are more easily governed by the
+authority of their superiours.
+
+Let us suppose any dispute of this kind, sir, to happen where the
+soldiers were commanded only by private sentinels, disguised in the
+dress of officers, but retaining, what it cannot be expected that they
+should suddenly be able to lay aside, the prejudices which they had
+imbibed in the ranks, and all the ardour of trifling competition in
+which their station had once engaged them. What could be expected from
+their councils and direction? Can it be imagined that they would inquire
+impartially into the original cause of the dispute, that they would
+attend equally to the parties, endeavour, by mildness and candour, to
+soften the malevolence of each, and terminate the dispute by some
+addressful expedient, or decent accommodation? He, surely, must be very
+little acquainted with the vulgar notions of bravery and honour, that
+could form any hopes of such conduct.
+
+The plain soldier, sir, has not accustomed himself to regulate his
+motions by reason, nor has learned any more of honour, than that it
+consists in adhering invariably to his pretensions, even though he
+should discover that they are false; and in resenting affronts with the
+utmost rigour, even when they were provoked by himself, he is taught,
+that it is his business to conquer in whatever cause, and that to desist
+from any of his attempts, or retract any of his assertions, is unworthy
+of a man of honour.
+
+Warm with such notions as these, sir, would such officers, as have been
+recommended by the honourable gentleman, apply themselves to the
+termination of differences? Without any knowledge of the laws of
+society, without any settled ideas of the different rights of different
+persons, they would have nothing in view but the honour of their
+profession, nor endeavour to support it by any other method than that of
+violence. If a soldier was affronted by a farmer, they would probably
+lay his territories waste, and ravage his plantations like an enemy's
+country; if another disagreed with his landlord, they would advise him
+to _make good his quarters_, to invade the magazines of provision
+without restraint, to force the barricadoes of the cellar, and to forage
+in the stables without controul.
+
+But gentlemen, sir, are proper judges of debates between the army and
+the rest of the community, because they are equally related to both
+parties, as men who possess or expect estates, or who are allied to
+those whose influence arises from their property. As men bred in
+affluence and freedom, and acquainted with the blessings of our
+constitution, and the necessity of civil government, they cannot
+willingly contribute to the increase of the military power, and as
+members of the army they cannot but be desirous to support their own
+rank, and to hinder their profession from sinking into contempt; it is,
+therefore, their care to repress insolence on one part, and to prevent
+oppression on the other, to stop dissensions in their beginning, and
+reconcile all the different pretensions of Britons and soldiers.
+
+I am, indeed, surprised, sir, to hear the promotion of serjeants
+recommended by the honourable gentleman who has so often strained his
+lungs, and exhausted his invention, to explain how much our constitution
+is endangered by the army, how readily those men will concur in the
+abolition of property who have nothing to lose, and how easily they may
+be persuaded to destroy the liberties of their country, who are already
+cut off from the enjoyment of them, who, therefore, can only behold with
+envy and malevolence those advantages which they cannot hope to possess,
+and which produce in them no other effects than a quicker sense of their
+own misery.
+
+Upon what principles, sir, any gentleman can form those notions, or with
+what view he can so long and so studiously disperse them, it is his
+province to explain; for the only reason that can be offered by any
+other person for his incessant declamations, the desire of securing his
+country from the oppression of a standing army, is now for ever
+overthrown by this new proposal; which, if it were to be received, would
+in a very few years produce an army proper to be employed in the
+execution of the most detestable designs, an army that could be of no
+other use than to gratify an ambitious prince, or a wicked ministry, as
+it would be commanded, not by men who had lost their liberty, but by men
+who never enjoyed it, by men who would abolish our constitution without
+knowing that they were engaged in any criminal undertaking, who have no
+other sense of the enjoyment of authority than that it is the power of
+acting without controul, who have no knowledge of any other laws than
+the commands of their superiours.
+
+To men like these, sir, to men raised up from poverty and servility to
+rank and power, to ignorance invested with command, and to meanness
+elated with preferment, would any real patriot, any zealous assertor of
+liberty, any inflexible enemy to the corruptions of the ministry,
+consign the protection of his country, and intrust to these our
+happiness, properties, and our lives?
+
+Whether the honourable gentleman has changed any of the sentiments which
+he has hitherto appeared to admit with regard to the army, whether this
+new determination is only an instance of that inconsistency which is
+scarcely to be avoided in the vindication of a bad cause, or whether he
+was betrayed to it only by his hatred of the administration, which would
+prompt him to recant his own advice, if it should happen to be approved,
+I will not pretend to determine, but I must lament, on this occasion,
+the entertainment which the house will lose, by the eternal cessation of
+any harangues on the army, since he cannot now declaim on either part
+without contradicting his former declarations.
+
+Nor will the honourable gentleman find less difficulty in proving, that
+justice, rather than policy, requires the promotion of Serjeants to
+commissions. Military preferments are always at the disposal of the
+crown, nor can any right be pretended to them, but such as arises from
+the custom which has been generally followed in conferring them, which
+is not only variable at pleasure, but has never been, at any time,
+regularly observed. The order of rotation has been suffered sometimes to
+proceed, because of two persons, otherwise equal, he that has served
+longest may plead the most merit; but the plea of service has been
+always overruled by birth or powerful recommendation. And though, sir,
+it is natural for men disappointed to complain, yet as those officers,
+whose preferment has been delayed, were not thought, in reality, to have
+received any injury, their murmurs have been the less regarded.
+
+It might be expected, sir, from a patriot, a lamenter of the degeneracy
+of mankind, and an inflexible opponent of corruption, that he should
+consider rather facts than persons, that he should regulate his decision
+by the unvariable principles of reason and justice, and that, therefore,
+he should not applaud at one time what he condemns at another.
+
+But this gentleman seems to have established some new maxims of conduct,
+and, perhaps, upon new notions of morality; for he seems to imagine,
+that his friends may seize, as their right, what his adversaries cannot
+touch without robbery, though the claim of both be the same.
+
+It is well known, sir, to the whole army, that a noble person, whose
+abilities are so loudly celebrated, whose virtues are so liberally
+praised, and whose removal from his military employments is so solemnly
+lamented as a publick calamity, obtained his first preferments by
+pretensions very different from military merit, and that at the age only
+of seventeen, a time of life in which, whatever might be his abilities,
+very little prudence or experience could be expected, he was advanced to
+the command of a regiment, and exalted above many officers whose known
+bravery and frequent hazards entitled them to favour.
+
+I do not assert that he was undeservedly promoted, or condemn those who
+either solicited or granted his commission; I maintain only, that what
+was then reasonable and just, is not now either iniquitous or
+ridiculous, and different persons in the same circumstances have a right
+to the same treatment.
+
+In the reign of queen Anne, a reign, sir, which every Briton recollects
+with so much satisfaction, and which will for ever afford examples of
+the wisest councils, and most successful wars, when new regiments were
+to be raised, it was far from being thought necessary to observe this
+gentleman's favourite method of rotation; posts were filled, not with
+the officers of other regiments, that room might be left for the
+promotion of serjeants, but with gentlemen who had never seen a battle,
+or learned any part of the military discipline.
+
+But though, sir, the regulation of our army be thus violently attacked,
+the greatest crime of the ministry is, in this gentleman's opinion, that
+of levying new troops, when we have no employment for our standing
+forces, of laying unnecessary impositions upon the nation, and alarming
+with the fears of an invasion, only that the army might be increased.
+
+On this head, sir, a declaration of the duke of MARLBOROUGH has been
+produced, with a great pomp of circumstances, and such a seeming
+accuracy of narration, that the attention of the house was engaged, and
+the account was received with all the solemnity of universal silence,
+and with the veneration due to so high an authority in a question of so
+much importance.
+
+The subject is, indeed, so worthy of regard, that I think, sir, every
+man ought to contribute to its elucidation, and, therefore, I take the
+liberty of adding to the honourable gentleman's relation, what I hope
+will be heard with equal curiosity, the method by which that great
+commander proposed to put a stop to an invasion with so small a number.
+
+He was very far, sir, from imagining that he should be able to repel
+them by open force, he was far from being so confident of his
+superiority in military skill, as to imagine that he should defeat them
+by stratagem, and, therefore, he designed, by burning the villages, and
+destroying the country, to deprive them of the means of subsistence, and
+harass them with famine; to hover at a distance, and cut off those
+parties which necessity should force out to forage, till a body of
+troops could be assembled sufficient to overthrow them in a battle, or
+to drive them back to their ships.
+
+Such was the scheme, sir, as I have been informed, of this great man,
+nor, perhaps, can any other be struck out by human abilities, where
+greater numbers are to be opposed by smaller. But this scheme, though
+preferable, in the last extremities, to slavery, is such as cannot be
+mentioned without horrour, and of which the execution ought to be
+avoided by every expedient that can be practised without the danger of
+our liberties. We ought, certainly, not to reject a nauseous medicine,
+by which that health is preserved, which, if lost, can only be restored
+by the amputation of a limb.
+
+As it was, therefore, necessary, sir, to secure our coasts from an
+invasion, it was necessary to raise new troops for the American
+expedition; nor did this method produce any delay, for the regiments
+were completed a long time before the ships of war and the transports
+were ready to convoy and receive them, nor could the utmost ardour and
+diligence despatch them sooner from our coasts.
+
+The ships, sir, were, by the violence of a frost, scarcely exampled,
+retained, for a long time, in the harbours, without a possibility of
+being put to sea; when they were all assembled at the place appointed
+for their conjunction, they waited for a wind; all the delay that can be
+objected, was produced by the seasons, of which the regulation was in no
+man's power.
+
+But the time, sir, which was unwillingly spent in the camp, was not,
+however, lost or misemployed, for the troops were, by the order of the
+general, every day exercised, and instructed in the art of war, so that
+what was lost in time, was more than recompensed by the advantage of
+better discipline.
+
+Nor did these troops appear an herd so ignorant and contemptible, as
+they have been represented by malicious invectives and ludicrous
+descriptions; there were not, indeed, among them many grey-headed
+warriours, nor were their former campaigns and past exploits the
+subjects of their conversation; but there was not one amongst them who
+did not appear ready to suffer, in the cause of his country, all that
+the most hardened veteran could undergo, or whose alacrity and eagerness
+did not promise perseverance in the march, and intrepidity in the
+battle.
+
+Their general, sir, who saw them pursue their exercises, declared how
+much he was satisfied with their proficiency, applauded their
+appearance, and expressed his confidence in their courage; nor do I
+doubt, but our enemies will find, that it is not necessary to send out
+our most formidable forces to humble them, and that the youth of Britain
+will compensate their want of experience by their courage.
+
+If I, sir, have been drawn aside from the present question, it is by
+following, perhaps, with an exactness too scrupulous, the honourable
+gentleman, whose propositions I have now shown to be erroneous, and
+whose reproaches will, I believe, now appear rather the effects of
+disappointment than of zeal, and, therefore, I think it now necessary to
+return to the business before us, the consideration of the present
+establishment, from which, as it was approved by the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and has been defended with very strong arguments, by one of
+the most experienced officers of this time, I cannot think it safe or
+prudent to depart.
+
+Mr. GRENVILLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, as a noble
+person has been frequently hinted at in this debate, to whom my relation
+is well known, and whom, as I know him well, I have the strongest
+motives to reverence and honour, I cannot forbear to give, on this
+occasion, an attestation which he will be allowed to deserve by all
+those whom interest has not blinded, and corruption depraved.
+
+It will be allowed, sir, that he is one of those who are indebted for
+their honours only to merit, one whom the malice of a court cannot
+debase, as its favour cannot exalt; he is one of those whose loss of
+employments can be a reproach only to those who take them from him, as
+he cannot forfeit them but by performing his duty, and can only give
+offence by steady integrity, and a resolution to speak as he thinks, and
+to act as his conscience dictates.
+
+There are, sir, men, I know, to whom this panegyrick will seem romantick
+and chimerical, men, to whom integrity and conscience are idle sounds,
+men, who are content to catch the word of their leader, who have no
+sense of the obligation of any law but the supreme will of him that pays
+them, and who know not any virtue but diligence in attendance, and
+readiness in obedience.
+
+It is surely, sir, no loss to the noble person to be debarred from any
+fellowship with men like these. Nothing can be more unpleasing to virtue
+than such a situation as lays it under a necessity of beholding
+wickedness that cannot be reformed; as the sight of a pesthouse must
+raise horrour, though we should suppose the spectator secure from the
+contagion.
+
+Mr. ORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as I cannot approve
+the scheme now proposed, for augmenting our forces, I shall endeavour to
+show why the arguments, by which it has hitherto been supported, have
+failed to convince me, and shall lay before the house some reasons
+against it, to which I shall expect an answer, before I shall think that
+I can agree to it, without squandering the money of which my
+constituents have intrusted me with the disposal.
+
+The argument, sir, with which this motion was introduced, which is,
+indeed, the strongest that has yet been offered, was, that this estimate
+is less expensive than one that was laid before the house in a late
+reign, and that, therefore, it could not reasonably be charged with
+extravagance.
+
+Let us now consider this argument with that care which is required by
+the importance of the question, let us inquire what consequences will
+follow from it, and to what previous suppositions it must owe its force.
+
+The argument, sir, evidently supposes that the estimate in king
+William's reign was drawn up without any intention to deceive the house,
+or to raise money for purposes different from those for which it was
+really expended. But if we suppose that estimate to be fraudulently
+calculated, this may contain the same fallacies in a lower degree, and
+the only merit that can be claimed by the authors of it, will be, that
+they are not the most rapacious plunderers of their country, that,
+however they may be charged with profusion of publick money, they are
+yet more modest than some of their predecessors.
+
+But it is known, sir, that in king William's reign, very few estimates
+were honestly computed; it is known that the rotation of parties, and
+fluctuation of measures, reduced the ministry to subsist upon artifices,
+to amuse the senate with exorbitant demands, only that they might obtain
+the necessary grants, and to pretend expenses which never were incurred,
+that the supplies which the publick affairs really required, might not
+be withheld; as fraudulent tradesmen fix immoderate prices, that the
+buyer may make offers proportionate to their demands.
+
+The estimates, therefore, of that reign are of very little authority,
+though they might sometimes pass the house without censure; for it is to
+be considered, that by the frequency of new elections, the greatest part
+of the members were often unacquainted with the state of publick
+accounts, and that an army was so little known to this kingdom, that the
+true expense of it might easily be concealed.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only fallacy of this argument; for it supposes,
+likewise, that the nation is no less wealthy than in the time when that
+computation was offered, with which this is so triumphantly compared.
+For every man knows that publick as well as private expenses are to be
+proportioned to the revenue by which they are supplied, and that the
+charges which are easily supported at one time, may threaten ruin at
+another.
+
+But unhappily, sir, it is evident, that, since the days of that
+sovereign, the nation has been exhausted by a long and wasteful war, and
+since, by a peace equally destructive, it is embarrassed with an
+enormous debt, and entangled in treaties, of which the support may call
+every day for new expenses; it has suffered since that time a thousand
+losses, but gained no advantage, and yet the expenses of that time are
+mentioned as an example to be compared with those which are proposed in
+this.
+
+The difference of the condition of the British nation at those two
+periods of time, sir, is not less than that of the strength of the same
+man in the vigour of youth and the frigidity of old age, in the flush of
+health and the languor of disease, of the same man newly risen from rest
+and plenty, and debilitated with hunger and fatigue.
+
+To make such a comparison, sir, betrays, at least, a very criminal
+insensibility, of the publick misery, if it may not be charged with
+greater malignity. I know not whether those who shall hear of this
+debate, may not impute such reflections rather to cruelty than
+negligence, and imagine that those who squander the treasure of the
+nation take pleasure in reproaching that poverty which their counsels
+produce, and indulge their own vanity by contemplating the calamities
+from which they are themselves secure, and to which they are indebted
+for opportunities of increasing their own fortunes, and gratifying their
+ambition. It is evident, that an estimate which requires less than that
+which has been mentioned, may yet exact more than the nation can now
+raise, without feeling too great inconveniencies to be compensated by
+the advantages which can be expected from our new forces. Nor is it
+sufficient that it is lower than those of former times; for, as it ought
+to be the care of the government to preserve the ease and happiness of
+the people, it should be reduced in proportion to the diminution of the
+national wealth.
+
+The right honourable gentleman confesses, sir, that frugality is a
+virtue, and his argument supposes that to contract expenses is an
+argument of prudent measures; why then is he afraid of carrying virtue
+to a greater height, of making the burden still more light, and
+preferring the cheapest estimate that can be proposed, when it is
+asserted by those whose authority is most worthy of regard, that it will
+produce no weakness in our troops, nor give our enemies any superiority?
+
+I do not pretend any other skill in military affairs, than may be gained
+by casual conversation with soldiers, and by a cursory observation of
+daily occurrences; but I speak with greater confidence on this occasion,
+because I do not think any other qualifications necessary for the
+determination of this question, than a habit of just reasoning, and
+freedom from the prejudices of interest.
+
+Every man knows, sir, without a military education, that it is imprudent
+to purchase any thing at a greater price which may be procured at a
+less, and that when the same sum will buy two things, of which one is
+evidently preferable to the other, the best ought to be chosen.
+
+If the application of either of these two positions will decide this
+controversy, there will be no need of recurring to experience, of citing
+the authority of foreign commanders, of comparing the actions of the
+German and British generals, or of inquiring how battles have been lost,
+or to what victories are to be ascribed.
+
+It is evident, sir, that the scheme now proposed, is twice as costly as
+that which is recommended in opposition to it, and therefore, unless it
+will produce twice the advantage, it must be acknowledged to be
+imprudently chosen. The advantage in war, is to be rated by comparing
+the strength of different numbers in different circumstances, and
+inquiring what degree of superiority will be found.
+
+If we suppose, sir, two bodies of men, equally armed and disciplined,
+opposed to each other without any advantage of situation, we must
+conceive that neither party could be conquered, that the balance of the
+day must remain equal, and that the contest would continue undecided.
+
+It cannot be objected to this supposition, sir, that no such event is
+recorded in history, because in war many causes really act which cannot
+be estimated; one army may consist of soldiers more courageous, and more
+confident in the justice of their cause; unforeseen accidents may
+operate, orders may be mistaken, or leaders may be misinformed; but all
+these considerations are to be set aside in speculation, because they
+may equally be alleged on either part.
+
+Two bodies of men, sir, equally numerous, being, therefore, supposed
+equal, it is to be inquired how either may be superiour to the other. It
+is proposed, on one part, to produce this effect by doubling the number
+of officers rather than increasing that of the soldiers; on the other,
+to double the soldiers under the same officers, the expense being the
+same of both methods.
+
+When two armies, modelled according to these different schemes, enter
+the field, what event can be expected? Either five thousand men, with a
+double number of officers, must be equal to ten thousand, differently
+regulated, or the publick has paid more for assistance of the officers
+than its real value, and has chosen, of two methods equally expensive,
+that which is least efficacious.
+
+This, sir, is the state of the question now before us; our present
+deficiency is not of men but money, and we may procure ten thousand men
+regulated like the foreign troops, at the same expense as five thousand
+in the form proposed; but I am afraid that no man will be found to
+assert, that the addition of officers will be equivalent to a double
+number of soldiers.
+
+Thus it is evident, sir, evident to demonstration, that the most
+expensive method is, at the same time, the least advantageous, and that
+the proposal of new regiments is intended to augment the strength of the
+ministry rather than of the army.
+
+If we suppose, sir, what is more than any foreigner will grant, that the
+additional officers raise a body of five thousand men to an equality
+with six thousand, is not the pay of four thousand men apparently thrown
+away? And do not the officers receive a reward which their service
+cannot deserve? Would it not be far more rational to raise seven
+thousand, by which our army would be stronger by a seventh part, and as
+the pay of three thousand would be saved, the publick would be richer by
+almost a third.
+
+Surely, sir, numerical arguments cannot but deserve some consideration,
+even from those who have learned by long practice to explain away mere
+probability at pleasure, to select the circumstances of complicated
+questions, and only to show those which may be produced in favour of
+their own opinions.
+
+In the present question, sir, there is very little room for fallacy; nor
+do I see what remains to the decision of it, but that those gentlemen
+who have been acquainted with military operations, inform us, what
+degree of superiority is conferred by any assignable number of officers;
+that we may compare their service with the price, and discover whether
+the same money will not purchase greater advantages.
+
+The experience of the late war may evince, sir, that those troops which
+have the greatest number of officers are not always victorious; for our
+establishment never admitted the same, or nearly the same number with
+that of the French, our enemies; nevertheless, we still boast of our
+victories; nor is it certain that we might not have been equally
+successful, though the number of our officers had been yet less.
+
+Foreigners, sir, are very far from discovering the defect of their own
+establishment, or imagining that they should become more formidable by
+imitating our methods. When I travelled, I took opportunities of
+conversing with the generals of those nations which are most famous for
+the valour of their troops, and was informed by them, that they thought
+a multitude of officers by no means useful, and that they were so far
+from desiring to see their own regulation changed, that they should make
+no scruple of recommending it to other nations, who, in their opinion,
+squandered their treasure upon useless commissions, and increased the
+calamities of war by unnecessary burdens.
+
+I hope no man will think it sufficient to reply to these arguments with
+general assertions, or will deny the necessity of frugality, and extol
+the opulence of the nation, the extent of our commerce, and the
+happiness of our condition. Such indeed, sir, is the method of
+argumentation made use of by the hireling scribblers of the court, who,
+because they feel none of the publick calamities, represent all
+complaints as criminal murmurs, and charge those with sedition who
+petition only for relief. Wretches like these would celebrate our
+victories, though our country should be overrun by an invader, would
+praise the lenity of any government by which themselves should be
+spared, and would boast of the happiness of plenty, when half the people
+should be languishing with famine.
+
+I do not suppose, sir, that the despicable sophistry of prostitutes like
+these has any effect here, nor should I have thought them worthy of the
+least notice, had it not been proper to inquire, whether those may not
+be justly suspected of some inclination to deceive, even in this
+assembly, by whom the most profligate of mankind are openly paid for the
+promulgation of falsehood, and the patronage of corruption.
+
+It is indeed, sir, artful, in those who are daily impairing our honour
+and influence, to endeavour to conceal from the people their own
+weakness, that weakness which is so well known in foreign countries,
+that every nation is encouraged to insult us, and by which it may
+reasonably be imagined that new enemies will, in a short time, be
+raised.
+
+The late changes in our military regulations have, indeed, taken away
+all the terrour of our arms; those troops are now no longer dreaded, by
+which the liberties of Europe were recovered, and the French reduced to
+abandon their schemes of universal empire, for the defence of their own
+country, because the officers by whom they were formerly conducted to
+glory and to victory, are now dismissed, and men advanced to their
+posts, who are neither feared nor known.
+
+When the duke of ARGYLE was lately deprived of his command, the
+Spaniards could not conceal their satisfaction; they bestowed, however
+unwillingly, the highest panegyrick upon his bravery and conduct, by
+showing that he was the only Briton of whom they were afraid. Nor did
+their allies, the French, discover less exultation; for by them it was
+declared, that the nation was now disarmed, that either no war was
+intended, or that none could be successfully prosecuted, since, as they
+made no scruple to assert, though I know not whether I ought to repeat
+it, we have no other man capable of commanding armies, or conducting any
+great design.
+
+I am informed that this illustrious warriour, whose abilities are
+sufficiently attested by these enemies, that have felt their prevalence,
+is of opinion, that the number of officers now required is not
+necessary, and has declared that he should with equal confidence
+undertake either invasion or defence, with forces modelled after the
+German custom; and since I have shown, that, unless the troops so
+regulated, are equivalent to a double number, added to the standing
+regiments, part of the expense of the officers is evidently squandered,
+I shall vote against the motion, unless it be proved, which I believe
+will not be attempted, that the force of a regiment is doubled by
+doubling the officers.
+
+General WADE then spoke, to the purpose following:--Sir, the learned
+gentleman who spoke last, must be acknowledged to have discovered a very
+specious method of reasoning, and to have carried his inquiry as far as
+speculation without experience can hope to proceed, but has, in my
+opinion, admitted a false principle, by which all his argument has been
+perplexed.
+
+He supposes, that the advantages must be always in proportion to the
+money expended in procuring them, and that, therefore, if five thousand
+men, raised at any given cost, will be equal to five thousand, they
+ought, if they are regulated according to an establishment of double the
+charge, to be able to encounter ten thousand.
+
+But in this supposition, sir, he forgets that the possibility of loss is
+to be thrown into the balance against the advantage of the expense
+saved, and that though the strength of the troops be not increased in
+proportion to the increase of the cost, yet the additional security
+against a great loss may justly entitle the most expensive regulation to
+the preference.
+
+Suppose five thousand men to be brought into the field against six
+thousand; if they can, by multiplying their officers at a double
+expense, be enabled to engage successfully a body superiour in number by
+only a sixth part, the nation may be justly said to gain all that would
+have been lost by suffering a defeat.
+
+That we ought not to choose a worse method when we can discover a
+better, is indisputably true, but which method is worse or better, can
+be discovered only by experience. The last war has taught us, that our
+troops in their present establishment are superiour to the forces of
+France, but how much they might suffer by any alteration it is not
+possible to foresee.
+
+Success is gained by courage, and courage is produced by an opinion of
+superiority; and it may easily be imagined, that our soldiers, who judge
+of their own strength only by experience, imagine their own
+establishment and discipline advanced to the highest perfection; nor
+would they expect any other consequences from an alteration of it, but
+weakness and defeats. It is, therefore, dangerous to change the model of
+our forces, because it is dangerous to depress the spirit of our
+soldiers.
+
+Though it is confessed, sir, that the French, whose officers are still
+more numerous, have been conquered by our troops, it must be likewise
+alleged, that they had yielded us far easier victories had their
+officers been wanting; for to them are they indebted for their conquests
+wherever they have been successful, and for their resistance wherever
+they have been with difficulty defeated; their soldiers are a spiritless
+herd, and were they not invigorated by the example of their leaders, and
+restrained by the fear of instant punishment, would fly at the approach
+of any enemy, without waiting for the attack.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but be of opinion, that the necessity of a
+large number of officers, may be learned even from the behaviour of
+those troops which have been unsuccessful, since it is certain, that
+though they have been often overcome, they have generally resisted with
+great steadiness, and retired with great order.
+
+If those, who are only speculative warriours, shall imagine that their
+arguments are not confuted, I can only repeat what I declared when I
+first attempted to deliver my sentiments in this debate, that I do not
+pretend to be very skilful in the arts of disputation. I, who claim no
+other title than that of an old soldier, cannot hope to prevail much by
+my oratory; it is enough for me that I am confident of confuting those
+arguments in the field, which I oppose in the senate.
+
+Mr. FOX spoke next, in this manner:--Sir, I am far from thinking that
+this question has been hitherto fully explained by those who have either
+considered it only as a dispute about money, or a question merely
+speculative concerning the proportions between different degrees of
+expense, and probability of success. In a war of this kind, expense is
+the last and lowest consideration, and where experience may be
+consulted, the conjectures of speculation ought to have no weight.
+
+The method, sir, by which our troops have hitherto been regulated, is
+well known to have produced success beyond our expectations, to have
+exalted us to the arbitration of the world, to have reduced the French
+to change their threats of forcing a monarch upon us, into petitions for
+peace, and to have established the liberties of almost every nation of
+the world that can call itself free.
+
+Whether this method, sir, so successful, so easy, and so formidable,
+shall be changed, whether it shall be changed at a time when the whole
+continent is in commotion, and every nation calling soldiers to its
+standard; when the French, recovered from their defeats, seem to have
+forgotten the force of that hand that crushed them in the pride of
+victory; when they seem to be reviving their former designs, and
+rekindling their extinguished ambition; whether, at such a time, the
+regulations of our army shall be changed to save, upon the highest
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, is the present question.
+
+On such a question, sir, I cannot observe, without astonishment, any man
+deliberating for a single moment. To suspend our opinion in this case,
+would be to balance our lives, our liberties, our patrimonies, and our
+posterity, against thirty thousand pounds.
+
+The effects of our present method, sir, are well known to ourselves, our
+confederates, our enemies, to every man that has heard the name of
+Blenheim and Ramillies; the consequences of the establishment, now
+contended for, our most experienced commanders own themselves unable to
+foresee, and I am far from believing that theoretical disquisitions can
+enable any man to make great discoveries in military affairs.
+
+Our own inexperience of the method which is so warmly recommended, is
+not the strongest objection to it, though even this ought, in my
+opinion, to restrain us from trying it at this hazardous conjuncture.
+But since arguments, merely negative, may be thought over-balanced by
+the prospect of saving money, I shall lay before the house, what effects
+the want of officers has produced, with regard to those nations whose
+poverty has laid them under a necessity of parsimonious establishments.
+
+When the Germans were defeated by the French, in the late war, I was at
+the Sardinian court, where the battle was, as it may easily be supposed,
+the reigning subject of conversation, and where they did not want
+opportunities of informing themselves minutely of all the circumstances
+which contributed to the event; it was there, sir, universally
+determined, that the Germans lost the day merely for want of officers.
+
+It was observed also, sir, that some troops, which were once courted and
+feared by all the neighbouring potentates, had lost their reputation in
+later times, of which no reason could be alleged, but that they had
+lessened the number of their officers; such is the change in the model
+of the Walloons, and such is the consequence produced by it.
+
+I am very far, sir, from thinking, that reason is not to be consulted in
+military operations, as in other affairs, and have no less satisfaction
+than the learned gentleman who spoke last but one, in clear and
+demonstrative deductions; but in this question, reason itself informs
+me, that regard ought only to be had to experience, and that authority
+unsupported by practice, ought to have no prevalence.
+
+I shall, therefore, sir, make no inquiry into the abilities of the
+generals, by whom these contrary opinions are defended, nor draw any
+parallel between their actions or their knowledge. It is sufficient for
+me that the one is proposing a new scheme, and that the opinion of the
+other can plead the practice of king William, and the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and the success of the last war.
+
+Yet, sir, if parsimony be a virtue at this time so eminently necessary,
+it may be urged in favour of this estimate, that it will be less
+expensive than those that have been formerly offered, and that as all
+changes ought to be gradual, this may be considered as the first step
+towards a general reduction of the publick charge.
+
+Mr. HEATHCOTE spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not without
+astonishment, that I heard the honourable gentleman who spoke lately,
+conclude his remarks with an attempt to renew our apprehensions of the
+pretender, a chimerical invader, an enemy in the clouds, without spirit,
+and without forces, without dominions, without money, and without
+allies; a miserable fugitive, that has not a friend in this kingdom, or
+none but such as are exasperated by those whom the men that mention him
+with so much terrour are attempting to vindicate.
+
+The vanity, sir, of such fears, the folly of admitting them, if they are
+real, and of counterfeiting them, if they are false, has been
+sufficiently exposed in this debate, by my honourable friend; but as he
+thought it unnecessary to employ arguments in proof of what cannot be
+denied, and believed it sufficient to ridicule a panick which he
+supposed merely political, I, who judge, perhaps, more favourably of the
+sincerity of some, and more tenderly of the cowardice of others, shall
+endeavour to show, that the frequent revolutions which have happened in
+this nation, afford us no reason for fearing another, equally sudden and
+unforeseen in favour of the pretender.
+
+The government, sir, is always stronger, as it is complicated with the
+private interest of more individuals; because, though there are few that
+have comprehension sufficient to discern the general advantage of the
+community, almost every man is capable of attending to his own; and
+though not many have virtue to stand up in opposition to the approach of
+general calamities, of which every one may hope to exempt himself from
+his particular share, yet the most sanguine are alarmed, and the most
+indolent awakened at any danger which threatens themselves, and will
+exert their utmost power to obviate or escape it.
+
+For this reason, sir, I have long considered the publick funds
+established in this nation, as a barrier to the government, which cannot
+easily be broken: a foreign prince cannot now be placed upon the throne,
+but in opposition almost to every wealthy man, who, having trusted the
+government with his money, has reposited a pledge of his own fidelity.
+
+But to this gentleman, sir, whom I am now answering, arguments can be of
+very little importance, because, by his own confession, he is retained
+as a mere machine, to speak at the direction of another, and to utter
+sentiments which he never conceived, and which his hesitation and abrupt
+conclusion shows him to admit with very little examination. He had not
+even allowed himself time to know the opinion which he was to assert, or
+to imprint upon his memory those arguments to which he was to add the
+sanction of his authority. He seems to have boldly promised to speak,
+and then to have inquired what he was to say. Yet has this gentleman
+often declaimed here with all the apparent ardour of integrity, and been
+heard with that regard which is only due to virtue and independence.
+
+Some of his assertions are such, however, as require confutation, which
+is, perhaps, more necessary since he has produced an authority for them,
+which many of those who heard him may think of much greater weight than
+his own. He affirms, that we can suffer only by an invasion, and infers
+from this position, that we need only to guard our own coasts. I am of
+an opinion very different, and having not yet prevailed upon myself to
+receive notes from any other person, cannot forbear to speak what I
+think, and what the publick prosperity requires to be generally known.
+We may surely suffer by many other causes, by the ignorance, or
+treachery, or cowardice of the ministry, by the negligence of that
+person to whom this gentleman was probably indebted for his notes. We
+may suffer by the loss of our sugar colonies, which may be justly valued
+at ten millions.
+
+These plantations, which afford us almost all the profitable trade that
+is now left us, have been exposed to the insults of the enemy, without
+any other guard than two ships, almost unfit for service. They have been
+left to the protection of chance, with no other security, at a time when
+the Spaniards had fitted out a squadron, to infest and ravage our
+American dominions.
+
+The admiral, who was sent into America, was confined for almost a year
+in the ports, without forces, ships, or ammunition, which yet might have
+been sent in a few months, had not pretences of delay been studiously
+invented, had not the preparations been obstructed by clandestine
+expedients, and had not every man been tacitly assured, that he should
+recommend himself to his superiours, by raising difficulties, rather
+than by removing them.
+
+Such was the conduct of those who now stand up in the face of their
+country, and, without diffidence or shame, boast of their zeal, their
+assiduity, and their despatch; who proclaim, with an air of triumphant
+innocence, that no art or diligence could have been more expeditious,
+and that the embarkation was only impeded by the seasons and the winds.
+
+With assertions equally intrepid, and arguments equally contemptible,
+has the same person, who boasted his expedition, endeavoured to defend
+the establishment of new regiments, in opposition to the practice of
+foreign nations, and to the opinion of the greatest general among us;
+and, to show how little he fears confutation, has recommended his scheme
+on account of its frugality.
+
+It is not to be wondered, sir, that such an orator should undertake to
+defend the model of the troops sent to America, that he should prefer
+boys to veterans, and assert the propriety of intrusting new levies to
+unexperienced commanders; for he has given us in this debate such proofs
+of controversial courage, that nothing can be now imagined too arduous
+for him to attempt.
+
+His strength, sir, is, indeed, not equal to his spirit, and he is
+frequently unsuccessful in his most vigorous efforts, but it must be
+confessed that he is generally overborne only by the force of truth, by
+a power which few can resist so resolutely as himself, and which,
+therefore, though it makes no impression upon him, prevails upon others
+to leave him sometimes alone in the vindication of his positions.
+
+The examples, sir, of those noble persons who were advanced early to
+commissions, will be produced by him without effect, because the cases
+are by no means parallel. They were not invested with command till they
+had spent some time in the service, and exhibited proofs of their
+courage and their capacity; and it cannot be doubted, but some men may
+discover at seventeen, more merit than others in the full strength of
+manhood.
+
+But, sir, there is another consideration of more importance, which will
+annihilate the parallel, and destroy the argument founded upon it. At
+the time in which these persons were preferred, the nation had but newly
+seen an army, and had, therefore, very few old officers whose experience
+could be trusted, or whose services required to be rewarded: the
+ministers were obliged to select those, who, though they did not
+understand the military sciences, were likely to attain them in a short
+time, and the event has sufficiently proved, that in the choice no
+greater regard was paid to interest than to judgment.
+
+It was prudent, likewise, sir, to choose young persons, supposing their
+abilities equal with those of others, because the nation was likely to
+possess them longer, and would not be reduced, by an interval of peace,
+to make war again with raw forces, under the direction of ignorant
+commanders.
+
+But this provision, however reasonable, the wisdom of this ministry has
+found means to defeat, by detaining at home the disciplined troops, and
+depriving the most experienced generals of their commands, at a time
+when they are most necessary, at a time when the whole world is in arms,
+when the ambition of France is reviving its claims, and the Spaniards
+are preparing to invade our colonies.
+
+But, sir, though our generals are discarded, we are sufficiently
+informed, that it is not because we are imagined to be in a state of
+safety; for the increase of our army betrays our fear, of which, whether
+it will be dispelled or increased by such measures, it is not difficult
+to determine.
+
+An army thus numerous, sir, is, in the opinion of every honest Briton,
+of every man that reveres the constitution, or loves his liberty, an
+evil more to be dreaded, than any from which we can be defended by it.
+The most unpopular act of the most unpopular of our monarchs, was the
+establishment of a standing-army; nor do I know any thing to be feared
+from the exaltation of the dreadful pretender to the throne, but that he
+will govern the nation with an armed force.
+
+If our troops continue to be increased, which we may reasonably suspect,
+since, if arguments like these be admitted, pretences for augmentations
+can never be wanting, the consequences are easily foreseen; they will
+grow too numerous to be quartered in the towns, and, with an affectation
+of easing them of such unwelcome guests, it will be proposed, that after
+having spent the summer in a camp, they shall retire in winter to
+barracks. Then will the burden of a standing army be imposed for ever on
+the nation; then may our liberties be openly invaded, and those who now
+oppress us by the power only of money, will then throw aside the mask,
+and deliver themselves from the constraint of hypocrisy; those who now
+sooth us with promises and protestations, will then intimidate us with
+threatenings, and, perhaps, revenge the opposition of their schemes by
+persecution and sequestrations.
+
+Mr. GAGE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, if the weakness of
+arguments proved the insincerity of those who produce them, I should be
+inclined to suspect the advocates for the establishment of new
+regiments, of designs very different from the defence of their country;
+but as their intentions cannot be known, they cannot be censured, and I
+shall, therefore, confine myself to an examination of the reasons which
+they have offered, and the authorities which they have cited.
+
+The German general, who has been mentioned on this occasion with so much
+regard, is not less known to me than to the honourable gentleman, nor
+have I been less diligent to improve the hours in which I enjoyed his
+friendship and conversation. Among other questions, which my familiarity
+with him entitled me to propose, I have asked him to what causes he
+imputed the ill success of the last war, and he frankly ascribed the
+miscarriages of it to the unhappy divisions by which the German councils
+were at that time embarrassed.
+
+Faction produces nearly the same consequence in all countries, and had
+then influenced the imperial court, as of late the court of Great
+Britain, to dismiss the most able and experienced commanders, and to
+intrust the conduct of the war to men unequal to the undertaking; who,
+when they were defeated for want of skill, endeavoured to persuade their
+patrons and their countrymen, that they lost the victory for want of
+officers.
+
+They might, perhaps, think of their countrymen, what our ministers seem
+to imagine of us, that to gain belief among them, it was sufficient to
+assert boldly, that they had not any memory of past transactions, and
+that, therefore, they could not observe, that the same troops were
+victorious under Eugene, which were defeated under the direction of his
+successours; nor could discover that the regulation was the same, where
+the effects were different.
+
+Thus, in every place, it is the practice of men in power, to blind the
+people by false representations, and to impute the publick calamities
+rather to any other cause than their own misconduct. It is every where
+equally their practice to oppress and obscure those who owe their
+greatness to their virtue or abilities, because they can never be
+reduced to blind obedience, or taught to be creatures of the ministry,
+because men who can discover truth, will sometimes speak it, and because
+those are best qualified to deceive others, who can be persuaded that
+they are contending for the right.
+
+But it is surely time for this nation to rouse from indolence, and to
+resolve to put an end to frauds that have been so long known. It is time
+to watch with more vigilance the distribution of the publick treasure,
+and to consider rather how to contract the national expenses, than upon
+what pretences new offices may be erected, and new dependencies created.
+It is time to consider how our debts may be lessened, and by what
+expedients our taxes may be diminished.
+
+Our taxes, sir, are such, at present, as perhaps no nation was ever
+loaded with before, such as never were paid to raise forces against an
+invader, or imposed by the insolence of victory upon a conquered people.
+Every gentleman pays to the government more than two thirds of his
+estate, by various exactions.--This assertion is received, I see, with
+surprise, by some, whose ample patrimonies have exempted them from the
+necessity of nice computations, and with an affected appearance of
+contempt by others, who, instead of paying taxes, may be said to receive
+them, and whose interest it is to keep the nation ignorant of the causes
+of its misery, and to extenuate those calamities by which themselves are
+enriched.
+
+But, sir, to endeavour to confute demonstration by a grin, or to laugh
+away the deductions of arithmetick, is, surely, such a degree of
+effrontery, as nothing but a post of profit can produce; nor is it for
+the sake of these men, that I shall endeavour to elucidate my assertion;
+for they cannot but be well informed of the state of our taxes, whose
+chief employment is to receive and to squander the money which arises
+from them.
+
+It is frequent, sir, among gentlemen, to mistake the amount of the taxes
+which are laid upon the nation, by passing over, in their estimates, all
+those which are not paid immediately out of the visible rents of their
+lands, and imagining that they are in no degree interested in the
+imposts upon manufactures or other commodities. They do not consider
+that whenever they purchase any thing of which the price is enhanced by
+duties, those duties are levied upon them, and that there is no
+difference between paying ten shillings a year in land taxes, and paying
+five shillings in land taxes, and five shillings to manufacturers to be
+paid by them to the government.
+
+It would be, in reality, equally rational for a man to please himself
+with his frugality, by directing half his expenses to be paid by his
+steward, and the event is such as might be expected from such a method
+of economy; for, as the steward might probably bring in false accounts,
+the tradesman commonly adds twopence to the price of his goods for every
+penny which is laid on them by the government; as it is easy to show,
+particularly in the prices of those two great necessaries of life,
+candles and leather.
+
+Now, sir, let any gentleman add to the land tax the duties raised from
+the malt, candles, salt, soap, leather, distilled liquors, and other
+commodities used in his house; let him add the expenses of travelling so
+far as they are increased by the burden laid upon innkeepers, and the
+extortions of the tradesmen which the excises have occasioned, and he
+will easily agree with me that he pays more than two-thirds of his
+estate for the support of the government.
+
+It cannot, therefore, be doubted that it is now necessary to stop in our
+career of expenses, and to inquire how much longer this weight of
+imposts can possibly be supported. It has already, sir, depressed our
+commerce, and overborne our manufactures, and if it be yet increased, if
+there be no hope of seeing it alleviated, every wise man will seek a
+milder government and enlist himself amongst slaves that have masters
+more wise or more compassionate.
+
+We ought to consider, sir, whether some of our present expenses are not
+superfluous or detrimental, whether many of our offices are not merely
+pensions without employment, and whether multitudes do not receive
+salaries, who serve the government only by their interest and their
+votes. Such offices, if they are found, ought immediately to be
+abolished, and such salaries withdrawn, by which a fund might be now
+established for maintaining the war, and afterwards for the payment of
+our debts.
+
+It is not now, sir, in my opinion, a question whether we shall choose
+the dearest or the cheapest method of increasing our forces, for it
+seems to me not possible to supply any new expenses. New troops will
+require more money to raise and to pay them, and more money can only be
+obtained by new taxes; but what now remains to be taxed, or what tax can
+be increased? The only resource left us is a lottery, and whether that
+will succeed is likewise a lottery; but though folly and credulity
+should once more operate according to our wishes, the nation is, in the
+meantime, impoverished, and at last lotteries must certainly fail, like
+other expedients. When the publick wealth is entirely exhausted,
+artifice and violence will be equally vain. And though the troops may
+possibly be raised, according to the estimate, I know not how we shall
+pay them, or from what fund, yet unmortgaged, the officers who will be
+entailed upon us, can hope to receive their half-pay.
+
+For my part, sir, I think the question so easy to be decided, that I am
+astonished to see it the subject of a debate, and imagine that the
+controversy might be ended only by asking the gentleman, on whose
+opinion all his party appear to rely, without any knowledge or
+conviction of their own, whether, if he were to defend a nation from its
+enemies, and could procure only a small sum for the war, he would not
+model his forces by the cheapest method.
+
+Mr. SLOPER then spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot, without the highest
+satisfaction, observe any advances made in useful knowledge, by my
+fellow-subjects, as the glory of such attainments must add to the
+reputation of the kingdom which gives rise to such elevated abilities.
+
+This satisfaction I have received from the observations of the right
+honourable member, whose accurate computations cannot but promise great
+improvements of the doctrine of arithmetick; nor can I forbear to
+solicit him, for the sake of the publick, to take into his consideration
+the present methods of traffick used by our merchants, and to strike out
+some more commodious method of stating the accoinpts between those two
+contending parties, debtor and creditor. This he would, doubtless,
+execute with great reputation, who has proved, from the state of our
+taxes, that new forces require new funds, and that new funds cannot be
+established without a lottery.
+
+I am, indeed, inclined to differ from him in the last of his positions,
+and believe the nation not yet so much exhausted but that it may easily
+bear the expense of the war, and shall, therefore, vote for that
+establishment of our troops which will be most likely to procure
+success, without the least apprehension of being censured either by the
+present age, or by posterity, as a machine of the ministry, or an
+oppressor of my country.
+
+General WADE spoke again, thus:--Sir, since the right honourable member
+has been pleased to insinuate, that by answering a plain question I may
+put an end to the debate, I am willing to give a proof of my desire to
+promote unanimity in our councils, and despatch in our affairs, by
+complying with his proposal.
+
+If I were obliged with a small sum to raise an army for the defence of a
+kingdom, I should, undoubtedly, proceed with the utmost frugality; but
+this noble person's ideas of frugality would, perhaps, be very different
+from mine; he would think those expenses superfluous, which to me would
+seem indispensably necessary, and though we should both intend the
+preservation of the country, we should provide for its security by
+different methods.
+
+He would employ the money in such a manner as might procure the greatest
+numbers; I should make my first inquiry after the most skilful officers,
+and should imagine myself obliged, by my fidelity to the nation that
+intrusted me with its defence, to procure their assistance, though at a
+high price.
+
+It is not easy for persons who have never seen a battle or a siege,
+whatever may be their natural abilities, or however cultivated by
+reading and contemplation, to conceive the advantage of discipline and
+regularity, which is such, that a small body of veteran troops will
+drive before them multitudes of men, perhaps equally bold and resolute
+with themselves, if they are unacquainted with the rules of war, and
+unprovided with leaders to direct their motions.
+
+I should, therefore, in the case which he has mentioned, prefer
+discipline to numbers, and rather enter the field with a few troops,
+well governed and well instructed, than with a confused multitude,
+unacquainted with their duty, unable to conduct themselves, and without
+officers to conduct them.
+
+Mr. VINER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I am not very
+solicitous what may be the determination of the house upon this
+question, because I think it more necessary to resolve against an
+augmentation of the army, than to inquire, whether it shall be made by
+one method or another.
+
+Every addition to our troops, I consider as some approach towards the
+establishment of arbitrary power, as it is an alienation of part of the
+British people, by which they are deprived of the benefits of the
+constitution, and subjected to rigorous laws, from which every other
+individual is exempt.
+
+The principal of these laws, which all the rest are intended to enforce,
+requires from every soldier an unlimited and absolute obedience to the
+commands of his officers, who hold their commission, and expect
+advancement, by the same compliance with the orders of the ministry.
+
+The danger of adding to the number of men, thus separated from their
+fellow-subjects, and directed by the arbitrary determinations of their
+officers, has been often explained with great strength and perspicuity;
+nor should I have taken this occasion of recalling it to the attention
+of the house, but that I think it a consideration, to which, in all
+debates on the army, the first regard ought to be paid.
+
+Colonel MORDAUNT spoke to the purpose following:--Sir, the objection
+which the honourable gentleman has raised, will be most easily removed,
+by considering the words of the act by which the military authority is
+established, where it is by no means declared, that either officers or
+soldiers are obliged indiscriminately to obey all the orders which they
+shall receive, but that they shall, on pain of the punishments there
+enacted, obey all the _lawful_ orders of their commanders.
+
+The obedience, therefore, sir, required from a soldier, is an obedience
+according to law, like that of any other Briton, unless it can be
+imagined that the word _lawful_ is, in that place, without a meaning.
+Nor does his condition differ from that of his fellow-subjects by an
+exemption from any law, but by a greater number of duties, and stricter
+obligations to the performance of them; and I am not able to conceive
+how our constitution can be endangered by augmenting an army, which, as
+it can only act in conformity to it, can act only in defence of it.
+
+[The question at last was put, that the new-raised troops be
+incorporated into the standing corps, but it passed in the negative, 232
+to 166.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+
+DEBATE ON TAKING THE STATE OF THE ARMY INTO CONSIDERATION.
+
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose first, and spoke to the following effect:--My
+lords, as the present situation of our affairs may require an
+augmentation of our forces, and as the success of our arms, and the
+preservation of our liberties, may equally depend upon the manner in
+which the new forces shall be raised, there is, in my opinion, no
+question more worthy the attention of this august assembly, than what
+may be the most proper method of increasing our army.
+
+On this question, my lords, I shall offer my own sentiments with greater
+confidence, as there are few men who have had more opportunities of
+being acquainted with it in its whole extent, as I have spent great part
+of my life in the field and in the camp. I commanded a regiment under
+king William, and have long been either the first, or almost the first
+man in the army.
+
+I hope, my lords, it will be allowed, without difficulty, that I have,
+at least, been educated at the best school of war, and that nothing but
+natural incapacity can have hindered me from making some useful
+observations upon the discipline and government of armies, and the
+advantages and inconveniencies of the various plans upon which other
+nations regulate their forces.
+
+I have always maintained, my lords, that it is necessary, in the present
+state of the neighbouring countries, to keep up a body of regular
+troops, that we may not be less able to defend ourselves, than our
+enemies to attack us.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that states must secure themselves by
+different means, as they are threatened by dangers of different kinds:
+policy must be opposed by policy, and force by force; our fleets must be
+increased when our neighbours grow formidable by their naval power, and
+armies must be maintained at a time like this, in which every prince on
+the continent estimates his greatness by the number of his troops.
+
+But an army, my lords, as it is to be admitted only for the security of
+the nation, is to be so regulated, that it may produce the end for which
+it is established; that it may be useful without danger, and protect the
+people without oppressing them.
+
+To this purpose, my lords, it is indispensably necessary, that the
+military subordination be inviolably preserved, and that discipline be
+discreetly exercised without any partial indulgence, or malicious
+severities; that every man be promoted according to his desert, and that
+military merit alone give any pretensions to military preferment.
+
+To make the army yet more useful, it ought to be under the sole command
+of one man, exalted to the important trust by his known skill, courage,
+justice, and fidelity, and uncontrouled in the administration of his
+province by any other authority, a man enabled by his experience to
+distinguish the deserving, and invested with power to reward them.
+
+Thus, my lords, ought an army to be regulated, to which the defence of a
+nation is intrusted, nor can any other scheme be formed which will not
+expose the publick to dangers more formidable than revolutions or
+invasions. And yet, my lords, how widely those who have assumed the
+direction of affairs have deviated from this method is well known. It is
+known equally to the highest and meanest officers, that those who have
+most opportunities of observing military merit, have no power of
+rewarding it; and, therefore, every man endeavours to obtain other
+recommendations than those of his superiours in the army, and to
+distinguish himself by other services than attention to his duty, and
+obedience to his commanders.
+
+Our generals, my lords, are only colonels with a higher title, without
+power, and without command; they can neither make themselves loved nor
+feared in their troops, nor have either reward or punishment in their
+power. What discipline, my lords, can be established by men, whom those
+who sometimes act the farce of obedience, know to be only phantoms of
+authority, and to be restrained by an arbitrary minister from the
+exercise of those commissions which they are invested with? And what is
+an army without discipline, subordination, and obedience? What, but a
+rabble of licentious vagrants, set free from the common restraints of
+decency, exempted from the necessity of labour, betrayed by idleness to
+debauchery, and let loose to prey upon the people? Such a herd can only
+awe the villages, and bluster in the streets, but can never be able to
+oppose an enemy, or defend the nation by which they are supported.
+
+They may, indeed, form a camp upon some of the neighbouring heaths, or
+pass in review with tolerable regularity; they may sometimes seize a
+smuggler, and sometimes assist a constable with vigour and success. But
+unhappy would be the people, who had no other force to oppose against an
+army habituated to discipline, of which every one founds his hopes of
+honour and reward upon the approbation of the commander.
+
+That no man will labour to no purpose, or undergo the fatigue of
+military vigilance, without an adequate motive; that no man will
+endeavour to learn superfluous duties, and neglect the easiest road to
+honour and to wealth, merely for the sake of encountering difficulties,
+is easily to be imagined. And, therefore, my lords, it cannot be
+conceived, that any man in the army will very solicitously apply himself
+to the duties of his profession, of which, when he has learned them, the
+most accurate practice will avail him nothing, and on which he must lose
+that time, which might, have been employed in gaining an interest in a
+borough, or in forming an alliance with some orator in the senate.
+
+For nothing, my lords, is now considered but senatorial interest, nor is
+any subordination desired but in the supreme council of the empire. For
+the establishment of this new regulation, the honours of every
+profession are prostituted, and every commission is become merely
+nominal. To gratify the leaders of the ministerial party, the most
+despicable triflers are exalted to an authority, and those whose want of
+understanding excludes them from any other employment, are selected for
+military commissions.
+
+No sooner have they taken possession of their new command, and gratified
+with some act of oppression the wantonness of new authority, but they
+desert their charge with the formality of demanding a permission to be
+absent, which their commander dares not deny them. Thus, my lords, they
+leave the care of the troops, and the study of the rules of war, to
+those unhappy men who have no other claim to elevation than knowledge
+and bravery, and who, for want of relations in the senate, are condemned
+to linger out their lives at their quarters, amuse themselves with
+recounting their actions and sufferings in former wars, and with reading
+in the papers of every post, the cormissions which are bestowed on those
+who never saw a battle.
+
+For this reason, my lords, preferments in the army, instead of being
+considered as proofs of merit, are looked on only as badges of
+dependence; nor can any thing be inferred from the promotion of an
+officer, but that he is in some degree or other allied to some member
+of the senate, or the leading voters of a borough.
+
+After this manner, my lords, has the army been modelled, and on these
+principles has it subsisted for the last and the present reign; neither
+myself, nor any other general officer, have been consulted in the
+distribution of commands, or any part of military regulations. Our
+armies have known no other power than that of the secretary of war, who
+directs all their motions, and fills up every vacancy without
+opposition, and without appeal.
+
+But never, my lords, was his power more conspicuous, than in raising the
+levies of last year; never was any authority more despotically exerted,
+or more tamely submitted to; never did any man more wantonly sport with
+his command, or more capriciously dispose of posts and preferments;
+never did any tyrant appear to set censure more openly at defiance,
+treat murmurs and remonstrances with greater contempt, or with more
+confidence and security distribute posts among his slaves, without any
+other reason of preference than his own uncontroulable pleasure.
+
+And surely no man, my lords, could have made choice of such wretches for
+military commands, but to show that nothing but his own private
+inclinations should influence his conduct, and that he considered
+himself as supreme and unaccountable: for we have seen, my lords, the
+same animals to-day cringing behind a counter, and to-morrow swelling in
+a military dress; we have seen boys sent from school in despair of
+improvement, and intrusted with military command; fools that cannot
+learn their duty, and children that cannot perform it, have been
+indiscriminately promoted; the dross of the nation has been swept
+together to compose our new forces, and every man who was too stupid or
+infamous to learn or carry on a trade, has been placed, by this great
+disposer of honours, above the necessity of application, or the reach of
+censure.
+
+Did not sometimes indignation, and sometimes pity, check the sallies of
+mirth, it would not be a disagreeable entertainment, my lords, to
+observe, in the park, the various appearances of these raw commanders,
+when they are exposing their new scarlet to view, and strutting with the
+first raptures of sudden elevation; to see the mechanick new-modelling
+his mien, and the stripling tottering beneath the weight of his cockade;
+or to hear the conversation of these new adventurers, and the
+instructive dialogues of schoolboys and shopkeepers.
+
+I take this opportunity, my lords, of clearing myself from any suspicion
+of having contributed, by my advice, to this stupendous collection. I
+only once interposed with the recommendation of a young gentleman, who
+had learned his profession in two campaigns among the Muscovians, and
+whom yet neither his own desert, nor my patronage could advance to a
+commission. And, I believe, my lords, all the other general officers
+were equally unconsulted, and would, if their advice had been asked,
+equally have disapproved the measures that have been pursued.
+
+But thus, my lords, were our new regiments completed, in which, of two
+hundred and fifty officers who have subsisted upon half-pay, only
+thirty-six have been promoted, though surely they might have pleaded a
+juster claim to employment, who had learned their profession in the
+service of their country, and had long languished in penury, than those
+who had neither knowledge nor capacity, who had neither acted nor
+suffered any thing, and who might have been destined to the hammer or
+the plough, without any disreputation to their families, or
+disappointment to themselves.
+
+I have been told, indeed, my lords, that to some of these officers
+commissions were offered, which they refused, and for this refusal every
+reason is alleged but the true: some, indeed, excused themselves as
+disabled by age and infirmities from military service; nor can any
+objection be made to so just a plea. For how could those be refused in
+their age the comforts of ease and repose, who have served their country
+with their youth and vigour?
+
+Others there are, my lords, who refused commissions upon motives very
+different, in which, nevertheless, some justice cannot be denied. They
+who had long studied and long practised their profession; they, who had
+tried their courage in the breach, and given proofs of their skill in
+the face of the enemy, refused to obey the command of novices, of
+tradesmen, and of schoolboys: they imagined, my lords, that they ought
+to govern those whom they should be obliged to instruct, and to lead
+those troops whom they must range in order. But they had forgot that
+they had outlived the time when a soldier was formed by study and
+experience, and had not heard, in their retreats, that a colonel or a
+captain was now formed in a day; and, therefore, when they saw and heard
+their new commanders, they retired back to their half-pay, with surprise
+and indignation.
+
+But, my lords, the follies of last year cannot be easily rectified, and
+are only now to be exposed that they may not be repeated. If we are now
+to make new levies, and increase the number of our land-forces, it is,
+in my opinion, incumbent upon us to consider by what methods we may best
+augment our troops, and how we may be able to resist our foreign
+enemies, without exposing the nation to intestine miseries, and leaving
+our liberties at the mercy of the court.
+
+There are, my lords, two methods of increasing our forces; the first is,
+that of raising new regiments; the other, of adding new men to those
+which already subsist.
+
+By raising new regiments, my lords, we shall only gratify the minister
+with the distribution of new commissions, and the establishment of new
+dependents; we shall enlarge the influence of the court, and increase
+the charge of the nation, which is already loaded with too many taxes to
+support any unnecessary expense.
+
+By the other method, of adding a hundred men to every company, we shall
+not only save the pay of the officers, which is no slight consideration,
+but what seems, if the reports raised by the ministry of our present
+danger be true, of far more importance, shall form the new forces with
+more expedition into regular troops; for, by distributing them among
+those who are already instructed in their duty, we shall give them an
+opportunity of hourly improvement; every man's comrade will be his
+master, and every one will be ambitious of forming himself by the
+example of those who have been in the army longer than themselves.
+
+If it be objected, my lords, that the number of officers will not then
+bear a just proportion to that of the soldiers, it may be answered, that
+the foreign troops of the greatest reputation have no greater number of
+officers, as every one must know who is acquainted with the constitution
+of the most formidable armies of Europe. Those of the Prussian monarch,
+or of the various nations by which we were assisted in the late war,
+either as confederates or mercenaries, have but few officers. And I very
+well remember, my lords, that whenever they were joined by parties of
+our own nation, the inequality in the number of the officers produced
+contests and disputes.
+
+The only troops of Europe, my lords, that swarm with officers, are those
+of France, but even these have fewer officers, in proportion to their
+private men, in time of war; for when they disband any part of their
+forces, they do not, like us, reduce their officers to half-pay, but add
+them to the regiments not reduced, that the families of their nobility
+may not be burdened with needy dependents, and that they may never want
+officers for new levies.
+
+There are many reasons, my lords, that make this practice in France more
+reasonable than it would be in our kingdom. It is the chief view of
+their governours to continue absolute, and therefore their constant
+endeavour to keep great numbers in dependence; it ought to be our care
+to hinder the increase of the influence of the court, and to obstruct
+all measures that may extend the authority of the ministry, and
+therefore those measures are to be pursued by which independence and
+liberty will be most supported.
+
+It is likewise to be remembered, my lords, that a French officer is
+supported with pay not much larger than that of a private soldier among
+us, and that, therefore, the argument which arises from the necessity of
+frugality is not of the same force in both nations.
+
+There is yet another reason why the French are under the necessity of
+employing more officers than any other nation: the strength of their
+armies consists in their gentlemen, who cannot be expected to serve
+without some command: the common soldiers of the French army are a mean,
+spiritless, despicable herd, fit only to drudge as pioneers, to raise
+intrenchments, and to dig mines, but without courage to face an enemy,
+or to proceed with vigour in the face of danger.
+
+Their gentlemen, my lords, are of a very different character; jealous of
+their honour, and conscious of their birth, eager of distinction, and
+ambitious of preferment. They have, commonly, their education in the
+army, and have no expectations of acquiring fortunes equal to their
+desires by any other profession, and are, therefore, intent upon the
+improvement of every opportunity which is offered them of increasing
+their knowledge and exalting their reputation.
+
+To the spirit of these men, my lords, are the French armies indebted for
+all their victories, and to them is to be attributed the present
+perfection of the art of war. They have the vigilance and perseverance
+of Romans joined with the natural vivacity and expedition of their own
+nation.
+
+We are, therefore, not to wonder, my lords, that there is in the French
+armies an establishment for more gentlemen than in other countries,
+where the disparity between the military virtues of the higher and lower
+classes of men is less conspicuous. In the troops of that nation nothing
+is expected but from the officers, but in ours the common soldier meets
+danger with equal intrepidity, and scorns to see himself excelled by his
+officer in courage or in zeal.
+
+We are, therefore, my lords, under no necessity of burdening our country
+with the expense of new commissions, which, in the army, will be
+superfluous, and, in the state, dangerous, as they will fill our senate
+with new dependents, and our corporations with new adherents to the
+minister, whose steady perseverance in his favourite scheme of
+senatorial subordination, will be, perhaps, the only occasion of these
+new levies, or, at least, has hindered the right application of our
+standing troops. For what reason, my lords, can invention or imagination
+assign, why the troops, who had been for some time disciplined, were not
+rather sent to the assistance of Vernon than the new marines, except
+that some of them were commanded by men who had obtained seats in the
+other house, and who, by their settled adherence and avowed fidelity to
+the minister, had recommended themselves too powerfully to be rashly
+exposed in the service of their country to the bullets of the Spaniards.
+
+So great, my lords, has been the minister's regard to senatorial
+abilities, and so strict his gratitude to his friends, that I know of
+but one member of the other house that has been hazarded in this
+expedition, and he a hopeless, abandoned patriot, insensible of the
+capacity or integrity of our ministry, and whom nothing has been able to
+reconcile to our late measures. He, therefore, who has never exerted
+himself in defence of the ministry, was, in his turn, thought unworthy
+of ministerial protection, and was given up to the chance of war without
+reluctance.
+
+But I hope your lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that it is
+not always necessary to gratify the ministry, but that our country
+claims some part of our regard, and, therefore, that in establishing our
+army we should pursue that method which may be most accommodated to our
+constitution, and, instead of imitating the military policy of the
+French, follow the example of those nations by whose troops they have
+been conquered.
+
+Had this scheme been hitherto followed, had our new levies, instead of
+being put under the command of boys, been distributed in just
+proportions among the standing regiments, where they might soon have
+been qualified for service by the inspection of experienced officers, we
+might now have seen an army capable of awing the court of Spain into
+submission, or, if our demands had been still refused, of revenging our
+injuries, and punishing those who have insulted and despised us.
+
+From an army thus raised and disciplined, detachments, my lords, ought
+to have been sent on board of all our fleets, and particularly that
+which is now stationed in the Mediterranean, which would not then have
+coasted about from one port to another, without hurting or frighting the
+enemy, but might, by sudden descents, have spread terrour through a
+great part of the kingdom, harassed their troops by continual marches,
+and, by frequent incursions, have plundered all the maritime provinces,
+driven the inhabitants into the inland country, and laid the villages in
+ashes.
+
+There is yet, my lords, no appearance of a peace, for our success has
+not enabled us to prescribe terms, and I hope we are not yet fallen so
+low as to receive them; it is, therefore, proper to form such
+resolutions as may influence the conduct of the war, and enable us to
+retrieve the errours of our past measures.
+
+The minister, my lords, is not without panegyrists, who may, perhaps,
+endeavour to persuade us, that we ought to resign all our understandings
+to his superiour wisdom, and blindly trust our fortunes and our
+liberties to his unshaken integrity. They will, in proof of his
+abilities, produce the wonderful dexterity and penetration which the
+late negotiations have discovered, and will confirm the reputation of
+his integrity by the constant parsimony of all his schemes, and the
+unwillingness with which he at any time increases the expenses of the
+nation.
+
+But, my lords, it is the great duty of your high station to watch over
+the administration, and to warn those, who are more immediately
+intrusted with the publick affairs, against measures which may endanger
+the safety or happiness of the nation; and, therefore, if I have proved
+to your lordships, that to raise new regiments is dangerous to our
+liberties, that a multitude of officers is of no use in war, and that an
+army may be more expeditiously disciplined by adding new men to every
+company, I hope your lordships will agree to this resolution, which I
+have drawn up with the utmost brevity, and of which the meaning cannot
+be mistaken:
+
+"That the augmenting the army by raising regiments, as it is the most
+unnecessary and expensive method of augmentation, is also the most
+dangerous to the liberties of the nation."
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE next spoke, to this effect:--My lords, as my
+education and employments have afforded me no opportunity of acquiring
+any skill in military affairs, it will not be expected by your
+lordships, that I should be able to confute the arguments of the noble
+duke, whose acknowledged superiority in the art of war, and the
+abilities which he has displayed in the administration of every province
+which he has undertaken, give him a claim to the highest deference.
+
+But, my lords, as I cannot assume the province of disputing on this
+question, so I cannot, without longer consideration, form any resolution
+concerning it; for arguments may be fallacious, which, yet, I cannot
+confute, and to approve without knowledge is no less weak than to
+censure.
+
+There is not any present necessity, my lords, of forming a resolution on
+this subject; we are not now called upon particularly to consider it,
+and certainly it cannot be prudent, by so determinate a decision,
+pronounced without reflection or deliberation, to preclude a fuller
+examination of this important question.
+
+Lord CARTERET rose, and spoke in this manner:--My lords, the noble duke
+who made the present motion has supported it by such strength of
+argument, and so fully explained the advantages of the method which it
+tends to recommend, that not only the present age, but posterity may,
+probably, be indebted to him, for juster notions of a military
+establishment, than have been yet attained even by those whose
+profession obliges them to such inquiries.
+
+Nor, my lords, could we expect less from his long experience and
+extensive capacity; experience gained in the heat of war, and in the
+midst of danger; a capacity not only cultivated by solitary
+disquisitions in retirement and security, but exercised by difficulties,
+and quickened by opposition.
+
+Such abilities, my lords, matured by such an education, have justly made
+the noble duke the oracle of war, and procured him the esteem and
+reverence of all the powers upon earth.
+
+As I did not receive from my education any military knowledge, I am not
+able to add much to the arguments which your lordships have already
+heard; but, nevertheless, having been under the necessity of regulating
+the army when I had the honour to be employed in Ireland, and having
+made, in those countries where I transacted the business of the crown,
+some observations upon the different forms of military establishments, I
+hope I shall be allowed to offer what my experience or my remarks may
+suggest to me, in confirmation of the sentiments of the noble duke.
+
+When I was in Ireland, my lords, the troops of that kingdom consisted of
+twenty-one regiments, of which ten were, as last year, brought into
+Britain, and the Irish forces were to be filled up by new levies, which
+were raised in the manner now proposed, by increasing every regiment
+from three hundred and forty to six hundred men; so that the eleven
+regiments remaining composed a body of nearly the same number with the
+twenty-one regiments, as formerly constituted.
+
+Of the Swedish establishment, my lords, the reputation and success of
+their troops are an uncontrovertible vindication, attd I have often had
+an opportunity of comparing the number of officers with that of ours,
+and found their private men to be far more numerous in proportion to the
+officers.
+
+In Hanover, my lords, I have seen his majesty's troops remarkable for
+the elegance of their appearance; and being once asked, by the
+commander, at what expense one of those gallant troopers and his horse
+was supported, was told, after confessing my ignorance, that he cost no
+more than fourteen pounds a year, who could not, in this country, be
+maintained for less than forty.
+
+I believe, my lords, that the French forces are not more expensive than
+those of Hanover, and, therefore, we are by no means to imitate their
+establishment, for the price of provisions and habits of life do not
+admit of any diminution of the pay of either our officers or soldiers,
+and we can only lessen our expenses by reducing their numbers, to which
+I shall, for my part, most willingly contribute.
+
+But as this, my lords, is not the proper time for disbanding our forces,
+of which the present state of our affairs may, perhaps, demand an
+augmentation, it is necessary to compare the state of our forces with
+that of foreign troops, and supply, by prudent methods, the
+disadvantages to which we are subject, by the peculiar condition of our
+country. For, if the French can support an army at a fourth part of our
+expense, what must be the consequence of a war, supposing the wealth of
+the two nations nearly equal? It will be to little purpose that we
+boast, however justly, of the superiority of our troops; for though it
+should be granted that the British cannot be resisted by an equal
+number, yet it can never be expected that they should conquer troops
+four times as numerous as themselves.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears, with all the evidence of arithmetical
+demonstration, that the method now proposed is highly expedient, nor can
+any objection, in my opinion, be made to the resolution offered to your
+lordships.
+
+That this is not a proper time for this inquiry has been, indeed, urged,
+but surely no time can be more proper than when we may, by a resolution
+unanimously passed, regulate, in some degree, the conduct of the other
+house, and faint to them the opinion of this assembly on a question
+which is, perhaps, to-morrow to be brought before them.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY then spoke thus:--My lords, though I was once honoured
+with a command in the army, and consequently ought to have attained some
+military knowledge, yet I have so long resigned my commission, possessed
+it for so short a time, and have suffered my attention to be diverted
+from inquiries on that subject by employments of so different a kind,
+that I cannot presume to oppose any knowledge of my own to the reasons
+which have been offered; but I cannot think that the conclusions drawn
+by the noble duke, are so evidently true as to force conviction, and
+exclude all possibility of reply; nor can I conceive it consistent with
+the dignity of this assembly, to yield implicitly to any man's
+assertions, or to pass any resolution without an accurate inquiry.
+
+Some objections, my lords, arise, upon reflection, from my narrow
+observation and transient reading, and these I shall lay before your
+lordships, with an open acknowledgment of my insufficiency to discuss
+the question, and a sincere desire of being instructed where I may be
+mistaken.
+
+The subordination of the army, my lords, appears to me, in general, to
+be sufficiently maintained, nor is it ever infringed but by particular
+partiality, that can never be prevented, or a casual difference in the
+circumstances of the officers, which, though not relative to their
+military characters, will always produce some degree of influence.
+
+I know not, my lords, how the general regulation of our forces, and the
+distribution of military honours, can be condemned, without extending
+some degree of censure to a person who ought not to be mentioned as
+concurring in any measures injurious to the publick. Our army, my lords,
+is maintained by the parliament, but commanded by the king, who has not
+either done or directed any thing of which his people may justly
+complain.
+
+Here the duke of ARGYLE interrupted him:--My lords, it is necessary to
+clear myself from misrepresentations, and to preserve, at the same time,
+the order of this assembly, by reminding the noble lord, that his
+majesty is never to be introduced into our debates, because he is never
+to be charged with wrong; and by declaring to your lordships, that I
+impute no part of the errours committed in the regulation of the army to
+his majesty, but to those ministers whose duty it is to advise him, and
+whom the law condemns to answer for the consequences of their counsels.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY resumed:--My lords, if I misrepresented any assertion
+of the noble duke, it was by misapprehension, or failure of memory, and
+not by malice or design; and if in any other objections which I shall
+make, I shall fall into any errour of the same kind, I desire that it
+may be ascribed to the same cause.
+
+The ignorance and inexperience of our present officers have been exposed
+with great gaiety of imagination, and with the true spirit of satirical
+rhetorick, nor can I presume to support them against so formidable
+censures. But, my lords, I cannot discover any method of protracting the
+lives of our old officers beyond the usual term, nor of supplying the
+loss of those whom death takes away from the army, but by substituting
+others, who, as they have seen no wars, can have little experience.
+
+With regard to the number of officers in the foreign troops, I have been
+informed, that they were, by an express stipulation, to be constituted
+in the same manner with the British and Dutch forces.
+
+Then the duke of ARGYLE again interrupted him:--My lords, as it was my
+province in the late war to superintend the payment of the foreign
+troops, I may be allowed to have some knowledge of the establishment,
+and hope I shall not be imagined to need any information on that
+subject.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY said:--My lords, I do not presume to dispute any
+assertion of the noble duke, for whose knowledge I have the highest
+veneration, but only to offer such hints for inquiry as may be pursued
+by other lords of greater abilities, and to show, that as some
+difficulties may be raised, the resolution ought not to be agreed to
+without farther deliberation; since it not only tends to prescribe the
+measures which shall be hereafter taken, and prohibit a method of
+raising forces, which, when diligently examined, may, perhaps, appear
+most eligible, but to censure the methods, which, when they were put in
+practice the last year, received the approbation of all the powers of
+the legislature.
+
+Lord WESTMORELAND spoke next, as follows:--My lords, I have, for my own
+satisfaction, stated the difference of the expense between the two
+methods of raising forces, and find it so great, that the method
+proposed by the noble duke ought, undoubtedly, to be preferred, even
+though it were attended with some inconvenience, from which he has shown
+it to be free.
+
+Frugality, my lords, is one of the chief virtues of an administration; a
+virtue without which no government can be long supported: the publick
+expense can never be too accurately computed, or the first tendency to
+profusion too rigorously opposed; for as in private life, so in
+political economy, the demands of necessity are easily supplied; but if
+once the calls of wantonness and caprice are complied with, no limits
+can be fixed, nor will any treasure be sufficient.
+
+Whether the burdens under which the people are now toiling were all
+imposed by necessity, I will not inquire, but I think, my lords, we may
+readily determine, that whatever is not necessary is cruel and
+oppressive, and that, therefore, since the expense of raising new
+regiments appears, at least, not to be necessary, it ought to be
+opposed; and how can it be opposed more properly or effectually than by
+the noble duke's resolution?
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke to this effect:--My lords, I do not claim any
+superiority of knowledge in any affairs that relate to the publick, but
+have less acquaintance with the military establishment than with any
+other part of the government, and can, therefore, neither oppose the
+resolution now offered to your lordships by such arguments as may
+deserve your attention, nor agree to it with that degree of conviction
+which the importance of it seems to require.
+
+That the chief argument which has been produced against raising new
+regiments, is less formidable than it has been represented, will, I
+believe, appear to your lordships, when it is considered that the
+officers are always gentlemen of the first families in the empire, who,
+therefore, cannot be supposed voluntarily to give up their relations and
+posterity to the power of any ministry, or, for the sake of their
+commissions, to betray that constitution by which their own properties
+are secured.
+
+Whether every other argument may not with equal justice be controverted,
+is not, without longer consideration, possible to be determined, and,
+therefore, it cannot be reasonably expected that we should agree to the
+resolution, which would be only to decide without examination, and to
+determine what we don't understand; for I am under no apprehension of
+being imagined to reflect unjustly on this assembly, in supposing that
+many of your lordships may be strangers to the question, which, when the
+last levies were made, was neither discussed nor proposed.
+
+I therefore move, that the previous question may be put, which may,
+perhaps, gain time sufficient for a more exact inquiry upon this
+important subject.
+
+Lord TALBOT replied to this purport:--My lords, if, in imitation of some
+noble lords, I profess my ignorance of the subject on which I am to
+speak, may it not yet be allowed me, after the example of others, to
+employ the little knowledge which I have in the defence of a resolution,
+which appears to have no other tendency than the advantage of the
+publick, and to show my zeal for the happiness of my country, though,
+perhaps, without the true knowledge of its interest?
+
+The noble lord, who spoke last, is too great a master of eloquence not
+to be heard with all the attention which pleasure naturally produces,
+and a reasoner too formidable not to raise in his hearers all the
+anxiety which is produced by the fear of being deceived by partial
+representations, and artful deductions. I am always afraid, my lords,
+lest errour should appear too much like truth in the ornaments which his
+lordship's imagination may bestow, and lest sophistry should dazzle my
+understanding whilst I imagine myself only guided by the light of
+reason.
+
+I shall, therefore, endeavour, my lords, to review his ornaments, and
+try whether they owe their influence to the force of truth, or to that
+of eloquence.
+
+His lordship has observed, that the objections which are now made to the
+method of raising new regiments, were not produced last year upon a like
+occasion. I know not, indeed, what can be inferred from this assertion;
+for, surely, it will not maintain, that an errour, once admitted, is to
+become perpetual.
+
+But, my lords, another reason may be assigned, for which the objections
+that occurred last year might not be produced. The ministry, after a
+long course of disgraceful negotiations, and artful delays, were, at
+length, compelled to a war, by the general clamours of the whole nation;
+but they acted as men unwilling to execute what they did not approve.
+They proceeded so slowly in their preparations, and were so languid in
+all their motions, that it was evident how willingly they would have
+improved every opportunity of retarding the vengeance which they were
+forced to threaten; and with what artifices they would have protracted
+any delay, which they could have imputed to those by whom they were
+opposed. It was, therefore, to the last degree, improper to embarrass
+their measures of themselves sufficiently perplexed, or to lay any
+obstacle in the way of those who would gladly be stopped.
+
+That the army is filled with gentlemen, is so far, my lords, from
+proving that there is nothing to be feared from it, that it is the only
+foundation of all our solicitude. For none but gentlemen can injure our
+liberties, and while the posts of the army are bestowed as rewards of
+senatorial slavery, gentlemen will always be found who will be corrupted
+themselves, and can corrupt a borough; who will purchase a vote in the
+house, and sell it for military preferments. By the posts of the army
+the senate may be corrupted, and by the corruption of the senate the
+army be perpetuated.
+
+Those, my lords, who are the warmest opponents of the army, apprehend
+not any danger from their swords, but from their votes. As they have
+been of late regulated without discipline or subordination, I should not
+feel such anxiety at seeing them led on by their new commanders against
+a body of honest ploughmen, united in the cause of virtue and of
+liberty; I should, with great alacrity, draw my sword against them, and
+should not doubt of seeing them in a short time heaped upon our fields.
+
+But, my lords, they are employed to ruin us by a more slow and silent
+method; they are directed to influence their relations in the senate,
+and to suborn the voters in our small towns; they are dispersed over the
+nation to instil dependence, and being enslaved themselves, willingly
+undertake the propagation of slavery.
+
+That the army is instrumental in extending the influence of the ministry
+to the senate, cannot be denied, when military preferments are held no
+longer than while he that possesses them gives a sanction, by his vote,
+to the measures of the court; when no degree of merit is sufficient to
+balance a single act of senatorial opposition, and when the nation is
+rather to be left to the defence of boys, than the minister be suspected
+of misconduct.
+
+Could either bravery or knowledge, reputation, or past services, known
+fidelity to his majesty, or the most conspicuous capacity for high
+trust, have secured any man in the enjoyment of his post, the noble duke
+who made the motion, had carried his command to his grave, nor had the
+nation now been deprived either of his arms, or of his counsels.
+
+But, as he has now offered his advice to his country, and supported his
+opinion with proofs from reason and experience, which even those who
+oppose them have confessed themselves unable to answer; as the justness
+of his reasoning, and the extent of his knowledge, have silenced those
+whose prejudices will not suffer them to own themselves convinced; let
+us not, my lords, reject what we cannot condemn, nor suffer our country
+to be defrauded of the advantage of this resolution, by that low
+senatorial craft, the previous question.
+
+Then the CHANCELLOR spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, I am far
+from suspecting that an open profession of my inability to examine the
+question before us, in its full extent, will be imputed to an
+affectation of modesty, since any knowledge of military affairs could
+not be acquired in those stations in which I have been placed, or by
+those studies, in which the greatest part of my life is known to have
+been spent.
+
+It will not be expected, my lords, that I should attempt a formal
+confutation of the noble duke's positions, or that I should be able to
+defend my own opinion against his knowledge and experience; nor would I,
+my lords, expose myself to the censure of having harangued upon war in
+the presence of Hannibal.
+
+The noble duke has explained his sentiments to your lordships with the
+utmost accuracy of method, and the most instructive perspicuity of
+language; he has enforced them with a strength of reasoning rarely to be
+found, and with an extent of knowledge peculiar to himself. Yet, my
+lords, as his arguments, however powerful in themselves, do not strike
+me with the same force with which others may be affected, who are more
+capable of receiving them, I hope that your lordships will allow me to
+mention such objections as occur to me, that in voting on this question
+I may, at least, preserve my conscience from violation, and neither
+adopt the opinion of another, however great, without examination, nor
+obstinately reject the means of conviction.
+
+Every lord who has spoken either in support of the noble duke's opinion,
+or in opposition to it, has confessed that he is very little acquainted
+with the subject of our debate; and it may not, therefore, be an
+improper or useless attempt, if I endeavour by objections, however
+injudicious, or by arguments, however inconclusive, to procure some
+illustration of a question so important, and, at the same time, so
+little understood.
+
+The objections, my lords, which I shall produce, are such as I have
+heard in conversation with those whose long acquaintance with military
+employments give them a just claim to authority in all questions which
+relate to the art of war; among whom I find no uniformity of opinion
+with regard to the most proper method of augmenting our forces. And, my
+lords, when we observe those to differ in their sentiments, whose
+education, experience, and opportunities of knowledge have been nearly
+the same, and who have all obtained a very great degree of reputation in
+their profession, what can be inferred, but that the question is in its
+own nature obscure and difficult? That it involves a multitude of
+relations, and is diffused through a great variety of circumstances?
+And that, therefore, it is prudent for every man, who can judge only
+upon the authority of others, to suspend his opinion?
+
+The chief argument, or that, at least, which impressed itself most
+strongly on my mind, against any innovation in our military
+constitution, was drawn from the success of our armies in their present
+form, with that proportion of soldiers and officers, which the present
+motion tends to abolish. Our forces, say the advocates for the present
+establishment, have afforded us a sufficient testimony of the propriety
+of their regulation, by their frequent victories over troops, whose
+discipline has been studied with the utmost vigilance, and which have
+been trained up to war with a degree of attention not disproportioned to
+the mighty design for which they were raised, the subjection of the
+world, and attainment of universal monarchy. These troops, who have been
+taught, almost from their infancy, that cowardice and flight are the
+greatest crimes, and persuaded, by national prejudices, and principles
+studiously instilled, that no foreign forces could withstand them, have
+fled before equal numbers of Britons, and been driven from one province
+to another, till, instead of grasping at general dominion, they were
+reduced to defend their wives and children.
+
+How much of this success was to be ascribed to that part of the
+regulation which this motion proposes to be changed, it is not, my
+lords, within my province to determine; the great commander whom I have
+the honour to oppose, can best explain to your lordships the province of
+every officer in the field, and how far the number of inferiour officers
+may influence the success of a battle and the fate of a kingdom.
+
+But to me, my lords, the establishment of our armies, comprising
+different views, and connecting various subordinate regulations, may be
+compared to a medicine composed of different ingredients, and found
+infallibly efficacious in a dangerous disease, in which, though some of
+the parts may seem to physicians of the profoundest learning,
+superfluous or improper, it would be no less than the folly of
+preferring experiments to life, to make any alteration.
+
+The wantonness of innovation, my lords, is a dangerous disease of the
+mind; in a private station, it prompts men to be always discontented
+with what they find, and to lose the enjoyment of good in search of
+something better; it incites them to leave the safe and beaten tracks of
+life, in search of those which they imagine nearer, but, which are, at
+best, less secure, and which generally lead them to points far different
+from that to which they originally intended to direct their course.
+
+It is dangerous, my lords, to admit any alteration which is not
+absolutely necessary, for one innovation makes way for another. The
+parts of a constitution, like a complicated machine, are fitted to each
+other, nor can one be changed without changing that which corresponds to
+it. This necessity is not always foreseen, but when discovered by
+experience is generally complied with; for every man is more inclined to
+hazard farther changes, than to confess himself mistaken by retracting
+his scheme. Thus, my lords, one change introduces another, till the
+original constitution is entirely destroyed.
+
+By the ambition of innovation, my lords, have almost all those empires
+been destroyed, of which nothing now is left but the memory. Every human
+establishment has its advantages and its inconveniencies, and by weak
+attempts to remedy these defects, which, notwithstanding the utmost
+attention, will embarrass the machine of government, alterations have
+been introduced which have been quickly followed by a total dissolution.
+
+There seem, my lords, to be few regulations on which it is more
+dangerous to make experiments than on that of the armies of a nation. We
+are sufficiently convinced how much of success is the consequence of
+courage, and that courage is only an opinion of our own superiority,
+arising from certain circumstances, either imaginary or real.
+
+The courage which at present animates our forces, arises, my lords, from
+a very proper ground, their former victories over the enemies which they
+are now to combat, and will, therefore, doubtless, continue while they
+can consider themselves as enjoying the same advantage with those
+particular men by whom the victories were obtained. But, my lords, if
+any essential part of their establishment be changed, they will be
+considered, both by themselves and their enemies, as a different army;
+they will then charge with less alacrity, and be opposed with less
+dejection; they will consider themselves as fighting without that
+certainty of success which arises from experience, and their enemies
+will resolve to try, by an obstinate resistance, whether they are now
+equally formidable as in their former state.
+
+Thus, my lords, I have attempted, however weakly, to represent the
+arguments which I have heard for the continuance of the establishment,
+of which your lordships will examine the validity, and shall now proceed
+to consider the noble duke's system of a military subordination in time
+of peace.
+
+Whether a standing army in time of peace is made necessary to the change
+of conduct in foreign courts, it is now useless to inquire; but it will
+be easily granted by your lordships, that no motive but necessity,
+necessity absolute and inevitable, ought to influence us to support a
+standing body of regular forces, which have always been accounted
+dangerous, and generally found destructive to a free people.
+
+The chief reason, my lords, of the danger arising from a standing army,
+may be ascribed to the circumstances by which men, subject to military
+laws, are distinguished from other members of the same community; they
+are, by the nature of martial government, exposed to punishment which
+other men never incur, and tried by forms of a different and more
+rigorous kind than those which are practised by the civil power. They
+are, if not exempted from the jurisdiction of a magistrate, yet subject
+to another authority which they see more frequently and more severely
+exerted, and which, therefore, they fear and reverence in a higher
+degree. They, by entering into the army, lay aside, for the most part,
+all prospect of advantage from commerce or civil employments, and, in a
+few years, neither fear nor hope any thing but from the favour or
+displeasure of their own officers.
+
+For these, my lords, or for other reasons, the soldiers have always been
+inclined to consider themselves as a body distinct from the rest of the
+community, and independent on it, a government regulated by their own
+laws, without regard to the general constitution of their country; they
+have, therefore, been ready to subvert the constitution, from which they
+received little advantage, and to oppress the civil magistrates, for
+whom they had lost their reverence.
+
+And how soon, my lords, might such outrages be expected from an army
+formed after the model of the noble duke, released from the common
+obligations of society, disunited from the bulk of the nation, directed
+solely by their own officers, and ultimately commanded by a man who had
+the right of commanding no other? Would they not soon consider
+themselves as a separate community, whose interests were, no less than
+their laws, peculiar to themselves? Would they not consider him, from
+whom they received all their rewards, and all their punishments, as the
+proper object of their supreme regard, and endeavour to exalt him to the
+same dominion over others, which he enjoyed in regard to themselves,
+that they might share in his superiority?
+
+A body of men, my lords, thus separated from the rest of the people,
+must consider themselves as either ennobled or degraded by such
+distinction, and would soon find themselves inclined to use the power of
+their arms, either in the exertion of their privileges, or the revenge
+of their disgrace. Then, my lords, would they set at defiance the laws
+of the nation, nor would one of these noble lords be able to disband,
+nor the other to resist them.
+
+The army, my lords, is, in time of peace, then best regulated when it is
+kept under the strictest subordination to the civil power, that power
+which it is instituted to protect and to preserve.
+
+Thus, my lords, have I examined the proposal and reasons of the noble
+duke, perhaps not much to the information of your lordships; but it
+cannot be expected that any capacity should be able, in an unexpected
+and sudden debate, to dispute on a subject, which the noble duke's
+education gave him particular opportunities of understanding far beyond
+almost every other man, and which he has had time to consider with
+respect to this present motion.
+
+For this reason, my lords, I cannot but think the previous question
+highly expedient, but not for this reason alone; for as the state of the
+army, and the proper methods of augmenting it, are soon to be examined
+by the other house, to prejudice their determinations, may raise a
+contest about privileges, and oblige us either to persist, for our own
+honour, in opposition to measures necessary to the security of the
+publick, or, in compliance with the present exigence, accept their
+scheme, however opposite to our own resolution.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke in substance as follows:--My lords, the known
+abilities of that noble lord incline me always to hear him with uncommon
+expectation and attention, which seldom fail to be rewarded by such
+pleasure and information as few other men are able to afford. But his
+observations on the question before us, my lords, have only convinced
+me, that the greatest abilities may be sometimes betrayed into errour,
+and the most candid disposition be vitiated by accidental prejudices.
+For his own arguments neither appear just, nor his representation
+impartial, of those advanced in favour of the motion.
+
+With regard to the number of officers necessary in time of war, his
+lordship asserted nothing from his own knowledge, nor do I believe that
+any other lord will imagine himself qualified to dispute with the noble
+duke upon questions purely military. His experience entitles him to the
+highest authority, in debates of this kind; and if every man has a claim
+to credit in his own profession, surely, he who has given evidence of
+his proficiency in the art of war in the eyes of the whole world, will
+not be denied, in this house, that superiority which would readily be
+allowed him in any other part of the universe.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can it be suspected, that he intends to deceive
+us, than that he can be deceived himself; for not only his probity, his
+love of his country, and his fidelity to the crown, concur to secure him
+from any temptations to make an ill use of his credit, but his own
+interest obliges him to offer that scheme for the regulation of our
+forces, which, in his own opinion, will most certainly contribute to
+their success. For it is not to be doubted, my lords, that when we shall
+be engaged in war too far for negotiations and conventions, when we
+shall be surrounded by enemies, and terrified at the near approach of
+danger, he will be called upon to lead our armies to battle, and attack,
+once more, those enemies that have fled so often before him.
+
+Then, my lords, if he has contributed to form a weak plan of our
+military constitution, must he atone for it with the loss of his
+reputation; that reputation, for which he has undergone so many
+fatigues, and been exposed to so many dangers.
+
+But, my lords, it is ridiculous to suspect where nothing appears to
+provoke suspicion, and I am very far from imagining that the dangers of
+innovation, however artfully magnified, or the apprehensions of the
+soldiers, however rhetorically represented, will be thought of any
+weight.
+
+The establishment of the army, my lords, is an innovation, and, as the
+noble lord has justly represented it, an innovation that threatens
+nothing less than the destruction of our liberties, and the dissolution
+of our government. Our vigilance ought, therefore, to be very anxiously
+employed in regulating this new part of our government, and adapting it,
+in such a manner, to the national constitution, that no detriment may
+arise from it, and that our civil rights may be protected, not
+oppressed, by the military power.
+
+To this purpose, says the noble lord, the soldiers are to be restrained
+by a due subordination to the magistrate, a position undoubtedly true,
+but now superfluously urged: for it was never controverted by the noble
+person whose opinion he intended to oppose.
+
+Should any man assert, my lords, that the army ought to be formed into a
+distinct and independent society, which should receive laws only from a
+council of war, and have no other governour than their officers, none
+should oppose such an assertion with more ardour or constancy than
+myself, but what was never advanced it is unnecessary to confute.
+
+Yet, my lords, to obviate those dangers from the army which have been so
+strongly and justly represented, it is necessary, not only that a legal
+subordination to the civil authority be firmly established, but that a
+personal dependence on the ministry be taken away.
+
+How readily men learn to reverence and obey those on whom their fortunes
+depend, has been already shown by the noble lord, and therefore it will
+follow, that a minister who distributes preferments at his pleasure, may
+acquire such an influence in the army, as may be employed to secure
+himself from justice by the destruction of liberty. And unless it can be
+proved, that no such minister can ever exist; that corruption, ambition,
+and perfidy, have place only in the military race; every argument that
+shows the danger of an army, dependent only on the general, will show
+the danger, likewise, of one dependent only on the minister.
+
+The influence of the minister, my lords, is known to arise from the
+number of the officers, and to be proportioned to the value of the
+preferment, which it is in his power to bestow; it is, therefore,
+evident, by adding new officers to our army, we shall throw weight into
+the scale, which already is, at least, an equal balance to our
+constitution, and enable the ministry either to employ an army in
+defence of their measures, or to obtain such an influence in the senate,
+as shall make any other security superfluous.
+
+Such, my lords, is the danger of a multitude of officers, a danger which
+surely deserves more attention than the imaginary prejudice of the
+soldiers in favour of the present establishment; a prejudice represented
+so powerful, both in our own forces, and those of our enemies, that the
+future success of our arms may probably depend upon it.
+
+Surely, my lords, that cause may be allowed indefensible, which such a
+patron defends so weakly. What can be more chimerical than to imagine
+that men would lay down their arms, and forsake their standards, because
+there are twenty more in a company than have formerly been? That such a
+panick, from such a cause, was never found, I need not prove; and I
+scarce think it necessary to assert, that, without supposing a universal
+depravity of reason, it never can be found.
+
+The establishment proposed by the noble duke, is the same with that of
+most foreign troops, and particularly with that of his majesty's forces
+in his foreign dominions, and, therefore, cannot but be approved by him,
+if it should be proposed by your lordships. For why should he imagine a
+greater number of officers necessary to the troops of Britain, than to
+those of any other nation.
+
+The expediency of the motion, my lords, is, in my opinion, so obvious
+and incontestable, as to require no farther consideration, and,
+therefore, it is no argument against it, that we were not previously
+informed of the question.
+
+Much less, my lords, can I discover the force of the assertion, that by
+such a resolution we shall excite the displeasure of the other house; we
+have, my lords, at least, an equal right with them to examine any
+position relating to the publick security, a right which we may exert
+with less danger of disgusting them, while they have yet formed no
+determination, and with less danger to the nation, than when their
+opinion, whatever it may be, cannot be controverted without retarding
+the important bill against mutiny.
+
+We are never offended, my lords, at receiving the opinions of the other
+house, which we often adopt without any alteration, and often make use
+of for our own instruction, and now are become so contemptible as that
+no regard should be paid by them to our resolutions.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that this assembly is an essential and
+constituent part of the legislature of this kingdom, and that we
+received from our ancestors a great extent of power, which it ought to
+be our care not to suffer to be contracted by degrees, till this
+assembly shall become merely formal, and sit only to ratify implicitly
+the determinations of the other house.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in the debate, and the president having put
+the previous question, "Whether the question should be then put?" upon a
+division, it passed in the negative. Content, 42. Not content, 59.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+
+RESPECTING OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY.
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day moved for an humble address to his majesty, that,
+for the future ease of his majesty's subjects, all officers now
+subsisting upon half-pay, etc. might be employed in the army, and
+supported it to the following effect:
+
+Sir, though I have often known motions opposed without any just
+objections, or at least without any proof of such inconveniencies likely
+to arise from them, as were equivalent to the advantages which they
+would have produced, yet I cannot but confess, that any opposition to
+this will be unexpected and surprising; for it is, in my opinion,
+supported by every law of justice and humanity. If we regard the publick
+in general, it cannot but produce some alleviation of the national
+expense; and if we consider the particular persons to whom it
+immediately relates, they have certainly a just claim to that regard
+which it is the tendency of this motion to procure them.
+
+To burden with superfluous officers, and unnecessary expenses, a people
+already overwhelmed with taxes, and overrun with the dependents on the
+crown, is, surely, to the highest degree cruel and absurd. And to
+condemn those men to contempt and penury, who have served their country
+with bravery and fidelity, to prefer unexperienced striplings to those
+commissions, which would gladly be accepted by men who have already
+tried their courage in the battle, and borne the fatigues of marches,
+and the change of climates, is surely not only to oppress the deserving,
+and scatter promotion without just distinction; but, what is yet more
+enormous, it is to wanton with the publick safety, and expose us to our
+enemies.
+
+Nor does it appear to me sufficient, that the veteran officers be
+restored to the commissions which they formerly enjoyed; they ought,
+upon an augmentation of our troops, to be recompensed by some
+advancement for their services and their sufferings; the ensign ought to
+become a lieutenant, and the lieutenant be exalted to a captain;
+stations which they will surely fill with more dignity and greater
+abilities, than boys newly discharged from school, and intrusted with
+unexpected authority.
+
+If it be reasonable, sir, that expense should be spared in a time of
+general poverty, if it be politick to carry on war in the manner most
+likely to produce success, if it be just, that those who have served
+their country should be preferred to those who have no merit to boast,
+this motion cannot be rejected.
+
+Sir William YONGE answered to this purpose:--Sir, to the motion now
+made, it will not, I believe, be objected, that it is unreasonable, or
+unjust, but that it is unnecessary, and that it is not drawn up with
+sufficient consideration.
+
+It is unnecessary, because his majesty is advised by it to no other
+measures than those which he has already determined to pursue; for he
+has declared to me, sir, his intention of conferring the new commissions
+upon the officers who receive half-pay, before any other officers shall
+be promoted.
+
+The motion appears to me not to be very attentively considered, or drawn
+up with great propriety of expression; for it supposes all the half-pay
+officers fit for the service, which cannot be imagined by any man, who
+considers that there has been peace for almost thirty years; a space of
+time, in which many vigorous constitutions must have declined, and many,
+who were once well qualified for command, must be disabled by the
+infirmities of age. Nor is the promotion of one of these gentlemen
+considered always by him as an act of favour; many of them have, in this
+long interval of peace, engaged in methods of life very little
+consistent with military employments, many of them have families which
+demand their care, and which they would not forsake for any advantages
+which a new commission could afford them, and therefore it would not be
+very consistent with humanity to force them into new dangers and
+fatigues which they are now unable to support.
+
+With regard to these men, compassion and kindness seem to require that
+they should be suffered to spend their few remaining days without
+interruption, and that the dangers and toils of their youth should be
+requited in their age with ease and retirement.
+
+There are others who have less claim to the regard of the publick, and
+who may be passed by in the distribution of new preferments without the
+imputation of neglecting merit. These are they who have voluntarily
+resigned their commissions for the sake of half-pay, and have preferred
+indolence and retreat to the service of their country.
+
+So that it appears, that of those who subsist upon half-pay, some are
+unable to execute a commission, some do not desire, and some do not
+deserve it; and with regard to the remaining part, which can be no great
+number, I have already stated the intention of his majesty, and
+therefore cannot but conclude that the motion is needless.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke as follows:--Sir, I know not by what fatality it is,
+that all the motions made by one party are reasonable and necessary, and
+all that are unhappily offered by the other, are discovered either to be
+needless, or of pernicious tendency. Whenever a question can be clouded
+and perplexed, the opponents of the ministry are always mistaken,
+confuted, and, in consequence of the confutations, defeated by the
+majority of votes. When truth is too notorious to be denied, and too
+obvious to be contested, the administration claim the honour of the
+first discovery, and will never own that they were incited to their duty
+by the remonstrances of their opponents, though they never, before those
+remonstrances, had discovered the least intention of performing it.
+
+But that the motion is allowed to be just and proper, is sufficient; the
+importance of it will be easily discovered. For my part I shall always
+consider that motion as important, which tends to contract the expenses
+of the publick, to rescue merit from neglect, and to hinder the increase
+of the dependents on the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE answered:--Sir, there is no temper more opposite to
+that incessant attention to the welfare of the publick, which is the
+perpetual boast of those who have signalized themselves by opposing the
+measures of the administration, than a lust of contradiction, and a
+disposition to disturb this assembly with superfluous debates.
+
+Whether this disposition is not discovered in the reply made to the
+declaration of his majesty's intentions, and the confession of the
+propriety of the motion, let the house determine. It must surely be
+confessed, that it is not necessary to advise what is already
+determined.
+
+Nor is it less evident, that many of the officers whose interest is now
+so warmly solicited, must be incapacitated by their age for service, and
+unable to receive any benefit from the offer of new commissions. To deny
+this, is to question the flux of time, or to imagine that the
+constitution of a soldier is exempt from its injuries.
+
+Mr. SANDYS explained himself to this effect:--Sir, I am far from
+intending by this motion to fill the army with decrepit officers, or to
+obstruct in any manner the service of the publick; nor have I any other
+intention, than to secure to those whose years permit, and whose
+inclinations incite them to enter once more into the army, that
+preferment to which they have a claim, not only from their past
+services, but from the state of penury and obscurity in which they have
+languished.
+
+I desire to preserve those, whose valour has heretofore made our nation
+the terrour of the world, from the mortification of seeing themselves
+insulted by childhood, and commanded by ignorance; by ignorance exalted
+to authority by the countenance of some rhetorician of the senate, or
+some mayor of a borough.
+
+Whoever has observed the late distribution of military honours, will
+easily discover that they have been attained by qualifications very
+different from bravery, or knowledge of the art of war; he will find
+that regiments and companies are the rewards of a seasonable vote, and
+that no man can preserve his post in the army, whether given him as the
+reward of acknowledged merit, or sold him for the full value, any longer
+than he employs all his influence in favour of the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then said:--Sir, it has been already admitted, that
+the motion can only be objected to as superfluous, and, therefore, all
+farther debate is mere waste of time, without any prospect of advantage;
+nor is any thing now necessary, but to review the motion, and correct
+such expressions as may be thought inaccurate or improper.
+
+That _all_ the half-pay officers are not able to enter into the service,
+has been already shown, and, therefore, I should imagine, that, instead
+of _all the officers_, we might very justly substitute _officers
+properly qualified_.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, though I cannot discover the necessity
+of any alteration, since it cannot be conceived that the senate can
+advise impossibilities, yet since so much accuracy is affected, it may
+be allowed that the word _all_ shall be left out, as seeming to imply
+more than can be intended.
+
+But the honourable gentleman is not, in my opinion, so happy in his
+amendment, as in his objection; for the words _properly qualified_
+convey to me no distinct idea. He that is qualified is, I suppose,
+_properly qualified_, for I never heard of _improper qualifications_;
+but if the word _properly_ be omitted, I have no objection to the
+amendment.
+
+This motion was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON AN ADDRESS FOR PAPERS RELATING TO ADMIRAL HADDOCK.]
+
+
+Mr. WALLER this day offered the following motion in writing, That an
+humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be graciously
+pleased to give directions that there may be laid before this house
+copies of two particular letters written by his majesty's secretary of
+state to admiral Haddock, which had been addressed for before, and of
+the letters received from admiral Ogle mentioned therein; together with
+all letters written by admiral Haddock to either of his majesty's
+secretaries of state, concerning the said letters, and the execution of
+the orders contained therein.
+
+This motion he supported by arguments to the following effect:--Sir, no
+man who considers the present situation of our foreign affairs, the
+expense and inefficacy of our military preparations, the appearance of
+negligence in our naval expeditions, and the general disappointment of
+the hopes which the nation had conceived of victories, vengeance, and
+reparations, can, in my opinion, doubt the expediency of the motion
+which I have taken the liberty to make.
+
+When the expectations of the nation are deceived, it certainly becomes
+those who are deputed to watch over the prosperity of the publick, to
+inquire whence the disappointment proceeds, and either to inform their
+constituents that their uneasiness arises from their own errour, and
+that their hopes are destroyed because they had no rational foundation;
+or to detect the weak management of those by whom the publick measures
+have been ill-conducted, or the national treasure has been misapplied.
+
+With regard, sir, to the present war, I know not how the nation can be
+charged with having formed unreasonable expectations. If they considered
+the speech from the throne, the most authentick declaration of the
+intentions of the government, they found there the warmest resentments
+of the injuries which they had sustained, and the strongest assurances
+of a vigorous prosecution of all those measures which might produce
+speedy recompense, and inviolable security.
+
+If they reflect, sir, on the preparations for war, on the multitude of
+ships, the demand of materials for naval equipments, and the high prices
+at which workmen were retained, they could not but imagine that either
+some mighty attempt was designed, or some formidable enemy dreaded, and
+as they know not whom they had to fear, they ascribed the vigour of our
+proceedings to a resolution of humbling our enemies by one fatal blow,
+and re-establishing our naval dominion by a single effort.
+
+And justly, sir, might they indulge this pleasing imagination; with
+reason might they anticipate a triumph over an enemy whose strength
+bears no proportion to the force that was fitted out against them, and
+expect that in a few months they should see the ambassadors of Spain
+supplicating for peace.
+
+To raise their expectations yet higher, their trade was suspended by an
+embargo, long continued, and in the strictest manner enforced, and the
+impresses were let loose upon the sailors; they saw nothing omitted,
+however grievous to the nation, that could contribute to make it
+formidable, and bore part of the miseries of war without impatience, in
+hopes of being rewarded by military glory, and repaid by the plunder of
+Spain.
+
+But, sir, when so long a time has elapsed, and no account is brought of
+either a victory or a battle, when they hear nothing but that our fleets
+have visited several neutral ports, and those of the enemy sailed
+unmolested from coast to coast, and when they are every day told of the
+losses of our merchants, are insulted in our own channel by the Spanish
+privateers, and receive no relations of our success upon the shores of
+our enemies, can it be wondered that they suspect the reality of our
+designs, or inquire whence it proceeds that their money has been wasted,
+their trade interrupted, and the liberty of their fellow-subjects
+invaded to no purpose?
+
+But how much more justly, sir, are they inflamed when they hear of the
+lucky stratagems, or daring enterprises of those enemies, which a just
+sense of their own superiority, had induced them to consider as
+vanquished before the battle, and of whom they had no apprehensions but
+that their cowardice would always secure them from vengeance? How
+justly may they murmur when they read, that our fleets leave every part
+of the enemy's coast where their presence is necessary, and have
+afforded the Spaniards an opportunity of changing one port for another,
+as it is most convenient, and at length of joining the French squadrons,
+and sailing to the defence of their American dominions?
+
+May they not justly, sir, require of their representatives some reason
+for such inexplicable conduct? May they not reasonably demand an account
+of the arguments which procured their approbation of measures, which, so
+far as they can be examined by those who have no opportunity of perusing
+the necessary papers, appear either cowardly or treacherous?
+
+And what answer, sir, can we return to such remonstrances, unless this
+motion be agreed to? How can we appease the discontents of our
+constituents, or discharge the trust reposed in us, without a very
+minute and attentive inquiry into questions thus obscure and thus
+important?
+
+Are we to tell our constituents, that we absolutely rely upon the
+prudence and fidelity of the ministry and admirals, and recommend to
+them the same implicit dependence? Are we to confess that we have now
+for two sessions voted in the dark, and approved what we were not
+suffered to examine and understand?
+
+Such answers, sir, to questions so reasonable, will not contribute to
+increase the veneration of the people either for ourselves, or our
+constitution; and yet this answer, and this only, they can receive from
+us, if the papers mentioned in the motion I have made are denied.
+
+Mr. CLUTTERBUCK replied in the following manner:--Sir, this motion,
+though so warmly urged, and so artfully supported, I can consider only
+as a repetition of a former motion which was approved by the assembly,
+so far as it could properly be complied with, nor was any paper then
+concealed which it would not have been an injury to the nation to have
+divulged.
+
+If the design of this motion be to promote the success of the present
+war, and the zeal with which it has been pressed, be incited only by the
+ardour of true patriotism, I doubt not but it will easily be withdrawn
+by those who are now most inclined to support it, when they shall
+reflect that it tends to the discovery of our schemes, and to the
+overthrow of our designs, that it will expose all our consultations to
+our enemies, and instruct them how to annoy us with most success, and
+how to shelter themselves from our intended attacks.
+
+It is the first care, sir, of every administration, that their military
+designs should only be discovered by the execution of them, and that
+their enemies, by being obliged to guard all parts, should be weak in
+all. If, by laying our papers before this house, the Spaniards should
+come to be informed against what part of their dominions our expeditions
+are designed, will they not increase their strength, improve their
+fortifications, and double their vigilance? And if we are thus obliged
+to form new schemes, must we not impute the defeat of the former to our
+own imprudent zeal, or unseasonable curiosity?
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to this effect:--Sir, that we should demand the schemes
+laid for the future conduct of the war with Spain was never proposed,
+nor, as it may reasonably be concluded, ever imagined; for what is
+mentioned in the motion but the papers relating to the transactions of
+the two last years.
+
+That it should be necessary to remind gentlemen of the difference
+between the _future_ and the _past_, would hardly be suspected by any
+man not accustomed to senatorial controversies and artifices of state;
+and yet in the argument which has been offered against the motion,
+nothing has been asserted but that the orders relating to past
+transactions are not to be laid before us, lest the enemy should thereby
+gain intelligence of what we now design against them.
+
+The necessity of secrecy in war needs not be urged, because it will not
+be denied; but when designs have been laid, and miscarried, the reasons
+of that miscarriage may surely be inquired, without danger of betraying
+the councils of our country.
+
+If the negligence of our councils, and the misconduct of our commanders,
+has been such, that no designs have been premeditated; if a war has been
+carried on by chance, and nothing has succeeded, because nothing has
+been attempted; if our commanders have not done ill, and have only done
+nothing; if they have avoided loss by avoiding danger; we may surely
+inquire to whom such proceedings are to be imputed, whether the defeat
+of our designs is to be charged upon the strength of our enemy, or the
+cowardice of our officers; or whether the inactivity and apparent
+neutrality of our forces is occasioned by the negligence of our
+admirals, or the irresolution of our own ministry.
+
+There have been, sir, many incidents in these two last years, of which
+the examination can be of very little advantage to the Spaniards. I do
+not know what pernicious intelligence they can glean from an inquiry
+into the reasons for which Haddock's fleet was divided, and Ogle sent to
+the defence of Minorca, or for which he afterwards returned.
+
+Nor can I conceive that any advantage, except that of merriment and
+diversion, can be thrown into the hands of our enemies, though we should
+seriously inquire into what no man has yet pretended to understand, the
+wonderful escape of the Spanish squadron. A transaction on which we had
+dwelt long enough with that admiration which ignorance produces, and on
+which it may not be improper at length to enable us to reason.
+
+This is an affair, perhaps, much better understood by our enemies than
+by ourselves, and surely we cannot, therefore, be afraid of informing
+them of it; at least since the fleet has long since sailed out, and left
+their coast, we can hardly be restrained in our inquiries by the fear of
+discovering our _future_ designs.
+
+If, therefore, it be the incontestable right of the senate to examine
+the conduct of publick affairs, which I suppose will scarcely be denied,
+this motion cannot be rejected as unseasonable, nor can the papers be
+refused, without increasing those suspicions which are already too
+prevalent throughout the nation.
+
+Nor, indeed, for our own sakes, ought we to delay this inquiry any
+longer, lest by having long acted without being accountable, the
+minister should form a prescription against our privilege, and, in time,
+tell us in plain terms that we are his slaves, and that we are not to
+presume to carry our examinations, however solemn and important they may
+continue to appear, farther than he shall be pleased to permit; and
+that, whatever may be the opinion of the people that deputes us, or,
+whatever ancient claims we may plead to authority, we are now to
+consider ourselves only as the oppressors of the nation, and the
+panegyrists of the court.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE next rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, it cannot be
+denied to be reasonable that all those papers should be laid before the
+senate, which can be communicated without injury to the publick. Of this
+number we may justly imagine the orders sent to the admirals, in which
+the time of their departure is fixed, and many others which may be of
+use to inform the house, but cannot enable the enemy to judge either of
+our force or our designs.
+
+But it is evident, that there must be others included in this motion,
+which our regard for the success of the war, and the prosperity of our
+country, ought to determine us to conceal, and such as are never exposed
+by any administration; it is, therefore, proper to limit the address to
+papers of a certain kind, or a certain date, which may be considered by
+the house without benefit to our enemies, and for the examination of
+which a day or two will be more than sufficient.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I know not what
+number of papers the wisdom of the administration will allow us, but, if
+we judge by the time proposed to be spent in examination, we shall not
+be distracted with a great diversity of subjects; intelligence will be
+very penuriously dealt out, and if we submit to their choice of the
+writings which shall be laid before us, our inquiry will probably end
+without any discoveries made either by our enemies or ourselves.
+
+But I hope, sir, we shall not be so cheaply satisfied, nor exposed by
+the fear of one enemy, to the insolence of another. I hope we shall
+resolutely continue our demands of information, while a single line is
+concealed, from which any light can be expected.
+
+There may, indeed, be circumstances in which our demands, however loud,
+will necessarily be vain. It is not impossible that we may suspect those
+transactions of deep art, and secret contrivance, which have been the
+consequences of mere indolence, and want of consideration. Our great
+ministers have been, perhaps, only doing nothing, while we have imagined
+that they were working out of sight.
+
+Misled, sir, by this notion, we may call for the orders that have been
+despatched in these two last years, when, perhaps, our secretaries of
+state have been fattening on their salaries without employment, and have
+slept without care, and without curiosity, while we have been
+congratulating ourselves upon their vigilance for our preservation.
+
+Or if orders have been given, it is to be considered, that the end of
+inspecting orders is to compare them with the conduct of the admirals to
+whom they were directed: from this comparison, I doubt not but many
+gentlemen expect uncommon discoveries; but to check all unreasonable
+hopes before they have taken possession of their hearts, for
+unreasonable hopes are the parent of disappointment, I think it proper
+to remind them, that to draw any conclusions from the orders, it is
+necessary to understand them.
+
+This consideration alone is sufficient to redress the ardour of inquiry,
+for every man that has had opportunities of knowing the wonderful
+accomplishments of our ministry, the depth of their designs, the
+subtilty of their stratagems, and the closeness of their reasoning, will
+easily conceive it probable that they might send such orders as none but
+themselves could understand; and what then will be the consequence of
+our idle curiosity, but that we be led into a labyrinth of endless
+conjectures? For we have long ago found that no explanations are to be
+expected, and that our ministry are too wise to discover their secrets
+to their enemies.
+
+Let us, therefore, examine the naked facts which have fallen within our
+observation, and endeavour to inform ourselves of the meaning of these
+secret orders by the execution of them.
+
+Admiral Ogle was despatched from Haddock's fleet to protect Minorca,
+and, in his absence, the Spanish squadron sailed away. Perhaps he was
+ordered to watch Ferrol and Minorca at the same time, and not
+understanding how that was to be done, neglected one part of his charge,
+by an attention to the other: as a watchman who should be employed to
+guard at once the bank in London, and the treasury in Westminster.
+
+Admiral NORRIS, sir, sailed lately forth, I suppose, in pursuance of
+orders, with a very formidable fleet, and after having lost sight for
+some days of the British coast, sailed back again with great
+precipitation. Whether his orders were only to sail forth, or whether,
+when he examined them farther, he could not understand them, I pretend
+not to determine; but it may reasonably be imagined that his orders were
+of the same kind with those of our other admirals, because they produced
+the same consequences.
+
+I have been told, that formerly our commanders were ordered to _burn_,
+_sink_, and _destroy_; and that in those times it was not uncommon for a
+British admiral to do much mischief with a strong fleet; but it is
+evident that the style is since changed, for our admirals are now very
+inoffensive, and go out only to come back. I, therefore, think the
+motion highly necessary, and such as ought to be complied with.
+
+Admiral NORRIS here rose up, and spoke thus:--Sir, I am not conscious
+that my conduct in any part of my life has exposed me to be justly
+treated with contempt and ridicule, and what I have not deserved I will
+not bear.
+
+If any gentleman in this house can accuse me of having neglected my
+duty, or deserted it, let him not spare insults or invectives, let him
+now expose my cowardice or my carelessness, let him prove me unworthy of
+trust or of command.
+
+But my own conscience acquits me, and I defy any man to produce and
+support his accusation; nor can you, sir, [Footnote: Addressing himself
+to Mr. PULTENEY.] who have thus contemptuously treated me, allege any
+thing against me that may justify your neglect of decency: that you have
+transgressed the rules of decency is the softest censure that your
+behaviour admits, and I think it may with equal propriety be asserted,
+that you have broken the laws of justice.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY replied in this manner:--Sir, I shall submit to you and all
+who hear me, whether I have treated the honourable gentleman's name with
+any contemptuous freedom of speech. The usual method of mentioning an
+expedition is that of naming the commander, who is not thereby
+necessarily included in the censure of an unsuccessful attempt, and I am
+very far from calling his courage and capacity into question.
+
+Not that I shall ever think it necessary to make an apology for
+expressing my sentiments with freedom as a member of this house, in
+which I shall always speak what I think, and in what manner it shall
+appear to me most proper, nor shall I fear to repeat without doors what
+I say here.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose up, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, as I
+am not acquainted with any measures pursued by the administration, which
+it is their particular interest to conceal, I am desirous that all
+papers should be laid before the house which will not afford our enemies
+any opportunity of obviating our designs.
+
+What necessity there is for this address I cannot, indeed, discover,
+because I know not any foundation for suspicion of either negligence or
+treachery, which have been both insinuated in this debate.
+
+Nor are the ministry, however ludicrously their abilities have been
+treated, afraid of discovering their ignorance, by laying before the
+house the orders which they have given to our admirals; orders of which
+they are far from doubting that they will appear, upon a candid
+examination, rational and proper.
+
+The chief objection to this motion arises from its unreasonableness, and
+the necessity which it will produce of assigning to a fruitless inquiry
+those hours that may be more usefully employed.
+
+Mr. PITT replied in terms to the effect following:--Sir, it is my
+opinion, that our time cannot be more usefully employed during a war,
+than in examining how it has been conducted, and settling the degree of
+confidence that may be reposed in those to whose care are intrusted our
+reputations, our fortunes, and our lives.
+
+There is not any inquiry, sir, of more importance than this; it is not a
+question about an uncertain privilege, or a law, which, if found
+inconvenient, may hereafter be repealed; we are now to examine whether
+it is probable that we shall preserve our commerce and our independence,
+or whether we are sinking into subjection to a foreign power.
+
+But this inquiry, sir, will produce no great information, if those,
+whose conduct is examined, are allowed to select the evidence. For what
+accounts will they exhibit but such as have often already been laid
+before us, and such as they now offer without concern: accounts obscure
+and fallacious, imperfect and confused, from which nothing can be
+learned, and which can never entitle the minister to praise, though they
+may screen him from punishment.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke as follows:--Sir, I am confident that no man engaged in
+the administration desires to be _screened_ from the most rigorous
+inquiry, or would defer to exhibit the papers a moment for any other
+reason than his regard for the publick.
+
+I am confident, that nothing could so much contribute to advance the
+particular and distinct interest of the ministry as the publication of
+all the writings that relate to the present war, by which it would
+incontestably appear that nothing has been omitted that could promote
+our success, that our commanders have been sent out with orders to act
+with the utmost vigour, and that our preparations have been not
+disproportioned to the importance of our design.
+
+It will appear that no former ministry have given greater proofs of
+their zeal for the publick interest, or have more steadily pursued the
+most proper measures by which it might be advanced.
+
+I am not, indeed, certain that those who now call so loudly for
+information would be prevailed on by any degree of evidence to suspend
+their censures. Them, who are now dissatisfied, I shall despair of
+influencing by reason or testimony; for they seem to inquire only to
+condemn; nor is this motion, perhaps, made so much for the sake of
+obtaining information, as of harassing the ministry with delays, and
+suspending affairs of greater importance.
+
+This motion was agreed to, and upon another motion made by Mr. SANDYS,
+it was resolved,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons sent by admiral Cavendish, in pursuance
+of an order from the commissioners of the admiralty, which had retarded
+the sailing of admiral Ogle's squadron, so much beyond expectation."
+
+Likewise,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons transmitted by admiral Ogle, that did
+prevent him from sailing, pursuant to his repeated orders for that
+purpose, and particularly to those sent him by the commissioners of the
+admiralty."
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE REGARDING THE DEPARTURE OF THE FRENCH AND SPANISH SQUADRONS.]
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day presented a motion in writing, for petitioning his
+majesty to inform them when the regency received intelligence that the
+French and Spanish squadrons sailed, which was seconded, as follows, by
+Mr. WALLER:--
+
+Sir, the information now moved for, appears to me so necessary in their
+deliberations on the conduct of the war, that without it we can only
+conjecture in the dark, and entangle ourselves in an inextricable
+labyrinth.
+
+It is well known, that in war all motions are, in a great degree, to be
+regulated by those of the enemy, and that, therefore, no vigilance is to
+be spared by which any knowledge can be gained of their designs, nor any
+methods omitted of communicating them to those who have the direction of
+the war.
+
+A ministry may, in conducting military operations, disappoint the
+expectations of their country, either by neglecting to procure
+intelligence, or by failing to make use of those opportunities which
+seasonable information puts into their power, and they may, when their
+designs fail of success, justify themselves, by proving that they were
+deceived by intelligence which it was reasonable to believe, or that
+better intelligence was not attainable, or that they made use, however
+unsuccessfully, of all the forces that could then be employed, and of
+all the advantages that were then in their possession.
+
+But how shall we judge of our administration, how shall we know what
+confidence we ought to repose in their prudence and fidelity, and what
+miscarriages are to be attributed to the chance of war or superiour
+force of our enemies, if we cannot be informed with what diligence they
+endeavour at information, and how early they have notice of the motions
+of the enemy?
+
+The sailing, or rather escape of the Ferrol squadron, and departure of
+the French fleet, are the most important events of the present war;
+events that threaten very dangerous consequences, no less than descents
+upon our American colonies, the conquest of our dominions, the slavery
+of our fellow-subjects, and perhaps the destruction of the brave Vernon,
+who is secure in the imagined vigilance of the other commanders, and
+may, perhaps, in a few days see himself surrounded by formidable
+squadrons of different nations, and exposed to the attack of forces to
+which his little fleet bears no proportion.
+
+Nothing appears more evident, than that we had opportunities of
+observing, at least, all the preparations of the French, and of watching
+the moment of their departure, and that our force on the coast of Spain
+was sufficient to have confined their fleets for ever in their harbours,
+or to have destroyed them at their first entrance into the open seas, of
+which we may justly inquire, why it was not attempted, but shall inquire
+to no purpose till we know when they departed, that we may consider the
+state of our own forces, and whether our enemies escaped by our
+negligence, cowardice, or weakness.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, that we
+cannot deliberate upon subjects which we do not understand, and that,
+therefore, no necessary or useful information ought to be denied to the
+house, I shall readily admit; but must observe, at the same time, that
+the reputation of the house would be very little consulted, in demanding
+information which cannot be given.
+
+To address his majesty to inform us of the time at which the squadrons
+of our enemies sailed, is to inquire of him what it ought to be the
+highest care of those princes to conceal from him, and which he can only
+know by having spies in their privy councils.
+
+And of what importance is it to inquire what intelligence was brought
+him, or when he received it, if it appears that his intelligence must be
+in its own nature uncertain and dubitable?
+
+That they have left their ports is now certain, because they have been
+twice discovered in different parts of the world; but, as we can now
+only form conjectures on their designs and courses, so, before they
+sailed, it was impossible to know when they were fully equipped, or what
+time was fixed for their departure. It is to be remembered, that they
+form their measures, and make their preparations in their own dominions,
+and therefore, have more advantages of concealing their schemes than we
+of discovering them.
+
+Mr. Advocate CAMPBELL then spoke thus:--Sir, this motion, which has been
+represented as unreasonable and absurd, is, in my opinion, not only
+proper, but important.
+
+It is important, because it will enable us to judge, upon sufficient
+foundations, of the conduct of the ministry, who are censured by the
+voice of the nation, for having been either defective in vigilance or in
+activity, for having been either ignorant by their own fault of the
+designs of the enemy, or perfidiously passive in permitting the
+execution of them.
+
+I am far from believing that such intelligence as our ministry is
+expected to procure, requires any uncommon subtilty, or any other agents
+than are always employed by every minister, to transmit to them
+informations from foreign courts. Such, I am afraid, are always hovering
+about our consultations, and I know not why our ministers should be less
+diligent or less successful than those of other princes.
+
+If, therefore, such intelligence might have been obtained, it was
+criminal not to obtain it; and if the departure of the Spanish squadron
+was foreseen, it ought to be inquired, why it was not prevented; and if
+it was only known when it was too late to hinder it from sailing, why it
+was not pursued, or why succours were not immediately despatched to
+admiral Vernon.
+
+All these questions can only be resolved, in consequence of the
+information which his majesty shall give us; and for which it is,
+therefore, in my opinion, necessary to petition.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, how the regency
+could be informed of the intention of the Spaniards to leave their ports
+till it appeared by their departure, or by what means it can be expected
+that his majesty should be now acquainted with their particular course,
+or farther designs, I confess myself unable to conceive.
+
+With regard, sir, to the intelligence transmitted from foreign courts by
+agents and spies, a little consideration will easily discover that it is
+not to be trusted. For what can be generally expected from them, but
+that they should catch flying reports, or by chance intercept uncertain
+whispers, that they should inquire timorously, and, therefore, for the
+greatest part, of those from whom no satisfactory accounts can be
+received, and that they should often endeavour to deserve their salaries
+by such information as is rather pleasing than true.
+
+All the knowledge that can be obtained of an enemy's designs, must arise
+from a diligent comparison of one circumstance with another, and from a
+general view of his force, his interest, and his opportunities. And that
+such conjectures will be often erroneous, needs not be told.
+
+Probability, therefore, is, in such inquiries, all that can be attained,
+and he that sits idle in the time of war, expecting certain
+intelligence, will see his enemies enjoying the advantages of his folly,
+and laying hold on a thousand opportunities which he has neglected to
+improve.
+
+The war in which we are now engaged, has been carried on by the
+administration with the utmost diligence and vigour; nor have any
+measures been omitted that could probably produce success, and the
+success of the wisest measures is only probable.
+
+Should the great admiral, who is now present in the house, have met the
+French and Spaniards in the open seas, by what art could he arrive at a
+certain knowledge of their designs? He might by his acquaintance with
+the situation and state of neighbouring countries, the observation of
+their course, the periods of particular winds, and other hints of
+observation, form probable conjectures, but could never reach to
+certainty or confidence.
+
+It seems to me, therefore, highly improper, to petition his majesty for
+intelligence which he cannot be imagined to have received, and I cannot
+agree to any motion for that purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then made another motion, to address his majesty, that there
+may be laid before the house copies of all letters received from, or
+written to, admiral Vernon since his going to the West Indies. Which
+being seconded,
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, this motion, if the intention of
+it be limited by proper restrictions, is doubtless reasonable and just;
+for the right of this house to examine into the conduct of publick
+affairs, and, consequently, for calling for the papers necessary to
+enlighten their inquiries, is not to be disputed.
+
+But, as the end of all such inquiries is the promotion of the publick
+welfare, so they are not to be made in a manner by which that end may be
+defeated. Papers are not to be demanded, which cannot be produced
+without discovering our own secrets, and acquainting our enemies either
+with that weakness which we ought carefully to conceal, or that force
+which will be most effectually employed if it is not known, and,
+therefore, no preparations are made to oppose it.
+
+It cannot be imagined, but that many of the papers which have passed
+between the admiralty and the commander in America, contain plans for
+the prosecution of the war, observations on the conditions of our own
+colonies, and, perhaps, intelligence of the estate of the Spanish
+fortresses and towns. Many informations of the utmost consequence to our
+enemies may be collected from those papers, but nothing can be expected
+from them, that will enable us to prosecute a senatorial inquiry with
+more success, that will put it in our power to discover frauds,
+negligence, or treachery.
+
+There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
+without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
+ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
+stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
+are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
+restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
+engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
+propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
+supply of ships, marines, or land forces."
+
+The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.
+
+
+The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
+the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
+and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
+occasioned the following debate:
+
+Lord CARTERET began in this manner:--My lords, as the motion which I am
+about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
+consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
+prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
+it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
+without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
+by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
+it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
+suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
+private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
+abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
+the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
+and, generally, to be obeyed.
+
+To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
+who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
+executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
+And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
+either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
+with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
+general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
+combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
+privilege of your lordships, is too evident to be doubted.
+
+How often this privilege has been exerted by this house, and how often
+it has rescued our country from oppression, insolence, and rapine; how
+often our constitution has been reanimated, and impending ruin been
+averted by it, a superficial acquaintance with history may inform us.
+And we are now called upon by the universal cry of the nation, and urged
+by the perplexed and uncertain state of our foreign affairs, and
+declension of our wealth, and attacks upon our liberties at home, to
+recollect these precedents of magnanimity and justice, and to make
+another effort for the relief of our country.
+
+This house, my lords, has proceeded against ministers, whose conduct
+they disapproved, by methods of greater or less severity, according to
+the necessity of affairs, or the supposed malignity of the crimes
+alleged against them; and, therefore, have sometimes thought it
+necessary to deter posterity from imitating them by rigorous censures,
+and exemplary punishments, and sometimes have thought it sufficient to
+set the nation free from its distresses, without inflicting any
+penalties on those by whose misconduct they imagined them produced.
+
+What were the more violent and vindictive methods of proceeding, it is
+not necessary, with regard to this motion, to examine; since I shall
+only propose, that we should, in imitation of our predecessors, in cases
+of this nature, humbly address his majesty to remove the minister from
+his presence and councils.
+
+Nothing, my lords, can be more moderate or tender than such an address,
+by which no punishment is inflicted, nor any forfeiture exacted. The
+minister, if he be innocent, if his misconduct be only the consequence
+of his ignorance or incapacity, may lay down in peace an office for
+which nature has not designed him, enjoy the vast profits of long
+employment in tranquillity, and escape the resentment of an unhappy
+people; who, when irritated to the highest degree, by a continuation of
+the same miscarriages, may, perhaps, in the heat of a more malevolent
+prosecution, not sufficiently distinguish between inability and guilt.
+
+Those, therefore, among your lordships, that think him honest but
+mistaken, must willingly agree to a motion like this, as the best
+expedient to appease the people without the ruin of the minister. For
+surely no man who has read the history, or is acquainted with the temper
+of this nation, can expect that the people will always bear to see
+honours, favours, and preferments, distributed by the direction of one
+universally suspected of corruption, and arbitrary measures; or will
+look only with silent envy upon the affluence of those whom they believe
+to be made great by fraud and plunder, swelled to insolence by the
+prosperity of guilt, and advanced to wealth and luxury by publick
+miseries.
+
+Such of your lordships who join with the people in ascribing our present
+unhappy state not to the errours, but to the crimes of the minister, and
+who, therefore, think a bare removal not sufficient to satisfy the
+demands of justice, must, doubtless, give their consent to the motion,
+for the sake of obtaining proper evidence of his wickedness, which
+cannot be expected while he stands exalted in prosperity, and
+distributes the riches of the nation, and the gifts of his sovereign at
+his own choice; while he is in possession of every motive that can
+influence the mind, enforce secrecy, and confirm fidelity; while he can
+bribe the avaricious, and intimidate the fearful; while he can increase
+the gratification of luxury, and enlarge the prospects of ambition. For,
+my lords, if it be considered from whom this evidence must be drawn, it
+will soon appear that no very important discoveries can be made, but by
+those whom he has intrusted with his secrets, men whose disregard of
+virtue recommended them to his favour, and who, as they are moved only
+by interest, will continue faithful while they can hope for recompense;
+but may, perhaps, be willing to buy their own security by sacrificing
+their master, when they shall see no farther prospect of advantage from
+serving him, or any other method of escaping punishment.
+
+But, my lords, all must allow this motion to be reasonable, whatever
+they think of the minister's conduct, who are of opinion that a free
+people have a right of complaining when they feel oppression, and of
+addressing the crown to remove a minister that has incurred their
+universal detestation. That such is the condition of the present
+minister, I believe, will scarcely be denied, or may be discovered by
+those who find themselves inclined to doubt it, by asking any man whom
+they shall accidentally meet, what are his sentiments on the situation
+of national affairs, and of the hands by which they are administered.
+What answer he will receive is well known to most of your lordships. Let
+him not be satisfied with a single suffrage, let him repeat the question
+to ten thousand persons, different in their ages, their conditions, and
+religious opinions, in every thing that produces contrariety of
+dispositions and affections, he will yet find them unanimous in
+complaining of publick misconduct, and in censuring one gentleman as the
+author of it.
+
+Let us not imagine, my lords, that these accusations and murmurs are
+confined to the lowest class of the people, to men whose constant
+attention to more immediate distresses, hinder them from making
+excursions beyond their own employments. For though, perhaps, it might
+be made evident from the accounts of past times, that no general
+dissatisfaction, even among men of this rank, was ever groundless;
+though it might be urged that those who see little can only clamour,
+because they feel themselves oppressed; and though it might not
+unseasonably be hinted that they are at least formidable for their
+numbers, and have, sometimes, executed that justice which they had not
+interest to procure, and trampled upon that insolence that has dared to
+defy them; yet I shall not insist upon such motives, because it is
+notorious that discontent is epidemical in all ranks, and that condition
+and observation are far from appeasing it.
+
+Whether the discontent, thus general, is groundless, whether it is
+raised only by the false insinuations of the disappointed, and the
+wicked arts of the envious, whether it is, in exception to all the
+maxims of government, the first dislike of an administration that ever
+overspread a nation without just reasons, deserves to be inquired into.
+
+In this inquiry, my lords, it will be necessary to consider not only the
+state of domestick affairs, increase or diminution of our debts, the
+security or violation of our liberties, the freedom or dependence of our
+senates, and the prosperity or declension of our trade, but to examine
+the state of this nation, with regard to foreign powers; to inquire,
+whether we are equally feared and equally trusted now as in former
+administrations; whether our alliances have contributed to secure us
+from our inveterate and habitual enemies, or to expose us to them;
+whether the balance of Europe be still in our hands; and whether, during
+this long interval of peace, our power has increased in the same
+proportion with that of our neighbours. France, my lords, is the
+constant and hereditary enemy of Britons, so much divided from her in
+religion, government, and interest, that they cannot both be prosperous
+together; as the influence of one rises, that of the other must, by
+consequence, decline. Alliances may form a temporal show of friendship,
+but it cannot continue; for their situation produces a natural
+rivalship, which every accidental circumstance has contributed to
+increase. Long wars, for many reigns after the conquest, established a
+radical and insuperable hatred between us, nor did those wars cease till
+the reformation produced new occasions of jealousy and aversion. France
+was, by these reasons, obliged for many ages to employ all her influence
+and policy in strengthening herself against us, by treaties and
+alliances; and in our times, has given us a new reason for jealousy by
+extending her commerce, and improving her manufactures.
+
+It has been, therefore, my lords, the settled principle of every wise
+administration, of every Briton, whose opinions were not regulated by
+some other motives than those of reason, to attend, with the highest
+degree of vigilance, to all the designs of the French, and oppose, with
+incessant diligence, every attempt to increase their force, or extend
+their influence, and to check their conquests, obstruct their alliances,
+and forestal their trade.
+
+For this great end it has been our constant endeavour to support the
+Austrian family, whose large dominions and numerous forces make a
+counterbalance on the continent to the power of France. For this end we
+entered into a long war, of which we still languish under the
+consequences, squandered the lives of our countrymen, and mortgaged the
+possessions of our posterity. For failing in the prosecution of this
+purpose, for leaving France too formidable, and neglecting the interests
+of the emperour, was the treaty of Utrecht censured, and the authors of
+it prosecuted by the present minister; but how much he has improved the
+errours of his predecessors to his own advantage, how diligent he has
+been to rectify the miscarriages of their conduct, and supply the
+defect, I shall endeavour to explain.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that during the regency of the duke of
+Orleans, we had nothing to apprehend from French machinations; his
+interest, a tie which that nation is seldom found to break, held him
+steady to his engagements with us; nor is it less known how much he
+distrusted Spain, and how little, by consequence, he favoured her. We
+had, at that time, no necessity of anxiously attending to every whisper
+of the French court, which was sufficiently engaged in regulating their
+domestick affairs, and repairing the ruins of a destructive war; but, my
+lords, we ought to observe, that it had been happy for us had our
+minister laboured with equal address at the same employment.
+
+After the death of this duke, the affairs of France were restored to
+their former situation, her old schemes were revived, her ancient
+alliances cultivated, and her general interest pursued. Spain was again
+considered as the power which had the same views with her, and which
+could never rival, but might always assist her.
+
+This alliance, my lords, was intended to have been unalterably confirmed
+by a marriage, but as no human policy can form measures certain of
+success, an irreconcilable hatred was nearly produced by the measure
+intended to confirm a settled and indissoluble friendship. The infanta
+was sent back after her arrival in France, an affront which no nation
+would soon have forgot, but which the general character and habitual
+sentiments of the Spaniards inclined them to resent beyond any other
+people. To any one acquainted with their character in this respect, it
+will readily appear, that no other insult or injury could so sensibly
+affect them, or excite so eager a desire of revenge, This, my lords, the
+sagacity of our minister should have discovered, this opportunity should
+have been improved with the utmost care, by which Spain and France might
+possibly have been disunited for ages, and Britain have gained such
+advantages as would have made her the sole arbitress of Europe.
+
+The Spaniards were not deficient on their side, nor did they neglect to
+court our friendship, but gave us the highest proof of their confidence
+by offering us the sole mediation of their differences with the emperour
+of Germany: but at this time it was, that the gentleman whose conduct I
+am examining, obtained the chief influence in our councils, and by his
+peculiar penetration discovered, that nothing was to be done which might
+give the least offence to the French. We, therefore, refused to mediate,
+unless French ministers might be associated with ours, which the
+Spaniards had too much spirit to consent to.
+
+Thus, my lords, was neglected the first opportunity of forming against
+the French an alliance by which they might have been awed in all their
+designs, and by which the peace of Europe might have been long
+preserved.
+
+The Spaniards, finding that we would not undertake to reconcile their
+differences with the emperour of Germany, and continuing their
+abhorrence of French mediators, concluded, without the intervention of
+any other power, a treaty both of peace and alliance with his imperial
+majesty.
+
+This, my lords, was the famous treaty of Vienna, the source of so many
+projects and expedients, of so much terrour and solicitude, of such
+immense expenses, and perplexed negotiations. This treaty, a paper
+innocent and well-meaning, which related only to the contracting
+parties, kept, for some time, this nation in alarms, in apprehensions of
+conspiracies, and expectations of invasions.
+
+To this treaty, had we singly regarded our own affairs, without applying
+to France for instructions, we ought to have acceded, by which we should
+have divided the interest of the house of Bourbon, broken the
+combination of these pontifical powers, and, by improving one lucky
+incident, obtained what our arms and our politicks had never, hitherto,
+been able to accomplish.
+
+But the French, sensible of their danger, and well acquainted with our
+minister, contrived an expedient which, indeed, would not often have
+succeeded, but which was so well adapted to the intellects of this
+gentleman, that it extricated them from all their difficulties.
+
+They told us, my lords, and, what is yet more wonderful, they prevailed
+upon us to believe, that in this dreadful treaty of Vienna, it was
+stipulated between the German emperour and Spain, that they should
+employ their joint forces against Britain, that they should exalt the
+pretender to the throne, take immediate possession of Gibraltar, and,
+without mercy, debar us for ever from our trade both in Spain and in the
+Western Indies. This his late majesty was advised to assert in his
+speech from the throne, which I desire may be read.
+
+Of which the following clauses were read:
+
+"My lords and gentlemen,
+
+"The distressed condition of some of our religious brethren abroad, and
+the negotiations and engagements entered into by some foreign powers,
+which seem to have laid the foundation of new troubles and disturbances
+in Europe, and to threaten my subjects with the loss of several of the
+most advantageous branches of their trade, obliged me, without any loss
+of time, to concert with other powers such measures as might give a
+check to the ambitious views of those who are endeavouring to render
+themselves formidable, and put a stop to the farther progress of such
+dangerous designs. For these ends I have entered into a defensive
+alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
+other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
+and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
+treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.
+
+"By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
+shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
+many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
+most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
+of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.
+
+"It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
+hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
+offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
+already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
+whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
+promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
+notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
+received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
+the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
+any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
+abortive.
+
+"When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
+nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
+happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
+us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
+circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
+strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
+desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
+against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
+measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
+preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
+prosperity."
+
+Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
+religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
+reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
+resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
+promised to shelter them from the storm?
+
+There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
+such a representation, would have considered, that Britain was an
+island, that the pretender could not be forced upon us without an army,
+and that an army could not be transported without ships, that the
+emperour of Germany had neither navies nor ports, that Gibraltar might
+be easily supplied with every thing requisite for its defence, and that
+any attempt made by Spain to injure our trade, might easily be punished
+by intercepting their Plate fleets.
+
+They would then have considered whether attempts so improbable, and
+stipulations so absurd and ridiculous, ought to be credited upon the
+information of an ambassadour's secretary, who, as he proposed to reveal
+his master's secrets for a bribe, might as probably take another reward
+for imposing upon those whom he pretended to inform. Those, therefore,
+who advised his majesty to assert to the senate what they knew from no
+better authority, those whose daring insolence could make their
+sovereign instrumental in alarming the people with false terrours, and
+oppressing them with unnecessary burdens, well deserve to feel a
+senatorial censure.
+
+But our ministers, my lords, were too much frighted to make such
+reflections: they imagined that destruction was hanging over us, and, in
+a dread of arbitrary government, oppression, and persecution, concluded
+at Hanover a treaty with the French.
+
+Thus the French gained our confidence, and raised in us a distrust of
+both the powers with whom it was our interest to be united: but the
+alliance of the emperour of Germany with Spain made them still uneasy;
+and, therefore, they determined, once more, to make our credulity
+instrumental in procuring a reconciliation between them and the
+Spaniards.
+
+To effect this, they kindly gave us intelligence, that when the
+Spaniards should receive their treasures from the Western Indies, they
+designed to employ it in favour of the pretender, and that, therefore,
+it was necessary to intercept it. This advice was thankfully listened
+to, a fleet was fitted out, and thousands were sacrificed without any
+advantage; for the French not only forbore to assist us in the
+expedition, but forbade us to seize the treasure when we had found it.
+
+The Spaniards, apprehending themselves attacked, omitted no opportunity
+of showing their resentment; they seized our ships, and laid siege to
+Gibraltar, while our new allies looked quietly on, and expected the
+event of their own scheme, which was far from being defeated by our
+policy; for the Spaniards, finding the return of their American revenues
+insuperably obstructed, and knowing that the emperour of Germany, that
+emperour who was to invade Britain, had not any power even to assist
+them, were obliged to have recourse to the nation which they then hated,
+and to forgive the past affront, that they might obtain their good
+offices in this exigence.
+
+But, my lords, it was not sufficient for the designs of the French, that
+they had recovered their ancient allies the Spaniards, unless they could
+disunite them from the emperour of Germany: this it was, likewise, our
+interest to prevent, and yet this, likewise, we enabled them to effect;
+for they prevailed upon us to promise, in our stipulations with the
+Spaniards, what they had not the least claim to demand, that Spain,
+instead of neutral troops, should be introduced into Italy, to secure
+certain successions there to a son of the queen of Spain.
+
+With what reluctance the emperour of Germany would consent to see troops
+placed in the provinces bordering upon his dominions, which would
+certainly, on the first occasion, be employed to invade them, it was
+easy to foresee, and with what degree of good-will he would regard those
+by whom they were introduced; yet, my lords, such was the influence of
+France, and so ardent our desire of diverting Spain from setting the
+pretender upon the throne of Britain, that we complied at all events,
+without any prospect or promise of advantage.
+
+Thus were the Spaniards, by being persuaded to make this demand, and we,
+by granting it, brought equally to ill terms with the emperour of
+Germany; and France was, by procuring such agreeable conditions to the
+Spaniards, again considered as their most useful ally.
+
+That nation, my lords, is in a very unhappy state, which is reduced to
+admit such terms as mediators are pleased to prescribe. We durst not
+refuse the introduction of Spanish troops, nor durst we introduce them
+without the emperour of Germany's consent, which, however, he granted at
+an easy rate, for he demanded only that we should become guarantees of
+the Pragmatick sanction. This we gladly agreed to, and thought ourselves
+so happy in purchasing, so cheaply, an opportunity of ingratiating
+ourselves with Spain, that we desired no other recompense.
+
+This treaty with the emperour of Germany, was, however, by no means
+improper, nor could we, after the errours which had been committed, do
+any thing more effectual to preserve the balance of Europe, and
+reestablish our credit.
+
+But, my lords, this only treaty, which it was for our interest to make,
+seems to have been made without any intention of observing it; for about
+this time all the northern powers were alarmed by the approaching
+election of Poland, and every nation that had any thing either to hope
+or fear from the event of it, endeavoured to influence it.
+
+How this election was determined, my lords, and by what means, it is
+unnecessary to relate; but it may not be improper to remark, that
+whatever cause we may have to congratulate ourselves upon the choice, it
+does not appear that we had any part in promoting it. Nay, as it is not
+common for ministers to keep the best part of their conduct secret,
+there is reason for suspecting that they were not altogether without
+foundation reported to have favoured France.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sensible of his own interest, promoted the
+election with vigour and resolution, proportioned to the greatness of
+the danger that might have arisen from neglecting it. By this conduct he
+drew upon himself the resentment of the French, who had now a pretence
+for taking measures which might effectually reunite them to Spain, and,
+as the event showed, alienate us from the emperour, and, therefore, in
+vindication of the claim of Stanislaus, declared war upon Germany, in
+conjunction with Spain.
+
+Now, my lords, the emperour learned to set the true value upon his
+alliance with Britain, and all Europe had an opportunity of remarking
+our spirit, our power, and our vigilance. The troops which we prevailed
+upon his imperial majesty to admit into Italy, were now drawn out of the
+garrisons against him, his dominions were attacked on each side, by
+formidable enemies, and his British allies looked with tranquillity and
+unconcern upon the difficulties into which they had betrayed him. The
+liberties of Europe were endangered by a new combination of the houses
+of Bourbon; and Britain, the great protectress of the rights of mankind,
+the great arbitress of the balance of power, either neglected or feared
+to interpose.
+
+Of the event of the war, my lords, I need only observe, that it added
+new strength to France, and contributed to such an union between her and
+Spain, as the most artful politician cannot hope to dissolve.
+
+Thus, my lords, whether by negligence, ignorance, cowardice, or
+treachery, it is not easy to determine, we were made the instruments of
+the French policy. Thus was that power enabled by our assistance to
+retrieve all that she had lost by the ill success of her arms, and by
+her indecent and contemptuous treatment of Spain. Thus was the German
+emperour dispirited and weakened; thus were we deprived at once of our
+allies and our reputation.
+
+Our loss of reputation, the greatest loss that bad measures can bring
+upon a nation, is made evident beyond controversy, by the insolence with
+which the Spaniards have treated us while we were flattering, enriching,
+and supporting them. While we were fitting out squadrons to convey their
+princes to Italy, and increasing their dominions at our own expense,
+they seem to have considered our good offices, not as the benefits of
+friends, but the drudgery of slaves, and, therefore, could scarcely
+refrain from insults while they employed us, at least when they no
+longer wanted our immediate assistance. They renewed their contempt and
+cruelty, their robberies and oppressions; they prescribed laws to our
+navigation, and laid claim to our colonies.
+
+To these ravages and injuries what did we oppose? What but humble
+intreaties, pacifick negotiations, and idle remonstrances? Instead of
+asserting our just claims, and incontestable possessions, instead of
+preventing war by threatening it, and securing ourselves from a second
+injury by punishing the first, we amused ourselves with inquiries,
+demands, representations, and disputes, till we became the jest of that
+nation which it was in our power to distress, by intercepting their
+treasure, and to reduce to terms almost without bloodshed.
+
+Thus, my lords, did we proceed, new questions ever arose, and the
+controversy became more intricate; commissaries were despatched to
+Spain, who returned without obtaining either restitution or security,
+and in the mean time no opportunity was neglected of plundering our
+merchants, and insulting our flag: accounts of new confiscations and of
+new cruelties daily arrived, the nation was enraged, and the senate
+itself alarmed, and our ministers, at length awakened from their
+tranquillity, sent orders to the envoy at the Spanish court to expedite
+an accommodation; these directions were immediately obeyed, and produced
+the celebrated convention.
+
+What was given up, or what was endangered by this detestable treaty,
+your lordships have often had occasion to observe, and the consequences
+of it were so obvious, that the nation was astonished. Every man saw
+that we were either treacherously betrayed by our own ministry, or that
+the ministers were almost the only men in the kingdom utterly
+unacquainted with our claims, our injuries, and our danger.
+
+A war could now no longer be avoided, it was not in the power of the
+ministry any longer to refuse to send out our fleets, and make an
+appearance of hostile measures; but they had still some expedients
+remaining to shelter the Spaniards from our resentment, and to make
+their country yet more contemptible: they could contrive such orders for
+their admirals as should prevent them from destroying their enemies with
+too little mercy; and if any one was suspected of intentions less
+pacifick, there were methods of equipping his fleet in such a manner as
+would effectually frustrate his schemes of revenge, reprisals, and
+destruction.
+
+These, my lords, are not the murmurs of the disappointed, nor the
+insinuations of the factious; it is well known to our countrymen and to
+our enemies, how ill admiral Vernon was furnished with naval and
+military stores, and how little his importunate demands of a supply were
+regarded. What opportunities were lost, and what advantages neglected,
+may be conjectured from the success of his inconsiderable force. A very
+little reflection on the situation and state of those countries will
+easily satisfy your lordships, how far a small body of land-forces might
+have penetrated, what treasures they might have gained, and what
+consternation they might have spread over the whole Spanish America.
+
+That our squadrons in the Mediterranean have been, at least, useless,
+that they have sailed from point to point, and from one coast to
+another, only to display the bulk of our ships, and to show the opulence
+of our nation, can require no proof: I wish, my lords, there was less
+reason for suspecting that they acted in concert with our enemies, that
+they retired from before their ports only to give them an opportunity of
+escaping, and that they, in reality, connived at some attempts which
+they were, in appearance, sent to prevent.
+
+There are some miscarriages in war, my lords, which every reasonable man
+imputes to chance, or to causes of which the influence could not be
+foreseen; there are others that may justly be termed the consequences of
+misconduct, but of misconduct involuntary and pardonable, of a
+disregard, perhaps, of some circumstances of an affair produced by too
+close an attention to others. But there are miscarriages, too, for which
+candour itself can find no excuses, and of which no other causes can be
+assigned than cowardice or treachery. From the suspicion of one, the
+past actions of the admiral who commands our fleet in those seas will
+secure him, but I know not whether there are now any that will attempt
+to clear the minister's character from the imputation of the other.
+
+All the insolence of the Spaniards, a nation by no means formidable, is
+the consequence of the reunion of the houses of Bourbon; a reunion which
+could not easily have been accomplished, but by the instrumental
+offices of our ministry, whom, therefore, the nation has a right to
+charge with the diminution of its honour, and the decay of its trade.
+
+Nor has our trade, my lords, been only contracted and obstructed by the
+piracies of Spain, but has been suffered to languish and decline at
+home, either by criminal negligence, or by their complaisance for
+France, which has given rise to our other calamities. The state of our
+woollen manufactures is well known, and those whose indolence or love of
+pleasure keeps them strangers to the other misfortunes of their country,
+must yet have been acquainted with this, by the daily accounts of riots
+and insurrections, raised by those who, having been employed in that
+manufacture, can provide for their families by no other business, and
+are made desperate by the want of bread.
+
+We are told, my lords, by all parties, and told with truth, that our
+manufactures decline, because the French have engrossed most of the
+foreign markets; and it is not denied even by those whose interest it
+might be to' deny it, that the cloth which they ruin us by vending, is
+made of our own wool, which they are suffered to procure either by the
+folly of an unskilful, or the connivance of a treacherous
+administration.
+
+If our own manufactures, my lords, had been carefully promoted, if the
+whole influence of our government had been made to cooperate with the
+industry of our traders, there had always been such a demand for our
+wool, that they could not have afforded to purchase it at a price
+equivalent to the danger of exporting it: and if any means were now
+steadily practised to prevent the exportation, our trade must
+consequently revive, because cloth is one of the necessaries of life
+which other nations must have from Britain, when France can no longer
+supply them.
+
+But, my lords, notwithstanding the decay of trade, our expenses have
+never been contracted; we have squandered millions in idle preparations,
+and ostentatious folly; we have equipped fleets which never left the
+harbour, and raised armies which were never to behold any other enemy
+than the honest traders and husbandmen that support them. We have,
+indeed, heard many reasons alleged for oppressing the empire with
+standing troops, which can have little effect upon those who have no
+interest to promote by admitting them: sometimes we are in danger of
+invasions, though it is not easy to imagine for what purpose any prince
+should invade a nation, which he may plunder at pleasure, without the
+least apprehension of resentment, and which will resign any of its
+rights whenever they shall be demanded: sometimes, as we have already
+heard, the pretender is to be set upon the throne by a sudden descent of
+armies from the clouds; and sometimes the licentiousness and
+disobedience of the common people requires the restraint of a standing
+army.
+
+That the people are, to the last degree, exasperated and inflamed, I am
+far from intending to deny, but surely they have yet been guilty of no
+outrage so enormous as to justify so severe a punishment; they have
+generally confined themselves to harmless complaints, or, at least, to
+executions in effigy. The people, my lords, are enraged because they are
+impoverished, and, to prevent the consequences of their anger, their
+poverty is increased by new burdens, and aggravated by the sight of an
+useless, despicable herd, supported by their industry, for no other
+purpose than to insult them.
+
+By these useless armaments and military farces, our taxes, my lords,
+have been continued without diminishing our debts, and the nation seems
+condemned to languish for ever under its present miseries, which, by
+furnishing employment to a boundless number of commissioners, officers,
+and slaves, to the court, under a thousand denominations, by diffusing
+dependence over the whole country, and enlarging the influence of the
+crown, are too evidently of use to the minister for us to entertain any
+hopes of his intention to relieve us.
+
+Let it not be boasted that nine millions are paid, when a new debt of
+seven millions appears to be contracted; nothing is more easy than to
+clear debts by borrowing, or to borrow when a nation is mortgaged for
+the payment.
+
+But the weight of the present taxes, my lords, though heavier than was
+perhaps ever supported by any nation for so long a time, taxes greater
+than ever were paid, to purchase neither conquests nor honours, neither
+to prevent invasions from abroad, nor to quell rebellions at home, is
+not the most flagrant charge of this wonderful administration, which,
+not contented with most exorbitant exactions, contrives to make them yet
+more oppressive by tyrannical methods of collection. With what reason
+the author of the excise scheme dreads the resentment of the nation is
+sufficiently obvious; but surely, in a virtuous and benevolent mind, the
+first sentiments that would have arisen on that occasion, would not have
+been motions of anger, but of gratitude. A whole nation was condemned to
+slavery, their remonstrances were neglected, their petitions ridiculed,
+and their detestation of tyranny treated as disaffection to the
+established government; and yet the author of this horrid scheme riots
+in affluence, and triumphs in authority, and without fear, as without
+shame, lifts up his head with confidence and security.
+
+How much, my lords, is the forbearance of that people to be admired,
+whom such attacks as these have not provoked to transgress the bounds of
+their obedience, who have continued patiently to hope for legal methods
+of redress, at a time when they saw themselves threatened with legal
+slavery, when they saw the legislative power established only for their
+protection, influenced by all possible methods of corruption to betray
+them to the mercy of the ministry?
+
+For, that corruption has found its way into one of the houses of the
+legislature, is universally believed, and, without scruple, maintained
+by every man in the nation, who is not evidently restrained from
+speaking as he thinks; and that any man can even be of a different
+opinion, that any man can even affirm that he thinks otherwise, would
+be, in any other age, the subject of astonishment. That an immense
+revenue is divided among the members of the other house, by known
+salaries and publick employments, is apparent; that large sums are
+privately scattered on pressing exigencies, that some late transactions
+of the ministry were not confirmed but at a high price, the present
+condition of the civil list, a civil list vastly superiour to all the
+known expenses of the crown, makes highly probable. That the commons
+themselves suspect the determinations of their assembly to be influenced
+by some other motives than justice and truth, is evident from the bill
+this day sent hither for our concurrence; and, surely, no aggravation
+can be added to the crimes of that man who has patronised our enemies,
+and given up our navigation, sunk his country into contempt abroad, and
+into poverty at home, plundered the people, and corrupted the
+legislature.
+
+But, my lords, the minister has not only contributed, by his wickedness
+or his ignorance, to the present calamities, but has applied all his art
+and all his interest to remove from posts of honour and trust, to banish
+from the court, and to exclude from the legislature all those whose
+counsels might contribute to restore the publick affairs, without any
+regard to the popularity of their characters, the usefulness of their
+talents, or the importance of their past services to the crown. Had any
+of these considerations prevailed, we had not seen the greatest general
+in Britain dispossessed of all his preferments, dispossessed at a time
+when we are at war with one nation, and in expectation of being attacked
+by another far more powerful, which will, doubtless, be encouraged, by
+his removal, to more daring contempt, and more vigorous measures.
+
+What were the motives of this procedure it is easy to discover. As his
+open defence of the present royal family in the late rebellion, exempts
+him from the imputation of being disaffected to the crown, the only
+crime with which he can be charged is disaffection to the minister.
+
+Perhaps, my lords, the minister may have determined to have no need of
+generals in his transactions with foreign powers; but in proportion as
+he relies less upon the sword, he must depend more upon the arts of
+peaceable negotiation, and, surely, there has been another person
+dismissed from his employments, whose counsels it had been no reproach
+to have asked, and to have followed.
+
+The nature of my motion, my lords, makes it not necessary to produce
+evidence of these facts, it is sufficient that any minister is
+universally suspected; for when did an innocent man, supported by power,
+and furnished with every advantage that could contribute to exalt or
+preserve his character, incur the general hatred of the people? But if
+it could ever happen by a combination of unlucky accidents, what could
+be more for the happiness of himself, his master, and the nation, than
+that he should retire and enjoy the consciousness of his own virtue.
+
+His own interest, in such a retirement, I have already considered, and
+that both of the prince and the people is no less apparent: while a
+hated minister is employed, the king will always be distrusted by the
+nation, and, surely, nothing can so much obstruct the publick happiness,
+as a want of confidence in those who are intrusted with its
+preservation.
+
+That common fame is, in this case, sufficient, will not be questioned,
+when it is considered that common fame is never without a foundation in
+facts, that it may spread disquiet and suspicion over all the kingdom,
+and that the satisfaction of millions is very cheaply purchased by the
+degradation of one man, who was exalted only for their benefit.
+
+The objection, that there is no sole minister, will create no greater
+difficulty; if there be many concerned in these transactions,
+_respondeat superior:_ but it is too apparent that there is, in reality,
+one whose influence is greater than that of any other private man, and
+who is arrived at a height not consistent with the nature of the British
+government; it is uncontested that there is one man to whom the people
+impute their miseries, and by whose removal they will be appeased.
+
+The affairs of Europe, my lords, will probably be so much embarrassed,
+and the struggles between the different designs of its princes be so
+violent, that they will demand all our attention, and employ all our
+address, and it will be to the highest degree dangerous to be distracted
+at the same time with apprehensions of domestick troubles; yet, such is
+the present unhappy state of this nation, and such is the general
+discontent of the people, that tranquillity, adherence to the
+government, and submission to the laws, cannot reasonably be hoped,
+unless the motion I shall now take leave to make your lordships, be
+complied with: and I move, "That an humble address be presented to his
+majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that he will be
+most graciously pleased to remove the right honourable sir Robert
+WALPOLE, knight of the most noble order of the blue riband, first
+commissioner of his majesty's treasury, and chancellor of the exchequer,
+and one of his majesty's most honourable privy council, from his
+majesty's presence and councils for ever."
+
+He was seconded by lord ABINGDON in the following manner:--My lords, the
+copiousness and perspicuity with which the noble lord has laid down the
+reasons of his motion, make it neither easy nor necessary to enlarge
+upon them. I shall, therefore, only offer to your lordships a few
+thoughts upon the authority of common fame, as the evidence upon which
+the motion is in part founded.
+
+That all the miscarriages of our late measures are by common fame
+imputed to one man, I suppose, will not be denied; nor can it, in my
+opinion, be reasonably required, that in the present circumstances of
+things any other proof should be brought against him.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is admitted in courts of law as a kind of
+auxiliary or supplemental evidence, and is allowed to corroborate the
+cause which it appears to favour. The general regard which every wise
+man has for his character, is a proof that in the estimation of all
+mankind, the testimony of common fame is of too great importance to be
+disregarded.
+
+If we consider the nature of popular opinions on publick affairs, it
+will be difficult to imagine by what means a persuasion not founded on
+truth should universally take possession of a people; it will be yet
+more difficult to believe that it should preserve its empire, and that
+in opposition to every art that can be made use of to undeceive them,
+they should pertinaciously adhere to an errour not imbibed in their
+education, nor connected with their interest. And how has any man been
+originally prejudiced against the present minister? Or what passion or
+interest can any man gratify, by imagining or declaring his country on
+the verge of ruin? The multitude, my lords, censure and praise without
+dissimulation, nor were ever accused of disguising their sentiments;
+their voice is, at least, the voice of honesty, and has been termed the
+voice of heaven, by that party of which those affect to be thought whom
+it now condemns.
+
+Let it not be urged, that the people are easily deceived, that they
+think and speak merely by caprice, and applaud or condemn without any
+calm inquiry or settled determination; these censures are applicable
+only to sudden tumults, and gusts of zeal excited by fallacious
+appearances, or by the alarms of a false report industriously
+disseminated, but have no relation to opinions gradually propagated, and
+slowly received.
+
+If the credulity of the people exposes them to so easy an admission of
+every report, why have the writers for the minister found so little
+credit? Why have all the loud declamations, and the laboured arguments,
+the artful insinuations, and positive assertions, which have been for
+many years circulated round the nation, at the expense of the
+government, produced no effect upon the people, nor convinced any man,
+who was not apparently bribed, to resign his private opinion to that of
+his patrons? Whence comes it, my lords, that falsehood is more
+successful than truth, and that the nation is inclined to complain
+rather than to triumph? It is well known that the people have been
+charged in all former ages, with being too much dazzled by the glitter
+of fortune, and the splendour of success, and bestowing their applauses
+not according to the degrees of merit, but prosperity. The minister, my
+lords, has defeated his opponents in almost all their attempts; his
+friends have sounded victory every session, and yet the people declare
+against him; his adversaries have retired into the country with all the
+vexation of disappointment, and have been rewarded for their
+unsuccessful efforts with general acclamations. What is it, my lords,
+but the power of truth, that can preserve the vanquished from ridicule,
+and influence the nation to believe them the only patrons of their
+commerce and liberty, in opposition to all the writers and voters for
+the ministry?
+
+If we consult history, my lords, how seldom do we find an innocent
+minister overwhelmed with infamy? Innocent men have sometimes been
+destroyed by the hasty fury, but scarcely ever by the settled hatred of
+the populace. Even that fury has generally been kindled by real
+grievances, though imputed to those who had no share in producing them;
+but when the tempest of their first rage has subsided, they have seldom
+refused to hear truth, and to distinguish the patriot from the
+oppressor.
+
+But though it should be acknowledged, my lords, that the people have
+been blinded by false representations, and that some causes yet
+undiscovered, some influence which never has been known to operate in
+any state before, hinder them from beholding their own felicity; yet, as
+publick happiness is the end of government, and no man can be happy that
+thinks himself miserable, it is, in my opinion, necessary to the honour
+of his majesty, and to the tranquillity of the nation, that your
+lordships should agree to the present motion.
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE answered to this effect:--My lords, it is not
+without wonder that I hear a motion so uncommon and important, a motion
+which may be reasonably supposed to have been long premeditated, and of
+which such affecting expectations have been raised, so weakly supported
+by evidence. I cannot think that any other attestation is needful for
+the vindication of the right honourable gentleman, whose conduct is this
+day to be examined, than the declaration of the noble lord, that there
+appears no positive evidence against him.
+
+The pretence that no evidence can be expected while he continues in his
+present station, is too openly fallacious to impose upon your lordships;
+for why should his influence be greater, and his power less resistible
+than that of other ministers, who are well known to have found accusers
+in the height of their authority, and to have been dragged to punishment
+almost from behind the throne?
+
+It is sufficiently known, that during the continuance of this
+administration, many have been dismissed from their employments, who
+appear not altogether unaffected with the loss, and from whose
+resentment a discovery of wicked measures might be reasonably expected,
+as their acquaintance with the secrets of the government must have given
+opportunities of detecting them. If, therefore, no particular crimes are
+charged upon him, if his enemies confine themselves to obscure surmises,
+and general declamations, we may reasonably conclude, that his behaviour
+has been at least blameless. For what can be a higher encomium than the
+silence of those who have made it the business of years to discover
+something that might be alleged against him on the day of trial.
+
+I suppose that no man can question the penetration of those noble lords
+who have opened this debate, and I, my lords, shall be very far from
+insinuating that cowardice suppresses any of their sentiments. As the
+highest reproach that can be thrown upon any man, is to suggest that he
+speaks what he does not think; the next degree of meanness would be to
+think what he dares not speak, when the publick voice of his country
+calls upon him.
+
+When, therefore, popular reports are alleged as the foundation of the
+address, it is probable that it is not founded, in reality, upon known
+crimes or attested facts, and if the sudden blasts of fame may be
+esteemed equivalent to attested accusations, what degree of virtue can
+confer security?
+
+That the clamour is so loud and so general as it is represented, I can
+discover no necessity of admitting; but, however the populace may have
+been exasperated against him, we are surely not to be influenced by
+their complaints, without inquiring into the cause of them, and
+informing ourselves whether they proceed from real hardships,
+unnecessary severities, and calamities too heavy to be borne, or from
+caprice, and inconstancy, idle rumours, and artful representations.
+
+I very readily allow, my lords, that nothing has been left unattempted
+that might fill the people with suspicion and discontent. That
+inevitable calamities have been imputed to misconduct, or to treachery,
+and even the inconstancy of the winds and severity of the weather
+charged upon the right honourable gentleman, the daily libels that are
+in every man's hand, are a standing evidence; and though I should grant
+that the people never complain without cause, and that their burdens are
+always heavy before they endeavour to shake them off, yet it will by no
+means follow, that they do not sometimes mistake the cause of their
+miseries, and impute their burdens to the cruelty of those whose utmost
+application is employed to lighten them.
+
+Common fame is, therefore, my lords, no sufficient ground for such a
+censure as this, a censure that condemns a man long versed in high
+employments, long honoured with the confidence of his sovereign, and
+distinguished by the friendship of the most illustrious persons in the
+nation, to infamy and contempt, unheard, and even unaccused; for he
+against whom nothing is produced but general charges, supported by the
+evidence of common fame, may be justly esteemed to be free from
+accusation.
+
+That other evidence will appear against him when he shall be reduced, in
+consequence of our agreeing to this motion, to the level with his
+fellow-subjects, that all informations are now precluded by the terrours
+of resentment, or the expectations of favour, has been insinuated by the
+noble lord, who made the motion: whether his insinuation be founded only
+upon conjecture, whether it be one of those visions which are raised by
+hope in a warm imagination, or upon any private informations
+communicated to his lordship, I pretend not to determine; but if we may
+judge from the known conduct of the opposition, if we consider their
+frequent triumphs before the battle, and their chimerical schemes of
+discoveries, or prosecutions and punishments, their constant assurance
+of success upon the approach of a new contest, and their daily
+predictions of the ruin of the administration, we cannot but suspect
+that men so long accustomed to impose upon themselves, and flatter one
+another with fallacious hopes, may now, likewise, be dreaming of
+intelligence which they never will receive, and amusing themselves with
+suspicions which they have no reasonable expectation of seeing
+confirmed.
+
+And to confess the truth, my lords, if I may be allowed, in imitation of
+these patrons of their country, to indulge my own imagination, and
+presume to look forward to the future conduct of those who have exerted
+such unwearied industry in their attempts upon the administration, and
+so long pursued the right honourable gentleman with inquiries,
+examinations, rhetorick, and ridicule, I cannot but find myself inclined
+to question whether, after their motion shall have been received in this
+house, and their petition granted by his majesty, they will very
+solicitously inquire after evidence, or be equally diligent in the
+discovery of truth, as in the persecution of the minister.
+
+I am afraid, my lords, that they will be too deeply engaged in the care
+of making a dividend of the plunder in just proportions, to find leisure
+for pursuit of the enemy, and that the sight of vacant posts, large
+salaries, and extensive power, will revive some passions, which the love
+of their country has not yet wholly extinguished, and leave in their
+attention no room for deep reflections, and intricate inquiries. There
+have formerly, my lords, been patriots, who, upon a sudden advancement
+to a place of profit, have been immediately lulled into tranquillity,
+learned to repose an implicit confidence in the ministers, forgotten to
+harangue, threaten, inquire, and protest, and spent the remaining part
+of their lives in the harmless amusement of counting their salaries,
+perquisites, and gratuities.
+
+How great, my lords, would be the disappointment of the people, that
+unhappy people which has been long neglected and oppressed, which so
+justly detests the minister, and calls so loudly for vengeance, when
+they shall see their defenders remit the vigour of the pursuit, when
+once the minister flies before them, and instead of driving him into
+exile, contend about his places!
+
+Unhappy then surely, my lords, would the nation be: the administration,
+we are told, is already universally abhorred, and its hope is only in
+the opposition; but should the zeal of the patriots once grow cold,
+should they discover to the publick, that they have been labouring not
+for general liberty, but for private advantage; that they were enemies
+to power only because it was not in their hands; and disapproved the
+measures of the government only because they were not consulted; how
+inevitably must the people then sink into despair; how certain must they
+then imagine their destruction?
+
+It seems, therefore, my lords, equally prudent and just to reject this
+motion, till better proof shall be brought to support it; lest, by
+complying with it, we should heighten rather than appease the discontent
+of the people; lest we should too soon deprive them of their only
+consolation, and expose the patriots to censure, without vindicating the
+ministry.
+
+In my opinion, my lords, all who have approved the conduct of the
+present ministry, must necessarily join in rejecting the motion, as
+cruel and unequitable, and incline to support a just, and continue a
+wise administration; and all those whom the restless clamours of the
+opposite party have persuaded to regard them as arbitrary, corrupt, and
+perfidious, must, if they are true friends to their country, and steady
+exacters of justice, resolve to defer their compliance, in order to
+bring to light the evidences necessary for a legal conviction, and
+severer punishment.
+
+That these evidences will never be found, and that, therefore, no legal
+punishment will ever be inflicted, we may reasonably collect from the
+injustice of the laboured charge which your lordships have now heard; a
+charge drawn up with all the assistance of senatorial and political
+knowledge, and displayed with all the power of eloquence, a collection
+of every occurrence for many years, of which any circumstance could be
+shown in an unfavourable light, and a recapitulation of all the measures
+which have miscarried by unforeseen events, or which the populace have
+been persuaded to dislike.
+
+In the administration of governments, my lords, many measures reasonable
+and just, planned out in pursuance of a very exact knowledge of the
+state of things then present, and very probable conjectures concerning
+future events, have yet failed to produce the success which was
+expected; they have been sometimes defeated by the inconstancy or
+dishonesty of those who are equally engaged in them, and sometimes
+frustrated by accidents, of which only providence has the disposal. It
+will even be allowed, my lords, that the ministry have been sometimes
+mistaken in their conjectures, and, perhaps, deceived by their
+intelligence, but I will presume to say, it never will be discovered
+that they willingly betrayed, or heedlessly neglected their trust, that
+they ever oppressed their country with unnecessary burdens, or exposed
+it to be insulted by foreign powers. Nor will it, perhaps, be found that
+they ever appeared grossly ignorant of the publick interest, or failed
+to discover any obvious truth, or foresee any probable contingencies.
+
+But, my lords, I am willing to confess that they cannot judge of events
+to come with such unerring and demonstrative knowledge as their
+opponents can obtain of them after they have happened; and they are
+inclined to pay all necessary deference to the great sagacity of those
+wonderful prognosticators, who can so exactly _foresee_ the _past_. They
+only hope, my lords, that you will consider how much harder their task
+is than that of their enemies; they are obliged to determine very often
+upon doubtful intelligence, and an obscure view of the designs and
+inclinations of the neighbouring powers; and as their informers may be
+either treacherous or mistaken, and the interests of other states are
+subject to alterations, they may be sometimes deceived and disappointed.
+But their opponents, my lords, are exempt, by their employment, from the
+laborious task of searching into futurity, and collecting their
+resolutions, from a long comparison of dark hints and minute
+circumstances. Their business is not to lead or show the way, but to
+follow at a distance, and ridicule the perplexity, and aggravate the
+mistakes of their guides. They are only to wait for consequences, which,
+if they are prosperous, they misrepresent as not intended, or pass over
+in silence, and are glad to hide them from the notice of mankind. But if
+any miscarriages arise, their penetration immediately awakes, they see,
+at the first glance, the fatal source of all our miseries, they are
+astonished at such a concatenation of blunders, and alarmed with the
+most distracting apprehensions of the danger of their country.
+
+Accusation of political measures is an easy province; easy, my lords, in
+the same proportion as the administration of affairs is difficult; for
+where there are difficulties there will be some mistakes; and where
+there are mistakes, there will be occasions of triumph, to the factious
+and the disappointed. But the justice of your lordships will certainly
+distinguish between errours and crimes, and between errours of weakness
+and inability, and such as are only discoverable by consequences.
+
+I may add, my lords, that your wisdom will easily find the difference
+between the degree of capacity requisite for recollecting the past, and
+foreknowing the future; and expect that those whose ambition incites
+them to endeavour after a share in the government of their country,
+should give better proofs of their qualifications for that high trust,
+than mere specimens of their memory, their rhetorick, or their malice.
+
+Even the noble lord, who must be confessed to have shown a very
+extensive acquaintance with foreign affairs, and to have very accurately
+considered the interests and dispositions of the princes of Europe, has
+yet failed in the order of time, and by one errour very much invalidated
+his charge of misconduct in foreign affairs.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, was not produced by the rejection of the
+infanta, unless a treaty that was made before it could be the
+consequence of it; so that there was no such opportunity thrown into our
+hands as the noble lord has been pleased to represent. Spain had
+discovered herself our enemy, and our enemy in the highest degree,
+before the French provoked her by that insult; and, therefore, how much
+soever she might be enraged against France, there was no prospect that
+she would favour us, nor could we have courted her alliance without the
+lowest degree of meanness and dishonour.
+
+See then, my lords, this atrocious accusation founded upon false dates,
+upon a preposterous arrangement of occurrences; behold it vanish into
+smoke at the approach of truth, and let this instance convince us how
+easy it is to form chimerical blunders, and impute gross follies to the
+wisest administration; how easy it is to charge others with mistakes and
+how difficult to avoid them.
+
+But we are told, my lords, that the dangers of the confederacy at Vienna
+were merely imaginary, that no contract was made to the disadvantage of
+our dominions, or of our commerce, and that if the weakness of the
+Spaniards and Germans had contrived such a scheme, it would soon have
+been discovered by them to be an airy dream, a plan impossible to be
+reduced to execution.
+
+We have been amused, my lords, on this occasion with great profusion of
+mirth and ridicule, and have received the consolation of hearing that
+Britain is an island, and that an island is not to be invaded without
+ships. We have been informed of the nature of the king's territories,
+and of the natural strength of the fortress of Gibraltar; but the noble
+lord forgot that though Britain has no dominions on the continent, yet
+our sovereign has there a very extensive country, which, though we are
+not to make war for the sake of strengthening or enlarging it, we are,
+surely, to defend when we have drawn an invasion upon it.
+
+The weakness of the Spaniards, my lords, has been also much enlarged
+upon, but the strength of the jacobites at home has been passed over in
+silence, though it is apparent how easily the pretender might have
+landed here, and with what warmth his cause would have been espoused,
+not only by those whose religion avowed and professed makes them the
+enemies of the present royal family, but by many whom prospects of
+interest, the love of novelty, and rage of disappointment, might have
+inclined to a change.
+
+That no such stipulations were made by that treaty, that no injury was
+intended to our commerce, nor any invasion proposed in favour of the
+pretender, are very bold assertions, and though they could be supported
+by all the evidence that negatives admit of, yet will not easily be
+believed by your lordships, in opposition to the solemn assurances of
+his late majesty. It is evident, from this instance, how much prejudice
+prevails over argument; they are ready to condemn the right honourable
+gentleman to whom they give the title of sole minister, upon the
+suffrage of common fame, yet will not acquit him upon the testimony of
+the king himself.
+
+But, my lords, the arguments alleged to prove the improbability of such
+a confederacy, are so weak in themselves, that they require no such
+illustrious evidence to overbalance them. For upon what are they
+founded, but upon the impossibility of executing such designs?
+
+It is well known, my lords, how differently different parties consider
+the same cause, the same designs, and the same state of affairs. Every
+man is partial in favour of his own equity, strength, and sagacity. Who
+can show that the same false opinion of their own power, and of our
+intestine divisions, which now prompts the Spaniards to contend with us,
+might not then incite them to invade us, or at least to countenance the
+attempts of one, whom they are industriously taught to believe the
+greatest part of the nation is ready to receive?
+
+That they might have injured our trade is too evident from our present
+experience, and that they would have supported the Ostend company, which
+they espoused in an open manner, is undeniable. Nor is it in the least
+unlikely, that, elated with the certain power of doing much mischief,
+and with the imaginary prospects of far greater effects, they might
+engage in a confederacy, and farther attempts against us.
+
+I am far from imagining, my lords, that it was in the power of the
+Germans and Spaniards united to force the pretender upon us, though we
+had stood alone against them; but the impossibility of succeeding in
+their design was not then so apparent to them as it is at present to us;
+they had many reasons to wish, and therefore would not be long without
+some to believe it practicable; and it was not the danger but the insult
+that determined his late majesty to enter into an alliance with France.
+
+War, my lords, is always to be avoided, if the possessions and
+reputation of a people can be preserved without it; it was, therefore,
+more eligible to oblige them to lay aside their scheme while it was yet
+only in idea, than to defeat it in its execution. And an alliance with
+France effectually restrained the emperour, as our fleets in America
+reduced the Spaniards to desire peace.
+
+Why we did not seize the cargo of the galleons, has been often asked,
+and as often such answers have been returned as ought to satisfy any
+rational examiner. We did not seize them, my lords, because a larger
+part belonged to other nations than to the Spaniards, and because the
+interests of our trade made it convenient not to exasperate the
+Spaniards, so far as to render a reconciliation very difficult.
+
+In the terms of this reconciliation, my lords, it is charged upon the
+ministry, that they were guilty of contributing to the power of the
+house of Bourbon, by stipulating that Spain, instead of neutral troops,
+should be introduced into Italy. That those troops were less agreeable
+to the emperour cannot be denied, but it has already been shown how
+little reason we had to consult his satisfaction; and with regard to the
+advantages gained by the French and Spaniards in the late war, a very
+small part of them can be ascribed to six thousand troops.
+
+With as little reason, my lords, is the charge advanced of neglecting to
+preserve the balance of Europe, by declining to assist the emperour
+against the French; for the intention of the war seems to have been
+rather revenge than conquest, and the emperour rather exchanged than
+lost his dominions.
+
+That we declined engaging too far in the affairs of the continent,
+proceeded, my lords, from a regard to the trade of the nation, which is
+not only suspended and interrupted during the time of war, but often
+thrown into another channel, out of which it is the business of many
+years to recover it.
+
+Nor have the ministry, my lords, deviated from their regard to trade, in
+their transactions with Spain, which have been the subject of so much
+clamour, and such pathetick declamations; they always knew what the
+nation now feels, that the merchants would suffer much more from a war
+than from piracies and depredations, which, however, they were far from
+submitting to, and for which they constantly made demands of
+satisfaction. To these demands they received such answers, as, if they
+had been sincere, would have left the nation no room to complain; but
+when it was discovered that nothing but verbal satisfaction was to be
+expected, the security of our trade, and the honour of our country,
+demanded that war should be declared.
+
+The conduct of the war, my lords, has been frequently the subject of
+censure; we are told of the inactivity of one fleet, and the imperfect
+equipment of another, the escape of our enemies, and the interception of
+our trading ships. War, my lords, is confessed to be uncertain, and ill
+success is not always the consequence of bad measures: naval wars are by
+the nature of the element on which they are to be conducted, more
+uncertain than any other; so that, though it cannot but be suspected
+that the common people will murmur at any disappointment, call every
+misfortune a crime, and think themselves betrayed by the ministry, if
+Spain is not reduced in a single summer, it might be reasonably hoped,
+that men enlightened by a long familiarity with the accounts of past,
+and instructed by personal experience in national transactions, will
+produce stronger arguments than want of success, when they charge the
+ministry with misconduct in war.
+
+But, my lords, they have not any misfortunes to complain of; nor is the
+accusation, that we have been defeated ourselves, but that we have not
+enough molested our enemies. Of this, my lords, it is not easy to judge,
+at a distance from the scene of action, and without a more accurate
+knowledge of a thousand minute circumstances, which may promote or
+retard a naval expedition. It is undoubtedly true, my lords, that many
+of our merchant ships have been taken by the enemy; but it is not
+certain that they do not murmur equally that they have been obstructed
+in their commerce, and have been so little able to interrupt ours, since
+they have so many advantages from the situation of their coasts. When we
+reckon those that are lost, let us not forget to number those that have
+escaped. If admiral Vernon's fleet was ill provided with arms and
+ammunition, even then, let all censure be suspended till it can be
+proved that it was ill furnished by the fault of the ministry.
+
+Nothing is more common, my lords, in all naval wars, than sudden changes
+of fortune; for on many occasions an accidental gust of wind, or
+unexpected darkness of the weather, may destroy or preserve a fleet from
+destruction, or may make the most formidable armaments absolutely
+useless; and in the present disposition of some people towards the
+ministry, I should not wonder to hear an alteration of wind charged upon
+them.
+
+For what objections may they not expect, my lords, when all the
+disadvantages which the nation suffers from the enemies of his majesty,
+are imputed to them; when daily endeavours are used to make them
+suspected of favouring arbitrary power, for maintaining an army which
+nothing has made necessary but the struggles of those men whose
+principles have no other tendency than to enslave their country. Let not
+our domestick animosities be kept alive and fomented by a constant
+opposition to every design of the administration, nor our foreign
+enemies incited by the observation of our divisions, to treat us with
+insolence, interrupt our trade, prescribe bounds to our dominions, and
+threaten us with invasions--and the army may safely be disbanded.
+
+For the ministry, my lords, are not conscious of having consulted any
+thing but the happiness of the nation, and have, therefore, no
+apprehensions of publick resentment, nor want the protection of an armed
+force. They desire only the support of the laws, and to them they
+willingly appeal from common fame and unequitable charges.
+
+I mention the ministry, my lords, because I am unacquainted with any man
+who either claims or possesses the power or title of sole minister. I
+own, in my province, no superiour but his majesty, and am willing and
+ready to answer any charge which relates to that part of the publick
+business which I have had the honour to transact or direct.
+
+A great part of what I have now offered was, therefore, no otherwise
+necessary on the present occasion, than because silence might have
+appeared like a consciousness of misconduct, and have afforded a new
+subject of airy triumph to the enemies of the administration; for very
+few of the transactions which have been so severely censured, fell under
+the particular inspection of the right honourable gentleman against whom
+the motion is levelled; he was not otherwise concerned in counselling or
+in ratifying, than as one of his majesty's privy council; and,
+therefore, though they should be defective, I do not see how it is
+reasonable or just, that he should be singled out from the rest for
+disgrace or punishment.
+
+The motion, therefore, my lords, appears to me neither founded on facts,
+nor law, nor reason, nor any better grounds than popular caprice, and
+private malevolence.
+
+If it is contrary to law to punish without proof; if it is not agreeable
+to reason that one should be censured for the offences of another; if it
+is necessary that some crime should be proved before any man can suffer
+as a criminal, then, my lords, I am convinced that your lordships will
+be unanimous in rejecting the motion.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke next, as follows:--My lords, if we will
+obstinately shut our eyes against the light of conviction; if we will
+resolutely admit every degree of evidence that contributes to support
+the cause which we are inclined to favour, and to reject the plainest
+proofs when they are produced against it, to reason and debate is to
+little purpose: as no innocence can be safe that has incurred the
+displeasure of partial judges, so no criminal that has the happiness of
+being favoured by them, can ever be in danger.
+
+That any lord has already determined how to vote on the present
+occasion, far be it from me to assert: may it never, my lords, be
+suspected that private interest, blind adherence to a party, personal
+kindness or malevolence, or any other motive than a sincere and
+unmingled regard for the prosperity of our country, influences the
+decisions of this assembly; for it is well known, my lords, that
+authority is founded on opinion; when once we lose the esteem of the
+publick, our votes, while we shall be allowed to give them, will be only
+empty sounds, to which no other regard will be paid than a standing army
+shall enforce.
+
+The veneration of the people, my lords, will not easily be lost: this
+house has a kind of hereditary claim to their confidence and respect;
+the great actions of our ancestors are remembered, and contribute to the
+reputation of their successours; nor do our countrymen willingly suspect
+that they can be betrayed by the descendants of those, by whose bravery
+and counsels they have been rescued from destruction.
+
+But esteem must languish, and confidence decline, unless they are
+renewed and reanimated by new acts of beneficence; and the higher
+expectations the nation may have formed of our penetration to discover
+its real advantages, and of our steadiness to pursue them, the more
+violent will be its resentment, if it shall appear, on this important
+question, that we are either ignorant or timorous, that we are
+unconcerned at the miseries of the people, or content ourselves with
+pitying what our ancestors never failed to redress.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, for our own interest, attend impartially to
+the voice of the people; let us hear their complaints with tenderness,
+and if, at last, we reject them, let it be evident that they were
+impartially heard, and that we only differed from them because we were
+not convinced.
+
+Even then, my lords, we shall suffer, for some time, under the suspicion
+of crimes, from which I hope we shall always be free; the people will
+imagine that we were influenced by those whose interest it appears to
+continue their miseries, and, my lords, all the consolation that will be
+left us, must arise from the consciousness of having done our duty.
+
+But, my lords, this is to suppose what I believe no history can furnish
+an example of; it is to conceive that we may inquire diligently after
+the true state of national affairs, and yet not discover it, or not be
+able to prove it by such evidence as may satisfy the people.
+
+The people, my lords, however they are misrepresented by those who, from
+a long practice of treating them with disregard, have learned to think
+and speak of them with contempt, are far from being easily deceived, and
+yet farther from being easily deceived into an opinion of their own
+unhappiness: we have some instances of general satisfaction, and an
+unshaken affection to the government, in times when the publick good has
+not been very diligently consulted, but scarcely any of perpetual
+murmurs and universal discontent, where there have been plain evidences
+of oppression, negligence, or treachery.
+
+Let us not, therefore, my lords, think of the people as of a herd to be
+led or driven at pleasure, as wretches whose opinions are founded upon
+the authority of seditious scribblers, or upon any other than that of
+reason and experience; let us not suffer them to be at once oppressed
+and ridiculed, nor encourage, by our example, the wretched advocates for
+those whom they consider as their enemies, nor represent them as
+imputing to the misconduct of the ministry the late contrariety of the
+winds, and severity of the winter.
+
+The people, my lords, if they are mistaken in their charge, are mistaken
+with such evidence on their side, as never misled any nation before; not
+only their reason but their senses must have betrayed them; and those
+marks of certainty that have hitherto established truth, must have
+combined in the support of falsehood.
+
+They are persuaded, my lords, too firmly persuaded, to yield up their
+opinions to rhetorick, or to votes, or any proof but demonstration, that
+there is a _first_, or, to speak in the language of the nation, a _sole_
+minister, one that has the possession of his sovereign's confidence, and
+the power of excluding others from his presence, one that exalts and
+degrades at his pleasure, and distributes, for his own purposes, the
+revenues of his master, and the treasure of the nation.
+
+Of this, my lords, can it be maintained that they have no proof? Can
+this be termed a chimerical suspicion, which nothing can be produced to
+support? How can power appear but by the exercise of it? What can prove
+any degree of influence or authority, but universal submission and
+acknowledgment? And surely, my lords, a very transient survey of the
+court and its dependents, must afford sufficient conviction, that this
+man is considered by all that are engaged in the administration, as the
+only disposer of honours, favours, and employments.
+
+Attend to any man, my lords, who has lately been preferred, rewarded, or
+caressed, you will hear no expressions of gratitude but to that _man_;
+no other benefactor is ever heard of, the royal bounty itself is
+forgotten and unmentioned, nor is any return of loyalty, fidelity, or
+adherence professed, but to the minister; the minister! a term which,
+however lately introduced, is now in use in every place in the kingdom,
+except this house.
+
+Preferments, my lords, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military, are
+either wholly in his hands, or those who make it the business of their
+lives to discover the high road to promotion, are universally deceived,
+and are daily offering their adorations to an empty phantom that has
+nothing to bestow; for, no sooner is any man infected with avarice or
+ambition, no sooner is extravagance reduced to beg new supplies from the
+publick, or wickedness obliged to seek for shelter, than this man is
+applied to, and honour, conscience, and fortune offered at his feet.
+
+Did either those whose studies and station give them a claim to
+advancement in the church, or those whose bravery and long service
+entitle them to more honourable posts in the army; did either those who
+profess to understand the laws of their own country, or they who declare
+themselves versed in the interests and transactions of foreign powers,
+apply to any other man for promotion or employment, he might then,
+indeed, be called the _chief_, but not properly the _sole_ minister.
+
+But it is well known, my lords; many of us know it too well, that
+whatever be the profession or the abilities of any person, there is no
+hope of encouragement or reward by any other method than that of
+application to this man, that he shall certainly be disappointed who
+shall attempt to rise by any other interest, and whoever shall dare to
+depend on his honesty, bravery, diligence, or capacity, or to boast any
+other merit than that of implicit adherence to his measures, shall
+inevitably lie neglected and obscure.
+
+For this reason, my lords, every one whose calmness of temper can enable
+him to support the sight, without starts of indignation and sallies of
+contempt, may daily see at the levee of this great man, what I am
+ashamed to mention, a mixture of men of all ranks and all professions,
+of men whose birth and titles ought to exalt them above the meanness of
+cringing to a mere child of fortune, men whose studies ought to have
+taught them, that true honour is only to be gained by steady virtue, and
+that all other arts, all the low applications of flattery and servility
+will terminate in contempt, disappointment, and remorse.
+
+This scene, my lords, is daily to be viewed, it is ostentatiously
+displayed to the sight of mankind, the minister amuses himself in
+publick with the splendour, and number, and dignity of his slaves; and
+his slaves with no more shame pay their prostrations to their master in
+the face of day, and boast of their resolutions to gratify and support
+him. And yet, my lords, it is inquired why the people assert that there
+is a _sole_ minister?
+
+Those who deny, my lords, that there is a _sole_ minister to whom the
+miscarriages of the government may justly be imputed, may easily
+persuade themselves to believe that there have been no miscarriages,
+that all the measures were necessary, and well formed, that there is
+neither poverty nor oppression felt in the nation, that our compliance
+with France was no weakness, and that our dread of the treaty of Vienna
+was not chimerical.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, which has been the parent of so many
+terrours, consultations, embassies, and alliances is, I find, not yet to
+be acknowledged, what it certainly was, a mere phantom, an empty
+illusion, sent by the arts of the French to terrify our ministry. His
+late majesty's testimony is cited to prove that stipulations were really
+entered into by the two powers allied by that treaty, to destroy our
+trade, subvert our constitution, and set a new king upon the throne,
+without consent of the nation.
+
+Such improbabilities, my lords, ought, indeed, to be proved by a high
+testimony, by a testimony which no man shall dare to question or
+contradict; for as any man is at liberty to consult his reason, it will
+always remonstrate to him, that it is no less absurd to impute the folly
+of designing impossibilities to any powers not remarkable for weak
+counsels, than unjust to suspect princes of intending injuries, to which
+they have not been incited by any provocation.
+
+But, my lords, nowithstanding the solemnity with which his late majesty
+has been introduced, his testimony can prove nothing more than that he
+believed the treaty to be such as he represents, that he had been
+deceived into false apprehensions and unnecessary cautions by his own
+ministers, as they had been imposed upon by the agents of France.
+
+This is all, my lords, that can be collected from the royal speech, and
+to infer more from it is to suppose that the king was himself a party in
+the designs formed against him; for if he was not himself engaged in
+this treaty, he could only be informed, by another, of the stipulations,
+and could only report what he had been told upon the credit of the
+informer, a man, necessarily of very little credit. Thus, my lords, all
+the evidence of his late majesty vanishes into nothing more than the
+whisper of a spy.
+
+But as great stress ought, doubtless, to be laid upon intelligence which
+the nation is believed to purchase at a very high price, let it be
+inquired, what proofs those have who dare to suspect the sagacity of our
+ministers, to put in the balance against their intelligence, and it will
+be discovered, my lords, that they have a testimony no less than that of
+the German emperour himself, who could not be mistaken with regard to
+the meaning of the treaty concluded at his own court, and to whom it
+will not be very decent to deny such a degree of veracity as may set him
+at least on the level with a traitor and a hireling.
+
+If the treaty of Vienna was an imposture, most of our misfortunes are
+evidently produced by the weakness of the minister; but even supposing
+it real, as it was only a formidable mockery, an idle threat, that could
+never be executed, it was not necessary, that in order to obviate it, we
+should give ourselves implicitly into the hands of France.
+
+It was not necessary, my lords, that we should suffer them first to
+elude the treaty of Utrecht, by making a port at Mardyke, and then
+directly and openly to violate it by repairing Dunkirk. That this latter
+is a port contrary to treaty, the bills of entry at the custom-house
+daily show; and as the customs are particularly under the inspection of
+the commissioners of the treasury, this man cannot plead ignorance of
+this infraction, were no information given him by other means. If it
+should now be asked, my lords, what, in my opinion, ought to be done, I
+cannot advise that we should attempt to demolish it by force, or draw
+upon ourselves the whole power of France by a declaration of war, but
+what it may be difficult now to remedy, it was once easy to obviate.
+
+Had we shown the same contempt of the French power with our ancestors,
+and the same steadiness in our councils, the same firmness in our
+alliances, and the same spirit in our treaties, that court would never
+have ventured to break a known solemn stipulation, to have exasperated a
+brave and determined adversary by flagrant injustice, and to have
+exposed themselves to the hazard of a war, in which it would have been
+the interest of every prince of Europe who regarded justice or posterity
+to wish their defeat.
+
+Now they see us engaged in a war, my lords, they may be animated to a
+more daring contempt of the faith of treaties, and insult us with yet
+greater confidence of success, as they cannot but remark the cowardice
+or the ignorance with which we have hitherto carried on this war. They
+cannot but observe that either our minister means in reality to make war
+rather upon the Britons than the Spaniards, or that he is totally
+unacquainted with military affairs, and too vain to ask the opinion of
+others who have greater knowledge than himself.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more apparent than that the minister was forced,
+by the continual clamours of the nation, to declare war, contrary to his
+own inclination, and that he always affected to charge it upon others,
+and to exempt himself from the imputation of it. It is, therefore,
+probable that he has not acted on this occasion so wisely as even his
+own experience and penetration might, if they were honestly employed,
+enable him to act, and that he has suffered our counsels to be
+embarrassed; that he sees with great tranquillity those suffering by the
+war, at whose request it was begun, and imagines it a proof of the
+excellence of his own scheme, that those who forced him to break it, may
+in time repent of their importunities.
+
+For that in the management of the war, my lords, no regard has been had
+either to the advantages which the course of our trade inevitably gives
+to our enemies, or to the weakness to which the extent of their
+dominions necessarily subjects them, that neither the interest of the
+merchant has been consulted, nor the ease of the nation in general
+regarded, that the treasure of the publick has been squandered, and that
+our military preparations have intimidated no nation but our own, is
+evident beyond contradiction.
+
+It is well known, my lords, to every man but the minister, that we have
+nothing to fear from either the fleets or armies of the Spaniards, that
+they cannot invade us except in America, and that they can only molest
+us by intercepting our traders. This they can only effect by means of
+their privateers, whose vessels, being light and active, may be easily
+fitted out, nimbly seize their prey, and speedily retire.
+
+The experience of the last French war, my lords, might have taught us
+how much we have to fear from the activity of men incited by prospects
+of private gain, and equipped with that care and vigilance, which,
+however omitted in national affairs, the interest of particular men
+never fails to dictate. It is well known, my lords, how much we lost
+amidst our victories and triumphs, and how small security the merchants
+received from our magnificent navies, and celebrated commanders. It was,
+therefore, surely the part of wise men, not to miscarry twice by the
+same omission, when they had an opportunity to supply it.
+
+I need not inform your lordships of what every reader of newspapers can
+tell, and which common sense must easily discover, that privateers are
+only to be suppressed by ships of the same kind with their own, which
+may scour the seas with rapidity, pursue them into shallow water, where
+great ships cannot attack them, seize them as they leave the harbours,
+or destroy them upon their own coasts.
+
+That this is, in its own nature, at once obvious to be contrived, and
+easy to be done, must appear upon the bare mention of it, and yet that
+it has been either treacherously neglected, or ignorantly omitted, the
+accounts of every day have long informed us. Not a week passes in which
+our ships are not seized, and our sailors carried into a state of
+slavery. Nor does this happen only on the wide ocean, which is too
+spacious to be garrisoned, or upon our enemies' coasts, where they may
+have, sometimes, insuperable advantages, but on our own shores, within
+sight of our harbours, and in those seas of which we vainly style our
+nation the sovereign.
+
+Who is there, my lords, whose indignation is not raised at such
+ignominy? Who is there by whom such negligence will not be resented? It
+cannot be alleged that we had not time to make better preparations; we
+had expected war long before we declared it, and if the minister was the
+only man by whom it was not expected, it will make another head of
+accusation.
+
+Nor was his disregard of our dominions less flagrant than that of our
+trade: it was publickly declared by don Geraldino, that his master would
+never give up his claim to part of our American colonies, which yet were
+neither fortified on the frontiers, nor supplied with arms, nor enabled
+to oppose an enemy, nor protected against him.
+
+One man there is, my lords, whose natural generosity, contempt of
+danger, and regard for the publick, prompted him to obviate the designs
+of the Spaniards, and to attack them in their own territories; a man,
+whom by long acquaintance I can confidently affirm to have been equal to
+his undertaking, and to have learned the art of war by a regular
+education, who yet miscarried in his design, only for want of supplies
+necessary to a possibility of success.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, much probability that the forces sent lately to
+Vernon will be more successful; for this is not a war to be carried on
+by boys: the state of the enemy's dominions is such, partly by
+situation, and partly by the neglect of that man whose conduct we are
+examining, that to attack them with any prospect of advantage, will
+require the judgment of an experienced commander; of one who had learned
+his trade, not in Hyde-park, but in the field of battle; of one that has
+been accustomed to sudden exigencies and unsuspected difficulties, and
+has learned cautiously to form, and readily to vary his schemes.
+
+An officer, my lords, an officer qualified to invade kingdoms is not
+formed by blustering in his quarters, by drinking on birth-nights, or
+dancing at assemblies; nor even by the more important services of
+regulating elections, and suppressing those insurrections which are
+produced by the decay of our manufactures. Many gallant colonels have
+led out their forces against women and children, with the exactest
+order, and scattered terrour over numerous bodies of colliers and
+weavers, who would find difficulties not very easily surmountable, were
+they to force a pass, or storm a fortress.
+
+But, my lords, those whom we have destined for the conquest of America,
+have not even flushed their arms with such services, nor have learned,
+what is most necessary to be learned, the habit of obedience; they are
+only such as the late frost hindered from the exercise of their trades,
+and forced to seek for bread in the service; they have scarcely had time
+to learn the common motions of the exercise, or distinguish the words of
+command.
+
+Nor are their officers, my lords, extremely well qualified to supply
+those defects, and establish discipline and order in a body of
+new-raised forces; for they are absolutely strangers to service, and
+taken from school to receive a commission, or if transplanted from other
+regiments, have had time only to learn the art of dress. We have sent
+soldiers undisciplined, and officers unable to instruct them, and sit in
+expectation of conquests to be made by one boy acting under the
+direction of another.
+
+To their commander-in-chief, my lords, I object nothing but his
+inexperience, which is by no means to be imputed to his negligence, but
+his want of opportunities; though of the rest, surely it may be said,
+that they are such a swarm as were never before sent out on military
+designs; and, in my opinion, to the other equipments, the government
+should have added provisions for women to nurse them.
+
+Had my knowledge of war, my lords, been thought sufficient to have
+qualified me for the chief command in this expedition, or had my advice
+been asked with regard to the conduct of it, I should willingly have
+assisted my country with my person or my counsels; but, my lords, this
+man, who engrosses all authority, seems, likewise, to believe that he is
+in possession of all knowledge, and that he is equally capable, as he is
+equally willing, to usurp the supreme and uncontroulable direction both
+of civil and military affairs.
+
+Why new forces were raised, my lords, it is very easy to judge; new
+forces required new commissions, and new commissions produced new
+dependencies, which might be of use to the minister at the approaching
+election; but why the new-raised troops were sent on this expedition
+rather than those which had been longer disciplined, it is very
+difficult to assign a reason, unless it was considered that some who had
+commands in them had likewise seats in the senate; and the minister was
+too grateful to expose his friends to danger, and too prudent to hazard
+the loss of a single vote. Besides the commander-in-chief, there is but
+one senator in the expedition, and, my lords, he is one of too great
+integrity to be corrupted, and, though sensible of the weakness of the
+troops, too brave to quit his post. How much our country may suffer by
+such absurd conduct, I need not explain to your lordships; it may easily
+be conceived how much one defeat may dispirit the nation, and to what
+attempts one victory may excite our enemies; those enemies whom, under a
+steady and wise administration, we should terrify into submission, even
+without an army.
+
+I cannot forbear to remark on this occasion, how much the ignorance of
+this man has exposed a very important part of our foreign dominions to
+the attempts of the Spaniards. Gibraltar, my lords, is well known to be
+so situated, as to be naturally in very little danger of an attack from
+the land, and to command the country to a great distance; but these
+natural advantages are now taken away, or greatly lessened, by new
+fortifications, erected within much less than gunshot of the place,
+erected in the sight of the garrison, and while one of our admirals was
+cruizing upon the coast.
+
+The pretence, my lords, upon which they were erected, was, that though
+Gibraltar was granted to Britain, yet there was no district appendent to
+it, nor did the British authority extend beyond the walls of the town:
+this poor excuse did the chicanery of the Spaniards invent, and with
+this, my lords, was our minister contented, either not knowing or not
+appearing to know what, I hope, the children whom we have despatched to
+America have been taught, and what no man, versed in national affairs,
+can be ignorant of without a crime, that when a fortress is yielded to
+another nation, the treaty always virtually includes, even without
+mentioning it, an extent of land as far as the guns of the fortification
+can reach.
+
+Whether this man, my lords, was so ignorant as to be deceived thus
+grossly, or so abandoned as willingly to deceive his country, he is
+equally unqualified to support the office of first minister, and almost
+equally deserves to be prosecuted by the indignation and justice of this
+assembly, in the severest manner; for how great must be his wickedness
+who undertakes a charge above his abilities, when his country may be
+probably ruined by his errours?
+
+Your lordships cannot but observe, that I make use rather of the term
+minister than that of the administration, which others are so desirous
+to substitute in its place, either to elude all inquiry into the
+management of our affairs, or to cover their own shameful dependence.
+
+Administration, my lords, appears to me a term without a meaning, a wild
+indeterminate word, of which none can tell whom it implies, or how
+widely it may extend: a charge against the administration may be
+imagined a general censure of every officer in the whole subordination
+of government, a general accusation of instruments and agents, of
+masters and slaves: my charge, my lords, is against the minister,
+against that man, who is believed by every one in the nation, and known
+by great numbers, to have the chief, and, whenever he pleases to require
+it, the sole direction of the publick measures; he, to whom all the
+other ministers owe their elevation, and by whose smile they hold their
+power, their salaries, and their dignity.
+
+That this appellation is not without sufficient reason bestowed upon
+that man, I have already proved to your lordships; and as it has already
+been made appear that common fame is a sufficient ground of accusation,
+it will easily be shown that this man has a just claim to the title of
+minister; for if any man be told of an accusation of the minister; he
+will not ask the name of the person accused.
+
+But there is in the motion one title conferred upon him, to which he has
+no pretensions; for there is no law for styling him the first
+commissioner of the treasury. The commissioners, my lords, who
+discharge, in a collective capacity, the office of lord high treasurer,
+are constituted by the same patent, invested with equal power and equal
+dignity, and I know not why this man should be exalted to any
+superiority over his associates.
+
+If we take, my lords, a review of our affairs, and examine the state of
+the nation in all its relations and all its circumstances, we cannot,
+surely, conceive that we are in a state of prosperity, unless discontent
+at home, and scorn abroad, the neglect of our allies, and insolence of
+our enemies, the decay of trade, and multitude of our imposts, are to be
+considered as proofs of a prosperous and nourishing nation.
+
+Will it be alleged, my lords, has this man one friend adventurous enough
+to assert, in open day, that the people are not starving by thousands,
+and murmuring by millions, that universal misery does not overspread the
+nation, and that this horrid series of calamities is not universally,
+among all conditions, imputed to the conduct of this man?
+
+That great evils are felt, my lords, no Briton, I am certain, who
+converses promiscuously with his countrymen, will attempt to dispute,
+and until some other cause more proportioned to the effect shall be
+assigned, I shall join the publick in their opinion, and while I think
+this man the author of our miseries, shall conclude it necessary to
+comply with the motion.
+
+Lord HARDWICK spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, though I
+very readily admit that crimes ought to be punished, that a treacherous
+administration of publick affairs is, in a very high degree, criminal,
+that even ignorance, where it is the consequence of neglect, deserves
+the severest animadversion, and that it is the privilege and duty of
+this house to watch over the state of the nation, and inform his majesty
+of any errours committed by his ministers; yet I am far from being
+convinced either of the justice or necessity of the motion now under
+consideration.
+
+The most flagrant and invidious part of the charge against the right
+honourable gentleman appears to consist in this, that he has engrossed
+an exorbitant degree of power, and usurped an unlimited influence over
+the whole system of government, that he disposes of all honours and
+preferments, and that he is not only _first_ but _sole_ minister.
+
+But of this boundless usurpation, my lords, what proof has been laid
+before you? What beyond loud exaggerations, pompous rhetorick, and
+specious appeals to common fame; common fame, which, at least, may
+sometimes err, and which, though it may afford sufficient ground for
+suspicion and inquiry, was never yet admitted as conclusive evidence,
+where the immediate necessities of the publick did not preclude the
+common forms of examination, where the power of the offender did not
+make it dangerous to attack him by a legal prosecution, or where the
+conduct of the accusers did not plainly discover that they were more
+eager of blood than of justice, and more solicitous to destroy than to
+convict.
+
+I hope none of these circumstances, my lords, can at present obstruct a
+candid and deliberate inquiry: with regard to the publick, I am not able
+to discover any pressing exigencies that demand a more compendious
+method of proceeding, than the established laws of the land, and the
+wisdom of our ancestors have prescribed. I know not any calamity that
+will be aggravated, nor any danger that will become move formidable, by
+suffering this question to be legally tried.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, in the circumstances of the person accused, any
+thing that can incite us to a hasty process; for, if what is alleged by
+the noble lords is not exaggerated beyond the truth, if he is
+universally detested by the whole nation, and loaded with execrations by
+the publick voice; if he is considered as the author of all our
+miseries, and the source of all our corruptions; if he has ruined our
+trade, and depressed our power, impoverished the people, and attempted
+to enslave them, there is, at least, no danger of an insurrection in his
+favour, or any probability that his party will grow stronger by delays.
+For, my lords, to find friends in adversity, and assertors in distress,
+is only the prerogative of innocence and virtue.
+
+The gentleman against whom this formidable charge is drawn up, is, I
+think, not suspected of any intention to have recourse either to force
+or flight; he has always appeared willing to be tried by the laws of his
+country, and to stand an impartial examination; he neither opposes nor
+eludes inquiry, neither flies from justice, nor defies it.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can I suspect, that those by whom he is accused,
+act from any motive that may influence them to desire a sentence not
+supported by evidence, or conformable to truth; or that they can wish
+the ruin of any man whose crimes are not notorious and flagrant, that
+they persecute from private malice, or endeavour to exalt themselves by
+the fall of another.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, inquire before we determine, and suffer
+evidence to precede our sentence. The charge, if it is just, must be, by
+its own nature, easily proved, and that no proof is brought may,
+perhaps, be sufficient to make us suspect that it is not just.
+
+For, my lords, what is the evidence of common fame, which has been so
+much exalted, and so confidently produced? Does not every man see that,
+on such occasions, two questions may be asked, of which, perhaps,
+neither can easily be answered, and which, yet, must both be resolved
+before common fame can be admitted as a proof of facts.
+
+It is first to be inquired, my lords, whether the reports of fame are
+necessarily or even probably true? A question very intricate and
+diffusive, entangled with a thousand, and involving a thousand,
+distinctions; a question of which it may be said, that a man may very
+plausibly maintain either side, and of which, perhaps, after months or
+years wasted in disputation, no other decision can be obtained than what
+is obvious at the first view, that they are often true, and often false,
+and, therefore, can only be grounds of inquiry, not reasons of
+determination.
+
+But if it appear, my lords, that this oracle cannot be deceived, we are
+then to inquire after another difficulty, we are to inquire, _What is
+fame?_
+
+Is fame, my lords, that fame which cannot err? a report that flies, on a
+sudden, through a nation, of which no man can discover the original; a
+sudden blast of rumour, that inflames or intimidates a people, and
+obtains, without authority, a general credit? No man versed in history
+can inquire whether such reports may not deceive. Is fame rather a
+settled opinion, prevailing by degrees, and for some time established?
+How long, then, my lords, and in what degree must it have been
+established, to obtain undoubted credit, and when does it commence
+infallible? If the people are divided in their opinions, as in all
+publick questions it has hitherto happened, fame is, I suppose, the
+voice of the majority; for, if the two parties are equal in their
+numbers, fame will be equal; then how great must be the majority before
+it can lay claim to this powerful auxiliary? and how shall that majority
+be numbered?
+
+These questions, my lords, may be thought, perhaps with justice, too
+ludicrous in this place, but, in my opinion, they contribute to show the
+precarious and uncertain nature of the evidence so much confided in.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is to every man only what he himself commonly
+hears; and it is in the power of any man's acquaintance to vitiate the
+evidence which they report, and to stun him with clamours, and terrify
+him with apprehensions of miseries never felt, and dangers invisible.
+But, without such a combination, we are to remember, that most men
+associate with those of their own opinions, and that the rank of those
+that compose this assembly naturally disposes such as are admitted to
+their company, to relate, or to invent, such reports as may be
+favourably received, so that what appears to one lord the general voice
+of common fame, may, by another, be thought only the murmur of a petty
+faction, despicable, with regard to their numbers, and detestable, if we
+consider their principles.
+
+So difficult is it, my lords, to form any solid judgment concerning the
+extent and prevalence of any particular report, and the degree of credit
+to be given to it. The industry of a party may supply the defect of
+numbers, and some concurrent circumstances may contribute to give credit
+to a false report.
+
+But, my lords, we are ourselves appealed to as witnesses of the truth of
+facts, which prove him to be sole minister, of the number of his
+dependents, the advancement of his friends, the disappointments of his
+opponents, and the declarations made by his followers of adherence and
+fidelity.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that there is nothing in these
+representations exaggerated beyond the truth, and that nothing is
+represented in an improper light, what consequence can we draw, but that
+the followers of this gentleman, make use of those arts which have
+always been practised by the candidates of preferment, that they
+endeavour to gain their patron's smile by flattery and panegyrick, and
+to keep it by assiduity and an appearance of gratitude. And if such
+applications exalted any man to the authority and title of first
+minister, the nation has never, in my memory, been without some man in
+that station, for there is always some one to whom ambition and avarice
+have paid their court, and whose regards have been purchased at the
+expense of truth.
+
+Nor is it to be wondered at, my lords, that posts of honour and profit
+have been bestowed upon the friends of the administration; for who
+enriches or exalts his enemies? who will increase the influence that is
+to be exerted against him, or add strength to the blow that is levelled
+at himself?
+
+That the right honourable gentleman is the only disposer of honours, has
+never yet appeared; it is not pretended, my lords, that he distributes
+them without the consent of his majesty, nor even that his
+recommendation is absolutely necessary to the success of any man's
+applications. If he has gained more of his majesty's confidence and
+esteem than any other of his servants, he has done only what every man
+endeavours, and what, therefore, is not to be imputed to him as a crime.
+
+It is impossible, my lords, that kings, like other men, should not have
+particular motions of inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
+may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
+their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
+and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
+and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
+desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
+effect.
+
+This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
+confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
+pretended that he assumes the title of _prime minister_, or indeed, that
+it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
+conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
+if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
+against it.
+
+Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
+against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
+that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
+injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
+was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
+country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
+or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
+upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
+honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
+treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
+able to discover.
+
+Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
+have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
+spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
+blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
+lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
+administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
+the decisions of my own judgment.
+
+In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
+accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
+cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
+confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
+conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
+corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if every man's regard to
+his own safety and reputation will prevent him from betraying his trust,
+or abusing his power, much more will it incite him to prevent any
+misconduct in another for which he must himself be accountable. Men are,
+usually, sufficiently tenacious of power, and ready to vindicate their
+separate rights, when nothing but their pride is affected by the
+usurpation, but surely no man will patiently suffer his province to be
+invaded when he may himself be ruined by the conduct of the invader.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears to me to be not only without proof, but
+without probability, and the first minister can, in my opinion, be
+nothing more than a formidable illusion, which, when one man thinks he
+has seen it, he shows to another, as easily frighted as himself, who
+joins with him in propagating the notion, and in spreading terrour and
+resentment over the nation, till at last the panick becomes general, and
+what was at first only whispered by malice or prejudice in the ears of
+ignorance or credulity, is adopted by common fame, and echoed back from
+the people to the senate.
+
+I have hitherto, my lords, confined myself to the consideration of one
+single article of this complicated charge, because it appears to me to
+be the only part of it necessary to be examined; for if once it be
+acknowledged that the affairs of the nation are transacted not by the
+minister but the administration, by the council in which every man that
+sits there has an equal voice and equal authority, the blame or praise
+of all the measures must be transferred from him to the council, and
+every man that has advised or concurred in them, will deserve the same
+censure or the same applause; as it is unjust to punish one man for the
+crimes of another, it is unjust to choose one man out for punishment
+from among many others equally guilty.
+
+But I doubt not, my lords, when all those measures are equitably
+considered, there will be no punishment to be dreaded, because neither
+negligence nor treachery will be discovered. For, my lords, with regard
+to the treaty of Vienna, let us suppose our ministers deceived by
+ignorant or corrupt intelligence, let us admit that they were cautious
+where there was no danger, and neglected some opportunities, which, if
+they had received better information, they might have improved to the
+advantage and security of the nation. What have they done, even under
+all these disadvantageous suppositions, but followed the lights which
+they judged most clear, and by which they hoped to be conducted to
+honour and to safety?
+
+Policy, my lords, is very different from prescience; the utmost that can
+be attained is probability, and that, for the most part, in a low
+degree. It is observed, that no man is wise but as you take into
+consideration the weakness of another; a maxim more eminently true of
+political wisdom, which consists, very often, only in discovering
+designs which could never be known but by the folly or treachery of
+those to whom they are trusted. If our enemies were wise enough to keep
+their own secrets, neither our ministers nor our patriots would be able
+to know or prevent their designs, nor would it be any reproach to their
+sagacity, that they did not know what nobody would tell them.
+
+If therefore, my lords, the princes, whose interest is contrary to our
+own, have been at any time served by honest and wise men, there was a
+time when our ministers could act only by conjecture, and might be
+mistaken without a crime.
+
+If it was always in our power to penetrate into the intentions of our
+enemies, they must necessarily have the same means of making themselves
+acquainted with our projects, and yet when any of them are discovered we
+think it just to impute it to the negligence of the minister.
+
+Thus, my lords, every man is inclined to judge with prejudice and
+partiality. When we suffer by the prudence of our enemies, we charge our
+ministers with want of vigilance, without considering, that very often
+nothing is necessary to elude the most penetrating sagacity, but
+obstinate silence.
+
+If we inquire into the transactions of past times, shall we find any
+man, however renowned for his abilities, not sometimes imposed upon by
+falsehoods, and sometimes betrayed by his own reasonings into measures
+destructive of the purposes which he endeavoured to promote? There is no
+man of whose penetration higher ideas have been justly formed, or who
+gave more frequent proofs of an uncommon penetration into futurity than
+Cromwell; and yet succeeding times have sufficiently discovered the
+weakness of aggrandizing France by depressing Spain, and we wonder now
+how so much policy could fall into so gross an errour, as not rather to
+suffer power to remain in the distant enemy, than transfer it to another
+equally divided from us by interest, and far more formidable by the
+situation of his dominions.
+
+Cromwell, my lords, suffered himself to be hurried away by the near
+prospect of present advantages, and the apprehension of present dangers;
+and every other man has been, in the same manner, sometimes deluded into
+a preference of a smaller present advantage, to a greater which was more
+remote.
+
+Let it not be urged, my lords, that politicks are advanced since the
+time of Cromwell, and that errours which might then be committed by the
+wisest administration, are now gross and reproachful; we are to remember
+that every part of policy has been equally improved, and that if more
+methods of discovery have been struck out, there have been likewise more
+arts invented of eluding it.
+
+When, therefore, we inquire into the conduct, or examine the abilities
+of a minister, we are not to expect that he should appear never to have
+been deceived, but that he should never be found to have neglected any
+proper means of information, nor ever to have willingly given up the
+interest of his country; but we are not to impute to his weakness what
+is only to be ascribed to the wisdom of those whom he opposed.
+
+If this plea, my lords, is reasonable, it will be necessary for those
+who support the motion, to prove, not only that the treaty of Vienna was
+never made, but that the falsehood of the report either was or might
+have been known by our ministers; otherwise, those who are inclined to
+retain a favourable opinion of their integrity and abilities, may
+conclude, that they were either not mistaken, or were led into errour by
+such delusions as would no less easily have imposed on their accusers,
+and that by exalting their enemies to their stations, they shall not
+much consult the advantage of their country.
+
+This motion, therefore, my lords, founded upon no acknowledged, no
+indisputable facts, nor supported by legal evidence; this motion, which,
+by appealing to common fame, as the ultimate judge of every man's
+actions, may bring every man's life, or fortune, into danger; this
+motion, which condemns without hearing, and decides without examining, I
+cannot but reject, and hope your lordships will concur with me.
+
+Lord CARLISLE spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords, the state
+of the question before us has, in my opinion, not been rightly
+apprehended by the noble lord who spoke last, nor is the innocence or
+guilt of the minister the chief question before us, because a minister
+may possibly mean well, and yet be, in some particular circumstances,
+unqualified for his station.
+
+He may not only want the degree of knowledge and ability requisite to
+make his good intentions effectual, but, my lords, however skilful,
+sagacious, or diligent, he may be so unfortunate, in some parts of his
+conduct, as to want the esteem and confidence of the people.
+
+That a very able and honest minister may be misinformed by his
+intelligence, disappointed by his agents, or baffled by other men of
+equal capacity and integrity with himself, cannot be controverted; but
+it must surely be owned likewise, that when this has happened so often,
+and in cases of such importance, as to deprive him entirely of the
+regard and affection of the people; when he is reduced to intrench
+himself behind his privileges, to employ all the influence of the crown
+for his own security, and make it his daily endeavour to create new
+dependencies, he ought to be pitied and discarded.
+
+That this is the state of the minister whose removal is desired by the
+motion, cannot be denied; the exaltation of his adherents to places and
+preferments, the noble lord has been so far from questioning, that he
+has endeavoured to justify it, and has in plain terms inquired, who
+would have acted otherwise?
+
+Every man, my lords, would have acted otherwise, whose character had not
+been blasted by general detestation; every man would have acted
+otherwise, who preferred the publick good to his own continuance in
+power; and every man has acted otherwise who has distinguished himself
+as a friend to the publick.
+
+It is the interest of the nation, my lords, that every office should be
+filled by that man who is most capable of discharging it, whatever may
+be his sentiments with regard to the minister; and that his attention
+should be confined to his employment, rather than distracted by various
+concerns and opposite relations. It is, therefore, an injury to the
+publick, to thrust a skilful commissioner into the senate, or to
+embarrass an industrious senator with a post or commission.
+
+Yet, my lords, that multitudes have obtained places, who have no
+acquaintance with the duties of their offices, nor any other pretensions
+to them, than that they have seats in the other house, and that by
+distinguishing himself in that assembly, any man may most easily obtain
+the preferments of the crown, is too obvious for controversy.
+
+This practice, my lords, is a sufficient foundation for the motion; a
+practice so injurious to the nation, so long continued, and so openly
+avowed, requires to be vigorously opposed, lest it should become
+established by long custom, and entangle itself with our constitution.
+
+If the minister, my lords, has made it necessary to employ none but his
+adherents and blind followers, this necessity is alone a sufficient
+proof how little he confides in his own prudence or integrity, how
+apprehensive he is of the censure of the senate, and how desirous of
+continuing his authority, by avoiding it. And, surely, my lords, it is
+our duty, as well as our right, to address the throne, that a minister
+should be removed who fears the people, since few men fear without
+hating, and nothing so much contributes to make any man an enemy to his
+country, as the consciousness that he is universally abhorred.
+
+But, my lords, if this is done by him without necessity, if the general
+preference of his friends is only the consequence of mistaken judgment,
+or corrupt gratitude, this address is equally necessary, because the
+effects are equally pernicious.
+
+When a minister, suspected of ill intentions, is continued in
+employment, discontent must naturally spread over the nation; and if the
+end of government be the happiness of the people; if suspicion and
+jealousy be contrary to a state of happiness; and if this suspicion
+which generally prevails, this discontent which fills the whole nation,
+can only be appeased by the removal of the minister; prudence, justice,
+and the examples of our ancestors, ought to influence us to endeavour
+that the affairs of the nation may be transferred to such whose greater
+integrity or wisdom has recommended them to the affection of the people.
+
+In this motion, therefore, we need not be supposed to imply that the
+minister is either ignorant or corrupt, but that he is disliked by the
+people, disliked to such a degree, my lords, that it is not safe for his
+majesty to employ him.
+
+It is, doubtless, our duty, my lords, to guard both the rights of the
+people, and the prerogatives of the throne, and with equal ardour to
+remonstrate to his majesty the distresses of his subjects, and his own
+danger. We are to hold the balance of the constitution, and neither to
+suffer the regal power to be overborne by a torrent of popular fury, nor
+the people to be oppressed by an illegal exertion of authority, or the
+more insupportable hardships of unreasonable laws.
+
+By this motion, my lords, the happiness of the people, and the security
+of his majesty, are at once consulted, nor can we suppress so general a
+clamour without failing equally in our duty to both.
+
+To what, my lords, is the untimely end of so many kings and emperours to
+be imputed, but to the cowardice or treachery of their counsellors, of
+those to whom they trusted that intercourse, which is always to be
+preserved between a monarch and his people? Were kings honestly informed
+of the opinions and dispositions of their subjects, they would never,
+or, at least rarely, persist in such measures, as, by exasperating the
+people, tend necessarily to endanger themselves.
+
+It is the happiness of a British monarch, that he has a standing and
+hereditary council, composed of men who do not owe their advancement to
+the smiles of caprice, or the intrigues of a court; who are, therefore,
+neither under the influence of a false gratitude, nor of a servile
+dependence, and who may convey to the throne the sentiments of the
+people, without danger, and without fear. But, my lords, if we are
+either too negligent, or too timorous to do our duty, how is the
+condition of our sovereign more safe, or more happy than that of an
+emperour of Turkey, who is often ignorant of any complaints made against
+the administration, till he hears the people thundering at the gates of
+his palace.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, whatever may be our opinion of the conduct
+of the minister, inform his majesty of the discontent of his subjects,
+since, whether it is just or not, the danger is the same, and whenever
+any danger threatens the king, we ought either to enable him to oppose,
+or caution him to avoid it.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, I
+cannot but observe in this debate an ambition of popularity, in my
+opinion not very consistent with the freedom of debate, and the dignity
+of this assembly, which ought to be influenced by no other motive than
+the force of reason and truth.
+
+It has been a common method of eluding the efficacy of arguments, to
+charge the opponent with blind adherence to interest, or corrupt
+compliance with the directions of a court; nor has it been less frequent
+to prevent inquiries into publick measures, by representing them as the
+clamours of faction, the murmurs of disobedience, and the prelude to
+rebellion.
+
+So necessary, my lords, has it been always thought to be uninfluenced in
+our examinations by dependence or interest, that the most irrefragable
+reasons have lost the power of conviction, by the condition and
+characters of those by whom they were produced; and so much is it
+expected from innocence and justice to despise all foreign assistance,
+and to stand the test of inquiry without asking the support of power,
+that every man has been concluded guilty that has fled for shelter to
+the throne.
+
+And surely, my lords, if that man's suffrage is of little weight, who
+appears determined to subscribe to the dictates of a minister, no
+greater credit can be assigned to another, who professes himself only
+the echo of the clamours of the populace. If it be a proof of a weak
+cause, and consciousness of misconduct, to apply to the crown for
+security and protection, it may be accounted an acknowledgment of the
+insufficiency of arguments, when the people is called in to second them,
+and they are only to expect success from the violence of multitudes.
+
+That all government is instituted for the happiness of the people, that
+their interest ought to be the chief care of the legislature, that their
+complaints ought patiently to be heard, and their grievances speedily
+redressed, are truths well known, generally acknowledged, and, I hope,
+always predominant in the mind of every lord in this assembly. But, that
+the people cannot err, that the voice of fame is to be regarded as an
+oracle, and every murmur of discontent to be pacified by a change of
+measures, I have never before heard, or heard it only to disregard it.
+
+True tenderness for the people, my lords, is to consult their advantage,
+to protect their liberty, and to preserve their virtue; and perhaps
+examples may be found sufficient to inform us that all these effects are
+often to be produced by means not generally agreeable to the publick.
+
+It is possible, my lords, for a very small part of the people to form
+just ideas of the motives of transactions and the tendency of laws. All
+negotiations with foreign powers are necessarily complicated with many
+different interests, and varied by innumerable circumstances, influenced
+by sudden exigencies, and defeated by unavoidable accidents. Laws have
+respect to remote consequences, and involve a multitude of relations
+which it requires long study to discover. And how difficult it is to
+judge of political conduct, or legislative proceedings, may be easily
+discovered by observing how often the most skilful statesmen are
+mistaken, and how frequently the laws require to be amended.
+
+If then, my lords, the people judge for themselves on these subjects,
+they must necessarily determine without knowledge of the questions, and
+their decisions are then of small authority. If they receive,
+implicitly, the dictates of others, and blindly adopt the opinions of
+those who have gained their favour and esteem, their applauses and
+complaints are, with respect to themselves, empty sounds, which they
+utter as the organs of their leaders. Nor are the desires of the people
+gratified when their petitions are granted; nor their grievances
+overlooked when their murmurs are neglected.
+
+As it is no reproach to the people that they cannot be the proper judges
+of the conduct of the government, so neither are they to be censured
+when they complain of injuries not real, and tremble at the apprehension
+of severities unintended. Unjust complaints, my lords, and unreasonable
+apprehensions, are to be imputed to those who court their regard only to
+deceive them, and exalt themselves to reputation by rescuing them from
+grievances that were never felt, and averting dangers that were never
+near.
+
+He only who makes the happiness of the people his endeavour, loves them
+with a true affection and a rational tenderness, and he certainly
+consults their happiness who contributes to still all groundless
+clamours, and appease all useless apprehensions, who employs his care,
+not only to preserve their quiet and their liberty, but to secure them
+from the fear of losing it, who not only promotes the means of
+happiness, but enables them to enjoy it.
+
+Thus, it appears, my lords, that it is possible to be a friend, at the
+same time, to the people and the administration, and that no man can
+more deserve their confidence and applause, than he that dissipates
+their unreasonable terrours, and contributes to reconcile them to a good
+government.
+
+That most of the clamours against the present government arise from
+calumnies and misrepresentations, is apparent from the sanction of the
+senate, which has been given to all the measures that are charged as
+crimes upon the administration.
+
+That the army is supported by the consent of the senate, that the senate
+has approved the convention, and that our taxes are all imposed and
+continued by the senate, cannot be denied. What then is demanded by
+those that censure the conduct of publick affairs, but that their
+opinion should be considered as an overbalance to the wisdom of the
+senate, that no man should be allowed to speak but as they dictate, nor
+to vote but as they shall influence them by their rhetorick or example?
+
+To repeat the particular topicks of accusation, and recapitulate the
+arguments which have been produced to confute it, would be a tedious and
+unnecessary labour; unnecessary, because it is well known that they once
+had the power of convincing this house, and that nothing has since
+happened to lessen their force, and because many of them now have been
+already repeated by the noble lords that have opposed the motion.
+
+To search far backward for past errors, and to take advantage of later
+discoveries in censuring the conduct of any minister, is in a high
+degree disingenuous and cruel; it is an art which may be easily
+practised, of perplexing any question, by connecting distant facts, and
+entangling one period of time with another.
+
+The only candid method of inquiry is to recur back to the state of
+affairs, as it then appeared, to consider what was openly declared, and
+what was kept impenetrably secret, what was discoverable by human
+sagacity, and what was beyond the reach of the most piercing politician.
+
+With regard to the Hanover treaty, it is not, my lords, requisite that
+we should engage ourselves in a very minute examination; for it was not
+only not transacted by the right honourable gentleman whose behaviour is
+the subject of this debate, but cannot be proved to have been known by
+him till it was formally ratified. If he afterwards approved it either
+in the council or the senate, he cannot justly, how destructive or
+ridiculous soever that treaty may be thought, be charged with more than
+his share of the guilt, the bare guilt of a single vote.
+
+But there is one accusation yet more malicious, an accusation not only
+of crimes which this gentleman did not commit, but which have not yet
+been committed, an accusation formed by prying into futurity, and
+exaggerating misfortunes which are yet to come, and which may probably
+be prevented. Well may any man, my lords, think himself in danger, when
+he hears himself charged not with high crimes and misdemeanours, not
+with accumulative treason, but with misconduct of publick affairs, past,
+present, and future.
+
+The only charge against this gentleman, which seems to relate more to
+him than to any other man engaged in the administration, is the
+continuance of the harbour of Dunkirk, which, says the noble duke, he
+must be acquainted with as commissioner of the treasury; but if the
+title of first commissioner be denied, if his authority be but the same
+with that of his associates, whence comes it, my lords, that he is more
+particularly accused than they? Why is his guilt supposed greater if his
+power is only equal?
+
+But, my lords, I believe it will appear, that no guilt has been
+contracted on this account, and that Dunkirk was always intended, even
+by those that demanded the demolition of it, to continue a harbour for
+small trading vessels, and that if larger ever arrived from thence, they
+lay at a distance from the shore, and were loaded by small vessels from
+the town.
+
+With regard to other affairs, my lords, they were all transacted by the
+council, not by his direction, but with his concurrence; and how it is
+consistent with justice to single him out for censure, I must desire the
+noble lords to show who approve the motion.
+
+If the people, my lords, have been, by misrepresentations industriously
+propagated, exasperated against him, if the general voice of the nation
+condemns him, we ought more cautiously to examine his conduct, lest we
+should add strength to prejudice too powerful already, and instead of
+reforming the errours, and regulating the heat of the people, inflame
+their discontent and propagate sedition.
+
+The utmost claim of the people is to be admitted as accusers, and
+sometimes as evidence, but they have no right to sit as judges, and to
+make us the executioners of their sentence; and as this gentleman has
+yet been only condemned by those who have not the opportunities of
+examining his conduct, nor the right of judging him, I cannot agree to
+give him up to punishment.
+
+Lord HALIFAX spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, though I do
+not conceive the people infallible, yet I believe that in questions like
+this they are seldom in the wrong, for this is a question not of
+argument but of fact; of fact discoverable, not by long deductions and
+accurate ratiocinations, but by the common powers of seeing and feeling.
+
+That it is difficult to know the motives of negotiations, and the
+effects of laws, and that it requires long study and intense meditation
+to discover remote consequences, is indubitably true. And, with regard
+to the people in general, it cannot be denied, that neither their
+education qualifies them, nor their employments allow them to be much
+versed in such inquiries.
+
+But, my lords, to refer effects to their proper causes, and to observe,
+when consequences break forth, from whence they proceed, is no such
+arduous task. The people of the lowest class may easily feel that they
+are more miserable this year than the last, and may inquire and discover
+the reason of the aggravation of their misery; they may know that the
+army is increased, or our trade diminished; that the taxes are heavier,
+and penal laws become more grievous.
+
+Nor is it less easy for them to discover that these calamities are not
+brought upon them by the immediate hand of heaven, or the irresistible
+force of natural causes; that their towns are not ruined by an invasion,
+nor their trade confined by a pestilence; they may then easily collect,
+that they are only unhappy by the misconduct of their governours; they
+may assign their infelicity to that cause, as the only remaining cause
+that is adequate to the effect.
+
+If it be granted, my lords, that they may be mistaken in their
+reasoning, it must be owned, that they are not mistaken without
+probabilities on their side: it is probable that the ministry must
+injure the publick interest when it decays without any other visible
+cause; it is still more probable, when it appears that among those whose
+station enables them to enter into national inquiries, every man imputes
+his calamities to the minister, who is not visibly dependent on his
+favour. It becomes more probable, yet, when it appears that it is the
+great business of the minister to multiply dependencies, to list
+accomplices, and to corrupt his judges.
+
+At least, my lords, if it be granted, which, surely, cannot be denied,
+that the people may be sensible of their own miseries, it is their part
+to declare their sufferings, and to apply to this house for relief, and
+it is our business to discover the authors of them, and bring them to
+punishment.
+
+That the people are very loud and importunate in their complaints, is
+daily evident; nor is it less apparent, that their complaints are just;
+if, therefore, their miseries must have an author, let the defenders of
+this gentleman point out the man whom they may more properly accuse.
+
+But, my lords, nothing is more evident, than that the crimes and the
+criminal are equally known, that there is one man predominant in his
+majesty's councils, and that it has long been the practice of that man
+at once to oppress and ridicule the people, to plunder them, and set
+them at defiance.
+
+Nothing is more known than that this man pretends to a superiour
+knowledge, and exerts a superiour power in the management of the publick
+revenues, and that they have been so ill managed for many years, that
+the expenses of peace have been almost equal to those of a most vigorous
+and extensive war.
+
+Nothing is more probable, than that most of the foreign negotiations are
+conducted by his direction, nor more certain, than that they have
+generally tended only to make us contemptible.
+
+That the excise was projected in his own head, that it was recommended
+by him upon his own conviction, and pressed upon the legislature by his
+influence, cannot be questioned; and if this were his only crime, if
+this were the only scheme of oppression that ever he planned out, it is
+such a declaration of war upon the publick liberty, such an attack of
+our natural and constitutional rights, as was never, perhaps, pardoned
+by any nation.
+
+Nor is it less notorious, that the late infamous convention was
+transacted by one of his own dependents, that he palliated or concealed
+the losses of our merchants, that he opposed the declaration of war, and
+has since obstructed its operations.
+
+On this occasion, my lords, it may be useful to remark the apparent
+partiality of this gentleman's vindicators, who declare, that measures
+are not to be censured as imprudent, only because they are unsuccessful,
+and yet when other instances of his conduct fall under our examination,
+think it a sufficient defence to exclaim against the unreasonableness of
+judging before the event.
+
+To deny that, in the conduct both of civil and military affairs, he has
+obtained, I know not by what means, an authority superiour to that of
+any other man, an authority irresistible, uncontroulable, and regal, is
+to oppose not only common fame, but daily experience. If as commissioner
+of the treasury he has no more power than any of his associates, whence
+is it, that to oppose or censure him, to doubt of his infallibility, to
+suspect his integrity, or to obstruct his influence, is a crime punished
+with no lighter penalty than forfeiture of employment, as appears, my
+lords, from the late dismission of a gentleman, against whom nothing can
+be alleged but an obstinate independence and open disregard of this
+arbitrary minister.
+
+But happy would it be, my lords, for this nation, if he endeavoured not
+to extend his authority beyond the treasury or the court; if he would
+content himself with tyrannising over those whose acceptance of salaries
+and preferments has already subjected them to his command, without
+attempting to influence elections, or to direct the members of the other
+house.
+
+How much the influence of the crown has operated upon all publick
+councils since the advancement of this gentleman, how zealously it has
+been supported, and how industriously extended, is unnecessary to
+explain, since what is seen or felt by almost every man in the kingdom
+cannot reasonably be supposed unknown to your lordships.
+
+Nothing can be more contrary to the true notion of the British
+constitution, than to imagine, that by such measures his majesty's real
+interest is advanced. The true interest, my lords, of every monarch, is
+to please the people, and the only way of pleasing Britons, is to
+preserve their liberties, their reputation, and their commerce. Every
+attempt to extend the power of the crown beyond the limits prescribed by
+our laws, must in effect make it weaker, by diverting the only source of
+its strength, the affection of his subjects.
+
+It is, therefore, my opinion, my lords, that we ought to agree to this
+motion, as a standing memorial not only of our regard for the nation,
+but of our adherence to our sovereign; that his councils may be no
+longer influenced by that man whose pernicious advice, and unjustifiable
+conduct, has added new hopes and new strength to his enemies,
+impoverished and exasperated his subjects, inflamed the discontent of
+the seditious, and almost alienated the affection of the loyal.
+
+The bishop of SALISBURY spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords,
+after all the exaggerations of the errours, and all the representations
+of the malconduct of the right honourable gentleman; after the most
+affecting rhetorick, and the most acute inquiries, nothing has appeared
+of weight sufficient to prevail with me to agree to the present motion;
+a motion, if not of an unprecedented, yet of a very extraordinary kind,
+which may extend in its consequences to futurity, and be, perhaps, more
+dangerous to innocence than guilt.
+
+I cannot yet discover any proof sufficient to convict him of having
+usurped the authority of _first_ minister, or any other power than that
+accidental influence which every man has, whose address or services have
+procured him the favour of his sovereign.
+
+The usurpation, my lords, of regal power must be made evident by
+somewhat more than general assertions, must appear from some publick act
+like that of one of the prelates left regent of the kingdom by Richard
+the first, who, as soon as the king was gone too far to return, in the
+first elevations of his heart, began his new authority by imprisoning
+his colleague.
+
+To charge this gentleman with the dismission of any of his colleagues,
+can, after the strongest aggravations, rise no higher than to an
+accusation of having advised his majesty to dismiss him, and even that,
+my lords, stands, at present, unsupported by evidence; nor could it,
+however uncontestably proved, discover either wickedness or weakness, or
+show any other authority than every man would exercise, if he were able
+to attain it.
+
+If he had discharged this gentleman by his own authority, if he had
+transacted singly any great affair to the disadvantage of the publick,
+if he had imposed either upon the king or the senate by false
+representations, if he had set the laws at defiance, and openly trampled
+on our constitution, and if by these practices he had exalted himself
+above the reach of a legal prosecution, it had been worthy of the
+dignity of this house, to have overleaped the common boundaries of
+custom, to have neglected the standing rules of procedure, and to have
+brought so contemptuous and powerful an offender to a level with the
+rest of his fellow-subjects by expeditious and vigorous methods, to have
+repressed his arrogance, broken his power, and overwhelmed him at once
+by the resistless weight of an unanimous censure.
+
+But, my lords, we have in the present case no provocations from crimes
+either openly avowed, or evidently proved; and certainly no incitement
+from necessity to exert the power of the house in any extraordinary
+method of prosecution. We may punish whenever we can convict, and
+convict whenever we can obtain evidence; let us not, therefore, condemn
+any man unheard, nor punish any man uncondemned.
+
+The duke of BEDFORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, it
+is easy to charge the most blameless and gentle procedure with injustice
+and severity, but it is not easy to support such an accusation without
+confounding measures widely different, and disguising the nature of
+things with fallacious misrepresentations.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that neither condemnation nor punishment is
+intended by the motion before us, which is only to remove from power a
+man who has no other claim to it than the will of his master, and who,
+as he had not been injured by never obtaining it, cannot justly complain
+that it is taken from him.
+
+The motion, my lords, is so far from inflicting punishment, that it
+confers rewards, it leaves him in the possession of immense wealth,
+however accumulated, and enables him to leave that office in security,
+from which most of his predecessors have been precipitated by national
+resentment, or senatorial prosecution.
+
+There is no censure, my lords, made of his conduct, no charge of
+weakness, or suspicion of dishonesty, nor can any thing be equitably
+inferred from it, than that in the opinion of this house his majesty may
+probably be served by some other person, more to the satisfaction of the
+British nation.
+
+Though it is not just to punish any man without examination, or to
+censure his conduct merely because it has been unpleasing or
+unsuccessful; though it is not reasonable that any man should forfeit
+what he possesses in his own right, without a crime, yet it is just to
+withdraw favours only to confer them on another more deserving; it is
+just in any man to withhold his own, only to preserve his right, or
+obviate an injurious prescription, and it is, therefore, just to advise
+such a conduct whenever it appears necessary to those who have the right
+of offering advice.
+
+To advise his majesty, my lords, is not only our right but our duty; we
+are not only justifiable in practising, but criminal in neglecting it.
+That we should declare our apprehensions of any impending danger, and
+our disapprobation of publick misconduct, is expected both by our
+sovereign and the people, and let us not, by omitting such warnings,
+lull the nation and our sovereign into a dangerous security, and, from
+tenderness to one man, prolong or increase the miseries of our country,
+and endanger or destroy the honour of our sovereign.
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke next, in effect as follows:--My lords, this is surely
+a day destined by the noble lords who defend the motion, for the support
+of paradoxical assertions, for the exercise of their penetration, and
+ostentation of their rhetorick; they have attempted to maintain the
+certainty of common fame in opposition to daily observation; the
+existence of a sole minister in contradiction to the strongest evidence;
+and having by these gradations arrived at the highest degree of
+controversial temerity, are endeavouring to make it appear that the
+publick censure of the house of lords is no punishment.
+
+If we take the liberty, my lords, of using known words in a new sense,
+in a meaning reserved to ourselves only, it will, indeed, be difficult
+to confute, as it will be impossible to understand us; but if punishment
+be now to be understood as implying the same idea which has hitherto
+been conveyed by it, it will not be easy to show that a man thus
+publickly censured is not severely punished, and, if his crimes are not
+clearly proved, punished in opposition to law, to reason, and to
+justice.
+
+It has been hitherto imagined, my lords, that no punishment is heavier
+than that of infamy; and shame has, by generous minds, been avoided at
+the hazard of every other misery. That such a censure as is proposed by
+the motion, must irreparably destroy the reputation of the person
+against whom it is directed, that it must confirm the reports of his
+enemies, impair the esteem of his friends, mark him out to all Europe as
+unworthy of his sovereign's favour, and represent him to latest
+posterity as an enemy to his country, is indisputably certain.
+
+These, my lords, are the evident consequences of the address moved for
+by the noble lord; and, if such consequences are not penal, it will be
+no longer in our power to enforce our laws by sanctions of terrour.
+
+To condemn a man unheard, is an open and flagrant violation of the first
+law of justice, but it is still a wider deviation from it to punish a
+man unaccused; no crime has been charged upon this gentleman
+proportioned to the penalty proposed by the motion, and the charge that
+has been produced is destitute of proof.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, reverence the great laws of reason and
+justice, let us preserve our high character and prerogative of judges,
+without descending to the low province of accusers and executioners; let
+us so far regard our reputation, our liberty, and our posterity, as to
+reject the motion.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in this debate, which lasted eleven hours; at
+length the question was put, and, on a division, carried in the
+negative. Content, 59. Not content, 108.]
+
+After the determination of the foregoing question, the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH rose up, and spoke as follows:--My lords, though your
+patience must undoubtedly be wearied by the unusual length of this day's
+debate, a debate protracted, in my opinion, not by the difficulty of the
+question, but by the obstinacy of prejudice, the ardour of passion, and
+the desire of victory; yet, I doubt not but the regard which this
+assembly has always paid to the safety and happiness of the state, will
+incline you to support the fatigue of attention a little longer, and to
+hear with your usual impartiality another motion.
+
+The proposition which I am about to lay down, my lords, is not such as
+can admit of controversy; it is such a standing principle as was always
+acknowledged, even by those who have deviated from it. Such a known
+truth as never was denied, though it appears sometimes to have been
+forgotten.
+
+But, my lords, as it never can be forgotten, without injury to
+particular persons, and danger to the state in general, it cannot be too
+frequently recollected, or too firmly established; it ought not only to
+be tacitly admitted, but publickly declared, since no man's fortune,
+liberty, or life, can be safe, where his judges shall think themselves
+at liberty to act upon any other principle. I therefore move, "That any
+attempt to inflict any kind of punishment on any person without allowing
+him an opportunity to make his defence, or without any proof of any
+crime or misdemeanour committed by him, is contrary to natural justice,
+the fundamental laws of this realm, and the ancient established usage of
+the senate, and is a high infringement of the liberties of the subject."
+
+He was seconded by the duke of DEVONSHIRE:--My lords, though the motion
+made by the noble duke is of such a kind, that no opposition can be
+expected or feared, yet I rise up to second it, lest it should be
+imagined that what cannot be rejected is yet unwillingly admitted.
+
+That where this maxim is not allowed and adhered to, rights and
+liberties are empty sounds, is uncontestably evident; if this principle
+be forsaken, guilt and innocence are equally secure, all caution is
+vain, and all testimony useless. Caprice will, in our courts, supply the
+place of reason, and all evidence must give way to malice, or to favour.
+
+I hope, therefore, my lords, that your regard to justice, to truth, and
+to your own safety, will influence you to confirm this great and
+self-evident principle by a standing resolution, that may not only
+restrain oppression in the present age, but direct the judiciary
+proceedings of our successors.
+
+Lord LOVEL rose next, and spoke as follows:--My lords, liberty and
+justice must always support each other, they can never long flourish
+apart; every temporary expedient that can be contrived to preserve or
+enlarge liberty by means arbitrary and oppressive, forms a precedent
+which may, in time, be made use of to violate or destroy it. Liberty is
+in effect suspended whenever injustice is practised; for what is
+liberty, my lords, but the power of doing right without fear, without
+control, and without danger.
+
+But, my lords, if any man may be condemned unheard, if judgment may
+precede evidence, what safety or what confidence can integrity afford?
+It is in vain that any man means well, and acts prudently; it is even in
+vain that he can prove the justice and prudence of his conduct.
+
+By liberty, my lords, can never be meant the privilege of doing wrong
+without being accountable, because liberty is always spoken of as
+happiness, or one of the means to happiness, and happiness and virtue
+cannot be separated. The great use of liberty must, therefore, be to
+preserve justice from violation; justice, the great publick virtue, by
+which a kind of equality is diffused over the whole society, by which
+wealth is restrained from oppression, and inferiority preserved from
+servitude.
+
+Liberty, general liberty, must imply general justice; for wherever any
+part of a state can be unjust with impunity, the rest are slaves. That
+to condemn any man unheard is oppressive and unjust, is beyond
+controversy demonstrable, and that no such power is claimed by your
+lordships will, I hope, appear from your resolutions.
+
+Lord GOWER spoke next:--My lords, to the principle laid down by those
+noble lords, I have no objection, and concur with them in hoping that
+all our proceedings will contribute to establish it; but why it should
+be confirmed by a formal resolution, why the house should solemnly
+declare their assent to a maxim which it would be madness to deny, it is
+beyond my penetration to discover.
+
+Though the noble lord's position cannot be controverted, yet his motion,
+if it is designed to imply any censure of the proceedings of this day,
+may reasonably be rejected, and that some censure is intended we may
+conjecture, because no other reason can be given why it was not made at
+some other time.
+
+Lord HALIFAX then rose:--My lords, that a censure is intended, will, I
+suppose, not be denied, and that such a censure is unjust must doubtless
+be the opinion of all those who are supposed to have incurred it, and it
+will, therefore, not be wondered that the motion is opposed by them, as
+indecent and calumnious: late as it is, my lords, I will not, for my
+part, suffer such an indignity without opposition, and shall think my
+conscience and my honour require, that I should not be overborne by
+perseverance or by numbers, but that I should, if I cannot convince the
+noble lords by argument, of the impropriety of the motion, record my
+reasons against it, which may, perhaps, be more candidly received by
+posterity.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke to this effect:--My lords, it is not without
+indignation that I hear a motion so injurious to my own honour, and to
+that of the noble lords who have concurred with me in the last debate,
+nor without contempt that I observed the motion confounded with the
+positions contained in it; the low subtilty of such conduct is no less
+to be despised than the malice to be abhorred.
+
+Fifty-nine lords are here branded as strangers, or enemies to the first
+principle of judicial equity, for doing what will entitle them to the
+general applause of every man in the kingdom that has the full
+possession of his understanding, or the free use of his senses; of every
+man that can distinguish truth, or feel oppression.
+
+They have endeavoured to rescue their country from the rapine of
+pensioners and the tyranny of an army, from perpetual taxes, and useless
+expenses; they have attempted to expose the errours of arrogant
+ignorance, and to depress the power of greatness, founded on corruption,
+and swelling beyond legal restraints.
+
+That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
+observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
+nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
+who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
+
+Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
+whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
+their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
+ascribed, their places, their dependence--
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, I rise
+thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
+publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
+assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
+methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
+preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
+solemn grandeur of its procedure.
+
+The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
+avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
+transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
+abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
+
+It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
+preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
+remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
+same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
+reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
+right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
+the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
+
+Lord TALBOT then resumed:--My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
+me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
+For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
+lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
+
+Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
+to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
+character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
+endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
+court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
+
+Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
+should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
+submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
+restrain me.
+
+I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
+merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
+examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
+that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
+
+When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
+observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
+authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
+I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
+speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable--
+But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
+endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
+been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
+of your lordships.
+
+Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:--My lords, the present motion is
+undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
+the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
+established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
+which I know not that it has ever departed.
+
+As there is, therefore, no particular necessity of confirming it by a
+new resolution, and as the present time seems less proper than any
+other, I cannot but declare my opinion, that to resume it at some other
+time will be more prudent, than to give the lords, who think their
+conduct censured, any occasion of resentment or discontent.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the maxim laid
+down in the present motion, is in itself incontestable, and so far from
+any inconsistency with the former, that as there was no reason for
+making, there is, in my opinion, none for opposing it; as it may at any
+time be made, it may at any time be properly passed. And I hope that our
+unanimity on this occasion will show that truth, however unseasonably
+advanced, will, in this house, be always received.
+
+But, lest the noble lords who have opposed the motion, should think
+their honour engaged in continuing the opposition, I take the liberty,
+my lords, to move that the previous question may be put.
+
+[Other lords spoke on each side; at last the previous question was put
+by the president, who demanded, "Is it your lordships' pleasure, that
+the question be now put? Those lords who are for it, say, Content:
+those who are against it, say, Not content." There was, accordingly, a
+cry of both; after which the president declared, "the contents have it;"
+and some lords replying, "the non-contents have it," his lordship said,
+"the non-contents must go below the bar:" which is the manner of
+dividing the house. Those who remained being told in their seats, and
+those who went out being told at coming in again, there were Content,
+81; Not content, 54: so that the resolution moved for, passed without a
+division.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON CLEANSING THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.]
+
+
+Lord TYRCONNEL made a motion for bringing in a bill for the better
+cleansing and paving the streets of Westminster, and the liberties
+thereof; in support of which motion he spoke to the following purpose:--
+
+Sir, though the grievance which I am about to lay before the house is
+not of the most formidable or dangerous kind, yet as it is such as grows
+every day greater, and such as every day endangers the lives of
+thousands, I hope it will not be thought useless or improper to propose
+it to the consideration of this assembly, to offer my thoughts on the
+methods by which it may be most easily removed, and to endeavour to
+incite others to the same considerations.
+
+It is impossible, sir, to come to this assembly, or to return from it
+without observations on the present condition of the streets of
+Westminster; observations forced upon every man, however inattentive, or
+however engrossed by reflections of a different kind.
+
+The warmest zeal for publick happiness, the most anxious vigilance
+against general dangers, must, I believe, sometimes give way to objects
+of immediate, though of less importance, nor will the most
+publick-spirited senators deny, that they have often been in the streets
+alarmed with obstructions, or shocked with nuisances.
+
+The filth, sir, of some parts of the town, and the inequality and
+ruggedness of others, cannot but in the eyes of foreigners disgrace our
+nation, and incline them to imagine us a people, not only without
+delicacy, but without government, a herd of barbarians, or a colony of
+hottentots.
+
+The most disgusting part of the character given by travellers, of the
+most savage nations, is their neglect of cleanliness, of which, perhaps,
+no part of the world affords more proofs, than the streets of the
+British capital; a city famous for wealth, and commerce, and plenty, and
+for every other kind of civility and politeness, but which abounds with
+such heaps of filth, as a savage would look on with amazement.
+
+If that be allowed which is generally believed, that putrefaction and
+stench are the causes of pestilential distempers, the removal of this
+grievance may be pressed from motives of far greater weight than those
+of delicacy and pleasure; and I might solicit the timely care of this
+assembly for the preservation of inuumerable multitudes, and intreat
+those, who are watching against slight misfortunes, to unite their
+endeavours with mine, to avert the greatest and most dreadful of
+calamities.
+
+Not to dwell, sir, upon dangers, which may, perhaps, be thought only
+imaginary, I hope that it will be at least considered, how much the
+present neglect of the pavement is detrimental to every carriage,
+whether of trade, or pleasure, or convenience, and that those who have
+allowed so much of their attention to petitions, relating to the roads
+of the kingdom, the repair of some of which is almost every session
+thought of importance sufficient to produce debates in this house, will
+not think the streets of the capital alone unworthy of their regard.
+
+That the present neglect of cleansing and paving the streets is such as
+ought not to be borne, that the passenger is every where either
+surprised and endangered by unexpected chasms, or offended or obstructed
+by mountains of filth, is well known to every one that has passed a
+single day in this great city; and that this grievance is without remedy
+is a sufficient proof that no magistrate has, at present power to remove
+it; for every man's private regard to his own ease and safety, would
+incite him to exert his authority on this occasion.
+
+I humbly propose, therefore, that a bill may be brought into the house,
+to enable his majesty's justices of peace for the liberties of
+Westminster, to inspect the publick ways of this city, and punish the
+neglect of cleansing and paving them; or that a new officer be
+appointed, and vested with full authority for the same purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I believe the grievance, so
+much complained of by the right honourable member, is not difficult to
+be removed without a new act of the legislature, being, perhaps, more
+properly to be imputed to the negligence of the justices, than a defect
+of their authority; for they have already sufficient power to regulate
+this disorder: and I may be allowed to hope, sir, that they do not want
+leisure to observe it, for their number is so great, that if we suppose
+them to be wholly engaged by the common business of their office, a
+foreigner would have occasion of reproaching us with defects more
+important than want of delicacy, and might justly censure us as a people
+corrupt beyond the common rate of human wickedness, a nation divided
+only into two classes, magistrates and criminals.
+
+But they, in reality, abound so much among us, that most of them are
+only nominal magistrates, vested with authority which they never exert,
+or exert to bad purposes, and which it were well if they were obliged to
+employ in the real service of their country, by superintending the
+paviers and the scavengers.
+
+For this reason it is unnecessary to erect a new officer, as an
+inspector of our streets, since every office that is not necessary is
+pernicious. Were the consequences of this grievance such as they have
+been represented, I should, perhaps, willingly erect a new office,
+though I should not be surprised to hear the wisest man declare rather
+for a pestilence than an increase of officers.
+
+As I neither think the grievance insupportable, nor the methods proposed
+for removing it necessary or proper, I declare myself against the
+motion.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, as the grievance cannot
+be denied to be real, and the motion, therefore, may reasonably be
+imagined to have been made without any other intention than of
+benefiting the publick by an useful law, I cannot discover any
+sufficient reason for a rejection so peremptory and contemptuous.
+
+That every man is disgusted, and almost every man daily endangered in
+our streets, has not been denied; nor will any man, I suppose, question
+what, if he has not yet experienced it, he may, perhaps, be fully
+convinced of, in his next visit or excursion.
+
+Those evils, which every man feels, though slight, are worthy of the
+attention of the legislature; and that danger that threatens multitudes,
+though distant, ought to be averted: for a small disorder, like a small
+expense, when it extends to multitudes, becomes a national affair.
+
+But though this motion may, perhaps, be liable to some objections, there
+is, certainly, no such absurdity to be found in it, as may justify us in
+rejecting it without examination; to reject a motion when it is first
+offered, is a proof of prejudice, next to that of rejecting it unheard;
+it is to determine a question, before it is discussed, or can be fully
+understood.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, I cannot but differ
+very widely in opinion from the right honourable member that spoke last,
+with regard to the propriety of opposing a motion when it is first made;
+a practice, which I can by no means think inconsistent with either
+decency or prudence, and which would, perhaps, be of use to the publick,
+if it was more frequent.
+
+When any motion is made, it is subjected to the consideration of this
+assembly, and every member is at full liberty to examine and discuss it.
+If it appears to deserve farther attention, it may be admitted, but if
+the subject be either improper or unseasonable, or the measures proposed
+injudicious or dangerous, it is then to be rejected; and if it is at
+last to be rejected, it is apparent that no time ought to be thrown away
+upon it.
+
+The hours, and days, and weeks, that have been improfitably spent upon
+bills which after all our endeavours could not be passed; the delays of
+real benefits to the publick, which have been produced by long pursuits
+of shadowy advantages, have inclined me to a more expeditious method of
+proceeding, and determined me speedily to reject what I cannot hope to
+amend.
+
+[The question being put, passed in the negative, 142 against 109.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF A BILL TO PREVENT INCONVENIENCIES
+ARISING FROM INSURANCE OF SHIPS.
+
+
+The bill being read, sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, there cannot be
+brought before this house any questions more difficult in themselves,
+more entangled with a multiplicity of relations, or more perplexed with
+an endless diversity of circumstances, than those which relate to
+commercial affairs; affairs on which the most experienced often
+disagree, and on which the most sagacious may deceive themselves with
+erroneous conjectures.
+
+There are no questions, sir, which require so much personal knowledge of
+the subject to which they relate, nor is there any subject with which so
+few gentlemen in this house have had opportunities of being acquainted.
+There are no questions, sir, which their variety of relations to
+different persons exposes to be so easily misrepresented without
+detection, nor any in which the opposition of particular interests so
+much incites a false representation. In all these cases, deceit is easy,
+and there is a strong temptation to deceive.
+
+Nor are these questions, sir, always perplexed by intentional fraud, or
+false assertions, of which they that utter them are themselves
+conscious.
+
+Those who deceive us, do not always suppress any truth of which they are
+convinced, nor set facts before us in any other light, than that in
+which themselves behold them; they for the most part err with an honest
+intention, and propagate no mistakes but those which they have
+themselves admitted.
+
+Of this kind, sir, are, doubtless, the measures proposed in the bill
+before us, which those by whom they are promoted may easily think to be
+of benefit to the publick, but which, I believe, will appear the result
+of imperfect views, and partial consideration.
+
+The great and fundamental errour, sir, of the patrons of this bill,
+seems to be an opinion that the practice of insuring is not known to
+other nations, nor can be carried on in any other place; and from this
+principle they deduce consequences, which, if they were inevitably
+certain, might easily influence us to an immediate approbation of the
+bill, as necessary to secure our commerce, and distress our enemies.
+
+They conclude, sir, with sufficient justness, that very few merchants
+would hazard their fortunes in long voyages or distant commerce, or
+expose themselves to the dangers of war, without the security which
+insurances afford them; and having persuaded themselves that such
+security is to be obtained from no other nation, they imagine that we
+might, by prohibiting it, confine all the foreign vessels in their
+ports, and destroy, by one resolution, the trade of both our rivals and
+our enemies.
+
+That our East India company may desire the ratification of this bill, I
+cannot deny, because they might, perhaps, receive from it some temporary
+advantage by the short inconveniencies which those whom they consider as
+the enemies of their commerce would feel from it. They may desire it,
+because the experiment, if it fails, as it must, cannot injure them; and
+if it succeeds, may produce great advantages to them: they may wish it,
+because they will feel the immediate benefit, and the detriment will
+fall upon others.
+
+I shall not inquire whether our merchants are inclined to look with
+malevolence on all those who cultivate the same branches of commerce
+with themselves, though they have neither the violation of natural
+rights, nor the infringement of national treaties, to complain of. I
+should be unwilling to suspect a British merchant, whose acquaintance
+with the constitution of his own country ought to show him the value of
+liberty, who ought to be above narrow schemes, by the knowledge which
+his profession enables him to gain, of a desire to encroach upon the
+rights of others, or to engross the general benefits of nature; and
+shall only observe, that several other nations can plead a claim to the
+East India trade, a claim of equal validity with our own; that the Danes
+have their settlement there, and that the Portuguese discovered the way
+to those regions of wealth, from which some, perhaps, are inclined to
+exclude them.
+
+But nothing is more vain than to attempt to exclude them by refusing to
+ensure their ships, because the opinion that they can be insured by no
+other nation is entirely without foundation. There are at this time
+offices of insurance along the whole coasts of the midland sea, among
+the Dutch, and even among the French. Nothing can debar any nation from
+the trade of insurance but the want of money; and that money is not
+wanted by foreigners for this purpose, appears from the great sums which
+they have deposited in our funds.
+
+That this trade is now carried on chiefly by this nation, though not
+solely, is incontestable; but what can be inferred from that, but that
+we ought not to obstruct our own gain; that we ought not to make a law
+to deprive ourselves of that advantage of which either favourable
+accidents or our own sagacity have put us in possession.
+
+For this reason it appears that it would not contribute to the wealth of
+the publick to debar us from insuring the ships even of those with whom
+we are at war, for it is always to be remembered that they will receive
+no detriment from such prohibitions, nor will feel any other consequence
+from them than a necessity of transferring to some other nation the
+profit which we receive from it.
+
+What the profit is which arises to the nation from the trade of
+insurance it is not possible exactly to determine, but that the trade is
+really advantageous may be reasonably conceived, because after many
+years' experience it is diligently followed, and a law was never
+necessary to prohibit the pursuit of a business by which nothing was to
+be gained. But could the gain of the insurer be a doubtful point, there
+is a certain advantage to the nation by the money paid for commission,
+brokerage, stamps, and the credit of the premium deposited here.
+
+I might add, sir, another considerable sum yearly arising to the
+government from the additional letters, occasioned by this trade, which
+increase the revenues of the post-office, without any deduction for
+additional charge.
+
+That the loss of this profit, and the gain of insuring, will ensue upon
+the ratification of this bill, cannot be denied; nor does it appear,
+that this loss will be counterbalanced by any advantage that will be
+gained over our rivals or our enemies.
+
+Whether this bill, sir, would produce to the merchants of that city by
+which it is promoted, the advantages which they expect from it, or
+remove any of the grievances of which they complain, I am not able
+positively to determine; but know, that it is not uncommon for
+merchants, as well as other men, to confound private with publick
+grievances, and to imagine their own interest the interest of the
+nation.
+
+With regard, sir, to the practice of insuring, _interest or no
+interest_, as the term is, when an imaginary value is put upon the ship
+or cargo, often much above its real worth, it cannot be denied, that
+some opportunities may be given by it for wicked practices. But there
+will always be circumstances in which there can be no security against
+frauds, but common faith; nor do I see how we can secure the insurers
+against the possibility of being defrauded.
+
+I cannot, indeed, discover, sir, how this method of insuring can be
+prevented; for how can the value of a cargo be estimated, which is to be
+collected in a long voyage, at different ports, and where the success of
+the adventurers often depends upon lucky accidents, which are, indeed,
+always hoped for, but seldom happen. An imaginary value must, therefore,
+be fixed upon, when the ship leaves the port; because the success of
+that voyage cannot be foreknown, and the contracting parties may be
+safely trusted to set that value, without any law to direct or restrain
+them.
+
+If the merchants are oppressed by any peculiar inconveniencies, and can
+find means of redressing them without injuring the publick commerce, any
+proposal for that purpose ought to be favourably received; but as the
+bill now before us proposes general restraints, and proposes to remove
+grievances which are not felt, by remedies, which those upon whom they
+are to operate, do not approve, I think it ought not to be referred to a
+committee, but rejected.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, when I first
+proposed this bill to the house, I lamented the absence of that
+honourable gentleman, from whose discussions and arguments I expected
+great information; and for whose judgment, in all commercial questions,
+I have the highest esteem, as his penetration not only enables him to
+discover the consequences of methods which have not yet been tried, but
+as his extensive acquaintance with many branches of trade, cannot but
+have informed him of the success of many expedients tried, as well in
+other nations as our own, for the advancement of it.
+
+Trade, sir, is a subject, of which it has been justly observed, that
+very few gentlemen have attained knowledge sufficient to qualify
+themselves to judge of the propriety of any new regulation; and I cannot
+but confess, that I have no uncommon skill in these questions. What I
+have to offer on this occasion, has been suggested to me, not so much by
+my own observations, as by the intelligence which I have very
+industriously sought, and by which, as I endeavoured to inquire of those
+whose opinion was least likely to be perverted by their interest, I hope
+I have not been misled.
+
+The merchants, sir, to whom it has been my fortune to apply, have
+generally concurred in the opinion that the present practice of insuring
+is prejudicial to our commerce, nor have I found any disagreement
+between my constituents and the traders of this great metropolis.
+
+I am unwilling to imagine that there can be any evil for which the
+wisdom of this assembly cannot discover a remedy, and am, therefore, of
+opinion, that if the grievance is real, some expedient may be discovered
+for removing it; and that it is real, I cannot but be convinced by the
+declarations of so many men, who can have no interest in complaining
+when they suffer nothing, and whose known abilities exempt them from the
+suspicion of imputing any part of their uneasiness to a cause which
+cannot produce it.
+
+The bill before us, sir, requires, in my opinion, some amendments, and
+in its present state might, perhaps, produce more detriment than
+advantage; but since it is necessary at least to attempt something for
+the relief of men so useful to this nation, it appears to me necessary
+to form a committee, and to deliberate on this subject with more
+attention.
+
+Mr. LOCKWOOD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, though I am not
+of opinion that the bill in its present state ought to be passed into a
+law, yet I am far from thinking it so imperfect as not easily to be
+amended, and, therefore, am desirous that it should be considered in a
+committee.
+
+I have not, indeed, sir, often observed, that bills injudiciously drawn
+up at first have received great improvements from a second
+consideration, and have found it more easy to form a new bill, than to
+make alterations in one that is laid before us; for some original errour
+will commonly remain, and the sentiments of different men, pursuing
+different views, can seldom be modelled into one consistent scheme. But
+I am far from considering this bill as one of those that cannot be
+amended, for I can discover but few objections to the regulations
+proposed in it, and those not relating to any of the essential parts,
+but slight and circumstantial, such as will easily be removed, or,
+perhaps, answered.
+
+The grievance, sir, for which this bill proposes a remedy, is so
+generally known, and so universally lamented, that, I believe, there is
+not any thing more worthy of the attention of the legislature than an
+inquiry into the cause of it, and the proper method of redressing it.
+
+In our inquiry into the causes of this obstruction of trade, I am of
+opinion, sir, that the practice of insuring, _interest or no interest_,
+will appear to be the foundation of this general uneasiness; it will be
+found a practice of so natural a tendency to fraud, and so easily
+susceptible of dishonest artifices, that I believe every member of this
+house will desire its suppression.
+
+To confirm my assertion, sir, and illustrate the question before us, I
+shall mention some particular instances of fraud to which this custom
+has given occasion; of fraud so evident and so detestable that it cannot
+be related without indignation.
+
+The Royal George was a large ship belonging to the South sea company,
+which, having been a voyage to Vera Cruz, put in at Jamaica in her
+return; and being there refitted to proceed on her voyage homewards, set
+sail, and came within a week's sailing of the port, when, upon a sudden,
+the officers entered into a consultation, and determined to go back a
+month's voyage to Antigua; for what reason, sir, may easily be guessed,
+when it was told that a ship was insured upon a supposed value of sixty
+thousand pounds.
+
+This resolution, sir, was no sooner formed, than orders were given to
+change the course and steer to Antigua, in opposition to all the
+remonstrances of the carpenter, who is the proper judge of the condition
+of a vessel, and who declared, with honesty and resolution, against
+their whole procedure. But they pursued their new scheme without any
+regard to his murmurs or assertions; and when they arrived at Antigua,
+found some method of influencing the officers of that island to declare
+the ship unfit for the prosecution of the voyage.
+
+Their design, sir, was now happily completed. To confirm the
+determination which had been pronounced in their favour, they stranded
+the ship upon a bank of sand, forced out the iron that grapples the
+timber together, and having first taken away the masts and rigging, and
+whatever else could be used or sold, threw the ballast to each end, and
+so broke the vessel in the middle.
+
+By this well-contrived shipwreck, having, as they imagined, raised their
+fortunes, they came home triumphantly from their prosperous voyage, and
+claimed the money for which the ship was insured. The insurers, startled
+at a demand so unexpected, inquired into the affair with all the
+industry which its importance might naturally incite, and, after some
+consultation, determined to try whether the ship might not be refitted
+and brought to Britain.
+
+In pursuance of this resolution, they sent workmen and materials, and,
+without much expense, or any difficulty, brought it hither.
+
+I believe, sir, this relation is sufficient at once to prove the
+practice, and explain the nature of the frauds to which this method of
+insurance gives occasion; but as the frequency of them is such, that
+many instances may be produced, I shall offer another short narrative of
+the same kind.
+
+A ship that belonged to the East India company, insured after this
+method, was run ashore by the captain, in such a manner that he imagined
+none but himself able to recover it, and therefore, though it cost five
+thousand pounds, sold it for five hundred; but the purchaser, no less
+expert than the captain, found means very speedily to disengage it, to
+restore it to a proper condition with little expense, and was much
+enriched by his fortunate bargain.
+
+I cannot but observe, sir, that this kind of fraud is more formidable,
+as it may be practised without a possibility of detection: had the
+captain, instead of stranding, destroyed his vessel, how could his
+wickedness ever have been discovered; or how could the South sea
+company's ship have been brought home, had it been sunk in some distant
+corner of the world.
+
+This practice, sir, and the frauds which it has occasioned, and the
+suspicions which the easy practice of frauds always creates, have
+produced so many trials, and filled the courts of justice with such
+intricate contentions, that the judges, who know, perhaps, nothing of
+this practice but from its effects, have often declared it to be so
+pregnant with contests and cheats, that it ought not to be suffered, and
+that a law for suppressing it would much contribute to the establishment
+of peace, and the security of property.
+
+I am not insensible, sir, of the force of the argument made use of by
+the honourable gentleman who spoke in favour of this practice, and
+cannot but allow it that regard which his reasonings always deserve; it
+is the strongest, and perhaps the only argument that can be produced.
+His assertion of the impossibility of estimating the real value of a
+ship, or of foreknowing the success of a voyage, is incontestable: but
+perhaps it will follow from thence, not that an imaginary value ought to
+be admitted, but that no insurance ought to be allowed, where there is
+no rational method of ascertaining it; or, at least, that all such
+insurance ought to be rather below the probable value than above it.
+
+If the grievance complained of has been proved not to be imaginary, we
+ought, doubtless, to consult how it may be remedied; nor do I believe
+that our consultations will be ineffectual, if we engage in them, not
+with an intention to perplex, but to inform each other. I am of opinion,
+sir, that the importance of the question requires a committee; nor can I
+discover any essential defect in the bill, which should hinder it from
+passing into a law.
+
+Mr. BURRELL spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am convinced by experience, as
+well as reason, that so many inconveniencies arise from this method of
+insurance, that it affords so many opportunities of fraud, and gives
+such encouragement to negligence, that I shall willingly concur in any
+measures that may effectually suppress it.
+
+It is, sir, too well known to require proof, that interest is the parent
+of diligence, and that men attend to the performance of their duty, in
+proportion as they must suffer by the neglect of it; and, therefore,
+every practice that deprives honesty of its reward is injurious to the
+publick.
+
+But that this is the consequence of estimating ships at an imaginary
+value in the offices of insurance, is, to the highest degree, evident.
+When a ship is estimated above its real value, how will the commander
+suffer by a wreck, or what shall restrain him from destroying his
+vessel, when it may be done with security to himself, except that
+integrity, which, indeed, ought to be generally diffused, but which is
+not always to be found, and to which few men think it safe to trust upon
+occasions of far less importance.
+
+To show, sir, that I do not indulge groundless suspicions, or magnify
+the bare possibility of fraud into reality; that I do not blacken human
+nature, or propose laws against wickedness that has not yet existed; it
+may be proper to mention some letters, in which I have been informed, by
+my correspondent at Leghorn, of the state of the ships which have
+arrived there; ships so weakly manned, and so penuriously or negligently
+stored, so much decayed in the bottoms, and so ill fitted with rigging,
+that he declares his astonishment at their arrival.
+
+It may deserve our consideration, sir, whether the success of the
+Spanish privateers may not be, in great part, attributed to this
+pernicious practice; whether captains, when their vessels are insured
+for more than their value, do not rashly venture into known danger?
+whether they do not wilfully miss the security of convoys? whether they
+do not direct their courses where privateers may most securely cruise?
+whether they do not surrender with less resistance than interest would
+excite? and whether they do not raise clamours against the government
+for their ill success, to avoid the suspicion of negligence or fraud?
+
+That other frauds are committed in the practice of insuring, is well
+known to the honourable gentleman: it is a common practice to take money
+upon bottomry, by way of pledge, for the captain's fidelity, and to
+destroy this security by insuring above the real value; so that the
+captain may gain by neglecting the care of his vessel, or, at least,
+secure himself from loss, and indulge his ease or his pleasure without
+any interruption from the fear of diminishing his fortune.
+
+The whole practice of insurance, sir, is, in its present state, I
+believe, so perplexed with frauds, and of such manifest tendency to the
+obstruction of commerce, that it absolutely requires some legal
+regulations.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to this purpose:--Of frauds in the practice
+of insurance, with regard to which the honourable gentleman has appealed
+to me, I can confidently affirm that I am totally ignorant: I know not
+of any fraudulent practices openly carried on, or established by custom,
+which I suppose are meant: for with regard to single acts of fraud,
+committed by particular men, it is not to be supposed but that they have
+been detected in this, as in all other branches of traffick: nor can I
+conceive that any argument can be drawn from them against the practice;
+for if every part of commerce is to be prohibited, which has furnished
+villains with opportunities of deceit, we shall contract trade into a
+narrow compass.
+
+With regard, sir, to the instance of the Royal George, though the
+proceedings of the officers are not wholly to be vindicated, yet part of
+their conduct is less inexplicable than it has been represented. Their
+return to Antigua, when they were bound for Britain, and were within a
+week's sailing of their port, is easily to be defended, if the wind was
+contrary to their intended course; for it is not difficult to conceive
+that they might reach a distant port, with a favourable wind, much
+sooner than one much nearer, with the wind against them.
+
+I have always observed, sir, that the gentlemen engaged in the trade to
+the East Indies, assume an air of superiority, to which I know not what
+claim they can produce, and seem to imagine, that their charter gives
+them more extensive knowledge, and more acute sagacity, than falls to
+the lot of men not combined in their association.
+
+But however these gentlemen may disapprove my arguments, and however
+they may misrepresent them, I shall be satisfied, that they will have,
+with the disinterested and impartial, their just weight, and that this
+affair will not be hastily determined upon an imperfect examination.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to this effect:--Whether the merchants are
+satisfied with the present methods of insuring, or what is the opinion
+of any separate body of men, I think it absolutely unnecessary to
+inquire. We are constituted for the publick advantage, and are engaged
+by our senatorial character to consider, not the private interest of
+particular men, but the general advantage of our country.
+
+In our pursuit, sir, of national interest, we shall be obliged
+frequently to oppose the schemes which private men or separate
+fraternities, have formed for their own advantage, and which they may be
+expected to defend with all their art; both because every man is
+unwilling to imagine that the publick interest and his own are opposite,
+and because it is to be feared, that many may consider the publick only
+in subordination to themselves, and be very little solicitous about the
+general prosperity of their country, provided none of the calamities
+which afflict it extend their influence to themselves.
+
+We are in the discussion of this question, sir, to consider that we are
+engaged in a war against a nation from which insults, depredations,
+oppressions, and cruelties, have been long complained of, and against
+which we are, therefore, to act with a resolution proportioned to the
+injuries which we have suffered, and to our desire of vengeance. We are
+to practice every method of distressing them, and to promote the success
+of our arms even at the expense of present gain, and the interest of
+private men.
+
+It is well known, sir, to all who have either heard or read of the
+Spaniards, that they live in carelessness and indolence, neglect all the
+natural advantages of their own country, despise the gain of foreign
+commerce, and depend wholly on their American settlements, for all the
+conveniences, and, perhaps, for most of the necessaries of life.
+
+This is the particular circumstance that makes a war with Britain so
+much to be dreaded by them. A nation superiour to them by sea holds them
+besieged, like a garrison surrounded by an army, precludes them from
+supplies, intercepts their succours, and if it cannot force their walls
+by attack, can, at least, by a blockade, starve them to a capitulation.
+
+Thus, sir, by a naval war with an enemy of superiour strength, they must
+at length be subdued, and subdued, perhaps, without a battle, and
+without the possibility of resistance; against such an enemy their
+courage or their discipline is of no use; they may form armies, indeed,
+but which can only stand upon the shore, to defend what their enemies
+have no intention of invading, and see those ships seized in which their
+pay is treasured, or their provisions are stored.
+
+Such, sir, is our natural superiority over the Spaniards, a species of
+superiority that must inevitably prevail, if it be not defeated by our
+own folly; and surely a more effectual method of defeating it, the
+Spaniards themselves could not have discovered, than that of insuring,
+their ships among our merchants.
+
+When a ship thus insured is taken, which, notwithstanding all
+precautions, must sometimes happen, we examine the cargo, find it
+extremely valuable, and triumph in our success; we not only count the
+gain to ourselves, but the loss to our enemies, and determine that a
+small number of such captures will reduce them to offer us peace upon
+our own terms.
+
+Such are the conclusions which are made, and made with reason, by men
+unacquainted with the secret practices of our merchants, and who do not
+suspect us to be stupid enough to secure our enemies against ourselves;
+but it is often found, upon a more close examination, that our ships of
+war have only plundered our merchants, and that our privateers may,
+indeed, have enriched themselves, but impoverished their country. It is
+discovered that the loss of the Spaniards is to be repaid, and, perhaps,
+sometimes with interest, by the British insurers.
+
+If it be urged, that we ought not to enact any laws which may obstruct
+the gain of our fellow-subjects, may it not be asked, why all trade with
+Spain is prohibited; may not the trade be equally gainful with the
+insurance, and may not the gain be more generally distributed, and,
+therefore, be more properly national?
+
+But this trade was prohibited, because it was more necessary to our
+enemies than to ourselves; it was prohibited, because the laws of war
+require, that a less evil should be suffered to inflict a greater; it is
+upon this principle that every battle is fought, and that we fire our
+own ships to consume the navies of the enemy.
+
+For this reason, sir, it appears to me evident beyond contradiction,
+that the insurance of Spanish ships ought to be prohibited: we shall,
+indeed, lose the profit of the insurance, but we shall be reimbursed by
+the captures, which is an argument that cannot be produced for the
+prohibition of commerce.
+
+It is urged, sir, that they may insure their ships in other countries;
+an assertion, of which, whether it be true or not, I am not able to
+decide; but it is acknowledged, that the necessity of establishing new
+correspondence will be at least a temporary obstruction of their trade,
+and an obstruction of even a short continuance may lay them at our
+mercy.
+
+But let us, sir, reflect upon the weakness of this argument,--_they
+must be allowed to insure here, because they may insure in other
+places;_ will it not be equally just to urge, that _they must trade with
+us, because they may trade with other nations?_ And may it not be
+answered, that though we cannot wholly suspend their commerce, it is yet
+our business to obstruct it as far as we are able?
+
+May it-not, sir, be farther affirmed, that by insuring in other nations,
+they may injure their allies by falling into our hands, but do not the
+less benefit us? that if they do not grow weaker, we at least are
+strengthened; but that by insuring among us, whatever steps are taken,
+the equilibrium of the war is preserved always the same?
+
+It is asserted, and I suppose with truth, that we insure at a lower rate
+than others, and it will, therefore, follow, that the Spaniards,
+whenever their ships shall escape us, will suffer more by having-insured
+amongst foreigners, than if they had contracted with our merchants.
+
+Thus it appears, sir, that there are stronger reasons for prohibiting
+the insurance of Spanish ships, than for putting a stop to our commerce
+with them; and that whether their ships are taken by us, or escape us,
+it is the general interest of the nation, that they shall be insured by
+foreign merchants.
+
+With respect, sir, to the East India company, I have no regard to their
+interest, considered as distinct from that of the rest of the nation;
+nor have received any solicitations from them to promote this bill, or
+to espouse their interest; but cannot, without concealing my real
+sentiments, deny, that as they have the grant of an exclusive trade to
+the East Indies, to insure the ships that are sent thither without their
+permission, is to invade their rights, and to infringe their charter;
+and that the practice, if the validity of their charter be admitted, is
+illegal, and ought to be discountenanced.
+
+The practice, sir, of insuring, _interest or no interest_, or of
+assigning to ships an imaginary value, is nothing more than a particular
+game, a mere solemn species of _hazard_, and ought, therefore, to be
+prohibited, for every reason that can be urged against games of chance.
+
+With regard to this bill in general, it is, in my opinion, highly
+necessary, nor can I discover any important objection that can be made
+against it. Some law of this kind, and to this purpose, I have long
+intended to offer to the consideration of this assembly, and since it is
+now before us, I think we ought to consider it with the attention which
+may be justly expected from us.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, I know not how properly the practice of
+insuring may be termed a species of hazard, nor do I think any thing
+more is to be considered, than whether the game be gainful to the
+nation, or not, for I cannot discover that there is any absurdity in
+enriching ourselves at the expense of other nations, whether enemies or
+allies. That we ought to prefer the general good to the advantage of
+individuals, is undoubted, but I cannot conceive that in this case there
+can be any opposition between private and publick interest. If our
+insurers gain by securing the ships of our enemies, the nation is
+benefited, for all national gain must circulate through the hands of
+individuals.
+
+No man will assert that we ought to assist our enemies, nor will any man
+imagine that we assist them by impoverishing them, and if our insurers
+gain by their practice, the Spaniards must undoubtedly be losers.
+
+Mr. WILLIMOT spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I have
+conversed on the question to which this bill relates, with men engaged
+in various kinds of traffick, and who have no common interest but that
+of their country. I have dispersed among the merchants, most eminent for
+their acquaintance with the whole extent of commerce, and for their
+knowledge of the true interest of the nation, copies of this bill, and
+cannot find any of them so sensible of the grievance of which we have so
+loud complaints, as to desire that it should be redressed by the
+measures now proposed.
+
+That frauds are practised on every side, in this, as well as in other
+trades, the general corruption of our age gives us sufficient reason to
+suspect; but what is common to every sort of traffick, cannot be
+produced as an argument for the prohibition of any.
+
+That the practice of insuring an imaginary value may give opportunity
+for greater frauds than can be practised in common dealings, is likewise
+evident, but I cannot discover such frauds to require the interposition
+of the legislature.
+
+If they are practised only by those of our own nation, the publick does
+not suffer; for property is only transferred from one subject to
+another: the fraud ought, indeed, to be severely punished in the courts
+of criminal justice, but the custom which gave the opportunity of
+practising it, ought not to be restrained, any more than any other
+profession not criminal in itself, but liable to accidental abuses.
+
+If our insurers are defrauded by foreigners, the nation is then, indeed,
+more nearly affected, but even in that case, it is to be remembered,
+that the private interest of the insurers, who must be immediately
+ruined, is a sufficient security for the publick. For it cannot, sir, be
+conceived that any man will obstinately carry on a business, by which he
+becomes every day poorer, or, that when he desists he will be succeeded
+by another, who cannot but know that he engages in that traffick to his
+certain ruin.
+
+The true state of this affair is, that frauds are, indeed, often
+committed, and are for that reason always suspected, and that the
+insurers, when they insure the ship and cargo against accidents, reckon,
+among other chances, the probability of being cheated, and proportion
+their demands, not only to the length and danger of the voyage, but to
+the character, likewise, of the man with whom they contract.
+
+This, sir, is always the practice of those whom experience has made
+acquainted with the danger of implicit confidence and unsuspecting
+credulity, nor do any but the young and unskilful suffer themselves to
+be so exposed to frauds, as that their fortunes should be injured, or
+the general gain of their business overbalanced, by a few deceits.
+
+Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the ease and safety with which the
+present methods of insurance admit fraud to be practised, the insurers,
+by a proportionate degree of caution, secure themselves from being
+injured, and, by consequence, the nation.
+
+The insurance of foreign ships is now to be considered, by which great
+profit arises to the nation. We insure, sir, as it has been observed, at
+lower rates than other nations, because we have more business of this
+kind, and the smallness of our profit is compensated by the frequency;
+the cheapness of insurances, and eagerness of foreigners to insure here,
+reciprocally contribute to each other; we are often applied to, because
+we insure at an easy rate, and we can insure at an easy rate, because we
+are often applied to.
+
+Nor is the cheapness of British insurance the only motive to the
+preference which it preserves among foreigners, who are induced to apply
+to this nation, by the reputation which our merchants have deservedly
+gained for probity and punctuality superiour to that of any other
+traders. Our merchants, sir, bargain without artifice, pay without
+subterfuges, and are ready on all occasions to preserve their character
+at the hazard of their profit.
+
+From these two considerations we may draw unanswerable arguments against
+any restraints upon the practice of insuring: if foreigners are once
+disappointed in their applications to us, our business will in a great
+part cease, and as we shall not then be able to insure at lower rates
+than other nations, we shall never recover that branch of our trade. And
+as the character of the British merchants exempts them from any
+suspicion of practices pernicious to the publick, why should they be
+restrained? Why, sir, should they appear to be suspected by the
+legislature of their own country, whom foreigners trust without
+hesitation.
+
+It has been objected to them with great warmth, and urged with much
+rhetorical exaggeration, that they assist the enemies of their country,
+that they prolong the war, and defeat those advantages which our
+situation and commerce have given us; imputations sufficiently
+atrocious, if they were founded upon truth.
+
+But let us, sir, examine the arguments by which this accusation has been
+supported, and inquire whether this triumph of eloquence has been
+occasioned by any real superiority of evidence or reason; it is urged,
+that we have already prohibited commerce with the Spaniards, and that,
+therefore, we ought, likewise, to prohibit the insurance of their ships.
+
+It will not require, sir, an imagination very fertile, or a knowledge
+very extensive, to supply arguments sufficient to refute the supposed
+demonstration; in opposition to which it may be urged, that this kind of
+commerce is of a peculiar nature, that it subsists upon opinion, and is
+preserved by the reputation of our insurers; a reputation that the
+insurers of other nations may obtain by the same means, and from whom we
+shall, therefore, never recover it.
+
+It may be observed, sir, that other commodities are the peculiar product
+of different countries, and that there is no danger of losing our other
+trade by suspending it, because it depends upon the excellence of our
+manufactures; but that insurance may be the commodity of any country,
+where money and common honesty are to be found.
+
+This argument may, perhaps, be yet more effectually invalidated, or,
+perhaps, entirely subverted, by denying the expedience of that
+prohibition which is produced as a precedent for another restraint. Nor,
+indeed, does it appear why we should preclude ourselves from a gainful
+trade, because the money is drawn by it out of the hands of our enemies;
+or why the product of our lands should lie unconsumed, or our
+manufactures stand unemployed, rather than we should sell to our enemies
+what they will purchase at another place, or by the intervention of a
+neutral power.
+
+To sell to an enemy that which may enable him to injure us, that which
+he must necessarily obtain, and which he could buy from no other, would,
+indeed, be to the last degree, absurd; but that may surely be sold them
+without any breach of morality or policy, which they can want with less
+inconvenience than we can keep. If we were besieging a town, I should
+not advise our soldiers to sell to the inhabitants ammunition or
+provisions, but cannot discover the folly of admitting them to purchase
+ornaments for their houses, or brocades for their ladies.
+
+But, without examining with the utmost accuracy, whether the late
+prohibition was rational or not, I have, I hope, suggested objections
+sufficient to make the question doubtful, and to incline us to try the
+success of one experiment, before we venture upon another more
+hazardous.
+
+I am never willing, sir, to load trade with restraints; trade is, in its
+own nature, so fugitive and variable, that no constant course can be
+prescribed to it; and those regulations which were proper when they were
+made, may, in a few months, become difficulties and obstructions. We
+well know, that many of the measures which our ancestors pursued for the
+encouragement of commerce, have been found of pernicious consequence;
+and even in this age, which, perhaps, experience, more than wisdom, has
+enlightened, I have known few attempts of that kind which have not
+defeated the end for which they were made.
+
+It is more prudent to leave the merchants at liberty to pursue those
+measures which experience shall dictate upon every occasion, and suffer
+them to snatch the present opportunity of honest gain, whenever it shall
+happen; they will never injure their own interest by the use of this
+liberty, and by preserving themselves, they will preserve the nation
+from detriment; nor will they need to be restrained by a law proposed
+without their solicitation, and of which they cannot discover any
+beneficial consequences.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, for the bill now
+before us I have no particular fondness, nor desire that it should be
+promoted by any other means than rational arguments, and the
+representation of indubitable facts.
+
+I have no regard, sir, in this inquiry, to any private interest, or any
+other desire than that of securing the interest of my country, which, in
+my opinion, evidently requires that we should give no assistance to our
+enemies, that our merchants should cooperate with our navies, and that
+we should endeavour to withhold every thing that may make the war less
+burdensome to them, and, consequently, of longer continuance.
+
+It was observed, sir, in the beginning of the debate, by a gentleman
+eminently skilled in mercantile affairs, that insurance was practised by
+many nations; but he did not inform us of what one of the clauses makes
+it proper to inquire, whether they allowed the method of insuring
+_interest or no interest_, and rating ships at an imaginary value. This
+is, I know, prohibited by the Dutch, a nation whose authority on
+commercial questions will not be disputed, nor do they allow their East
+Indian ships to be insured at all.
+
+The difficulty of estimating the value of any cargo has been urged in
+defence of this practice, nor is the defence wholly without weight,
+because the cargo in many voyages cannot be ascertained. I shall,
+however, take this opportunity of observing, though I may somewhat
+digress from the present argument, how necessary it is that some of our
+exported cargoes should be exactly specified.
+
+I have been lately informed, sir, that six ships laden with British
+wool, have entered at one time into a port of France; nor do I know how
+this practice, which is justly complained of as pernicious to our trade,
+and threatening the ruin of our country, can be prevented but by a
+constant and regular particularization of every cargo carried to France.
+
+I admit, sir, that some cargoes which are imported cannot be
+particularly registered; such is the gold with which we are daily
+supplied by our commerce with the Portuguese, in opposition to their
+laws, and which our merchants are, therefore, under the necessity of
+concealing.
+
+It is not, indeed, easy to foresee all the inconveniencies that may
+arise from new regulations of commerce; but the difficulty is not so
+great as has been represented, nor can I conceive why all our
+consultations on trade should be without effect. Gentlemen may obtain
+some knowledge of commerce from their own observation, which they may
+enlarge by an unconfined and indifferent conversation with traders of
+various classes, and by inquiries into the different branches of
+commerce; inquiries, sir, which are generally neglected by those whose
+employments confine their attention to particular parts of commerce, or
+whose application to business hinders them from attending to any
+opinions but those which their own personal experience enables them to
+form.
+
+From these informations impartially collected, and diligently compared,
+a man not engaged in the profession of a merchant may form general
+principles, and draw consequences, more certain, and more extensive in
+their relations, than those which are struck out only from the
+observation of one subdivided species of commerce.
+
+A member of this house, sir, thus enlightened by inquiry, and whose
+judgment is not diverted from its natural rectitude by the impulse of
+any private consideration, may judge of any commercial debate with less
+danger of errour or partiality than the merchants, of whom,
+nevertheless, I have the highest esteem, and whose knowledge, or
+probity, I do not intend to depreciate, when I declare my fears that
+they may sometimes confound general maxims of trade with the opinions of
+particular branches, and sometimes mistake their own gain for the
+interest of the publick.
+
+The interest of the merchants ought, indeed, always to be considered in
+this house; but then it ought to be regarded only in subordination to
+that of the whole community, a subordination which the gentleman who
+spoke last seems to have forgotten. He may, perhaps, not intend long to
+retain his senatorial character, and, therefore, delivered his opinion
+only as a merchant.
+
+He has distinguished between the conduct of experienced and unskilful
+insurers, with how much justice I shall not determine. I am afraid that
+a vigorous inquiry would discover, that neither age nor youth has been
+able to resist strong temptations to some practices, which neither law
+nor justice can support, and that those, whose experience has made them
+cautious, have not been always equally honest.
+
+But this is a subject upon which I am not inclined to dwell, and only
+mention as the reason which convinces me of the propriety of the bill
+before us.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, there appears no
+probability that the different opinions which have been formed of this
+bill will be reconciled by this debate; nor, indeed, is there any reason
+for wondering at this contrariety of sentiments.
+
+The several clauses of the bill have relations and consequences so
+different, that scarce any one man can approve them all; and in our
+present deliberation, an objection to a particular clause is considered
+as an argument against the whole bill.
+
+It is, therefore, necessary, to prevent an unprofitable expense of time,
+to resolve the house into a committee, in which the bill may be
+considered by single clauses, and that part which cannot be defended may
+be rejected, and that only retained which deserves our approbation. In
+the committee, when we have considered the first clause, and heard the
+objections against it, we may mend it; or, if it cannot be amended,
+reject or postpone it, and so proceed through the whole bill with much
+greater expedition, and at the same time, with a more diligent view of
+every clause, than while we are obliged to take the whole at once into
+our consideration.
+
+I shall, for my part, approve some clauses, and make objections to
+others; but think it proper to reserve my objections, and the reasons of
+my approbation, for the committee into which we ought to go on this
+occasion.
+
+[The bill was referred to a committee, but not forty members staying in
+the house, it was dropped.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND INCREASE OF SEAMEN.
+
+
+The bill was ordered to be read the second time, and to be printed for
+the use of the members, that it might be thoroughly examined and
+understood.
+
+On the forty-fourth day, the second reading of the bill was postponed to
+the fiftieth; but the grand motion being debated on that day, nothing
+else was heard.
+
+On the fifty-first it was again put off; but
+
+On the fifty-sixth day, being read a second time, it was, after some
+opposition, referred to a committee of the whole house, to sit five days
+after. In the meanwhile,
+
+On the fifty-seventh, it was ordered that the proper officers do lay
+before this house an account of what persons were authorized, by virtue
+of the act in the 4th of queen Anne, for "the encouragement and increase
+of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning her fleet;" to
+conduct seamen or seafaring men taken upon privy searches made by
+applications to justices; and what number of seamen or seafaring men
+were returned; also, the charge attending the same.
+
+On the sixty-first day, moved that the said account should be read;
+which being done, the house resolved itself into a grand committee on
+the present bill; and the first clause being read, proposing the blanks
+to be filled thus: that every volunteer seamen, after five years'
+service, be entitled to six pounds per year, during life.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, as it is our duty to
+provide laws, by which all frauds and oppressions may be punished, when
+they are detected, we are no less obliged to obviate such practices as
+shall make punishments necessary; nor are we only to facilitate the
+detection, but take away, as far as it is possible, the opportunities of
+guilt. It is to no purpose that punishments are threatened, if they can
+be evaded, or that rewards are offered, if they may by any mean
+artifices be withheld.
+
+For this reason, sir, I think it necessary to observe, that the intent
+of this clause, the most favourable and alluring clause in the bill, may
+lose its effect by a practice not uncommon, by which any man, however
+inclined to serve his country, may be defrauded of the right of a
+volunteer.
+
+Many men have voluntarily applied to the officers of ships of war, and
+after having been rejected by them as unfit for the service, have been
+dragged on board within a few days, perhaps within a few hours
+afterwards, to undergo all the hardships, without the merit, of
+volunteers.
+
+When any man, sir, has been rejected by the sea officers, he ought to
+have a certificate given him, which shall be an exemption from an
+impress, that if any other commander shall judge more favourably of his
+qualifications, he may always have the privilege of a volunteer, and be
+entitled to the reward which he deserved, by his readiness to enter the
+service.
+
+If such provisions are not made, this hateful practice, a practice, sir,
+common and notorious, and very discouraging to such as would enter the
+service of the publick, may so far prevail, that no man shall be able to
+denominate himself a volunteer, or claim the reward proposed by the
+bill.
+
+Admiral WAGER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, it is not
+common for men to receive injuries without applying for redress, when it
+may certainly be obtained. If any proceedings like those which are now
+complained of, had been mentioned at the board of admiralty, they had
+been immediately censured and redressed; but as no such accusations were
+offered, I think it may probably be concluded, that no such crimes have
+been committed.
+
+For what purpose oppressions of this kind should be practised, it is not
+easy to conceive; for the officers are not at all rewarded for
+impressing sailors. As, therefore, it is not probable that any man acts
+wickedly or cruelly without temptation: as I have never heard any such
+injury complained of by those that suffered it, I cannot but imagine,
+that it is one of those reports which arise from mistake, or are forged
+by malice, to injure the officers, and obstruct the service.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--That the
+practice now complained of, sir, is very frequent, and, whatever may be
+the temptation to it, such as every day produces some instances of, I
+have reasons for asserting with great confidence. I have, within these
+few days, as I was accidentally upon the river, informed myself of two
+watermen ignominiously dragged by force into the service to which they
+had voluntarily offered themselves a few days before. The reasons of
+such oppression, it is the business of those gentlemen to inquire, whom
+his majesty intrusts with the care of his fleet; but to interrupt the
+course of wickedness, to hinder it from frustrating the rewards offered
+by the publick, is the province of the representatives of the people.
+And I hope, sir, some proviso will be made in this case.
+
+Admiral NORRIS rose and said:--Sir, if any such practices had been
+frequent, to what can it be imputed, that those who employ their lives
+in maritime business should be strangers to them? Why have no complaints
+been made by those that have been injured? Or why should officers expose
+themselves to the hazard of censure without advantage? I cannot
+discover why these hardships should be inflicted, nor how they could
+have been concealed, and, therefore, think the officers of the navy may
+be cleared from the imputation, without farther inquiry.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke again, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is in
+vain that objections are made, if the facts upon which they are founded
+may be denied at pleasure: nothing is more easy than to deny, because
+proofs are not required of a negative. But as negatives require no
+proof, so they have no authority, nor can any consequence be deduced
+from them. I might, therefore, suffer the facts to remain in their
+present state, asserted on one side by those that have reasons to
+believe them, and doubted on the other without reasons; for surely he
+cannot be said to reason, who questions an assertion only because he
+does not know it to be true.
+
+But as every question, by which the liberty of a Briton may be affected,
+is of importance sufficient to require that no evidence should be
+suppressed by which it may be cleared, I cannot but think it proper that
+a committee should be formed to examine the conduct of the officers in
+this particular; and in confidence of the veracity of those from whom I
+received my information, I here promise to produce such evidence as
+shall put an end to controversy and doubt.
+
+If this is not granted, sir, the fact must stand recorded and allowed;
+for to doubt, and refuse evidence, is a degree of prejudice and
+obstinacy without example. Nor is this the only objection to the clause
+before us, which appears very imperfect, with regard to the
+qualifications specified as a title to the reward. The reward ought not
+to be confined to those who shall hereafter be invited by the promise of
+it to engage in the service, while those who entered into it without any
+such prospect, are condemned to dangers and fatigues without a
+recompense. Where merit is equal, the reward ought to be equal; and,
+surely, where there is greater merit, the reward proposed by the senate,
+as an encouragement to bravery, ought not to be less. To be excluded
+from the advantages which others have obtained, only by avoiding the
+service, cannot but depress the spirit of those whose zeal and courage
+incited them, at the beginning of the war, to enter into the fleet; and
+to deject those from whom we expect defence and honour, is neither
+prudent nor just.
+
+Nor is it, in my opinion, proper to offer the same reward
+indiscriminately to all that shall accept it; rewards ought to be
+proportioned to desert, and no man can justly be paid for what he cannot
+perform; there ought, therefore, to be some distinction made between a
+seaman by profession, one that has learned his art at the expense of
+long experience, labour, and hazard, and a man who only enters the ship
+because he is useless on land, and who can only incommode the sailors
+till he has been instructed by them.
+
+It appears, sir, to me, a considerable defect in our naval regulations,
+that wages are not proportioned to ability; and I think it may not be
+now unseasonably proposed, that sailors should be paid according to the
+skill which they have acquired; a provision by which an emulation would
+be raised among them, and that industry excited, which now languishes
+for want of encouragement, and those capacities awakened which now
+slumber in ignorance and sloth, from the despair of obtaining any
+advantage by superiority of knowledge.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then rose, and spoke as follows:--That this charge,
+sir, however positively urged, is generally unjust, the declarations of
+these honourable gentlemen are sufficient to evince, since it is not
+probable that the injured persons would not have found some friend to
+have represented these hardships to the admiralty, and no such
+representations could have been made without their knowledge.
+
+Yet, sir, I am far from doubting that by accident, or, perhaps, by
+malice, some men have been treated in this manner; for it is not in the
+power of any administration to make all those honest or wise whom they
+are obliged to employ; and when great affairs are depending, minute
+circumstances cannot always be attended to. If the vigilance of those
+who are intrusted with the chief direction of great numbers of
+subordinate officers be such, that corrupt practices are not frequent,
+and their justice such, that they are never unpunished when legally
+detected, the most strict inquirer can expect no more. Power will
+sometimes be abused, and punishment sometimes be escaped.
+
+It is, sir, easy to be conceived that a report may become general,
+though the practice be very rare. The fact is multiplied as often as it
+is related, and every man who hears the same story twice, imagines that
+it is told of different persons, and exclaims against the tyranny of the
+officers of the navy.
+
+But these, in my opinion, sir, are questions, if not remote from the
+present affair, yet by no means essential to it. The question now before
+us is, not what illegalities have been committed in the execution of
+impresses, but how impresses themselves may become less necessary? how
+the nation may be secured without injury to individuals? and how the
+fleet may be manned with less detriment to commerce?
+
+Sir, the reward now proposed is intended to excite men to enter the
+service without compulsion; and if this expedient be not approved,
+another ought to be suggested: for I hope gentlemen are united in their
+endeavours to find out some method of security to the publick, and do
+not obstruct the proceedings of the committee, that when the fleets lie
+inactive and useless, they may have an opportunity to reproach the
+ministry.
+
+Admiral NORRIS spoke next, in substance:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to enter into an accurate examination of the gentleman's
+proposal, yet I cannot but observe, that by making it, he discovers
+himself unacquainted with the disposition of seamen, among whom nothing
+raises so much discontent as the suspicion of partiality. Should one
+man, in the same rank, receive larger wages than another, he who thought
+himself injured, as he who is paid less will always think, would be so
+far from exerting his abilities to attain an equality with his
+associate, that he would probably never be prevailed on to lay his hand
+upon the tackling, but would sit sullen, or work perversely, though the
+ship were labouring in a storm, or sinking in a battle.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke as follows:--Sir, the danger of introducing
+distinctions among men in the same rank, where every man that imagines
+his merit neglected, may have an opportunity of resenting the injury,
+is, doubtless, such as no prudent commander will venture to incur.
+
+Every man, in this case, becomes the judge of his own merit; and as he
+will always discover some reason for the preference of another very
+different from superiority of desert, he will, by consequence, be either
+enraged or dispirited, will either resolve to desert his commander, or
+betray him to the enemies, or not oppose them.
+
+I remember, sir, though imperfectly, a story which I heard in my
+travels, of an army in which some troops received a penny a day less
+than the rest; a parsimony which cost dear in the day of battle; for the
+disgusted troops laid down their arms before the enemy, and suffered
+their general to be cut in pieces.
+
+General WADE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the honourable gentleman in his opinion, that those who are already
+engaged in the service, who have borne the fatigues of a long voyage,
+and perhaps are, at this hour, exposing their lives in battle to defend
+the rights of their country, ought to have the same claim to the reward
+proposed, with those who shall hereafter offer themselves. Nor, in my
+opinion, ought those who have hitherto been pressed into our fleets to
+be discouraged from their duty by an exclusion from the same advantage.
+For if they were compelled to serve in the fleet, they were compelled
+when there was not this encouragement for volunteers, which, perhaps,
+they would have accepted if it had been then proposed, Every man, at
+least, will allege, that he would have accepted it, and complain he
+suffers only by the fault of the government; a government which he will
+not be very zealous to defend, while he is considered with less regard
+than others, from whom no greater services are expected.
+
+A prospect of new rewards, sir, will add new alacrity to all the forces,
+and an equal distribution of favour will secure an unshaken and
+inviolable fidelity. Nothing but union can produce success, and nothing
+can secure union but impartiality and justice.
+
+Mr. SANDYS rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the efficacy of rewards,
+and the necessity of an impartial distribution, are no unfruitful
+subjects for rhetorick; but it may, perhaps, be more useful at present
+to consider, with such a degree of attention as the question must be
+acknowledged to deserve, to whom these rewards are to be paid, and from
+what fund they are expected to arise.
+
+With regard to those who are to claim the reward, sir, they seem very
+negligently specified; for they are distinguished only by the character
+of having served five years; a distinction unintelligible, without
+explanation.
+
+It is, I suppose, sir, the intent of the bill, that no man shall miss
+the reward but by his own fault; and, therefore, it may be inquired,
+what is to be the fate of him who shall be disabled in his first
+adventure, whom in the first year, or month, of his service, an unlucky
+shot shall confine for the remaining part of his life to inactivity: as
+the bill is now formed, he must be miserable without a recompense; and
+his wounds, which make him unable to support himself, will, though
+received in defence of his country, entitle him to no support from the
+publick.
+
+Nor is this the only difficulty that may arise from the specifying of so
+long a service; for how can any man that shall enter on board the fleet
+be informed that the war will continue for five years? May we not all
+justly hope, that alacrity, unanimity, and prudence, may, in a much
+shorter time, reduce our enemies to beg for peace? And shall our sailors
+lose the reward of their hazards and their labours, only because they
+have been successful? What will this be less than making their bravery a
+crime or folly, and punishing them for not protracting the war by
+cowardice or treachery?
+
+But let us suppose, sir, those defects supplied by a more explicit and
+determinate specification; there will yet arise an objection far more
+formidable; an objection, which the present state of our revenues will
+not suffer to be answered. The consideration of the greatness of the
+annual payment which this proposal requires, ought to incite every man
+to employ all his sagacity in search of some other method, equally
+efficacious, and less expensive.
+
+We have already, sir, forty thousand seamen in our pay, to whom eight
+thousand more are speedily to be added: when each of these shall demand
+his stipend, a new burden of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand
+pounds must be laid upon the nation; upon a nation, whose lands are
+mortgaged, whose revenues are anticipated, and whose taxes cannot be
+borne without murmurs, nor increased without sedition.
+
+The nation has found, by experience, that taxes once imposed for just
+reasons, and continued upon plausible pretences, till they are become
+familiar, are afterwards continued upon motives less laudable, are too
+productive of influence, and too instrumental towards facilitating the
+measures of the ministry, to be ever willingly remitted.
+
+Mr. BLADEN spoke next, as follows:--Sir, it is obvious, that when the
+balance is unequal, it may be reduced to an equilibrium, as well by
+taking weight out of one scale, as adding it to the other. The wages
+offered by the merchants overbalance, at present, those which are
+proposed by the crown; to raise the allowance in the ships of war, will
+be, to lay new loads upon the publick, and will incommode the merchants,
+whose wages must always bear the same proportion to the king's. The only
+method, then, that remains, is to lighten the opposite scale, by
+restraining the merchants from giving wages, in time of war, beyond a
+certain value; for, as the service of the crown is then more immediately
+necessarv to the general advantage than that of the merchants, it ought
+to be made more gainful. Sailors, sir, are not, generally, men of very
+extensive views; and, therefore, we cannot expect that they should
+prefer the general good of their country before their own present
+interest; a motive of such power, that even in men of curious
+researches, refined sentiments, and generous education, we see, too
+often, that it surmounts every other consideration.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke again:--Sir, to the expedient which the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last has suggested, and which he must be
+confessed to have placed in the strongest light, many objections may be
+raised, which I am afraid will not easily be removed.
+
+The first, sir, which occurs to me on this short reflection is not less
+than the impossibility of putting his scheme in execution. The
+prescription of wages which he proposes, may be eluded by a thousand
+artifices, by advanced money, by gratuitous acknowledgments, the payment
+of money for pretended services, or by secret contracts, which it would
+be the interest of both parties to conceal.
+
+But if this objection could be surmounted by severity and vigilance,
+would not this expedient help to defeat the general intention of the
+bill? A bill not designed as an immediate resource, a mere temporary
+project to supply our fleets for the present year, but as a method for
+removing the only obstruction of the British power, the difficulty of
+manning our ships of war.
+
+It is, I hope, sir, the intention of every man who has offered his
+sentiments on this occasion, to contrive some general encouragement for
+seamen, which shall not only invite them to assist their country at the
+first summons, but shall allure others to qualify themselves for the
+publick service, by engaging in the same profession.
+
+This is only to be done by making the condition of sailors less
+miserable, by entitling them to privileges, and honouring them with
+distinctions. But by limiting the merchant's wages, if such limitations
+are, indeed, possible, though we may palliate the present distress, we
+shall diminish the number of sailors, and thereby not only contract our
+commerce but endanger our country.
+
+Mr. TRACEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I know not for
+what reasons the present method of advancing rewards at entrance is
+practised, of which, however specious it might appear, the success by no
+means encourages the continuance. The sailors, though not a generation
+of men much disposed to reflection, or qualified for ratiocination, are
+not yet so void of thought as not easily to perceive that a small
+increase of constant wages is of more value than several pounds to be
+paid only at once, and which are squandered as soon as they are
+received.
+
+Instead, therefore, of restraining the wages of the merchants, it seems
+probable, that by raising those of the king, we may man the fleet with
+most expedition; and one method of raising the wages will be to suppress
+the advanced money.
+
+The ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, if the sum of money now paid by
+way of advance can be supposed to have any effect, if it can be imagined
+that any number of seamen, however inconsiderable, are allured by it
+into the fleet, it is more usefully employed than it can be supposed to
+be when sunk into the current wages, and divided into small payments.
+
+The advance money is only paid to those that enter: if no volunteers
+present themselves, no money is paid, and the nation doth not suffer by
+the offer: but if the wages are raised, the expense will be certain,
+without the certainty of advantage; for those that enter voluntarily
+into the fleet, will receive no more than those that are forced into it
+by an impress; and therefore there will be no incitement to enter
+without compulsion. Thus every other inconvenience will remain, with the
+addition of a new burden to the nation; our forces will be maintained at
+a greater expense, and not raised with less difficulty.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE said:--Sir, I cannot but concur in opinion with the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last, from my own acquaintance with the
+sentiments and habits that unalterably prevail among those who have been
+accustomed to the sea, a race of men to the last degree negligent of any
+future events, and careless about any provision against distant evils;
+men who have no thoughts at sea, but how to reach the land; nor at land,
+but how to squander what they have gained at sea. To men like these, it
+may easily be imagined that no encouragement is equal to the temptation
+of present gain, and the opportunity of present pleasure.
+
+Of this any man, sir, may convince himself, who shall talk to a crew but
+half an hour; for he shall find few among them, who will not, for a
+small sum of present money, sell any distant prospect of affluence or
+happiness.
+
+Whether I am mistaken in my opinion, the honourable members who have
+long commanded in the naval service can easily determine, and I doubt
+not but they will agree that no motive can be proposed to a sailor
+equivalent to immediate reward.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next:--Sir, that some distinction ought to be
+made to the advantage of volunteers, if we intend to man our fleet
+without compulsion, is obvious and incontestable; and to avoid the
+necessity of compulsion ought to be the chief end of this bill; for
+nothing can be less to the advantage of the nation, than to continue the
+use of such ungrateful methods, and yet increase the publick expense.
+
+We ought, therefore, in my opinion, to determine upon some peculiar
+reward, either to be advanced upon their entrance into the service, or
+paid at their dismission from it.
+
+But as I see, sir, no reason for hoping that all the encouragement which
+can be offered, will raise volunteers in a sufficient number to secure
+our navigation, and assert our sovereignty, it seems not proper to
+confine our consultations to this part of the bill; for since compulsion
+is on many occasions apparently necessary, some method requires to be
+considered, in which it may be legal.
+
+What new power ought to be placed in the magistrate, for what time, and
+with what restrictions, I am far from assuming the province of
+determining; but that some measures must be taken for compelling those
+who cannot be persuaded, and discovering those that will not offer
+themselves, cannot admit of doubt; and as the magistrate is at present
+without any authority for this purpose, it is evident that his power
+must be extended, for the same reason as it was given in its present
+degree--the general benefit of the whole community.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, if the
+intent of this bill be to enable one part of the nation to enslave the
+other; if the plausible and inviting professions of encouraging and
+increasing seamen, are to terminate in violence, constraint, and
+oppression; it is unnecessary to dwell longer upon particular clauses.
+The intention of the bill is detestable, and deserves not the ceremony
+of debate, or the forms of common regard.
+
+If a man, sir, is liable to be forced from the care of his own private
+affairs, from his favourite schemes of life, from the engagements of
+domestick tenderness, or the prospects of near advantage, and subjected,
+without his consent, to the command of one whom he hates, or dreads, or
+perhaps despises, it requires no long argument to show, that by whatever
+authority he is thus treated, he is reduced to the condition of a slave,
+to that abject, to that hateful state, which every Englishman has been
+taught to avoid at the hazard of his life.
+
+It is therefore evident, that a law which tends to confer such a power,
+subverts our constitution as far as its effects extend; a constitution,
+which was originally formed as a barrier against slavery, and which one
+age after another has endeavoured to strengthen.
+
+Such a power, therefore, in whatever hands it may be lodged, I shall
+always oppose. It is dangerous, sir, to intrust any man with absolute
+dominion, which is seldom known to be impartially exercised, and which
+often makes those corrupt, and insolent, whom it finds benevolent and
+honest.
+
+The bill proposes only encouragement, and encouragement may be given by
+his majesty, without a new law; let us, therefore, draw up an address,
+and cease to debate, where there is no prospect of agreement.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, the payment of an annual salary
+will, in my opinion, be to the last degree inconvenient and dangerous.
+The yearly expense has been already estimated, and arises to a sum very
+formidable in our present state. Nor is the necessity of adding to the
+publick burden, a burden which already is hard to be borne, the only
+objection to this proposal.
+
+Nothing can more contribute to dispirit the nation, than to protract the
+consequences of a war, and to make the calamity felt, when the pleasures
+of victory and triumph have been forgotten; we shall be inclined rather
+to bear oppression and insult than endeavour after redress, if we
+subject ourselves and our posterity to endless exactions.
+
+The expenses of the present provision for superannuated and disabled
+sailors, is no inconsiderable tax upon the publick, which is not less
+burdened by it for the manner of collecting it by a deduction from the
+sailors' wages; for, whoever pays it immediately, it is the ultimate
+gift of the nation, and the utmost that can be allowed for this purpose.
+
+It must be confessed, sir, the persons entitled to the pension are not
+sufficiently distinguished in the bill; by which, as it now stands, any
+of the worthless superfluities of a ship, even the servants of the
+captains, may, after five years, put in their demand, and plunder that
+nation which they never served.
+
+Nor do I think, sir, the efficacy of this method will bear any
+proportion to the expense of it; for I am of opinion, that few of the
+sailors will be much affected by the prospect of a future pension. I am,
+therefore, for dazzling them with five pounds, to be given them at their
+entrance, which will be but a single payment, and probably fill our
+fleets with greater expedition, than methods which appear more refined,
+and the effects of deeper meditation.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, nothing is more clear
+than that a yearly pension will burden the nation, without any
+advantage; and as it will give occasion to innumerable frauds, it is a
+method which ought to be rejected.
+
+As to the new power, sir, which is proposed to be placed in the hands of
+the magistrates, it undoubtedly reduces every sailor to a state of
+slavery, and is inconsistent with that natural right to liberty, which
+is confirmed and secured by our constitution. The bill, therefore, is,
+in my opinion, defective in all its parts, of a tendency generally
+pernicious, and cannot be amended but by rejecting it.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but think it
+necessary, that on this occasion, at least, gentlemen should remit the
+ardour of disputation, and lay the arts of rhetorick aside; that they
+should reserve their wit and their satire for questions of less
+importance, and unite, for once, their endeavours, that this affair may
+meet with no obstructions but from its natural difficulty.
+
+We are now, sir, engaged in a war with a nation, if not of the first
+rank in power, yet by no means contemptible in itself; and, by its
+alliances, extremely formidable. We are exposed, by the course of our
+trade, and the situation of our enemies, to many inevitable losses, and
+have no means of preventing our merchants from being seized, without any
+danger or expense to the Spaniards, but by covering the sea with our
+squadrons.
+
+Nor are we, sir, to satisfy ourselves with barely defeating the designs
+of the Spaniards; our honour demands that we should force them to peace
+upon advantageous terms; that we should not repulse, but attack them;
+not only preserve our own trade and possessions, but endanger theirs.
+
+It is by no means certain, sir, that in the prosecution of these designs
+we shall not be interrupted by the interest or jealousy of a nation far
+more powerful, whose forces we ought, therefore, to be able to resist.
+
+A vigorous exertion of our strength will probably either intimidate any
+other power that may be inclined to attack us, or enable us to repel the
+injuries that shall be offered: discord and delay can only confirm our
+open enemies in their obstinacy, and animate those that have hitherto
+concealed their malignity to declare against us.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in no degree prudent to aggravate the
+inconveniencies of the measures proposed for accomplishing what every
+man seems equally to desire; to declaim against the expedients offered
+in the bill as pernicious, unjust, and oppressive, contributes very
+little to the production of better means. That our affairs will not
+admit of long suspense, and that the present methods of raising seamen
+are not effectual, is universally allowed; it, therefore, evidently
+follows, sir, that some other must be speedily struck out.
+
+I think it necessary to propose, that the house be resolved into a
+committee to-morrow morning; and hope all that shall assemble on this
+occasion, will bring with them no other passion than zeal for their
+country.
+
+[The speaker having taken the chair, the chairman of the committee
+reported, that they had made some progress; and desiring leave to sit
+again, it was resolved to go into the committee again on the morrow.]
+
+
+MARCH 4, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-second day the affair was put off; but on the sixty-third,
+the house resolving itself into a committee, a clause was offered, by
+which five pounds were proposed to be advanced to an able seaman, and
+three pounds to every other man that should enter voluntarily into his
+majesty's service, after twenty days, and within sixty.
+
+After which, Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, this is a clause in
+which no opposition can be apprehended, as those gentlemen who declared
+their disapprobation of the former, were almost unanimous in proposing
+this expedient, as the least expensive, and the most likely to succeed.
+
+The time for the reception of volunteers upon this condition, is, sir,
+in my opinion, judiciously determined. If it was extended to a greater
+length, or left uncertain, the reward would lose its efficacy, the
+sailors would neglect that which they might accept at any time, and
+would only have recourse to the ships of war when they could find no
+other employment.
+
+Yet I cannot conceal my apprehensions, that this bounty will not alone
+be sufficient to man our fleets with proper expedition; and that as
+allurements may be useful on one hand, force will be found necessary on
+the other; that the sailors may not only be incited to engage in the
+service by the hopes of a reward, but by the fear of having their
+negligence to accept it punished, by being compelled into the same
+service, and forfeiting their claim by staying to be compelled.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, to the reward
+proposed in this clause, I have declared in the former conference on
+this bill, that I have no objection, and, therefore, have no amendment
+to propose, except with regard to the time limited for the payment.
+
+As our need of seamen, sir, is immediate, why should not a law for their
+encouragement immediately operate? What advantage can arise from
+delays? Or why is not that proper to be advanced now, that will be
+proper in twenty days? That all the time between the enaction and
+operation of this law must be lost, is evident; for who will enter for
+two pounds, that may gain five by withholding himself from the service
+twenty days longer?
+
+Nor do I think the time now limited sufficient; many sailors who are now
+in the service of the merchants, may not return soon enough to lay claim
+to the bounty, who would gladly accept it, and who will either not serve
+the crown without it, or will serve with disgust and complaints; as the
+loss of it cannot be imputed to their backwardness, but to an accident
+against which they could not provide.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, though I think the time now fixed by the
+bill sufficient, as I hope that our present exigency will be but of
+short continuance, and that we shall soon be able to raise naval forces
+at a cheaper rate, yet as the reasons alleged for an alteration of the
+time may appear to others of more weight than to me, I shall not oppose
+the amendment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD next rose, and said:--Sir, with regard to the duration
+of the time fixed for the advancement of this bounty, we may have
+leisure to deliberate; but surely it must be readily granted by those
+who have expatiated so copiously upon the present exigencies of our
+affairs, that it ought immediately to commence. And if this be the
+general determination of the house, nothing can be more proper than to
+address his majesty to offer, by proclamation, an advance of five
+pounds, instead of two, which have been hitherto given; that while we
+are concerting other measures for the advantage of our country, those in
+which we have already concurred may be put in execution.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY rose up next, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I take this
+opportunity to lay before the house a grievance which very much retards
+the equipment of our fleets, and which must be redressed before any
+measures for reconciling the sailors to the publick service can be
+pursued with the least probability of success.
+
+Observation, sir, has informed me, that to remove the detestation of the
+king's service, it is not necessary to raise the wages of the seamen; it
+is necessary only to secure them; it is necessary to destroy those
+hateful insects that fatten in idleness and debauchery upon the gains of
+the industrious and honest.
+
+When a sailor, sir, after the fatigues and hazards of a long voyage,
+brings his ticket to the pay-office, and demands his wages, the
+despicable wretch to whom he is obliged to apply, looks upon his ticket
+with an air of importance, acknowledges his right, and demands a reward
+for present payment; with this demand, however exorbitant, the
+necessities of his family oblige him to comply.
+
+In this manner, sir, are the wives of the sailors also treated when they
+come to receive the pay of their husbands; women, distressed,
+friendless, and unsupported; they are obliged to endure every insult,
+and to yield to every oppression. And to such a height do these
+merciless exacters raise their extortions, that sometimes a third part
+of the wages is deducted.
+
+Thus, sir, do the vilest, the meanest of mankind, plunder those who have
+the highest claim to the esteem, the gratitude, and the protection of
+their country. This is the hardship which withholds the sailors from our
+navies, and forces them to seek for kinder treatment in other countries.
+This hardship, sir, both justice and prudence call upon us to remedy;
+and while we neglect it, all our deliberations will be ineffectual.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL then spoke to this effect:--Sir, of the hardships
+mentioned by the honourable gentleman who spoke last, I have myself
+known an instance too remarkable not to be mentioned. A sailor in
+Ireland, after his voyage, met with so much difficulty in obtaining his
+wages, that he was at length reduced to the necessity of submitting to
+the reduction of near a sixth part. Such are the grievances with which
+those are oppressed, upon whom the power, security, and happiness of the
+nation are acknowledged to depend.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE, the prime minister, then rose, and spoke as
+follows:--Sir, it is not without surprise that I hear the disgust of the
+sailors ascribed to any irregularity in the payment of their wages,
+which were never, in any former reign, so punctually discharged. They
+receive, at present, twelve months' pay in eighteen months, without
+deduction; so that there are never more than six months for which any
+demand remains unsatisfied.
+
+But, sir, the punctuality of the payment has produced of late great
+inconveniencies; for there has been frequently a necessity of removing
+men from one ship to another; and it is the stated rule of the
+pay-office, to assign every man so removed his full pay. These men, when
+the government is no longer indebted to them, take the first opportunity
+of deserting the service, and engaging in business to which they are
+more inclined.
+
+This is not a chimerical complaint, founded upon rare instances, and
+produced only to counterbalance an objection; the fact and the
+consequences are well known; so well, that near fourteen hundred sailors
+are computed to have been lost by this practice.
+
+The PRESIDENT of the commons, who always in a committee takes his seat
+as another member, rose here, and spoke to the following effect, his
+honour being paymaster of the navy:--Mr. Chairman, the nature of the
+employment with which I am intrusted makes it my duty to endeavour that
+this question may be clearly understood, and the condition of the
+seamen, with regard to the reception of their pay, justly represented.
+
+I have not been able to discover that any sailor, upon producing his
+ticket, was ever obliged to submit to the deduction of any part of his
+wages, nor should any clerk or officer under my inspection, escape, for
+such oppression, the severest punishment and most publick censure: I
+would give him up to the law without reserve, and mark him as infamous,
+and unworthy of any trust or employment.
+
+But there are extortions, sir, by which those unhappy men, after having
+served their country with honesty and courage, are deprived of their
+lawful gains of diligence and labour. There are men to whom it is usual
+amongst the sailors to mortgage their pay before it becomes due, who
+never advance their money but upon such terms as cannot be mentioned
+without indignation. These men advance the sum which is stipulated, and
+by virtue of a letter of attorney are reimbursed at the pay-office.
+
+This corruption is, I fear, not confined to particular places, but has
+spread even to America, where, as in his own country, the poor sailor is
+seduced, by the temptation of present money, to sell his labour to
+extortioners and usurers.
+
+I appeal to the gentleman, whether the instance which he mentioned was
+not of this kind. I appeal to him without apprehension of receiving an
+answer that can tend to invalidate what I have asserted.
+
+This, sir, is, indeed, a grievance pernicious and oppressive, which no
+endeavours of mine shall be deficient in attempting to remove; for by
+this the sailor is condemned, notwithstanding his industry and success,
+to perpetual poverty, and to labour only for the benefit of his
+plunderer.
+
+[The clauses were then read, "empowering the justices of the peace, etc.
+to issue warrants to the constables, etc. to make general privy
+searches, by day or night, for finding out and securing such seamen and
+seafaring men as lie hid or conceal themselves; and making it lawful for
+the officers appointed to make such searches, to force open the doors of
+any house, where they shall _suspect_ such seamen to be concealed, if
+entrance be not readily admitted; and for punishing those who shall
+harbour or conceal any seaman."]
+
+Sir John BARNARD upon this rose up, and spoke to the following
+effect:--Mr. Chairman, we have been hitherto deliberating upon
+questions, in which diversity of opinions might naturally be expected,
+and in which every man might indulge his own opinion, whatever it might
+be, without any dangerous consequences to the publick. But the clauses
+now before us are of a different kind; clauses which cannot be read
+without astonishment and indignation, nor defended without betraying the
+liberty of the best, the bravest, and most useful of our
+fellow-subjects.
+
+If these clauses, sir, should pass into a law, a sailor and a slave will
+become terms of the same signification. Every man who has devoted
+himself to the most useful profession, and most dangerous service of his
+country, will see himself deprived of every advantage which he has
+laboured to obtain, and made the mere passive property of those who live
+in security by his valour, and owe to his labour that affluence which
+hardens them to insensibility, and that pride that swells them to
+ingratitude.
+
+Why must the sailors alone, sir, be marked out from all the other orders
+of men for ignominy and misery? Why must they be ranked with the enemies
+of society, stopped like vagabonds, and pursued like the thief and the
+murderer by publick officers? How or when have they forfeited the common
+privilege of human nature, or the general protection of the laws of
+their country? If it is a just maxim, sir, that he who contributes most
+to the welfare of the publick, deserves most to be protected in the
+enjoyment of his private right or fortune; a principle which surely will
+not be controverted; where is the man that dares stand forth and assert,
+that he has juster claims than the brave, the honest, the diligent
+sailor?
+
+I am extremely unwilling, sir, to engage in so invidious an undertaking
+as the comparison of the harmless, inoffensive, resolute sailor, with
+those who think themselves entitled to treat him with contempt, to
+overlook his merit, invade his liberty, and laugh at his remonstrances.
+
+Nor is it, sir, necessary to dwell upon the peculiar merit of this body
+of men; it is sufficient that they have the same claims, founded upon
+the same reasons with our own, that they have never forfeited them by
+any crime, and, therefore, that they cannot be taken away without the
+most flagrant violation of the laws of nature, of reason, and of our
+country.
+
+Let us consider the present condition of a sailor, let us reflect a
+little upon the calamities to which custom, though not law, has already
+made him subject, and it will surely not be thought that his unhappiness
+needs any aggravation.
+
+He is already exposed to be forced, upon his return from a tedious
+voyage, into new hardships, without the intermission of a day, and
+without the sight of his family; he is liable, after a contract for a
+pleasing and gainful voyage, to be hurried away from his prospects of
+interest, and condemned amidst oppression and insolence, to labour and
+to danger, almost without the possibility of a recompense. He has
+neither the privilege of choosing his commander, nor of leaving him when
+he is defrauded and oppressed.
+
+These, sir, I say, are the calamities to which he is now subject, but
+there is now a possibility of escaping them. He is not yet deprived of
+the right of resistance, or the power of flight; he may now retire to
+his friend, and be protected by him; he may take shelter in his own
+cottage, and treat any man as a robber, that shall attempt to force his
+doors.
+
+When any crews are returning home in time of war, they are acquainted
+with the dangers of an impress, but they comfort themselves with
+contriving stratagems to elude it, or with the prospect of obtaining an
+exemption from it by the favour of their friends; prospects which are
+often deceitful, and stratagems frequently defeated, but which yet
+support their spirits, and animate their industry.
+
+But if this bill, sir, should become a law, the sailor, instead of
+amusing himself on his return with the prospects of ease, or of
+pleasure, will consider his country as a place of slavery, a residence
+less to be desired than any other part of the world. He will probably
+seek, in the service of some foreign prince, a kinder treatment; and
+will not fail, in any country but his own, to see himself, at least, on
+a level with other men.
+
+Nor will this bill, sir, only give the seamen new reasons of disgust,
+but it will tend, likewise, to aggravate those grievances, which already
+have produced a detestation of the publick service, scarcely to be
+conquered.
+
+The officers of the navy, sir, will hardly be made less insolent by an
+increase of power; they whose tyranny has already alienated their
+fellow-subjects from the king's service, though they could only depend
+upon the character of probity and moderation for the prospect of manning
+their ships in succeeding expeditions, will probably, when they are
+animated by a law like this, and made absolute both by land and sea,
+indulge themselves in the enjoyment of their new authority, contrive new
+hardships and oppressions, and tyrannise without fear and without mercy.
+Thus, sir, will the bill not only be tyrannical in itself, but the
+parent of tyranny; it will give security to the cruel, and confidence to
+the arrogant.
+
+That any man, at least any man bred from his infancy to change his
+residence, and accustomed to different climates and to foreign nations,
+will fix by choice in that country where he finds the worst reception,
+is hardly to be imagined. We see indeed, that men unqualified to support
+themselves in other countries, or who have, by long custom, contracted a
+fondness for particular methods of life, will bear very uncomfortable
+circumstances, without endeavouring to improve their conditions by a
+change of their habitations. But the temper of a sailor, acquainted with
+all parts, and indifferent to all, is of another kind. Such, sir, is his
+love of change, arising either from wantonness, or curiosity, that he is
+hard to be retained by the kindest treatment and most liberal rewards;
+and will, therefore, never struggle with his habitual dispositions, only
+to continue in a state of slavery.
+
+I think it, therefore, sir, very evident that this new method of
+_encouraging_ sailors will be so far from _increasing_ them, that it may
+probably drive them out of the empire, and at once ruin our trade and
+our navy; at once beggar and disarm us.
+
+Let me now suppose, sir, for a moment, the bill less pernicious in its
+consequences, and consider only the difficulties of executing it. Every
+seafaring man is to be seized, at pleasure, by the magistrate; but what
+definition is given of a seafaring man? Or by what characteristick is
+the magistrate to distinguish him? I have never been able to discover
+any peculiarities in the form of a seaman that mark him out from the
+rest of the species. There is, indeed, less servility in his air, and
+less effeminacy in his face, than in those that are commonly to be seen
+in drawing-rooms, in brothels, and at reviews; but I know not that a
+seaman can be distinguished from any other man of equal industry or use,
+who has never enervated himself by vice, nor polished himself into
+corruption. So that this bill, sir, if it shall pass into a law, will
+put it at once in the power of the magistrate to dispose of seamen at
+his pleasure, and to term whom he pleases a seaman.
+
+Another expedient, sir, has been offered on this occasion, not equally
+tyrannical, but equally inadequate to the end in view. It is proposed to
+restrain the merchants from giving wages beyond a certain rate, on the
+supposition that the sailors have no motive but that of larger wages, to
+prefer the service of the merchants to that of the crown.
+
+This, sir, is a mistake which might easily arise from a partial and
+imperfect knowledge of the affair, with which very few gentlemen have
+opportunities of being well acquainted. The wages, sir, are the smallest
+inducements which fix the seamen in their choice. The prospect of kinder
+treatment, the certainty of returning home in a fixed time, and the
+power of choosing what voyages they will undertake, cannot but be
+acknowledged very reasonable motives of preference.
+
+On the contrary, sir, when they are once engaged in a ship of war, they
+know neither whither they are going, what dangers they shall encounter,
+what hardships they shall suffer, nor when they shall be dismissed.
+
+Besides, sir, I do not think it possible by any law to limit the wages
+to be paid by merchants, since they will change the term of wages into
+that of a present, or admit the sailors to a small share in the freight,
+and so all the precaution we can take will become ineffectual.
+
+In the mean time, sir, how much shall we embarrass our own commerce, and
+impair our natural strength--the power of our fleets? We shall terrify
+our sailors on the one hand, and endeavour to starve them on the other;
+we shall not only drive them from us by unheard-of severities, but take
+away every motive that can induce them to expose themselves to the
+danger of suffering them.
+
+If we consider, sir, with what effect methods nearly approaching these
+were practised in the reign of the late queen, we shall find that not
+more than one thousand five hundred seamen were raised, and those at the
+expense of more than four thousand pounds; so that the effects bore no
+proportion to the means; our laws were infringed, and our constitution
+violated to no purpose.
+
+But what reason, sir, can be assigned for which it must be more
+difficult to supply the fleet now with sailors than at any other time?
+This war, sir, was demanded by the publick voice, in pursuance of the
+particular remonstrances of the merchants, and it is not to be supposed
+that the sailors or any other body of men engage in it with a particular
+reluctance.
+
+I am, therefore, inclined to believe that the suspicion of great numbers
+hid in the country, at a distance from the coast, is merely chimerical;
+and that if we should pass this bill, we should do nothing more than
+grant an oppressive and unconstitutional power of search for what, in
+reality, is not to be found.
+
+How oppressive this power may become in the hands of a corrupt or
+insolent magistrate, any man may discover, who remembers that the
+magistrate is made judge without appeal, of his own right to denominate
+any man a sailor, and that he may break open any man's doors at any
+time, without alleging any other reason than his own suspicion; so that
+no man can secure his house from being searched, or, perhaps, his person
+from being seized.
+
+It may, indeed, be alleged, sir, that this will be only a temporary law,
+and is to cease with the exigence that made it necessary: but long
+experience has informed us, that severe laws are enacted more readily
+than they are repealed; and that most men are too fond of power to
+suffer willingly the diminution of it.
+
+But, sir, though this law should not be perpetuated, every precedent of
+an infringement of our constitution, makes way for its dissolution; and
+the very cessation of an oppressive law, may be a plea, hereafter, for
+the revival of it.
+
+This bill, therefore, must be confessed to be at once violent and
+ineffectual; to be a transgression of the laws of justice to particular
+men, without any prospect of real benefit to the community; and,
+therefore, cannot be passed without deviating at once from prudence and
+our constitution.
+
+Captain CORNWALL then rose, and spoke to this effect:--I have observed,
+sir, that every man is apt to think himself ill treated, who is not
+treated according to his own opinion of his deserts, and will endeavour
+to diffuse his own notion of the partiality and tyranny of the naval
+officers; general clamours, therefore, are little to be regarded.
+
+I have had, from my early years, a command in the sea service, and can
+assert, that I never knew more than one instance of injustice, and that
+was punished with the severity which it deserved.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER rose next, and spoke to this effect:--Mr. Chairman,
+it is with uncommon satisfaction that I see every clause of this bill
+regularly debated, without unbecoming impatience, or passionate
+exclamations. I am willing to collect from this conduct, that the
+disposition of every gentleman is, on this occasion, the same with my
+own; and that every expedient here proposed will be diligently examined,
+and either be seriously approved, or be calmly rejected.
+
+Such coolness and impartiality, sir, is certainly required by the
+importance of the present question; a question which cannot but
+influence the prosperity of the nation for many years.
+
+It is not necessary to remind any gentleman of the importance of our
+trade, of the power of the enemy against whom we have declared war in
+defence of it, or of the necessity of showing the world that our
+declarations of war are not empty noises, or farces of resentment. But
+it may be proper, sir, to remark, that this is not the only enemy, nor
+the most powerful, whose attempts we have reason to provide against, and
+who may oblige us to exert our whole power, and practise every expedient
+to increase our forces.
+
+The war has been, hitherto, prosecuted with the utmost vigour, with all
+the attention that its importance requires, and with success not
+disproportioned to our preparations; nor will it ever be suffered to
+languish, if the powers necessary for carrying it on are not denied.
+
+Nothing is more evident, sir, than that the natural power of the nation
+consists in its fleets, which are now, by the care of the government, so
+numerous, that the united power of many nations cannot equal them. But
+what are fleets unfurnished with men? How will they maintain the
+dominion of the sea, by lying unactive in our harbours?
+
+That no methods, hitherto used, have been sufficient to man our navies,
+and that our preparations have, therefore, been little more than an
+expensive show of war, the whole nation is sufficiently informed; it is,
+therefore, not doubtful that some new measures must be taken; whether
+any better can be suggested than are offered in this bill, must be
+inquired.
+
+With regard, sir, to the clause now under our consideration, it is to be
+remembered, that little more is proposed by it, than to add the sanction
+of legality to a power which has long been exercised by the admiralty,
+without any other authority than that of long prescription, the power of
+issuing warrants of impress upon emergent occasions, by which sailors
+are forced into the publick service.
+
+This power, in its present state, must be allowed to have no foundation
+in any law, and, by consequence, to be unlimited, arbitrary, and easily
+abused, and, upon the whole, to be justifiable only by necessity: but
+that necessity is so frequent, that it is often exercised, and,
+therefore, ought to be regulated by the legislature; and by making such
+regulations, we may rather be said to remove than introduce a grievance.
+
+The power of searching for sailors, however it has been represented, is
+far from setting them on a level with felons, murderers, or vagabonds;
+or, indeed, from distinguishing them, to their disadvantage, from the
+rest of the community, of which every individual is obliged to support
+the government.
+
+Those that possess estates, or carry on trades, transfer part of their
+property to the publick; and those ought, by parity of reason, to serve
+the publick in person, that have no property to transfer. Every man is
+secured by the constitution in the enjoyment of his life, his liberty,
+or his fortune; and, therefore, every man ought reciprocally to defend
+the constitution to which he is himself indebted for safety and
+protection.
+
+I am, therefore, sir, unable to discover in what consists the hardship
+of a law by which no new duties are enjoined, nor any thing required,
+which is not already every man's duty. Every man, indeed, who is
+desirous of evading the performance of any of the duties of society,
+will consider every compulsion as a hardship, by which he is obliged to
+contribute to the general happiness; but his murmurs will prove nothing
+but his own folly and ingratitude, and will certainly deserve no regard
+from the legislative power.
+
+There is in the bill before us, sir, encouragement sufficient for
+volunteers, and an offer of greater rewards than some gentlemen think
+consistent with the present state of the national revenues; and what
+remains to be done with respect to those who are deaf to all
+invitations, and blind to all offers of advantage? Are they to sit at
+ease only because they are idle, or to be distinguished with indulgence
+only for want of deserving it?
+
+It seems generally granted, sir, that such drones are the proper objects
+of an impress. Let us then suppose that every man who is willing to
+serve his country, has laid hold of the reward proposed, and entered a
+volunteer. The fleets are not yet sufficiently manned, and more sailors
+must be procured. Warrants are issued out in the common form. The
+negligent, the imprudent, the necessitous, are taken. The vigilant, the
+cunning, and those that have more money, find shelter and escape. Can it
+be said, that those whose circumstances, or good fortune, enable them to
+secure themselves from the officers of the impress, deserve any
+exemption from the publick service, or from the hardships to which their
+companions are exposed? Have they discharged their debt of gratitude to
+the publick so effectually by running away from its service, that no
+search ought to be made after them? It seems evident, that if it was
+right to seize the one, it is likewise right to pursue the other; and if
+it be right to pursue him, it is likewise right to hinder him from
+escaping the pursuers. It is then right to vest some persons with the
+power of apprehending him, and in whom is that power to be lodged, but
+in the civil magistrate?
+
+Every man, sir, is obliged by compulsive methods to serve his country,
+if he can be prevailed upon by no other. If any man shall refuse to pay
+his rates or his taxes, will not his goods be seized by force, and sold
+before his face? If any particular methods are proposed for obliging
+seamen to contribute to the publick safety, it is only because their
+service is necessary upon more pressing occasions than that of others;
+upon occasions which do not admit of delay, without the hazard of the
+whole community.
+
+I must confess, sir, there are instances in which the hardships of the
+seafaring part of the nation are peculiar, and truly calamitous. A
+sailor, after the dangers and toils of a long voyage, when he is now in
+the sight of the port, where he hopes to enjoy that quiet which he has
+deserved by so long a series of fatigues, to repair the injuries which
+his health has suffered, by change of climate, and the diet of the
+ships, and to recover that strength which incessant vigilance has worn
+away; when he is in expectation of being received by his family with
+those caresses, which the succours that he brings them naturally
+produce, and designs to rest awhile from danger and from care; in the
+midst of these pleasing views, he is, on the sudden, seized by an
+impress, and forced into a repetition of all his miseries, without any
+interval of refreshment.
+
+Let no man who can think without compassion on such a scene as this,
+boast his zeal for freedom, his regard for bravery, or his gratitude to
+those who contribute to the wealth and power of their country; let every
+man who declares himself touched with the pity which the slightest
+reflection upon such a disappointment must naturally produce, sincerely
+endeavour to obviate the necessity of such oppressive measures, which
+may, at least in part, be prevented, by assigning to magistrates the
+power of hunting out of their retreats, those who neglect the business
+of their callings, and linger at once in laziness and want.
+
+There are great numbers who retire not from weariness but idleness, or
+an unreasonable prepossession against the publick service; and, surely,
+nothing is more unreasonable, than that bad dispositions should be
+gratified, and that industry should expose any man to penalties.
+
+Upon the whole, sir, I am not able to discover, that any man should be
+exempted from an impress merely because he finds means to escape it, or
+because idleness or disinclination to the publick service prompts him to
+abscond.
+
+If any men deserve indulgence, in opposition to the demands of the
+publick, they are rather those who have already, in some degree,
+discharged their duty to it, by contributing to bring in that wealth
+which is the consequence of a prosperous and well-regulated commerce,
+and without which war cannot be supported.
+
+It is not without grief and regret, that I am obliged to represent, on
+this occasion, the obstructions which the war has suffered from those at
+whose request it was undertaken; and to declare, that the conduct of the
+merchants, has afforded proof that some law of this tendency is
+absolutely necessary.
+
+The merchants, sir, who have so loudly complained of the decline of
+trade, the interruption of navigation, and the insolence, rapacity, and
+cruelty of the Spaniards; the merchants, who filled the nation with
+representations of their hardships, discouragements, and miseries, and
+lamented in the most publick manner, that they were the only body for
+whom the legislature had no regard, who were abandoned to the caprice of
+other nations, were plundered abroad, and neglected at home; the
+merchants, after having at length by their importunities engaged the
+state in a war, of which they have themselves certainly not the least
+pretensions to question either the justice or necessity, now, when by
+the natural consequences of a naval armament, sailors become less
+numerous, and ships more difficult to be equipped, contract in private
+with such sailors as they are inclined to employ, and conceal them in
+garrets, hired for that purpose, till the freight is ready, or the
+danger of an impress is past, and thus secure their own private affairs
+at the hazard of the publick, and hinder the operations of a war, which
+they, and they only, solicited.
+
+The danger of having other enemies than the Spaniards, enemies, sir,
+more active, more powerful, and more ambitious, has already been
+mentioned; a danger so near, and so formidable, that he will not be
+thought very solicitous for his country, whom the bare mention of it
+does not alarm. This danger we are, therefore, to obviate by vigorous
+preparations, and unanimous resolutions; nor do I doubt but both our
+enemies, if they find us united, will repent of attacking us.
+
+Sir, the most efficacious method of manning our fleets, which law or
+custom has yet put into our hands, is that of suspending our commerce by
+an embargo; and yet the whole nation knows how much, and by what means,
+it has been eluded: no sooner was it known that an embargo was laid,
+than the sailors flew away into the country, or hid themselves in
+corners of this great city, as from the most formidable danger; and no
+sooner did the embargo cease, than the banks of the river were again
+crowded with sailors, and all the trading vessels were immediately
+supplied.
+
+As I cannot doubt, sir, that every gentleman is equally zealous for the
+success of the war, and the prosperity of his country; and as the
+insufficiency of the present methods of providing for them is apparent,
+I hope, that either the regulations proposed by this bill, to which I
+see no important objections, or some other of equal use, will be
+established by a general concurrence.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke next:--Though no gentleman in this assembly, sir,
+can more ardently wish the success of the British arms, or shall more
+willingly concur in any measure that may promote it, yet I cannot agree
+to the clause now under our consideration; I disapprove it both from
+moral and political motives; I disapprove it as neither just nor
+prudent.
+
+The injustice of so flagrant an invasion of the liberty of particular
+men has been already exposed; nor is it, in my opinion, less easy to
+discover the imprudence of exhausting all our supplies at once, and
+sweeping away all our sailors, to supply a single exigency.
+
+It has often been remarked, sir, in favour of a standing army, that it
+is requisite to have a number of regular forces, who, though too weak to
+oppose an invasion, might be able to establish discipline in a larger
+body. An observation which may, with much greater justness, be applied
+to the seamen, whose art is much more difficult to be attained, and who
+are equally necessary in war and peace.
+
+If our stock of seamen, sir, be destroyed, if there is not left in our
+trading vessels a sufficient number of experienced artists to initiate
+novices, and propagate the profession, not only our ships of war must
+lie useless, but our commerce sink to nothing.
+
+Nor have I reason to believe the naval power of France so formidable, as
+that we ought to be terrified by the apprehensions of it into any
+extraordinary methods of procedure. I am informed that they have now
+very few ships of force left in their harbours; and that they have
+exerted their whole strength in the American fleet.
+
+I am not, therefore, sir, for providing against present dangers, without
+regard to our future security; and think nothing more worthy of the
+consideration of this assembly, than the means of encouraging and
+increasing our seamen, which will not be effected by the bill before us.
+
+Land forces may be hired upon emergencies; but sailors are our own
+peculiar strength, and the growth of our own soil; we are, therefore,
+above all other regards, to attend, if I may use the term, to the
+preservation of the species.
+
+Mr. VYNER next spoke:--Mr. Chairman, as there can be no stronger
+objection to any law than ambiguity, or indeterminate latitude of
+meaning, I think it necessary to propose, that some word of known and
+limited import, be substituted in the place of _seafaring men_; an
+expression which, if I was asked the meaning of it, I should find it
+difficult to explain.
+
+Are _seafaring_ men those only who navigate in the _sea_? The term is
+then superfluous, for all such are evidently comprised in the word
+_seamen_. Are they bargemen or watermen, who ply on rivers and transport
+provision or commodities from one inland town to another? In that sense
+nobody will affirm that it is a proper word; and impropriety in the
+expression of laws, produces uncertainty in the execution of them.
+
+Captain CORNWALL rose up:--Sir, the term _seafaring men_, of which an
+explication is desired, is intended to include all those who live by
+conveying goods or passengers upon the water, whether the sea or inland
+rivers: nor can we restrain it to a narrower sense, without exempting
+from the publick service great numbers, whose manner of life has
+qualified them for it, and from whom their country may, with equal
+justice, expect assistance, as from those who are engaged in foreign
+traffick.
+
+Mr. VYNER replied:--Sir, I am far from concurring with the honourable
+gentleman in his opinion, that the inland watermen are, by their
+profession, in any degree qualified for sea service, or can properly be
+called _seafaring men_.
+
+All qualifications for the service must consist either in some knowledge
+of the arts of navigation, or in some familiarity with the dangers of
+the sea. With regard to any previous knowledge of naval business, it is
+well known that they have no advantage over any common labourer; for the
+manner of navigating a ship and a barge have, for the most part, nothing
+in common.
+
+Nor are these watermen, sir, more able to stand firm in the terrours of
+the storm, or the noise of a battle, than those who follow any other
+occupation. Many of them never saw the sea, nor have less dread of its
+danger than the other inhabitants of the inland counties. They are,
+therefore, neither _seafaring_ men, nor peculiarly capable of being made
+_seamen_.
+
+But the hardship upon particular men is not the strongest objection to
+this clause, which, by obstructing our inland navigation, may make our
+rivers useless, and set the whole trade of the nation at a stand. For
+who will bring up his son a waterman, who knows him exposed by that
+profession to be impressed for a seaman?
+
+It seems, therefore, necessary, sir, either to omit the term _seafaring
+men_ [Footnote: Agreed to be omitted.], or to explain it in such a
+manner, that inland watermen may not be included.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next:--Sir, so much has been urged against the
+compulsive methods proposed in this clause, and so little produced in
+favour of them, that it may seem superfluous to add any thing, or to
+endeavour, by a multiplicity of arguments, to prove what common reason
+must immediately discover. But there is one consequence of this clause
+which has not yet been observed, and which is yet too important not to
+be obviated by a particular proviso.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many of those to whom this act will extend,
+are freeholders and voters, for electing the representatives of the
+nation; and it is therefore apparent, that elections may be influenced
+by an ill-timed or partial execution of it. How easy will it be, when an
+election approaches, to raise a false alarm, to propose some secret
+expedition, or threaten us with an invasion from some unknown country,
+and to seize on all the seafaring voters whose affections are suspected,
+and confine them at Spithead till the contest is over.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but think it necessary, that if this clause be
+suffered to pass, some part of its hateful consequences should be
+prevented by an exception in favour of freeholders and voters, which,
+surely, is no less than what every man owes to his own security, to the
+welfare of his country, and to those by whom he has been honoured with
+the care of their liberties.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then said, as follows:--Sir, I do not rise in
+opposition to the proposal made by that right honourable member, nor do
+I think this the proper time either for opposing or approving it. Method
+is of the highest importance in inquiries like these; and if the order
+of the debate be interrupted by foreign questions, or incidental
+objections, no man will be able to consider the clauses before us with
+the attention necessary to his own satisfaction, or to the conviction of
+others; the mind will be dissipated by a multiplicity of views, and
+nothing can follow but perplexity and confusion.
+
+The great end, sir, for which we are now assembled, is to strike out
+methods of manning the fleet with expedition and certainty. It is,
+therefore, proper, in the first place, to agree upon some general
+measures, to each of which there may, undoubtedly, be particular
+objections raised, that may be afterwards removed by exceptions or
+provisions; but these provisions should, for the sake of order, be
+inserted in particular clauses, to be separately considered.
+
+Of this kind is the exception now offered, to which I have no objection
+but its present impropriety, and the interruption of the debate which it
+may now occasion; for I see, at present, no reason against admitting it
+in a particular clause.
+
+When it is considered how much the success of the war may depend upon
+the determinations of this day, and how much our future happiness and
+security may depend upon the success of our present undertakings, I hope
+my solicitude for regularity and expedition will be easily excused.
+
+Sir Hind COTTON answered:--I am not able, sir, to discover any imminent
+danger to the nation in suspending our attention to the clause before
+us, for a few moments; nor, indeed, do we cease to attend to it, while
+we are endeavouring to mollify it, and adapt it to our constitution.
+
+The exception proposed is, in the opinion of the honourable gentleman,
+so reasonable, that he declares himself ready to approve it in another
+place; and, to me, no place seems more proper of its making part of this
+bill than this. As a connexion between the clause and exception appears
+necessary and immediate, I cannot see why it should be postponed, unless
+it is hoped that it may be forgotten.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke:--Sir, that this exception should be forgotten
+there is no danger; for how long soever it be delayed, I will never
+agree to the act till I see it inserted. If we suffer the liberty of the
+freeholders to be infringed, what can we expect but to be charged with
+betraying our trust, and giving up to servitude and oppression those who
+deputed us to this assembly, as the guardians of their privileges, and
+the asserters of their birthright; a charge too just to be denied, and
+too atrocious to be borne.
+
+Sir, the right of a freeholder is independent on every other
+circumstance, and is neither made more or less by wealth or poverty: the
+estate, however small, which gives a right of voting, ought to exempt
+the owner from every restraint that may hinder the exertion of his
+right; a right on which our constitution is founded, and which cannot be
+taken away without subverting our whole establishment.
+
+To overlook the distinctions which the fundamental laws of our country
+have made in respect to different orders of men, and to regard only the
+accidents of affluence and necessity, is surely unjust in itself, and
+unworthy of this assembly; an assembly, sir, instituted principally to
+protect the weak against the strong, and deputed to represent those, in
+a collective state, who are not considerable enough to appear singly,
+and claim a voice in the legislature.
+
+To expose an honest, a laborious, and an useful man, to be seized by the
+hands of an insolent officer, and dragged from the enjoyment of his
+right, only because he will not violate his conscience, and add his
+voice to those of sycophants, dependents, and prostitutes, the slaves of
+power, the drudges of a court, and the hirelings of a faction, is the
+highest degree of injustice and cruelty. Let us rather, sir, sweep away,
+with an impress, the drones of large fortunes, the tyrants of villages,
+and the oppressors of the poor; let us oblige those to serve their
+country by force, whose fortunes have had no other effect than to make
+them insolent and worthless; but let such who, by contributing to
+commerce, make every day some addition to the publick wealth, be left in
+the full enjoyment of the rights which they deserve: let those, by whose
+labour the expenses of the war are furnished, be excused from
+contributing to it by personal service.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to have our laws established by the
+representatives of the people; it is necessary that those
+representatives should be freely elected; and, therefore, every law that
+obstructs the liberty of voters, is contrary to the fundamental laws of
+our constitution; and what multitudes may, by this law, be either
+hindered from giving their votes, or be terrified into such a choice as
+by no means corresponds with their judgments or inclinations, it is easy
+to foresee.
+
+I am, indeed, of opinion, sir, that this clause cannot be adapted to our
+constitution, nor modified, by any expedient, into a law, which will not
+lay insupportable hardships upon the nation, and make way for absolute
+power. But as it is necessary that a constant supply of seamen should be
+provided, I think it not improper to observe, that there is one
+expedient yet remaining, by which, though it will not much assist us in
+our present exigence, the fleets of this nation may hereafter be
+constantly supported.
+
+We have, at present, great numbers of charity schools established in
+this nation, where the children of the poor receive an education
+disproportioned to their birth. This has often no other consequences
+than to make them unfit for their stations, by placing them, in their
+own opinion, above the drudgery of daily labour; a notion which is too
+much indulged, as idleness, cooperating with vanity, can hardly fail to
+gain the ascendant, and which sometimes prompts them to support
+themselves by practices not only useless, but pernicious to society.
+This evil, sir, cannot be better obviated than by allotting a reasonable
+proportion out of every school to the service of the sea, in which, by
+entering early, they cannot fail to become proficients; and where their
+attainments, which, at present, too frequently produce laziness and
+dishonesty, might enable them to excel, and entitle them to promotion.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, notwithstanding the confidence with which
+some gentlemen have proposed this amendment, and the easiness with which
+others have consented to it, I declare, without hesitation, that I
+oppose it now, and intend to oppose it whenever it shall be offered,
+because it will defeat all the other provisions which shall be made in
+the bill.
+
+I will venture to say, sir, that if every man, who has, by whatever
+tenure, the right of voting, shall be exempted from the necessity of
+contributing to the publick safety by his personal service, every man
+qualified for the sea will by some means acquire a vote.
+
+Sir, a very small part of those who give their votes in this nation for
+representatives in senate, enjoy that right as the appendage of a
+freehold; to live in some towns, and to be born only in others, gives
+the unalienable privilege of voting. Any gentleman, to secure his own
+interest, or obstruct the publick service, may, by dividing a small
+piece of barren ground among a hundred sailors, exalt them all to
+freeholders, and exempt them from the influence of this law.
+
+However, sir, I am not less a friend to the freeholders than those who
+propose the exception in their favour, but, in my opinion, the great
+interest of the freeholders is the preservation of their freeholds,
+which can only be secured by a vigorous exertion of the power of the
+nation, in the war which is now declared against the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BARRINGTON spoke next:--Sir, by the observations which I have
+opportunities of making at the place which I have the honour to
+represent, I am convinced of the influence that this law will have upon
+all the boroughs along the coasts. There, most of the voters are, in one
+sense or other, sir, seafaring men, being, almost all of them, owners of
+vessels, and in some degree acquainted with navigation; they may,
+therefore, be hurried away at the choice of an officious or oppressive
+magistrate, who may, by partiality and injustice, obtain a majority,
+contrary to the general inclination of the people, and determine the
+election by his own authority.
+
+Sir William YONGE then said:--Sir, if every freeholder and voter is to
+be exempted from the influence of the law, the bill that we are with so
+much ardour endeavouring to draw up and rectify, and of which the
+necessity is so generally acknowledged, will be no other than an empty
+sound, and a determination without an object; for while we are
+empowering the government to call seamen into the service, we are
+exempting almost all that are able to serve from the denomination of
+seamen: what is this but to dispute without a subject? to raise with one
+hand and demolish with the other?
+
+In the western parts of the nation, sir, where I reside, many who vote
+at elections claim their privilege by no other title than that of
+boiling a pot; a title which he who has it not, may easily obtain, when
+it will either gratify his laziness or his cowardice, and which, though
+not occasionally obtained, seems not sufficient to set any man out of
+the reach of a just and necessary law.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, undoubtedly requisite that the terms of the
+exception should be explicit and definitive, and that only those should
+be exempted who have such possessions or qualifications as this assembly
+shall think a just title to exemption. For on the western coast, from
+whence great supplies may be expected, almost every sailor has a vote,
+to which nothing is there required but to hire a lodging, and boil a
+pot; after which, if this exception be admitted in all its latitude, he
+may sit at ease amidst the distresses of his country, ridicule the law
+which he has eluded, and set the magistrate at open defiance.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER spoke next:--As I think, Sir, some exception may be
+just and proper, so I suppose every gentleman will concur with me in
+rejecting one of such extent as shall leave no object for the operation
+of the law.
+
+It is, in my opinion, proper to restrain the exemption to those
+freeholders who are possessed of such an estate as gives a vote for the
+representative of the county, by which those whose privilege arises from
+their property will be secured; and it seems reasonable that those who
+have privileges without property, should purchase them by their
+services.
+
+Counsellor BROWN spoke next:--Sir, the exception proposed will not only
+defeat the end of the bill, by leaving it few objects, but will obstruct
+the execution of it on proper occasions, and involve the magistrate in
+difficulties which will either intimidate him in the exertion of his
+authority, or, if he persists in discharging his duty with firmness and
+spirit, will perhaps oblige him sometimes to repent of his fidelity.
+
+It is the necessary consequence, sir, of a seaman's profession, that he
+is often at a great distance from the place of his legal settlement, or
+patrimonial possessions; and he may, therefore, assert of his own
+circumstances what is most convenient, without danger of detection.
+Distance is a security that prompts many men to falsehoods, by which
+only vanity is gratified; and few men will tell truth in opposition to
+their interest, when they may lie without apprehension of being
+convicted.
+
+When, therefore, a magistrate receives directions to impress all the
+seamen within his district, how few will he find who will not declare
+themselves freeholders in some distant county, or freemen of some
+obscure borough. It is to no purpose, sir, that the magistrate
+disbelieves what he cannot confute; and if in one instance in a hundred
+he should be mistaken, and, acting in consequence of his errour, force a
+freeman into the service, what reparation may not be demanded?
+
+I, therefore, propose it to the consideration of the committee, whether
+any man ought to claim exemption from this law by a title, that may so
+readily be procured, or so safely usurped.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, the practice of impressing, which
+has been declaimed against with such vehement exaggerations, is not only
+founded on immemorial custom, which makes it part of the common law, but
+is likewise established by our statutes; for I remember to have found it
+in the statutes of queen Mary, and therefore cannot allow that it ought
+to be treated as illegal, and anti-constitutional.
+
+That it is not inconsistent with our constitution may be proved from the
+practice of erecting the royal standard, upon great emergencies, to
+which every man was obliged immediately to repair; this practice is as
+old as our constitution, and as it may be revived at pleasure, may be
+properly mentioned as equivalent to an impress.
+
+Mr. VYNER answered:--This word, sir, which the learned member has by his
+wonderful diligence discovered in the statutes, may perhaps be there,
+but in a signification far different from that which it bears at
+present. The word was, without doubt, originally French, _prêt_, and
+implied what is now expressed by the term _ready_; and to impress any
+man was in those days only to make him _ready_, or engage him to hold
+himself in _readiness_, which was brought about not by compulsion,
+pursuit, and violence, but by the allurements of a pecuniary reward, or
+the obligation of some ancient tenure.
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 9, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-sixth day, the consideration of the bill for raising seamen
+was resumed, and a clause read, by which every constable, headborough,
+tithingman, or other person, was liable to be examined upon oath by the
+justices of peace, who were empowered to lay a fine upon them for any
+neglect, offence, or connivance.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to the following effect:--Mr.
+Chairman, it is the peculiar happiness of the Britons, that no law can
+be made without the consent of their representatives, and I hope no such
+infatuation can ever fall upon them as may influence them to choose a
+representative capable of concurring in absurdities like this.
+
+The folly, the iniquity, the stupidity of this clause, can only be
+conceived by hearing it repeated; it is too flagrant to be extenuated,
+and too gross to admit exaggerations: to oblige a man to make oath
+against himself, to subject himself by his own voice to penalties and
+hardships, is at once cruel and ridiculous, a wild complication of
+tyranny and folly.
+
+To call upon any man to accuse himself, is only to call upon him to
+commit perjury, and has therefore been always accounted irrational and
+wicked: in those countries where it is practised, the confession is
+extorted by the rack, which indeed is so necessary on such occasions,
+that I should not wonder to hear the promoters of this clause openly
+declaring for the expediency of tortures.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that this bill, however the importance of
+the occasion may be magnified, was drawn up without reflection, and that
+the clauses were never understood by those that offered them: errours
+like these must arise only from precipitation and neglect, for they are
+too gross to be committed either by ignorance or design.
+
+To expose such absurdities is, indeed, easy, but not pleasing; for what
+end is answered by pointing at folly, or how is the publick service
+advanced by showing that the methods proposed are totally to be
+rejected? Where a proposition is of a mixed kind, and only erroneous in
+part, it is an useful and no disagreeable task to separate truth from
+errour, and disentangle from ill consequences such measures as may be
+pursued with advantage to the publick; but mere stupidity can only
+produce compassion, and afford no opportunities for inquiry or dispute.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--Sir, this clause, however contemptuously
+treated, has been already passed into a law by a senate which brought no
+dishonour upon the British nation, by a senate which was courted and
+dreaded by the greatest part of the universe, and was drawn up by a
+ministry that have given their posterity no reason to treat them with
+derision and contumely.
+
+In the reign of the late great queen, this method of proceeding was
+approved and established, and we may judge of the propriety of the
+measures followed in that war by the success which they procured.
+
+Those, therefore, by whom this bill was drawn up have committed no new
+absurdities, nor have proposed any thing which was not enacted by the
+wisest of our predecessors, in one of the most illustrious periods of
+our history.
+
+Mr. GYBBON answered:--Sir, I am far from thinking a proposition
+sufficiently defended by an assertion that it was admitted by our
+predecessors; for though I have no inclination to vilify their memory, I
+may without scruple affirm, that they had no pretensions to
+infallibility, and that there are in many of our statutes instances of
+such ignorance, credulity, weakness, and errour, as cannot be considered
+without astonishment.
+
+In questions of an abstruse and complicated nature, it is certain, sir,
+that experience has taught us what could never have been discovered
+previously by the wisdom of our ancestors; and we have found, by their
+consequences, the impropriety of many practices which they approved, and
+which we should have equally applauded in the same circumstances.
+
+But to what purpose is observation, if we must shut our eyes against it,
+and appeal for ever to the wisdom of our ancestors?--if we must fall
+into errour, merely because they were mistaken, and rush upon rocks out
+of veneration to those who were wrecked against them.
+
+In questions easily to be examined, and determinations which comprised
+no perplexing contrarieties of interest, or multiplicity of
+circumstances, they were equally liable with ourselves to be supine and
+negligent, to sink into security, or be surprised by haste. That the
+clause now before us was enacted by them, must be ascribed merely to the
+hurry of the session in which it was brought before them; a time in
+which so many inquiries of the highest importance were to be made, and
+great diversity of views to be regarded, that it is no wonder that some
+absurdities should escape without detection.
+
+In the fourth of the reign of the queen, this bill was brought in, as
+now, at the latter end of a session, when the attention of the senate
+was fatigued and distracted; and it was hurried through both houses, and
+ratified by the queen, with very little consideration.
+
+But then, as this circumstance may be justly termed an extenuation of
+their errour, it ought to be a lesson of caution to us, that we may not
+be, in the like manner, betrayed into the same weakness.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up:--Sir, the conduct of our predecessors
+seems not to stand in need of any excuse; for it might be easy to
+vindicate it by arguments, but that it is more proper to approve it by
+imitation.
+
+Whenever the bill was passed, or how hastily soever the law was enacted,
+it was, I believe, rather the effect of necessity than of inadvertency;
+of the same necessity which now presses, and which is very ill consulted
+by tedious debates.
+
+They were then involved in a war, and were not so distracted by private
+interests as not to unite in the most vigorous opposition of their
+enemies. They knew that the publick good is often promoted by the
+temporary inconveniencies of individuals; and when affairs of the
+highest importance demanded their attention, when the security of the
+whole nation and the happiness of their posterity were the subject of
+their inquiries, they wisely suffered less considerations to pass,
+without superfluous and unseasonable solicitude.
+
+How justly they reasoned, sir, and what vigour their resolutions gave to
+the military operations, our victories are a sufficient proof: and if
+experience be the surest guide, it cannot be improper to imitate those
+who, in the same circumstances with ourselves, found means to raise the
+honour, and improve the commerce of their country.
+
+That our circumstances are the same with those of the senate by which
+this law was made, is obvious beyond dispute; or where they vary, the
+difference is, perhaps, to our disadvantage. We have, sir, the same
+enemies, or, at least, have reason to apprehend the same; but have
+little hope of the same allies. The present war is to be carried on at a
+greater distance, and in more places at the same instant; we cannot,
+therefore, supply our ships occasionally, but must raise great numbers
+in a short time.
+
+If, therefore, it was then concluded, that the method under our
+examination was useful; if measures, not eligible in themselves, may be
+authorized by necessity, why may not we, in compliance with the same
+exigencies, have recourse to the same expedients?
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke:--Sir, how much weight is added to the
+determinations of the senate, by the dignity of their procedure, and the
+decency of their disputations, a slight knowledge of mankind is
+sufficient to evince. It is well known that government is supported by
+opinion; and that he who destroys the reputation, destroys the authority
+of the legislative power. Nor is it less apparent, that he who degrades
+debate into scurrility, and destroys the solemnity of consultation,
+endeavours to sink the senate into contempt.
+
+It was, therefore, sir, with indignation and surprise, that I heard the
+clause before us censured with such indecency of language, and the
+authors of it treated with contumelies and reproaches that mere errour
+does not deserve, however apparent, but which were now vented before any
+errour was detected.
+
+I know not, sir, why the gentlemen, who are thus indecently attacked,
+have suffered such reproaches without censure, and without reply. I know
+not why they have omitted to put the honourable gentleman in mind of the
+respect due to this assembly, or to the characters of those whom he
+opposes; gentlemen equally skilled with himself in the subject of our
+inquiries, and whom his own attainments, however large, or his
+abilities, however comprehensive, cannot give him a right to charge with
+ignorance or folly.
+
+To reproach men with incapacity, is a cheap method of answering their
+arguments; but a method which the rules of this house ought to exclude
+from our debates, as the general civility of the world has banished it
+from every other place of concourse or conversation.
+
+I, for my part, sir, shall always endeavour to confine my attention to
+the question before us, without suffering my reason to be biassed, or my
+inquiries diverted by low altercations, or personal animosities; nor
+when any other man deviates into reproachful and contemptuous language,
+shall I be induced to think more highly of either his arguments or
+capacity.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, I have always heard it represented as an
+instance of integrity, when the tongue and heart move in concert, when
+the words are representations of the sentiments; and have, therefore,
+hitherto, endeavoured to explain my arguments with perspicuity, and
+impress my sentiments with force; I have thought it hypocrisy to treat
+stupidity with reverence, or to honour nonsense with the ceremony of a
+confutation. As knavery, so folly, that is not reclaimable, is to be
+speedily despatched; business is to be freed from obstruction, and
+society from a nuisance.
+
+Nor, sir, when I am censured by those whom I may offend, by the use of
+terms correspondent with my ideas, will I, by a tame and silent
+submission, give reason to suspect that I am conscious of a fault, but
+will treat the accusation with open contempt, and show no greater regard
+to the abettors, than to the authors of absurdity.
+
+That decency is of great use in publick debates, I shall readily allow;
+it may sometimes shelter folly from ridicule, and preserve villany from
+publick detection; nor is it ever more carefully supported, than when
+measures are promoted that nothing can preserve from contempt, but the
+solemnity with which they are established.
+
+Decency is a proper circumstance; but liberty is the essence of
+senatorial disquisitions: liberty is the parent of truth; but truth and
+decency are sometimes at variance: all men and all propositions are to
+be treated here as they deserve; and there are many who have no claim
+either to respect or decency.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then rose:--Sir, that it is improper in its own nature,
+and inconsistent with our constitution, to lay any man under an
+obligation to accuse himself, cannot be denied; it is, therefore,
+evident, that some amendment is necessary to the clause before us.
+
+I have, for this reason, drawn up an amendment, sir, which, if approved
+by the committee, will, in my opinion, remove all the objections to this
+part of the bill, and, by reconciling it with our natural and legal
+rights, I hope, induce those to approve it, who have hitherto opposed
+it.
+
+I therefore propose, that these words should be substituted instead of
+those which are the subject of the debate; or some other to this
+purpose: _That no person shall be liable to be fined by virtue of this
+act, unless a witness, being examined, shall make oath of the
+misdemeanour or neglect_.
+
+Thus the necessity of examining men upon oath in their own cause will be
+entirely taken away; and, as the clause will then stand, there will
+remain no suspicion of injustice, or oppression, because none can be
+practised without the concurrence of many persons of different
+interests.
+
+[This clause, though agreed to in the committee, was at last rejected.]
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Mr. Chairman, it does
+not yet appear that the gentlemen who have engaged in this debate, have
+sufficiently attended to the exigence of our affairs, and the importance
+of the question. They have lavished their oratory in declaiming upon the
+absurdity of the methods proposed, and discovered their sagacity, by
+showing how future navies may be supplied from charity schools, but have
+substituted no expedients in the place of those which they so warmly
+condemn, nor have condescended to inform us, how we may now guard our
+coasts, or man our fleets for immediate service.
+
+There are some circumstances, sir, of the present war, which make our
+necessity of raising sea forces greater than in those of William, and
+Anne that succeeded him. The chief advantages that we gained over the
+French, in their wars, were the consequences of our victories by land.
+
+At sea, sir, the balance was almost equal, though the Dutch fleet and
+ours were united; nor did they quit the sea because their fleets were
+destroyed, but because they were obliged to recruit their land forces
+with their sailors. Should they now declare war against us, they would
+be under no such necessity of defrauding the sea service, for they have
+now on foot an army of one hundred and sixty thousand men, which are
+maintained at no greater expense than forty thousand, by the British
+government; as they are, therefore, sir, so formidable by land, we have
+no way of opposing them but by our sea forces.
+
+Nor is their navy so contemptible as some have, either by conjecture or
+misinformation, represented it. The fleet which they have despatched to
+America, consists not of fewer than twenty ships, of which the least
+carry sixty guns, and they are fitting out now an equal number in their
+own ports; besides, their East India company is obliged to furnish ten
+ships of the line, at the demand of the government.
+
+Thus it appears that we have neighbours sufficiently powerful to alarm
+us with the sense of immediate danger; danger which is made more
+imminent by the expeditious methods by which the French man their
+fleets, and which we must imitate if we hope to oppose them with
+success.
+
+I need not say how little we can depend upon any professions of
+neutrality, which will be best observed when they cannot be securely
+violated; or upon the pacifick inclination of their minister, which
+interest, persuasion, or caprice, may alter, and to which it is not very
+honourable to trust for safety. How can that nation sink lower, which is
+only free because it is not invaded by its neighbours; and retains its
+possessions, only because no other has leisure or inclination to take
+them away?
+
+If it be asked, what can provoke the French to interrupt us in the
+prosecution of our designs, and in the punishment of those who have
+plundered and insulted us, it is not only easy to urge the strict
+alliance between the two crowns, the ties of blood, the conformity of
+interests, and their equal hatred of the Britons, but another more
+immediate reason may be added. It is suspected, that under pretence of
+vindicating our own rights, we are endeavouring to gain the possession
+of the Spanish dominions, and engross the wealth of the new world; and
+that, therefore, it is the interest of every power, whose subjects
+traffick to those countries, to oppose us.
+
+Thus, whether we succeed or fail in our attempts upon America, we have
+the French power to apprehend. If we make conquests, they may, probably,
+think it necessary to obviate the torrent of our victories, and to
+hinder the increase of our dominions, that they may secure their own
+trade, and maintain their own influence.
+
+If we should be defeated, of which no man, sir, can deny the
+possibility, the inclination of all to insult the depressed, and to push
+down the falling, is well known; nor can it be expected that our
+hereditary enemies would neglect so fair an opportunity of attacking us.
+
+How they might ravage our coasts, and obstruct our trade; how they might
+triumph in the Channel, and block us up in our own ports, bombard our
+towns, and threaten us with invasions, I hope I need but barely mention,
+to incite this assembly to such despatch in manning our fleets, as may
+secure us at once from insults and from terrour.
+
+It is, undoubtedly, sir, in our power to raise a naval force sufficient
+to awe the ocean, and restrain the most daring of our enemies from any
+attempts against us; but this cannot be effected by harangues,
+objections, and disputations.
+
+There is nothing, sir, more frequently the subject of raillery or
+declamation, than the uselessness or danger of a standing army, to which
+I declare myself no otherwise inclined than by my concern for the common
+safety; I willingly allow that not one soldier ought to be supported by
+the publick, whose service is not necessary; but surely none of those
+who declare so warmly for the honour and privileges of their country,
+would expose it to the insults of foreign powers, without defence. If,
+therefore, they think the danger of land forces more than equivalent to
+the benefit, they ought unanimously to concur in the increase of our
+naval strength, by which they may be protected, but cannot be oppressed:
+they ought willingly to give their assistance to any propositions for
+making the fleet, formidable, that their declarations against the army
+may not be thought to proceed from a resolution to obstruct the measures
+of the government, rather than from zeal for the constitution. For he
+that equally opposes the establishment of the army, and the improvement
+of the navy, declares in effect against the security of the nation; and
+though, perhaps, without design, exposes his countrymen to the mercy of
+their enemies.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next:--Sir, I cannot discover for what reason the
+bill before us is so vigorously supported, but must observe, that I have
+seldom known such vehement and continued efforts produced by mere
+publick spirit, and unmingled regard for the happiness of the nation.
+Nothing, sir, that can be urged in favour of the measures now proposed
+has been omitted. When arguments are confuted, precedents are cited;
+when precedents fail, the advocates for the bill have recourse to
+terrour and necessity, and endeavour to frighten those whom they cannot
+convince.
+
+But, perhaps, sir, these formidable phantoms may soon be put to flight,
+and, like the other illusions of cowardice, disappear before the light.
+Perhaps this necessity will be found only chimerical; and these dangers
+appear only the visions of credulity, or the bugbears of imposture.
+
+To arrive at a clear view of our present condition, it will be
+necessary, sir, not to amuse ourselves with general assertions, or
+overwhelm our reason by terrifying exaggerations: let us consider
+distinctly the power and the conduct of our enemies, and inquire whether
+they do not affright us more than they are able to hurt us.
+
+That the force of Spain alone, sir, is much to be dreaded, no man will
+assert; for that empire, it is well known, has long been seized with all
+the symptoms of declining power, and has been supported, not by its own
+strength, but by the interests of its neighbours. The vast dominions of
+the Spaniards are only an empty show; they are lands without
+inhabitants, and, by consequence, without defence; they are rather
+excrescences, than members of the monarchy, and receive support rather
+than communicate. In the distant branches of their empire the government
+languishes, as the vital motion in an expiring body; and the struggles
+which they now make, may be termed rather agonies than efforts.
+
+From Spain, therefore, unassisted, we have nothing to apprehend, and yet
+from thence we have been threatened with insults and invasions.
+
+That the condition of the French is far different, cannot be denied;
+their commerce flourishes, their dominions are connected, their wealth
+increases, and their government operates with full vigour: their
+influence is great, and their name formidable. But I cannot allow, sir,
+that they have yet attained such a height of power as should alarm us
+with constant apprehensions, or that we ought to secure ourselves
+against them by the violation of our liberties. Not to urge that the
+loss of freedom, and the destruction of our constitution, are the worst
+consequences that can be apprehended from a conquest, and that to a
+slave the change of his master is of no great importance, it is evident,
+that the power of the French is of such kind as can only affect us
+remotely, and consequentially. They may fill the continent with alarms,
+and ravage the territories of Germany, by their numerous armies, but can
+only injure us by means of their fleets. We may wait, sir, without a
+panick terrour, though not without some degree of anxiety, the event of
+their attempts upon the neighbouring princes, and cannot be reduced to
+fight for our altars and our houses, but by a second armada, which, even
+then, the winds must favour, and a thousand circumstances concur to
+expedite.
+
+But that no such fleet can be fitted out by the united endeavours of the
+whole world; that our navy, in its present state, is superiour to any
+that can be brought against us, our ministers ought not to be ignorant:
+and, therefore, to dispirit the nation with apprehensions of armies
+hovering in the air, and of conquerors to be wafted over by supernatural
+means, is to destroy that happiness which government was ordained to
+preserve; to sink us to tameness and cowardice; and to betray us to
+insults and to robberies.
+
+If our danger, sir, be such as has been represented, to whom must we
+impute it? Upon whom are our weakness, our poverty, and our miseries to
+be charged? Upon whom, but those who have usurped the direction of
+affairs which they did not understand, or to which their solicitude for
+the preservation of their own power hindered them from attending?
+
+That the Spaniards, sir, are now enabled to make resistance, and,
+perhaps, to insult and depopulate our colonies; that the French have
+despatched a fleet into the American seas, to obstruct, as may be
+conjectured, the progress of our arms, and that we are in danger of
+meeting opposition which we did not expect, is too evident to be
+concealed.
+
+But, sir, is not the spirit of our enemies the consequence rather of our
+cowardice than of their own strength? Does not the opposition to our
+designs, by whatever nation it shall be made, arise from the contempt
+which has been brought upon us by our irresolution, forbearance, and
+delays? Had we resented the first insult, and repaired our earliest
+losses by vigorous reprisals, our merchants had long ago carried on
+their traffick with security, our enemies would have courted us with
+respect, and our allies supported us with confidence.
+
+Our negotiations, treaties, proposals, and concessions, not only
+afforded them leisure to collect their forces, equip their fleets, and
+fortify their coasts; but gave them, likewise, spirit to resist those
+who could not be conquered but by their own cowardice and folly. By our
+ill-timed patience, and lingering preparations, we encouraged those to
+unite against us, who would, otherwise, have only hated us in secret;
+and deterred those from declaring in our favour, whom interest or
+gratitude might have inclined to assist us. For who will support those
+from whom no mutual support can be expected? And who will expect that
+those will defend their allies, who desert themselves?
+
+But, sir, however late our resentment was awakened, had the war been
+prosecuted vigorously after it was declared, we might have been now
+secure from danger, and freed from suspense, nor would any thing have
+remained but to give laws to our enemies.
+
+From the success of Vernon with so inconsiderable forces, we may
+conjecture what would have been performed with an armament proportioned
+to his undertaking; and why he was not better supplied, no reason has
+yet been given; nor can it be easily discovered why we either did not
+begin the war before our enemies had concerted their measures, or delay
+it till we had formed our own.
+
+Notwithstanding some opportunities have been neglected, and all the
+advantages of a sudden attack have been irrecoverably lost;
+notwithstanding our friends, sir, have learned to despise and neglect
+us, and our enemies are animated to confidence and obstinacy, yet our
+real and intrinsick strength continues the same; nor are there yet any
+preparations made against us by the enemy, with views beyond their own
+security and defence. It does not yet appear, sir, that our enemies,
+however insolent, look upon us as the proper objects of a conquest, or
+that they imagine it possible to besiege us in our own ports, or to
+confine us to the defence of our own country. We are not, therefore, to
+have recourse to measures, which, if they are ever to be admitted, can
+be justified by nothing but the utmost distress, and can only become
+proper, as the last and desperate expedient. The enemy, sir, ought to
+appear not only in our seas, but in our ports, before it can be
+necessary that one part of the nation should be enslaved for the
+preservation of the rest.
+
+To destroy any part of the community, while it is in our power to
+preserve the whole, is certainly absurd, and inconsistent with the
+equity and tenderness of a good government: and what is slavery less
+than destruction? What greater calamity has that man to expect, who has
+been already deprived of his liberty, and reduced to a level with
+thieves and murderers? With what spirit, sir, will he draw his sword
+upon his invaders, who has nothing to defend? Or why should he repel the
+injuries which will make no addition to his misery, and will fall only
+on those to whom he is enslaved?
+
+It is well known that gratitude is the foundation of our duty to our
+country, and to our superiours, whom we are obliged to protect upon some
+occasions, because, upon others, we receive protection from them, and
+are maintained in the quiet possession of our fortunes, and the security
+of our lives. But what gratitude is due to his country from a man
+distinguished, without a crime, by the legislature, from the rest of the
+people, and marked out for hardships and oppressions? From a man who is
+condemned to labour and to danger, only that others may fatten with
+indolence, and slumber without anxiety? From a man who is dragged to
+misery without reward, and hunted from his retreat, as the property of
+his master?
+
+Where gratitude, sir, is not the motive of action, which may easily
+happen in minds not accustomed to observe the ends of government, and
+relations of society, interest never fails to preside, which may be
+distinguished from gratitude, as it regards the immediate consequences
+of actions, and confines the view to present advantages. But what
+interest can be gratified by a man who is not master of his own actions,
+nor secure in the enjoyment of his acquisitions? Why should he be
+solicitous to increase his property, who may be torn from the possession
+of it in a moment? Or upon what motive can he act who will not become
+more happy by doing his duty?
+
+Many of those to whom this bill is proposed to extend, have raised
+fortunes at the expense of their ease, and at the hazard of their lives;
+and now sit at rest, enjoying the memory of their past hardships, and
+inciting others to the prosecution of the same adventures. How will it
+be more reasonable to drag these men from their houses, than to seize
+any other gentleman upon his own estate? and how negligently will our
+navigation and our commerce be promoted, when it is discovered that
+either wealth cannot be gained by them, or, if so gained, cannot be
+enjoyed.
+
+But it is still urged, sir, that there is a necessity of manning the
+fleet; a necessity which, indeed, cannot totally be denied, though a
+short delay would produce no frightful consequences, would expose us to
+no invasions, nor disable us from prosecuting the war. Yet, as the
+necessity at least deserves the regard of the legislature, let us
+consider what motives have hitherto gained men over to the publick
+service; let us examine how our land forces are raised, and how our
+merchants equip their ships. How is all this to be effected without
+murmurs, mutinies, or discontent, but by the natural and easy method of
+offering rewards?
+
+It may be objected, sir, that rewards have been already proposed without
+effect; but, not to mention the corrupt arts which have been made use of
+to elude that promise, by rejecting those that came to claim them, we
+can infer from their inefficacy only, that they were too small; that
+they were not sufficient to dazzle the attention, and withdraw it from
+the prospect of the distant advantages which may arise from the service
+of the merchants. Let the reward, therefore, be doubled, and if it be
+not then sufficient, doubled anew. There is nothing but may be bought,
+if an adequate price is offered; and we are, therefore, to raise the
+reward, till it shall be adjudged by the sailors equivalent to the
+inconveniencies of the service.
+
+Let no man urge, that this is profusion; that it is a breach of our
+trust, and a prodigality of the publick money. Sir, the money thus paid
+is the price of liberty; it is disbursed to hinder slavery from
+encroaching, to preserve our natural rights from infraction, and the
+constitution of our country from violation. If we vote away the
+privilege of one class among us, those of another may quickly be
+demanded; and slavery will advance by degrees, till the last remains of
+freedom shall be lost.
+
+But perhaps, sir, it will appear, upon reflection, that even this method
+needs not to be practised. It is well known, that it is not necessary
+for the whole crew of a ship to be expert sailors; there must be some
+novices, and many whose employment has more of labour than of art. We
+have now a numerous army, which burdens our country, without defending
+it, and from whom we may, therefore, draw supplies for the fleet, and
+distribute them amongst the ships in just proportions; they may
+immediately assist the seamen, and will become able, in a short time, to
+train up others.
+
+It will, doubtless, sir, be objected to this proposal, that the
+continent is in confusion, and that we ought to continue such a force as
+may enable us to assist our allies, maintain our influence, and turn the
+scale of affairs in the neighbouring countries. I know not how we are
+indebted to our allies, or by what ties we are obliged to assist those
+who never assisted us; nor can I, upon mature consideration, think it
+necessary to be always gazing on the continent, watching the motions of
+every potentate, and anxiously attentive to every revolution. There is
+no end, sir, of obviating contingencies, of attempting to secure
+ourselves from every possibility of danger. I am, indeed, desirous that
+our friends, if any there be that deserve that name, should succeed in
+their designs, and be protected in their claims; but think it ought
+always to be remembered, that our own affairs affect us immediately,
+theirs only by consequence, and that the nearest danger is to be first
+regarded.
+
+With respect to the amendment offered to this clause, I cannot see that
+it will produce any advantage, nor think any evidence sufficient to
+justify the breach of our constitution, or subject any man to the
+hardship of having his dwelling entered by force.
+
+And, sir, I am not entirely satisfied of the impartiality and equity
+with which it is promised that this law will be put in execution, or
+what new influence is to cooperate with this law, by which corruption
+and oppression will be prevented.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many other laws are made ineffectual by
+partiality or negligence, which remarkably appears by the immense
+quantities of corn that are daily carried into foreign countries, by
+illegal exportations, by which traffick I am informed that we obtain
+most of our foreign gold, which, in reality, is paid us for corn by the
+Dutch; though it is studiously represented to the nation as gained by
+our traffick with Portugal. Who can assure us that this law will not be
+perverted, after the example of others? and that there will not be
+wretches found that may employ it to the extortion of money, or the
+gratification of revenge?
+
+Thus, sir, I have shown by what means our fleet may now be equipped, and
+how a supply of sailors may be perpetuated; for I cannot think how the
+boys which are educated in charity schools can be more properly
+employed. A proportion may be easily selected for the service, who will
+benefit the publick much more than by serving sharpers and attorneys,
+and pilfering either at low gaming houses, or in the inns of court.
+
+Since, therefore, it is not pretended, sir, that this bill can be
+justified otherwise than by necessity, and it appears that supplies may
+be raised by other means; since, instead of increasing and encouraging
+seamen, nothing is proposed that does not manifestly tend, by depressing
+and harassing them, to diminish their numbers, I think it reasonable to
+declare that I shall continue to oppose it, and hope that every friend
+of liberty, or commerce, will concur in the opposition.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have
+considered the bill before us with the utmost impartiality, and I can
+see no reason to apprehend that it will produce such universal
+discontent, and give occasion to so many abuses, as the honourable
+gentlemen by whom it is opposed, appear to suspect. It is not uncommon,
+sir, in judging of future events, and tracing effects from causes, for
+the most sagacious to be mistaken.
+
+The safest method of conjecturing upon the future, is to consider the
+past, for it is always probable, that from like causes like consequences
+will arise. Let us, therefore, sir, examine what injustice or oppression
+has been hitherto produced by laws of the same kind.
+
+The power of searching, however it is now become the subject of loud
+exclamation and pathetick harangues, is no new invasion of the rights of
+the people, but has been already granted in its utmost extent, for an
+end of no greater importance than the preservation of the game. This
+formidable authority has been already trusted to the magistrate, and the
+nation has been already subjected to this insupportable tyranny, only
+lest the hares and partridges should be destroyed, and gentlemen be
+obliged to disband their hounds and dismiss their setting dogs. Yet,
+sir, even with regard to this power, thus exorbitant, and thus lightly
+granted, I have heard no general complaints, nor believe that it is
+looked upon as a grievance by any, but those whom it restrains from
+living upon the game, and condemns to maintain themselves by a more
+honest and useful industry.
+
+I hope, sir, those that think this law for the preservation of their
+amusement, rational and just, will have at least the same regard to the
+defence of their country, and will not think their venison deserves
+greater solicitude than their fortunes and their liberties.
+
+Nor is it difficult, sir, to produce instances of the exercise of this
+power, for the end which is now proposed, without any consequences that
+should discourage us from repeating the experiment. I have now in my
+hand a letter, by which the mayor and aldermen of Bristol are empowered
+to seize all the sailors within the bounds of their jurisdiction, which
+order was executed without any outcries of oppression, or apprehensions
+of the approach of slavery.
+
+That this law, sir, will be always executed with the strictest
+impartiality, and without the least regard to any private purposes,
+cannot, indeed, be demonstratively proved; every law may possibly be
+abused by a combination of profligates; but it must, I think, be
+granted, that it is drawn up with all the caution that reason, or
+justice, or the corruption of the present age requires. I know not what
+can be contrived better than an association of men, unlikely to concur
+in their views and interests--a justice of the peace, a lieutenant of a
+ship, and a commissioner of the navy--three men, probably unknown to
+each other, and of which no one will be at all solicitous to desire the
+rest to unite to commit a crime, to which no temptation can be readily
+imagined.
+
+This caution, sir, which cannot but be approved, and which surely is
+some proof of judgment and consideration, ought, in my opinion, to have
+exempted the bill, and those by whose assistance it was drawn up, from
+the reproachful and indecent charge of absurdity, ignorance, and
+incapacity; terms which the dignity of this assembly does not admit,
+even when they are incontestably just, and which surely ought not to be
+made use of when the question is of a doubtful nature.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who are now intrusted with publick employments, have
+never yet discovered that they are inferiour to their predecessors in
+knowledge or integrity; nor do their characters suffer any diminution by
+a comparison with those who vilify and traduce them.
+
+Those, sir, that treat others with such licentious contempt, ought
+surely to give some illustrious proof of their own abilities; and yet if
+we examine what has been produced on this question, we shall find no
+reason to admire their sagacity or their knowledge.
+
+We have been told, sir, that the fleet might properly be manned by a
+detachment from the army; but it has not been proved that we have any
+superfluous forces in the kingdom, nor, indeed, will our army be found
+sufficiently numerous, if, by neglecting to equip our fleet, we give our
+enemies an opportunity of entering our country.
+
+If it be inquired what necessity there is for our present forces? What
+expeditions are designed? Or what dangers are feared? I shall not think
+it my duty to return any answer. It is, sir, the great unhappiness of
+our constitution, that our determinations cannot be kept secret, and
+that our enemies may always form conjectures of our designs, by knowing
+our preparations; but surely more is not to be published than necessity
+extorts, and the government has a right to conceal what it would injure
+the nation to discover.
+
+Nor can I, sir, approve the method of levying sailors by the incitement
+of an exorbitant reward, a reward to be augmented at the pleasure of
+those who are to receive it. For what can be the consequence of such
+prodigality, but that those to whom the largest sum is offered, will yet
+refuse their service in expectation of a greater. The reward already
+proposed is, in my opinion, the utmost stretch of liberality; and all
+beyond may be censured as profusion.
+
+It is not to be imagined, sir, that all these objections were not made,
+and answered, in the reign of the late queen, when a bill of the same
+nature was proposed; they were answered, at least, by the necessity of
+those times, which necessity has now returned upon us.
+
+We do not find that it produced any consequences so formidable and
+destructive, that they should for ever discourage us from attempting to
+raise forces by the same means; it was then readily enacted, and
+executed without opposition, and without complaints; nor do I believe
+that any measures can be proposed of equal efficacy, and less severity.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, whether the
+precedents produced in defence of this bill, will have more weight than
+the arguments, must be shown by a careful examination, which will
+perhaps discover that the order sent to the magistrates of Bristol
+conveyed no new power, nor such as is, in any respect, parallel to that
+which this bill is intended to confer.
+
+They were only enjoined to inquire with more than usual strictness,
+after strollers and vagabonds, such as the law has always subjected to
+punishment, and send them to the fleet, instead of any other place of
+correction; a method which may now be pursued without danger,
+opposition, or complaint.
+
+But for my part, I am not able, upon the closest attention to the
+present scene of affairs, to find out the necessity of extraordinary
+methods of any kind. The fears of an invasion from France, are, in my
+opinion, sir, merely chimerical; from their fleet in America the coasts
+of Britain have nothing to fear, and after the numerous levies of seamen
+by which it was fitted out, it is not yet probable that they can
+speedily send out another. We know, sir, that the number of seamen
+depends upon the extent of commerce, and surely there is as yet no such
+disproportion between their trade and ours, as that they should be able
+to furnish out a naval armament with much greater expedition than
+ourselves.
+
+In America our forces are at least equal to theirs, so that it is not
+very probable, that after the total destruction of our fleet by them,
+they should be so little injured, as to be able immediately to set sail
+for the channel, and insult us in our own ports; to effect this, sir,
+they must not only conquer us, but conquer us without resistance.
+
+If they do not interrupt us in our attempts, nor expose themselves to an
+engagement, they may, indeed, return without suffering great damages,
+but I know not how they can leave the shores of America unobserved, or
+pour an unexpected invasion upon us. If they continue there, sir, they
+cannot hurt as, and when they return, we may prepare for their
+reception.
+
+There are men, I know, sir, who have reason to think highly of the
+French policy, and whose ideas may be exalted to a belief that they can
+perform impossibilities; but I have not yet prevailed upon myself to
+conceive that they can act invisibly, or that they can equip a fleet by
+sorcery, collect an army in a moment, and defy us on our own coast,
+without any perceptible preparations.
+
+Then admiral WAGER spoke thus:--The calamities produced by discord and
+contention, need not to be pointed out; but it may be proper to reflect
+upon the consequences of a house divided against itself, that we may
+endeavour to avoid them.
+
+Unanimity is produced by nothing more powerfully than by impending
+danger, and, therefore, it may be useful to show those who seem at
+present in profound security, that the power of France is more
+formidable than they are willing to allow.
+
+My age, sir, enables me to remember many transactions of the wars in the
+late reigns, to which many gentlemen are strangers, or of which they
+have only imperfect ideas from history and tradition.
+
+In the second year of the reign of William, the French gained a victory
+over the united fleets of the maritime powers, which gave them, for the
+summer following, the dominion of the Channel, enabled them to shut up
+our merchants in their ports, and produced a total suspension of our
+commerce.
+
+Those, sir, to whom the importance of trade is so well known, will
+easily apprehend the weight of this calamity, and will, I hope, reject
+no measures that have a manifest tendency to prevent it.
+
+Our ships, sir, do not lie useless because there is any want of seamen
+in the nation, but because any service is preferred to that of the
+publick.
+
+There are now, to my knowledge, in one town on the west coast, no fewer
+than twelve hundred sailors, of which surely a third part may be justly
+claimed by the publick interest; nor do I know why they who obstinately
+refuse to serve their country, should be treated with so much
+tenderness. It is more reasonable that they should suffer by their
+refusal, than that the general happiness should be endangered.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, when any
+authority shall be lodged in my hands, to be exercised for the publick
+benefit, I shall always endeavour to exert it with honesty and
+diligence; but will never be made the instrument of oppression, nor
+execute any commission of tyranny or injustice.
+
+As, therefore, the power of searching is to be placed in the hands of
+justices of the peace, I think it necessary to declare, that I will
+never perform so hateful a part of the office, and that if this bill
+becomes a law, I will retire from the place to which my authority is
+limited, rather than contribute to the miseries of my fellow-subjects.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, all the arguments which have been
+offered in support of this bill, are reduced at last to one constant
+assertion of the necessity of passing it.
+
+We have been told, sir, with great acuteness, that a war cannot be
+carried on without men, and that ships are useless without sailors; and
+from thence it is inferred that the bill is necessary.
+
+That forces are by some means necessary to be raised, the warmest
+opponents of the bill will not deny, but they cannot, therefore, allow
+the inference, that the methods now proposed are necessary.
+
+They are of opinion, sir, that cruel and oppressive measures can never
+be justified, till all others have been tried without effect; they think
+that the law, when it was formerly passed, was unjust, and are
+convinced, by observing that it never was revived, and that it was by
+experience discovered to be useless.
+
+Necessity, absolute necessity, is a formidable sound, and may terrify
+the weak and timorous into silence and compliance; but it will be found,
+upon reflection, to be often nothing but an idle feint, to amuse and to
+delude us, and that what is represented as necessary to the publick, is
+only something convenient to men in power.
+
+Necessity, sir, has, heretofore, been produced as a plea for that which
+could be no otherwise defended. In the days of Charles the first,
+ship-money was declared to be legal, because it was necessary. Such was
+the reasoning of the lawyers, and the determination of the judges; but
+the senate, a senate of patriots! without fear, and without corruption,
+and influenced only by a sincere regard for the publick, were of a
+different opinion, and neither admitted the lawfulness nor necessity.
+
+It will become us, on this occasion, to act with equal vigour, and
+convince our countrymen, that we proceed upon the same principles, and
+that the liberties of the people are our chief care.
+
+I hope we shall unite in defeating any attempts that may impair the
+rights which every Briton boasts as his birthright, and reject a law
+which will be equally dreaded and detested with the inquisition of
+Spain.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, though many
+particular clauses of this bill have been disapproved and opposed, some
+with more, and some with less reason, yet the committee has hitherto
+agreed that a bill for this purpose is necessary in the present state of
+our affairs; upon this principle we have proceeded thus far, several
+gentlemen have proposed their opinions, contributed their observations,
+and laboured as in an affair universally admitted to be of high
+importance to the general prosperity.
+
+But now, sir, when some of the difficulties are surmounted, some
+expedients luckily struck out, some objections removed, and the great
+design brought nearer to execution, we are on a sudden informed, that
+all our labour is superfluous, that we are amusing ourselves with
+useless consultations, providing against calamities that can never
+happen, and raising bulwarks without an enemy; that, therefore, the
+question before us is of no importance, and the bill ought, without
+farther examination, to be totally rejected.
+
+I suppose, sir, I shall be readily believed, when I declare that I shall
+willingly admit any arguments that may evince our safety; but, in
+proportion as real freedom from danger is to be desired, a supine and
+indolent neglect of it is to be dreaded and avoided; and I cannot but
+fear that our enemies are more formidable, and more malicious, than the
+gentlemen that oppose this bill have represented them.
+
+This bill can only be opposed upon the supposition that it gives a
+sanction to severities, more rigorous than our present circumstances
+require; for nothing can be more fallacious or invidious than a
+comparison of this law with the demand of ship-money, a demand contrary
+to all law, and enforced by the manifest exertion of arbitrary power.
+
+How has the conduct of his present majesty any resemblance with that of
+Charles the first? Is any money levied by order of the council? Are the
+determinations of the judges set in opposition to the decrees of the
+senate? Is any man injured in his property by an unlimited extension of
+the prerogative? or any tribunal established superiour to the laws of
+the nation?
+
+To draw parallels, sir, where there is no resemblance; and to accuse, by
+insinuations, where there is no shadow of a crime; to raise outcries
+when no injury is attempted; and to deny a real necessity because it was
+once pretended for a bad purpose; is surely not to advance the publick
+service, which can be promoted only by just reasonings, and calm
+reflections, not by sophistry and satire, by insinuations without
+ground, and by instances beside the purpose.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON answered:--Sir, true zeal for the service of the publick
+is never discovered by collusive subterfuges and malicious
+representations; a mind, attentive to the common good, would hardly, on
+an occasion like this, have been at leisure to pervert an harmless
+illustration, and extract disaffection from a casual remark.
+
+It is, indeed, not impossible, sir, that I might express myself
+obscurely; and it may be, therefore, necessary to declare that I
+intended no disrespectful reflection on the conduct of his majesty; but
+must observe, at the same time, that obscure or inaccurate expressions
+ought always to be interpreted in the most inoffensive meaning, and that
+to be too sagacious in discovering concealed insinuations, is no great
+proof of superiour integrity.
+
+Wisdom, sir, is seldom captious, and honesty seldom suspicious; a man
+capable of comprehending the whole extent of a question, disdains to
+divert his attention by trifling observations; and he that is above the
+practice of little arts, or the motions of petty malice, does not easily
+imagine them incident to another.
+
+That in the question of ship-money necessity was pretended, cannot be
+denied; and, therefore, all that I asserted, which was only that the
+nation had been once terrified without reason, by the formidable sound
+of necessity, is evident and uncontested.
+
+When a fraud has once been practised, it is of use to remember it, that
+we may not twice be deceived by the same artifice; and, therefore, I
+mentioned the plea of necessity, that it may be inquired whether it is
+now more true than before.
+
+That the senate, sir, and not the judges, is now applied to, is no proof
+of the validity of the arguments which have been produced; for in the
+days of ship-money, the consent of the senate had been asked, had there
+been any prospect of obtaining it; but the court had been convinced, by
+frequent experiments, of the inflexibility of the senate, and despaired
+of influencing them by prospects of advantage, or intimidating them by
+frowns or menaces.
+
+May this and every future senate imitate their conduct, and, like them,
+distinguish between real and pretended necessity; and let not us be
+terrified, by idle clamours, into the establishment of a law at once
+useless and oppressive.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied:--Sir, that I did not intend to misrepresent
+the meaning of the honourable gentleman, I hope it is not necessary to
+declare; and that I have, in reality, been guilty of any
+misrepresentation, I am not yet convinced. If he did not intend a
+parallel between ship-money and the present bill, to what purpose was
+his observation? and if he did intend it, was it not proper to show
+there was no resemblance, and that all which could be inferred from it
+was, therefore, fallacious and inconclusive?
+
+Nor do I only differ, sir, in opinion with the honourable gentleman with
+relation to his comparison of measures, which have nothing in common
+with each other; but will venture to declare, that he is not more
+accurate in his citations from history. The king did not apply to the
+judges, because the senate would not have granted him the money that he
+demanded, but because his chief ambition was to govern the nation by the
+prerogative alone, and to free himself and his descendants from
+senatorial inquiries.
+
+That this account, sir, is just, I am confident the histories of those
+times will discover; and, therefore, any invidious comparison between
+that senate and any other, is without foundation in reason or in truth.
+
+Mr. BATHURST spoke as follows:--Sir, that this law will easily admit, in
+the execution of it, such abuses as will overbalance the benefits, may
+readily be proved; and it will not be consistent with that regard to the
+publick, expected from us by those whom we represent, to enact a law
+which may probably become an instrument of oppression.
+
+The servant by whom I am now attended, may be termed, according to the
+determination of the vindicators of this bill, a seafaring man, having
+been once in the West Indies; and he may, therefore, be forced from my
+service, and dragged into a ship, by the authority of a justice of the
+peace, perhaps of some abandoned prostitute, dignified with a commission
+only to influence elections, and awe those whom excises and riot-acts
+cannot subdue.
+
+I think it, sir, not improper to declare, that I would by force oppose
+the execution of a law like this; that I would bar my doors and defend
+them; that I would call my neighbours to my assistance; and treat those
+who should attempt to enter without my consent, as thieves, ruffians,
+and murderers.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is well known that by the laws
+of this nation, poverty is, in some degree, considered as a crime, and
+that the debtor has only this advantage over the felon, that he cannot
+be pursued into his dwelling, nor be forced from the shelter of his own
+house.
+
+I think it is universally agreed, that the condition of a man in debt is
+already sufficiently miserable, and that it would be more worthy of the
+legislative power to contrive alleviations of his hardships, than
+additions to them; and it seems, therefore, no inconsiderable objection
+to this bill, that, by conferring the power of entering houses by force,
+it may give the harpies of the law an opportunity of entering, in the
+tumult of an impress, and of dragging a debtor to a noisome prison,
+under pretence of forcing sailors into the service of the crown.
+
+Mr. TRACEY then said:--Sir, that some law for the ends proposed by the
+bill before us, is necessary, I do not see how we can doubt, after the
+declarations of the admirals, who are fully acquainted with the service
+for which provision is to be made; and of the ministry, whose knowledge
+of the present state of our own strength, and the designs of our
+enemies, is, doubtless, more exact than they can acquire who are not
+engaged in publick employments.
+
+If, therefore, the measures now proposed are necessary, though they may
+not be agreeable to the present dispositions of the people, for whose
+preservation they are intended, I shall think it my duty to concur in
+them, that the publick service may not be retarded, nor the safety of a
+whole nation hazarded, by a scrupulous attention to minute objections.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:--Sir, I have often, amidst my elogies on
+British liberty, and my declarations of the excellence of our
+constitution, the impartiality of our government, and the efficacy of
+our laws, been reproached by foreigners with the practice of impresses,
+as a hardship which would raise a rebellion in absolute monarchies, and
+kindle those nations into madness, that have, for many ages, known no
+other law than the will of their princes. A hardship which includes
+imprisonment and slavery, and to which, therefore, no aggravations ought
+to be added.
+
+But if justice and reason, sir, are to be overborne by necessity; if
+necessity is to stop our ears against the complaints of the oppressed,
+and harden our hearts at the sight of their misery, let it, at least,
+not destroy our memories, nor deprive us of the advantages of
+experience.
+
+Let us inquire, sir, what were the effects of this hateful authority
+when it was formerly consigned to the magistrates. Were our fleets
+manned in an instant? were our harbours immediately crowded with
+sailors? did we surprise our enemies by our expedition, and make
+conquests before an invasion could be suspected? I have heard, sir, of
+no such consequences, nor of any advantages which deserved to be
+purchased by tyranny and oppression. We have found that very few were
+procured by the magistrates, and the charge of seizing and conveying was
+very considerable; and, therefore, cannot but conclude that illegal
+measures, which have been once tried without success, should, for a
+double reason, never be revived.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is not without regret
+that I rise so often on this occasion: for to dispute with those whose
+determinations are not influenced by reason, is a ridiculous task, a
+tiresome labour, without prospect of reward.
+
+But, as an honourable gentleman has lately remarked, that by denying the
+necessity of the bill, instead of making objections to particular
+clauses, the whole design of finding expedients to supply the sea
+service is at once defeated; I think it necessary to remind him, that I
+have made many objections to this bill, and supported them by reasons
+which have not yet been answered. But I shall now no longer confine my
+remarks to single errours, but observe that there is one general defect,
+by which the whole bill is made absurd and useless.
+
+For the foundation of a law like this, sir, the description of a seaman
+ought to be accurately laid down, it ought to be declared what acts
+shall subject him to that denomination, and by what means, after having
+once enlisted himself in this unhappy class of men, he may withdraw into
+a more secure and happy state of life.
+
+Is a man, who has once only lost sight of the shore, to be for ever
+hunted as a seaman? Is a man, who, by traffick, has enriched a family,
+to be forced from his possessions by the authority of an impress? Is a
+man, who has purchased an estate, and built a seat, to solicit the
+admiralty for a protection from the neighbouring constable? Such
+questions as these, sir, may be asked, which the bill before us will
+enable no man to answer.
+
+If a bill for this purpose be truly necessary, let it, at least, be
+freed from such offensive absurdities; let it be drawn up in a form as
+different as is possible from that of the bill before us; and, at last,
+I am far from imagining that a law will be contrived not injurious to
+individuals, nor detrimental to the publick; not contrary to the first
+principles of our establishment, and not loaded with folly and
+absurdities.
+
+Mr. VYNER then spoke:--Sir, a definition of a seaman is so necessary in
+a bill for this purpose, that the omission of it will defeat all the
+methods that can be suggested. How shall a law be executed, or a penalty
+inflicted, when the magistrate has no certain marks whereby he may
+distinguish a criminal? and when even the man that is prosecuted may not
+be conscious of guilt, or know that the law extended to him, which he is
+charged with having offended.
+
+If, in defining a seaman on the present occasion, it be thought proper
+to have any regard to the example of our predecessors, whose wisdom has,
+in this debate, been so much magnified; it may be observed, that a
+seaman has been formerly defined, a man who haunts the seas; a
+definition which seems to imply habit and continuance, and not to
+comprehend a man who has, perhaps, never gone more than a single voyage.
+
+But though this definition, sir, should be added to the amendments
+already proposed, and the bill thereby be brought somewhat nearer to the
+constitutional principles of our government; I cannot yet think it so
+much rectified, as that the hardships will not outweigh the benefits,
+and, therefore, shall continue to oppose the bill, though to some
+particular clauses I have no objection.
+
+[The term _seafaring man_ was left out, and the several amendments were
+admitted in the committee, but the clauses themselves, to the number of
+eleven, were given up on the report.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 10, 1740-1.
+
+The commons resolved their house into a committee, to consider the bill
+for the encouragement of sailors, when admiral WAGER offered a clause,
+by which it was to be enacted, "That no merchants, or bodies corporate
+or politick, shall hire sailors at higher wages than thirty-five
+shillings for the month, on pain of forfeiting the treble value of the
+sum so agreed for;" which law was to commence after fifteen days, and
+continue for a time to be agreed on by the house: and then spoke to the
+following purpose:--
+
+Sir, the necessity of this clause must be so apparent to every gentleman
+acquainted with naval and commercial affairs, that as no opposition can
+be apprehended, very few arguments will be requisite to introduce it.
+
+How much the publick calamities of war are improved by the sailors to
+their own private advantage; how generally they shun the publick
+service, in hopes of receiving exorbitant wages from the merchants; and
+how much they extort from the merchants, by threatening to leave their
+service for that of the crown, is universally known to every officer of
+the navy, and every commander of a trading vessel.
+
+A law, therefore, sir, to restrain them in time of war from such
+exorbitant demands; to deprive them of those prospects which have often
+no other effect than to lull them in idleness, while they skulk about in
+expectation of higher wages; and to hinder them from deceiving
+themselves, embarrassing the merchants, and neglecting the general
+interest of their country, is undoubtedly just. It is just, sir, because
+in regard to the publick it is necessary to prevent the greatest
+calamity that can fall upon a people, to preserve us from receiving laws
+from the most implacable of our enemies; and it is just, because with
+respect to particular men it has no tendency but to suppress idleness,
+fraud, and extortion.
+
+Mr. Henby FOX spoke next:--Sir, I have no objection to any part of this
+clause, except the day proposed for the commencement: to make a law
+against any pernicious practice, to which there are strong temptations,
+and to give those whose interest may incite them to it, time to effect
+their schemes, before the law shall begin to operate, seems not very
+consistent with wisdom or vigilance.
+
+It is not denied, sir, that the merchants are betrayed by that regard to
+private interest which prevails too frequently over nobler views, to
+bribe away from the service of the crown, by large rewards, those
+sailors whose assistance is now so necessary to the publick; and,
+therefore, it is not to be imagined that they will not employ their
+utmost diligence to improve the interval which the bill allows in making
+contracts for the ensuing, year, and that the sailors will not eagerly
+engage themselves before this law shall preclude their prospects of
+advantage.
+
+As, therefore, to make no law, and to make a law that will not be
+observed, is in consequence the same; and the time allowed by the
+clause, as it now stands, may make the whole provision ineffectual; it
+is my opinion, that either it ought to begin to operate to-morrow, or
+that we ought to leave the whole affair in its present state.
+
+Then sir Robert WALPOLE spoke as follows:--Sir, nothing has a greater
+appearance of injustice, than to punish men by virtue of laws, with
+which they were not acquainted; the law, therefore, is always supposed
+to be known by those who have offended it, because it is the duty of
+every man to know it; and certainly it ought to be the care of the
+legislature, that those whom a law will affect, may have a possibility
+of knowing it, and that those may not be punished for failing in their
+duty, whom nothing but inevitable ignorance has betrayed into offence.
+
+But if the operation of this law should commence to-morrow, what numbers
+may break it, and suffer by the breach of it involuntarily, and without
+design; and how shall we vindicate ourselves from having been accessory
+to the crime which we censure and punish?
+
+Mr. FOX replied:--Sir, I shall not urge in defence of my motion what is
+generally known, and has been frequently inculcated in all debates upon
+this bill, that private considerations ought always to give way to the
+necessities of the publick; for I think it sufficient to observe, that
+there is a distinction to be made between punishments and restraints,
+and that we never can be too early in the prevention of pernicious
+practices, though we may sometimes delay to punish them.
+
+The law will be known to-morrow, to far the greatest number of those who
+may be tempted to defeat it; and if there be others that break it
+ignorantly, how will they find themselves injured by being only obliged
+to pay less than they promised, which is all that I should propose
+without longer warning. The debate upon this particular, will be at
+length reduced to a question, whether a law for this purpose is just and
+expedient? If a law be necessary, it is necessary that it should be
+executed; and it can be executed only by commencing to-morrow.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, it appears to me of no great importance
+how soon the operation of the law commences, or how long it is delayed,
+because I see no reason for imagining that it will at any time produce
+the effects proposed by it.
+
+It has been the amusement, sir, of a great part of my life, to converse
+with men whose inclinations or employments have made them well
+acquainted with maritime affairs, and amidst innumerable other schemes
+for the promotion of trade, have heard some for the regulation of wages
+in trading ships; schemes, at the first appearance plausible and likely
+to succeed, but, upon a nearer inquiry, evidently entangled with
+insuperable difficulties, and never to be executed without danger of
+injuring the commerce of the nation.
+
+The clause, sir, now before us contains, in my opinion, one of those
+visionary provisions, which, however infallible they may appear, will be
+easily defeated, and will have no other effect than to promote cunning
+and fraud, and to teach men those acts of collusion, with which they
+would otherwise never have been acquainted.
+
+Mr. LODWICK spoke to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman by whom this clause has been offered, that the end for which
+it is proposed, is worthy of the closest attention of the legislative
+power, and that the evils of which the prevention is now endeavoured,
+may in some measure not only obstruct our traffick, but endanger our
+country; and shall therefore very readily concur in any measures for
+this purpose, that shall not appear either unjust or ineffectual.
+
+Whether this clause will be sufficient to restrain all elusive
+contracts, and whether all the little artifices of interest are
+sufficiently obviated, I am yet unable to determine; but by a reflection
+upon the multiplicity of relations to be considered, and the variety of
+circumstances to be adjusted in a provision of this kind, I am inclined
+to think that, it is not the business of a transient inquiry, or of a
+single clause, but that it will demand a separate law, and engage the
+deliberation and regard of this whole assembly.
+
+Sir John BARNARD said:--Sir, notwithstanding the impatience and
+resentment with which some men see their mistakes and ignorance
+detected; notwithstanding the reverence which negligence and haste are
+said to be entitled to from this assembly, I shall declare once more,
+without the apprehension of being confuted, that this bill was drawn up
+without consideration, and is defended without being understood; that
+after all the amendments which have been admitted, and all the additions
+proposed, it will be oppressive and ineffectual, a chaos of absurdities,
+and a monument of ignorance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied:--Sir, the present business of this assembly
+is to examine the clause before us; but to deviate from so necessary an
+inquiry into loud exclamations against the whole bill, is to obstruct
+the course of the debate, to perplex our attention, and interrupt the
+senate in its deliberation upon questions, in the determination of which
+the security of the publick is nearly concerned.
+
+The war, sir, in which we are now engaged, and, I may add, engaged by
+the general request of the whole nation, can be prosecuted only by the
+assistance of the seamen, from whom it is not to be expected that they
+will sacrifice their immediate advantage to the security of their
+country. Publick spirit, where it is to be found, is the result of
+reflection, refined by study and exalted by education, and is not to be
+hoped for among those whom low fortune has condemned to perpetual
+drudgery. It must be, therefore, necessary to supply the defects of
+education, and to produce, by salutary coercions, those effects which it
+is vain to expect from other causes.
+
+That the service of the sailors will be set up to sale by auction, and
+that the merchants will bid against the government, is incontestable;
+nor is there any doubt that they will be able to offer the highest
+price, because they will take care to repay themselves by raising the
+value of their goods. Thus, without some restraint upon the merchants,
+our enemies, who are not debarred by their form of government from any
+method which policy can invent, or absolute power put in execution, will
+preclude all our designs, and set at defiance a nation superiour to
+themselves.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then said:--Sir, I think myself obliged by my duty to
+my country, and by my gratitude to those by whose industry we are
+enriched, and by whose courage we are defended, to make, once more, a
+declaration, not against particular clauses, not against single
+circumstances, but against the whole bill; a bill unjust and oppressive,
+absurd and ridiculous; a bill to harass the industrious and distress the
+honest, to puzzle the wise and add power to the cruel; a bill which
+cannot be read without astonishment, nor passed without the violation of
+our constitution, and an equal disregard of policy and humanity.
+
+All these assertions will need to be proved only by a bare perusal of
+this hateful bill, by which the meanest, the most worthless reptile,
+exalted to a petty office by serving a wretch only superiour to him in
+fortune, is enabled to flush his authority by tyrannising over those who
+every hour deserve the publick acknowledgments of the community; to
+intrude upon the retreats of brave men, fatigued and exhausted by honest
+industry, to drag them out with all the wantonness of grovelling
+authority, and chain them to the oar without a moment's respite, or
+perhaps oblige them to purchase, with the gains of a dangerous voyage,
+or the plunder of an enemy lately conquered, a short interval to settle
+their affairs, or bid their children farewell.
+
+Let any gentleman in this house, let those, sir, who now sit at ease,
+projecting laws of oppression, and conferring upon their own slaves such
+licentious authority, pause a few moments, and imagine themselves
+exposed to the same hardships by a power superiour to their own; let
+them conceive themselves torn from the tenderness and caresses of their
+families by midnight irruptions, dragged in triumph through the streets
+by a despicable officer, and placed under the command of those by whom
+they have, perhaps, been already oppressed and insulted. Why should we
+imagine that the race of men for whom those cruelties are preparing,
+have less sensibility than ourselves? Why should we believe that they
+will suffer without complaint, and be injured without resentment? Why
+should we conceive that they will not at once deliver themselves, and
+punish their oppressors, by deserting that country where they are
+considered as felons, and laying hold on those rewards and privileges
+which no other government will deny them?
+
+This is, indeed, the only tendency, whatever may have been the intention
+of the bill before us; for I know not whether the most refined sagacity
+can discover any other method of discouraging navigation than those
+which are drawn together in the bill before us. We first give our
+constables an authority to hunt the sailors like thieves, and drive
+them, by incessant pursuit, out of the nation; but lest any man should
+by friendship, good fortune, or the power of money, find means of
+staying behind, we have with equal wisdom condemned him to poverty and
+misery; and lest the natural courage of his profession should incite him
+to assist his country in the war, have contrived a method of precluding
+him from any advantage that he might have the weakness to hope from his
+fortitude and diligence. What more can be done, unless we at once
+prohibit to seamen the use of the common elements, or doom them to a
+general proscription.
+
+It is just that advantage, sir, should be proportioned to the hazard by
+which it is to be obtained, and, therefore, a sailor has an honest claim
+to an advance of wages in time of war; it is necessary to excite
+expectation, and to fire ambition by the prospect of great acquisitions,
+and by this prospect it is that such numbers are daily allured to naval
+business, and that our privateers are filled with adventurers. The large
+wages which war makes necessary, are more powerful incentives to those
+whom impatience of poverty determines to change their state of life,
+than the secure gains of peaceful commerce; for the danger is overlooked
+by a mind intent upon the profit.
+
+War is the harvest of a sailor, in which he is to store provisions for
+the winter of old age, and if we blast this hope, he will inevitably
+sink into indolence and cowardice.
+
+Many of the sailors are bred up to trades, or capable of any laborious
+employment upon land; nor is there any reason for which they expose
+themselves to the dangers of a seafaring life, but the hope of sudden
+wealth, and some lucky season in which they may improve their fortunes
+by a single effort. Is it reasonable to believe that all these will not
+rather have recourse to their former callings, and live in security,
+though not in plenty, than encounter danger and poverty at once, and
+face an enemy without any prospect of recompense?
+
+Let any man recollect the ideas that arose in his mind upon hearing of a
+bill for encouraging and increasing sailors, and examine whether he had
+any expectation of expedients like these. I suppose it was never known
+before, that men were to be encouraged by subjecting them to peculiar
+penalties, or that to take away the gains of a profession, was a method
+of recommending it more generally to the people.
+
+But it is not of very great importance to dwell longer upon the
+impropriety of this clause, which there is no possibility of putting in
+execution. That the merchants will try every method of eluding a law so
+prejudicial to their interest, may be easily imagined, and a mind not
+very fruitful of evasions, will discover that this law may be eluded by
+a thousand artifices. If the merchants are restrained from allowing men
+their wages beyond a certain sum, they will make contracts for the
+voyage, of which the time may very easily be computed, they may offer a
+reward for expedition and fidelity, they may pay a large sum by way of
+advance, they may allow the sailors part of the profits, or may offer
+money by a third hand. To fix the price of any commodity, of which the
+quantity and the use may vary their proportions, is the most excessive
+degree of ignorance. No man can determine the price of corn, unless he
+can regulate the harvest, and keep the number of the people for ever at
+a stand.
+
+But let us suppose these methods as efficacious as their most sanguine
+vindicators are desirous of representing them, it does not yet appear
+that they are necessary, and to inflict hardships without necessity, is
+by no means the practice of either wisdom or benevolence. To tyrannise
+and compel is the low pleasure of petty capacities, of narrow minds,
+swelled with the pride of uncontroulable authority, the wantonness of
+wretches who are insensible of the consequences of their own actions,
+and of whom candour may, perhaps, determine, that they are only cruel
+because they are stupid. Let us not exalt into a precedent the most
+unjust and rigorous law of our predecessors, of which they themselves
+declared their repentance, or confessed the inefficacy, by never
+reviving it; let us rather endeavour to gain the sailors by lenity and
+moderation, and reconcile them to the service of the crown by real
+encouragements; for it is rational to imagine, that in proportion as men
+are disgusted by injuries, they will be won by kindness.
+
+There is one expedient, sir, which deserves to be tried, and from which,
+at least, more success may be hoped than from cruelty, hunger, and
+persecution. The ships that are now to be fitted out for service, are
+those of the first magnitude, which it is usual to bring back into the
+ports in winter. Let us, therefore, promise to all seamen that shall
+voluntarily engage in them, besides the reward already proposed, a
+discharge from the service at the end of six or seven months. By this
+they will be released from their present dread of perpetual slavery, and
+be certain, as they are when in the service of the merchants, of a
+respite from their fatigues. The trade of the nation will be only
+interrupted for a time, and may be carried on in the winter months, and
+large sums will be saved by dismissing the seamen when they cannot be
+employed.
+
+By adding this to the other methods of encouragement, and throwing aside
+all rigorous and oppressive schemes, the navy may easily be manned, our
+country protected, our commerce reestablished, and our enemies subdued;
+but to pass the bill as it now stands, is to determine that trade shall
+cease, and that no ship shall sail out of the river.
+
+Mr. PITT spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is common for those to
+have the greatest regard to their own interest who discover the least
+for that of others. I do not, therefore, despair of recalling the
+advocates of this bill from the prosecution of their favourite measures,
+by arguments of greater efficacy than those which are founded on reason
+and justice.
+
+Nothing, sir, is more evident, than that some degree of reputation is
+absolutely necessary to men who have any concern in the administration
+of a government like ours; they must either secure the fidelity of their
+adherents by the assistance of wisdom, or of virtue; their enemies must
+either be awed by their honesty, or terrified by their cunning. Mere
+artless bribery will never gain a sufficient majority to set them
+entirely free from apprehensions of censure. To different tempers
+different motives must be applied: some, who place their felicity in
+being accounted wise, are in very little care to preserve the character
+of honesty; others may be persuaded to join in measures which they
+easily discover to be weak and ill-concerted, because they are convinced
+that the authors of them are not corrupt but mistaken, and are unwilling
+that any man should be punished for natural defects or casual ignorance.
+
+I cannot say, sir, which of these motives influences the advocates for
+the bill before us; a bill in which such cruelties are proposed as are
+yet unknown among the most savage nations, such as slavery has not yet
+borne, or tyranny invented, such as cannot be heard without resentment,
+nor thought of without horrour.
+
+It is, sir, perhaps, not unfortunate, that one more expedient has been
+added, rather ridiculous than shocking, and that these tyrants of the
+administration, who amuse themselves with oppressing their
+fellow-subjects, who add without reluctance one hardship to another,
+invade the liberty of those whom they have already overborne with taxes,
+first plunder and then imprison, who take all opportunities of
+heightening the publick distresses, and make the miseries of war the
+instruments of new oppressions, are too ignorant to be formidable, and
+owe their power not to their abilities, but to casual prosperity, or to
+the influence of money.
+
+The other clauses of this bill, complicated at once with cruelty and
+folly, have been treated with becoming indignation; but this may be
+considered with less ardour of resentment, and fewer emotions of zeal,
+because, though, perhaps, equally iniquitous, it will do no harm; for a
+law that can never be executed can never be felt.
+
+That it will consume the manufacture of paper, and swell the books of
+statutes, is all the good or hurt that can be hoped or feared from a law
+like this; a law which fixes what is in its own nature mutable, which
+prescribes rules to the seasons and limits to the wind. I am too well
+acquainted, sir, with the disposition of its two chief supporters, to
+mention the contempt with which this law will be treated by posterity,
+for they have already shown abundantly their disregard of succeeding
+generations; but I will remind them, that they are now venturing their
+whole interest at once, and hope they will recollect, before it is too
+late, that those who believe them to intend the happiness of their
+country, will never be confirmed in their opinion by open cruelty and
+notorious oppression; and that those who have only their own interest in
+view, will be afraid of adhering to those leaders, however old and
+practised in expedients, however strengthened by corruption, or elated
+with power, who have no reason to hope for success from either their
+virtue or abilities.
+
+Mr. BATHURST next spoke to this effect:--Sir, the clause now under our
+consideration is so inconsiderately drawn up, that it is impossible to
+read it in the most cursory manner, without discovering the necessity of
+numerous amendments; no malicious subtilties or artful deductions are
+required in raising objections to this part of the bill, they crowd upon
+us without being sought, and, instead of exercising our sagacity, weary
+our attention.
+
+The first errour, or rather one part of a general and complicated
+errour, is the computation of time, not by days, but by calendar months,
+which, as they are not equal one to another, may embarrass the account
+between the sailors and those that employ them. In all contracts of a
+short duration, the time is to be reckoned by weeks and days, by certain
+and regular periods, which has been so constantly the practice of the
+seafaring men, that, perhaps, many of them do not know the meaning of a
+calendar month: this, indeed, is a neglect of no great importance,
+because no man can be deprived by it of more than the wages due for the
+labour of a few days; but the other part of this clause is more
+seriously to be considered, as it threatens the sailors with greater
+injuries: for it is to be enacted, that all contracts made for more
+wages than are here allowed shall be totally void.
+
+It cannot be denied to be possible, and in my opinion it is very likely,
+that many contracts will be made without the knowledge of this law, and
+consequently without any design of violating it; but ignorance,
+inevitable ignorance, though it is a valid excuse for every other man,
+is no plea for the unhappy sailor; he must suffer, though innocent, the
+penalty of a crime; must undergo danger, hardships, and labour, without
+a recompense, and at the end of a successful voyage, after having
+enriched his country by his industry, return home to a necessitous
+family, without being able to relieve them.
+
+It is scarcely necessary, sir, to raise any more objections to a clause
+in which nothing is right; but, to show how its imperfections multiply
+upon the slightest consideration, I take the opportunity to observe,
+that there is no provision made for regulating the voyages performed in
+less time than a month, so that the greatest part of the abuses, which
+have been represented as the occasion of this clause, are yet without
+remedy, and only those sailors who venture far, and are exposed to the
+greatest dangers, are restrained from receiving an adequate reward.
+
+Thus much, sir, I have said upon the supposition that a regulation of
+the sailors' wages is either necessary or just; a supposition of which I
+am very far from discovering the truth. That it is just to oppress the
+most useful of our fellow-subjects, to load those men with peculiar
+hardships to whom we owe the plenty that we enjoy, the power that yet
+remains in the nation, and which neither the folly nor the cowardice of
+ministers have yet been able to destroy, and the security in which we
+now sit and hold our consultations; that it is just to lessen our
+payments at a time when we increase the labour of those who are hired,
+and to expose men to danger without recompense, will not easily be
+proved, even by those who are most accustomed to paradoxes, and are
+ready to undertake the proof of any position which it is their interest
+to find true.
+
+Nor is it much more easy to show the necessity of this expedient in our
+present state, in which it appears from the title of the bill, that our
+chief endeavour should be the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+and, I suppose, it has not often been discovered, that by taking away
+the profits of a profession greater numbers have been allured to it.
+
+The high wages, sir, paid by merchants are the chief incitements that
+prevail upon the ambitious, the necessitous, or the avaricious, to
+forsake the ease and security of the land, to leave easy trades, and
+healthful employments, and expose themselves to an element where they
+are not certain of an hour's safety. The service of the merchants is the
+nursery in which seamen are trained up for his majesty's navies, and
+from thence we must, in time of danger, expect those forces by which
+alone we can be protected.
+
+If, therefore, it is necessary to encourage sailors, it is necessary to
+reject all measures that may terrify or disgust them; and as their
+numbers must depend upon our trade, let us not embarrass the merchants
+with any other difficulties than those which are inseparable from war,
+and which very little care has been hitherto taken to alleviate.
+
+Mr. HAY replied:--Sir, the objections which have been urged with so much
+ardour, and displayed with such power of eloquence, are not, in my
+opinion, formidable enough to discourage us from prosecuting our
+measures; some of them may be, perhaps, readily answered, and the rest
+easily removed.
+
+The computation of time, as it now stands, is allowed not to produce any
+formidable evil, and therefore did not require so rhetorical a censure:
+the inconveniency of calendar months may easily be removed by a little
+candour in the contracting parties, or, that the objection may not be
+repeated to the interruption of the debate, weeks or days may be
+substituted, and the usual reckoning of the sailors be still continued.
+
+That some contracts may be annulled, and inconveniencies or delays of
+payment arise, is too evident to be questioned; but in that case the
+sailor may have his remedy provided, and be enabled to obtain, by an
+easy process, what he shall be judged to _have deserved_; for it must be
+allowed reasonable, that every man who labours in honest and useful
+employments, should receive the reward of his diligence and fidelity.
+
+Thus, sir, may the clause, however loudly censured and violently
+opposed, be made useful and equitable, and the publick service advanced
+without injury to individuals.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, every law
+which extends its influence to great numbers in various relations and
+circumstances, must produce some consequences that were never foreseen
+or intended, and is to be censured or applauded as the general
+advantages or inconveniencies are found to preponderate. Of this kind is
+the law before us, a law enforced by the necessity of our affairs, and
+drawn up with no other intention than to secure the publick happiness,
+and produce that success which every man's interest must prompt him to
+desire.
+
+If in the execution of this law, sir, some inconveniencies should arise,
+they are to be remedied as fast as they are discovered, or if not
+capable of a remedy, to be patiently borne, in consideration of the
+general advantage.
+
+That some temporary disturbances may be produced is not improbable; the
+discontent of the sailors may, for a short time, rise high, and our
+trade be suspended by their obstinacy; but obstinacy, however
+determined, must yield to hunger, and when no higher wages can be
+obtained, they will cheerfully accept of those which are here allowed
+them. Short voyages, indeed, are not comprehended in the clause, and
+therefore the sailors will engage in them upon their own terms, but this
+objection can be of no weight with those that oppose the clause,
+because, if it is unjust to limit the wages of the sailors, it is just
+to leave those voyages without restriction; and those that think the
+expedient here proposed equitable and rational, may, perhaps, be willing
+to make some concessions to those who are of a different opinion.
+
+That the bill will not remove every obstacle to success, nor add weight
+to one part of the balance without making the other lighter; that it
+will not supply the navy without incommoding the merchants in some
+degree; that it may be sometimes evaded by cunning, and sometimes abused
+by malice; and that at last it will be less efficacious than is desired,
+may, perhaps, be proved; but it has not yet been proved that any other
+measures are more eligible, or that we are not to promote the publick
+service as far as we are able, though our endeavours may not produce
+effects equal to our wishes.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+fatality it is that nothing can be urged in defence of the clause before
+us which does not tend to discover its weakness and inefficacy. The
+warmest patrons of this expedient are impelled, by the mere force of
+conviction, to such concessions as invalidate all their arguments, and
+leave their opponents no necessity of replying.
+
+If short voyages are not comprehended in this provision, what are we now
+controverting? What but the expedience of a law that will never be
+executed? The sailors, however they are contemned by those who think
+them only worthy to be treated like beasts of burden, are not yet so
+stupid but that they can easily find out, that to serve a fortnight for
+greater wages is more eligible than to toil a month for less; and as the
+numerous equipments that have been lately made have not left many more
+sailors in the service of the merchants than may be employed in the
+coasting trade, those who traffick to remoter parts, must shut up their
+books and wait till the expiration of this act, for an opportunity of
+renewing their commerce.
+
+To regulate the wages for one voyage, and to leave another without
+limitation, in time of scarcity of seamen, is absolutely to prohibit
+that trade which is so restrained, and is, doubtless, a more effectual
+embargo than has been yet invented.
+
+Let any man but suppose that the East India company were obliged to give
+only half the wages that other traders allow, and consider how that part
+of our commerce could be carried on; would not their goods rot in their
+warehouses, and their ships lie for ever in the harbour? Would not the
+sailors refuse to contract with them? or desert them after a contract,
+upon the first prospect of more advantageous employment?
+
+But it is not requisite to multiply arguments in a question which may
+not only be decided without long examination, but in which we may
+determine our conclusions by the experience of our ancestors. Scarcely
+any right or wrong measures are without a precedent, and, amongst
+others, this expedient has been tried by the wisdom of former times; a
+law was once made for limiting the wages of tailors, and that it is
+totally ineffectual we are all convinced. Experience is a very safe
+guide in political inquiries, and often discovers what the most
+enlightened reason failed to foresee.
+
+Let us, therefore, improve the errours of our ancestors to our own
+advantage, and whilst we neglect to imitate their virtues, let us, at
+least, forbear to repeat their follies.
+
+Mr. PERRY spoke to this purpose:--Sir, there is one objection more which
+my acquaintance with foreign trade impresses too strongly upon my mind
+to suffer me to conceal it.
+
+It is well known that the condition of a seaman subjects him to the
+necessity of spending a great part of his life at a distance from his
+native country, in places where he can neither hear of our designs, nor
+be instructed in our laws, and, therefore, it is evident that no law
+ought to affect him before a certain period of time, in which he may
+reasonably be supposed to have been informed of it. For every man ought
+to have it in his power to avoid punishment, and to suffer only for
+negligence or obstinacy.
+
+It is quite unnecessary, sir, to observe to this assembly, that there
+are now, as at all times, great numbers of sailors in every part of the
+world, and that they, at least, equally deserve our regard with those
+who are under the more immediate influence of the government.
+
+These seamen have already contracted for the price of their labour, and
+the recompense of their hazards, nor can we, in my opinion, without
+manifest injustice, dissolve a contract founded upon equity, and
+confirmed by law.
+
+It is, sir, an undisputed principle of government, that no person should
+be punished without a crime; but is it no punishment to deprive a man of
+what is due to him by a legal stipulation, the condition of which is, on
+his part, honestly fulfilled?
+
+Nothing, sir, can be imagined more calamitous than the disappointment to
+which this law subjects the unhappy men who are now promoting the
+interest of their country in distant places, amidst dangers and
+hardships, in unhealthy climates, and barbarous nations, where they
+comfort themselves, under the fatigues of labour and the miseries of
+sickness, with the prospect of the sum which they shall gain for the
+relief of their families, and the respite which their wages will enable
+them to enjoy; but, upon their return, they find their hopes blasted,
+and their contracts dissolved by a law made in their absence.
+
+No human being, I think, can coolly and deliberately inflict a hardship
+like this, and, therefore, I doubt not but those who have, by
+inadvertency, given room for this objection, will either remove it by an
+amendment, or what is, in my opinion, more eligible, reject the clause
+as inexpedient, useless, and unjust.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, this debate has been
+protracted, not by any difficulties arising from the nature of the
+questions which have been the subject of it, but by a neglect with which
+almost all the opponents of the bill may be justly charged, the neglect
+of distinguishing between measures eligible in themselves, and measures
+preferable to consequences which are apprehended from particular
+conjunctures; between laws made only to advance the publick happiness,
+and expedients of which the benefit is merely occasional, and of which
+the sole intention is to avert some national calamity, and which are to
+cease with the necessity that produced them.
+
+Such are the measures, sir, which are now intended; measures, which, in
+days of ease, security, and prosperity, it would be the highest degree
+of weakness to propose, but of which I cannot see the absurdity in times
+of danger and distress. Such laws are the medicines of a state, useless
+and nauseous in health, but preferable to a lingering disease, or to a
+miserable death.
+
+Even those measures, sir, which have been mentioned as most grossly
+absurd, and represented as parallel to the provision made in this clause
+only to expose it to contempt and ridicule, may, in particular
+circumstances, be rational and just. To settle the price of corn in the
+time of a famine, may become the wisest state, and multitudes might, in
+time of publick misery, by the benefit of temporary laws, be preserved
+from destruction. Even those masts, to which, with a prosperous gale,
+the ship owes its usefulness and its speed, are often cut down by the
+sailors in the fury of a storm.
+
+With regard to the ships which are now in distant places, whither no
+knowledge of this law can possibly be conveyed, it cannot be denied that
+their crews ought to be secured from injury by some particular
+exception; for though it is evident in competitions between publick and
+private interest, which ought to be preferred, yet we ought to remember
+that no unnecessary injury is to be done to individuals, even while we
+are providing for the safety of the nation.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke to this effect:--Sir, though I cannot be supposed to
+have much acquaintance with naval affairs, and, therefore, may not,
+perhaps, discover the full force of the arguments that have been urged
+in favour of the clause now under consideration, yet I cannot but think
+myself under an indispensable obligation to examine it as far as I am
+able, and to make use of the knowledge which I have acquired, however
+inferiour to that of others.
+
+The argument, sir, the only real argument, which has been produced in
+favour of the restraint of wages now proposed, appears to me by no means
+conclusive; nor can I believe that the meanest and most ignorant seaman
+would, if it were proposed to him, hesitate a moment for an answer to
+it. Let me suppose, sir, a merchant urging it as a charge against a
+seaman, that he raises his demand of wages in time of war, would not the
+sailor readily reply, that harder labour required larger pay? Would he
+not ask, why the general practice of mankind is charged as a crime upon
+him only? Inquire, says he, of the workmen in the docks, have they not
+double wages for double labour? and is not their lot safe and easy in
+comparison with mine, who at once encounter danger and support fatigue,
+carry on war and commerce at the same time, conduct the ship and oppose
+the enemy, and am equally exposed to captivity and shipwreck?
+
+That this is, in reality, the state of a sailor in time of war, I think,
+sir, too evident to require proof; nor do I see what reply can be made
+to the sailor's artless expostulation.
+
+I know not why the sailors alone should serve their country to their
+disadvantage, and be expected to encounter danger without the incitement
+of a reward.
+
+Nor will any part of the hardships of this clause be alleviated by the
+expedient suggested by an honourable member, who spoke, some time ago,
+of granting, or allowing, to a sailor, whose contract shall be void,
+what our courts of law should adjudge him to deserve, a _quantum
+meruit_: for, according to the general interpretation of our statutes,
+it will be determined that he has forfeited his whole claim by illegal
+contract. To instance, sir, the statute of usury. He that stipulates for
+higher interest than is allowed, is not able to recover his legal
+demand, but irrecoverably forfeits the whole.
+
+Thus, sir, an unhappy sailor who shall innocently transgress this law,
+must lose all the profit of his voyage, and have nothing to relieve him
+after his fatigues; but when he has by his courage repelled the enemy,
+and, by his skill, escaped storms and rocks, must suffer yet severer
+hardships, in being subject to a forfeiture where he expected applause,
+comfort, and recompense.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, the clause
+before us cannot, in my opinion, produce any such dreadful consequences
+as the learned gentleman appears to imagine: however, to remove all
+difficulties, I have drawn up an amendment, which I shall beg leave to
+propose, that the contracts which may be affected as the clause now
+stands, _shall be void only as to so much of the wages as shall exceed
+the sum to which the house shall agree to reduce the seamen's pay;_ and,
+as to the forfeitures, they are not to be levied upon the sailors, but
+upon the merchants, or trading companies, who employ them, and who are
+able to pay greater sums without being involved in poverty and distress.
+
+With regard, sir, to the reasons for introducing this clause, they are,
+in my judgment, valid and equitable. We have found it necessary to fix
+the rate of money at interest, and the rate of labour in several cases,
+and if we do not in this case, what will be the consequence?--a second
+embargo on commerce, and, perhaps, a total stop to all military
+preparations. Is it reasonable that any man should rate his labour
+according to the immediate necessities of those that employ him? or that
+he should raise his own fortune by the publick calamities? If this has
+hitherto been a practice, it is a practice contrary to the general
+happiness of society, and ought to prevail no longer.
+
+If the sailor, sir, is exposed to greater dangers in time of war, is not
+the merchant's trade carried on, likewise, at greater hazard? Is not the
+freight, equally with the sailors, threatened at once by the ocean and
+the enemy? And is not the owner's fortune equally impaired, whether the
+ship is dashed upon a rock, or seized by a privateer?
+
+The merchant, therefore, has as much reason for paying less wages in
+time of war, as the sailor for demanding more, and nothing remains but
+that the legislative power determine a medium between their different
+interests, with justice, if possible, at least with impartiality.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE, who had stood up several times, but was prevented by
+other members, spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, I was unwilling to
+interrupt the course of this debate while it was carried on with
+calmness and decency, by men, who do not suffer the ardour of opposition
+to cloud their reason, or transport them to such expressions as the
+dignity of this assembly does not admit. I have hitherto deferred to
+answer the gentleman who declaimed against the bill with such fluency of
+rhetorick, and such vehemence of gesture; who charged the advocates for
+the expedients now proposed, with having no regard to any interest but
+their own, and with making laws only to consume paper, and threatened
+them with the defection of their adherence, and the loss of their
+influence, upon this new discovery of their folly and their ignorance.
+
+Nor, sir, do I now answer him for any other purpose than to remind him
+how little the clamours of rage and petulancy of invectives contribute
+to the purposes for which this assembly is called together; how little
+the discovery of truth is promoted, and the security of the nation
+established by pompous diction and theatrical emotions.
+
+Formidable sounds, and furious declamations, confident assertions, and
+lofty periods, may affect the young and unexperienced; and, perhaps, the
+gentleman may have contracted his habits of oratory by conversing more
+with those of his own age, than with such as have had more opportunities
+of acquiring knowledge, and more successful methods of communicating
+their sentiments.
+
+If the heat of his temper, sir, would suffer him to attend to those
+whose age and long acquaintance with business give them an indisputable
+right to deference and superiority, he would learn, in time, to reason
+rather than declaim, and to prefer justness of argument, and an accurate
+knowledge of facts, to sounding epithets and splendid superlatives,
+which may disturb the imagination for a moment, but leave no lasting
+impression on the mind.
+
+He will learn, sir, that to accuse and prove are very different, and
+that reproaches, unsupported by evidence, affect only the character of
+him that utters them. Excursions of fancy, and flights of oratory, are,
+indeed, pardonable in young men, but in no other; and it would surely
+contribute more, even to the purpose for which some gentlemen appear to
+speak, that of depreciating the conduct of the administration, to prove
+the inconveniencies and injustice of this bill, than barely to assert
+them, with whatever magnificence of language, or appearance of zeal,
+honesty, or compassion.
+
+Mr. PITT replied:--Sir, the atrocious crime of being a young man, which
+the honourable gentleman has with such spirit and decency charged upon
+me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny, but content myself
+with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with
+their youth, and not of that number, who are ignorant in spite of
+experience.
+
+Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir,
+assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly
+contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away
+without improvement, and vice appears to prevail when the passions have
+subsided. The wretch that, after having seen the consequences of a
+thousand errours, continues still to blunder, and whose age has only
+added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of either abhorrence
+or contempt, and deserves not that his grey head should secure him from
+insults.
+
+Much more, sir, is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age,
+has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with less temptation;
+who prostitutes himself for money which he cannot enjoy, and spends the
+remains of his life in the ruin of his country.
+
+But youth, sir, is not my only crime; I have been accused of acting a
+theatrical part--a theatrical part may either imply some peculiarities
+of gesture, or a dissimulation of my real sentiments, and an adoption of
+the opinions and language of another man.
+
+In the first sense, sir, the charge is too trifling to be confuted, and
+deserves only to be mentioned, that it may be despised. I am at liberty,
+like every other man, to use my own language; and though I may, perhaps,
+have some ambition to please this gentleman, I shall not lay myself
+under any restraint, nor very solicitously copy his diction, or his
+mien, however matured by age, or modelled by experience.
+
+If any man shall, by charging me with theatrical behaviour, imply that I
+utter any sentiments but my own, I shall treat him as a calumniator and
+a villain; nor shall any protection shelter him from the treatment which
+he deserves. I shall, on such an occasion, without scruple, trample upon
+all those forms, with which wealth and dignity intrench themselves, nor
+shall any thing but age restrain my resentment: age, which always brings
+one privilege, that of being insolent and supercilious without
+punishment.
+
+But, with regard, sir, to those whom I have offended, I am of opinion,
+that if I had acted a borrowed part, I should have avoided their
+censure; the heat that offended them is the ardour of conviction, and
+that zeal for the service of my country, which neither hope nor fear
+shall influence me to suppress. I will not sit unconcerned while my
+liberty is invaded, nor look in silence upon publick robbery. I will
+exert my endeavours, at whatever hazard, to repel the aggressor, and
+drag the thief to justice, whoever may protect them in their villany,
+and whoever may partake of their plunder. And if the honourable
+gentleman--
+
+Here Mr. WINNINGTON called to order, and Mr. PITT sitting down, he spoke
+thus:--It is necessary, sir, that the order of this assembly be
+observed, and the debate resumed without personal altercations. Such
+expressions as have been vented on this occasion, become not an assembly
+intrusted with the liberty and welfare of their country. To interrupt
+the debate on a subject so important as that before us, is, in some
+measure, to obstruct the publick happiness, and violate our trust: but
+much more heinous is the crime of exposing our determinations to
+contempt, and inciting the people to suspicion or mutiny, by indecent
+reflections, or unjust insinuations.
+
+I do not, sir, undertake to decide the controversy between the two
+gentlemen, but must be allowed to observe, that no diversity of opinion
+can justify the violation of decency, and the use of rude and virulent
+expressions; expressions dictated only by resentment, and uttered
+without regard to--
+
+Mr. PITT called to order, and said:--Sir, if this be to preserve order,
+there is no danger of indecency from the most licentious tongue: for
+what calumny can be more atrocious, or what reproach more severe, than
+that of speaking with regard to any thing but truth. Order may sometimes
+be broken by passion, or inadvertency, but will hardly be reestablished
+by monitors like this, who cannot govern his own passion, whilst he is
+restraining the impetuosity of others.
+
+Happy, sir, would it be for mankind, if every one knew his own province;
+we should not then see the same man at once a criminal and a judge. Nor
+would this gentleman assume the right of dictating to others what he has
+not learned himself.
+
+That I may return, in some degree, the favour which he intends me, I
+will advise him never hereafter to exert himself on the subject of
+order; but, whenever he finds himself inclined to speak on such
+occasions, to remember how he has now succeeded, and condemn, in
+silence, what his censures will never reform.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, as I was hindered by the gentleman's
+ardour and impetuosity from concluding my sentence, none but myself can
+know the equity or partiality of my intentions, and, therefore, as I
+cannot justly be condemned, I ought to be supposed innocent; nor ought
+he to censure a fault of which he cannot be certain that it would ever
+have been committed.
+
+He has, indeed, exalted himself to a degree of authority never yet
+assumed by any member of this house, that of condemning others to
+silence. I am henceforward, by his inviolable decree, to sit and hear
+his harangues without daring to oppose him. How wide he may extend his
+authority, or whom he will proceed to include in the same sentence, I
+shall not determine; having not yet arrived at the same degree of
+sagacity with himself, nor being able to foreknow what another is going
+to pronounce.
+
+If I had given offence by any improper sallies of passion, I ought to
+have been censured by the concurrent voice of the assembly, or have
+received a reprimand, sir, from you, to which I should have submitted
+without opposition; but I will not be doomed to silence by one who has
+no pretensions to authority, and whose arbitrary decisions can only tend
+to introduce uproar, discord, and confusion.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up, and spoke to this effect:--Sir, when, in
+the ardour of controversy upon interesting questions, the zeal of the
+disputants hinders them from a nice observation of decency and
+regularity, there is some indulgence due to the common weakness of our
+nature; nor ought any gentleman to affix to a negligent expression a
+more offensive sense than is necessarily implied by it.
+
+To search deep, sir, for calumnies and reproaches is no laudable nor
+beneficial curiosity; it must always be troublesome to ourselves by
+alarming us with imaginary injuries, and may often be unjust to others
+by charging them with invectives which they never intended. General
+candour and mutual tenderness will best preserve our own quiet, and
+support that dignity which has always been accounted essential to
+national debates, and seldom infringed without dangerous consequences.
+
+Mr. LYTTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, no man can be more zealous for
+decency than myself, or more convinced of the necessity of a methodical
+prosecution of the question before us. I am well convinced how near
+indecency and faction are to one another, and how inevitably confusion
+produces obscurity; but I hope it will always be remembered, that he who
+first infringes decency, or deviates from method, is to answer for all
+the consequences that may arise from the neglect of senatorial customs:
+for it is not to be expected that any man will bear reproaches without
+reply, or that he who wanders from the question will not be followed in
+his digressions, and hunted through his labyrinths.
+
+It cannot, sir, be denied, that some insinuations were uttered injurious
+to those whose zeal may sometimes happen to prompt them to warm
+declarations, or incite them to passionate emotions. Whether I am of
+importance enough to be included in the censure, I despise it too much
+to inquire or consider, but cannot forbear to observe, that zeal for the
+right can never become reproachful, and that no man can fall into
+contempt but those who deserve it.
+
+[The clause was amended, and agreed to.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+The seventieth day of the session being appointed for the report from
+the committee on the bill for the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+sir John BARNARD presented a petition from the merchants of London, and
+spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, this petition I am directed to lay before this house by many of the
+principal merchants of that great city which I have the honour to
+represent; men too wise to be terrified with imaginary dangers, and too
+honest to endeavour the obstruction of any measures that may probably
+advance the publick good, merely because they do not concur with their
+private interest; men, whose knowledge and capacity enable them to judge
+rightly, and whose acknowledged integrity and spirit set them above the
+suspicion of concealing their sentiments.
+
+I therefore present this petition in the name of the merchants of
+London, in full confidence that it will be found to deserve the regard
+of this assembly, though I am, equally with the other members, a
+stranger to what it contains; for it is my opinion that a representative
+is to lay before the house the sentiments of his constituents, whether
+they agree with his own or not, and that, therefore, it would have been
+superfluous to examine the petition, which, though I might not wholly
+have approved it, I had no right to alter.
+
+The petition was read, and is as follows:
+
+"The humble petition of the merchants and traders of the city of
+London--showeth, that your petitioners are informed a bill is depending
+in this honourable house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, in which
+are clauses, that, should the bill pass into a law, your petitioners
+apprehend will be highly detrimental to the trade and navigation of this
+kingdom, by discouraging persons from entering into or being bred to the
+sea service, and entirely prevent the better and speedier manning his
+majesty's fleet, by giving the seamen of Great Britain, and of all other
+his majesty's dominions, a distaste of serving on board the royal navy.
+
+"That your petitioners conceive nothing can be of so bad consequence to
+the welfare and defence of this nation, as the treating so useful and
+valuable a body of men, who are its natural strength and security, like
+criminals of the highest nature, and so differently from all other his
+majesty's subjects; and at the same time are persuaded, that the only
+effectual and speedy method of procuring, for the service of his
+majesty's fleet, a proportionable number of the sailors in this kingdom,
+is to distinguish that body of men by bounties and encouragements, both
+present and future, and by abolishing all methods of severity and ill
+usage, particularly that practice whereby they are deprived, after long
+and hazardous voyages, of enjoying, for a short space of time, the
+comforts of their families, and equal liberty with other their
+fellow-subjects in their native country.
+
+"That your petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such
+methods pointed out as will tend to supply the present necessities, and
+at the same time effectually promote the increase of seamen, when this
+honourable house shall think fit to inquire into a matter of such high
+importance to the naval power, trade, and riches of this kingdom.
+
+"That your petitioners are convinced this bill will not only be
+ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by it, but will be destructive
+of the liberties of all his majesty's subjects, as it empowers any
+parish officer, accompanied with an unlimited number of persons, at any
+hour, by day or by night, to force open the dwelling-houses, warehouses,
+or other places, provided for the security and defence of their lives
+and fortunes, contrary to the undoubted liberties of the people of Great
+Britain, and the laws of this land.
+
+"In consideration, therefore, of the premises, and of the particular
+prejudices, hardships, and dangers, which must inevitably attend your
+petitioners, and all others the merchants and traders of this kingdom,
+should this bill pass into a law, your petitioners most humbly pray this
+honourable house, that they may be heard by their counsel against the
+said clauses in the said bill."
+
+Mr. BATHURST then presented a petition, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the
+alarm which the bill, now depending, has raised, is not confined to the
+city of London, or to any particular province of the king's dominions;
+the whole nation is thrown into commotions, and the effects of the law
+now proposed, are dreaded, far and wide, as a general calamity. Every
+town which owes its trade and its provisions to navigation, apprehends
+the approach of poverty and scarcity, and those which are less
+immediately affected, consider the infraction of our liberties as a
+prelude to their destruction. Happy would it be, if we, who are
+intrusted with their interest, could find any arguments to convince them
+that their terrour was merely panick.
+
+That these fears have already extended their influence to the county
+which I represent, the petition which I now beg leave to lay before the
+house, will sufficiently evince; and I hope their remonstrances will
+prevail with this assembly to remove the cause of their disquiet, by
+rejecting the bill.
+
+This was entitled "a petition of several gentlemen, freeholders, and
+other inhabitants of the county of Gloucester, in behalf of themselves,
+and all other, the freeholders of the said county," setting forth, in
+substance, "That the petitioners being informed that a bill was
+depending in this house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, containing
+several clauses which, should the bill pass into a law, would, as the
+petitioners apprehend, impose hardships upon the people too heavy to be
+borne, and create discontents in the minds of his majesty's subjects;
+would subvert all the rights and privileges of a Briton; and overturn
+Magna Charta itself, the basis on which they are built; and, by these
+means, destroy that very liberty, for the preservation of which the
+present royal family was established upon the throne of Britain; for
+which reasons, such a law could never be obeyed, or much blood would be
+shed in consequence of it."
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then spoke, to this purport:--Sir, I have attended to
+this petition with the utmost impartiality, and have endeavoured to
+affix, to every period, the most innocent sense; but cannot forbear to
+declare it as my opinion, that it is far distant from the style of
+submission and request: instead of persuading, they attempt to
+intimidate us, and menace us with no less than bloodshed and rebellion.
+They make themselves the judges of our proceedings, and appeal, from our
+determinations, to their own opinion, and declare that they will obey no
+longer than they approve.
+
+If such petitions as these, sir, are admitted; if the legislature shall
+submit to receive laws, and subjects resume, at pleasure, the power with
+which the government is vested, what is this assembly but a convention
+of empty phantoms, whose determinations are nothing more than a mockery
+of state?
+
+Every insult upon this house is a violation of our constitution; and the
+constitution, like every other fabrick, by being often battered, must
+fall at last. It is, indeed, already destroyed, if there be, in the
+nation, any body of men who shall, with impunity, refuse to comply with
+the laws, plead the great charter of liberty against those powers that
+made it, and fix the limits of their own obedience.
+
+I cannot, sir, pass over, in silence, the mention of the king, whose
+title to the throne, and the reasons for which he was exalted to it, are
+set forth with uncommon art and spirit of diction; but spirit, which, in
+my opinion, appears not raised by zeal, but by sedition; and which,
+therefore, it is our province to repress.
+
+That his majesty reigns for the preservation of liberty, will be readily
+confessed; but how shall we be able to preserve it, if his laws are not
+obeyed?
+
+Let us, therefore, in regard to the dignity of the assembly, to the
+efficacy of our determinations, and the security of our constitution,
+discourage all those who shall address us for the future, on this or any
+other occasion, from speaking in the style of governours and dictators,
+by refusing that this petition should be laid on the table.
+
+[The question was put, and it was agreed, by the whole house, that it
+should not lie on the table.]
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM rose up again, and spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot but
+congratulate the house upon the unanimity with which this petition, a
+petition of which I speak in the softest language, when I call it
+irreverent and disrespectful, has been refused the regard commonly paid
+to the remonstrances of our constituents, whose rights I am far from
+desiring to infringe, when I endeavour to regulate their conduct, and
+recall them to their duty.
+
+This is an occasion, on which it is, in my opinion, necessary to exert
+our authority with confidence and vigour, as the spirit of opposition
+must always be proportioned to that of the attack. Let us, therefore,
+not only refuse to this petition the usual place on our table, but
+reject it as unworthy of this house.
+
+[The question was put, and the petition rejected, with scarcely any
+opposition.]
+
+The house then entered upon the consideration of the bill, and when the
+report was made from the committee, and the blanks filled up, sir
+William YONGE spoke, in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, the bill has been brought, by steady perseverance and diligent
+attention, to such perfection, that much more important effects may be
+expected from it than from any former law for the same purpose, if it be
+executed with the same calmness and resolution, the same contempt of
+popular clamour, and the same invariable and intrepid adherence to the
+publick good, that has been shown in forming and defending it.
+
+But what can we hope from this, or any other law, if particular men, who
+cannot be convinced of its expedience, shall not only refuse to obey it,
+but declare their design of obstructing the execution of it? shall
+determine to retire from the sphere of their authority, rather than
+exercise it in compliance with the decree of the senate, and threaten,
+in plain terms, to call the country in to their assistance, and to pour
+the rabble by thousands upon those who shall dare to do their duty, and
+obey their governours?
+
+Such declarations as these, sir, are little less than sallies of
+rebellion; and, if they pass without censure, will, perhaps, produce
+such commotions as may require to be suppressed by other means than
+forms of law and senatorial censures.
+
+Nor do I think that, by rejecting the petition, we have sufficiently
+established our authority; for, in my opinion, we yielded too much in
+receiving it. The bill before us whatever may be its title, is, in
+reality, a money bill; a bill, by which aids are granted to the crown;
+and we have, therefore, no necessity of rejecting petitions on this
+occasion, because the standing orders of the house forbid us to admit
+them.
+
+They then proceeded to the amendments, and when the clause for limiting
+the wages of seamen was read, sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to
+this effect:--
+
+Sir, we are now to consider the clause to which the petition relates,
+which I have now presented, a petition on a subject of so general
+importance, and offered by men so well acquainted with every argument
+that can be offered, and every objection which can be raised, that their
+request of being heard by their council cannot be denied, without
+exposing us to the censure of adhering obstinately to our own opinions,
+of shutting our ears against information, of preferring expedition to
+security, and disregarding the welfare of our country.
+
+It will not be necessary to defer our determinations on this clause for
+more than three days, though we should gratify this just and common
+request. And will not this loss be amply compensated by the satisfaction
+of the people, for whose safety we are debating, and by the
+consciousness that we have neglected nothing which might contribute to
+the efficacy of our measures?
+
+The merchants, sir, do not come before us with loud remonstrances and
+harassing complaints, they do not apply to our passions, but our
+understandings, and offer such informations as will very much facilitate
+the publick service. It has been frequent, in the course of this debate,
+to hear loud demands for better expedients, and more efficacious, than
+those which have been proposed; and is it to be conceived that those who
+called thus eagerly for new proposals, intended not to inform
+themselves, but to silence their opponents?
+
+From whom, sir, are the best methods for the prosecution of naval
+affairs to be expected, but from those whose lives are spent in the
+study of commerce, whose fortunes depend upon the knowledge of the sea,
+and who will, most probably, exert their abilities in contriving
+expedients to promote the success of the war, than they whom the
+miscarriage of our fleets must irreparably ruin?
+
+The merchants, sir, are enabled by their profession to inform us--are
+deterred by their interest from deceiving us; they have, like all other
+subjects, a right to be heard on any question; and a better right than
+any other when their interest is more immediately affected; and,
+therefore, to refuse to hear them, will be, at once, impolitick and
+cruel; it will discover, at the same time, a contempt of the most
+valuable part of our fellow-subjects, and an inflexible adherence to our
+own opinions.
+
+The expedient of asserting this to be a money bill, by which the just
+remonstrances of the merchants are intended to be eluded, is too trivial
+and gross to be adopted by this assembly: if this bill can be termed a
+money bill, and no petitions are, therefore, to be admitted against it,
+I know not any bill relating to the general affairs of the nation which
+may not plead the same title to an exemption from petitions.
+
+I therefore desire that the consideration of this clause may be deferred
+for two days, that the arguments of the merchants may be examined, and
+that this affair may not be determined without the clearest knowledge
+and exactest information.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, the petition,
+whether justifiable or not, with regard to the occasion on which it is
+presented, or the language in which it is expressed, is certainly
+offered at an improper time, and, therefore, can lay no claim to the
+regard of this assembly.
+
+The time prescribed, by the rules of this house, for the reception of
+petitions, is that at which the bill is first introduced, not at which
+it is to be finally determined.
+
+The petition before us is said not to regard the bill in general, but a
+particular clause; and it is, therefore, asserted, that it may now
+properly be heard: but this plea will immediately vanish, when it shall
+be made appear that the clause is not mentioned in it, and that there is
+no particular relation between that and the petition, which I shall
+attempt--
+
+Here sir John BARNARD, remarking that sir Robert WALPOLE had the
+petition in his hand, rose, and said:--Sir, I rise thus abruptly to
+preserve the order of this assembly, and to prevent any gentleman from
+having, in this debate, any other advantage, above the rest, than that
+of superiour abilities, or more extensive knowledge.
+
+The petition was not ordered, by the house, to be placed in the right
+honourable gentleman's hand, but on the table; nor has he a right to
+make use of any other means for his information, than are in the power
+of any other member: if he is in doubt upon any particulars contained in
+it, he may move that the clerk should read it to the house.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE laid down the paper; Mr. PELHAM rose, and said:--Sir,
+I am so far from thinking the rules of the house asserted, that, in my
+opinion, the right of the members is infringed by this peremptory
+demand. Is it not, in the highest degree, requisite, that he who is
+about to reason upon the petition should acquaint himself with the
+subject on which he is to speak.
+
+What inconveniencies can ensue from such liberties as this, I am not
+able to discover; and, as all the orders of the house are, doubtless,
+made for more easy and expeditious despatch, if an order be contrary to
+this end, it ought to be abrogated for the reasons for which others are
+observed.
+
+The confidence with which this petition was presented, will not suffer
+us to imagine that the person who offered it fears that it can suffer by
+a close examination; and I suppose, though he has spoken so warmly in
+favour of it, without perusing, he does not expect that others should
+with equal confidence admit--
+
+Sir John BARNARD observing that sir Robert WALPOLE leaned forward
+towards the table, to read the petition as it lay, rose, and said:--Sir,
+I rise once more to demand the observation of the orders of the house,
+and to hinder the right honourable gentleman from doing by stratagem,
+what he did more openly and honestly before.
+
+It was to little purpose that he laid down the petition, if he placed it
+within reach of his inspection? for I was only desirous, sir, to hinder
+him from reading, and was far from suspecting that he would take it
+away. I insist, that henceforward, he obey the rules of this assembly,
+with his eyes as well as with his hands, and take no advantage of his
+seat, which may enable him to perplex the question in debate.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT spoke thus:--Sir, it is, undoubtedly, required by the
+orders of the house, that the petitions should lie upon the table; and
+that any member, who is desirous of any farther satisfaction, should
+move that they be read by the clerk, that every member may have the same
+opportunity of understanding and considering them; and that no one may
+be excluded from information, by the curiosity or delays of another. But
+the importance of this affair seems not to be so very great as to
+require a rigorous observance of the rules; and it were to be wished,
+for the ease and expedition of our deliberations, that gentlemen would
+rather yield points of indifference to one another, than insist so
+warmly on circumstances of a trivial nature.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the petition,
+which being immediately done, he proceeded in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, having sat above forty years in this assembly, and never been
+called to order before, I was somewhat disconcerted by a censure so new
+and unexpected, and, in my opinion, undeserved. So that I am somewhat at
+a loss, with regard to the train of arguments which I had formed, and
+which I will now endeavour to recover. Yet I cannot but remark, that
+those gentlemen who are so solicitous for order in others, ought,
+themselves, invariably to observe it; and that if I have once given an
+unhappy precedent of violating the rules of this house, I have, in some
+measure, atoned for my inadvertence, by a patient attention to reproof,
+and a ready submission to authority.
+
+I hope, sir, I may claim some indulgence from the motive of my offence,
+which was only a desire of accuracy, and an apprehension that I might,
+by mistaking or forgetting some passages in the petition, lose my own
+time, and interrupt the proceedings of the house to no purpose.
+
+But having now, according to order, heard the petition, and found no
+reason to alter my opinion, I shall endeavour to convince the house that
+it ought not to be granted.
+
+The petition, sir, is so far from bearing any particular relation to the
+clause now before us, that it does not, in any part, mention the
+expedient proposed in it, but contains a general declaration of
+discontent, suspicion, apprehensions of dangerous proceedings, and
+dislike of our proceedings; insinuations, sir, by no means consistent
+with the reverence due to this assembly, and which the nature of civil
+government requires always to be paid to the legislative power.
+
+To suspect any man, sir, in common life, is in some degree to detract
+from his reputation, which must suffer in proportion to the supposed
+wisdom and integrity of him who declares his suspicion. To suspect the
+conduct of this senate, is to invalidate their decisions, and subject
+them to contempt and opposition.
+
+Such, and such only, appears to be the tendency of the petition which
+has now been read; a petition, sir, very unskilfully drawn, if it was
+intended against the clause under our consideration, for it has not a
+single period or expression that does not equally regard all the other
+clauses.
+
+If any particular objection is made, or any single grievance more
+distinctly pointed at, it is the practice of impresses, a hardship, I
+own, peculiar to the sailors; but it must be observed that it is a
+practice established by immemorial custom, and a train of precedents not
+to be numbered; and it is well known that the whole common law of this
+nation is nothing more than custom, of which the beginning cannot be
+traced.
+
+Impresses, sir, have in all ages been issued out by virtue of the
+imperial prerogative, and have in all ages been obeyed; and if this
+exertion of the authority had been considered as a method of severity
+not compensated by the benefits which it produces, we cannot imagine but
+former senates, amidst all their ardour for liberty, all their
+tenderness for the people, and all their abhorrence of the power of the
+crown, would have obviated it by some law, at those times when nothing
+could have been refused them.
+
+The proper time for new schemes and long deliberations, for amending our
+constitution, and removing inveterate grievances, are the days of
+prosperity and safety, when no immediate danger presses upon us, nor any
+publick calamity appears to threaten us; but when war is declared, when
+we are engaged in open hostilities against one nation, and expect to be
+speedily attacked by another, we are not to try experiments, but apply
+to dangerous evils those remedies, which, though disagreeable, we know
+to be efficacious.
+
+And though, sir, the petitioners have been more particular, I cannot
+discover the reasonableness of hearing them by their council; for to
+what purpose are the lawyers to be introduced? Not to instruct us by
+their learning, for their employment is to understand the laws that have
+been already made, and support the practices which they find
+established. But the question before us relates not to the past but the
+future, nor are we now to examine what has been done in former ages, but
+what it will become us to establish on the present occasion; a subject
+of inquiry on which this house can expect very little information from
+the professors of the law?
+
+Perhaps the petitioners expect from their counsel, that they should
+display the fecundity of their imagination, and the elegance of their
+language; that they should amuse us with the illusions of oratory,
+dazzle us with bright ideas, affect us with strong representations, and
+lull us with harmonious periods; but if it be only intended that just
+facts and valid arguments should be laid before us, they will be
+received without the decorations of the bar. For this end, sir, it would
+have been sufficient had the merchants informed their representatives of
+the methods which they have to propose; for the abilities of the
+gentlemen whom the city has deputed to this assembly, are well known to
+be such as stand in need of no assistance from occasional orators. Nor
+can it be expected that any men will be found more capable of
+understanding the arguments of the merchants, or better qualified to lay
+them before the senate.
+
+That every petitioner has, except on money bills, a right to be heard,
+is undoubtedly true; but it is no less evident that this right is
+limited to a certain time, and that on this occasion the proper time is
+elapsed. Justice is due both to individuals and to the nation; if
+petitions may at any time be offered, and are, whenever offered, to be
+heard, a small body of men might, by unseasonable and importunate
+petitions, retard any occasional law, till it should become unnecessary.
+
+Petitions, sir, are to be offered when a new bill is brought into the
+house, that all useful information may be obtained; but when it has
+passed through the examination of the committees, has been approved by
+the collective wisdom of the senate, and requires only a formal
+ratification to give it the force of a law, it is neither usual nor
+decent to offer petitions, or declare any dislike of what the senate has
+admitted.
+
+We are not, when we have proceeded thus far, to suffer pleaders to
+examine our conduct, or vary our determinations, according to the
+opinions of those whom we ought to believe less acquainted with the
+question than ourselves. Should we once be reduced to ask advice, and
+submit to dictators, what would be the reputation of this assembly in
+foreign courts, or in our own country? What could be expected, but that
+our enemies of every kind would endeavour to regulate our determinations
+by bribing our instructers.
+
+Nor can I think it necessary that lawyers should be employed in laying
+before us any scheme which the merchants may propose, for supplying the
+defects, and redressing the inconveniencies, of the laws by which
+sailors are at present levied for the royal navy; for how should lawyers
+be more qualified than other men, to explain the particular advantages
+of such expedients, or to answer any objections which may happen to
+rise?
+
+It is well known that it is not easy for the most happy speaker to
+impress his notions with the strength with which he conceives them, and
+yet harder is the task of transmitting imparted knowledge, of conveying
+to others those sentiments which we have not struck out by our own
+reflection, nor collected from our own experience, but received merely
+from the dictates of another.
+
+Yet such must be the information that lawyers can give us, who can only
+relate what they have implicitly received, and weaken the arguments
+which they have heard, by an imperfect recital.
+
+Nor do I only oppose the admission of lawyers to our bar, but think the
+right of the merchants themselves, in the present case, very
+questionable; for though in general it must be allowed, that every
+petitioner has a claim to our attention, yet it is to be inquired
+whether it is likely that the publick happiness is his chief concern,
+and whether his private interest is not too much affected to suffer him
+to give impartial evidence, or honest information. Scarcely any law can
+be made by which some man is not either impoverished, or hindered from
+growing rich; and we are not to listen to complaints, of which the
+foundation is so easily discovered, or imagine a law less useful,
+because those who suffer some immediate inconvenience from it, do not
+approve it.
+
+The question before us is required, by the present exigence of our
+affairs, to be speedily decided; and though the merchants have, with
+great tenderness, compassion, and modesty, condescended to offer us
+their advice, I think expedition preferable to any information that can
+reasonably be expected from them, and that as they will suffer, in the
+first place, by any misconduct of our naval affairs, we shall show more
+regard to their interest by manning our fleet immediately, than by
+waiting three or four days for farther instructions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS answered to this effect:--Sir, the merchants of London
+whether we consider their numbers, their property, their integrity, or
+their wisdom, are a body of too much importance to be thus
+contemptuously rejected; rejected when they ask nothing that can be
+justly denied to the meanest subject of the empire, when they propose to
+speak on nothing but what their profession enables them to understand.
+
+To no purpose is it urged, that the bill is far advanced, for if we have
+not proceeded in the right way, we ought to be in more haste to return,
+in proportion as we have gone farther; nor can I discover why we should
+expedite, with so much assiduity, measures which are judged ineffectual,
+by those who know their consequences best, and for whose advantage they
+are particularly designed.
+
+That we have already spent so much time in considering methods for
+manning the fleet, is surely one reason why we should endeavour at last
+to establish such as may be effectual; nor can we hope to succeed
+without a patient attention to their opinion, who must necessarily be
+well experienced in naval affairs.
+
+It is surely, therefore, neither prudent nor just to shut out
+intelligence from our assemblies, and ridicule the good intention of
+those that offer it, to consult upon the best expedients for encouraging
+and increasing sailors, and when the merchants offer their scheme, to
+treat them as saucy, impertinent, idle meddlers, that assume--
+
+Here the ATTORNEY GENERAL called him to order, and spoke after this
+manner:--Sir, it is not very consistent to press the despatch of
+business, and to retard it, at the same time, by invidious insinuations,
+or unjust representations of arguments or expressions: whenever any
+expression is censured, it ought to be repeated in the same words; for
+otherwise, does not the animadverter raise the phantom that he
+encounters? Does he not make the stain, which he endeavours, with so
+much officious zeal, to wipe away.
+
+That no epithets of contempt or ridicule have, in this debate, been
+applied to the merchants, nor any violation of decency attempted, it is
+unnecessary to prove, and, therefore, it is neither regular nor candid
+to represent any man as aggravating the refusal of their petition with
+reproaches and insults. But not to dwell longer on this incident, I will
+take the liberty of reminding the gentleman, that personal invectives
+are always, at least superfluous, and that the business of the day
+requires rather arguments than satire.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then spoke as follows:--Sir, I am by no means convinced that
+the learned gentleman who charges me with irregularity, is better
+acquainted than myself with the rules and customs of this house, which I
+have studied with great application, assisted by long experience. I
+hope, therefore, it will be no inexcusable presumption, if, instead of a
+tacit submission to his censure, I assert, in my own vindication, that I
+have not deviated from the established rules of the senate, that I have
+spoken only in defence of merit insulted, and that I have condemned only
+such injurious insinuations. I did not, sir, attempt to repeat
+expressions, as ought not to be heard without reply.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT said:--I believe the gentleman either heard
+imperfectly, or misunderstood these expressions, which he so warmly
+condemns, for nothing has been uttered that could justly excite his
+indignation. My office obliges me on this occasion to remark, that the
+regard due to the dignity of the house ought to restrain every member
+from digressions into private satire; for in proportion as we proceed
+with less decency, our determinations will have less influence.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the reputation
+which the honourable gentleman has acquired by his uncommon knowledge of
+the usages of the senate, is too well founded to be shaken, nor was any
+attack upon his character intended, when he was interrupted in the
+prosecution of his design. To censure any indecent expression, by
+whomsoever uttered, is, doubtless, consistent with the strictest
+regularity; nor is it less proper to obviate any misrepresentation which
+inattention or mistake may produce.
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking that the gentleman's indignation was
+excited rather by malice than mistake; but mistakes of this kind may
+produce consequences which cannot be too cautiously avoided. How
+unwillingly would that gentleman propagate through the nation an opinion
+that the merchants were insulted in this house, their interest
+neglected, and their intelligence despised, at a time when no aspersion
+was thrown upon them, nor any thing intended but tenderness and regard?
+And yet such had been the representation of this day's debate, which
+this numerous audience would have conveyed to the populace, had not the
+mistake been immediately rectified, and the rumour crushed in the birth.
+
+Nothing, sir, can be more injurious to the character of this assembly,
+by which the people are represented, than to accuse them of treating any
+class of men with insolence and contempt; and too much diligence cannot
+be used in obviating a report which cannot be spread in the nation,
+without giving rise to discontent, clamours, and sedition.
+
+Those who shall be inclined to reject the petition, may, perhaps, act
+with no less regard to the merchants, and may promote their interest and
+their security with no less ardour than those who most solicitously
+labour for its reception: for, if they are not allowed to be heard, it
+is only because the publick interest requires expedition, and because
+every delay of our preparations is an injury to trade.
+
+That this is not a proper time for petitions against the bill to be
+heard, is universally known; and I can discover nothing in the petition
+that restrains it to this particular clause, which is so far from being
+specified, that it appears to be the only part of the bill of which they
+have had no intelligence.
+
+Let the warmest advocates for the petition point out any part of it that
+relates to this single clause, and I will retract my assertion; but as
+it appears that there are only general declarations of the inexpediency
+of the measures proposed, and the pernicious tendency of the methods now
+in use, what is the petition, but a complaint against the bill, and a
+request that it should be laid aside.
+
+The practice of impresses, sir, is particularly censured, as severe and
+oppressive; a charge which, however true, has no relation to this
+clause, which is intended to promote the voluntary engagement of sailors
+in the service of the crown; yet it may not be improper to observe, that
+as the practice of impressing is, in itself, very efficacious, and well
+adapted to sudden emergencies; as it has been established by a long
+succession of ages, and is, therefore, become almost a part of our
+constitution; and as it is at this time necessary to supply the navy
+with the utmost expedition, it is neither decent nor prudent to complain
+too loudly against, or to heighten the discontent of the people at a
+necessary evil.
+
+We have, sir, examined every part of this bill with the attention which
+the defence of the nation requires; we have softened the rigour of the
+methods first proposed, and admitted no violence or hardship that is not
+absolutely necessary, to make the law effectual, which, like every other
+law, must be executed by force, if it be obstructed or opposed. We have
+inserted a great number of amendments, proposed by those who are
+represented as the most anxious guardians of the privileges of the
+people; and it is not, surely, to no purpose that the great council of
+the nation has so long and so studiously laboured.
+
+Those who are chosen by the people to represent them, have undoubtedly,
+sir, some claim as individuals to their confidence and respect; for to
+imagine that they have committed the great charge of senatorial
+employments, that they have trusted their liberties and their happiness
+to those whose integrity they suspect, or whose understandings they
+despise, is to imagine them much more stupid than they have been
+represented by those who are censured as their enemies.
+
+But far different is the regard due to the determinations formed by the
+collective wisdom of the senate; a regard which ought to border upon
+reverence, and which is scarcely consistent with the least murmur of
+dissatisfaction.
+
+If we are to hear the present petitioners, is it not probable, that
+before we have despatched them, we shall be solicited by others, who
+will then plead the same right, supported by a new precedent? And is it
+not possible that by one interruption upon another, our measures may be
+delayed, till they shall be ineffectual?
+
+It seems to me to be of much more importance to defend the merchants
+than to hear them; and I shall, therefore, think no concessions at this
+time expedient, which may obstruct the great end of our endeavours, the
+equipment of the fleet.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke as follows:--Sir, notwithstanding the art and
+eloquence with which this grant of the merchants' petition has been
+opposed, I am not yet able to discover that any thing is asked
+unreasonable, unprecedented, or inconvenient; and I am confident, that
+no real objection can have been overlooked by the gentlemen who have
+spoken against it.
+
+I have spent, sir, thirty-five years of my life in the senate, and know
+that information has always, upon important questions, been willingly
+received; and it cannot surely be doubted that the petitioners are best
+able to inform us of naval business, and to judge what will be the right
+method of reconciling the sailors to the publick service, and of
+supplying our fleets without injuring our trade.
+
+Their abilities and importance have been hitherto so generally
+acknowledged, that no senate has yet refused to attend to their opinion;
+and surely we ought not to be ambitious of being the first assembly of
+the representatives of the people, that has refused an audience to the
+merchants.
+
+With regard to the expedience of delaying the bill at the present
+conjuncture, he must think very contemptuously of the petitioners, who
+imagines that they have nothing to offer that will counterbalance a
+delay of two days, and must entertain an elevated idea of the vigilance
+and activity of our enemies, enemies never before eminent for
+expedition, if he believes that they can gain great advantages in so
+short a time.
+
+The chief reason of the opposition appears, indeed, not to be either the
+irregularity or inexpediency of hearing them, but the offence which some
+have received from an irreverent mention of the power of impressing, a
+power which never can be mentioned without complaint or detestation.
+
+It is not, indeed, impossible that they may intend to represent to the
+house, how much the sailors are oppressed, how much our commerce is
+impeded, and how much the power of the nation is exhausted, by this
+cruel method. They may propose to show that sailors, not having the
+choice of their voyages, are often hurried through a sudden change of
+climates, from one extreme to another, and that nothing can be expected
+from such vicissitudes, but sickness, lameness, and death. They may
+propose, that to have just arrived from the south may be pleaded as an
+exemption from an immediate voyage to the north, and that the seaman may
+have some time to prepare himself for so great an alteration, by a
+residence of a few months in a temperate climate.
+
+If this should be their intention, it cannot, in my opinion, sir, be
+called either unreasonable or disrespectful, nor will their allegations
+be easily disproved.
+
+But it is insinuated, that their grievances are probably such as affect
+them only as distinct from the rest of the community, and that they have
+nothing to complain of but a temporary interruption of their private
+advantage.
+
+I have, indeed, no idea of the _private advantage_ of a legal trader:
+for unless, sir, we neglect our duty of providing that no commerce shall
+be carried on to the detriment of the publick, the merchant's profit
+must be the profit of the nation, and their interests inseparably
+combined.
+
+It may, however, be possible, that the merchants may, like other men,
+prefer their immediate to their greater advantage, and may be impatient
+of a painful remedy, though necessary to prevent a more grievous evil.
+But let us not censure them by suspicion, and punish them for a crime
+which it is only possible they may commit; let us, sir, at least have
+all the certainty that can be obtained, and allow them an audience; let
+us neither be so positive as not to receive information, nor so rigorous
+as not to listen to entreaties.
+
+If the merchants have nothing to offer, nothing but complaints, and can
+propose no better measures than those which they lament, if their
+arguments should be found to regard only their present interest, and to
+be formed upon narrow views and private purposes, it will be easy to
+detect the imposture, and reject it with the indignation it shall
+deserve; nor will our proceedings be then censured by the nation, which
+requires not that the merchants should be implicitly believed, though it
+expects that they should be heard. Let us at least have a _convention_,
+though we should not be able to conclude a treaty.
+
+I know not, sir, why we have not taken care to obviate all these
+difficulties, and to remove the necessity of petitions, debates,
+searches, and impresses, by the plain and easy method of a voluntary
+register; by retaining such a number of seamen as may probably be
+requisite upon sudden emergencies. Would not the nation with more
+cheerfulness contribute half-pay to those who are daily labouring for
+the publick good, than to the caterpillars of the land service, that
+grow old in laziness, and are disabled only by vice?
+
+Let ten thousand men receive daily a small salary, upon condition that
+they shall be ready, whenever called upon, to engage in the service of
+the crown, and the difficulty of our naval preparations will be at an
+end.
+
+That it is necessary to exert ourselves on this occasion, and to strike
+out some measures for securing the dominion of the ocean, cannot be
+denied by any one who considers that we have now no other pretensions to
+maintain; that all our influence on the continent, at whatever expense
+gained and supported, is now in a manner lost, and only the reputation
+of our naval strength remains to preserve us from being trampled on and
+insulted by every power, and from finding Spaniards in every climate.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance, as follows:--Sir, the violence
+and severity of impresses, so often and so pathetically complained of,
+appears to be now nothing more than a punishment inflicted upon those
+who neglect or refuse to receive the encouragement offered, with the
+utmost liberality, by the government, and decline the service of their
+country from a spirit of avarice, obstinacy, or resentment.
+
+That such men deserve some severities, cannot be doubted, and therefore
+a law by which no penalty should be enacted, would be imperfect and
+ineffectual. The observation, sir, of all laws is to be enforced by
+rewards on one side, and punishments on the other, that every passion
+may be influenced, and even our weakness made instrumental to the
+performance of our duty.
+
+In the bill before us no punishment is, indeed, expressly decreed,
+because the sailors who shall disregard it, are only left to their
+former hardships, from which those who engage voluntarily in the service
+of the navy are exempted.
+
+Why so many rewards and so much violence should be necessary to allure
+or force the sailors into the publick service, I am unable to
+comprehend: for, excepting the sudden change of climates, which may,
+doubtless, sometimes bring on distempers, the service of the king has no
+disadvantages which are not common to that of the merchants.
+
+The wages in the navy are, indeed, less: but then it is to be
+remembered, that they are certainly paid, and that the sailor is in less
+danger of losing, by a tempest or a wreck, the whole profits of his
+voyage; because, if he can preserve his life, he receives his pay. But
+in trading voyages, the seamen mortgage their wages, as a security for
+their care, which, if the ship is lost, they are condemned to forfeit.
+
+Thus, sir, the hardships of the navy appear not so great when compared
+with those of the merchants' service, as they have been hitherto
+represented; and I doubt not, that if counsellors were to be heard on
+both sides, the measures taken for supplying the fleet would be found to
+be reasonable and just.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose to speak, when Mr. FOX called to order, and
+proceeded:
+
+Sir, it is well known to be one of the standing and unvariable orders of
+this house, that no member shall speak twice in a debate on the same
+question, except when for greater freedom we resolve ourselves into a
+committee. Upon this question the honourable gentleman has already
+spoken, and cannot, therefore, be heard again without such a
+transgression of our orders as must inevitably produce confusion.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, I know not for what reason the
+honourable gentleman apprehends any violation of the order of the house;
+for, as I have not yet spoken upon the present question, I have an
+undoubted right to be heard, a right which that gentleman cannot take
+away.
+
+Sir William YONGE next spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+secret distinction the gentleman supports in his own mind this
+declaration, which, to the whole house, must appear very difficult to be
+defended; for we must, before we can admit it, allow our memories to
+have forsaken us, and our eyes and ears to have been deceived.
+
+Did he not, as soon as the clause before us was read, rise and assert
+the characters of the petitioners, and their right to the attention of
+the house? Did he not dwell upon their importance, their abilities, and
+their integrity; and enforce, with his usual eloquence, every motive to
+the reception of the petition? How then can he assert that he has not
+spoken in the present debate, and how can he expect to be heard a second
+time, since, however his eloquence may please, and his arguments
+convince, that pleasure and conviction cannot now be obtained, without
+infringing the standing orders of the house.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT rose, and spoke to this purport: It is not without
+uneasiness that I see the time of the house, and of the publick, wasted
+in fruitless cavils and unnecessary controversies. Every gentleman ought
+now to consider that we are consulting upon no trivial question, and
+that expedition is not less necessary than accuracy. It cannot be
+denied, sir, [to sir John BARNARD] that you have already spoken on this
+question, and that the rules of the house do not allow you to speak a
+second time.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE said:--Sir, I am far from thinking the order of the
+house so sacred, as that it may not be neglected on some important
+occasions; and if the gentleman has any thing to urge so momentous,
+that, in his own opinion, it outweighs the regard due to our rules, I
+shall willingly consent that he shall be heard.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke as follows:--Sir, I am far from being inclined to
+receive as a favour, what, in my own opinion, I may claim as a right,
+and desire not to owe the liberty of speaking to the condescension of
+the right honourable gentleman.
+
+What I have to urge is no less against the bill in general, than the
+particular clause now immediately under our consideration, and though
+the petition should relate likewise to the whole bill, I cannot discover
+why we should refuse to hear it.
+
+Petitions from men of much inferiour rank, and whose interest is much
+less closely connected with that of the publick, have been thought
+necessary to be heard, nor is the meanest individual to be injured or
+restrained, without being admitted to offer his arguments in his own
+favour. Even the journeymen shoemakers, one of the lowest classes of the
+community, have been permitted to bring their counsel to our bar, and
+remonstrate against the inconveniencies to which they were afraid of
+being subjected.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke thus:--Sir, I am always willing to hear petitions,
+when respectfully drawn up, and regularly subscribed, but can by no
+means discover that this is a real petition, for I have heard of no
+names affixed to it; it is, therefore, a request from nobody, and by
+rejecting it no man is refused. It may, so far as can be discovered, be
+drawn up by the gentleman who offered it, and, perhaps, no other person
+may be acquainted with it.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is, in my opinion,
+necessary that a petition in the name of the merchants of London should
+be subscribed by the whole number, for if only a few should put their
+names to it, how does it appear that it is any thing more than an
+apprehension of danger to their own particular interest, which, perhaps,
+the other part, their rivals in trade, may consider as an advantage, or
+at least regard with indifference. This suspicion is much more
+reasonable, when a petition is subscribed by a smaller number, who may
+easily be imagined to have partial views, and designs not wholly
+consistent with the interest of the publick.
+
+Admiral WAGER then spoke thus:--Sir, if I am rightly informed, another
+petition is preparing by several eminent merchants, that this clause may
+stand part of the bill; and, certainly, they ought to be heard as well
+as the present petitioners, which will occasion great and unnecessary
+delays, and, therefore, I am against the motion.
+
+Advocate CAMPBELL answered to this effect:--Sir, I agree with that
+honourable gentleman, that if the merchants are divided in opinion upon
+this point, one side ought to be heard as well as the other, and hope
+the house will come to a resolution for that purpose: for I shall
+invariably promote every proposal which tends to procure the fullest
+information in all affairs that shall come before us.
+
+[Then the question was put, that the farther consideration of the report
+be adjourned for two days, in order to hear the merchants, and it passed
+in the negative, ayes, 142; noes, 192.]
+
+[On the report this day, the eleven clauses of severity were given up
+without any division, and a clause was added, viz. "Provided that
+nothing in this bill shall be construed to extend to any contracts or
+agreements for the hire of seamen (or persons employed as such) in
+voyages from parts beyond the seas, to any other parts beyond the seas,
+or to Great Britain."]
+
+The engrossed bill "for the increase and encouragement of seamen," was
+read, according to order, when Mr. DIGBY rose, and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, I have a clause to be offered to the house, as necessary to be
+inserted in the bill before us, which was put into my hands by a member,
+whom a sudden misfortune has made unable to attend his duty, and which,
+in his opinion, and mine, is of great importance, and I shall,
+therefore, take the liberty of reading it.
+
+"Be it enacted, that every seaman offering himself to serve his majesty,
+shall, upon being refused, receive from such captain, lieutenant, or
+justice of the peace, a certificate, setting forth the reasons for which
+he is refused, which certificate may be produced by him, as an exemption
+from being seized by a warrant of impress."
+
+I hope the reasonableness and equity of this clause is so incontestably
+apparent, that it will find no opposition; for what can be more cruel,
+unjust, or oppressive, than to punish men for neglect of a law which
+they have endeavoured to obey. To what purpose are rewards offered, if
+they are denied to those who come to claim them? What is it less than
+theft, and fraud, to force a man into the service, who would willingly
+have entered, and subject him to hardships, without the recompense which
+he may justly demand from the solemn promise of the legislature.
+
+Admiral WAGER next spoke to this effect:--Sir, to this clause, which the
+gentleman has represented as so reasonable and just, objections may, in
+my opinion, be easily made, of which he will himself acknowledge the
+force. The great obstruction of publick measures is partiality, whether
+from friendship, bribery, or any other motive; against partiality alone
+the clause which is now offered, is levelled; and, indeed, it is so
+dangerous an evil, that it cannot be obviated with too much caution.
+
+But this clause, instead of preventing private correspondence, and
+illegal combinations, has an evident tendency to produce them, by
+inciting men to apply with pretended offers of service to those who are
+before suborned to refuse them, then make a merit of their readiness,
+and demand a certificate.
+
+By such artifices multitudes may exempt themselves from the impress, who
+may be known to be able sailors, even by those that conduct it; and may,
+under the protection of a certificate, fallaciously obtained, laugh at
+all endeavours to engage them in the publick service.
+
+Mr. DIGBY spoke thus:--Sir, if this authority, lodged in the hands of
+those who are proposed in the clause to be intrusted with it, be in
+danger of being executed, without due regard to the end for which it is
+granted, let it be placed where there is neither temptation nor
+opportunity to abuse it. Let the admiralty alone have the power of
+granting such certificates, the officers of which will be able to judge
+whether the sailor is really unfit for the service, and deliver those
+whom age or accidents have disabled from the terrour of impresses; for
+surely, he that is fit to serve, when taken by violence, is no less
+qualified when he enters voluntarily, and he who could not be admitted
+when he tendered himself, ought not to be dragged away, when, perhaps,
+he has contracted for another voyage.
+
+Mr. WAGER replied:--Sir, it is, doubtless, more proper to place such
+authority in the officers of the admiralty, than in any other; but it
+does not appear that the benefit which the sailors may receive from it,
+to whatever hands it is intrusted, will not be overbalanced by the
+injury which the publick will probably suffer.
+
+Sailors are frequently levied in remote parts of the kingdom; in ports
+where the admiralty cannot speedily be informed of the reasons for which
+those that may petition for certificates have been refused, and
+therefore cannot grant them without danger of being deceived by
+fraudulent accounts.
+
+The grievance for which the remedy is proposed cannot frequently occur;
+for it is not probable that in a time of naval preparations, any man
+qualified for the service should be rejected, since the officers gain
+nothing by their refusal.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke as follows:--Sir, it is very possible that those instances
+which may be produced of men, who have been impressed by one officer,
+after they have been rejected by another, may be only the consequences
+of the high value which every man is ready to set upon his own
+abilities: for he that offers himself, no doubt, demands the highest
+premium, though he be not an able sailor; and, if rejected, and
+afterwards impressed as a novice, thinks himself at liberty to complain,
+with the most importunate vehemence, of fraud, partiality, and
+oppression.
+
+[The question being put was resolved in the negative, almost
+unanimously.]
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL offered a clause, importing, "That all sailors who should
+take advance-money of the merchants, should be obliged to perform their
+agreements, or be liable to be taken up by any magistrate or justice of
+the peace, and deemed deserters, except they were in his majesty's ships
+of war."
+
+He was seconded by lord GAGE:--Sir, as this clause has no other tendency
+than to promote the interest of the merchants, without obstructing the
+publick preparations; as it tends only to confirm legal contracts, and
+facilitate that commerce from whence the wealth and power of this nation
+arises, I hope it will readily be admitted; as we may, by adding this
+sanction to the contracts made between the merchants and sailors, in
+some degree balance the obstructions wherewith we have embarrassed trade
+by the other clauses.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--This clause is unquestionably reasonable, but
+not necessary; for it is to be found already in an act made for the
+encouragement of the merchants, which is still in force, and ought,
+whenever any such frauds are committed, to be rigorously observed.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the act, in
+which the clause was accordingly found, and Mr. SOUTHWELL withdrew his
+motion.
+
+[Then the question was put, whether the bill "for the increase and
+encouragement of sailors" do pass, which was resolved in the
+affirmative, 153 against 79.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF MUTINY AND DESERTION.]
+
+
+The house being resolved into a committee for the consideration of the
+bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion, and for the better
+payment of the army and their quarters, etc. sir William YONGE desired
+that the twentieth and twenty-sixth clauses of the late act might be
+read, which were read as follows:
+
+XX. It is hereby enacted, that the officers and soldiers, so quartered
+and billeted, shall be received by the owners of the inns,
+livery-stables, ale-houses, victualling-houses, and other houses in
+which they are allowed to be quartered and billeted by this act; and
+shall pay such reasonable prices as shall be appointed, from time to
+time, by the justices of the peace, in their general and
+quarter-sessions of each county, city, or division, within their
+respective jurisdictions: and the justices of the peace aforesaid, are
+hereby empowered and required to set and appoint, in their general or
+quarter-sessions aforesaid, such reasonable rates, for all necessary
+provisions for such officers and soldiers, for one or more nights, in
+the several cities, towns, villages and other places, which they shall
+come to in their march, or which shall be appointed for their residence
+and quarters.
+
+XXVI. That the quarters, both of officers and soldiers in Great Britain,
+may be duly paid and satisfied, be it enacted, that every officer, to
+whom it belongs to receive the pay or subsistence-money, either for a
+whole regiment, or particular troops and companies, shall immediately,
+upon each receipt of every particular sum, on account of pay or
+subsistence, give publick notice thereof to all persons keeping inns, or
+other places where officers or soldiers are quartered by virtue of this
+act: also appoint them and others to repair to their quarters, within
+four days at the farthest, after the receipt of the same, to declare the
+accounts or debts (if any shall be) between them and the officers and
+soldiers quartered in their respective houses: which accounts the said
+officer or officers are hereby required immediately to discharge, before
+any part of the said pay or subsistence be distributed to the officers
+or soldiers: provided the said accounts exceed not for a commission
+officer of horse, under a captain, for _one day's diet and small beer_,
+two shillings; for one commission officer of dragoons, under a captain,
+one shilling; for one commission officer of foot, under a captain one
+shilling; and for hay and straw, for one horse, sixpence; for one
+dragoon or light horseman's diet and small beer, each day sixpence, and
+hay and straw for his horse, sixpence; and also not to exceed
+_fourpence_ a-day, for one _foot soldier's diet and small beer_.
+
+He then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whether there is any real
+difficulty in the clauses which you have now heard read, or whether
+there are such passages as may be easily understood by those who have no
+interest to mistake them, and which are only clouded by an artificial
+obscurity, whether they are in themselves capable of different meanings,
+or whether avarice or poverty have produced unreasonable
+interpretations, and found ambiguities only because they were determined
+not to be disappointed in their search; whether this law is disobeyed
+because it is misunderstood, or only misunderstood by those who have
+resolved to disobey it, the committee must determine.
+
+It has been for many years understood that innholders and keepers of
+publick-houses were obliged by this law to supply soldiers quartered
+upon them with diet and small beer, and hay and straw for their horses,
+at such rates as are mentioned in the act; nor can I discover that these
+clauses admit of any other interpretation, or that any other could be
+intended by the senate by which it was enacted. The pay of the soldiers,
+sir, was well known to those who gave their consent to this law, it was
+intended by them that the soldiers should be supplied with necessaries,
+and it could not be meant that they should pay for them more than they
+received; they, therefore, established the rate at which they were to be
+furnished, and fixed the highest rate which the wages of a soldier allow
+him to pay.
+
+This interpretation was, as I suppose, from its apparent consonance to
+reason, universally allowed, till the inhabitants of Ledbury, whither
+soldiers had been sent to suppress a riot and enforce the laws, found
+their apprehensions so sharpened by their malice, that they discovered
+in the act an ambiguity, which had, till that time, escaped the
+penetration of the most sagacious, and, upon comparison of one
+circumstance with another, found themselves under no obligation to give
+any assistance to the soldiers.
+
+They therefore, sir, not only refused to afford them victuals at the
+accustomed rates, but proceeding from one latitude of interpretation to
+another, at length denied them not only the privilege of diet, but the
+use of kitchen utensils, to dress the provisions which they bought for
+themselves, and at last denied their claim to the fire itself.
+
+The soldiers, exasperated not only at the breach of their established
+and uncontested privileges, but at the privation of the necessaries of
+life, began to think of methods more speedy and efficacious than those
+of arguments and remonstrances, and to form resolutions of procuring by
+force, what, in their opinions, was only by force withheld from them.
+
+What might have been the event of this controversy, to what extremities
+a contest about things so necessary might have been carried, how wide
+the contest might have spread, or how long it might have lasted, we may
+imagine, but cannot determine; had not a speedy decision been procured,
+its consequences might have been fatal to multitudes, and a great part
+of the nation been thrown into confusion.
+
+Having received an account of the affair from the officers who commanded
+at that place, I consulted the attorney-general what was the design of
+the law, and the extent of the obligation enforced by it, and was
+answered by him, that the sums which were to be paid for the diet of the
+men, and the hay and straw for the horses, being specified, it must
+necessarily be intended, by the legislature, that no higher rates should
+be demanded;--that the power granted to the justices of peace was wholly
+in favour of the soldier, and that they might lessen the payment at
+discretion in places of uncommon cheapness, or years of extraordinary
+plenty, but could not increase it on any occasion.
+
+Another dispute, sir, of the like nature was occasioned by the late
+scarcity at Wakefield, where the justices, upon the application of the
+innkeepers, made use of the authority which they supposed to have been
+reposed in them by the act, and raised the price of hay and straw to
+eight-pence, which the soldiers were not able to pay, without suffering
+for want of victuals.
+
+On this occasion, likewise, I was applied to, and upon consulting the
+present attorney-general, received the same answer as before; and
+transmitting his opinion to the place from whence I received the
+complaint, it had so much regard paid to it, that the additional demand
+was thence-forward remitted.
+
+The letters which those two learned lawyers sent to me on this subject I
+have now in my hand; and hope their opinion will be thought sufficient
+authority for the interpretation of an act of the senate.
+
+Nor is their authority, sir, however great, so strong a proof of the
+justness of this interpretation, as the reasonableness, or rather
+necessity of admitting it. The only argument that can be produced
+against it, is the hardship imposed by it on the innholder, who, as it
+is objected, must be obliged by the law, so understood, to furnish the
+soldiers with provisions for a price at which he cannot afford them.
+
+But let it be considered, how much more easily the landlord can furnish
+them at this price, than they can provide for themselves, and the
+difficulty will immediately vanish. If soldiers are necessary, they must
+necessarily be supported, and it appears, upon reflection, that their
+pay will not support them by any other method. If they are obliged to
+buy their victuals, they must likewise buy fire and implements to dress
+them; and what is still a greater hardship, they must sell them, and buy
+new, at every change of their quarters; if this is impossible, it will
+be allowed not to be the meaning of the senate, upon whose wisdom it
+would be a censure too severe to suppose them capable of enacting
+impossibilities.
+
+But to the innholder, sir, whose utensils are always in use, and whose
+fire is always burning, the diet of a soldier costs only the original
+price paid to the butcher; and, in years of common plenty, may be
+afforded, without loss, at the price mentioned in the act. It cannot,
+indeed, be denied, that, at present, every soldier is a burden to the
+family on which he is quartered, in many parts of the kingdom; but, it
+may be reasonably hoped, that the present scarcity will quickly cease,
+and that provisions will fall back to their former value; and even,
+amidst all the complaints with which the severity and irregularity of
+the late seasons have filled the nation, there are many places where
+soldiers may be maintained at the stated rates, with very little
+hardship to their landlords.
+
+However, sir, as this interpretation of the act, though thus supported,
+both by authority and reason, has been disputed and denied; as some
+lawyers may be of a different opinion from those whom I have consulted;
+and as it is not likely that the practice, thus interrupted, will now be
+complied with as a prescription; I think it necessary to propose, that
+the price of a soldier's diet be more explicitly ascertained, that no
+room may remain for future controversies.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I am very far from
+thinking the authority of these learned gentlemen, whose letters are
+produced, incontrovertible proof of the justness of an interpretation of
+an act of the senate, where that interpretation is not in itself
+warranted by reason, nor consistent with the preservation or enjoyment
+of property. Much less shall I agree to support their interpretation by
+a new law; or establish, by an act of the legislature, a kind of
+oppression, for which, however tacitly submitted to, nothing could be
+pleaded hitherto but custom.
+
+The burden, sir, of a standing army, is already too heavy to be much
+longer supported, nor ought we to add weight to it by new impositions;
+it surely much better becomes the representatives of the nation to
+attend to the complaints of their constituents; and where they are found
+to arise from real grievances, to contrive some expedient for
+alleviating their calamities.
+
+A heavy and dreadful calamity, sir, lies now, in a particular manner,
+upon the people; the calamity of famine, one of the severest scourges of
+providence, has filled the whole land with misery and lamentation; and,
+surely, nothing can be more inhuman than to choose out this season of
+horrour for new encroachments on their privileges, and new invasions of
+the rights of nature, the dominion of their own houses, and the
+regulation of their own tables.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has mentioned places where provisions, as
+he says, are still to be bought at easy rates. For my part, I am fixed
+in no such happy corner of the kingdom; I see nothing but scarcity, and
+hear nothing but complaints; and shall, therefore, be very far from
+admitting now such methods of supporting the army, as were thought too
+burdensome in times of plenty; nor will combine in laying a new tax upon
+any class of my countrymen, when they are sinking under an enormous load
+of imposts, and in want of the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied, in the manner following:--Sir, nothing is
+more easy than outcry and exaggeration; nor any thing less useful for
+the discovery of truth, or the establishment of right. The most
+necessary measures may often admit of very florid exclamations against
+them, and may furnish very fruitful topicks of invective.
+
+When our liberties, sir, are endangered, or our country invaded, it may
+be very easy, when it is proposed that we should have recourse to our
+swords for security, to bewail, in pathetick language, the miseries of
+war, to describe the desolation of cities, the waste of kingdoms, the
+insolence of victory, and the cruelty of power inflamed by hostilities.
+Yet to what will those representations contribute, but to make that
+difficult which yet cannot be avoided, and embarrass measures which
+must, however, be pursued.
+
+Such, sir, appear to me to be the objections made to the methods now
+proposed of providing necessaries for the soldiers; methods not eligible
+for their own sake, but which ought not to be too loudly condemned, till
+some better can be substituted; for why should the publick be alarmed
+with groundless apprehensions? or why should we make those laws which
+our affairs oblige us to enact, less agreeable to the people by partial
+representations?
+
+In the discussion of this question, sir, is to be considered whether
+soldiers are to be supported, and whether it will be more proper to
+maintain them by the method of ascertaining the rates at which they are
+to be supplied, or by increasing their pay.
+
+One of these two ways it is necessary to take; the provisions are
+already fixed at as high a price as their pay will allow; if, therefore,
+they are expected to pay more, their wages must be increased.
+
+For my part, I shall comply with either method; though I cannot but
+think it my duty to declare, that, in my opinion, it is safer to fix the
+price of provisions, which must sink in their value, than to raise the
+pay of the army, which may never afterwards be reduced.
+
+Mr. GYBBON then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman, that if soldiers are necessary, we must make provision for
+their support. This is indisputably certain; but it is no less certain,
+that where soldiers are necessary, restraints and regulations are
+necessary likewise, to preserve those from being insulted and plundered
+by them, who maintain them for the sake of protection.
+
+The usefulness, sir, of this caution seems not to be known, or not
+regarded, by the gentleman whose proposal gave occasion to this debate;
+for, by enacting laws in general terms, as he seems to advise, we should
+leave the unhappy innkeeper wholly at the mercy of his guests, who might
+plunder and insult him under the protection of the legislature, might
+riot, as in a conquered country, and say, "To this treatment you are
+subjected by the determination of the senate."
+
+The unhappy man, sir, could have no prospect, either of quiet or safety,
+but by gratifying all the expectations of his masters; returning
+civilities for insolence, and receiving their commands with the same
+submission that is paid in capitulating towns to the new garrison.
+
+If it be necessary to ascertain the price, is it not necessary, at the
+same time, to ascertain the species and quantity of provisions to be
+allowed for it? Is a soldier to fatten on delicacies, and to revel in
+superfluities, for fourpence a-day? Ought not some limits to be set to
+his expectations, and some restraints prescribed to his appetite? Is he
+to change his fare, with all the capriciousness of luxury, and relieve,
+by variety, the squeamishness of excess?
+
+Such demands as these, sir, may be thought ludicrous and trifling, by
+those who do not reflect on the insolence of slaves in authority, who do
+not consider that the license of a military life is the chief inducement
+that brings volunteers into the army; an inducement which would, indeed,
+make all impresses superfluous, were this proposal to be adopted: for
+how readily would all the lazy and voluptuous engage in a state of life
+which would qualify them to live upon the labour of others, and to be
+profuse without expense?
+
+Our army may, by this method, be increased; but the number of those by
+whom they are to be maintained, must quickly diminish: for, by exaction
+and oppression, the poorer innkeepers must quickly become bankrupts; and
+the soldiers that lose their quarters, must be added to the dividend
+allotted to the more wealthy, who, by this additional burden will soon
+be reduced to the same state, and then our army must subsist upon their
+pay, because they will no longer have it in their power to increase it
+by plunder.
+
+It will then be inevitably necessary to divide the army from the rest of
+the community, and to build barracks for their reception; an expedient
+which, though it may afford present ease to the nation, cannot be put in
+practice without danger to our liberties.
+
+The reason, for which so many nations have been enslaved by standing
+armies, is nothing more than the difference of a soldier's condition
+from that of other men. Soldiers are governed by particular laws, and
+subject to particular authority; authority which, in the manner of its
+operation, has scarcely any resemblance of the civil power. Thus, they
+soon learn to think themselves exempt from all other laws; of which they
+either do not discover the use, and, therefore, easily consent to
+abolish them; or envy the happiness of those who are protected by them,
+and so prevail upon themselves to destroy those privileges which have no
+other effect, with regard to them, but to aggravate their own
+dependence.
+
+These, sir, are the natural consequences of a military subjection; and
+if these consequences are not always speedily produced by it, they must
+be retarded by that tenderness which constant intercourse with the rest
+of the nation produces, by the exchange of reciprocal acts of kindness,
+and by the frequent inculcation of the wickedness of contributing to the
+propagation of slavery, and the subversion of the rights of nature;
+inculcations which cannot be avoided by men who live in constant
+fellowship with their countrymen.
+
+But soldiers, shut up in a barrack, excluded from all conversation with
+such as are wiser and honester than themselves, and taught that nothing
+is a virtue but implicit obedience to the commands of their officer,
+will soon become foreigners in their own country, and march against the
+defenders of their constitution, with the same alacrity as against an
+army of invaders ravaging the coasts; they will lose all sense of social
+duty, and of social happiness, and think nothing illustrious but to
+enslave and destroy.
+
+So fatal, sir, will be the effects of an establishment of barracks, or
+petty garrisons, in this kingdom; and, therefore, as barracks must be
+built when innkeepers are ruined, and our concurrence with this proposal
+must produce their ruin, I hope it-will not be necessary to prove by any
+other argument, that the motion ought to be rejected.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, though I am not
+inclined, by loud exaggerations and affected expressions of tenderness,
+to depress the courage or inflame the suspicions of the people, to teach
+them to complain of miseries which they do not feel, or ward against ill
+designs, which were never formed, yet no man is more really solicitous
+for their happiness, or more desirous of removing every real cause of
+fear and occasion of hardships.
+
+This affection to the people, an affection steady, regular, and
+unshaken, has always prompted me to prefer their real to their seeming
+interest, and rather to consult the security of their privileges than
+the gratification of their passions; it has hitherto determined me to
+vote for such a body of troops, as may defend us against sudden inroads
+and wanton insults, and now incites me to propose that some efficacious
+method may be struck out for their support, without exasperating either
+the soldiers or their landlords by perpetual wrangles, or adding to the
+burden of a military establishment the necessity of contentions in
+courts of law.
+
+I know not with what view those have spoken, by whom the proposal first
+made has been opposed; they have, indeed, produced objections, some of
+which are such as may be easily removed, and others such as arise from
+the nature of things, and ought not, therefore, to be mentioned, because
+they have no other tendency than to inflame the minds of those that hear
+them against an army, at a time when it is allowed to be necessary, and
+prove only what was never denied, that no human measures are absolutely
+perfect, and that it is often impossible to avoid a greater evil, but by
+suffering a less.
+
+The question before us, sir, is in its own nature so simple, so little
+connected with circumstances that may distract our attention, or induce
+different men to different considerations, that when I reflect upon it,
+I cannot easily conceive by what art it can be made the subject of long
+harangues, or how the most fruitful imagination can expatiate upon it.
+
+It is already admitted that an army is necessary; the pay of that army
+is already established; the accidental scarcity of forage and victuals
+is such, that the pay is not sufficient to maintain them; how then must
+the deficiency be supplied? It has been proposed, either to fix the
+price of provisions with respect to them, or to advance their wages in
+some proportion to the price of provisions. Both these methods seem to
+meet with disapprobation, and yet the army is to be supported.
+
+Those who reason thus, do surely not expect to be answered, or at least
+expect from a reply no other satisfaction than that of seeing the time
+of the session wasted, and the administration harassed with trivial
+delays; for what can be urged with any hope of success to him who will
+openly deny contradictory propositions, who will neither move nor stand
+still, who will neither disband an army nor support it?
+
+Whether these gentlemen conceive that an army may subsist without
+victuals till the time of scarcity is over, or whether they have raised
+those forces only to starve them, I am not sagacious enough to
+conjecture, but shall venture to observe, that if they have such a
+confidence in the moderation and regularity of the soldiers, as to
+imagine that they will starve with weapons in their hands, that they
+will live within the sight of full tables, and languish with hunger, and
+perish for want of necessaries, rather than diminish the superfluities
+of others, they ought for ever to cease their outcries about the
+licentiousness, insolence, and danger of a standing army.
+
+But, not to sink into levity unworthy of this assembly, may I be
+permitted to hint that these arts of protracting our debates, are by no
+means consistent with the reasons for which we are assembled, and that
+it is a much better proof, both of ability and integrity, to remove
+objections, than to raise them, and to facilitate, than to retard, the
+business of the publick.
+
+The proposal made at first was only to elucidate a law which had been
+regularly observed for fifty years, and to remove such ambiguities as
+tended only to embarrass the innholders, not to relieve them.
+
+To this many objections have been made, and much declamation has been
+employed to display the hardships of maintaining soldiers, but no better
+method has been yet discovered, nor do I expect that any will be started
+not attended with greater difficulties.
+
+In all political questions, questions too extensive to be fully
+comprehended by speculative reason, experience is the guide which a wise
+man will follow with the least distrust, and it is no trivial
+recommendation of the present method, that it has been so long pursued
+without any formidable inconvenience or loud complaints.
+
+Hardships, even when real, are alleviated by long custom; we bear any
+present uneasiness with less regret, as we less remember the time in
+which we were more happy: at least, by long acquaintance with any
+grievance we gain this advantage, that we know it in its whole extent,
+that it cannot be aggravated by our imagination, and that there is no
+room for suspecting that any misery is yet behind more heavy than that
+which we have already borne.
+
+Such is the present state of the practice now recommended to this
+assembly, a practice to which the innkeepers have long submitted, and
+found it at least tolerable, to which they knew themselves exposed when
+they took out a license for the exercise of that profession, and which
+they consider as a tax upon them, to be balanced against the advantages
+which they expect from their employment.
+
+This tax cannot be denied at present to be burdensome in a very uncommon
+degree, but this weight has not been of long continuance, and it may be
+reasonably hoped that it will now be made every day lighter. It is,
+indeed, true, that no unnecessary impositions ought to be laid upon the
+nation even for a day; and if any gentleman can propose a method by
+which this may be taken off or alleviated, I shall readily comply with
+his proposal, and concur in the establishment of new regulations.
+
+With regard to barracks, I cannot deny that they are justly names of
+terrour to a free nation, that they tend to make an army seem part of
+our constitution, and may contribute to infuse into the soldiers a
+disregard of their fellow-subjects, and an indifference about the
+liberties of their country; but I cannot discover any connexion between
+a provision for the support of soldiers in publick-houses, in a state of
+constant familiarity with their countrymen, and the erection of
+barracks, by which they will be, perhaps for ever, separated from them,
+nor can discover any thing in the method of supporting them now
+recommended that does not tend rather to the promotion of mutual good
+offices, and the confirmation of friendship and benevolence.
+
+The advocate CAMPBELL next spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, whence
+the impropriety of raising objections to any measures that are proposed
+is imagined to arise I am unable to discover, having hitherto admitted
+as an incontrovertible opinion, that it is the duty of every member of
+this assembly to deliver, without reserve, his sentiments upon any
+question which is brought before him, and to approve or censure,
+according to his conviction.
+
+If it be his duty, sir, to condemn what he thinks dangerous or
+inconvenient, it seems by no means contrary to his duty, to show the
+reason of his censure, or to lay before the house those objections which
+he cannot surmount by his own reflection. It certainly is not necessary
+to admit implicitly all that is asserted; and to deny, or disapprove
+without reason, can he no proof of duty, or of wisdom; and how shall it
+be known, that he who produces no objections, acts from any other
+motives, than private malevolence, discontent, or caprice?
+
+Nor is it, sir, to be imputed as a just reason for censure to those who
+have opposed the motion, that no other measures have been offered by
+them to the consideration of the committee. It is necessary to demolish
+a useless or shattered edifice, before a firm and habitable building can
+be erected in its place: the first step to the amendment of a law is to
+show its defects; for why should any alteration be made where no
+inconveniency is discovered?
+
+To the chief objection that was offered, no answer has yet been made,
+nor has the assembly been informed how the innkeeper shall be able to
+discover when he has paid the tax which this law lays upon him. This is,
+indeed, a tax of a very particular kind, a tax without limits, and to be
+levied at the discretion of him for whose benefit it is paid. Soldiers
+quartered upon these terms, are more properly raising contributions in
+an enemy's country, than receiving wages in their own.
+
+Is it intended, by this motion, that the innkeepers shall judge what
+ought to be allowed the soldier for his money? I do not see, then, that
+any alteration is proposed in the present condition of our army; for who
+has ever refused to sell them food for their money at the common price,
+or what necessity is there for a law to enforce a practice equally to
+the advantage of all parties? If it be proposed that the soldier shall
+judge for himself, that he shall set what value he shall think fit on
+his own money, and that he shall be at once the interpreter and
+executioner of this new law, the condition of the innkeeper will then be
+such as no slave in the mines of America can envy, and such as he will
+gladly quit for better treatment under the most arbitrary and oppressive
+government.
+
+Nor will the insolence of the soldier, thus invested with unlimited
+authority, thus entitled to implicit obedience, and exalted above the
+rest of mankind, by seeing his claim only bounded by his own moderation,
+be confined to his unhappy landlord. Every guest will become subject to
+his intrusion, and the passenger must be content to want his dinner,
+whenever the lord of the inn shall like it better than his own.
+
+That these apprehensions, sir, are not groundless, may be proved from
+the conduct of these men, even when the law was not so favourable to
+their designs; some of them have already claimed the sole dominion of
+the houses in which they have been quartered, and insulted persons of
+very high rank, and whom our ancient laws had intended to set above the
+insults of a turbulent soldier. They have seen the provisions which they
+had ordered taken away by force, partly, perhaps, to please the appetite
+of the invader, and partly to gratify his insolence, and give him an
+opportunity of boasting among his comrades, how successfully he
+blustered.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to insert a new clause in the act to prevent
+lawsuits, which, however advantageous they may sometimes be to me, I
+shall always be ready to obviate, it is surely proper to limit the claim
+of one party as well as that of the other, for how else is the ambiguity
+taken away? The difficulty may be, indeed, transferred, but is by no
+means removed, and the innkeeper must wholly repose himself upon the
+lenity and justice of the soldier, or apply to the courts of law for the
+interpretation of the act.
+
+The question before us is said to be so free from perplexity, that it
+can scarcely give occasion for harangues or disputations; and, indeed,
+it cannot but be allowed, that the controversy may soon be brought to a
+single point, and I think nothing more is necessary than to inquire, if
+innholders shall be obliged to provide victuals for soldiers at a stated
+price, what, and how much the soldier shall demand.
+
+The power of raising money at pleasure, has been hitherto denied to our
+kings, and surely we ought not to place that confidence in the lowest,
+that has been refused to the most exalted of mankind, or invest our
+soldiers with power, which neither the most warlike of our monarchs
+could constrain us, nor the most popular allure us to grant.
+
+The power now proposed to be granted, is nothing less than the power of
+levying money, or what is exactly equivalent, the power of raising the
+money in their own hands, to any imaginary value. A soldier may, if this
+motion be complied with, demand for a penny, what another man must
+purchase at forty times that price. While this is the state of our
+property, it is surely not very necessary to raise armies for the
+defence of it; for why should we preserve it from one enemy only to
+throw it into the hands of another, equally rapacious, equally
+merciless, and only distinguished from foreign invaders by this
+circumstance, that he received from our own hands the authority by which
+he plunders us.
+
+Having thus evinced the necessity of determining the soldier's
+privileges, and the innkeeper's rights, I think it necessary to
+recommend to this assembly an uncommon degree of attention to the
+regulation of our military establishment, which is become not only more
+burdensome to our fellow-subjects by the present famine, but by the
+increase of our forces; an increase which the nation will not behold
+without impatience, unless they be enabled to discern for what end they
+have been raised.
+
+The people of this nation are, for very just reasons, displeased, even
+with the appearance of a standing army, and surely it is not prudent to
+exasperate them, by augmenting the troops in a year of famine, and
+giving them, at the same time, new powers of extortion and oppression.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have heard nothing in this
+debate, but doubts and objections, which afford no real information, nor
+tend to the alleviation of those grievances, which are so loudly
+lamented.
+
+It is not sufficient to point out inconveniencies, or to give striking
+representations of the hardships to which the people are exposed; for
+unless some better expedient can be proposed, or some method discovered
+by which we may receive the benefits, without suffering the
+disadvantages of the present practice, how does it appear that these
+hardships, however severe, are not inseparable from our present
+condition, and such as can only be removed by exposing ourselves to more
+formidable evils?
+
+As no remedy, sir, has been proposed by those who appear dissatisfied
+with the present custom, it is reasonable to imagine that none will be
+easily discovered; and, therefore, I cannot but think it reasonable that
+the motion should be complied with. By it no new imposition is intended,
+nor any thing more than the establishment of a practice which has
+continued for more than fifty years, and never, except on two occasions,
+been denied to be legal. It is only proposed that the senate should
+confirm that interpretation of the act which has been almost universally
+received; that they should do what can produce no disturbance, because
+it will make no alterations; but may prevent them, because it may
+prevent any attempts of innovation, or diversity of opinions.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, whether the
+interpretation of the act which is now contended for, has been
+universally admitted, it is impossible to know; but it is at least
+certain, that the practice which is founded upon it, has in many places
+never been followed, nor, indeed, can it be made general without great
+impropriety.
+
+Many of those, sir, who are styled keepers of publick-houses, and on
+whom soldiers are quartered under that denomination, have no conveniency
+of furnishing provisions, because they never sell them; such are many of
+the keepers of livery stables, among whom it is the common method to pay
+soldiers a small weekly allowance, instead of lodging them in their
+houses, a lodging being all which they conceive themselves obliged to
+provide, and all that the soldiers have hitherto required; nor can we
+make any alteration in this method without introducing the license and
+insolence of soldiers into private houses; into houses hitherto
+unacquainted with any degree of riot, incivility, or uproar.
+
+The reason for which publick-houses are assigned for the quarters of
+soldiers, is partly the greater conveniency of accommodating them in
+families that subsist, by the entertainment of strangers, and partly the
+nature of their profession, which, by exposing them to frequent
+encounters with the rude and the debauched, enables them either to bear
+or repress the insolence of a soldier.
+
+But with regard, sir, to the persons whom I have mentioned, neither of
+these reasons have any place; they have not, from their daily
+employment, any opportunities of furnishing soldiery with beds or
+victuals, nor, by their manner of life, are adapted to support intrusion
+or struggle with perverseness. Nor can I discover why any man should
+force soldiers into their houses, who would not willingly admit them
+into his own.
+
+Mr. COCKS spoke to this effect:--Sir, the practice mentioned by the
+honourable gentleman, I know to be generally followed by all those that
+keep alehouses in the suburbs of this metropolis, who pay the soldiers
+billeted on them a composition for their lodging, nor ever see them but
+when they come to receive it; so far are they from imagining that they
+can claim their whole subsistence at any stated price.
+
+It is apparent, therefore, that by admitting this motion, we should not
+confirm a law already received, but establish a new regulation unknown
+to the people; that we should lay a tax upon the nation, and send our
+soldiers to collect it.
+
+General WADE rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have been long
+conversant with military affairs; and, therefore, may perhaps be able to
+give a more exact account, from my own knowledge, of the antiquity and
+extent of this practice, than other gentlemen have had, from their way
+of life; an opportunity of obtaining.
+
+It was, sir, in the reign of king William, the constant method by which
+the army was supported, as may be easily imagined by those who reflect,
+that it was common for the soldiers to remain for eight or ten months
+unpaid, and that they had, therefore, no possibility of providing for
+themselves the necessaries of life. Their pay never was received in
+those times by themselves, but issued in exchequer bills for large sums,
+which the innkeepers procured to be exchanged and divided among
+themselves, in proportion to their debts.
+
+Such was the practice, sir, in that reign, which has been generally
+followed to this time, and the rates then fixed have not since been
+changed; and as no inconveniency has arisen from this method, I can
+discover no reason against confirming and continuing it.
+
+Mr. PULTKNEY spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, those that have
+spoken in defence of the motion, have accused their opponents, with
+great confidence, of declaiming without arguments, and of wasting the
+time of the session in a useless repetition of objections. I do not,
+indeed, wonder that the objections which have been raised should have
+given some disgust, for who can be pleased with hearing his opponent
+produce arguments which he cannot answer? But surely the repetitions may
+be excused; for an objection is to be urged in every debate till it is
+answered, or is discovered to be unanswerable.
+
+But what, sir, have those urged in defence of their own opinions, who so
+freely animadvert upon the reasonings of others? What proofs, sir, have
+they given of the superiority of their own abilities, of the depth of
+their researches, or the acuteness of their penetration?
+
+They have not produced one argument in favour of their motion, but that
+it is founded on custom; they have not discovered, however wise and
+sagacious, that it is always necessary to inquire whether a custom be
+good or bad; for surely without such inquiry no custom ought to be
+confirmed. The motion which they would support, is, indeed, useless in
+either case, for a good custom will continue of itself, and one that is
+bad ought not to be continued. It is the business of the legislature to
+reform abuses, and eradicate corruptions, not to give them new strength
+by the sanction of a law.
+
+It has been urged, sir, that the law in reality exists already in that
+the act has been interpreted in this sense by the attorney general; and
+that his interpretation is generally received. This is then the state of
+the question: if the practice, founded upon this sense of the act,
+generally prevails, there is no need of a new clause to enforce what is
+already complied with; if it does not prevail, all that has been urged
+in defence of the motion falls to the ground.
+
+I do not doubt, sir, that this custom has been received without many
+exceptions, and therefore think it ought still to remain a custom,
+rather than be changed into a law; because it will be complied with as a
+custom, where there are no obstacles to the observation of it; and it
+ought not to be enforced by law, where it is inconvenient and
+oppressive.
+
+While the soldier, sir, is moderate in his demands, and peaceable and
+modest in his behaviour, the innkeeper will cheerfully furnish him even
+more than he can afford at the stated price; and certainly, rudeness,
+insolence, and unreasonable expectations, may justly be punished by the
+forfeiture of some conveniencies. Thus, sir, the innkeeper will preserve
+some degree of authority in his own house, a place where the laws of
+nature give every man dominion, and the soldier will continue a regular
+and inoffensive member of civil society.
+
+The absurdity of leaving the soldier at large in his demands, and
+limiting the price which the innkeeper is to require, has been already
+exposed beyond the possibility of reply; nor, indeed, has the least
+attempt been made to invalidate this objection; for it has been passed
+in silence by those who have most zealously espoused the motion. The
+account given by the honourable gentleman of the reason for which this
+regulation was first introduced in the reign of king William, is
+undoubtedly just; but it proves, sir, that there is no necessity of
+continuing it; for the soldiers are now constantly paid, and therefore
+need not that assistance from the innkeeper, which was absolutely
+requisite when they were sometimes six months without money.
+
+It has been urged, sir, with great importunity and vehemence, that some
+expedient should be proposed in the place of this, which so many
+gentlemen who have spoken on this occasion seem inclined to reject, and
+which, indeed, cannot be mentioned without contempt or abhorrence. That
+the soldiers should know, as well as their landlord, their own rights,
+is undoubtedly just, as well as that they should have some certain means
+of procuring the necessaries of life; it may, therefore, be proper to
+enact, that the innkeeper shall either furnish them with diet at the
+established rates, or permit them to dress the victuals which they shall
+buy for themselves, with his fire and utensils, and allow them candles,
+salt, vinegar, and pepper. By this method the soldiers can never be much
+injured by the incivility of their landlord, nor can the innkeeper be
+subjected to arbitrary demands. The soldier will still gain, by decency
+and humanity, greater conveniencies than he can procure for himself by
+his pay alone, and all opportunities of oppression on either side will,
+in a great measure, be taken away.
+
+I cannot but express my hopes that this method will be generally
+approved. Those that have opposed the establishment of an army will be
+pleased to see it made less grievous to the people; and those that have
+declared in its favour, ought surely to adopt, without opposition, any
+measures, by the pursuit of which it may be borne with fewer complaints,
+and less reluctance.
+
+[The consideration of this question was deferred, and the chairman
+having moved for leave to sit again, it was resolved to proceed on this
+business upon the next day but one, in a committee of the whole house.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 15, 1740-1.
+
+The order of the day being read for the house to resolve itself into a
+committee of the whole house, to consider the bill for punishing mutiny
+and desertion, and the better paying the army and their quarters,
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, the last day
+which was assigned to the consideration of this bill, was spent in long
+altercations, in vague and unnecessary disquisitions, in retrospective
+reflections upon events long past, and in aggravating of grievances that
+may never happen; much sagacity was exerted, and much eloquence
+displayed, but no determination was attained, nor even that expedient
+examined, by which those objections might be removed which appeared so
+important, or those dangers obviated which were represented so
+formidable and so near.
+
+I hope, sir, part of the time which has intervened between that debate
+and the present day, has been employed by the gentlemen, whose scruples
+were so numerous, and whose caution is so vigilant, in contriving some
+methods of maintaining the army without oppressing the victuallers, and
+of providing for our defence against foreign enemies without subjecting
+us to the evils of discontent and disaffection, which they impute to the
+present state of the military establishment.
+
+To object for ever, and to advance nothing, is an easy method of
+disputation upon any question, but contributes very little to the
+increase of knowledge: an artful and acute objector may confound, and
+darken, and disturb, but never assists inquiry, or illustrates truth.
+
+In political questions, sir, it is still more easy and less ingenuous;
+for all political measures are in some degree right and wrong at the
+same time: to benefit some they very frequently bear hard upon others,
+and are, therefore, only to be approved or rejected as advantages appear
+to overbalance the inconveniencies, or the inconveniencies to outweigh
+the advantages.
+
+It is, sir, the proper province of a senator to promote, not to obstruct
+the publick counsels; and when he declares his disapprobation of any
+expedient, to endeavour to substitute a better: for how can he be said
+to sustain his part of the general burden of publick affairs, who lays
+others under the necessity of forming every plan, and inventing every
+expedient, and contents himself with only censuring what he never
+endeavours to amend?
+
+That every man, who is called forth by his country to sit here as the
+guardian of the publick happiness, is obliged, by the nature of his
+office, to propose, in this assembly, whatever his penetration or
+experience may suggest to him as advantageous to the nation, I doubt not
+but all that hear me are sufficiently convinced; and, therefore, cannot
+but suppose that they have so far attended to their duty, as to be able
+to inform us how the present inconveniencies of this bill may be
+remedied, and its defects supplied.
+
+To show, sir, at least my inclination to expedite an affair so
+important, I shall lay before the house an amendment that I have made to
+the clause, pursuant to a hint offered the last day by an honourable
+member, "That all innholders, victuallers, etc. shall be obliged to
+furnish soldiers with salt, vinegar, small beer, candles, fire, and
+utensils to dress their victuals, and so doing shall not be obliged to
+supply the troops with provisions, except on a march."
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking the clause, as it will stand after this
+amendment, complete and unexceptionable, being conscious that some
+articles in it may require explanation. The quantity of small beer to be
+allowed to each soldier must necessarily be ascertained, in order to
+prevent endless and indeterminable disputes; for one man, sir, may
+demand a greater quantity than another, and a man may be prompted by
+malice or wantonness to demand more than health requires; it will,
+therefore, be proper to limit the quantity which must be furnished, that
+neither the soldier may suffer by the avarice of his landlord, nor the
+landlord be oppressed by the gluttony of the soldier.
+
+With regard to this question, sir, I expect to find different opinions
+in this assembly, which every man is at liberty to offer and to
+vindicate; and I shall take this opportunity of proposing on my part,
+that every man may have a daily allowance of three quarts. One quart to
+each meal may be allowed in my opinion to be sufficient, and sure no
+gentleman can imagine that by this limitation much superfluity is
+indulged.
+
+There are some parts, sir, of this kingdom, in which cider is more
+plentiful, and cheaper than small beer; consequently, it may be for the
+ease of the victualler to have the choice allowed him of furnishing one
+or the other; it will, therefore, be a very proper addition to this
+clause, that the innkeepers shall allow the soldier, every day, three
+quarts of either small beer or cider.
+
+That penal sanctions, sir, are essential to laws, and that no man will
+submit to any regulations inconvenient to himself, but that he may avoid
+some heavier evil, requires not to be proved; and, therefore, to
+complete this clause, I propose that the victualler who shall neglect or
+refuse to observe it, shall be subject to some fine for his
+non-compliance.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot omit this opportunity of
+observing how much the burden of the army is diminished by the judicious
+regulations invariably observed in the late reigns, and how little the
+assignment of troops is to be dreaded by the victualler.
+
+In the reign of king William, sir, before funds were established, while
+the credit of the government was low, the measures of the court were
+often obviated or defeated by the superiority of the discontented party,
+and the supplies denied which were necessary to support them, and in
+expectation of which they had been undertaken, it was not uncommon for
+the towns in which the troops were stationed, to murmur at their guests;
+nor could they be charged with complaining without just reasons: for to
+quarter soldiers upon a house, was in those days little less than to
+send troops to live at discretion.
+
+As all supplies, sir, were then occasional and temporary, and nothing
+was granted but for the present exigence, the prevalence of the
+opposition, for a single session, embarrassed all the measures of the
+court in the highest degree; their designs were at a stand, the forces
+were unpaid, and they were obliged to wait till another session for an
+opportunity of prosecuting their schemes.
+
+Thus, sir, the soldiers were sometimes five months without their pay,
+and were necessarily supported by the innkeeper at his own expense, with
+how much reluctance and discontent I need not mention. It cannot but be
+immediately considered, upon hearing this account of the soldier's
+condition, with how many reproaches he would receive his victuals, how
+roughly he would be treated, how often he would be insulted as an idler,
+and frowned upon as an intruder. Nor can it be imagined that such
+affronts, however they might be provoked, would be borne without return,
+by those who knew themselves not the authors of the provocation, and who
+thought themselves equal suf-ferers with those who complained. When the
+innkeeper growled at the soldier, the soldier, it may be supposed,
+seldom failed to threaten or to plunder the innkeeper, and to rise in
+his demands as his allowance was retrenched.
+
+Thus, sir, the landlord and his guest were the constant enemies of each
+other, and spent their lives in mutual complaints, injuries, and
+insults.
+
+But by the present regularity of our military establishment, this great
+evil is taken away; as the soldier requires no credit of the victualler,
+he is considered as no great incumbrance on his trade; and being treated
+without indignities, like any other member of the community, he
+inhabits his quarters without violence, insolence, or rapacity, and
+endeavours to recommend himself by officiousness and civility.
+
+In the present method of payment, sir, the troops have always one
+month's pay advanced, and receive their regular allowance on the stated
+day; so that every man has it in his power to pay his landlord every
+night for what he has had in the day; or if he imagines himself able to
+procure his own provisions at more advantage, he can now go to market
+with his own money.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me, sir, that the amendment now proposed is
+the proper mean between the different interests of the innkeeper and
+soldier; by which neither is made the slave of the other, and by which
+we shall leave, to both, opportunities of kindness, but take from them
+the power of oppression.
+
+Mr. CAREW next spoke as follows:--Sir, the amendment now offered is not,
+in my opinion, so unreasonable or unequitable as to demand a warm and
+strenuous opposition, nor so complete as not to be subject to some
+objections; objections which, however, may be easily removed, and which
+would, perhaps, have been obviated, had they been foreseen by the
+gentleman who proposed it.
+
+The allowance, sir, of small liquors proposed, I cannot but think more
+than sufficient; three quarts a-day are surely more than the demands of
+nature make necessary, and I know not why the legislature should
+promote, or confirm in the soldiery, a vice to which they are already
+too much inclined, the habit of tippling.
+
+The innkeeper, sir, will be heavily burdened by the obligation to supply
+the soldier with so many of the necessaries of life without payment;
+and, therefore, it may be justly expected by him, that no superfluities
+should be enjoyed at his expense.
+
+But there remains another objection, sir, of far more importance, and
+which must be removed before this clause can be reasonably passed into a
+law. It is not declared, or not with sufficient perspicuity, that it is
+to be left to the choice of the innkeeper, whether he will furnish the
+soldier with provisions at fourpence a-day, or with the necessaries
+enumerated in the clause for nothing. If it is to be left to the choice
+of the soldier, the victualler receives no relief from the amendment, to
+whose option, since he must suffer in either case, it ought to be
+referred, because he only can tell by which method he shall suffer
+least.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL spoke in the manner following:--Sir, it is not without the
+greatest diffidence that I rise to oppose the gentleman who offered the
+amendment; for his abilities are so far superiour to mine, that I
+object without hope of being able to support my objection, and contend
+with an absolute certainty of being overcome. I know not whether it may
+be allowed me to observe, that the difference between our faculties is,
+with regard to strength and quickness, the same as between the cider of
+his county and that of mine, except that in one part of the parallel the
+advantage is on our side, and in the other on his.
+
+The cider, sir, of our county is one of our most valuable commodities;
+so much esteemed in distant places, that our merchants often sell it by
+the bottle, for more than the soldier has to give for the provision of a
+day; and of such strength, that I, who am accustomed to the use of it,
+never was able to drink three quarts in any single day.
+
+If, therefore, sir, the soldier is to have three quarts of this cider,
+when small beer is not easily to be procured, not only the innkeeper,
+but the army will be injured; for what greater harm can be done to any
+man, than to initiate him in a habit of intemperance? and what outrages
+and insolencies may not be expected from men trusted with swords, and
+kept, from day to day, and from month to month, in habitual drunkenness
+by a decree of the senate?
+
+Sir William YONGE replied to this purpose:--Sir, I know not why the
+gentleman has thought this a proper opportunity for displaying his
+eloquence in the praise of his own cider. That he loves his own county
+cannot be wondered, for no passion is more universal, and few less to be
+censured;-but he is not to imagine that the produce of his native soil
+will be generally allowed to excel that of other counties, because early
+habits have endeared it to him, and familiarized it to his particular
+palate.
+
+The natives of every place prefer their own fruits and their own liquor,
+and, therefore, no inference can be drawn from approbation so apparently
+partial. From this prejudice I am far from suspecting myself free, nor
+am desirous or industrious to overcome it: neither am I afraid of
+exposing myself to all the censure that so innocent a prepossession may
+bring upon me, by declaring that, in my opinion, the cider of my native
+county is of equal excellence with that which this gentleman has so
+liberally extolled.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL answered to the following effect:--Sir, how little I expect
+victory in this controversy I have already declared, and I need not
+observe of how small importance it is what soil produces cider of the
+greatest excellence and value; since, if there be other places where the
+cider is equally esteemed, and purchased at the same rate, it is yet
+more necessary to provide, by some exception, that the soldier shall not
+be entitled to demand, of the victualler, liquor to more than thrice the
+value of his pay, nor be allowed to revel in continual drunkenness, and
+to corrupt his morals, and enervate his limbs by incessant debauchery.
+
+But since, sir, the preference due to the cider of my county has been
+denied, in my opinion, with great partiality and injustice, I think
+myself obliged, by all the laws of honour and gratitude, to stand up
+once more to vindicate its superiority, and assert its value.
+
+The laws of honour, sir, require this from me, as they oblige every man
+to stand forth a vindicator of merit slighted and oppressed; and
+gratitude calls loudly upon me to exert myself in the protection of that
+to which I have been often indebted for a pleasing suspense of care, and
+a welcome flow of spirit and gaiety.
+
+The cider, sir, which I am now rescuing from contemptuous comparisons,
+has often exhilarated my social hours, enlivened the freedom of
+conversation, and improved the tenderness of friendship, and shall not,
+therefore, now want a panegyrist. It is one of those few subjects on
+which an encomiast may expatiate without deviating from the truth.
+
+Would the honourable gentleman, sir, who has thus vilified this
+wonder-working nectar, but honour my table with his company, he would
+quickly be forced to retract his censures; and, as many of his
+countrymen have done, confess that nothing equal to it is produced in
+any other part of the globe; nor will this confession be the effect of
+his regard to politeness, but of his adherence to truth.
+
+Of liquor like this, sir, two quarts is, undoubtedly, sufficient for a
+daily allowance, in the lieu of small beer; nor ought even that to be
+determined by the choice of the soldier, but of the innkeeper, for whose
+benefit this clause is said to be inserted, and from whose grievances I
+hope we shall not suffer our attention to be diverted by any incidental
+questions, or ludicrous disputes.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, that the allowance of
+two quarts a-day is sufficient, and that to demand more is a wanton
+indulgence of appetite, is experimentally known, and, therefore, no more
+ought to be imposed upon the innkeeper.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only part of the clause that requires our
+consideration; for some of the other particulars to be provided by the
+victualler, may easily furnish perverse tempers with an opportunity of
+wrangling: vinegar is not to be had in every part, of the kingdom, and,
+where it cannot be procured, ought not to be required; for neither
+reason nor experience will inform us that vinegar ought to be ranked
+among the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE made the following reply:--Sir, by the alteration now
+made in the clause, the innkeepers are effectually relieved from a great
+part of the burden which, in my opinion, this act has hitherto laid upon
+them; the necessity of furnishing the soldiers quartered upon them, with
+provisions at the stated price, whatever might be the scarcity of the
+season or of the country. That this was the intention of the act, is
+asserted by those whose reputation and promotion are sufficient
+evidences of their ability in the interpretation of our laws.
+
+The innkeeper may now either accept or refuse the limited price, as it
+shall appear to him most consistent with his interest; nor will there
+be, for the future, any room for murmuring at unreasonable demands,
+since he may oblige that soldier whom he cannot satisfy, to please
+himself better at his own expense.
+
+The choice of the liquor is, likewise, wholly referred to the innkeeper;
+for the words in the clause requiring that he shall furnish three quarts
+of small beer or cider, he complies, indisputably, with the law by
+supplying either; and, therefore, the value of cider in any particular
+county is not of much importance in the question before us; if cider be
+more valuable than small beer, it may be withheld; if it be cheaper, it
+may be substituted in its place; so that the innkeeper has nothing to
+consult but his own interest.
+
+That this is the meaning of the clause, is, I suppose, obvious to every
+man that hears it read; and, therefore, I see no reason for any
+alterations, because I know not any effect which they can possibly have,
+except that of obscuring the sense which is now too clear to be
+mistaken.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, though it
+should be granted, that the clause before us is intelligible to every
+member of this assembly, it will not certainly follow, that there is no
+necessity of farther elucidations; for a law very easily understood by
+those who make it, may be obscure to others who are less acquainted with
+our general intention, less skilled in the niceties of language, or less
+accustomed to the style of laws.
+
+It is to be considered, that this law will chiefly affect a class of men
+very little instructed in literature, and very unable to draw
+inferences; men to whom we often find it necessary, in common cases, to
+use long explanations, and familiar illustrations, and of whom it maybe
+not unreasonably suspected, that the same want of education, which makes
+them ignorant, may make them petulant, and at once incline them to
+wrangle, and deprive them of the means of deciding their controversies.
+
+That both innholders and soldiers are, for the greatest part, of this
+rank and temper, I suppose, sir, every gentleman knows, from daily
+observation; and, therefore, it will, I hope, be thought necessary to
+descend to their understandings, and to give them laws in terms of which
+they will know the meaning; we shall, otherwise, more consult the
+interest of the lawyers than the innholders, and only, by one
+alteration, produce a necessity of another.
+
+I am therefore desirous, sir, that all the difficulties which have been
+mentioned by every gentleman on this occasion, should be removed by
+clear, familiar, and determinate expressions; for what they have found
+difficult, may easily be, to an innholder or soldier, absolutely
+inexplicable.
+
+I cannot but declare, while I am speaking on this subject, that in my
+opinion, two quarts of liquor will be a sufficient allowance. If we
+consider the demands of nature, more cannot be required; if we examine
+the expense of the innholder, he ought not to supply soldiers with a
+greater quantity for nothing. It is to be remembered, that small beer,
+like other liquors, is charged with an excise in publick-houses; and
+that two quarts will probably cost the landlord a penny, and as we
+cannot suppose that fire, candles, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the use of
+utensils, and lodging, can be furnished for less than threepence a-day,
+every soldier that is quartered upon a publick-house, may be considered
+as a tax of six pounds a-year--a heavy burden, which surely ought not to
+be aggravated by unnecessary impositions.
+
+[The committee having gone through the bill, and settled the amendments,
+the chairman was ordered to make his report the next day.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 16, 1740-1.
+
+The report was read, and the amendments to the clauses in debate, which
+then ran thus:--
+
+That the officers and soldiers to be quartered and billeted as
+aforesaid, shall be received, and furnished with diet and small beer by
+the owners of the inns, livery stables, alehouses, victualling-houses,
+etc. paying and allowing for the same the several rates mentioned.
+
+Provided, that in case the innholder on whom any non-commission officers
+or soldiers shall be quartered, by virtue of this act, (except on a
+march,) shall be desirous to furnish such officers or soldiers with
+candles, vinegar, and salt, and with either small beer or cider, not
+ex-ceeding three quarts for each man _a-day gratis_, and to allow them
+the use of fire, and the necessary utensils for dressing and eating
+their meat, and shall give notice of such his desire to the commanding
+officers, and shall furnish and allow them the same accordingly; then,
+and in such case, the non-commission officers and soldiers so quartered
+shall provide their own victuals; and the officer to whom it belongs to
+receive, or that does actually receive the pay and subsistence of such
+non-commission officers and soldiers, shall pay the several sums,
+payable out of the subsistence-money for diet and small beer, to the
+non-commission officers and soldiers aforesaid, and not to the innholder
+or other person on whom such non-commission officers or soldiers are
+quartered.
+
+The question being put whether this clause should stand thus,
+
+Mr. CAREW spoke to this effect:--Sir, though it may, perhaps, be
+allowed, that the circumstances of our present situation oblige us to
+support a more numerous army than in former years, surely no argument
+can be drawn from them that can show the necessity of a profuse
+allowance to our soldiers, or of gratifying their desires by the
+oppression of the innholders.
+
+If, sir, the designs of our enemies are so malicious, and their power so
+formidable, as to demand augmentations of our troops, and additions to
+our natural securities, they ought, surely, to impress upon us the
+necessity of frugal measures, that no useless burdens may be imposed
+upon the people.
+
+To furnish two quarts of beer, sir, every day for nothing, is,
+undoubtedly, an imposition sufficiently grievous; and I can, therefore,
+discover no reason for which an allowance of three should be
+established; a proposal injurious to the victualler, because it exacts
+more than he can afford to allow, and of no benefit to the soldier,
+because it offers him more than he can want.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, if it is an
+instance of misconduct to spend upon any affair more time than the
+importance of it deserves, I am afraid that the clause, to which our
+attention is now recalled, may expose us to censure, and that we may be
+charged with neglecting weighty controversies, and national questions,
+to debate upon trifles; of wasting our spirits upon subjects unworthy of
+contention; of defeating the expectations of the publick, and diverting
+our enemies rather than opposing them.
+
+But, sir, as nothing has a more immediate tendency to the security of
+the nation than a proper establishment of our forces, and the regulation
+of their quarters is one of the most necessary and difficult parts of
+the establishment; it is requisite that we think no question of this
+kind too trivial for our consideration, since very dangerous
+disturbances have often been produced by petty disputes.
+
+The quantity, sir, of small beer to be allowed by the victualler to
+those soldiers who shall provide their own victuals, was disputed
+yesterday, and, as I thought, agreed upon; but since this question is
+revived, I must take the opportunity to declare, that we ought not to
+assign less than three quarts a-day to each man; for it is to be
+remembered by those who estimate the demands by their own, how much
+their way of life is different from that of a common soldier, and how
+little he can be charged with wantonness and superfluity, for drinking
+more small liquor than themselves.
+
+There are few members of this house, who do not, more than once a-day,
+drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or some other cooling and diluting
+infusion; delicacies which the soldier cannot purchase; to which he is
+entirely a stranger, and of which the place must be supplied by some
+other cheap and wholesome liquors.
+
+If, sir, those gentlemen whose close attention to the interest of the
+innholder has, perhaps, abstracted them, in some degree, from any regard
+to the necessities of a soldier, will consent to allow him five pints
+a-day, I shall contend no longer; for though I cannot agree that it is a
+sufficient provision, yet, as other gentlemen, equally able to judge in
+this subject with myself, are of a different opinion, I shall show my
+regard for their sentiments by desisting from opposition.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am not able to
+discover any necessity of compromising this debate, by taking the mean
+between the two different opinions, or for denying to the soldiers what
+every labourer or serving-man would murmur to be refused for a single
+day.
+
+I believe, sir, every gentleman, who examines the expense of his family,
+will find that each of his servants consumes daily at least three quarts
+of small beer, and surely it is not to be required that a soldier should
+live in a perpetual state of war with his constitution, and a constant
+inability to comply with the calls of nature.
+
+General HANDASYD spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, the inclination
+shown by several gentlemen for a penurious and scanty provision for the
+soldiers, must, in my opinion, proceed from an inattentive consideration
+of their pay, and will, therefore, be removed, by laying before them an
+account of his condition, and comparing his daily pay with his daily
+expenses.
+
+The whole pay of a foot soldier, sir, is sixpence a-day, of which he is
+to pay fourpence to his landlord for his diet, or, what is very nearly
+the same, to carry fourpence daily to the market, for which how small a
+supply of provisions he can bring to his quarters, especially in time of
+scarcity, I need not mention.
+
+There remain then only twopence, sir, to be disbursed for things not
+immediately necessary for the preservation of life, but which no man can
+want without being despicable to others and burdensome to himself.
+Twopence a-day is all that a soldier has to lay out upon cleanliness and
+decency, and with which he is likewise to keep his arms in order, and to
+supply himself with some part of his clothing. If, sir, after these
+deductions, he can, from twopence a-day, procure himself the means of
+enjoying a few happy moments in the year with his companions over a cup
+of ale, is not his economy much more to be envied than his luxury? Or
+can it be charged upon him that he enjoys more than his share of the
+felicities of life? Is he to be burdened with new expenses lest he
+should hoard up the publick money, stop the circulation of coin, and
+turn broker or usurer with twopence a-day?
+
+I have been so long acquainted, sir, with the soldier's character, that
+I will adventure to secure him from the charge of avarice, and to
+promise that whatever he shall possess not necessary to life, he will
+enjoy to the advantage of his landlord.
+
+Then the advocate CAMPBELL spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am far
+from intending to oppose this proposal of five pints, though, upon a
+rigorous examination, it might appear more than the mere wants of nature
+require; for I cannot but declare that this question has too long
+engaged the attention of the house, and that the representatives of a
+mighty nation beset with enemies, and encumbered with difficulties, seem
+to forget their importance and their dignity, by wrangling from day to
+day upon a pint of small beer.
+
+I conceive the bill, which we are now considering, sir, not as a
+perpetual and standing law, to be interwoven with our constitution, or
+added to the principles of our government, but as a temporary
+establishment for the present year; an expedient to be laid aside when
+our affairs cease to require it; an experimental essay of a new
+practice, which may be changed or continued according to its success.
+
+To allow, sir, five pints of small beer a-day to our soldiers, for a
+single year, can produce no formidable inconveniency, and may, though it
+should not be entirely approved, be of less disadvantage to the publick,
+than the waste of another day.
+
+[An alteration was made to five pints, instead of three quarts; and the
+bill, thus amended, was ordered to be engrossed, and a few days
+afterwards, being read a third time, was passed, and ordered to the
+lords, where it occasioned no debate.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON ADDRESSING THE KING.]
+
+
+A copy of his majesty's speech being read, Mr. CLUTTERBUCK-BUCK rose,
+and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, the present confusion in Europe, the known designs of the French,
+the numerous claims to the Austrian dominions, the armies which are
+levied to support them, and the present inability of the queen of
+Hungary to maintain those rights which descend to her from her
+ancestors, and have been confirmed by all the solemnities of treaties,
+evidently require an uncommon degree of attention in our consultations,
+and of vigour in our proceedings.
+
+Whatever may be the professions of the French, their real designs are
+easily discovered, designs which they have carried on, either openly, or
+in private, for near a century, and which it cannot be expected that
+they will lay aside, when they are so near to success. Their view, sir,
+in all their wars and treaties, alliances and intrigues, has been the
+attainment of universal dominion, the destruction of the rights of
+nature, and the subjection of all the rest of mankind; nor have we any
+reason to imagine that they are not equally zealous for the promotion of
+this pernicious scheme, while they pour troops into Germany, for the
+assistance of their ally, as when they wasted kingdoms, laid cities in
+ashes, and plunged millions into misery and want, without any other
+motive than the glory of their king.
+
+But the French are not the only nation at this time labouring for the
+subversion of our common liberties. Our liberties, sir, are endangered
+by those equally interested with ourselves in their preservation; for in
+what degree soever any of the princes who are now endeavouring to divide
+among themselves the dominions of Austria, may be pleased with the
+acquisition of new territories, and an imaginary increase of influence
+and power, it must be evident to all who are not dazzled by immediate
+interest, that they are only fighting for France, and that by the
+destruction of the Austrian family, they must in a short time fall
+themselves.
+
+It is well known, sir, though it is not always remembered, that
+political as well as natural greatness is merely comparative, and that
+he only is a powerful prince, who is more powerful than those with whom
+he can have any cause of contention. That prince, therefore, who
+imagines his power enlarged by a partition of territories, which gives
+him some additional provinces, may be at last disappointed in his
+expectations: for, if this partition gives to another prince already
+greater than himself, an opportunity of increasing his strength in a
+degree proportionate to his present superiority, the former will soon
+find, that he has been labouring for nothing, and that his danger is
+still the same.
+
+Such, sir, is the case of the king of Prussia, who, when he has overrun
+that part of Germany, to which he now lays claim, will only have
+weakened the house of Austria, without strengthening himself.
+
+He is at present secure in the possession of his dominions, because
+neither the Austrians would suffer the French, nor the French permit the
+Austrians to increase-their power by subduing him. Thus, while the
+present equipoise of power is maintained, jealousy and caution would
+always procure him an ally whenever he should be attacked; but when, by
+his assistance, the Austrian family shall be ruined, who shall defend
+him against the ambition of France?
+
+While the liberties of mankind are thus equally endangered by folly and
+ambition, attacked on one side, and neglected on the other, it is
+necessary for those who foresee the calamity that threatens them, to
+exert themselves in endeavours to avert it, and to retard the fatal
+blow, till those who are now lulled by the contemplation of private
+advantage, can be awakened into a just concern for the general happiness
+of Europe, and be convinced that they themselves can only be secure by
+uniting in the cause of liberty and justice.
+
+For this reason, sir, our sovereign has asserted the Pragmatick
+sanction, and promised to assist the queen of Hungary with the forces
+which former treaties have entitled her to demand from him; for this
+reason he has endeavoured to rouse the Dutch from their supineness, and
+excite them to arm once more for the common safety, to intimidate, by
+new augmentations, those powers whose ardour, perhaps, only subsists
+upon the confidence that they shall not be resisted, and to animate, by
+open declarations in favour of the house of Austria, those who probably
+are only hindered from offering their assistance, by the fear of
+standing alone against the armies of France.
+
+That by this conduct he may expose his dominions on the continent to
+invasions, ravages, and the other miseries of war, every one who knows
+their situation must readily allow; nor can it be doubted by any man who
+has heard of the power of the Prussians and French, that they may commit
+great devastations with very little opposition, the forces of the
+electorate not being sufficient to give them battle; for though the
+fortified towns might hold out against them, that consideration will
+very little alleviate the concern of those who consider the miseries of
+a nation, whose enemies are in possession of all the open country, and
+who from their ramparts see their harvest laid waste, and their villages
+in flames. The fortifications contain the strength, but the field and
+the trading towns comprise the riches of a people, and the country may
+be ruined which is not subdued.
+
+As, therefore, sir, the electoral dominions of his majesty are now
+endangered, not by any private dispute with the neighbouring princes,
+but by his firmness in asserting the general rights of Europe; as the
+consequences of his conduct, on this occasion, will be chiefly
+beneficial to Britain, we ought surely to support him in the prosecution
+of this design; a design which we cannot but approve, since our
+ancestors have always carried it on without regard either to the danger
+or the expense.
+
+In conformity to this maxim of politicks, so clearly founded in equity,
+and so often justified by the votes of the senate, has his majesty been
+pleased to declare to us his resolution to adhere to his engagements,
+and oppose all attempts that may be forming in favour of any unjust
+pretensions to the prejudice of the house of Austria. 'Tis for this end
+he desires the concurrence of his senate. I hope every gentleman in this
+house will agree with me that we ought to declare our approbation of
+these measures, in such terms as may show the world, that those who
+shall dare to obstruct them, must resolve to incur the resentment of
+this nation, and expose themselves to all the opposition which the
+senate of Britain can send forth against them. We ought to pronounce
+that the territories of Hanover will be considered, on this occasion, as
+the dominions of Britain, and that any attack on one or the other will
+be equally resented. I, therefore, move, that an humble address be
+presented by this house to his majesty,
+
+To return our thanks for his speech; to express our dutiful sense of his
+majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen of Hungary, and for
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; to declare our concurrence in the
+prudent measures which his majesty is pursuing for the preservation of
+the liberties and balance of power in Europe; to acknowledge his
+majesty's wisdom and resolution, in not suffering himself to be diverted
+from steadily persevering in his just purposes of fulfilling his
+engagements with the house of Austria; also, further to assure his
+majesty, that, in justice to and vindication of the honour and dignity
+of the British crown, we will effectually stand by and support his
+majesty against all insults and attacks, which any prince or power, in
+resentment of the just measures which he has so wisely taken, shall make
+upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not belonging to the crown
+of Great Britain. And that in any future events, which might make it
+necessary for him to enter into still larger expenses, this house will
+enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, to the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the
+Pragmatick sanction and the liberties and balance of Europe.
+
+Mr. FOX seconded the motion in this manner:--Sir, the expediency, if not
+the necessity of the address now moved for, will, I believe, be readily
+allowed by those who consider the just measures which are pursued by his
+majesty, the end which is intended by them, and the powers by which they
+are opposed.
+
+How much it is our duty to support the house of Austria it is not
+necessary to explain to any man who has heard the debates of this
+assembly, or read the history of the last war. How much it is our duty
+to support it, is evident, as soon as it is known by whom it is
+attacked; by the ancient enemy of these nations, by the general
+disturber of the universe, by the formidable oppressors of liberty,
+exulting in new acquisitions, inflamed with the madness of universal
+monarchy, and elated with an opportunity of subjecting Germany, by
+exalting to the supreme power a prince who shall hold his authority only
+by their permission.
+
+The house of Austria, which has so often stood forth in defence of our
+common rights, which has poured armies into the field, in confederacy
+with Britain, to suppress the insolence of that family which nothing
+could satisfy but boundless power, now demands the assistance which it
+has so often afforded; that assistance is demanded from us by every
+claim which the laws of society can enact, or the dictates of nature can
+suggest, by treaties maturely considered, and solemnly confirmed, by the
+ties of ancient friendship, and the obligations of common interest.
+
+To violate the publick faith, and to neglect the observation of
+treaties, is to sink ourselves below barbarity, to destroy that
+confidence which unites mankind in society. To deny or evade our
+stipulations, sir, is to commit a crime which every honest mind must
+consider with abhorrence, and to establish a precedent which may be used
+hereafter to our own destruction.
+
+To forsake an ancient ally only because we can receive no immediate
+advantage from his friendship, or because it may be in some degree
+dangerous to adhere to him; to forsake him when he most wants our good
+offices, when he is distressed by his enemies, and deserted by others
+from whom he had reason to hope for kinder treatment, is the most
+despicable, the most hateful degree of cowardice and treachery.
+
+The obligations of interest, sir, it is not often needful to enforce,
+but it may be observed on this occasion, that a single year of neglect
+may never be retrieved. We may, sir, now be able to support those whom,
+when once dispossessed, it will not be in our power to restore; and that
+if we suffer the house of Austria to be overborne, our posterity,
+through every generation, may have reason to curse our injudicious
+parsimony, our fatal inactivity, and our perfidious cowardice.
+
+With what views the king of Prussia concurs in the French measures, or
+upon what principles of policy he promises to himself any security in
+the enjoyment of his new dominions, it is not easy to conjecture; but as
+it is easy to discover, that whatever he may propose to himself, his
+conduct evidently tends to the ruin of Europe, so he may, in my opinion,
+justly be opposed, if he cannot be diverted or made easy.
+
+Nor can we, sir, if this opposition should incite him, or any other
+power, to an invasion of his majesty's foreign dominions, refuse them
+our protection and assistance: for as they suffer for the cause which we
+are engaged to support, and suffer only by our measures, we are at
+least, as allies, obliged by the laws of equity and the general compacts
+of mankind, to arm in their defence; and what may be claimed by the
+common right of allies, we shall surely not deny them, only because they
+are more closely united to us, because they own the same monarch with
+ourselves.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, with what eagerness
+the French snatch every opportunity of increasing their influence,
+extending their dominions, and oppressing their neighbours, the
+experience of many years has convinced all Europe; and it is evident
+that unless some power be preserved in a degree of strength nearly equal
+to theirs, their schemes, pernicious as they are, cannot be defeated.
+
+That the only power from which this opposition can be hoped, is the
+house of Austria, a very superficial view of this part of the globe,
+will sufficiently demonstrate; of this we were long since so strongly
+convinced, that we employed all our forces and all our politicks to
+aggrandize this house. We endeavoured not only to support it in all its
+hereditary rights, but to invest it with new sovereignties, and extend
+its authority over new dominions.
+
+Why we afterwards varied in our councils and our measures, I have long
+inquired without any satisfaction, having never, sir, with the utmost
+application, been able to discover the motives to the memorable treaty
+of Hanover, by which we stipulated to destroy the fabrick that we had
+been so long and so laboriously endeavouring to erect; by which we
+abandoned that alliance which we had so diligently cultivated, which we
+had preferred to peace, plenty, and riches, and for which we had
+cheerfully supported a tedious, a bloody, and an expensive war.
+
+This conduct, sir, raises a greater degree of admiration, as the authors
+of it had exhausted all their eloquence in censuring the treaty of
+Utrecht, and had endeavoured to expose those who transacted it to the
+general hatred of the nation; as they always expressed in the strongest
+terms their dread and detestation of the French; as they animated all
+their harangues, and stunned their opponents with declarations of their
+zeal for the liberties of Europe.
+
+By what impulse or what infatuation, these asserters of liberty, these
+enemies of France, these guardians of the balance of power, were on the
+sudden prevailed on to declare in favour of the power whom they had so
+long thought it their chief interest and highest honour to oppose, must
+be discovered by sagacity superiour to mine. But after such perplexity
+of councils and such fluctuation of conduct, it is necessary to inquire
+more particularly what are the present intentions of the ministry, what
+alliances have been formed, and what conditions are required to be
+fulfilled.
+
+If we are obliged only to supply the queen of Hungary with twelve
+thousand men, we have already performed our engagements; if we have
+promised any pecuniary assistance, the sum which we have stipulated to
+furnish ought to be declared; for I suppose, at least, our engagements
+have some limits, and that we are not to exert all the force of the
+nation, to fight as if fire and sword were at our gates, or an invader
+were landing armies upon our coasts.
+
+I have, sir, from my earliest years been zealous for the defence and
+exaltation of the house of Austria, and shall be very far from proposing
+that any danger or distress should influence us to desert it; but I do
+not easily discover by what means we shall be able to afford any
+efficacious assistance: for the power of Britain consists chiefly in
+naval armaments, which can be of very little use to the queen of
+Hungary, and I know not any state that will easily consent to unite with
+us on this occasion.
+
+If there be, sir, any states remaining in Europe which the French can
+neither intimidate nor bribe, we ought studiously to solicit and
+diligently to cultivate their friendship; but whether any, except the
+Moscovites, are now independent, or sufficiently confident of their own
+strength to engage in such a hazardous alliance, may be justly doubted.
+
+The late grand alliance, sir, was supported at the expense of this
+nation alone; nor was it required from the other confederates to exhaust
+the treasure of their country in the common cause. I hope the debt which
+that war has entailed upon us will instruct us to be more frugal in our
+future engagements, and to stipulate only what we may perform without
+involving the nation in misery, which victories and triumphs cannot
+compensate.
+
+The necessity, sir, of publick economy obliges me to insist, that before
+any money shall be granted, an account be laid before the senate, in
+particular terms, of the uses to which it is to be applied. To ask for
+supplies in general terms, is to demand the power of squandering the
+publick money at pleasure, and to claim, in softer language, nothing
+less than despotick authority.
+
+It has not been uncommon for money, granted by the senate, to be spent
+without producing any of those effects which were expected from it,
+without assisting our allies, or humbling our enemies; and, therefore,
+there is reason for suspecting that money has sometimes been asked for
+one use and applied to another.
+
+If our concurrence, sir, is necessary to increase his majesty's
+influence on the continent, to animate the friends of the house of
+Austria, or to repress the disturbers of the publick tranquillity, I
+shall willingly unite with the most zealous advocates for the
+administration in any vote of approbation or assistance, not contrary to
+the act of settlement, that important and well-concerted act, by which
+the present family was advanced to the throne, and by which it is
+provided, that Britain shall never be involved in war for the
+enlargement or protection of the dominions of Hanover, dominions from
+which we never expected nor received any benefit, and for which,
+therefore, nothing ought to be either suffered or hazarded.
+
+If it should be again necessary to form a confederacy, and to unite the
+powers of Europe against the house of Bourbon, that ambitious, that
+restless family, by which the repose of the world is almost every day
+interrupted, which is incessantly labouring against the happiness of
+human nature, and seeking every hour an opportunity of new
+encroachments, I declare, sir, that I shall not only, with the greatest
+cheerfulness, bear my share of the publick expense, but endeavour to
+reconcile others to their part of the calamities of war. This, sir, I
+have advanced in confidence, that sufficient care shall be taken, that
+in any new alliance we shall be parties, not principals; that the
+expense of war, as the advantage of victory, shall be common; and that
+those who shall unite with us will be our allies, not our mercenaries.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE then spoke, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+without reason that the honourable gentleman desires to be informed of
+the stipulations contained in the treaty by which we have engaged to
+support the Pragmatick sanction; for I find that he either never knew
+them or has forgotten them; and, therefore, those reasonings which he
+has formed upon them fall to the ground.
+
+We are obliged, sir, by this treaty, to supply the house of Austria with
+twelve thousand men, and the Dutch, who were engaged in it by our
+example, have promised a supply of five thousand. This force, joined to
+those armies which the large dominions of that family enable them to
+raise, were conceived sufficient to repel any enemy by whom their rights
+should be invaded.
+
+But because in affairs of such importance nothing is to be left to
+hazard, because the preservation of the equipoise of power, on which the
+liberties of almost all mankind, who can call themselves free, must be
+acknowledged to depend, ought to be rather certain, than barely
+probable; it is stipulated farther, both by the French and ourselves,
+that if the supplies, specified in the first article, shall appear
+insufficient, we shall unite our whole force in the defence of our ally,
+and struggle, once more, for independence, with ardour proportioned to
+the importance of our cause.
+
+By these stipulations, sir, no engagements have been formed that can be
+imagined to have been prohibited by the act of settlement, by which it
+is provided, that the house of Hanover shall not plunge this nation into
+a war, for the sake of their foreign dominions, without the consent of
+the senate; for this war is by no means entered upon for the particular
+security of Hanover, but for the general advantage of Europe, to repress
+the ambition of the French, and to preserve ourselves and our posterity
+from the most abject dependence upon a nation exasperated against us by
+long opposition, and hereditary hatred.
+
+Nor is the act of settlement only preserved unviolated by the reasons of
+the present alliance, but by the regular concurrence of the senate which
+his majesty has desired, notwithstanding his indubitable right of making
+peace and war by his own authority. I cannot, therefore, imagine upon
+what pretence it can be urged, that the law, which requires that no war
+shall be made on account of the Hanoverian dominions without the consent
+of the senate, is violated, when it is evident that the war is made upon
+other motives, and the concurrence of the senate is solemnly desired.
+
+But such is the malevolence with which the conduct of the administration
+is examined, that no degree of integrity or vigilance can secure it from
+censure. When, in the present question, truth and reason are evidently
+on their side, past transactions are recalled to memory, and those
+measures are treated with the utmost degree of contempt and ridicule, of
+which the greatest part of the audience have probably forgotten the
+reasons, and of which the authors of them do not always stand up in the
+defence, because they are weary of repeating arguments to those who
+listen with a resolution never to be convinced.
+
+How well, sir, those by whom the ministry is opposed, have succeeded in
+hardening their minds against the force of reason, is evident from their
+constant custom of appealing from the senate to the people, and
+publishing, in pamphlets, those arguments which they have found
+themselves, in this assembly, unable to support; a practice which
+discovers rather an obstinate resolution to obstruct the government,
+than zeal for the prosperity of their country, and which, to speak of it
+in the softest terms, seems to be suggested more by the desire of
+popularity than the love of truth.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to the effect following:--Sir, notwithstanding the
+confidence with which this motion has been offered and defended,
+notwithstanding the specious appearance of respect to his majesty, by
+which it is recommended, I am not ashamed to declare, that it appears to
+me inconsistent with the trust reposed in us by our constituents, who
+owe their allegiance to the king of Britain, and not to the elector of
+Hanover.
+
+It will be urged, sir, by the people, whom we sit here to represent,
+that they are already embarrassed with debts, contracted in a late war,
+from which, after the expense of many millions, and the destruction of
+prodigious multitudes, they receive no advantage; and that they are now
+loaded with taxes for the support of another, of which they perceive no
+prospect of a very happy or honourable conclusion, of either security or
+profit, either conquests or reprisals; and that they are, therefore, by
+no means willing to see themselves involved in any new confederacy, by
+which they may entail on their posterity the same calamities, and oblige
+themselves to hazard their fortunes and their happiness in defence of
+distant countries, of which many of them have scarcely heard, and from
+which no return of assistance is expected.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE spoke again, to this purpose:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to refute every calumny that malice may invent, or credulity
+admit, or to answer those of whom it may reasonably be conceived that
+they do not credit their own accusations, I will yet rise, once more, in
+vindication of the treaty of Hanover, to show with how little reason it
+is censured, to repress the levity of insult, and the pride of
+unreasonable triumph.
+
+The treaty of Hanover, sir, how long soever it has been ridiculed, and
+with whatever contempt those by whom it was negotiated have been
+treated, was wise and just. It was just, because no injury was intended
+to any power, no invasion was planned, no partition of dominions
+stipulated, nothing but our own security desired. It was wise, because
+it produced the end proposed by it, and established that security which
+the Austrians and Spaniards were endeavouring to destroy.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sir, had then entered into a secret treaty of
+alliance with Spain, by which nothing less was designed than the total
+destruction of our liberties, the diminution of our commerce, the
+alienation of our dominions, and the subversion of our constitution. We
+were to have been expelled from Gibraltar, and totally excluded from the
+Mediterranean, the pretender was to have been exalted to the throne, and
+a new religion, with the slavery that always accompanies it, to have
+been introduced amongst us, and Ostend was to have been made a port, and
+to have shared the poor remains of our commerce to foreign nations.
+
+This unjust, this malicious confederacy, was then opposed with the
+utmost vehemence by the imperial general, whose courage and military
+capacity are celebrated throughout the world, and whose political
+abilities and knowledge of the affairs of Europe, were equal to his
+knowledge of war. He urged, with great force, that such a confederacy
+would disunite the empire for ever from the maritime powers, by which it
+had been supported, and which were engaged by one common interest in the
+promotion of its prosperity: but his remonstrances availed nothing, and
+the alliance was concluded.
+
+When our ancient allies, who had been so often succoured with our
+treasure, and defended by our arms, had entered into such engagements;
+when it was stipulated not only to impoverish but enslave us; not only
+to weaken us abroad, but to deprive us of every domestick comfort; when
+a scheme was formed that would have spread misery over the whole nation,
+and have extended its consequences to the lowest orders of the
+community, it was surely necessary to frustrate it by some alliance, and
+with whom could we then unite, but with France?
+
+This is not the only fact on which gentlemen have ventured to speak with
+great freedom without sufficient information; the conduct of our allies
+in the late war has been no less misrepresented than that of our
+ministers in their negotiations. They have been charged with imposing
+upon us the whole expense of the confederacy, when it may be proved,
+beyond controversy, that the annual charge of the Dutch was five
+millions.
+
+Nor did they, sir, only contribute annually thus largely to the common
+cause, but when we forsook the alliance, and shamefully abandoned the
+advantages we had gained, they received our mercenaries into their own
+pay, and expended nine millions in a single year.
+
+Of the truth of these assertions it is easy to produce incontestable
+evidence, which, however, cannot be necessary to any man who reflects,
+that from one of the most wealthy nations in the world, the Dutch, with
+all their commerce, and all their parsimony, are reduced to penury and
+distress; for who can tell by what means they have sunk into their
+present low condition, if they suffered nothing by the late war?
+
+How this gentleman, sir, has been deceived, and to whose insinuations
+his errours are to be imputed, I am at no loss to discover. I hope he
+will, by this confutation, be warned against implicit credulity, and
+remember with what caution that man is to be trusted, whose pernicious
+counsels have endangered his country.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke thus:--Sir, it is, in my opinion, an incontestable
+maxim, that no measures are eligible, which are unjust; and that,
+therefore, before any resolutions are formed, we ought to examine not
+what motives may be suggested by expedience, but what arguments may be
+advanced by equity on one part or the other.
+
+If I do not mistake the true intent of the address now proposed, we are
+invited to declare that we will oppose the king of Prussia in his
+attempts upon Silesia, a declaration in which I know not how any man can
+concur, who knows not the nature of his claim, and the laws of the
+empire. It ought, therefore, sir, to have been the first endeavour of
+those by whom this address has been so zealously promoted, to show that
+his claim, so publickly explained, so firmly urged, and so strongly
+supported, is without foundation in justice or in reason, and is only
+one of those imaginary titles, which ambition may always find to the
+dominions of another.
+
+But no attempt has been yet made towards the discussion of this
+important question, and, therefore, I know not how any man can call upon
+us to oppose the king of Prussia, when his claim may probably be just,
+and, by consequence, such as, if it were necessary for us to engage in
+the affairs of those distant countries, we ought to join with him in
+asserting.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as no member of
+this assembly can feel a greater degree of zeal for his majesty's honour
+than myself; none shall more readily concur in any expression of duty or
+adherence to him.
+
+But I have been always taught that allegiance to my prince is consistent
+with fidelity to my country, that the interest of the king and the
+people of great Britain is the same; and that he only is a true subject
+of the crown, who is a steady promoter of the happiness of the nation:
+
+For this reason I think it necessary to declare, that Hanover is always
+to be considered as a sovereignty separate from that of Britain, and as
+a country with laws and interests distinct from ours; and that it is the
+duty of the representatives of this nation, to take care that interests
+so different may never be confounded, and that Britain may incur no
+expense of which Hanover alone can enjoy the advantage.
+
+If the elector of Hanover should be engaged in war with any of the
+neighbouring sovereigns, who should be enabled, by a victory, to enter
+into the country, and carry the terrours of war through all his
+territories, it would by no means be necessary for this nation to
+interpose; for the elector of Hanover might lose his dominions without
+any disadvantage or dishonour to the king or people of Britain.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+
+DEBATE ON A MOTION FOR SUPPORTING THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
+
+
+His majesty went this day to the house of lords, and after his assent to
+several bills, he, in a speech from the throne to both houses of the
+senate, acquainted them, that the war raised against the queen of
+Hungary, and the various claims on the late German emperour's
+succession, might expose the dominions of such princes as should incline
+to support the Pragmatick sanction to imminent danger. That the queen of
+Hungary required the twelve thousand men stipulated by treaty, and
+thereupon he had demanded of the king of Denmark, and of the king of
+Sweden, as sovereign of Hesse Cassel, their respective bodies of troops,
+of six thousand men each, to be in readiness to march to her assistance.
+That he was concerting such farther measures as may disappoint all
+dangerous designs forming to the prejudice of the house of Austria,
+which might make it necessary for him to enter into still larger
+expenses for maintaining the Pragmatick sanction. He, therefore, in a
+conjuncture so critical, desired the concurrence of his senate, in
+enabling him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the liberties
+and balance of power in Europe.
+
+The house of commons, in their address upon this occasion, expressed a
+dutiful sense of his majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen
+of Hungary, and for the maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; they
+declared their concurrence in the prudent measures which his majesty was
+pursuing for the preservation of the liberties and balance of power in
+Europe; they assured his majesty, that, in justice to, and vindication
+of the honour and dignity of the British crown, they would effectually
+stand by and support his majesty against all insults and attacks, which
+any power, in resentment of the just measures which he had so wisely
+taken, should make upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not
+belonging to the crown of Great Britain. They farther assured his
+majesty, that in any future events which might make it necessary for him
+to enter into still larger expenses, they would enable him to
+contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the designs
+he proposed.
+
+His majesty, in his answer to this address, observed their readiness in
+enabling him to make good his engagements with the queen of Hungary, and
+the assurances given him not to suffer his foreign dominions to be
+insulted on account of the measures he was pursuing for the support of
+the Pragmatick sanction, etc.
+
+In consequence of this procedure, the house, pursuant to order, resolved
+itself into a committee, to consider of the supplies granted to his
+majesty.
+
+Upon this occasion, a motion was made by sir Robert WALPOLE for a grant
+of three hundred thousand pounds, for the support of the queen of
+Hungary, on which arose the following debate:
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE supported his motion by a speech, in substance as
+follows:--Sir, the necessity of this grant appears so plainly from the
+bare mention of the purposes for which it is asked, that I can scarcely
+conceive that its reasonableness will be disputed. I can discover no
+principles upon which an objection to this motion can be founded, nor
+the least arguments by which such objection can be supported.
+
+The indispensable obligations of publick faith, the great ties by which
+nations are united, and confederacies formed, I cannot suppose any man
+inclined to invalidate. An exact performance of national promises, and
+inviolable adherence to treaties, is enforced at once by policy and
+justice, and all laws both of heaven and earth.
+
+Publick perfidy, sir, like private dishonesty, whatever temporary
+advantages it may promise or produce, is always, upon the whole, the
+parent of misery. Every man, however prosperous, must sometimes wish for
+a friend; and every nation, however potent, stand in need of an ally;
+but all alliances subsist upon mutual confidence, and confidence can be
+produced only by unlimited integrity, by known firmness, and approved
+veracity.
+
+The use of alliances, sir, has, in the last age, been too much
+experienced to be contested; it is by leagues well concerted, and
+strictly observed, that the weak are defended against the strong, that
+bounds are set to the turbulence of ambition, that the torrent of power
+is restrained, and empires preserved from those inundations of war,
+that, in former times, laid the world in ruins. By alliances, sir, the
+equipoise of power is maintained, and those alarms and apprehensions
+avoided, which must arise from daily vicissitudes of empire, and the
+fluctuations of perpetual contest.
+
+That it is the interest of this nation to cultivate the friendship of
+the house of Austria, to protect its rights, and secure its succession,
+to inform it when mistaken, and to assist it when attacked, is allowed
+by every party. Every man, sir, knows that the only power that can
+sensibly injure us, by obstructing our commerce, or invading our
+dominions, is France, against which no confederacy can be formed, except
+with the house of Austria, that can afford us any efficacious support.
+
+The firmest bond of alliances is mutual interest. Men easily unite
+against him whom they have all equal reason to fear and to hate; by whom
+they have been equally injured, and by whom they suspect that no
+opportunity will be lost of renewing his encroachments. Such is the
+state of this nation, and of the Austrians. We are equally endangered by
+the French greatness, and equally animated against it by hereditary
+animosities, and contests continued from one age to another; we are
+convinced that, however either may be flattered or caressed, while the
+other is invaded, every blow is aimed at both, and that we are divided
+only that we may be more easily destroyed.
+
+For this reason we engaged in the support of the Pragmatick sanction,
+and stipulated to secure the imperial crown to the daughters of Austria;
+which was nothing more than to promise, that we would endeavour to
+prevent our own destruction, by opposing the exaltation of a prince who
+should owe his dignity to the French, and, in consequence of so close an
+alliance, second all their schemes, admit all their claims, and
+sacrifice to their ambition the happiness of a great part of mankind.
+
+Such would probably be the consequence, if the French should gain the
+power of conferring the imperial crown. They would hold the emperour in
+perpetual dependence, would, perhaps, take possession of his hereditary
+dominions, as a mortgage for their expenses; would awe him with the
+troops which they sent under a pretence of assisting him, and leave him
+only the titles of dominion, and the shadows of empire.
+
+In this state would he remain, whilst his formidable allies were
+extending their dominions on every side. He would see one power subdued
+after another, and himself weakened by degrees, and only not deprived of
+his throne, because it would be unnecessary to dethrone him; or he would
+be obliged to solicit our assistance to break from his slavery, and we
+should be obliged, at the utmost hazard, and at an expense not to be
+calculated, to remedy what it is, perhaps, now in our power to prevent
+with very little difficulty.
+
+That this danger is too near to be merely chimerical, that the queen of
+Hungary is invaded, and her right to the imperial dignity contested, is
+well known; it is, therefore, the time for fulfilling our engagements;
+engagements of the utmost importance to ourselves and our posterity; and
+I hope the government will not be accused of profusion, if, for three
+hundred thousand pounds, the liberties of Europe shall be preserved.
+
+We cannot deny this grant without acting in opposition to our late
+professions of supporting his majesty in his endeavours to maintain the
+Pragmatick sanction, and of assisting him to defend his foreign
+dominions from any injuries to which those endeavours should expose
+them; for how can he without forces defend his dominions, or assist his
+ally? or how can he maintain forces without supplies?
+
+Mr. SHIPPEN next rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, as I have always
+endeavoured to act upon conviction of my duty, to examine opinions
+before I admit them, and to speak what I have thought the truth, I do
+not easily change my conduct, or retract my assertions; nor am I
+deterred from repeating my arguments when I have a right to speak, by
+the remembrance that they have formerly been unsuccessful.
+
+Every man, when he is confident himself, conceives himself able to
+persuade others, and imagines that their obstinacy proceeds from other
+motives than reason; and that, if he fails at one time to gain over his
+audience, he may yet succeed in some happier moment, when their
+prejudices shall be dissipated, or their interest varied.
+
+For this reason, though it cannot be suspected that I have forgotten the
+resentment which I have formerly drawn upon myself, by an open
+declaration of my sentiments with regard to Hanover, I stand up again,
+with equal confidence, to make my protestations against any
+interposition in the affairs of that country, and to avow my dislike of
+the promise lately made to defend it: a promise, inconsistent, in my
+opinion, with that important and inviolable law, the _act of
+settlement!_--a promise, which, if it could have been foreknown, would,
+perhaps, have for ever precluded from the succession that illustrious
+family, to which we owe such numberless blessings, such continued
+felicity!
+
+Far be it from me to insinuate that we can be too grateful to his
+majesty, or too zealous in our adherence to him; only let us remember,
+that true gratitude consists in real benefits, in promoting the true
+interest of him to whom we are indebted; and surely, by hazarding the
+welfare of Britain in defence of Hanover, we shall very little consult
+the advantage, or promote the greatness of our sovereign.
+
+It is well known how inconsiderable, in the sight of those by whom the
+succession was established, Hanover appeared, in comparison with
+Britain. Those men, to whom even their enemies have seldom denied praise
+for knowledge and capacity, and who have been so loudly celebrated by
+many, who have joined in the last address, for their honest zeal, and
+the love of their country, enacted, that the king of Britain should
+never visit those important territories, which we have so solemnly
+promised to defend, at the hazard of our happiness. It was evidently
+their design that our sovereign, engrossed by the care of his new
+subjects, a care which, as they reasonably imagined, would arise from
+gratitude for dignity and power so liberally conferred, should in time
+forget that corner of the earth on which his ancestors had resided, and
+act, not as elector of Hanover, but as king of Britain, as the governour
+of a mighty nation, and the lord of large dominions.
+
+It was expressly determined, that, this nation should never be involved
+in war for the defence of the dominions on the continent, and,
+doubtless, the same policy that has restrained us from extending our
+conquests in countries from which some advantages might be received,
+ought to forbid all expensive and hazardous measures, for the sake of
+territories from whence no benefit can be reaped.
+
+Nor are the purposes, sir, for which this supply is demanded, the only
+objections that may be urged against it, for the manner in which it is
+asked, makes it necessary at least to delay it. The ministers have been
+so little accustomed to refusals that they have forgot when to ask with
+decency, and expect the treasure of the nation to be poured upon them,
+whenever they shall think it proper to hint that they have discovered
+some new opportunity of expense.
+
+It is necessary, that when a supply is desired, the house should be
+informed, some time before, of the sum that is required, and of the ends
+to which it is to be applied, that every member may consider, at
+leisure, the expediency of the measures proposed, and the proportion of
+the sum to the occasion on which it is demanded; that he may examine
+what are the most proper methods of raising it, and, perhaps, inquire
+with what willingness his constituents will advance it.
+
+Whether any man is enabled by his acuteness and experience, to determine
+all these questions upon momentaneous reflection, I cannot decide. For
+my part, I confess myself one of those on whom nature has bestowed no
+such faculties, and therefore move that the consideration of this supply
+may be deferred for a few days; for if it be now pressed upon us, I
+shall vote against it, because I do not yet fully discover all the
+reasons for it, nor all the consequences which it may produce, and I
+think myself obliged to know for what purpose I give away the money
+which is not my own.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke as follows:--Sir, whatever may be the necessity of
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction, or whatever the obligations of
+national pacts, of which I hope no man is desirous of countenancing the
+neglect, yet they cannot oblige us to arm without an enemy, to embarrass
+ourselves with watching every possibility of danger, to garrison
+dominions which are not threatened, or assert rights which are not
+invaded.
+
+The expediency of maintaining the house of Austria on the imperial
+throne, it is not at present necessary to assert, because it does not
+appear that any other family is aspiring to it. There may, indeed, be
+whispers of secret designs and artful machinations, whispers, perhaps,
+spread only to affright the court into treaties, or the senate into
+grants; or designs, which, like a thousand others that every day
+produces, innumerable accidents may defeat; which may be discovered, not
+only before they are executed, but before they are fully formed, and
+which, therefore, are not worthy to engross much of our attention, or to
+exhaust the wealth of the people.
+
+The Pragmatick sanction is nothing more than a settlement of the
+imperial dignity upon the eldest daughter of the late German emperour
+and her son; and if she has no son, upon the son of the second daughter;
+nor has the crown of Britain, by engaging to support that sanction,
+promised any thing more than to preserve this order of succession, which
+no power, at present, is endeavouring to interrupt; and which,
+therefore, at present, requires no defence.
+
+The dispute, sir, between the king of Prussia and the queen of Hungary,
+is of a different kind; nor is it our duty to engage in it, either as
+parties or judges. He lays claim to certain territories usurped, as he
+alleges, from his ancestors by the Austrian family, and asserts, by
+force, this claim, which is equally valid, whether the queen be emperess
+or not. We have no right to limit his dominions, or obligation to
+examine the justice of his demands. If he is only endeavouring to gain
+what has been forcibly withheld from him, what right have we to obstruct
+his undertaking? And if the queen can show a better title, she is, like
+all other sovereigns, at liberty to maintain it; nor are we necessarily
+to erect ourselves into judges between sovereigns, or distributors of
+dominions.
+
+The contest seems to have very little relation to the Pragmatick
+sanction: if the king of Prussia succeeds, he will contribute to support
+it; and if the queen is able to frustrate his designs, she will be too
+powerful to need our assistance.
+
+But though, sir, the Pragmatick sanction were in danger of violation,
+are we to stand up alone in defence of it, while other nations, equally
+engaged with ourselves by interest and by treaties, sit still to look
+upon the contest, and gather those advantages of peace which we
+indiscreetly throw away? Are we able to maintain it without assistance,
+or are we to exhaust our country, and ruin our posterity in prosecution
+of a hopeless project, to spend what can never be repaid, and to fight
+with certainty of a defeat?
+
+The Dutch, whose engagements and whose interests are the same as our
+own, have not yet made any addition to their expenses, nor augmentation
+of their troops; nor does a single potentate of Europe, however united
+by long alliances to the house of Austria, or however endangered by
+revolutions in the empire, appear to rouse at the approach of alarm, or
+think himself obliged to provoke enemies by whom he is not yet injured.
+
+I cannot, therefore, persuade myself that we are to stand up single in
+the defence of the Pragmatick sanction, to fight the quarrel of others,
+or live in perpetual war, that our neighbours may be at peace.
+
+I shall always think it my duty to disburse the publick money with the
+utmost parsimony, nor ever intend, but on the most pressing necessity,
+to load with new exactions a nation already overwhelmed with debts,
+harassed with taxes, and plundered by a standing army.
+
+For what purpose these numerous forces are maintained, who are now
+preying on the publick; why we increase our armies by land when we only
+fight by sea; why we aggravate the burden of the war, and add domestick
+oppressions to foreign injuries, I am at a loss to determine. Surely
+some regard should be had to the satisfaction of the people, who ought
+not, during the present scarcity of provisions, to be starved by the
+increase of an army, which seems supported only to consume them.
+
+As, therefore, part of our present expense is, in my opinion,
+unnecessary, I shall not contribute to aggravate it by a new grant, for
+purposes of which I cannot discover that they will promote the advantage
+of the publick.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to the following effect:--Sir, the Pragmatick
+sanction, which we are engaged to support, is not confined to the
+preservation of the order of succession, but extends to all the rights
+of the house of Austria, which is now attacked, and by a very formidable
+enemy, at a time of weakness and distraction, and therefore requires our
+assistance.
+
+That others, equally obliged by treaty and by interest to lend their
+help on this occasion, sit reluctive, either through cowardice or
+negligence, or some prospect of temporary advantage, may, perhaps, be
+true; but is it any excuse of a crime, that he who commits it is not the
+only criminal? Will the breach of faith in others excuse it in us?
+Ought we not rather to animate them by our activity, instruct them by
+our example, and awaken them by our representations?
+
+Perhaps the other powers say to themselves, and to one another, Why
+should we keep that treaty which Britain is violating? Why should we
+expose ourselves to danger, of which that mighty nation, so celebrated
+for courage, is afraid? Why should we rush into war, in which our most
+powerful ally seems unwilling to support us?
+
+Thus the same argument, an argument evidently false, and made specious
+only by interest, may be used by all, till some one, more bold and
+honest than the rest, shall dare to rise in vindication of those rights
+which all have promised to maintain; and why should not the greatest
+nation be the first that shall avow her solemn engagements? Why should
+not they be most diligent in the prosecution of an affair who have most
+to lose by its miscarriage?
+
+I am always willing to believe, that no member of this assembly makes
+use, in any solemn debate, of arguments which do not appear rational to
+himself, and yet it is difficult to conceive that any man can imagine
+himself released from a promise, because the same promise is broken by
+another, or that he is at liberty to desert his friend in distress,
+because others desert him, whose good offices he has equal reason to
+expect, and that the more his assistance is needed, the more right he
+has to deny it.
+
+Surely such arguments as these deserve not, need not a confutation.
+Before we regulate our conduct by that of others, we must either prove
+that they have done right, which proof will be a sufficient defence
+without the precedent, or own that they are more capable of judging than
+we, and that, therefore, we pay an implicit submission to their dictates
+and example; a sacrifice which we shall not willingly make to the vanity
+of our neighbours.
+
+In the present case it is evident that if other nations neglect the
+performance of their contracts, they are guilty of the breach of publick
+faith; of a crime, that, if it should generally be imitated, would
+dissolve society, and throw human nature into confusion, that would
+change the most happy region into deserts, in which one savage would be
+preying on another.
+
+Nor are they only propagating an example, which in some distant times
+may be pleaded against themselves, but they are exposing themselves to
+more immediate dangers; they are forwarding designs that have no
+tendency but to their ruin, they are adding strength to their inveterate
+enemies, and beckoning invasion to their own frontiers.
+
+Let us, therefore, instead of hardening ourselves in perfidy, or lulling
+ourselves in security by their example, exert all our influence to unite
+them, and all our power to assist them. Let us show them what they ought
+to determine by our resolutions, and teach them to act by our vigour;
+that, if the house of Austria be preserved, our alliance may be
+strengthened by new motives of gratitude; and that, if it must be that
+the liberties of this part of the world be lost, we may not reproach
+ourselves with having neglected to defend them.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next to this purpose:--Sir, it is not to be supposed
+that such members of this assembly as are not engaged in publick
+affairs, should receive very exact intelligence of the dispositions of
+foreign powers, and, therefore, I do not wonder that the conduct of the
+Dutch has been misrepresented, and that they are suspected of neglecting
+their engagements at a time when they are endeavouring to perform them.
+
+The Dutch have now under consideration the most proper methods of
+assisting the queen of Hungary, and maintaining the Pragmatick sanction;
+it may be, indeed, justly suspected, from the nature of their
+constitution, that their motions will be slow, but it cannot be
+asserted, that they break their engagements, or desert their
+confederates.
+
+Nor is there any reason for imagining that the other princes, who have
+incurred the same obligations, will not endeavour to perform their
+promises; it may be easily conceived that some of them are not able at a
+sudden summons to afford great assistance, and that others may wait the
+result of our deliberations, and regulate their conduct by our example.
+
+Not that we ought to neglect our engagements, or endanger our country,
+because other powers are either perfidious, or insensible; for I am not
+afraid to declare, that if that should happen, which there is no reason
+to suspect, if all the other powers should desert the defence of the
+Austrian line, should consent to annul the Pragmatick sanction, and
+leave the queen of Hungary to the mercy of her enemies, I would advise
+that Britain alone should pour her armies into the continent, that she
+should defend her ally against the most formidable confederacy, and show
+mankind an example of constancy not to be shaken, and of faith not to be
+violated.
+
+If it be, therefore, our duty to support the Pragmatick sanction, it is
+now the time for declaring our resolutions, when the imperial crown is
+claimed by a multitude of competitors, among whom the elector of
+Bavaria, a very powerful prince, has, by his minister, notified his
+pretensions to the court of Britain.
+
+The ancient alliance between this prince and the French is well known,
+nor can we doubt that he will now implore their assistance for the
+attainment of the throne to which he aspires; and I need not say what
+may be expected from an emperour, whose elevation was procured by the
+forces of France.
+
+Nor is this the only prince that claims the imperial crown upon
+plausible pretences, or whose claims other powers may combine to
+support; it is well known, that even the Spanish monarch believes
+himself entitled to it, nor can we, who have no communication with him,
+know whether he has not declared to all the other princes of Europe, his
+resolution to assert his claim.
+
+It is far from being impossible that the pretensions of the house of
+Bourbon may be revived, and that though no single prince of that family
+should attempt to mount the imperial throne, they may all conspire to
+dismember the empire into petty kingdoms, and free themselves from the
+dread of a formidable neighbour, by erecting a number of diminutive
+sovereigns, who may be always courting the assistance of their
+protectors, for the sake of harassing each other.
+
+Thus will the house by which Europe has been hitherto protected, sink
+into an empty name, and we shall be left to stand alone against all the
+powers that profess a different religion, and whose interest is opposite
+to that of Britain.
+
+We ought, indeed, to act with the utmost vigour, when we see one of the
+most powerful of the reformed princes so far forgetful of the interest
+of our religion, as to cooperate with the designs of France, and so
+intent upon improving the opportunity of distressing the house of
+Austria, as to neglect the common cause, and expose himself or his
+posterity to the danger of becoming a dependant on the house of Bourbon.
+
+For this reason, I cannot agree that our army, though numerous and
+burdensome, is greater than the necessity of affairs requires: if we
+cast our eyes on the continent, nothing is to be seen but general
+confusion, powerful armies in motion, the dominions of one prince
+invaded, of another threatened; the tumults of ambition in one place,
+and a panick stillness in another.
+
+What will be the event of these commotions who can discover? And how can
+we know what may determine the course of that flood of power, which is
+now in a state of uncertain fluctuation, or seems driven to different
+points by different impulses? How soon may the Dutch see their barrier
+attacked, and call upon us for the ten thousand men which we are obliged
+to send them? How soon may the house of Austria be so distressed, as to
+require all our power for its preservation?
+
+That we are to leave nothing unattempted for the security of our own
+religion and liberty, will easily be granted, and, therefore, unless it
+can be proved that we may be equally secure, though the house of Austria
+be ruined, it will necessarily follow that we are, with all our power,
+to enforce the observation of the Pragmatick sanction.
+
+This is not an act of romantick generosity, but such as the closest
+attention to our own interest shows to be necessary; in defending the
+queen of Hungary we defend ourselves, and only extinguish that flame, by
+which, if it be suffered to spread, we shall ourselves be consumed. The
+empire may be considered as the bulwark of Britain, which, if it be
+thrown down, leaves us naked and defenceless.
+
+Let us, therefore, consider our own danger, and remember, that while we
+are considering this supply, we are deliberating upon nothing less than
+the fate of our country.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, I am on this
+occasion of an opinion different from that of the honourable member who
+spoke the second in this debate, though on most questions our judgment
+has been the same. I am so far from seconding his proposal for delaying
+the consideration of this supply, that I think it may justly be
+inquired, why it was not sooner proposed.
+
+For the support of the house of Austria, and the assertion of the
+Pragmatick sanction, no man can be more zealous than myself; I am
+convinced how closely the interest of this nation and that of the
+Austrian family are united, and how much either must be endangered by
+the ruin of the other, and, therefore, I shall not delay, for a single
+moment, my consent to any measures that may reestablish our interest on
+the continent, and rescue Germany once more from the jaws of France.
+
+I am afraid that we have lost part of our influence in the neighbouring
+countries, and that the name of Britain is less formidable than
+heretofore; but if reputation is lost, it is time to recover it, and I
+doubt not but it may be recovered by the same means that it was at first
+obtained. Our armies may be yet equally destructive, and our money
+equally persuasive.
+
+We have not yet suffered, amidst all our misconduct, our naval force to
+be diminished; our sailors yet retain their ancient courage, and our
+fleets are sufficient to keep the dominion of the ocean, and prescribe
+limits to the commerce of every nation. While this power remains
+unimpaired, while Britain retains her natural superiority, and asserts
+the honour of her flag in every climate, we cannot become despicable,
+nor can any nation ridicule our menaces or scorn our alliance. We may
+still extend our influence to the inland countries, and awe those
+nations which we cannot invade.
+
+To preserve this power let us watch over the disposal of our money;
+money is the source of dominion; those nations may be formidable for
+their affluence which are not considerable for their numbers; and by a
+negligent profusion of their wealth, the most powerful people may
+languish into imbecility, and sink into contempt.
+
+If the grant which is now demanded will be sufficient to produce the
+ends to which it is proposed to be applied, if we are assured of the
+proper application of it, I shall agree to it without hesitation. But
+though it cannot be affirmed that the sum now demanded is too high a
+price for the liberties of Europe, it is at least more than ought to be
+squandered without effect, and we ought at least to know before we grant
+it, what advantages may be expected from it.
+
+May not the sum demanded for the support of the queen of Hungary be
+employed to promote very different interests? May it not be lavished to
+support that power, to which our grants have too long contributed? that
+power by which ourselves have been awed, and the administration has
+tyrannised without control?
+
+If this sum is really intended to support the queen of Hungary, may we
+not inquire how it is to be employed for her service? Is it to be sent
+her for the payment of her armies, and the support of her court? Should
+we not more effectually secure her dominions by purchasing with it the
+friendship and assistance of the king of Prussia, a prince, whose extent
+of dominions and numerous forces, make him not more formidable than his
+personal qualities.
+
+What may be hoped, sir, from a prince of wisdom and courage, at the head
+of a hundred and ten thousand regular troops, with eight millions in his
+treasury? How much he must necessarily add to the strength of any party
+in which he shall engage, is unnecessary to mention; it is evident,
+without proof, that nothing could so much contribute to the
+reestablishment of the house of Austria, as a reconciliation with this
+mighty prince, and that, to bring it to pass, would be the most
+effectual method of serving the unfortunate queen that requires our
+assistance.
+
+Why we should despair, sir, of such a reconciliation I cannot perceive;
+a reconciliation equally conducive to the real interest of both parties.
+It may be proved, with very little difficulty, to the king of Prussia,
+that he is now assisting those with whom interests incompatible and
+religions irreconcilable have set him at variance, whom he can never see
+prosperous but by the diminution of his own greatness, and who will
+always project his ruin while they are enjoying the advantages of his
+victories. We may easily convince him that their power will soon become,
+by his assistance, such as he cannot hope to withstand, and show, from
+the examples of other princes, how dangerous it is to add to the
+strength of an ambitious neighbour. We may show him how much the fate of
+the empire is now in his hands, and how much more glorious and more
+advantageous it will be to preserve it from ruin, than to contribute to
+its destruction.
+
+If by such arguments, sir, this potent monarch can be induced to act
+steadily in defence of the common cause, we may once more stand at the
+head of a protestant confederacy; of a confederacy that may contract the
+views and repress the ambition of the house of Bourbon, and alter their
+schemes of universal monarchy into expedients for the defence of their
+dominions.
+
+But in transacting these affairs, let us not engage in any intricate
+treaties, nor amuse ourselves with displaying our abilities for
+negotiation; negotiation, that fatal art which we have learned as yet
+very imperfectly, and which we have never attempted to practise but to
+our own loss. While we have been entangled in tedious disquisitions, and
+retarded by artful delays, while our commissaries have been debating
+about what was only denied to produce controversies, and inquiring after
+that which has been hid from them only to divert their attention from
+other questions, how many opportunities have been lost, and how often
+might we have secured by war, what was, at a much greater expense, lost
+by treaties.
+
+Treaties, sir, are the artillery of our enemies, to which we have
+nothing to oppose; they are weapons of which we know not the use, and
+which we can only escape by not coming within their reach. I know not by
+what fatality it is, that to treat and to be cheated, are, with regard
+to Britons, words of the same signification; nor do I intend, by this
+observation, to asperse the characters of particular persons, for
+treaties, by whomsoever carried on, have ended always with the same
+success.
+
+It is time, therefore, to know, at length, our weakness and our
+strength, and to resolve no longer to put ourselves voluntarily into the
+power of our enemies: our troops have been always our ablest
+negotiators, and to them it has been, for the most part, necessary at
+last to refer our cause.
+
+Let us, then, always preserve our martial character, and neglect the
+praise of political cunning; a quality which, I believe, we shall never
+attain, and which, if we could obtain, would add nothing to our honour.
+Let it be the practice of the Britons to declare their resolutions
+without reserve, and adhere to them in opposition to danger; let them be
+ambitious of no other elogies than those which may be gained by honesty
+and courage, nor will they then ever find their allies diffident, or
+their enemies contemptuous.
+
+By recovering and asserting this character, we may become once more the
+arbiters of Europe, and be courted by all the protestant powers as their
+protectors: we may once more subdue the ambition of the aspiring French,
+and once more deliver the house of Austria from the incessant pursuit of
+those restless enemies.
+
+The defence of that illustrious family, sir, has always appeared to me,
+since I studied the state of Europe, the unvariable interest of the
+British nation, and our obligations to support it on this particular
+occasion have already been sufficiently explained.
+
+Whence it proceeded, sir, that those who now so zealously espouse the
+Austrian interest, have been so plainly forgetful of it on other
+occasions, I cannot determine. That treaties have been made very little
+to the advantage of that family, and that its enemies have been suffered
+to insult it without opposition, is well known; nor was it long ago that
+it was debated in this house, whether any money should be lent to the
+late emperour.
+
+No publick or private character can be supported, no enemy, sir, can be
+intimidated, nor any friend confirmed in his adherence, but by a steady
+and consistent conduct, by proposing, in all our actions, such ends as
+may be openly avowed, and by pursuing them without regard to temporary
+inconveniencies, or petty obstacles.
+
+Such conduct, sir, I would gladly recommend on the present occasion, on
+which I should be far from advising a faint, an irresolute, or momentary
+assistance, such supplies as declare diffidence in our own strength, or
+a mean inclination to please contrary parties at the same time, to
+perform our engagements with the queen, and continue our friendship with
+France. It is, in my opinion, proper to espouse our ally with the spirit
+of a nation that expects her decisions to be ratified, that holds the
+balance of the world in her hand, and can bestow conquest and empire at
+her pleasure.
+
+Yet, sir, it cannot be denied that many powerful reasons may be brought
+against any new occasions of expense, nor is it without horrour and
+astonishment that any man, conversant in political calculations, can
+consider the enormous profusion of the national treasure. In the late
+dreadful confusion of the world, when the ambition of France had set
+half the nations of the earth on flame, when we sent our armies to the
+continent, and fought the general quarrel of mankind, we paid, during
+the reigns of king William and his great successour, reigns of which
+every summer was distinguished by some important action, but four
+millions yearly.
+
+But our preparations for the present war, in which scarcely a single
+ship of war has been taken, or a single fortress laid in ruins, have
+brought upon the nation an expense of five millions. So much more are we
+now obliged to pay to amuse the weakest, than formerly to subdue the
+most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Frugality, which is always prudent, is, at this time, sir,
+indispensable, when war, dreadful as it is, may be termed the lightest
+of our calamities; when the seasons have disappointed us of bread, and
+an universal scarcity afflicts the nation. Every day brings us accounts
+from different parts of the country, and every account is a new evidence
+of the general calamity, of the want of employment for the poor, and its
+necessary consequence, the want of food.
+
+He that is scarce able to preserve himself, cannot be expected to assist
+others; nor is that money to be granted to foreign powers, which is
+wanted for the support of our fellow-subjects, who are now languishing
+with diseases, which unaccustomed hardships and unwholesome provisions
+have brought upon them, while we are providing against distant dangers,
+and bewailing the distresses of the house of Austria.
+
+Let us not add to the miseries of famine the mortifications of insult
+and neglect; let our countrymen, at least, divide our care with our
+allies, and while we form schemes for succouring the queen of Hungary,
+let us endeavour to alleviate nearer distresses, and prevent or pacify
+domestick discontents.
+
+If there be any man whom the sight of misery cannot move to compassion,
+who can hear the complaints of want without sympathy, and see the
+general calamity of his country without employing one hour on schemes
+for its relief; let not that man dare to boast of integrity, fidelity,
+or honour; let him not presume to recommend the preservation of our
+faith, or adherence to our confederates: that wretch can have no real
+regard to any moral obligation, who has forgotten those first duties
+which nature impresses; nor can he that neglects the happiness of his
+country, recommend any good action for a good reason.
+
+It should be considered, sir, that we can only be useful to our allies,
+and formidable to our enemies, by being unanimous and mutually confident
+of the good intentions of each other, and that nothing but a steady
+attention to the publick welfare, a constant readiness to remove
+grievances, and an apparent unwillingness to impose new burdens, can
+produce that unanimity.
+
+As the cause is, therefore, necessarily to precede the effect, as
+foreign influence is the consequence of happiness at home, let us first
+endeavour to establish that alacrity and security that may animate the
+people to assert their ancient superiority to other nations, and restore
+that plenty which may raise them above any temptation to repine at
+assistance given to our allies.
+
+No man, sir, can very solicitously watch over the welfare of his
+neighbour whose mind is depressed by poverty, or distracted by terrour;
+and when the nation shall see us anxious for the preservation of the
+queen of Hungary, and unconcerned about the wants of our
+fellow-subjects, what can be imagined, but that we have some method of
+exempting ourselves from the common distress, and that we regard not the
+publick misery when we do not feel it?
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied, to the following effect:--Sir, it is always
+proper for every man to lay down some principles upon which he proposes
+to act, whether in publick or private; that he may not be always
+wavering, uncertain, and irresolute; that his adherents may know what
+they are to expect, and his adversaries be able to tell why they are
+opposed.
+
+It is necessary, sir, even for his own sake, that he may not be always
+struggling with himself; that he may know his own determinations, and
+enforce them by the reasons which have prevailed upon him to form them;
+that he may not argue in the same speech to contrary purposes, and weary
+the attention of his hearers with contrasts and antitheses.
+
+When a man admits the necessity of granting a supply, expatiates upon
+the danger that may be produced by retarding it, declares against the
+least delay, however speciously proposed, and enforces the arguments
+which have been already offered to show how much it is our duty and
+interest to allow it; may it not reasonably be imagined, that he intends
+to promote it, and is endeavouring to convince them of that necessity of
+which he seems himself convinced?
+
+But when the same man proceeds to display, with equal eloquence, the
+present calamities of the nation, and tells to how much better purposes
+the sum thus demanded may be applied; when he dwells upon the
+possibility that an impolitick use may be made of the national treasure,
+and hints that it may be asked for one purpose and employed to another,
+what can be collected from his harangue, however elegant, entertaining,
+and pathetick? How can his true opinion be discovered? Or how shall we
+fix such fugitive reasonings, such variable rhetorick?
+
+I am not able, sir, to discern, why truth should be obscured; or why any
+man should take pleasure in heaping together all the arguments that his
+knowledge may supply, or his imagination suggest, against a proposition
+which he cannot deny. Nor can I assign any good purpose that can be
+promoted by perpetual renewals of debate, and by a repetition of
+objections, which have in former conferences, on the same occasion, been
+found of little force.
+
+When the system of affairs is not fully laid open, and the schemes of
+the administration are in part unknown, it is easy to raise objections
+formidable in appearance, which, perhaps, cannot be answered till the
+necessity of secrecy is taken away. When any general calamity has fallen
+upon a nation, it is a very fruitful topick of rhetorick, and may be
+very pathetically exaggerated, upon a thousand occasions to which it has
+no necessary relation.
+
+Such, In my opinion, sir, is the use now made of the present scarcity, a
+misfortune inflicted upon us by the hand of providence alone; not upon
+us only, but upon all the nations on this side of the globe, many of
+which suffer more, but none less than ourselves.
+
+If at such a time it is more burdensome to the nation to raise supplies,
+it must be remembered, that it is in proportion difficult to other
+nations to oppose those measures for which the supplies are granted; and
+that the same sum is of greater efficacy in times of scarcity than of
+plenty.
+
+Our present distress will, I hope, soon be at an end; and, perhaps, a
+few days may produce at least some alteration. It is not without reason,
+that I expect the news of some successful attempts in America, which
+will convince the nation, that the preparations for war have not been
+idle shows, contrived to produce unnecessary expenses.
+
+In the mean time it is necessary that we support that power which may be
+able to assist us against France, the only nation from which any danger
+can threaten us, even though our fleets in America should be
+unsuccessful.
+
+If we defeat the Spaniards, we may assist the house of Austria without
+difficulty, and if we fail in our attempts, their alliance will be more
+necessary. The sum demanded for this important purpose cannot be
+censured as exorbitant, yet will, I hope, be sufficient: if more should
+hereafter appear necessary, I doubt not but it will be granted.
+
+The question passed without opposition.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON CHOOSING A SPEAKER.]
+
+
+The new house of commons being met, the usher came from the house of
+lords, with his majesty's commands for their immediate attendance, when
+they were ordered to choose a speaker; and being returned, Mr. PELHAM
+addressed himself in the following manner to the clerk of the house:
+
+Mr. HARDINGE,
+
+As we are here assembled, in pursuance of the imperial summons, it is
+necessary, in obedience to his majesty's commands, and the established
+custom of this house, that we proceed immediately to the choice of a
+person qualified for the chair.--Gentlemen, it is with no common degree
+of satisfaction, that I observe this assembly so numerous on the first
+day; because whatever is transacted by us, must necessarily be
+considered by the nation with more regard, as it is approved by a
+greater number of their representatives; and because the present affair,
+which relates particularly to this house, must be more satisfactorily
+conducted, as our number is greater; since every man must willingly
+abide by his own choice, and cheerfully submit to that authority, of
+which he has himself concurred to the establishment.
+
+The qualifications required in the person who shall fill the chair, to
+his own reputation, and the advantage of the house, it is not necessary
+minutely to recount; it being obvious to every gentleman who hears me,
+that he must possess such an equality of temper, as may enable him
+always to preserve a steady and impartial attention, neither discomposed
+by the irregularities into which some gentlemen, unacquainted with the
+forms of this assembly, may easily fall, nor disconcerted by the heat
+and turbulence to which, in former parliaments, some of those whose
+experience might have taught them the necessity of decency, have been
+too often hurried by the eagerness of controversy. That he must add to
+his perpetual serenity, such a firmness of mind, as may enable him to
+repress petulance and subdue contumacy, and support the orders of the
+house, in whatever contrariety of counsels, or commotion of debate,
+against all attempts of infraction or deviation. That to give efficacy
+to his interpositions, and procure veneration to his decisions, he must,
+from his general character and personal qualities, derive such dignity
+and authority, as may naturally dispose the minds of others to
+obedience, as may suppress the murmurs of envy, and prevent the
+struggles of competition.
+
+These qualifications were eminently conspicuous in the gentleman who
+filled the chair in the earlier part of my life, and who is now one of
+the ornaments of the other house. Such were his abilities, and such his
+conduct, that it would be presumptuous in any man, however endowed by
+nature, or accomplished by study, to aspire to surpass him; nor can a
+higher encomium be easily conceived, than this house bestowed upon that
+person, who was thought worthy to succeed him.
+
+The office which we have now to confer, is not only arduous with regard
+to the abilities necessary to the execution of it, but extremely
+burdensome and laborious, such as requires continual attendance, and
+incessant application; nor can it be expected that any man would engage
+in it, who is not ready to devote his time and his health to the service
+of the publick, and to struggle with fatigue and restraint for the
+advantage of his country.
+
+Such is the gentleman whom I shall propose to your choice; one whose
+zeal for the present imperial house, and the prosperity of the nation,
+has been always acknowledged, and of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+will be deterred by any difficulties from a province which will afford
+him so frequent opportunities of promoting the common interest of the
+emperour and the people.
+
+What success may be expected from his endeavours, we can only judge from
+his present influence; influence produced only by his private virtues;
+but so extensive in that part of the nation which lies within the reach
+of his beneficence, and the observation of his merit, that it sets him
+not only above the danger, but above the fear of opposition, and secures
+him a seat in this assembly without contest.
+
+Thus deputed by his country to many successive senates, he has acquired
+an unrivalled degree of knowledge in the methods of our proceedings, and
+an eminent dexterity in digesting them with that order and perspicuity
+by which only the transaction of great affairs can be made expeditious,
+and the discussion of difficult questions be disentangled from
+perplexity; qualities which are now made particularly necessary by the
+importance of the subjects to be considered in this senate: so that I
+doubt not but you will unanimously concur with me in desiring that the
+chair may be filled by a person eminently distinguished by his
+knowledge, his integrity, his diligence, and his reputation; and
+therefore I move, without scruple, that the right honourable Arthur
+ONSLOW, esquire, be called to the chair.
+
+Then Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion in this manner:--That I am not
+able to add any thing to the encomium of the right honourable gentleman
+nominated to the president's chair, gives me no concern, because I am
+confident, that in the opinion of this assembly, his name alone includes
+all panegyrick, and that he who recommends Arthur ONSLOW, esquire, will
+never be required to give the reason of his choice. I therefore rise now
+only to continue the common methods of the house, and to second a motion
+which I do not expect that any will oppose.
+
+[Here the whole assembly cried out, with a general acclamation, ONSLOW,
+ONSLOW.]
+
+Mr. ONSLOW then rose up and said:--Though I might allege many reasons
+against this choice, of which the strongest is my inability to discharge
+the trust conferred upon me in a manner suitable to its importance, yet
+I have too high an idea of the wisdom of this assembly, to imagine that
+they form any resolution without just motives; and therefore shall think
+it my duty to comply with their determination, however opposite to my
+own opinion.
+
+Mr. PELHAM and Mr. CLUTTERBUCK then led him to the chair, where, before
+he went up to it, he desired, That the house would consider how little
+he was qualified for the office which they were about to confer upon
+him, and fix their choice upon some other person, who might be capable
+of discharging so important a trust.
+
+The members calling out, The chair, chair, chair, he ascended the step,
+and then addressed himself thus to the house:--Gentlemen, since it is
+your resolution, that I should once more receive the honour of being
+exalted to this important office, for which it is not necessary to
+mention how little I am qualified, since I may hope that those defects
+which have hitherto been excused, will still find the same indulgence;
+my gratitude for a distinction so little deserved, will always incite me
+to consult the honour of the house, and enable me to supply, by duty and
+diligence, what is wanting in my knowledge and capacity.
+
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.]
+
+
+The king came again to the house of lords, and the commons being sent
+for, his majesty approved their choice of a president, and made a speech
+to both houses, in which he represented to them, That their counsel was
+in a particular manner necessary, as they were engaged in a war with
+Spain, as the affairs of all Europe were in confusion, by the
+confederacy of many formidable powers for the destruction of the house
+of Austria; that both houses of the preceding session had come to the
+strongest resolutions in favour of the queen of Hungary, but that the
+other powers who were equally engaged to support her, had not yet acted
+according to their stipulations; that he had endeavoured to assist her
+ever since the death of the emperour Charles, and hoped that a just
+sense of common danger would induce other nations to unite with him; but
+that in this uncertain situation, it was necessary that Britain should
+be in a condition of supporting itself and its allies, as any exigency
+might require. He therefore ordered the estimates for the ensuing year
+to be laid before the commons.--This speech being under the consideration
+of the house of lords, lord MILTON spoke in the following manner:
+
+My lords, though the present perplexity of our affairs, the contrariety
+of opinions produced by it, and the warmth with which each opinion will
+probably be supported, might justly discourage me from proposing any of
+my sentiments to this great assembly, yet I cannot repress my
+inclination to offer a motion, in my opinion, regular and seasonable,
+and which, if it should appear otherwise to your lordships, will, I
+hope, though it should not be received, at least be forgiven, because I
+have never before wearied your patience, or interrupted or retarded your
+consultations.
+
+But I am very far from imagining that by this motion I can give any
+occasion to debate or opposition, because I shall propose no innovation
+in the principles, or alteration of the practice of this assembly, nor
+intend any thing more than to lay before your lordships my opinion of
+the manner in which it may be proper to address his majesty.
+
+To return him our humble thanks for his most gracious speech from the
+throne, and, at the same time, to present unto his majesty our sincere
+and joyful congratulations on his safe and happy return into this
+empire.
+
+To observe with the utmost thankfulness the great concern which his
+majesty has been pleased to express for carrying on the just and
+necessary war against Spain, which we hope, by the divine blessing upon
+his majesty's arms, will be attended with success equal to the justice
+of his cause, and the ardent wishes of his people. That,
+
+His majesty has so truly represented the impending dangers to which
+Europe is exposed, in the present critical conjuncture, as must awaken,
+in every one, an attention suitable to the occasion: and we cannot but
+be fully sensible of the evil consequences arising from the designs and
+enterprises, formed and carrying on for the subversion or reduction of
+the house of Austria, which threaten such apparent mischiefs to the
+common cause.
+
+To acknowledge his imperial goodness in expressing so earnest a desire
+to receive, and so high a regard for, the advice of his parliament: his
+majesty, secure of the loyalty and affections of his people, may rely
+upon that, with the best-grounded confidence; and to assure his majesty,
+that we will not fail to take the important points, which he has been
+pleased to mention to us, into our most serious consideration; and, in
+the most dutiful manner, to offer to his majesty such advice as shall
+appear to us to be most conducive to the honour and true interest of his
+crown and kingdoms. To assure his majesty that we have a due sense, how
+much the present posture of affairs calls upon us for that unanimity,
+vigour, and despatch, which his majesty has so wisely recommended to us;
+and to give his majesty the strongest assurances, that we will
+vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary measures for
+the defence and support of his majesty, the maintenance of the balance
+and liberties of Europe, and the assistance of our allies.
+
+That as duty and affection to his majesty are, in us, fixed and
+unalterable principles, so we feel the impressions of them, at this
+time, so strong and lively in our breasts, that we cannot omit to lay
+hold on this opportunity of approaching his imperial presence, to renew
+the most sincere professions of our constant and inviolable fidelity:
+and to promise his majesty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is
+dear to us, exert ourselves for the defence and preservation of his
+sacred person and government, and the maintenance of the protestant
+succession in his imperial house, on which the continuance of the
+protestant religion, and the liberties of Britain, do, under God,
+depend.
+
+My lords, as this address will not obstruct any future inquiries, by any
+approbation of past measures, either positive or implied, I doubt not
+but your lordships will readily concur in it, and am persuaded, that it
+will confirm his majesty's regard for our councils, and confidence in
+our loyalty.
+
+Lord LOVEL spoke next, to this effect:--My lords, the dangers which have
+been justly represented by his majesty, ought to remind us of the
+importance of unusual circumspection in our conduct, and deter us from
+any innovations, of which we may not foresee the consequences, at a time
+when there may be no opportunity of repairing any miscarriage, or
+correcting any mistake.
+
+There appears, my lords, not to be at this time any particular reason
+for changing the form of our addresses, no privileges of our house have
+been invaded, nor any designs formed against the publick. His majesty
+has evidently not deviated from the practice of the wisest and most
+beloved of our British monarchs; he has, upon this emergence of
+unexpected difficulties, summoned the senate to counsel and assist him;
+and surely it will not be consistent with the wisdom of this house to
+increase the present perplexity of our affairs, by new embarrassments,
+which may be easily imagined likely to arise from an address different
+from those which custom has established.
+
+The prospect which now lies before us, a prospect which presents us only
+with dangers, distraction, invasions, and revolutions, ought to engage
+our attentions, without leaving us at leisure for disputations upon
+ceremonies or forms. It ought to be the care of every lord in this
+house, not how to address, but how to advise his majesty; how to assist
+the councils of the publick, and contribute to such determinations, as
+may avert the calamities that impend over mankind, and stop the wild
+excursions of power and ambition.
+
+We ought to reflect, my lords, that the expectations of all Europe are
+raised by the convocation of this assembly; and that from our
+resolutions, whole nations are waiting for their sentence. And how will
+mankind be disappointed when they shall hear, that instead of declaring
+war upon usurpers, or imposing peace on the disturbers of mankind,
+instead of equipping navies to direct the course of commerce, or raising
+armies to regulate the state of the continent, we met here in a full
+assembly, and disagreed upon the form of an address.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, lay aside, at least for this time, all
+petty debates and minute inquiries, and engage all in the great attempt
+of reestablishing quiet in the world, and settling the limits of the
+kingdoms of Europe.
+
+Then lord CARTERET spoke, in substance as follows:--My lords, there is,
+I find, at least one point upon which it is probable that those will now
+agree whose sentiments have hitherto been, on almost every occasion,
+widely different. The danger of our present situation is generally
+allowed; but the consequences deduced from it are so contrary to each
+other, as give little hopes of that unanimity which times of danger
+particularly require.
+
+It is alleged by the noble lord who spoke last, that since we are now
+involved in difficulties, we ought only to inquire how to extricate
+ourselves, and, therefore, ought not to leave ourselves the right of
+inquiring how we were entangled in them, lest the perplexity of
+different considerations should dissipate our attention, and disable us
+from forming any useful determinations, or exerting any vigorous efforts
+for our deliverance.
+
+But, in my opinion, my lords, the most probable way of removing
+difficulties, is to examine how they were produced, and, by consequence,
+to whom they are to be imputed; for certainly, my lords, it is not to be
+hoped that we shall regain what we have lost, but by measures different
+from those which have reduced us to our present state, and by the
+assistance of other counsellors than those who have sunk us into the
+contempt, and exposed us to the ravages of every nation throughout the
+world.
+
+That this inquiry, my lords, may be free and unobstructed, it is
+necessary to address the throne, after the manner of our ancestors, in
+general terms, without descending to particular facts, which, as we have
+not yet examined them, we can neither censure nor approve.
+
+It has been objected by the noble lord, that foreign nations will be
+disappointed by hearing, that instead of menaces of vengeance, and
+declarations of unalterable adherence to the liberties of Europe, we
+have wasted our time at this important juncture in settling the form of
+an address.
+
+That little time may be wasted on this occasion, I hope your lordships
+will very speedily agree to an address suitable to the dignity of those
+who make it, and to the occasion upon which it is made; for I cannot but
+allow, that the present state of affairs calls upon us for despatch: but
+though business ought, at this time, undoubtedly to be expedited, I hope
+it will not be precipitated; and if it be demanded that the most
+important questions be first determined, I know not any thing of greater
+moment than that before us.
+
+How we shall gratify the expectations of foreign powers, ought not, my
+lords, to be our first or chief consideration; we ought, certainly,
+first to inquire how the people may be set free from those suspicions,
+which a long train of measures, evidently tending to impair their
+privileges, has raised; and how they may be confirmed in their fidelity
+to the government, of which they have for many years found no other
+effects than taxes and exactions, for which they have received neither
+protection abroad, nor encouragement at home.
+
+But, my lords, if it be necessary to consult the inclinations, and
+cultivate the esteem of foreign powers, I believe nothing will raise
+more confidence in our allies, if there be any who are not now ashamed
+of that name, or more intimidate those whose designs it is our interest
+to defeat, than an open testimony of our resolution no longer to approve
+that conduct by which the liberty of half Europe has been endangered;
+and not to lavish praises on those men, who have in twenty years never
+transacted any thing to the real benefit of their country, and of whom
+it is highly probable that they have in the present war stipulated for
+the defeat of all our attempts, and agreed, by some execrable compact,
+to facilitate the exaltation of the house of Bourbon.
+
+Upon what facts I ground accusations so atrocious may justly be inquired
+by your lordships; nor shall I find any difficulty in answering your
+demand. For, if we extend our view over the whole world, and inquire
+into the state of all our affairs, we shall find nothing but defeats,
+miscarriages, and impotence, with their usual consequences, contempt and
+distrust. We shall discover neither any tokens of that fear among our
+enemies, which the power of the nation, and the reputation of our former
+victories, might naturally produce; nor any proofs of that confidence
+among those whom we still continue to term our allies, which the vigour
+with which we have formerly supported our confederacies, give us a right
+to expect. Those whom we once trampled, insult us; and those whom we
+once protected, give us no credit.
+
+How reasonably, my lords, all nations have withdrawn from us their
+reverence and esteem, will appear by a transient examination of our late
+conduct, whether it regarded Europe in general, or influenced only the
+particular affairs of the British nation; for it will appear beyond
+possibility of doubt, that whoever has trusted the administration,
+whether their own country, or any foreign powers, has trusted only to be
+betrayed.
+
+There is among our allies none whom we are more obliged to support than
+the queen of Hungary, whose rights we are engaged, by all the
+solemnities of treaties, to defend, and in whose cause every motive
+operates that can warm the bosom of a man of virtue. Justice and
+compassion plead equally on her side, and we are called upon to assist
+her by our own interest, as well as the general duty of society, by
+which every man is required to prevent oppression.
+
+What has been the effect of all these considerations may easily be
+discovered from the present state of the continent, which is ravaged
+without mercy by the armies of Spain and France. Why all succours have
+been denied the queen of Hungary, and why the inveterate and hereditary
+enemies of our nation, are suffered to enlarge their dominions without
+resistance; why the rivals of our trade are left at full liberty to
+equip their squadrons, and the persecutors of our religion suffered to
+overrun those countries from whence only we can hope for assistance,
+when the hatred which the difference of opinions produces, shall
+threaten us with invasions and slavery, the whole world has long asked
+to no purpose, and, therefore, it is without prospect of receiving
+satisfaction that I engage in the same inquiry.
+
+Yet, since it is our duty to judge of the state of the publick, and a
+true judgment can be the result only of accurate examination, I shall
+proceed, without being discouraged by the ill success of former
+attempts, to discover the motives of our late measures, and the ends
+intended to be produced by them.
+
+Why the queen of Hungary was not assisted with land-forces, I shall, at
+present, forbear to ask; that she expected them is, indeed, evident from
+her solicitations; and, I suppose, it is no less apparent from treaties,
+that she had a right to expect them; nor am I able to conceive, why
+subsidies have been paid for troops which are never to be employed, or
+why foreign princes should be enriched with the plunder of a nation
+which they cannot injure, and do not defend.
+
+But I know, my lords, how easily it may be replied, that the expenses of
+a land war are certain, and the event hazardous, and that it is always
+prudent to act with evident advantage on our side, and that the
+superiority of Britain consists wholly in naval armaments.
+
+That the fleets of Britain are equal in force and number of ships to the
+united navies of the greatest part of the world; that our admirals are
+men of known bravery, and long experience, and, therefore, formidable
+not only for their real abilities and natural courage, but for the
+confidence which their presence necessarily excites in their followers,
+and the terrour which must always accompany success, and enervate those
+who are accustomed to defeats; that our sailors are a race of men
+distinguished by their ardour for war, and their intrepidity in danger,
+from the rest of the human species; that they seem beings superiour to
+fear, and delighted with those objects which cannot be named without
+filling every other breast with horrour; that they are capable of
+rushing upon apparent destruction without reluctance, and of standing
+without concern amidst the complicated terrours of a naval war, is
+universally known, and confessed, my lords, even by those whose interest
+it is to doubt or deny it.
+
+Upon the ocean, therefore, we are allowed to be irresistible; to be able
+to shut up the ports of the continent, imprison the nations of Europe
+within the limits of their own territories, deprive them of all foreign
+assistance, and put a stop to the commerce of the world. It is allowed
+that we are placed the sentinels at the barriers of nature, and the
+arbiters of the intercourse of mankind.
+
+These are appellations, my lords, which, however splendid and
+ostentatious, our ancestors obtained and preserved with less advantages
+than we possess, by whom I am afraid they are about to be forfeited. The
+dominion of the ocean was asserted in former times in opposition to
+powers far more able to contest it, than those which we have so long
+submissively courted, and of which we are now evidently afraid.
+
+For that we fear them, my lords, they are sufficiently convinced; and it
+must be confessed, with whatsoever shame, that their opinion is well
+founded; for to what motive but fear can it be imputed, that we have so
+long supported their insolence without resentment, and their ravages
+without reprisals; that we have fitted out fleets without any design of
+dismissing them from our harbours, or sent them to the sea only to be
+gazed at from the shores, by those whose menaces or artifice had given
+occasion to their equipment, and in whom they raised no other emotions
+than contempt of our cowardice, or pity of our folly?
+
+To what, my lords, can it be attributed, that the queen of Hungary has
+yet received no assistance from allies thus powerful; from allies whose
+fleets cover the sea, whose commerce extends to the remotest part of the
+world, and whose wealth may be justly expected to be proportionate to
+their commerce. To what can we ascribe the confidence with which the
+house of Bourbon threatens the ruin of a princess, who numbers among her
+allies the emperour of Britain?
+
+Nothing is more evident, my lords, than that the queen of Hungary has
+been disappointed of the advantages which she expected from her
+friendship with this nation, only by a degree of cowardice too
+despicable to be mentioned without such terms, as the importance of this
+debate, and the dignity of this assembly, do not admit; nor is it less
+certain, from the conduct of her enemies, that they knew what would be
+our measures, and confided for security in that cowardice which has
+never yet deceived them.
+
+It cannot, my lords, be asserted, that our ally, however distressed, has
+yet received the least assistance from our arms; neither the justice of
+our cause has yet been able to awaken our virtue, nor the inseparable
+union of her interest with our own, to excite our vigilance.
+
+But, perhaps, my lords, we have had no opportunity of exerting our
+force; perhaps the situation both of our enemies and ally was such, that
+neither the one could be protected, nor the other opposed, by a naval
+power; and, therefore, our inactivity was the effect not of want of
+courage, but want of opportunity.
+
+Though our ministers, my lords, have hitherto given no eminent proofs of
+geographical knowledge, or of very accurate acquaintance with the state
+of foreign countries, yet there is reason to believe that they must at
+some time have heard or read, that the house of Austria had territories
+in Italy; they must have been informed, unless their disbursements for
+secret service are bestowed with very little judgment, that against
+these dominions an army has been raised by the Spaniards; and they must
+have discovered, partly by the information of their correspondents,
+partly by the inspection of a map, and partly by the sagacity which
+distinguishes them from all past and present ministers, that this army
+was to be transported by sea from the coast of Spain to that of Italy.
+
+This knowledge, my lords, however attained, might have furnished minds,
+which have always been found so fruitful of expedients, with a method of
+hindering the descent of the Spanish troops, for which nothing more was
+necessary than that they should have ordered admiral Haddock, instead of
+retiring before the Spanish fleet of war, and watching them only that
+they might escape, to lie still before Barcelona, where the transports
+were stationed, with a convoy of only three men of war, and hinder their
+departure.
+
+I hope it will be observed by your lordships, that though the road of
+Barcelona is open and indefensible, though the fleet was unprotected by
+ships of force, and though they lay, as I am informed, beyond the reach
+of the guns on the fortifications upon the shore, I do not require that
+Haddock should have destroyed the army and the ships.
+
+I am too well acquainted, my lords, with the lenity of our ministers to
+the enemies of their country, and am too well convinced of the prudence
+and tenderness of the restrictions by which the power of our admirals is
+limited, to expect that our guns should be ever used but in salutations
+of respect, or exultations on the conclusion of a peace. I am convinced,
+that our ministers would shudder at the name of bloodshed and
+destruction, and that they had rather hear that a thousand merchants
+were made bankrupts by privateers, or all our allies deprived of their
+dominions, than that one Spanish ship was sunk or burnt by the navies of
+Britain.
+
+But, my lords, though they are willing to spare the blood of their
+enemies, yet surely they might have obstructed their enterprises; they
+might have withheld those whom they were unwilling to strike, and have
+endeavoured to fright those whom they determined never to hurt.
+
+To speak in terms more adapted to the subject before us: that the fleet
+of Spain, a fleet of transports with such a convoy, should lie three
+weeks in an open road, professedly fitted out against an ally united to
+us by every tie of nature, and of policy, by the solemnity of treaties,
+and conformity of interest; that it should lie undisturbed almost within
+sight of a British navy; that it should lie there not only without
+danger, but without apprehension of danger, has raised the astonishment
+of every nation in Europe, has blasted the reputation of our arms,
+impaired the influence of our counsels, and weakened the credit of our
+publick faith.
+
+There may be some, my lords, that will impute this absurdity of our
+conduct, this disregard of our interest, this desertion of our
+alliances, and this neglect of the most apparent opportunities of
+success, not to cowardice, but treachery; a cause more detestable, as
+more atrociously criminal.
+
+This opinion, my lords, I think it not necessary to oppose, both because
+it cannot be charged with improbability, and because I think it may be
+easily reconciled with my own assertions; for cowardice abroad produces
+treachery at home, and they become traitors to their country who are
+hindered by cowardice from the prosecution of her interest, and the
+opposition of her enemies.
+
+It may however be proper to declare, my lords, that I do not impute this
+fatal cowardice to those who are intrusted with the command of our
+navies, but to those from whom they are obliged to receive their
+instructions, and upon whom they unhappily depend for the advancement of
+their fortunes.
+
+It is at least reasonable to impute miscarriages rather to those, who
+are known to have given, formerly, such orders as a brave admiral
+perished under the ignominious necessity of observing, than to those of
+whom it cannot be said that any former part of their lives has been
+stained with the reproach of cowardice; at least it is necessary to
+suspend our judgment, till the truth shall be made apparent by a rigid
+inquiry; and it is, therefore, proper to offer an address in general
+terms, by which neither the actions or counsels of any man shall be
+condemned nor approved.
+
+It would be more unreasonable to charge our soldiers or our sailors with
+cowardice, because they have shown, even in those actions which have
+failed of success, that they miscarried rather through temerity than
+fear; and that whenever they are suffered to attack their enemies, they
+are ready to march forward even where there is no possibility of
+returning, and that they are only to be withheld from conquest by
+obstacles which human prowess cannot surmount.
+
+Such, my lords, was the state of those heroes who died under the walls
+of Carthagena; that died in an enterprise so ill concerted, that I
+ventured, with no great skill in war, and without the least pretence to
+prescience, to foretell in this house that it would miscarry.
+
+That it would, that it must miscarry; that it was even intended only to
+amuse the nation with the appearance of an expedition, without any
+design of weakening our enemies, was easily discovered; for why else, my
+lords, was the army composed of men newly drawn from the shop, and from
+the plough, unacquainted with the use of arms, and ignorant of the very
+terms of military discipline, when we had among us large bodies of
+troops long kept up under the appearance of a regular establishment;
+troops of whom we have long felt the expense, but of which the time is
+not, it seems, yet come, that we are to know the use.
+
+These men, my lords, who have so long practised the motions of battle,
+and who have given in the park so many proofs of their dexterity and
+activity, who have at least learned to distinguish the different sounds
+of the drum, and know the faces and voices of the subaltern officers, at
+least, might have been imagined better qualified for an attempt upon a
+foreign kingdom, than those who were necessarily strangers to every part
+of the military operations, and might have been sent upon our first
+declaration of war, while the new-raised forces acquired at home the
+same arts under the same inspection.
+
+But, my lords, whether it was imagined that new forces would be long
+before they learned the implicit obedience necessary to a soldier;
+whether it was imagined that it would not be easy on a sudden to collect
+troops of men so tall and well proportioned, or so well skilled in the
+martial arts of curling and powdering their hair; or whether it would
+have been dangerous to have deprived the other house of the counsels and
+votes of many worthy members, who had at the same time a seat in the
+senate, and a commission in the army, it was thought necessary to send
+out raw forces to attack our enemies, and to keep our disciplined troops
+at home to awe the nation.
+
+Nor did the minister, my lords, think it sufficient to obstruct the
+expedition to America by employing new-raised troops, unless they were
+likewise placed under the command of a man, who, though of undoubted
+courage, was, with respect to the conduct of an army, as ignorant as
+themselves. It was therefore determined, my lords, that all those
+officers who had gained experience in former wars, and purchased
+military knowledge by personal danger, should be disappointed and
+rejected for the sake of advancing a man, who, as he had less skill, was
+less likely to be successful, and was, therefore, more proper to direct
+an expedition proposed only to intimidate the British nation.
+
+That the event was such as might be expected from the means, your
+lordships need not to be informed, nor can it be questioned with what
+intentions these means were contrived.
+
+I am very far, my lords, from charging our ministers with ignorance, or
+upbraiding them with mistakes on this occasion, for their whole conduct
+has been uniform, and all their schemes consistent with each other: nor
+do I doubt their knowledge of the consequence of their measures, so far
+as it was to be foreseen by human prudence.
+
+Whether they have carried on negotiations, or made war; whether they
+have conducted our own affairs, or those of our ally the queen of
+Hungary, they have still discovered the same intention, and promoted it
+by the same means. They have suffered the Spanish fleets to sail first
+for supplies from one port to another, and then from the coasts of Spain
+to those of America. They have permitted the Spaniards, without
+opposition, to land in Italy, when it was not necessary even to withhold
+them from it by any actual violence; for had the fleet, my lords, been
+under my command, I would have only sent the Spanish admiral a
+prohibition to sail, and am sure it would have been observed.
+
+They have neglected to purchase the friendship of the king of Prussia,
+which might, perhaps, have been obtained upon easy terms, but which they
+ought to have gained at whatever rate; and, to conclude, we have been
+lately informed that the neutrality is signed.
+
+Such, my lords, is the conduct of the ministry, by which it cannot be
+denied that we are involved in many difficulties, and exposed to great
+contempt; but from this contempt we may recover, and disentangle
+ourselves from these difficulties, by a vigorous prosecution of measures
+opposite to those by which we have been reduced to our present state.
+
+If we consider, without that confusion which fear naturally produces,
+the circumstances of our affairs, it will appear that we have
+opportunities in our hands of recovering our losses, and reestablishing
+our reputation; those losses which have been suffered while we had two
+hundred ships of war at sea, which have permitted three hundred
+merchant-ships to be taken; and that reputation which has been destroyed
+when there was no temptation either to a compliance with our enemies, or
+to a desertion of our friends.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that we make war at present rather with the
+queen than the people of Spain; and it is reasonable to conclude, that a
+war carried on contrary to the general good, and against the general
+opinion, cannot be lasting.
+
+It is certain that the Spaniards, whenever they have been attacked by
+men acquainted with the science of war, and furnished with necessary
+stores for hostile attempts, have discovered either ignorance or
+cowardice, and have either fled meanly, or resisted unskilfully.
+
+It is, therefore, probable, my lords, that either our enemies will
+desist from the prosecution of a war, which few of them approve; or that
+we shall, by vigorous descents upon their coasts, and their colonies,
+the interruption of their trade, and the diminution of their forces,
+soon compel them to receive peace upon our own terms.
+
+But these advantages, my lords, are only to be expected from a change of
+conduct, which change can never be produced by a seeming approbation of
+the past measures. I am therefore of opinion, that we ought to address
+the throne in general terms, according to the ancient practice of this
+house.
+
+In considering the address proposed, I cannot but conclude that it is
+too much diffused, and that it would be more forcible if it was more
+concise: to shorten it will be no difficult task, by the omission of all
+the clauses that correspond with particular parts of his majesty's
+speech, which I cannot discover the necessity of repeating.
+
+In the congratulation to his majesty upon his return to his once
+glorious dominions, no lord shall concur more readily or more zealously
+than myself; nor shall I even deny to extend my compliments to the
+ministry, when it shall appear that they deserve them; but I am never
+willing to be lavish of praise, because it becomes less valuable by
+being prodigally bestowed; and on occasions so important as this, I can
+never consent to praise before I have examined, because inquiry comes
+too late after approbation.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY rose next, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if the
+dangers that threaten our happiness and our safety be such as they have
+been represented; if ambition has extended her power almost beyond a
+possibility of resistance, and oppression, elated with success, begins
+to design no less than the universal slavery of mankind; if the powers
+of Europe stand aghast at the calamities which hang over them, and
+listen with helpless confusion to that storm which they can neither
+avoid nor resist, how ought our conduct to be influenced by this
+uncommon state of affairs? Ought we not to catch the alarm while it is
+possible to make preparation against the danger? Ought we not to
+improve, with the utmost diligence, the important interval? to unite our
+counsels for the protection of liberty, and exert all our influence
+against the common enemies of society, the unwearied disturbers of the
+tranquillity of mankind?
+
+To what purpose, my lords, are the miseries that the present
+distractions of Europe may bring upon us, so pathetically described, and
+so accurately enumerated, if they are to produce no effect upon our
+counsels? And what effect can be wished from them, but unanimity, with
+that vigour and despatch which are its natural consequences, and that
+success with which steadiness and expedition are generally rewarded?
+
+It might be hoped, my lords, that those who have so clear a view of our
+present embarrassments, and whose sagacity and acuteness expose them to
+a sensibility of future miseries, perhaps more painful than would be
+excited by any present and real calamities, should not be thus tortured
+to no purpose. Every passion, my lords, has its proper object by which
+it may be laudably gratified, and every disposition of mind may be
+directed to useful ends. The true use of that foresight of future
+events, with which some great capacities are so eminently endowed, is
+that of producing caution and suggesting expedients. What advantage, my
+lords, would it be to navigators, that their pilot could, by any
+preternatural power, discover sands or rocks, if he was too negligent or
+too stubborn to turn the vessel out of the danger?
+
+Or how, my lords, to pursue the comparison, would that pilot be treated
+by the crew, who, after having informed them of their approach to a
+shoal or whirlpool, and set before them, with all his rhetorick, the
+horrours of a shipwreck, should, instead of directing them to avoid
+destruction, and assisting their endeavours for their common safety,
+amuse them with the miscarriages of past voyages, and the blunders and
+stupidity of their former pilot?
+
+Whether any parallel can be formed between such ill-timed satire, and
+wild misconduct, and the manner in which your lordships have been
+treated on this occasion, it is not my province to determine. Nor have I
+any other design than to show that the only proper conduct in time of
+real danger, is preparation against it; and that wit and eloquence
+themselves, if employed to any other purpose, lose their excellence,
+because they lose their propriety.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that the address now proposed includes any
+approbation of past measures, and therefore it is needless to inquire,
+on this occasion, whether the conduct of our ministers or admirals
+deserves praise or censure.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that by censuring any part of our late
+conduct, however detrimental to the publick it may at present be
+imagined, any of our losses will be repaired, or any part of our
+reputation retrieved; and, therefore, such proceedings would only retard
+our counsels, and divert our thoughts from more important
+considerations; considerations which his majesty has recommended to us,
+and which cannot be more strongly pressed upon us than by the noble lord
+who opposed the motion; for he most powerfully incites to unanimity and
+attention, who most strongly represents the danger of our situation.
+
+Of the good effects of publick consultations, I need not observe, my
+lords, that they arise from the joint endeavour of many understandings
+cooperating to the same end; from the reasonings and observations of
+many individuals of different studies, inclinations, and experience, all
+directed to the illustration of the same question, which is, therefore,
+so accurately discussed, so variously illustrated, and so amply
+displayed, that a more comprehensive view is obtained of its relations
+and consequences, than can be hoped from the wisdom or knowledge of any
+single man.
+
+But this advantage, my lords, can only be expected from union and
+concurrence; for when the different members of a national council enter
+with different designs, and exert their abilities not so much to promote
+any general purposes, as to obviate the measures, and confute the
+arguments of each other, the publick is deprived of all the benefit that
+might be expected from the collective wisdom of assemblies, whatever may
+be the capacity of those who compose them. The senate thus divided and
+disturbed, will, perhaps, conclude with less prudence than any single
+member, as any man may more easily discover truth without assistance,
+than when others of equal abilities are employed in perplexing his
+inquiries, and interrupting the operations of his mind.
+
+Thus, my lords, it might be safer for a nation, even in time of terrour
+and disorder, to be deprived of the counsels of this house, than to
+confide in the determinations of an assembly not uniform in its views,
+nor connected in its interests; an assembly from which little can be
+hoped by those who observe that it cannot, without a tedious debate,
+prolonged with all the heat of opposition, despatch the first and most
+cursory part of publick business,--an address to his majesty.
+
+It has been for a long time a practice too frequent, to confound past
+with present questions, to perplex every debate by an endless
+multiplication of objects, and to obstruct our determinations by
+substituting one inquiry in the place of another.
+
+The only question, my lords, now before us is, whether the address which
+the noble lord proposed, implies any commendation of past measures, not
+whether those measures deserve to be commended; which is an inquiry not
+at present to be pursued, because we have not now before us the means of
+attaining satisfaction in it, and which ought, therefore, to be delayed
+till it shall be your lordships' pleasure to appoint a day for examining
+the state of the nation, and to demand those letters, instructions, and
+memorials, which are necessary to an accurate and senatorial
+disquisition.
+
+In the mean time, since it is at least as expedient for me to vindicate,
+as for others to accuse those of whose conduct neither they nor I have
+yet any regular cognizance, and I may justly expect from the candour of
+your lordships, that you will be no less willing to hear an apologist
+than a censurer, I will venture to suspend the true question a few
+moments, to justify that conduct which has been so wantonly and so
+contemptuously derided.
+
+That the preservation of the house of Austria, my lords, ought to engage
+the closest attention of the British nation, is freely confessed. It is
+evident that by no other means our commerce, our liberty, or our
+religion can be secured, or the house of Bourbon restrained from
+overwhelming the universe. It is allowed that the queen of Hungary has a
+claim to our assistance by other ties than those of interest; that it
+was promised upon the faith of treaties, and it is demanded by the
+loudest calls of honour, justice and compassion. And did it not appear
+too juvenile and romantick, I might add, that her personal excellencies
+are such as might call armies to her assistance from the remotest
+corners of the earth; that her constancy in the assertion of her rights
+might animate every generous mind with equal firmness; and her
+intrepidity in the midst of danger and distress, when every day brings
+accounts of new encroachments, and every new encroachment discourages
+those from whom she may claim assistance from declaring in her favour,
+might inspire with ardour for her preservation all those in whom virtue
+can excite reverence, or whom calamities unjustly inflicted can touch
+with indignation.
+
+Nor am I afraid to affirm, my lords, that the condition of this
+illustrious princess raised all these emotions in the court of Britain,
+and that the vigour of our proceedings will appear proportioned to our
+ardour for her success. No sooner was the true state of affairs
+incontestably known, than twelve thousand auxiliary troops were hired,
+and commanded to march to her assistance, but her affairs making it more
+eligible for her to employ her own subjects in her defence, and the want
+of money being the only obstacle that hindered her from raising armies
+proportioned to those of her enemies, she required, that instead of
+troops, a supply of money might be sent her, with which his majesty
+willingly complied.
+
+The British ministers in the mean time endeavoured, by the strongest
+arguments and most importunate solicitations, to animate her allies to
+equal vigour, or to procure her assistance from other powers whose
+interest was more remotely affected by her distress: if the effects of
+their endeavours are not yet manifest, it cannot be imputed to the want
+either of sincerity or diligence; and if any other powers should be
+persuaded to arm in the common cause, it ought to be ascribed to the
+influence of the British counsels.
+
+In the prosecution of the war with Spain, it does not appear, my lords,
+that any measures have been neglected, which prudence, or bravery, or
+experience, could be expected to dictate. If we have suffered greater
+losses than we expected, if our enemies have been sometimes favoured by
+the winds, or sometimes have been so happy as to conceal their designs,
+and elude the diligence of our commanders, who is to be censured? or
+what is to be concluded, but that which never was denied, that the
+chance of war is uncertain, that men are inclined to make fallacious
+calculations of the probabilities of future events, and that our enemies
+may sometimes be as artful, as diligent, and as sagacious as ourselves?
+
+It was the general opinion of the British people, my lords, if the
+general opinion may be collected from the clamours and expectations
+which every man has had opportunities of observing, that in declaring
+war upon Spain, we only engaged to chastise the insolence of a nation of
+helpless savages, who might, indeed, rob and murder a defenceless
+trader, but who could only hold up their hands and cry out for mercy, or
+sculk in secret creeks and unfrequented coasts, when ships of war should
+be fitted out against them. They imagined that the fortifications of the
+Spanish citadels would be abandoned at the first sound of cannon, and
+that their armies would turn their backs at the sight of the standard of
+Britain.
+
+It was not remembered, my lords, that the greatest part of our trade was
+carried on in sight of the Spanish coasts, and that our merchants must
+be consequently exposed to incessant molestation from light vessels,
+which our ships of war could not pursue over rocks and shallows. It was
+not sufficiently considered, that a trading nation must always make war
+with a nation that has fewer merchants, under the disadvantage of being
+more exposed to the rapacity of private adventurers. How much we had to
+fear on this account was shown us by the late war with France, in which
+the privateers of a few petty ports, injured the commerce of this
+nation, more than their mighty navies and celebrated admirals.
+
+My lords, it would very little become this august assembly, this
+assembly so renowned for wisdom, and for justice, to confound want of
+prudence with want of success; since on many occasions the wisest
+measures may be defeated by accidents which could not be foreseen; since
+they may sometimes be discovered by deserters, or spies, and sometimes
+eluded by an enemy equally skilful with ourselves in the science of war.
+
+That any of these apologies are necessary to the administration, I am
+far from intending to insinuate, for I know not that we have failed of
+success in any of our designs, except the attack of Carthagena, of which
+the miscarriage cannot, at least, be imputed to the ministry; nor is it
+evident that any other causes of it are to be assigned than the
+difficulty of the enterprise; and when, my lords, did any nation make
+war, without experiencing some disappointments?
+
+These considerations, my lords, I have thought myself obliged, by my
+regard to truth and justice, to lay before you, to dissipate those
+suspicions and that anxiety which might have arisen from a different
+representation of our late measures; for I cannot but once more observe,
+that a vindication of the conduct of the ministry is by no means a
+necessary preparative to the address proposed.
+
+The address which was so modestly offered to your lordships, cannot be
+said to contain any more than a general answer to his majesty's speech,
+and such declarations of our duty and affection, as are always due to
+our sovereign, and always expected by him on such occasions.
+
+If our allies have been neglected or betrayed, my lords, we shall be
+still at liberty to discover and to punish negligence so detrimental,
+and treachery so reproachful to the British nation. If in the war
+against Spain we have failed of success, we shall still reserve in our
+own hands the right of inquiring whether we were unsuccessful by the
+superiority of our enemies, or by our own fault; whether our commanders
+wanted orders, or neglected to obey them; for what clause can be
+produced in the address by which any of these inquiries can be supposed
+to be predetermined?
+
+Let us, therefore, remember, my lords, the danger of our present state,
+and the necessity of steadiness, vigour, and wisdom, for our own
+preservation and that of Europe; let us consider that publick wisdom is
+the result of united counsels, and steadiness and vigour, of united
+influence; let us remember that our example may be of equal use with our
+assistance, and that both the allies and the subjects of Great Britain
+will be conjoined by our union, and distracted by our divisions; and let
+us, therefore, endeavour to promote the general interest of the world,
+by an unanimous address to his majesty, in the terms proposed by the
+noble lord.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke in the following manner:--My lords, after the display
+of the present state of Europe, and the account of the measures of the
+British ministers, which the noble lord who spoke against the motion has
+laid before you, there is little necessity for another attempt to
+convince you that our liberty and the liberty of Europe are in danger,
+or of disturbing your reflections by another enumeration of follies and
+misfortunes.
+
+To mention the folly of our measures is superfluous likewise, for
+another reason. They who do not already acknowledge it, may be justly
+suspected of suppressing their conviction; for how can it be possible,
+that they who cannot produce a single instance of wisdom or fortitude,
+who cannot point out one enterprise wisely concerted and successfully
+executed, can yet sincerely declare, that nothing has been omitted which
+our interest required?
+
+The measures, my lords, which are now pursued, are the same which for
+twenty months have kept the whole nation in continual disturbance, and
+have raised the indignation of every man, whose private interest was not
+promoted by them. These measures cannot be said to be rashly censured,
+or condemned before they are seen in their full extent, or expanded into
+all their consequences; for they have been prosecuted, my lords, with
+all the confidence of authority and all the perseverance of obstinacy,
+without any other opposition than fruitless clamours, or petitions
+unregarded. And what consequences have they produced? What but poverty
+and distractions at home, and the contempt and insults of foreign
+powers? What but the necessity of retrieving by war the losses sustained
+by timorous and dilatory negotiations; and the miscarriages of a war, in
+which only folly and cowardice have involved us?
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more astonishing, than that it should be asserted
+in this assembly that we have no ill success to complain of. Might we
+not hope for success, if we have calculated the events of war, and made
+a suitable preparation? And how is this to be done, but by comparing our
+forces with that of our enemy, who must, undoubtedly, be more or less
+formidable according to the proportion which his treasures and his
+troops bear to our own?
+
+Upon the assurance of the certainty of this practice, upon the evidence,
+my lords, of arithmetical demonstration, we were inclined to believe,
+that the power of Britain was not to be resisted by Spain, and therefore
+demanded that our merchants should be no longer plundered, insulted,
+imprisoned, and tortured by so despicable an enemy.
+
+That we did not foresee all the consequences of this demand, we are now
+ready to confess; we did not conjecture that new troops would be raised
+for the invasion of the Spanish dominions, only that we might be reduced
+to the level with our enemies. We did not imagine that the superiority
+of our naval force would produce no other consequence than an inequality
+of expense, and that the royal navies of Britain would be equipped only
+for show, only to harass the sailors with the hateful molestation of an
+impress, and to weaken the crews of our mercantile vessels, that they
+might be more easily taken by the privateers of Spain.
+
+We did not expect, my lords, that our navies would sail out under the
+command of admirals renowned for bravery, knowledge, and vigilance, and
+float upon the ocean without design, or enter ports and leave them,
+equally inoffensive as a packet-boat, or petty trader.
+
+But not to speak any longer, my lords, in terms so little suited to the
+importance of the question which I am endeavouring to clear, or to the
+enormity of the conduct which I attempt to expose; the success of war is
+only to be estimated by the advantages which are gained, in proportion
+to the loss which is suffered; of which loss the expenses occasioned by
+the war are always the chief part, and of which it is, therefore, usual,
+at the conclusion of a peace, for the conquered power to promise the
+payment.
+
+Let us examine, my lords, in consequence of this position, the success
+of our present war against Spain; let us consider what each nation has
+suffered, and it will easily appear how justly we boast of our wisdom
+and vigour.
+
+It is not on this occasion necessary to form minute calculations, or to
+compute the expense of every company of soldiers and squadron of ships;
+it is only necessary to assert, what will, I hope, not be very readily
+denied, even by those whom daily practice of absurd apologies has
+rendered impregnable by the force of truth, that such expenses as have
+neither contributed to our own defence, nor to the disadvantage of the
+Spaniards, have been thrown away.
+
+If this be granted, my lords, it will appear, that no nation ever beheld
+its treasures so profusely squandered, ever paid taxes so willingly, and
+so patiently saw them perverted; for it cannot, my lords, be proved,
+that any part of our preparations has produced a proportionate effect;
+but it may be readily shown how many fleets have been equipped only that
+the merchants might want sailors, and that the public stores might be
+consumed.
+
+As to our ill success in America, which has been imputed only to the
+chance of war, it will be reasonable, my lords, to ascribe to other
+causes, so much of it as might have been prevented by a more speedy
+reinforcement of Vernon, or may be supposed to have arisen from the
+inexperience of our troops, and the escape of the Spaniards from Ferrol.
+
+If our fleets had been sent more early into that part of the world, the
+Spaniards would have had no time to strengthen their garrisons; had our
+troops been acquainted with discipline, the attack would have been made
+with greater judgment; and had not the Spaniards escaped from Ferrol, we
+should have had no enemy in America to encounter. Had all our ministers
+and all our admirals done their duty, it is evident that not only
+Carthagena had been taken, but that half the dominions of Spain might
+now have owned the sovereignty of the crown of Britain.
+
+This, my lords, may be observed of the only enterprise, which it is
+reasonable to believe was in reality intended against the Spaniards, if
+even of this our ministers had not before contrived the defeat. But of
+all the rest of our armaments it does not appear that any effect has
+been felt but by ourselves, it cannot be discovered that they even
+raised any alarms or anxiety either in our enemies or their allies, by
+whom perhaps it was known that they were only designed as punishments
+for the merchants of Britain.
+
+That our merchants have already been severely chastised for their
+insolence in complaining of their losses, and their temerity in raising
+in the nation a regard for its commerce, its honour, and its rights, is
+evident from a dreadful list of three hundred ships taken by the
+Spaniards, some of which were abandoned by their convoys, and others
+seized within sight of the coasts of Britain.
+
+It may be urged, my lords, that the Spaniards have likewise lost a great
+number of vessels; but what else could they expect when they engaged in
+a war against the greatest naval power of the universe? And it is to be
+remembered, that the Spaniards have this consolation in their
+misfortunes, that of their ships none have been deserted by their
+convoys, or wilfully exposed to capture by being robbed of their crews,
+to supply ships of war with idle hands.
+
+The Spaniards will likewise consider, that they have not harassed their
+subjects for the protection of their trade; that they have not fitted
+out fleets only to amuse the populace. They comfort themselves with the
+hope, that the Britons will soon be reduced to a state of weakness below
+themselves, and wait patiently for the time in which the masters of the
+sea shall receive from them the regulation of their commerce and the
+limits of their navigation.
+
+Nor can it be doubted, my lords, but that by adhering to these measures,
+our ministers will in a short time gratify their hopes; for whatsoever
+be the difference between the power of two contending nations, if the
+richer spends its treasures without effect, and exposes its troops to
+unhealthy climates and impracticable expeditions, while the weaker is
+parsimonious and prudent, they must soon be brought to an equality; and
+by continuing the same conduct, the weaker power must at length prevail.
+
+That this has been hitherto the state of the war between Britain and
+Spain, it is not necessary to prove to your lordships; it is apparent,
+that the expenses of the Spaniards have been far less than those of
+Britain; and, therefore, if we should suppose the actual losses of war
+equal, we are only wearing out our force in useless efforts, and our
+enemies grow every day comparatively stronger.
+
+But, my lords, let us not flatter ourselves that our actual losses have
+been equal; let us, before we determine this question, accurately
+compare the number and the value of our ships and cargoes with those of
+the Spaniards, and see on which side the loss will fall.
+
+And let us not forget, what in all the calculations which I have yet
+seen on either part has been totally overlooked, the number of men
+killed, or captives in the British and Spanish dominions. Men, my lords,
+are at once strength and riches; and, therefore, it is to be considered,
+that the most irreparable loss which any nation can sustain is the
+diminution of its people: money may be repaid, and commerce may be
+recovered; even liberty may be regained, but the loss of people can
+never be retrieved. Even the twentieth generation may have reason to
+exclaim, How much more numerous and more powerful would this nation have
+been, had our ancestors not been betrayed in the expedition to
+Carthagena!
+
+What loss, my lords, have the Spaniards sustained which can be put in
+balance with that of our army in America, an army given up to the
+vultures of an unhealthy climate, and of which those who perished by the
+sword, were in reality rescued from more lingering torments?
+
+What equivalent can be mentioned for the liberty of multitudes of
+Britons, now languishing in the prisons of Spain, or obliged by
+hardships and desperation to assist the enemies of their country? What
+have the Spaniards suffered that can be opposed to the detriment which
+the commerce of this nation feels from the detention of our sailors?
+
+These, my lords, are losses not to be paralleled by the destruction of
+Porto Bello, even though that expedition should be ascribed to the
+ministry. These are losses which may extend their consequences to many
+ages, which may long impede our commerce, and diminish our shipping.
+
+It is not to be imagined, my lords, that in this time of peculiar
+danger, parents will destine their children to maritime employments, or
+that any man will engage in naval business who can exercise any other
+profession; and therefore the death or captivity of a sailor leaves a
+vacuity in our commerce, since no other will be ready to supply his
+place. Thus, by degrees, the continuance of the war will contract our
+trade, and those parts of it which we cannot occupy, will be snatched by
+the French or Dutch, from whom it is not probable that they will ever be
+recovered.
+
+This, my lords, is another circumstance of disadvantage to which the
+Spaniards are not exposed; for their traffick being only from one part
+of their dominions to another, cannot be destroyed, but will, after the
+short interruption of a war, be again equally certain and equally
+profitable.
+
+It appears, therefore, my lords, that we have hitherto suffered more
+than the Spaniards, more than the nation which we have so much reason to
+despise; it appears that our fleets have been useless, and that our
+troops have been only sent out to be destroyed; and it will, therefore,
+surely be allowed me to assert, that the war has not been hitherto
+successful.
+
+I am, therefore, of opinion, my lords, that as the address now proposed,
+cannot but be understood both by his majesty and the nation, to imply,
+in some degree, a commendation of that conduct which cannot be
+commended, which ought never to be mentioned but with detestation and
+contempt, it will be unworthy of this house, offensive to the whole
+nation, and unjust to his majesty.
+
+His majesty, my lords, has summoned us to advise him in this important
+juncture, and the nation expects from our determinations its relief or
+its destruction: nor will either have much to hope from our counsels,
+if, in our first publick act, we endeavour to deceive them.
+
+It seems, therefore, proper to change the common form of our addresses
+to the throne, to do once, at least, what his majesty demands and the
+people expect, and to remember that no characters are more inconsistent,
+than those of a counsellor of the king, and a flatterer of the ministry.
+
+Then lord ABINGDON spoke to this effect:--My lords, I have always
+observed that debates are prolonged, and inquiries perplexed, by the
+neglect of method; and therefore think it necessary to move, That the
+question may be read, that the noble lords who shall be inclined to
+explain their sentiments upon it, may have always the chief point in
+view, and not deviate into foreign considerations.
+
+[It was read accordingly.]
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke next, to the purpose following:--My lords, I am
+convinced of the propriety of the last motion by the advantage which it
+has afforded me of viewing more deliberately and distinctly the question
+before us; the consideration of which has confirmed me in my own
+opinion, that the address now proposed is only a flattering repetition
+of the speech, and that the speech was drawn up only to betray us into
+an encomium on the ministry; who, as they certainly have not deserved
+any commendations, will, I hope, not receive them from your lordships.
+For what has been the result of all their measures, but a general
+confusion, the depression of our own nation and our allies, and the
+exaltation of the house of Bourbon?
+
+It is universally allowed, my lords, and therefore it would be
+superfluous to prove, that the liberties of Europe are now in the utmost
+danger; that the house of Bourbon has arrived almost at that exalted
+pinnacle of authority, from whence it will look down with contempt upon
+all other powers, to which it will henceforward prescribe laws at
+pleasure, whose dominions will be limited by its direction, and whose
+armies will march at its command.
+
+That Britain will be long exempted from the general servitude, that we
+shall be able to stand alone against the whole power of Europe, which
+the French may then bring down upon us, and preserve ourselves
+independent, while every other nation acknowledges the authority of an
+arbitrary conqueror, is by no means likely, and might be, perhaps,
+demonstrated to be not possible.
+
+How long we might be able to retain our liberty, it is beyond the reach
+of policy to determine, but as it is evident, that when the empire is
+subdued, the Dutch will quickly fall under the same dominion, and that
+all their ports and all their commerce will then be in the hands of the
+French, it cannot be denied that our commerce will quickly be at an end.
+We shall then lose the dominion of the sea, and all our distant colonies
+and settlements, and be shut up in our own island, where the continuance
+of our liberties can be determined only by the resolution with which we
+shall defend them.
+
+That this, my lords, must probably, in a few years, be our state, if the
+schemes of the house of Bourbon should succeed, is certain beyond all
+controversy; and therefore it is evident, that no man to whom such a
+condition does not appear eligible, can look unconcerned at the
+confusion of the continent, or consider the destruction of the house of
+Austria, without endeavouring to prevent it.
+
+But, my lords, though such endeavours are the duty of all who are
+engaged in the transaction of publick affairs, though the importance of
+the cause of the queen of Hungary be acknowledged in the speech to which
+we are to return an address, it does not appear that the ministers of
+Britain have once attempted to assist her, or have even forborne any
+thing which might aggravate her distress.
+
+The only effectual methods by which any efficacious relief could have
+been procured, were that of reconciling her with the king of Prussia, or
+that of prevailing upon the Muscovites to succour her.
+
+A reconciliation with the king of Prussia would have been my first care,
+if the honour of advising on this occasion had fallen to my lot. To have
+mediated successfully between them could surely have been no difficult
+task, because each party could not but know how much it was their common
+interest to exclude the French from the empire, and how certainly this
+untimely discord must expose them both to their ancient enemy.
+
+As in private life, my lords, when two friends carry any dispute between
+them to improper degrees of anger or resentment, it is the province of a
+third to moderate the passion of each, and to restore that benevolence
+which a difference of interest or opinion had impaired; so in alliances,
+or the friendships of nations, whenever it unhappily falls out that two
+of them forget the general good, and lay themselves open to those evils
+from which a strict union only can preserve them, it is necessary that
+some other power should interpose, and prevent the dangers of a
+perpetual discord.
+
+Whether this was attempted, my lords, I know not; but if any such design
+was in appearance prosecuted, it may be reasonably imagined from the
+event, that the negotiators were defective either in skill or in
+diligence; for how can it be conceived that any man should act contrary
+to his own interest, to whom the state of his affairs is truly
+represented?
+
+But not to suppress what I cannot doubt, I am convinced, my lords, that
+there is in reality no design of assisting the queen of Hungary; either
+our ministers have not yet recovered from their apprehensions of the
+exorbitant power of the house of Austria, by which they were frighted
+some years ago into the bosom of France for shelter, and which left them
+no expedient but the treaty of Hanover; or they are now equally afraid
+of France, and expect the _pretender_ to be forced upon them by the
+power whom they so lately solicited to secure them from him.
+
+Whatever is the motive of their conduct, it is evident, my lords, that
+they are at present to the unfortunate queen of Hungary, either
+professed enemies, or treacherous allies; for they have permitted the
+invasion of her Italian dominions, when they might have prevented it
+without a blow, only by commanding the Spaniards not to transport their
+troops.
+
+To argue that our fleet in the Mediterranean was not of strength
+sufficient to oppose their passage, is a subterfuge to which they can
+only be driven by the necessity of making some apology, and an absolute
+inability to produce any which will not immediately be discovered to be
+groundless.
+
+It is known, my lords, to all Europe, that Haddock had then under his
+command thirteen ships of the line, and nine frigates, and that the
+Spanish convoy consisted only of three ships; and yet they sailed before
+his eyes with a degree of security which nothing could have produced but
+a passport from the court of Britain, and an assured exemption from the
+danger of an attack.
+
+It may be urged, that they were protected by the French squadron, and
+that Haddock durst not attack them, because he was unable to contend
+with the united fleets; but my lords, even this is known to be false: it
+is known that they bore no proportion to the strength of the British
+squadron, that they could not have made even the appearance of a battle,
+and that our commanders could have been only employed in pursuit and
+captures.
+
+This, my lords, was well known to our ministers, who were afraid only of
+destroying the French squadron, and were very far from apprehending any
+danger from it; but being determined to purchase, on any terms, the
+continuance of the friendship of their old protectors, consented to the
+invasion of Italy, and procured a squadron to sail out, under pretence
+of defending the Spanish transports, that their compliance might not be
+discovered.
+
+All this, my lords, may reasonably be suspected at the first view of
+their proceedings; for how could an inferiour force venture into the way
+of an enemy, unless upon security that they should not be attacked? But
+the late treaty of neutrality has changed suspicion into certainty, has
+discovered the source of all their measures, and shown that the invasion
+of Italy is permitted to preserve Hanover from the like calamity.
+
+There is great danger, my lords, lest this last treaty of Hanover should
+give the decisive blow to the liberties of Europe. How much it
+embarrasses the queen of Hungary, by making it necessary for her to
+divide her forces, is obvious at the first view; but this is not, in my
+opinion, its most fatal consequence. The other powers will be incited,
+by the example of our ministry, to conclude treaties of neutrality in
+the same manner. They will distrust every appearance of our zeal for the
+house of Austria, and imagine that we intend only an hypocritical
+assistance, and that our generals, our ambassadors, and our admirals,
+have, in reality, the same orders.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more dangerous than to weaken the publick faith.
+When a nation can be no longer trusted, it loses all its influence,
+because none can fear its menaces, or depend on its alliance. A nation
+no longer trusted, must stand alone and unsupported; and it is certain
+that the nation which is justly suspected of holding with its open
+enemies a secret intercourse to the prejudice of its allies, can be no
+longer trusted.
+
+This suspicion, my lords, this hateful, this reproachful character, is
+now fixed upon the court of Britain; nor does it take its rise only from
+the forbearance of our admiral, but has received new confirmation from
+the behaviour of our ambassador, who denied the treaty of neutrality,
+when the French minister declared it to the Dutch. Such now, my lords,
+is the reputation of the British court, a reputation produced by the
+most flagrant and notorious instances of cowardice and falsehood, which
+cannot but make all our endeavours ineffectual, and discourage all those
+powers whose conjunction we might have promoted, from entering into any
+other engagements than such as we may purchase for stated subsidies. For
+who, upon any other motive than immediate interest, would form an
+alliance with a power which, upon the first appearance of danger, gives
+up a confederate, to purchase, not a large extent of territory, not a
+new field of commerce, not a port or a citadel, but an abject
+neutrality!
+
+But however mean may be a supplication for peace, or however infamous
+the desertion of an ally, I wish, my lords, that the liberty of invading
+the queen of Hungary's dominions without opposition, had been the most
+culpable concession of our illustrious ministers, of whom it is
+reasonable to believe, that they have stipulated with the Spaniards,
+that they shall be repaid the expense of the war by the plunder of our
+merchants.
+
+That our commerce has been unnecessarily exposed to the ravages of
+privateers, from which a very small degree of caution might have
+preserved it; that three hundred trading ships have been taken, and that
+three thousand British sailors are now in captivity, is a consideration
+too melancholy to be long dwelt upon, and a truth too certain to be
+suppressed or denied.
+
+How such havock could have been made, had not our ships of war concluded
+a treaty of neutrality with the Spaniards, and left the war to be
+carried on only by the merchants, it is not easy to conceive; for surely
+it will not be pretended, that all these losses were the necessary
+consequence of our situation with regard to Spain, which, if it exposed
+the Portugal traders to hazard, did not hinder us from guarding our own
+coasts.
+
+And yet on our own coasts, my lords, have multitudes of our ships been
+taken by the Spaniards; they have been seized by petty vessels as they
+were entering our ports, and congratulating themselves upon their escape
+from danger.
+
+In the late war with France, an enemy much more formidable both for
+power and situation, methods were discovered by which our trade was more
+efficaciously protected: by stationing a squadron at the mouth of the
+Channel, of which two or three ships at a time cruized at a proper
+distance on the neighbouring seas, the privateers were kept in awe, and
+confined to their own harbours, or seized if they ventured to leave
+them.
+
+But of such useful regulations in the present war there is little hope;
+for if the publick papers are of any credit, the king of Spain considers
+the captures of our merchants as a standing revenue, and has laid an
+indulto upon them as upon other parts of the Spanish trade.
+
+It is, therefore, to little purpose that measures are proposed in this
+house, or schemes presented by the merchants for the preservation of our
+commerce; for the merchants are considered as the determined enemies of
+our minister, who therefore resolved that they should repent of the war
+into which he was forced by them, contrary to those favourite schemes
+and established maxims, which he has pursued till the liberties of
+mankind are almost extinguished.
+
+There are, indeed, some hopes, my lords, that new measures, resolutely
+pursued, might yet repair the mischiefs of this absurd and cowardly
+conduct, and that by resolution and dexterity, the ambition of France
+might once more be disappointed. The king of Prussia appears, at length,
+convinced that he has not altogether pursued his real interest, and that
+his own family must fall in the ruin of the house of Austria. The king
+of Sardinia appears firm in his determination to adhere to the queen of
+Hungary, and has therefore refused a passage through his dominions to
+the Spanish troops. The States of Holland seem to have taken the alarm,
+and nothing but their distrust of our sincerity can hinder them from
+uniting against the house of Bourbon.
+
+This distrust, my lords, we may probably remove, by reviving, on this
+occasion, our ancient forms of address, and declaring at once to his
+majesty, and to all the powers of Europe, that we are far from approving
+the late measures.
+
+There is another reason why the short addresses of our ancestors may be
+preferred to the modern forms, in which a great number of particular
+facts are often comprehended. It is evident, that the addresses are
+presented, before there can be time to examine whether the facts
+contained in them are justly stated; and they must, therefore, lose
+their efficacy with the people, who are sufficiently sagacious to
+distinguish servile compliance from real approbation, and who will not
+easily mistake the incense of flattery for the tribute of gratitude.
+
+With regard to the propriety of the address proposed to your lordships,
+which is, like others, only a repetition of the speech, there is, at
+least, one objection to it too important to be suppressed.
+
+It is affirmed in the speech, in what particular words I cannot exactly
+remember, that since the death of the late German emperour, the interest
+of the queen of Hungary has been diligently and invariably promoted; an
+assertion which his majesty is too wise, too equitable, and too generous
+to have uttered, but at the persuasion of his ministers.
+
+His majesty well knows, that no important assistance has been hitherto
+given to that unhappy princess; he knows that the twelve thousand men,
+who are said to have been raised for the defence of the empire, those
+mighty troops, by whose assistance the enemies of Austria were to be
+scattered, never marched beyond the territory of Hanover, nor left that
+blissful country for a single day. And is it probable that the queen
+would have preferred money for troops, had she not been informed that it
+would be more easily obtained?
+
+Nor was even this pecuniary assistance, though compatible with the
+security of Hanover, granted her without reluctance and difficulty; of
+which no other proof is necessary, than the distance between the promise
+and the performance of it. The money, my lords, is not yet all paid,
+though the last payment was very lately fixed. Such is the assistance
+which the united influence of justice and compassion has yet procured
+from the court of Britain.
+
+Our ministers have been, therefore, hitherto, my lords, so far from
+acting with vigour in favour of the house of Austria, that they have
+never solicited the court of Muscovy, almost the only court now
+independent on France, to engage in her defence. How wisely that mighty
+power distinguishes her real interest, and how ardently she pursues it,
+the whole world was convinced in her alliance with the late emperour;
+nor is it unlikely, that she might have been easily persuaded to have
+protected his daughter with equal zeal. But we never asked her alliance
+lest we should obtain it, and yet we boast of our good offices.
+
+Our governours thought it more nearly concerned them to humble our
+merchants than to succour our allies, and therefore admitted the
+Spaniards into Italy; by which prudent conduct they dexterously at once
+gratified the house of Bourbon, embarrassed the queen of Hungary, and
+endangered the effects of the British merchants, lying at Leghorn;
+effects which were lately valued at six hundred thousand pounds, but
+which, by the seasonable arrival of the Spaniards, are happily reduced
+to half their price.
+
+I hope, therefore, I need not urge to your lordships the necessity of
+confining our address to thanks and congratulations, because it is not
+necessary to say how inconsistent it must be thought with the dignity of
+this house to echo falsehood, and to countenance perfidy.
+
+Then the duke of NEWCASTLE spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the
+manner in which the noble lord who spoke last expresses his sentiments,
+never fails to give pleasure, even where his arguments produce no
+conviction; and his eloquence always receives its praise, though it may
+sometimes be disappointed of its more important effects.
+
+In the present debate, my lords, I have heard no argument, by which I am
+inclined to change the usual forms of address, or to reject the motion
+which has been made to us.
+
+The address which has been proposed, is not, in my opinion, justly
+chargeable either with flattery to the ministers, or with disingenuity
+with respect to the people; nor can I discover in it any of those
+positions which have been represented so fallacious and dangerous. It
+contains only a general declaration of our gratitude, and an assertion
+of our zeal; a declaration and assertion to which I hope no lord in this
+assembly will be unwilling to subscribe.
+
+As an inquiry into the propriety of this address has produced, whether
+necessarily or not, many observations on the present state of Europe,
+and many animadversions upon the late conduct, it cannot be improper for
+me to offer to your lordships my opinion of the measures which have been
+pursued by us, as well in the war with Spain, as with regard to the
+queen of Hungary, and to propose my conjectures concerning the events
+which may probably be produced by the distractions on the continent.
+
+This deviation from the question before us, will at least be as easily
+pardoned in me as in the noble lords who have exhibited so gloomy a
+representation of our approaching condition, who have lamented the
+slavery with which they imagine all the states of Europe about to be
+harassed, and described the insolence and ravages of those oppressors to
+whom their apprehensions have already given the empire of the world. For
+surely, my lords, it is an endeavour no less laudable to dispel terrour,
+than to excite it; and he who brings us such accounts as we desire to
+receive, is generally listened to with indulgence, however unelegant may
+be his expressions, or however irregular his narration.
+
+That the power of the family of Bourbon is arrived at a very dangerous
+and formidable extent; that it never was hitherto employed but to
+disturb the happiness of the universe; that the same schemes which our
+ancestors laboured so ardently and so successfully to destroy, are now
+formed afresh, and intended to be put in immediate execution; that the
+empire is designed to be held henceforward in dependence on France; and
+that the house of Austria, by which the common rights of mankind have
+been so long supported, is now marked out for destruction, is too
+evident to be contested.
+
+It is allowed, my lords, that the power of the house of Austria, which
+there was once reason to dread, lest it might have been employed against
+us, is now almost extinguished; and that name, which has for so many
+ages filled the histories of Europe, is in danger of being forgotten. It
+is allowed, that the house of Austria cannot fall without exposing all
+those who have hitherto been supported by its alliance, to the utmost
+danger; and I need not add, that they ought, therefore, to assist it
+with the utmost expedition, and the most vigorous measures.
+
+It may be suggested, my lords, that this assistance has been already
+delayed till it is become useless, that the utmost expedition will be
+too slow, and the most vigorous measures too weak to stop the torrent of
+the conquests of France: that the fatal blow will be struck, before we
+shall have an opportunity to ward it off, and that our regard for the
+house of Austria will be only compassion for the dead.
+
+But these, my lords, I hope, are only the apprehensions of a mind
+overborne with sudden terrours, and perplexed by a confused survey of
+complicated danger; for if we consider more distinctly the powers which
+may be brought in opposition to France, we shall find no reason for
+despairing that we may once more stand up with success in defence of our
+religion and the liberty of mankind, and once more reduce those
+troublers of the world to the necessity of abandoning their destructive
+designs.
+
+The noble lord has already mentioned the present disposition of three
+powerful states, as a motive for vigorous resolutions, and a
+consideration that may, at least, preserve us from despair; and it is no
+small satisfaction to me to observe, that his penetration and experience
+incline him to hope upon the prospect of affairs as they now appear;
+because I doubt not but that hope will be improved into confidence, by
+the account which I can now give your lordships of the intention of
+another power, yet more formidable, to engage with us in the great
+design of repressing the insolence of France.
+
+A treaty of alliance, my lords, has been for some time concerted with
+the emperour of Muscovy, and has been negotiated with such diligence,
+that it is now completed, and I doubt not but the last ratifications
+will arrive at this court in a few days; by which it will appear to your
+lordships, that the interest of this nation has been vigilantly
+regarded, and to our allies, that the faith of Britain has never yet
+been shaken. It will appear to the French, that they have precipitated
+their triumphs, that they have imagined themselves masters of nations by
+whom they will be in a short time driven back to their own confines, and
+that, perhaps, they have parcelled out kingdoms which they are never
+likely to possess.
+
+It was affirmed, and with just discernment, that applications ought to
+be made to this powerful court, as the professed adversary of France;
+and if it was not hitherto known that their assistance had been
+assiduously solicited, our endeavours were kept secret only that their
+success might be more certain, and that they might surprise more
+powerfully by their effects.
+
+Nor have the two other princes, which were mentioned by the noble lord,
+been forgotten, whose concurrence is at this time so necessary to us:
+and I doubt not but that the representations which have been made with
+all the force of truth, and all the zeal that is awakened by interest
+and by danger, will in time produce the effects for which they were
+intended; by convincing those princes that they endanger themselves by
+flattering the French ambition, that they are divesting themselves of
+that defence of which they will quickly regret the loss, and that they
+are only not attacked at present, that they may be destroyed more easily
+hereafter.
+
+But it is always to be remembered, my lords, that in publick
+transactions, as in private life, interest acts with less force as it is
+at greater distance, and that the immediate motive will generally
+prevail. Futurity impairs the influence of the most important objects of
+consideration, even when it does not lessen their certainty; and with
+regard to events only probable, events which a thousand accidents may
+obviate, they are almost annihilated, with regard to the human mind, by
+being placed at a distance from us. Wherever imagination can exert its
+power, we easily dwell upon the most pleasing views, and flatter
+ourselves with those consequences, which though perhaps least to be
+expected, are most desired. Wherever different events may arise, which
+is the state of all human transactions, we naturally promote our hopes,
+and repress our fears; and in time so far deceive ourselves, as to quiet
+all our suspicions, lay all our terrours asleep, and believe what at
+first we only wished.
+
+This, my lords, must be the delusion by which some states are induced to
+favour, and others to neglect the encroachments of France. Men are
+impolitick, as they are wicked; because they prefer the gratification of
+the present hour to the assurance of solid and permanent, but distant
+happiness. The French take advantage of this general weakness of the
+human mind, and by magnificent promises to one prince, and petty grants
+to another, reconcile them to their designs. Each finds that he shall
+gain more by contracting an alliance with them, than with another state
+which has no view besides that of preserving to every sovereign his just
+rights, and which, therefore, as it plunders none, will have nothing to
+bestow.
+
+This, my lords, is the disadvantage under which our negotiators labour
+against those of France; we have no kingdoms to parcel out among those
+whose confederacy we solicit; we can promise them no superiority above
+the neighbouring princes which they do not now possess; we assume not
+the province of adjusting the boundaries of dominion, or of deciding
+contested titles: we promise only the preservation of quiet, and the
+establishment of safety.
+
+But the French, my lords, oppose us with other arguments, arguments
+which, indeed, receive their force from folly and credulity; but what
+more powerful assistance can be desired? They promise not mere negative
+advantages, not an exemption from remote oppression, or an escape from
+slavery, which, as it was yet never felt, is very little dreaded; they
+offer an immediate augmentation of dominion, and an extension of power;
+they propose new tracts of commerce, and open new sources of wealth;
+they invite confederacies, not for defence, but for conquests; for
+conquests to be divided among the powers by whose union they shall be
+made.
+
+Let it not, therefore, be objected, my lords, to our ministers, or our
+negotiators, that the French obtain more influence than they; that they
+are more easily listened to, or more readily believed: for while such is
+the condition of mankind, that what is desired is easily credited, while
+profit is more powerful than reason, the French eloquence will
+frequently prevail.
+
+Whether, my lords, our seeming want of success in the war with Spain
+admits of as easy a solution, my degree of knowledge in military
+affairs, does not enable me to determine. An account of this part of our
+conduct is to be expected from the commissioners of the admiralty, by
+whom, I doubt not, but such reasons will be assigned for all the
+operations of our naval forces, and such vindications offered of all
+those measures, which have been hitherto imputed too precipitately to
+negligence, cowardice, or treachery, as will satisfy those who have been
+most vehement in their censures.
+
+But because it does not seem to me very difficult to apologize for those
+miscarriages which have occasioned the loudest complaints, I will lay
+before your lordships what I have been able to collect from inquiry, or
+to conjecture from observation; and doubt not but it will easily appear,
+that nothing has been omitted from any apparent design of betraying our
+country, and that our ministers and commanders will deserve, at least,
+to be heard before they are condemned.
+
+That great numbers of our trading vessels have been seized by the
+Spaniards, and that our commerce has, therefore, been very much
+embarrassed and interrupted, is sufficiently manifest; but to me, my
+lords, this appears one of the certain and necessary consequences of
+war, which are always to be expected, and to be set in our consultations
+against the advantages which we propose to obtain. It is as rational to
+expect, that of an army sent against our enemies, every man should
+return unhurt to his acquaintances, as that every merchant should see
+his ship and cargo sail safely into port.
+
+If we examine, my lords, the late war, of which the conduct has been so
+lavishly applauded, in which the victories which we obtained have been
+so loudly celebrated, and which has been proposed to the imitation of
+all future ministers, it will appear, that our losses of the same kind
+were then very frequent, and, perhaps, not less complained of, though
+the murmurs are now forgotten, and the acclamations transmitted to
+posterity, because we naturally relate what has given us satisfaction,
+and suppress what we cannot recollect without uneasiness.
+
+If we look farther backward, my lords, and inquire into the event of any
+other war in which we engaged since commerce has constituted so large a
+part of the interest of this nation, I doubt not but in proportion to
+our trade will be found our losses; and in all future wars, as in the
+present, I shall expect the same calamities and the same complaints. For
+the escape of any number of ships raises no transport, nor produces any
+gratitude; but the loss of a few will always give occasion to clamours
+and discontent. For vigilance, however diligent, can never produce more
+safety than will be naturally expected from our incontestable
+superiority at sea, by which a great part of the nation is so far
+deceived as to imagine, that because we cannot be conquered, we cannot
+be molested.
+
+Nor do I see how it is possible to employ our power more effectually for
+the protection of our trade than by the method now pursued of covering
+the ocean with our fleets, and stationing our ships of war in every
+place where danger can be apprehended. If it be urged, that the
+inefficacy of our measures is a sufficient proof of their impropriety,
+it will be proper to substitute another plan of operation, of which the
+success may be more probable. To me, my lords, the loss of some of our
+mercantile vessels shows only the disproportion between the number of
+our ships of war, and the extent of the sea, which is a region too vast
+to be completely garrisoned, and of which the frequenters must
+inevitably be subject to the sudden incursions of subtle rovers.
+
+The disposition of our squadrons has been such, as was doubtless
+dictated by the most acute sagacity, and the most enlightened
+experience. The squadron which was appointed to guard our coasts has
+been ridiculed as an useless expense; and its frequent excursions and
+returns, without any memorable attempt, have given occasion to endless
+raillery, and incessant exclamations of wonder and contempt. But it is
+to be considered, my lords, that the enemies of this nation, either
+secret or declared, had powerful squadrons in many ports of the
+Mediterranean, which, had they known that our coasts were without
+defence, might have issued out on a sudden, and have appeared
+unexpectedly in our Channel, from whence they might have laid our towns
+in ruin, entered our docks, burnt up all our preparations for future
+expeditions, carried into slavery the inhabitants of our villages, and
+left the maritime provinces of this kingdom in a state of general
+desolation.
+
+Out of this squadron, however necessary, there was yet a reinforcement
+of five ships ordered to assist Haddock, that he might be enabled to
+oppose the designs of the Spaniards, though assisted by their French
+confederates, whom it is known that he was so far from favouring, that
+he was stationed before Barcelona to block them up. Why he departed from
+that port, and upon what motives of policy, or maxims of war, he
+suffered the Spaniards to prosecute their scheme, he only is able to
+inform us.
+
+That the Spaniards have not at least been spared by design, is evident
+from their sufferings in this war, which have been much greater than
+ours. Many of our ships have, indeed, been snatched up by the rapacity
+of private adventurers, whom the ardour of interest had made vigilant,
+and whose celerity of pursuit as well as flight, enables them to take
+the advantage of the situation of their own ports, and those of their
+friends. But as none of our ships have been denied convoys, I know not
+how the loss of them can be imputed to the ministry; and if any of those
+who sailed under the protection of ships of war have been lost, the
+commanders may be required to vindicate themselves from the charge of
+negligence or treachery.
+
+But this inquiry, my lords, must be, in my opinion, reserved for another
+day, when it may become the immediate subject of our consultations, with
+which it has at present no coherence, or to which, at least, it is very
+remotely related. For I am not able, upon the most impartial and the
+most attentive consideration of the address now proposed to your
+lordships, to perceive any necessity of a previous inquiry into the
+conduct of the war, the transaction of our negotiations, or the state of
+the kingdom, in order to our compliance with this motion, by which we
+shall be far from sheltering any crime from punishment, or any doubtful
+conduct from inquiry; shall be far from obstructing the course of
+national justice, or approving what we do not understand.
+
+The chief tendency of his majesty's speech is to ask our advice on this
+extraordinary conjuncture of affairs; a conduct undoubtedly worthy of a
+British monarch, and which we ought not to requite with disrespect; but
+what less can be inferred from an alteration of our established forms of
+address, by an omission of any part of the speech? For what will be
+imagined by his majesty, by the nation, and by the whole world, but that
+we did not approve what we did not answer?
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, it is with
+great reason that the present time has been represented to us from the
+throne as a time of uncommon danger and disturbance, a time in which the
+barriers of kingdoms are broken down, in contempt of every law of heaven
+and of earth, and in which ambition, rapine, and oppression, seem to be
+let loose upon mankind; a time in which some nations send out armies and
+invade the territories of their neighbours, in opposition to the most
+solemn treaties, of which others, with equal perfidy, silently suffer,
+or secretly favour the violation.
+
+At a time like this, when treaties are considered only as momentary
+expedients, and alliances confer no security, it is evident that the
+preservation of our rights, our interest, and our commerce, must depend
+only on our natural strength; and that instead of cultivating the
+friendship of foreign powers, which we must purchase upon
+disadvantageous conditions, and which will be withdrawn from us whenever
+we shall need it; we ought, therefore, to collect our own force, and
+show the world how little we stand in need of assistance, and how little
+we have to fear from the most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Our country, my lords, seems designed by nature to subsist without any
+dependence on other nations, and by a steady and resolute improvement of
+these advantages with which providence has blessed it, may bid defiance
+to mankind; it might become, by the extension of our commerce, the
+general centre at which the wealth of the whole earth might be collected
+together, and from whence it might be issued upon proper occasions, for
+the diffusion of liberty, the repression of insolence, and the
+preservation of peace.
+
+But this glory, and this influence, my lords, must arise from domestick
+felicity; and domestick felicity can only be produced by a mutual
+confidence between the government and the people. Where the governours
+distrust the affections of their subjects, they will not be very
+solicitous to advance their happiness; for who will endeavour to
+increase that wealth which will, as he believes, be employed against
+him? Nor will the subjects cheerfully concur even with the necessary
+measures of their governours, whose general designs they conceive to be
+contrary to the publick interest; because any temporary success or
+accidental reputation, will only dazzle the eyes of the multitude, while
+their liberties are stolen away.
+
+This confidence, my lords, must be promoted where it exists, and
+regained where it is lost, by the open administration of justice, by
+impartial inquiries into publick transactions, by the exaltation of
+those whose wisdom and bravery has advanced the publick reputation, or
+increased the happiness of the nation, and the censure of those, however
+elate with dignities, or surrounded with dependants, who by their
+unskilfulness or dishonesty, have either embarrassed their country or
+betrayed it.
+
+For this reason, my lords, it is, in my opinion, necessary to gratify
+the nation, at the present juncture, with the prospect of those
+measures, without which no people can reasonably be satisfied; and to
+pacify their resentment of past injuries, and quiet their apprehensions
+of future miseries, by a possibility, at least, that they may see the
+authors of all our miscarriages called to a trial in open day, and the
+merit of those men acknowledged and rewarded, by whose resolution and
+integrity they imagine that the final ruin of themselves and posterity
+has been hitherto prevented.
+
+That the present discontent of the British nation is almost universal,
+that suspicion has infused itself into every rank and denomination of
+men, that complaints of the neglect of our commerce, the misapplication
+of our treasure, and the unsuccessfulness of our arms, are to be heard
+from every mouth, and in every place, where men dare utter their
+sentiments, I suppose, my lords, no man will deny; for whoever should
+stand up in opposition to the truth of a fact so generally known, would
+distinguish himself, even in this age of effrontery and corruption, by a
+contempt of reputation, not yet known amongst mankind.
+
+And indeed, my lords, it must be confessed that these discontents and
+clamours are produced by such an appearance of folly, or of treachery,
+as few ages or nations have ever known; by such an obstinate
+perseverance in bad measures, as shame has hitherto prevented in those
+upon whom nobler motives, fidelity to their trust, and love of their
+country, had lost their influence.
+
+Other ministers, when they have formed designs of sacrificing the
+publick interest to their own, have been compelled to better measures by
+timely discoveries, and just representations; they have been criminal
+only because they hoped for secrecy, and have vindicated their conduct
+no longer than while they had hopes that their apologies might deceive.
+
+But our heroick ministers, my lords, have set themselves free from the
+shackles of circumspection, they have disburdened themselves of the
+embarrassments of caution, and claim an exemption from the necessity of
+supporting their measures by laborious deductions and artful reasonings;
+they defy the publick when they can no longer delude it, and prosecute,
+in the face of the sun, those measures which they have not been able to
+support, and of which the fatal consequences are foreseen by the whole
+nation.
+
+When they have been detected in one absurdity, they take shelter in
+another; when experience has shown that one of their attempts was
+designed only to injure their country, they propose a second of the same
+kind with equal confidence, boast again of their integrity, and again
+require the concurrence of the legislature, and the support of the
+people.
+
+When they had for a long time suffered our trading vessels to be seized
+in sight of our own ports, when they had despatched fleets into the
+Mediterranean, only to lie exposed to the injuries of the weather, and
+to sail from one coast to another, only to show that they had no hostile
+intentions, and that they were fitted out by the friends of the
+Spaniards, only to amuse and exhaust the nation, they at length thought
+it necessary to lull the impatience of the people, who began to discover
+that they had hitherto been harassed with taxes and impresses to no
+purpose, by the appearance of a new effort for the subjection of the
+enemy, and to divert, by the expectations which an army and a fleet
+naturally raise, any clamours at their past conduct'.
+
+For this end, having entered into their usual consultations, they
+projected an expedition into America, for which they raised forces and
+procured transports, with all the pomp of preparation for the conquest
+of half the continent, not so much to alarm the Spaniards, which I
+conceive but a secondary view, as to fill the people of Britain with
+amusing prospects of great achievements, of the addition of new
+dominions to this empire, and an ample reparation for all their damages.
+
+Thus provided with forces sufficient, in appearance, for this mighty
+enterprise, they embarked them after many delays, and dismissed them to
+their fate, having first disposed their regulations in such a manner,
+that it was impossible that they should meet with success.
+
+I can call your lordships to witness, that this impossibility was not
+discovered by me after the event, for I foretold in this house, that
+their designs, so conducted, must evidently miscarry.
+
+Nor was this prediction, my lords, the effect of any uncommon sagacity,
+or any accidental conjecture on future consequences which happened to be
+right; for to any man who has had opportunities of observing that
+knowledge in war is necessary to success, and experience is the
+foundation of knowledge, it was sufficiently plain that our forces must
+be repulsed.
+
+The forces sent into America, my lords, were newly raised, placed under
+the direction of officers not less ignorant than themselves, and
+commanded by a man who never had commanded any troops before; and who,
+however laudable he might have discharged the duty of a captain, was
+wholly unacquainted with the province of a general.
+
+Yet was this man, my lords, preferred, not only to a multitude of other
+officers, to whom experience must have been of small advantage, if it
+did not furnish them with knowledge far superiour to his, but to five
+and forty generals, of whom I hope the nation has no reason to suspect
+that any of them would not gladly have served it on an occasion of so
+great importance, and willingly have conducted an expedition intended to
+retrieve the honour of the British name, the terrour of our arms, and
+the security of our commerce.
+
+When raw troops, my lords, with young officers, are to act under the
+command of an unskilful general, what is it reasonable to expect, but
+what has happened--overthrow, slaughter, and ignominy? What but that
+cheap victories should heighten the insolence, and harden the obstinacy
+of our enemies; and that we should not only be weakened by our loss, but
+dispirited by our disgrace; by the disgrace of being overthrown by those
+whom we have despised, and with whom nothing but our own folly could
+have reduced us to a level.
+
+The other conjecture which I ventured to propose to your lordships, with
+regard to the queen of Hungary, was not founded on facts equally evident
+with the former, though experience has discovered that it was equally
+true. It was then asserted, both by other lords and myself, that money
+would be chosen by that princess as an assistance more useful than
+forces; an opinion, which the lords who are engaged in the
+administration vigorously opposed. In consequence of their
+determination, forces were hired, for what purpose--let them now
+declare, since none but themselves have yet known.
+
+That at least they were not taken into our pay for the service for which
+they were required, the succour of the house of Austria, is most
+evident, unless the name of armies is imagined sufficient to intimidate
+the French, as the Spaniards are to be subdued by the sight of fleets.
+They never marched towards her frontiers, never opposed her enemies, or
+afforded her the least assistance, but stood idle and unconcerned in the
+territories of Hanover; nor was it known that they existed by any other
+proof than that remittances were made for their pay.
+
+Such, my lords, was the assistance, asked with so much solicitude, and
+levied with so much expedition, for the queen of Hungary; such were the
+effects of the zeal of our illustrious ministers for the preservation of
+that august house, to whose alliance we are perhaps indebted for the
+preservation of our religion and our liberties, and to which all Europe
+must have recourse for shelter from the oppression of France.
+
+When this formidable body of men was assembled, my lords, and reviewed,
+they were perhaps found too graceful and too well sorted to be exposed
+to the dangers of a battle; and the same tenderness that has so long
+preserved our own forces from any other field than the park, might
+rescue them from the fatigues of accompanying the active hussars in
+their incursions, or the steady Austrians in their conflicts.
+
+Whatever was the reason, my lords, it is certain that they have been
+reserved for other opportunities of signalizing their courage; and they
+slept in quiet, and fattened upon the wealth of Britain, while the
+enemies of our illustrious, magnanimous, and unfortunate ally, entered
+her territories without opposition, marched through them uninterrupted,
+and rather took possession than made conquests.
+
+That in this condition of her affairs, the queen would refuse an offer
+of twelve thousand men; that when she was driven from one country to
+another, attended by an army scarcely sufficient to form a flying camp,
+she would not gladly have accepted a reinforcement so powerful, let
+those believe, my lords, who have yet never been deceived by ministerial
+faith.
+
+The real designs of the ministry, my lords, are sufficiently obvious,
+nor is any thing more certain, than that they had, in requiring this
+mock assistance for the queen of Hungary, no other design than that of
+raising her expectations only to deceive them; and to divert her, by
+confidence in their preparations, from having recourse to more
+efficacious expedients, that she might become, without resistance, the
+slave of France.
+
+For this purpose they determined to succour her with forces rather than
+with money, because many reasons might be pretended, by which the march
+of the forces might be retarded; but the money, my lords, when granted,
+must have been more speedily remitted.
+
+At last the queen, weary with delays, and undoubtedly sufficiently
+informed of those designs, which are now, however generally discovered,
+confidently denied, desired a supply of money, which might be granted
+without leaving Hanover exposed to an invasion. With this demand, which
+they had no pretence to deny, they have yet found expedients to delay
+their compliance. For it does not appear that the whole sum granted has
+yet been paid; and it would well become those noble lords, whose offices
+give them an opportunity of observing the distribution of the publick
+money, to justify themselves from the suspicions of the nation, by
+declaring openly what has been remitted, and what yet remains to be
+disbursed for some other purpose.
+
+Is it not, therefore, evident, my lords, that by promising assistance to
+this unhappy princess, the ministry intended to deceive her? That when
+they flattered her with the approach of auxiliary forces, they designed
+only to station them where they might garrison the frontiers of Hanover?
+And that when they forced her to solicit for pecuniary aid, they delayed
+the payment of the subsidy, that it might not be received till it could
+produce no effect?
+
+This, my lords, is not only evident from the manifest absurdity of their
+conduct upon any other supposition, but from the general scheme which
+has always been pursued by the man whose dictatorial instructions
+regulate the opinions of all those that constitute the ministry, and of
+whom it is well known, that it has been the great purpose of his life to
+aggrandize France, by applying to her for assistance in imaginary
+distresses from fictitious confederacies, and by sacrificing to her in
+return the house of Austria, and the commerce of Britain.
+
+How then, my lords, can it be asserted by us, that the house of Austria
+has been vigilantly supported? How can we approve measures, of which we
+discover no effect but the expense of the nation? A double expense,
+produced first by raising troops, which though granted for the
+assistance of the Austrians, have been made use of only for the
+protection of Hanover, and by the grant of money in the place of these
+troops, which were thus fallaciously obtained, and thus unprofitably
+employed!
+
+For what purpose these forces were in reality raised, I suppose no man
+can be ignorant, and no man to whom it is known can possibly approve it.
+How then, my lords, can we concur in an address by which the people must
+be persuaded, that we either are deceived ourselves, or endeavour to
+impose upon them; that we either dare not condemn any measures, however
+destructive, or that, at least, we are in haste to approve them, lest
+inquiry should discover their tendency too plainly to leave us the power
+of applauding them, without an open declaration of our own impotence, or
+disregard for the welfare of the publick.
+
+The complaints of the people are already clamorous, and their discontent
+open and universal; and surely the voice of the people ought, at least,
+to awake us to an examination of their condition. And though we should
+not immediately condemn those whom they censure and detest, as the
+authors of their miseries, we ought, at least, to pay so much regard to
+the accusation of the whole community, as not to reject it without
+inquiry, as a suspicion merely chimerical.
+
+Whether these complaints and suspicions, my lords, proceed from real
+injuries and imminent dangers, or from false accusations and groundless
+terrours, they equally deserve the attention of this house, whose great
+care is the happiness of the people: people equally worthy of your
+tenderness and regard, whether they are betrayed by one party or
+another; whether they are plundered by the advocates of the
+administration, under pretence of supporting the government, or
+affrighted with unreasonable clamours by the opponents of the court,
+under the specious appearance of protecting liberty. The people, my
+lords, are in either case equally miserable, and deserve equally to be
+rescued from distress.
+
+By what method, my lords, can this be effected, but by some publick
+assurance from this house, that the transactions of the nation shall no
+longer be concealed in impenetrable secrecy; that measures shall be no
+longer approved without examination; that publick evils shall be traced
+to their causes; and that disgrace, which they have hitherto brought
+upon the publick, shall fall for the future only upon the authors of
+them.
+
+Of giving this assurance, and of quieting by it the clamours of the
+people; clamours which, whether just or not, are too formidable to be
+slighted, and too loud not to be heard, we have now the most proper
+opportunity before us. The address which the practice of our ancestors
+requires us to make to his majesty, may give us occasion of expressing
+at once our loyalty to the crown, and our fidelity to our country; our
+zeal for the honour of our sovereign, and our regard for the happiness
+of the people.
+
+For this purpose it is necessary that, as we preserve the practice of
+our ancestors in one respect, we revive it in another; that we imitate
+those in just freedom of language whom we follow in the decent forms of
+ceremony; and show that as we preserve, like them, a due sense of the
+regal dignity, so, like them, we know likewise how to preserve our own,
+and despise flattery on one side, as we decline rudeness on the other.
+
+A practice, my lords, has prevailed of late, which cannot but be allowed
+pernicious to the publick, and derogatory from the honour of this
+assembly; a practice of retaining in our address the words of the
+speech, and of following it servilely from period to period, as if it
+were expected that we should always adopt the sentiments of the court;
+as if we were not summoned to advise, but to approve, and approve
+without examination.
+
+By such addresses, my lords, all inquiries may be easily precluded; for
+the minister by whom the speech is compiled, may easily introduce the
+most criminal transactions in such a manner, as that they may obtain the
+approbation of this house; which he may plead afterwards at our bar,
+when he shall be called before it, and either involve us in the disgrace
+of inconsistency, and expose us to general contempt, or be acquitted by
+our former suffrages, which it would be reproachful to retract, and yet
+criminal to confirm.
+
+It is not necessary, my lords, on this occasion to observe, what all
+parties have long since acknowledged, when it did not promote their
+interest to deny it, that every speech from the throne is to be
+considered as the work of the minister, because it is generally written
+by him; or if composed by the king himself, must be drawn up in
+pursuance of the information and counsel of the ministry, to whom it is,
+therefore, ultimately to be referred, and may consequently be examined
+without any failure of respect to the person of the prince.
+
+This ought, however, to be observed, my lords, that it may appear more
+plainly how certainly this practice may be imputed to the artifices of
+ministers, since it does not promote the honour of the prince, and
+manifestly obstructs the interest of the people; since it is a practice
+irrational in itself, because it is inconsistent with the great purpose
+of this assembly, and can, therefore, serve no other purpose than that
+of procuring indemnity to the ministers, by placing them out of the
+reach of future animadversion.
+
+Let not, my lords, the uninterrupted continuance of this practice for
+some reigns be pleaded in its defence; for nothing is more worthy of the
+dignity of this house, than to prevent the multiplication of dangerous
+precedents. That a custom manifestly injurious to the publick has
+continued long, is the strongest reason for breaking it, because it
+acquires every year new authority and greater veneration: if when a
+nation is alarmed and distracted, a custom of twenty years is not to be
+infringed, it may in twenty years more be so firmly established, that
+many may think it necessary to be supported, even when those calamities
+are incontestably felt, which, perhaps, now are only feared.
+
+I shall, therefore, my lords, propose, that of the address moved for,
+all be left out but the first paragraph; it will then be more consistent
+with the honour of your lordships, with our regard for the people, and
+with our duty to the crown, and hope no lord will refuse his
+concurrence.
+
+Lord HARDWICKE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--My lords,
+upon an attentive consideration of the address now proposed, I am not
+able to discover any objections which can justly hinder the unanimous
+concurrence of this assembly, since there is not any proposition
+contained in it either dangerous or uncertain.
+
+The noble lords who have opposed this motion with the most ardent
+vehemence, are very far from denying what is asserted in it; they
+readily grant that designs are concerted by many formidable powers
+against the house of Austria, and that the consequences of the ruin of
+that family must extend to the utmost parts of Europe, and endanger the
+liberties of Britain itself; that the power of France will then be
+without a rival, and that she may afterwards gratify her ambition
+without fear and without danger.
+
+Nor is it, my lords, less obvious in itself, or less generally allowed,
+that this is a time which demands the most active vigour, the most
+invariable unanimity, and the most diligent despatch; that nothing can
+interrupt the course of our common enemies but the wisest counsels, and
+the most resolute opposition; and that upon our conduct at this great
+conjuncture may probably depend the happiness and liberty of ourselves,
+our allies, and our posterity.
+
+All this, my lords, is allowed to be apparently and indisputably true; I
+am, therefore, at a loss to conceive what can be the occasion of the
+debate in which some of your lordships have engaged. As the causes of
+the calamities which are said to threaten us are not assigned in the
+address, we shall leave ourselves at full liberty to charge them upon
+those who shall appear from future inquiries to deserve so heavy an
+accusation.
+
+If the ministers of the court have, by any inconstancy in their
+measures, or folly in their negotiations, given an opportunity to the
+enemies of Europe to extend their influence, or endangered either our
+own interest, or that of our allies; if they have by oppression or
+negligence alienated from his majesty the affections of his people, or
+the confidence of his confederates, nothing that is contained in the
+address now before us can be produced by them in justification of their
+conduct, or secure them from accusation, censure, and punishment.
+
+If the war, my lords, has been hitherto carried on with clandestine
+stipulations, or treacherous compacts; if our admirals have received
+orders to retire from the coast of Spain, only to give our enemies an
+opportunity of invading the dominions of the queen of Hungary, or have,
+without directions, deserted their stations, and abandoned the
+protection of our commerce and our colonies; we shall, notwithstanding
+this address, retain in our hands the privilege of inquiring into their
+conduct, and the power, if it be found criminal, of inflicting such
+penalties as justice shall require.
+
+I know not, therefore, my lords, upon what motives the debate is
+continued, nor what objections they are which hinder our unanimity, at a
+time when all petty controversies ought to be forgot, and all nominal
+distinctions laid aside; at a time when general danger may justly claim
+general attention, and we ought to suspend the assertion of our
+particular opinions, and the prosecution of our separate interests, and
+regard only the opposition of France, the support of our allies, and the
+preservation of our country.
+
+The noble lords who have offered their sentiments on this occasion, have
+very diffusely expatiated on the miseries that impend over us, and have
+shown uncommon dexterity and acuteness in tracing them all to one
+source, the weakness or dishonesty of the British ministry.
+
+For my part, my lords, though, perhaps, I believe that many
+circumstances of the present distress are to be imputed to accidents
+which could not be foreseen, and that the conduct of the ministry,
+however sometimes disappointed of the effects intended by it, was yet
+prudent and sincere, I shall at present forbear to engage in their
+defence, because the discussion of a question so complicated must
+necessarily require much time, and because I think it not so useful to
+inquire how we were involved in our present difficulties, as by what
+means we may be extricated from them.
+
+The method by which weak states are made strong, and by which those that
+are already powerful, are enabled to exert their strength with efficacy,
+is the promotion of union, and the abolition of all suspicions by which
+the people may be incited to a distrust of their sovereign, or the
+sovereign provoked to a disregard of his people. With this view, my
+lords, all addresses ought to be drawn up, and this consideration will
+be sufficient to restrain us from any innovations at a time like this.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that the ancient method were better
+adapted to the general intention of addresses, more correspondent to the
+dignity of this house, and liable to fewer inconveniencies than that
+which later times have introduced, yet it will not follow that we can
+now safely change it.
+
+Nothing in the whole doctrine of politicks is better known, than that
+there are times when the redress of grievances, inveterate and
+customary, is not to be attempted; times when the utmost care is barely
+sufficient to avert extreme calamities, and prevent a total dissolution;
+and in which the consideration of lighter evils must not be suffered to
+interrupt more important counsels, or divert that attention which the
+preservation of the state necessarily demands.
+
+Such, my lords, is the present time, even by the confession of those who
+have opposed the motion, and of whom, therefore, it may be reasonably
+demanded, why they waste these important hours in debates upon forms and
+words?
+
+For that only forms and words have produced the debate, must be
+apparent, even to themselves, when the fervour of controversy shall have
+slackened; when that vehemence, with which the most moderate are
+sometimes transported, and that acrimony, which candour itself cannot
+always forbear, shall give way to reflection and to reason. That the
+danger is pressing, and that pressing dangers require expedition and
+unanimity, they willingly grant; and what more is asserted in the
+address?
+
+That any lord should be unwilling to concur in the customary expressions
+of thankfulness and duty to his majesty, or in acknowledgments of that
+regard for this assembly with which he asks our assistance and advice, I
+am unwilling to suspect; nor can I imagine that any part of the
+opposition to this proposal can be produced by unwillingness to comply
+with his majesty's demands, and to promise that advice and assistance,
+which it is our duty, both to our sovereign, our country, and ourselves,
+to offer.
+
+That those, my lords, who have expressed in terms so full of indignation
+their resentment of the imaginary neglect of the queen of Hungary's
+interest, have declared the house of Austria the only bulwark of Europe,
+and expressed their dread of the encroachments of France with emotions
+which nothing but real passion can produce, should be unwilling to
+assert their resolution of adhering to the Pragmatick sanction, and of
+defending the liberties of the empire, cannot be supposed.
+
+And yet, my lords, what other reasons of their conduct can be assigned
+either by the emperour, or the people, or the allies of Britain; those
+allies whose claim they so warmly assert, and whose merits they so
+loudly extol? Will it not be imagined in foreign courts, that the
+measures now recommended by the emperour, are thought not consistent
+with the interest of the nation? Will it not be readily believed, that
+we propose to abandon those designs of which we cannot be persuaded to
+declare our approbation?
+
+What will be the consequence of such an opinion artfully propagated by
+France, and confirmed by appearances so likely to deceive, may easily be
+foreseen, and safely predicted. The French will prosecute their schemes
+with fresh ardour, when they dread no longer any interruption from the
+only nation able to resist them; and it is well known, my lords, how
+often confidence, by exciting courage, produces success.
+
+Nor, indeed, can the success of their endeavours, thus animated and
+quickened, be easily doubted, since the same appearances that encourage
+them will intimidate their enemies. Our allies will then think no longer
+of union against the general enemy; they must imagine their united force
+insufficient, and the only emulation amongst them will quickly be, which
+shall first offer his liberty to sale, who shall first pay his court to
+the masters of the world, and merit mercy by a speedy submission.
+
+Thus, my lords, will the house of Austria, that house so faithful to
+Britain, and so steady in its opposition to the designs of the French
+ambition, be finally sunk in irrecoverable ruin, by those who appear to
+please themselves with declamations in its praise, and resolutions for
+its defence; and who never speak of the French without rage and
+detestation.
+
+If on this occasion, my lords, we should give any suspicion of unusual
+discontent, what could be concluded but that we are unwilling any longer
+to embarrass ourselves with remote considerations, to load this nation
+with taxes for the preservation of the rights of other sovereigns, and
+to hazard armies in the defence of the continent? What can our allies
+think, but that we are at present weary of the burdensome and expensive
+honour of holding the balance of power in our hands, are content to
+resign the unquiet province of the arbiters of Europe, and propose to
+confine our care henceforward to our immediate interest, and shut up
+ourselves in our own island?
+
+That this is the real design of any of those noble lords who have
+opposed the motion, I do not intend to insinuate; for I doubt not but
+they believe the general interest both of this nation and its allies,
+most likely to be promoted by the method of address which they
+recommend, since they declare that they do not think our state
+desperate, and confess the importance of the affairs on which we are
+required by his majesty to deliberate, to be such, that nothing ought to
+repress our endeavours but impossibility of success.
+
+Such is the knowledge and experience of those noble lords, that the
+hopes which I had formed of seeing the destructive attempts of the
+French once more defeated, and power restored again to that equipoise
+which is necessary to the continuance of tranquillity and happiness,
+have received new strength from their concurrence, and I shall now hear
+with less solicitude the threats of France.
+
+That the French, my lords, are not invincible, the noble duke who spoke
+last has often experienced; nor is there any reason for imagining that
+they are now more formidable than when we encountered them in the fields
+of Blenheim and Ramillies. Nothing is requisite but a firm union among
+those princes who are immediately in danger from their encroachments, to
+reduce them to withdraw their forces from the countries of their
+neighbours, and quit, for the defence of their own territories, their
+schemes of bestowing empires, and dividing dominions.
+
+That such an union is now cultivated, we have been informed by his
+majesty, whose endeavours will probably be successful, however they may
+at first be thwarted and obstructed; because the near approach of danger
+will rouse those whom avarice has stupified, or negligence intoxicated;
+thus truth and reason will become every day more powerful, and sophistry
+and artifice be in time certainly detected.
+
+When, therefore, my lords, we are engaged in consultations which may
+affect the liberties of a great part of mankind, and by which our
+posterity to many ages may be made happy or miserable; when the daily
+progress of the enemies of justice and of freedom ought to awaken us to
+vigilance and expedition, and there are yet just hopes that diligence
+and firmness may preserve us from ruin, let us not waste our time in
+unnecessary debates, and keep the nations of Europe in suspense by the
+discussion of a question, the decision of which may be delayed for
+years, without any manifest inconvenience. Let us not embarrass his
+majesty by an unusual form of address, at a time when he his negotiating
+alliances, and forming plans for the rescue of the empire.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more remote from the real end of addresses, than a
+representation of them as made only to the minister; for if there be any
+commerce between a prince and his subjects, in which he is the immediate
+agent, if his personal dignity be interested in any act of government, I
+think it is not to be denied, that in receiving the addresses of the two
+houses, he assumes a peculiar and distinct character, which cannot be
+confounded with his council or ministry.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose again, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if
+there was now any contest amongst us for superiority of regard to his
+majesty, of zeal for his honour, or reverence of his person, I should
+not doubt of proving that no lord in this house can boast of more
+ardour, fidelity, or respect than myself; and if the chief question now
+amongst us related to the terms in which he deserves to be addressed by
+us, I should be unwilling that any man should propose language more
+submissive and reverend, or more forcible and comprehensive than myself.
+
+But addresses, however they may for present purposes be represented as
+regarding the personal character of the king, are in reality nothing
+more than replies to a speech composed by the minister, whose measures,
+if we should appear to commend, our panegyrick may, in some future
+proceeding, be cited against us. Every address, therefore, ought to be
+considered as a publick record, and to be drawn up, to inform the
+nation, not to mislead our sovereign.
+
+The address now proposed, is, indeed, equally indefensible to whomsoever
+it may be supposed to relate. If it respects the people, it can only
+drive them to despair; if it be confined to the sovereign, our advice,
+not our panegyrick, is now required, and Europe is to be preserved from
+ruin, not by our eloquence, but our sincerity. Respect to his majesty,
+my lords, will be best shown by preserving his influence in other
+nations, and his authority in his own empire. This can only be done by
+showing him how the one has been impaired, and how the other may be in
+time endangered.
+
+By addresses like this which is now proposed, my lords, has his majesty
+been betrayed into an inadvertent appro bation of measures pernicious to
+the nation, and dishonourable to himself, and will now be kept ignorant
+of the despicable conduct of the war, the treacherous connivance at the
+descent of the Spaniards upon the dominions of the queen of Hungary, and
+the contempt with which every nation of the continent has heard of the
+neutrality lately concluded. By addresses like this, my lords, have the
+rights of the nation been silently given up, and the invaders of
+liberty, and violators of our laws, preserved from prosecution; by such
+addresses have our monarchs been ruined at one time, and our country
+enslaved at another.
+
+Lord HARRINGTON spoke next, in the following manner:--My lords, it is
+necessary to explain that treaty of neutrality which has been mentioned
+by some lords as an act to the last degree shameful, an act by which the
+nation has been dishonoured, and the general liberties of Europe have
+been betrayed; a representation so distant from the truth, that it can
+only be imputed to want of information.
+
+This treaty of neutrality, my lords, is so far from being reproachful to
+this nation, that it has no relation to it, being made by his majesty
+not in the character of emperour of Britain, but elector of Hanover, nor
+is any thing stipulated by it but security of the dominions of Hanover,
+from the invasion of the French for a single year.
+
+What part of this transaction, my lords, can be supposed to fall under
+the cognizance of this assembly? Or with what propriety can it be
+mentioned in our debates, or produce an argument on either side? That
+the dominions of Britain and Hanover are distinct, and independent on
+each other, has often been asserted, and asserted with truth; and I hope
+those who so studiously separate their interest on all other occasions,
+will not now unite them only to reflect maliciously on the conduct of
+his majesty.
+
+I do not, indeed, charge any lord with a design so malignant and unjust;
+having already asserted it as my opinion, that these reproaches were
+produced only by ignorance of the true state of the affair, but cannot
+with equal readiness allow that ignorance to be wholly blameless.
+
+It is necessary, my lords, in common life, to every man who would avoid
+contempt and ridicule, to refrain from speaking, at least from speaking
+with confidence, on subjects with which he has not made himself
+sufficiently acquainted. This caution, my lords, is more necessary when
+his discourse tends to the accusation or reproach of another, because he
+can then only escape contempt himself by bringing it, perhaps unjustly,
+on him whom he condemns. It is more necessary still, to him who speaks
+in the publick council of the nation, and who may, by false reflections,
+injure the publick interest; and is yet more indispensably required in
+him who assumes the province of examining the conduct of his sovereign.
+
+Lord ISLAY spoke in substance as follows:--'My lords, it appears that
+all those who have spoke on either side of the present question, however
+they may generally differ in their opinions, agree at least in one
+assertion, that the time which is spent in this debate might be far more
+usefully employed, and that we, in some degree, desert the great cause
+of liberty, by giving way to trifling altercations. This, indeed, is an
+argument of equal force for a concession on either side; but, as in
+affairs of such importance, no man ought to act in a manner contrary to
+the convictions of his own reason, it cannot be expected that we should
+be unanimous in our opinions, or that the dispute should be determined
+otherwise than by the vote.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no arguments against the motion, which require
+long consideration; for little of what has been urged, has, in my
+opinion, been very nearly connected with the question before us, which
+is not whether the ministers have pursued or neglected the interest of
+the nation, whether the laws have been violated or observed, the war
+timorously or magnanimously conducted, or our negotiations managed with
+dexterity or weakness, but whether we shall offer to his majesty the
+address proposed.
+
+In this address, my lords, it has never yet been proved that any
+assertions are contained either false or uncertain in themselves, or
+contrary to the dignity of this assembly; that any act of cowardice or
+treachery, any crime, or any errour, will be secured by it from
+detection and from punishment.
+
+That this, my lords, may appear more plainly, I move that the motion may
+be read; nor do I doubt but that the question will, by a closer
+examination, be speedily decided.
+
+[The motion being again read, in order to put the question.]
+
+Lord BATHURST spoke to the effect following:--My lords, I know not why
+the noble lord should expect, that by reading the motion, a more speedy
+determination of the question would be produced; for if the repeated
+consideration of it operates upon the minds of the lords that have
+opposed it, in the same manner as upon mine, it will only confirm their
+opinion, and strengthen their resolution.
+
+We are required, my lords, to join in an address of thanks to his
+majesty for his endeavours to _maintain_ the balance of power; in an
+address, that implies a falsehood open and indisputable, and which will,
+therefore, only make us contemptible to our fellow-subjects, our allies,
+and our enemies.
+
+What is meant, my lords, by the balance of power, but such a
+distribution of dominion, as may keep the sovereign powers in mutual
+dread of each other, and, by consequence, preserve peace; such an
+equality of strength between one prince, or one confederacy and another,
+that the hazard of war shall be nearly equal on each side? But which of
+your lordships will affirm, that this is now the state of Europe?
+
+It is evident, my lords, that the French are far from imagining that
+there is now any power which can be put in the balance against their
+own, and therefore distribute kingdoms by caprice, and exalt emperours
+upon their own terms.
+
+It is evident, that the continuance of the balance of power is not now
+to be perceived by its natural consequences, tranquillity and liberty;
+the whole continent is now in confusion, laid waste by the ravages of
+armies, subject to one sovereign to-day, and to-morrow to another: there
+is scarcely any place where the calamities of war are not felt or
+expected, and where property, by consequence, is not uncertain, and life
+itself in continual danger.
+
+One happy corner of the world, indeed, is to be found, my lords, secured
+from rapine and massacre, for one year at least, by a well-timed
+neutrality, of which, on what terms it was obtained, I would gladly
+hear, and whether it was purchased at the expense of the honour of
+Britain, though the advantages of it are confined to Hanover.
+
+But as I am not of opinion, my lords, that the balance of power is
+preserved by the security of Hanover; or that those territories, however
+important, will be able to furnish forces equivalent to the power of
+France, I cannot agree to promise, in an address of this house, to
+assist his majesty in _maintaining_ the balance of power, though I shall
+cheerfully give my concurrence in every just and vigorous effort to
+_restore_ it.
+
+But, as it may be urged, that any direct expressions of discontent may
+be too wide a deviation from the common forms, which for a long time
+have admitted nothing but submission and adulation, I shall only venture
+to propose that we may, at least, contract our address, that if we do
+not in plain language declare all our sentiments, we may, however,
+affirm nothing that we do not think; and I am confident, that all the
+praises which can be justly bestowed on the late measures, may be
+comprised in a very few words.
+
+It has been insinuated, that this change of our style may, perhaps,
+surprise his majesty, and raise in him some suspicions of discontent and
+disapprobation; that it may incline him to believe his measures, either
+not understood by us, or not applauded, and divert him from his present
+schemes, by the necessity of an inquiry into the reasons of our dislike.
+
+And for what other purpose, my lords, should such a change of our style
+be proposed? Why should we deny on this occasion the encomiastick
+language which has been of late so profusely bestowed, but to show that
+we think this time too dangerous for flattery, and the measures now
+pursued, such as none but the most abject flatterers can commend?
+
+I should hope, that if it be asked by his majesty to what cause it is to
+be imputed, that the address of this house is so much contracted, there
+would be found some amongst us honest enough to answer, that all which
+can be said with truth is contained in it, and that flattery and
+falsehood were not consistent with the dignity of the lords of Britain.
+
+I hope, my lords, some one amongst us would explain to his majesty the
+decency as well as the integrity of our conduct, and inform him that we
+have hinted our discontent in the most respectful manner; and where
+there was sufficient room for the loudest censure, have satisfied
+ourselves with modest silence, with a mere negation of applause.
+
+Should we, my lords, in opposition to the complaints of our countrymen,
+to the representations of our allies, and all the conviction which our
+reason can admit, or our senses produce, continue to act this farce of
+approbation, what can his majesty conceive, but that those measures
+which we applaud, ought to be prosecuted as the most effectual and safe?
+And what consequence but total ruin can arise from the prosecution of
+measures, by which we are already reduced to penury and contempt?
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next to the following purpose:--My lords, it is
+never without grief and wonder that I hear any suspicion insinuated of
+injustice or impropriety in his majesty's measures, of whose wisdom and
+goodness I have so much knowledge, as to affirm, with the utmost
+confidence, that he is better acquainted than any lord in this assembly
+with the present state of Europe; so that he is more able to judge by
+what methods tranquillity may be reestablished; and that he pursues the
+best methods with the utmost purity of intention, and the most incessant
+diligence and application.
+
+That the justest intentions may be sometimes defeated, and the wisest
+endeavours fail of success, I shall readily grant; but it will not
+follow, that we ought not to acknowledge that wisdom and integrity which
+is exerted in the prosecution of our interest, or that we ought not to
+be grateful for the benefits which were sincerely intended, though not
+actually received.
+
+The wisdom of his majesty's counsels, my lords, is not sufficiently
+admired, because the difficulties which he has to encounter are not
+known, or not observed. Upon his majesty, my lords, lies the task of
+teaching the powers of the continent to prefer their real to their
+seeming interest, and to disregard, for the sake of distant happiness,
+immediate acquisitions and certain advantages. His majesty is
+endeavouring to unite in the support of the Pragmatick sanction those
+powers whose dominions will be enlarged by the violation of it, and whom
+France bribes to her interest with the spoils of Austria; and who can
+wonder that success is not easy in attempts like this?
+
+In such measures we ought, doubtless, to endeavour to animate his
+majesty, by an address, at least not less expressive of duty and respect
+than those which he has been accustomed to receive; and, therefore, I
+shall concur with the noble lords who made and supported the motion.
+
+[The question, on a division, passed in the affirmative, Content, 89.
+Not Content, 43.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+by Samuel Johnson
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
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+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type"
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+    name="generator">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of
+    The Works of Samuel Johnson, Ll.d., Volume X.
+</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
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+    HR  { width: 33%; }
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+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10., by Samuel Johnson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+       Parlimentary Debates I.
+
+Author: Samuel Johnson
+
+Release Date: December 1, 2003 [EBook #10351]
+[Last updated. February 17, 2013]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK S. JOHNSON, V10 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger, Jonathan Ingram, Tom Allen
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>
+    THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,
+</h1>
+<center>
+    VOLUME THE TENTH.
+</center>
+<center>
+    MDCCCXXV.
+</center>
+
+
+
+<br /><br />
+<hr>
+<br /><br />
+
+<br />
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_1">
+PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2HREF2">
+REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_3">
+DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_4">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_5">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_6">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_7">
+HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_8">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_9">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_10">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_11">
+HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_12">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_13">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_14">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_15">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_16">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_17">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_18">
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_19">
+DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+</a></p>
+<br /><br />
+<hr>
+<br /><br />
+
+
+
+<h2>
+    CONTENTS
+</h2>
+<br />
+
+
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+
+
+<p>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on a seditious paper.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on incorporating the new-raised men into the standing regiments.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on taking the state of the army into consideration.<br>
+<br>
+Debate respecting officers on half-pay.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on an address for papers relating to admiral Haddock.<br>
+<br>
+Debate regarding the departure of the French and Spanish squadrons.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on addressing his majesty for the removal of sir R. Walpole.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on cleansing the city of Westminster.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill to prevent inconveniencies arising from the insurance<br>
+of ships.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on addressing the king.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on supporting the queen of Hungary.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on choosing a speaker.<br>
+<br>
+Debate on the address.<br>
+</p>
+
+
+
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+<a name="2H_4_1"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+</h2>
+<p>
+    The government of this country has long and justly been considered the
+    best among the nations of Europe; and the English people have ever
+    evinced a proportionate desire for information in its proceedings. But
+    in the earlier days of our constitution, we shall find that much
+    jealousy on the part of our rulers debarred the people from access to
+    the national deliberations. Queen Elizabeth, with a sagacity that
+    derived no assurance from the precedents of former times, foresaw the
+    mighty power of the press, as an engine applied to state purposes, and
+    accordingly aroused the spirit of her subjects, by causing the first
+    gazettes to be published in the year of the armada [Footnote: See sir J.
+    Mackintosh's Defence in the Peltier case.]: and D'Ewes's journals of her
+    parliaments contain the earliest reports of parliamentary debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first volume of the commons' journals comprises the debates from the
+    accession of James the first, to the cessation of parliaments under
+    Charles the first. The publication, in 1766, of a member's notes,
+    furnished authentic debates of the session in 1621. Rushworth, in his
+    voluminous collections, presents us with many of the debates during the
+    civil wars. Gray's more regular debates succeeded. From these, until the
+    times that followed the glorious revolution in 1688, we have no reports
+    of parliamentary proceedings, interesting as they must have been, on
+    which we can place any more reliance, than on those of Dr. Johnson,
+    which, we shall presently see, cannot pretend to the character of
+    faithful reports, however deservedly eminent they are as eloquent and
+    energetic compositions. But the revolution was not immediately followed
+    by a liberal diffusion of parliamentary intelligence, for the newspapers
+    of William's reign only give occasionally a detached speech. That
+    sovereign scarcely allowed liberty of speech to the members of
+    parliament themselves, and was fully as tyrannical in disposition as his
+    predecessor on the throne; but, happily for the English nation, he was
+    tied and bound by the strong fetters of law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The stormy period that ensued on William's death, is somewhat
+    illustrated by Boyer's POLITICAL STATE. The HISTORICAL REGISTERS which
+    appeared on the accession of George the first, may be considered as more
+    faithful depositories of political information than Boyer's partial
+    publication. The spirited opposition to sir Robert Walpole excited an
+    unprecedented anxiety in the nation to learn the internal proceedings of
+    parliament. This wish on the part of constituents to know and scrutinize
+    the conduct of their representatives, which to us appears so reasonable
+    a claim, was regarded in a different light by our ancestors. But the
+    frown of authority in the reign of George the second began to have less
+    power to alarm a people whose minds were undergoing progressive
+    illumination. A general desire was then loudly expressed for
+    parliamentary information, which Cave sought to gratify by the insertion
+    of the debates in the GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. The jealousy of the houses,
+    however, subjected that indefatigable man to the practices of stratagem
+    for the accomplishment of his design. He held the office of inspector of
+    franks in the postoffice, which brought him into contact with the
+    officers of both houses of parliament, and afforded him frequent and
+    ready access to many of the members. Cave, availing himself of this
+    advantage, frequented the houses when any debate of public interest was
+    expected, and, along with a friend, posted himself in the gallery of the
+    house of commons, and in some retired station in that of the lords,
+    where, unobserved, they took notes of the several speeches. These notes
+    were afterwards arranged and expanded by Guthrie, the historian, then in
+    the employment of Cave, and presented to the public, monthly, in the
+    Gentleman's Magazine. They first appeared in July, 1736 [Footnote: Gent.
+    Mag. vol. vi.], and were perused with the greatest eagerness. But it was
+    soon intimated to Cave, that the speaker was offended with this freedom,
+    which he regarded in the light of a breach of privilege, and would
+    subject Cave, unless he desisted, to parliamentary censure, or perhaps
+    punishment. To escape this, and likewise to avoid an abridgment of his
+    magazine, Cave had recourse to the following artifice. He opened his
+    magazine for June, 1738, with an article entitled, "Debates in the
+    senate of Magna Lilliputia;" in which he artfully deplores the
+    prohibition that forbids him to present his readers with the
+    consultations of their own representatives, and expresses a hope that
+    they will accept, as a substitute, those of that country which Gulliver
+    had so lately rendered illustrious, and which untimely death had
+    prevented that enterprising traveller from publishing himself. Under
+    this fiction he continued to publish the debates of the British
+    parliament, hiding the names of persons and places by the transposition
+    of letters, in the way of anagram. These he contrived to explain to his
+    readers, by annexing to his volume for 1738, feigned proposals for
+    printing a work, to be called Anagrammata Rediviva. This list, and
+    others from different years, we give in the present edition, though we
+    have rejected the barbarous jargon from the speeches themselves. A
+    contemporary publication, the LONDON MAGAZINE, feigned to give the
+    debates of the Roman senate, and adapted Roman titles to the several
+    speakers. This expedient, as well as Cave's contrivance, sufficed to
+    protect its ingenious authors from parliamentary resentment; as the
+    resolution of the commons was never enforced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The debates contained in the following volumes, commence with the 19th
+    November, 1740, and terminate with the 23d February, 1742-3. The
+    animated attempts that were made to remove sir Robert Walpole from
+    administration, seemed, in Cave's opinion, to call for an abler reporter
+    than Guthrie. Johnson was selected for the task; and his execution of it
+    may well justify the admiration which we have so often avowed for those
+    wonderful powers of mind, which, apparently, bade defiance to all
+    impediments of external fortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was only thirty-two years of age, little acquainted with the world;
+    had never, perhaps, been in either house, and certainly had never
+    conversed with the men whose style and sentiments he took upon himself
+    to imitate. But so well and skilfully did he assume, not merely the
+    sedate and stately dignity of the lords, and the undaunted freedom of
+    the commons, but also the tone of the respective parties, that the
+    public imagined they recognised the individual manner of the different
+    speakers. Voltaire, and other foreigners of distinction, compared
+    British with Greek and Roman eloquence; and ludicrous instances are
+    detailed by Johnson's biographers, of praises awarded to Pulteney or to
+    Pitt, in the presence of the unsuspected author of the orations which
+    had excited such regard [Footnote: See Boswell, and sir John Hawkins.]!
+    For Johnson confessed, that he composed many of the speeches entirely
+    from his own imagination, and all of them from very scanty materials.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confession he undoubtedly made from his love of truth, and not for
+    the gratification of vanity. When he heard that Smollett was preparing
+    his History of England, he warned him against relying on the debates as
+    authentic; and, on his death-bed, he professed that the recollection of
+    having been engaged in an imposture was painful to him. That this was a
+    refined scrupulosity the most rigid moralist must allow; but,
+    nevertheless, it is matter for congratulation, that the liberality of
+    parliament no longer subjects its reporters to the subterfuges which we
+    have thus briefly attempted to describe. And a comparison of this age
+    and its privileges with the restrictions of former times, may not be
+    without its use, if, by reminding us that we were not always free, it
+    teaches us political contentment, suggests to us the policy of
+    moderation, and enables us to love liberty, and yet be wise.
+</p>
+<center>
+    OXFORD, NOVEMBER, 1825.
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Terms used by Cave to disguise the real Names
+    that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Abingdon, Ld. ... Adonbing or Plefdrahn
+  Ambrose, Captain ... Ambreso
+  Archer ... Arech
+  Argyle, Duke of ... Agryl
+  Arthur ... Aruth
+  Anne ... Nuna
+  Aston ... Anots
+  Aylesford, Lord ... Alysfrop
+  Baltimore, Lord ... Blatirome
+  Barnard, Sir John ... Branard
+  Barrington ... Birrongtan
+  Bath, Earl of ... Baht
+  Bathurst, Lord ... Brustath
+  Bedford, Duke of ... Befdort
+  Berkeley, Lord ... Berelky
+  Bishop ... Flamen
+  Bladen, Mr. ... Bledna
+  Bootle, Mr. ... Butul
+  Bowles, Mr. ... Bewlos
+  Bristol, Lord ... Broslit
+  Bromley, Mr. ... Bormlye
+  Brown, Mr. ... Brewon or Buron
+  Burleigh ... Bruleigh
+  Burrell, Mr. ... Berrull
+  Campbell ... Campobell
+  Carew, Mr. ... Cawar
+  Carlisle, Earl of ... Carsilel
+  Carteret, Lord ... Quadrert
+  Castres, Mons ... Cahstrehs
+  Cavendish ... Candevish
+  Charles ... Chorlo
+  Chesterfield, Earl of ... Castroflet
+  Cholmondeley, Earl of ... Sholmlug
+  Churchill ... Chillchurch
+  Clutterbuck, Mr. ... Cluckerbutt
+  Cocks ... Cosck
+  Coke, Mr. ... Quoke
+  Cooke ... Coeko
+  Cooper, Mr. ... Quepur
+  Corbet, Mr. ... Croteb
+  Cornwall, Mr. ... Carnwoll
+  Cromwell ... Clewmro
+  Danes ... Danians
+  Danvers ... Dranevs
+  Delawarr, Lord ... Devarlar
+  Devonshire, Duke of ... Dovenshire
+  Digby ... Dibgy
+  Drake, Mr. ... Dekra
+  Earle, Mr. ... Eral
+  Edmund ... Emdond
+  Edward ... Eddraw
+  Elizabeth ... Ezila
+  Erskine, Mr. ... Eserkin
+  Eugene, Prince ... Eunege
+  Falconberg, Lord ... Flacnobrug
+  Falkland ... Flakland
+  Fanshaw, Mr. ... Fashnaw
+  Fazakerly ... Fakazerly
+  Fenwick, Mr. ... Finweck
+  Ferrol ... Ferlor
+  Fox, Mr. ... Feaux
+  Francis ... Farncis or Friscan
+  Gage, Lord ... Gega
+  George ... Gorgenti
+  Gibbon, Mr. ... Gibnob
+  Gloucester, Duke of ... Glustre
+  Godolphin, Lord ... Golphindo
+  Gore ... Gero
+  Gower, Lord ... Gewor
+  Grenville, Mr. ... Grevillen
+  Gybbon, Mr. ... Gybnob
+  Halifax, Lord ... Haxilaf
+  Haddock, Admiral ... Hockadd
+  Handasyd, Mr. ... Hasandyd
+  Harding, Mr. ... Hadringe
+  Hardwick, Lord ... Hickrad
+  Harrington ... Hargrinton
+  Hay, Mr. ... Heagh
+  Heathcote ... Whethtoc
+  Henry ... Hynrec
+  Herbert ... Hertreb
+  Hervey, Lord ... Heryef
+  Hessian ... Hyessean
+  Hind Cotton ... Whind Cotnot
+  Hindford ... Honfryd
+  Hinton ... Hwenton
+  Hobart ... Hobrat
+  Holdernesse, Lord ... Hodrelness
+  Hooper ... Horeop
+  Hosier, Admiral ... Hozeri
+  Howe ... Hewo
+  Islay, Lord ... Yasli
+  Isham ... Ishma
+  Ilchester ... Itchletser
+  James ... Jacomo
+  Jekyl ... Jelyco
+  Jenkins ... Jenkino
+  John ... Juan
+  Joseph ... Josippo
+  Keene, Mr. ... Knee
+  Ledbury, Mr. ... Lebdury
+  Lindsay ... Lisnayd
+  Litchneld ... Liftchield
+  Lockwood ... Lodowock
+  Lombe ... Lebom
+  Lonsdale, Lord ... Lodsneal
+  Lovel ... Levol
+  Lymerick, Lord ... Lyromick
+  Lyttleton ... Lettyltno
+  Marlborough, Duke of ... Maurolburgh
+  Malton, Lord ... Matlon
+  Manley ... Manly
+  Mary ... Marya
+  Montrose, Duke of ... Morontosse
+  Mordaunt ... Madrount
+  Morton ... Motron
+  Newcastle, Duke of ... Nardac secretary
+  Noel ... Neol
+  Norris, Admiral ... Nisror
+  Nugent ... Netgun
+  Ogle, Admiral ... Oleg
+  Onslow ... Olswon
+  Orange ... Organe
+  Ord, Mr. ... Whord
+  Orford, Earl of ... Orfrod
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ormond, Duke of ... Omrond
+  Oxford, Earl of ... Odfrox
+  Oxenden ... Odnexen
+  Paxton ... Pantox
+  Pelham, Mr. ... Plemahm
+  Perry ... Peerur
+  Peterborough ... Petraborauch
+  Pitt, Mr. ... Ptit
+  Plumer, Mr. ... Plurom
+  Polwarth ... Polgarth
+  Portland, Duke of ... Poldrand
+  Powlett ... Powltet or Pletow
+  Pretender ... Rednetrep
+  Puffendorf ... Pudenfforf
+  Pulteney ... Pulnub
+  Quarendon ... Quenardon
+  Rainsford ... Rainsfrod
+  Ramelies ... Ramles
+  Raymond ... Ramonyd
+  Robert ... Retrob
+  Rochester ... Roffen
+  Saint Aubyn ... St. Aybun
+  Salisbury ... Sumra
+  Samuel ... Salvem
+  Sandwich, Earl of ... Swandich
+  Sandys, Mr. ... Snadsy
+  Scarborough, Lord ... Sarkbrugh
+  Scroop, Mr. ... Screop
+  Sidney, Lord ... Sedyin
+  Selwin, Mr. ... Slenwy
+  Shaftsbury, Lord ... Shyftasbrug
+  Shippen, Mr. ... Skeiphen
+  Sloper ... Slerop
+  Somers ... Sosrem
+  Somerset ... Sosermet
+  Southwell ... Suthewoll
+  Strafford ... Stordraff
+  Stair ... Stari
+  Stanislaus ... Stasinlaus
+  Sundon ... Snodun
+  Talbot ... Toblat
+  Thomas ... Tsahom
+  Thomson, Mr. ... Thosmon
+  Tracey ... Tryace
+  Trenchard ... Trachnerd
+  Trevor, Mr. ... Tervor
+  Turner ... Truron
+  Tweedale, Marquis of ... Tewelade
+  Tyrconnel, Lord ... Trinocleng
+  Vernon, Admiral ... Venron
+  Vyner, Mr. ... Vynre or Venry
+  Wade ... Weda
+  Wager, Admiral ... Werga
+  Wakefield ... Wafekeild
+  Waller, Mr. ... Welral
+  Walpole, Sir Robert ... Walelop
+  Walpole, Mr. ... Walelop
+  Walter, Mr. ... Gusbret
+  Watkins, Mr. ... Waknits
+  Wendover ... Wednevro
+  Westmoreland ... Westromland
+  William ... Wimgul
+  Willimot, Mr. ... Guillitom
+  Winchelsea, Lord ... Wichensale
+  Winnington, Mr. ... Wintinnong
+  Wortley, Mr. ... Wolresyt or Werotyl
+  Wyndham ... Gumdahm
+  Wynn ... Ooyn
+  Yonge ... Yegon
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Places
+    that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Almanza ... Almanaz
+  America ... Columbia
+  Amsterdam ... Amstredam
+  Aschaffenburg ... Aschafnefburg
+  Austria ... Aurista
+  Barbadoes ... Bardosba
+  Barcelona ... Bracolena
+  Brittany ... Brateney
+  Bavaria ... Baravia
+  Blenheim ... Blehneim or Blenhem
+  Bourbon ... Buorbon
+  Brandenburg ... Brangburden
+  Bristol ... Broslit
+  Britain ... Lilliput
+  Cadiz ... Cazid
+  Cambridge ... Guntar
+  Campechy ... Capemchy
+  Carolina ... Carolana
+  Carthagena ... Carthanega
+  Cologne ... Colgone
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Connecticut ... Contecticnu
+  Cressy ... Cerlsy
+  Cuba ... Cabu
+  Denmark ... Dancram
+  Dettingen ... Detteneg
+  Dunkirk ... Donkirk
+  Dutch ... Belgians
+  Edinburgh ... Edina
+  Europe ... Degulia
+  Flanders ... Flandria
+  France ... Blefuscu
+  Georgia ... Gorgentia
+  Germany ... Allemanu
+  Gibraltar ... Grablitra
+  Guastalla ... Gua Stalla
+  Guernsey ... Guensrey
+  Hanover ... Hanevro
+  Haversham ... Havremarsh
+  Hesse Cassel ... Hyesse Clessa
+  Hispaniola ... Iberionola
+  Holland ... Belgia
+  Hungary ... Hungruland
+  India ... Idnia
+  Ireland ... Ierne
+  Italy ... Itlascu
+  Jamaica ... Zamengol
+  Jucatan ... Jutacan
+  Leghorn ... Lehgron
+  London ... Mildendo
+  Madrid ... Mardit
+  Malplaquet ... Malpalquet
+  Mardyke ... Mardryke
+  Martinico ... Marnitico
+  Mediterranean ... Middle Sea
+  Minorca ... Minocra
+  Munster ... Munstru
+  Muscovy ... Mausqueeta
+  New York ... Noveborac
+  Orkney ... Orkyen
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ostend ... Odsten
+  Parma ... Par Ma
+  Pennsylvania ... Pennvasilia
+  Poland ... Poldrand
+  Portugal ... Lusitania
+  Port Mahon ... Port Mohan
+  Prussia ... Parushy
+  Prague ... Praga
+  Sardinia ... Sadrinia
+  Schellembourg ... Schemelbourg
+  Seville ... Sebfule
+  Sicily ... Cilisy
+  South Sea ... Pacific Ocean
+  Spain ... Iberia
+  Straits ... Narrow Seas
+  Sweden ... Swecte
+  Turkey ... Korambec
+  Utrecht ... Ultralt
+  Vienna ... Vinena
+  Virginia ... Vegrinia
+  Westminster ... Belfaborac
+  Wolfenbuttle ... Wobentuffle
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<p>
+    <i>The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Names of
+    Things that occur in his Debates.</i>
+</p>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Admiral ... Galbet
+  Baronet ... Hurgolen
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Duke ... Nardac
+  Earl ... Cosern
+  Esquire ... Urg
+  Gentleman ... Urgolen
+  High Heels or Tory ... Tramecsan
+  Knight ... Hurgolet
+  Legal ... Snilpal
+  Lord ... Hurgo
+  Penny ... a Grull
+  Popery ... Missalsm
+  Prophet ... Lustrug
+  Sprug ... a Pound
+  Squire ... Urg
+  Viscount ... Comvic
+  Years ... Moons
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<a name="2HREF2"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+</h2>
+<center>
+<table summary="">
+<tr><td>
+<pre>
+  Abingdon, Lord,
+  Archer, Mr. Hy.
+  Argyle, Duke of,
+  Attorney General,
+  Bathurst, Mr.
+  Baltimore, Lord,
+  Barnard, Sir John,
+  Barrington, Mr.
+  Bedford, Duke of,
+  Bladen, Mr.
+  Bowles, Mr.
+  Brown, Mr.
+  Burrel, Mr.
+  Campbell, Mr.
+  Carew, Mr.
+  Carlisle, Lord,
+  Carteret, Lord,
+  Cholmondeley, Lord,
+  Clutterbuck, Mr.
+  Cocks, Mr.
+  Cornwall, Capt.
+  Cornwall, Mr.
+  Cotton, Sir Hind,
+  Devonshire, Duke of,
+  Digby, Mr.
+  Earle, Mr.
+  Fazakerly, Mr.
+  Fox, Mr.
+  Gage, Lord,
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gower, Lord,
+  Gybbon, Mr.
+  Halifax, Lord,
+  Hardwick, Lord,
+  Harrington, Lord,
+  Hay, Mr.
+  Hervey, Lord,
+  Howe, Mr.
+  Littleton, Mr.
+  Lockwood, Mr.
+  Lord Chancellor,
+  Lovel, Lord,
+  Marlborough, Duke of,
+  Mordaunt, Col.
+  Newcastle, Duke of,
+  Norris, Admiral,
+  Onslow, Mr.
+  Ord, Mr.
+  Pelham, Mr.
+  Pitt, Mr.
+  Pulteney, Mr.
+  Quarendon, Lord,
+  Salisbury, Bishop of,
+  Sandys, Mr.
+  Shippen, Mr.
+  Sloper, Mr.
+  Southwell, Mr.
+  Talbot, Lord,
+  Thompson, Lord,
+  Tracey, Mr.
+  Tyrconnel,
+  Vyner, Mr.
+  Wade, General,
+  Wager, Sir Charles,
+  Waller, Mr.
+  Walpole, Sir Robert,
+  Walpole, Mr.
+  Westmoreland, Lord,
+  Willimot, Mr.
+  Winnington, Mr.
+  Yonge, Sir Wm.
+</pre>
+</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+<a name="2H_4_3"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h1>
+    DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+</h1>
+<a name="2H_4_4"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATE, WITH REGARD TO THE BILL <br>FOR PROHIBITING THE
+    EXPORTATION OF CORN, ETC.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the first day of the session, his majesty, in his speech from the
+    throne, recommended to parliament to consider of some good law to
+    prevent the growing mischief of the exportation of corn to foreign
+    countries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fourth day, a bill for preventing, for a limited time, the
+    exportation, etc, was read a first time in the house of commons, and the
+    question put, whether it should be printed, which passed in the
+    negative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This day the agent for the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
+    presented a petition against the said corn bill, which was referred to
+    the committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another petition was also presented by the agent for the colony of
+    Connecticut, in New England, setting forth that the chief trade of that
+    colony arose from supplying other British colonies with corn, so that
+    unless that colony be excepted from the restraints intended by this
+    bill, both that and those which are supplied by it will be reduced to
+    great distress, and praying, therefore, that such exception may be
+    allowed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The allegations in this petition were confirmed by another, from one of
+    the provinces supplied by the colony of Connecticut.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another petition was presented by the agent for South Carolina, setting
+    forth, that unless the rice produced in that province were allowed to be
+    exported, the colony must be ruined by the irretrievable loss of their
+    whole trade, as the countries now supplied from thence might easily
+    procure rice from the French settlements, already too much their rivals
+    in trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This petition was supported by another, offered at the same time by the
+    merchants of Bristol.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A petition was likewise presented by the agent for the sugar islands, in
+    which it was alleged, that if no provisions be imported thither from
+    Britain, they must, in one month, suffer the extremities of famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these petitions were referred to the committee for the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A printed paper was also delivered to the members, entitled,
+    'considerations on the embargo,' which enumerated many dangerous
+    consequences likely to be produced by an embargo on provisions, and
+    suggested that it was no better than a wicked scheme for private profit,
+    with other reflections, for which the paper was deemed a libel, and the
+    author committed to prison.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill being read in the committee, produced the following memorable
+    debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTNEY spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, after all the attention which
+    has been bestowed upon the bill now before us, I cannot yet conceive it
+    such as can benefit the nation, or such as will not produce far greater
+    inconveniencies than those which it is intended to obviate, and
+    therefore, as those inconveniencies may be prevented by other means, I
+    cannot but declare that I am far from approving it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ancestors, sir, have always thought it the great business of this
+    house to watch against the encroachments of the prerogative, and to
+    prevent an increase of the power of the minister; and the commons have
+    always been considered as more faithful to their trust, and more
+    properly the representatives of the people, in proportion as they have
+    considered this great end with more attention, and prosecuted it with
+    more invariable resolution. If we inquire into the different degrees of
+    reputation, which the several assemblies of commons have obtained, and
+    consider why some are remembered with reverence and gratitude, and
+    others never mentioned but with detestation and contempt, we shall
+    always find that their conduct, with regard to this single point, has
+    produced their renown or their infamy. Those are always, by the general
+    suffrage of mankind, applauded as the patterns of their country, who
+    have struggled with the influence of the crown, and those condemned as
+    traitors, who have either promoted it by unreasonable grants, or seen it
+    increase by slow degrees, without resistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has not, indeed, sir, been always the practice of ministers to make
+    open demands of larger powers, and avow, without disguise, their designs
+    of extending their authority; such proposals would, in former times,
+    have produced no consequences but that of awakening the vigilance of the
+    senate, of raising suspicions against all their proceedings, and of
+    embarrassing the crown with petitions, addresses, and impeachments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were under a necessity, in those times, of promoting their schemes;
+    those schemes which scarcely any ministry has forborne to adopt, by more
+    secret and artful and silent methods, by methods of diverting the
+    attention of the publick to other objects, and of making invisible
+    approaches to the point in view, while they seemed to direct all their
+    endeavours to different purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But such, sir, have been the proofs of implicit confidence, which the
+    administration has received from this assembly, that it is now common to
+    demand unlimited powers, and to expect confidence without restriction,
+    to require an immediate possession of our estates by a vote of credit,
+    or the sole direction of our trade by an act for prohibiting, during
+    their pleasure, the exportation of the produce of our lands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what instances of uncommon merit, of regard to the publick
+    prosperity, unknown in former times, or of discernment superior to that
+    of their most celebrated predecessors, the present ministers found their
+    new claims to submission and to trust, I am, indeed, at a loss to
+    discover; for, however mankind may have determined concerning the
+    integrity of those by whom the late memorable convention was transacted,
+    defended, and confirmed, I know not that their wisdom has yet appeared
+    by any incontestable or manifest evidence, which may set their abilities
+    above question, and fix their reputation for policy out of the reach of
+    censure and inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only act, sir, by which it can be discovered that they have any
+    degree of penetration proportionate to their employments, is the embargo
+    lately laid upon provisions in Ireland, by which our enemies have been
+    timely hindered from furnishing themselves, from our dominions, with
+    necessaries for their armies and their navies, and our fellow-subjects
+    have been restrained from exposing themselves to the miseries of famine,
+    by yielding to the temptation of present profit; a temptation generally
+    so powerful as to prevail over any distant interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as nothing is more contrary to my natural disposition, or more
+    unworthy of a member of this house, than flattery, I cannot affirm that
+    I ascribe this useful expedient wholly to the sagacity or the caution of
+    the ministry, nor can I attribute all the happy effects produced by it
+    to their benign solicitude for the publick welfare.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am inclined to believe that this step was advised by those who were
+    prompted to consider its importance by motives more prevalent than that
+    of publick spirit, and that the desire of profit which has so often
+    dictated pernicious measures, has, for once, produced, in return, an
+    expedient just and beneficial; and it has, for once, luckily fallen out,
+    that some of the friends of the administration have discovered that the
+    publick interest was combined with their own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is highly probable, sir, that the contractors for supplying the navy
+    with provisions, considering, with that acuteness which a quick sense of
+    loss and gain always produces, how much the price of victuals would be
+    raised by exportation, and, by consequence, how much of the advantage of
+    their contracts would be diminished, suggested to the ministry the
+    necessity of an embargo, and laid before them those arguments which
+    their own observation and wisdom would never have discovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the ministers, in that instance of their conduct, on which
+    their political reputation must be founded, can claim, perhaps, no
+    higher merit, than that of attending to superiour knowledge, of
+    complying with good advice when it was offered, and of not resisting
+    demonstration when it was laid before them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I would never ascribe to one man the merit of another, I should
+    be equally unwilling to detract from due commendations, and shall
+    therefore freely admit, that not to reject good counsel, is a degree of
+    wisdom, at which I could not expect that they by whom the convention was
+    concluded would ever have arrived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But whatever proficiency they may have made in the art of government
+    since that celebrated period, however they may have increased their
+    maxims of domestick policy, or improved their knowledge of foreign
+    affairs, I cannot but confess myself still inclined to some degree of
+    suspicion, nor can prevail upon myself to shut my eyes, and deliver up
+    the publick and myself implicitly to their direction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their sagacity, sir, may, perhaps, of late, have received some
+    improvements from longer experience, and with regard to their integrity,
+    I believe, at least, that it is not much diminished; and yet I cannot
+    forbear asserting the right of judging for myself, and of determining
+    according to the evidence that shall be brought before me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, hitherto, entertained an opinion that for this purpose only we
+    are deputed by our constituents, who, if they had reposed no confidence
+    in our care or abilities, would have given up, long since, the vexatious
+    right of contesting for the choice of representatives. They would have
+    furnished the ministry with general powers to act for them, and sat at
+    ease with no other regard to publick measures, than might incite them to
+    animate, with their applauses, the laudable endeavours of their
+    profound, their diligent, and their magnanimous governours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I do not, therefore, check any suspicions in my own mind, I shall not
+    easily be restrained from uttering them, because I know not how I shall
+    benefit my country, or assist her counsels by silent meditations. I
+    cannot, sir, but observe that the powers conferred by this bill upon the
+    administration are larger than the nation can safely repose in any body
+    of men, and with which no man who considers to what purposes they may be
+    employed will think it convenient to invest the negotiators of the
+    convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do my objections to this act, arise wholly from my apprehensions of
+    their conduct, who are intrusted with the execution of it, but from my
+    reflections on the nature of trade, and the conduct of those nations who
+    are most celebrated for commercial wisdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, how difficult it is to turn trade back into its
+    ancient channel, when it has by any means been diverted from it, and how
+    often a profitable traffick has been lost for ever, by a short
+    interruption, or temporary prohibition. The resentment of disappointed
+    expectations inclines the buyer to seek another market, and the civility
+    to which his new correspondents are incited by their own interest,
+    detains him, till those by whom he was formerly supplied, having no
+    longer any vent for their products or their wares, employ their labours
+    on other manufactures, or cultivate their lands for other purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, if those nations who have hitherto been supplied with corn
+    from Britain, should find a method of purchasing it from Denmark, or any
+    other of the northern regions, we may hereafter see our grain rotting in
+    our storehouses, and be burdened with provisions which we can neither
+    consume ourselves, nor sell to our neighbours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Hollanders, whose knowledge of the importance or skill in the arts
+    of commerce will not be questioned, are so careful to preserve the
+    inlets of gain from obstruction, that they make no scruple of supplying
+    their enemies with their commodities, and have been known to sell at
+    night those bullets which were next day to be discharged against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether their example, sir, deserves our imitation I am not able to
+    determine, but it ought at least to be considered, whether their conduct
+    was rational or not, and whether they did not, by a present evil, ensure
+    an advantage which overbalanced it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, doubtless, sir, sometimes such exigencies as require to be
+    complied with at the hazard of future profit, but I am not certain that
+    the scarcity which is feared or felt at present, is to be numbered
+    amongst them; but, however formidable it may be thought, there is surely
+    no need of a new law to provide against it: for it is one of those
+    extraordinary incidents, on which the king has the right of exerting
+    extraordinary powers. On occasions like this the prerogative has
+    heretofore operated very effectually, and I know not that the law has
+    ever restrained it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, most prudent to determine nothing
+    in so dubious a question, and rather to act as the immediate occasion
+    shall require, than prosecute any certain method of proceeding, or
+    establish any precedent by an act of the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To restrain that commerce by which the necessaries of life are
+    distributed is a very bold experiment, and such as once produced an
+    insurrection in the empire of the Turks, that terminated in the
+    deposition of one of their monarchs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore willingly confess, sir, that I know not how to conclude: I
+    am unwilling to deprive the nation of bread, or to supply our enemies
+    with strength to be exerted against ourselves; but I am, on the other
+    hand, afraid to restrain commerce, and to trust the authors of the
+    convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, I am always in
+    expectation of improvement and instruction when that gentleman engages
+    in any discussion of national questions, on which he is equally
+    qualified to judge by his great abilities and long experience, by that
+    popularity which enables him to sound the sentiments of men of different
+    interests, and that intelligence which extends his views to distant
+    parts of the world; but, on this occasion, I have found my expectations
+    frustrated, for he has inquired without making any discovery, and
+    harangued without illustrating the question before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has satisfied himself, sir, with declaring his suspicions, without
+    condescending to tell us what designs or what dangers he apprehends. To
+    fear, without being able to show the object of our terrours, is the
+    last, the most despicable degree of cowardice; and to suspect, without
+    knowing the foundation of our own suspicions, is surely a proof of a
+    state of mind, which would not be applauded on common occasions, and
+    such as no man but a patriot would venture to confess.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has, indeed, sir, uttered some very ingenious conceits upon the late
+    convention, has alluded to it with great luxuriancy of fancy, and
+    elegance of diction, and must, at least, confess that whatever may be
+    its effects upon the interest of the nation, it has to him been very
+    beneficial, as it has supplied him with a subject of raillery when other
+    topics began to fail him, and given opportunity for the exercise of that
+    wit which began to languish, for want of employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What connexion his wonderful sagacity has discovered between the
+    convention and the corn bill, I cannot yet fully comprehend, but have
+    too high an opinion of his abilities to imagine that so many
+    insinuations are wholly without any reason to support them. I doubt not,
+    therefore, sir, but that when some fitter opportunity shall present
+    itself he will clear their resemblance, and branch out the parallel
+    between them into a thousand particulars.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, sir, it may be proper for the house to expedite the
+    bill, against which no argument has yet been produced, and which is of
+    too much importance to be delayed by raillery or invectives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the bill before
+    us, as it is of too great importance to be negligently delayed, is
+    likewise too dangerous to be precipitately hurried into a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been always the practice of this house to consider money bills
+    with particular attention, because money is power in almost the highest
+    degree, and ought not, therefore, to be given but upon strong assurances
+    that it will be employed for the purposes for which it is demanded, and
+    that those purposes are in themselves just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if we consider, sir, the bill now before us, it will appear yet more
+    than a money bill, it will be found a bill for regulating the disposal
+    of that, which it is the great use of money to procure, and is,
+    therefore, not to be passed into a law without a close attention to
+    every circumstance that may be combined with it, and an accurate
+    examination of all the consequences that may be produced by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some of these circumstances or consequences, it is the duty of every
+    member to lay before the house, and I shall, therefore, propose that the
+    inducements to the discovery of any provisions illegally exported, and
+    the manner of levying the forfeiture, may be particularly discussed; for
+    by a defect in this part, the regulation lately established by the
+    regency, however seasonable, produced tumults and distractions, which
+    every good government ought studiously to obviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By their proclamation, sir, half the corn that should be found designed
+    for exportation was to be given to those who should discover and seize
+    it. The populace, alarmed at once with the danger of a famine, and
+    animated by a proclamation that put into their own hands the means of
+    preventing it, and the punishment of those from whose avarice they
+    apprehended it, rose in throngs to execute so grateful a law. Every
+    man, sir, whose distress had exasperated him, was incited to gratify his
+    resentment; every man, whose idleness prompted him to maintain his
+    family by methods more easy than that of daily labour, was delighted
+    with the prospect of growing rich on a sudden by a lucky seizure. All
+    the seditious and the profligate combined together in the welcome
+    employment of violence and rapine, and when they had once raised their
+    expectations, there was no small danger lest their impatience of
+    disappointment should determine them to conclude, that corn, wherever
+    found, was designed for exportation, and to seize it as a lawful prize.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, by an imprudent regulation, was every man's property brought
+    into hazard, and his person exposed to the insults of a hungry, a
+    rapacious, and ungovernable rabble, let loose by a publick proclamation,
+    and encouraged to search houses and carriages by an imaginary law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we may not give occasion to violence and injustice of the same
+    kind, let us carefully consider the measures which are proposed, before
+    we determine upon their propriety, and pass no bill on this important
+    occasion without such deliberation as may leave us nothing to change or
+    to repent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. EARLE spoke next to this effect:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the dangers
+    which have been represented as likely to arise from any errour in the
+    prosecution of this great affair, I cannot but declare my opinion, that
+    no delay ought to be admitted, and that not even the specious pretence
+    of more exact inquiries, and minute considerations, ought to retard our
+    proceedings for a day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My imagination, sir, is, perhaps, not so fruitful as that of some other
+    members of this house, and, therefore, they may discover many
+    inconveniencies which I am not able to conceive. But, as every man ought
+    to act from his own conviction, it is my duty to urge the necessity of
+    passing this bill, till it can be proved to me, that it will produce
+    calamities equally to be dreaded with the consequences of protracting
+    our debates upon it, equal to the miseries of a famine, or the danger of
+    enabling our enemies to store their magazines, to equip their fleets,
+    and victual their garrisons.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it could be imagined, that there was in this assembly a subject of
+    France or Spain, zealous for the service of his prince, and the
+    prosperity of his country, I should expect that he would summon all his
+    faculties to retard the progress of this bill, that he would employ all
+    his sophistry to show its inconveniency and imperfections, and exhaust
+    his invention to suggest the dangers of haste; and certainly he could do
+    nothing that would more effectually promote the interest of his
+    countrymen, or tend more to enfeeble and depress the power of the
+    British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this would naturally be the conduct of an enemy, it is unnecessary to
+    prove that we can only be safe by acting in opposition to it, and I
+    think it superfluous to vindicate my ardour for promoting this bill,
+    when it is evident that its delay would be pleasing to the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BURREL then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, if this law be necessary at any
+    time, it cannot now be delayed, for a few days spent in deliberation,
+    may make it ineffectual, and that evil may be past of which we sit here
+    contriving the prevention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That many contracts, sir, for the exportation of provisions are already
+    made in all the maritime parts of the empire, is generally known; and it
+    requires no great sagacity to discover that those by whom they are made,
+    and made with a view of immense profit, are desirous that they may be
+    executed; and that they will soon complete the execution of them, when
+    they are alarmed with the apprehension of a bill, which, in a few days,
+    may take from them the power of exporting what they have already
+    collected, and snatch their gain from them when it is almost in their
+    hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A bill for these purposes, sir, ought to fall upon the contractors like
+    a sudden blow, of which they have no warning or dread; against which
+    they, therefore, cannot provide any security, and which they can neither
+    elude nor resist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we allow them a short time, our expedients will be of little benefit
+    to the nation, which is every day impoverished by the exportation of the
+    necessaries of life, in such quantities, that in a few weeks the law, if
+    it be passed, may be without penalties, for there will be no possibility
+    of disobeying it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, I cannot
+    discover the necessity of pressing the bill with such precipitation, as
+    must necessarily exclude many useful considerations, and may produce
+    errours extremely dangerous; for I am not able to conceive what
+    inconveniencies can arise from a short delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The exportation of provisions from Ireland is at present stopped by the
+    proclamation; and the beef which was designed for other nations, has
+    been prudently bought up by the contractors, by which those murmurs have
+    been in a great measure obviated which naturally arise from
+    disappointments and losses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, therefore, sir, no danger of exportations from that part of
+    our dominions, which is the chief market for provisions, and from whence
+    our enemies have been generally supplied: in Britain there is less
+    danger of any such pernicious traffick, both because the scarcity here
+    has raised all provisions to a high price, and because merchants do not
+    immediately come to a new market.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill, at least, ought not to be passed without regard to the general
+    welfare of our fellow-subjects, nor without an attentive consideration
+    of those petitions which have been presented to us; petitions not
+    produced by panic apprehensions of imaginary dangers, or distant
+    prospects of inconveniencies barely possible, but by the certain
+    foresight of immediate calamities, the total destruction of trade, and
+    the sudden desolation of flourishing provinces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By prohibiting the exportation of rice, we shall, sir, in one year,
+    reduce the colony of South Carolina below the possibility of subsisting;
+    the chief product of that country, the product which induced us
+    originally to plant it, and with which all its trade is carried on, is
+    rice. With rice the inhabitants of that province purchase all the other
+    necessaries of life, and among them the manufactures of our own country.
+    This rice is carried by our merchants to other parts of Europe, and sold
+    again for large profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this trade is very important appears from the number of ships which
+    it employs, and which, without lading, must rot in the harbours, if rice
+    be not excepted from the general prohibition. Without this exception,
+    sir, it is not easy to say what numbers, whose stations appear very
+    different, and whose employments have no visible relation to each other,
+    will be at once involved in calamity, reduced to sudden distress, and
+    obliged to seek new methods of supporting their families. The sailor,
+    the merchant, the shipwright, the manufacturer, with all the
+    subordinations of employment that depend upon them, all that supply them
+    with materials, or receive advantage from their labours, almost all the
+    subjects of the British crown, must suffer, at least, in some degree, by
+    the ruin of Carolina.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor ought the danger of the sugar islands, and other provinces, less to
+    alarm our apprehensions, excite our compassion, or employ our
+    consideration, since nothing is more evident than that by passing this
+    bill without the exceptions which their petitions propose, we shall
+    reduce one part of our colonies to the want of bread, and confine the
+    other to live on nothing else; for they subsist by the exchange of those
+    products to which the soil of each country is peculiarly adapted: one
+    province affords no corn, and the other supplies its inhabitants with
+    corn only.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of expediting this bill, however it has been exaggerated,
+    is not so urgent but that we may be allowed time sufficient to consider
+    for what purpose it is to be passed, and to recollect that nothing is
+    designed by it, but to hinder our enemies from being supplied from the
+    British dominions with provisions, by which they might be enabled more
+    powerfully to carry on the war against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this design no objection has been made, but it is well known, that a
+    good end may be defeated by an absurd choice of means, and I am not able
+    to discover how we shall increase our own strength, or diminish that of
+    our enemies, by compelling one part of our fellow-subjects to starve the
+    other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, to prohibit the exportation of corn to the ports
+    of our enemies, and of those nations by which our enemies will be
+    supplied, but surely it is of no use to exclude any part of our own
+    dominions from the privilege of being supplied from another. Nor can any
+    argument be alleged in defence of such a law, that will not prove with
+    equal force, that corn ought to remain in the same granaries where it is
+    now laid, that all the markets in this kingdom should be suspended, and
+    that no man should be allowed to sell bread to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, indeed, sir, a possibility that the liberty for which I
+    contend, may be used to wicked purposes, and that some men may be
+    incited by poverty or avarice to carry the enemy those provisions, which
+    they pretend to export to British provinces. But if we are to refuse
+    every power that may be employed to bad purposes, we must lay all
+    mankind in dungeons, and divest human nature of all its rights; for
+    every man that has the power of action, may sometimes act ill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, however, prudent to obstruct criminal attempts even when we
+    cannot hope entirely to defeat them, and, therefore, I am of opinion,
+    that no provisions ought to be exported without some method of security,
+    by which the governours of every place may be assured that they will be
+    conveyed to our own colonies. Such securities will easily be contrived,
+    and may be regulated in a manner that they shall not be defeated without
+    such hazard, as the profit that can be expected from illegal commerce,
+    will not be able to compensate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, proper to delay the bill so long, at least, as
+    that we may produce by it the ends intended, and distress our enemies
+    more than ourselves; that we may secure plenty at home, without the
+    destruction of our distant colonies, and without obliging part of our
+    fellow-subjects to desert to the Spaniards for want of bread.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BOWLES spoke in this manner:&mdash;Sir, the necessity of excepting rice
+    from the general prohibition, is not only sufficiently evinced by the
+    agent of South Carolina, but confirmed beyond controversy or doubt, by
+    the petition of the merchants of Bristol, of which the justice and
+    reasonableness appears at the first view, to every man acquainted with
+    the nature of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the province of South Carolina will be distressed by this
+    prohibition, how suddenly the whole trade of that country will be at a
+    stand, and how immediately the want of many of the necessaries of life
+    will be felt over a very considerable part of the British dominions, has
+    already, sir, been very pathetically represented, and very clearly
+    explained; nor does there need any other argument to persuade us to
+    allow the exportation of rice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, from the petition of the merchants of Bristol, it appears that
+    there are other reasons of equal force for this indulgence, and that our
+    regard for the inhabitants of that particular province, however
+    necessary and just, is not the only motive for complying with their
+    request.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is shown, sir, in this petition, that the prohibition of rice will
+    very little incommode our enemies, or retard their preparations; for
+    they are not accustomed to be supplied with it from our plantations. We
+    ought, therefore, not to load our fellow-subjects with embarrassments
+    and inconveniencies, which will not in any degree extend to our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, sir, not only that a very important part of our commerce
+    will be obstructed, but that it will, probably, be lost beyond recovery;
+    for, as only a small quantity of the rice of Carolina is consumed at
+    home, and the rest is carried to other countries, it is easy to conceive
+    that those who shall be disappointed by our merchants will procure so
+    necessary a commodity from other places, as there are many from which it
+    may be easily purchased; and it is well known that trade, if it be once
+    diverted, is not to be recalled, and, therefore, that trade which may be
+    without difficulty transferred, ought never to be interrupted without
+    the most urgent necessity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To prove, sir, that there is now no such necessity, by a long train of
+    arguments, would be superfluous, for it has been shown already, that our
+    enemies will not suffer by the prohibition, and the miseries that
+    inevitably arise from a state of war, are too numerous and oppressive,
+    to admit of any increase or aggravation upon trivial motives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The province of Carolina, sir, has already suffered the inconveniencies
+    of this war beyond any other part of his majesty's dominions, as it is
+    situate upon the borders of the Spanish dominions, and as it is weak by
+    the paucity of the inhabitants in proportion to its extent; let us,
+    therefore, pay a particular regard to this petition, lest we aggravate
+    the terrour which the neighbourhood of a powerful enemy naturally
+    produces, by the severer miseries of poverty and famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, nothing is
+    more absurd than for those who declare, on all occasions, with great
+    solemnity, their sincere zeal for the service of the publick, to
+    protract the debates of this house by personal invectives, and delay the
+    prosecution of the business of the nation, by trivial objections,
+    repeated after confutation, and, perhaps, after conviction of their
+    invalidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not observe how much time would be spared, and how much the
+    despatch of affairs would be facilitated by the suppression of this
+    practice, a practice by which truth is levelled with falsehood, and
+    knowledge with ignorance; since, if scurrility and merriment are to
+    determine us, it is not necessary either to be honest or wise to obtain
+    the superiority in any debate, it will only be necessary to rail and to
+    laugh, which one man may generally perform with as much success as
+    another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The embargo in Ireland was an expedient so necessary and timely, that
+    the reputation of it is thought too great to be allowed to the
+    administration, of whom it has been for many years the hard fate, to
+    hear their actions censured only because they were not the actions of
+    others, and to be represented as traitors to their country for doing
+    always what they thought best themselves, and perhaps sometimes what was
+    in reality approved by those who opposed them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, they have borne without much uneasiness, and have contented
+    themselves with the consciousness of doing right, in expectation that
+    truth and integrity must at last prevail, and that the prudence of their
+    conduct and success of their measures would at last evince the justice
+    of their intentions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They hoped, sir, that there would be some occasions on which their
+    enemies would not deny the expedience of their counsels, and did not
+    expect that after having been so long accused of engrossing exorbitant
+    power, of rejecting advice, and pursuing their own schemes with the most
+    invincible obstinacy, they should be supposed on a sudden to have laid
+    aside their arrogance, to have descended to adopt the opinions, and give
+    themselves up to the direction of others, only because no objection
+    could be made to this instance of their conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How unhappy, sir, must be the state of that man who is only allowed to
+    be a free agent, when he acts wrong, and whose motions, whenever they
+    tend to the proper point, are supposed to be regulated by another!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether such capricious censurers expect that any regard should be paid
+    by the publick to their invectives, I am not able to determine, but I am
+    inclined to think so well of their understandings, as to believe that
+    they intend only to amuse themselves, and perplex those whom they
+    profess to oppose. In one part of their scheme I know not but they may
+    have succeeded, but in the other it is evident how generally they have
+    failed. It must, at least, sir, be observed of these great patrons of
+    the people, that if they expect to gain them by artifices like this,
+    they have no high opinion of their discernment, however they may
+    sometimes magnify it as the last appeal, and highest tribunal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the manner in which the embargo was laid, and the
+    expedients made use of to enforce the observation of it, they were not
+    the effects of a sudden resolution, but of long and deliberate
+    reflection, assisted by the counsels of the most experienced and
+    judicious persons of both nations; so that if any mistake was committed,
+    it proceeded not from arrogance or carelessness, but a compliance with
+    reasons, that if laid before the house, would, whether just or not, be
+    allowed to be specious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, it has not appeared that any improper measures have been
+    pursued, or that any inconveniencies have arisen from them which it was
+    possible to have avoided by a different conduct; for when any expedient
+    fails of producing the end for which it was proposed, or gives occasion
+    to inconveniencies which were neither expected nor designed, it is not
+    immediately to be condemned; for it might fail from such obstacles as
+    nothing could surmount, and the inconveniencies which are complained of
+    might be the consequences of other causes acting at the same time, or
+    cooperating, not by the nature of things, but by the practices of those
+    who prefer their own interest to that of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though it is, in my opinion, easy to defend the conduct of the
+    ministry, I am far from thinking this a proper time to engage in their
+    vindication. The important business before us, must now wholly engage
+    us, nor ought we to employ our attention upon the past, but the future.
+    Whatever has been the ignorance or knowledge, whatever the corruption or
+    integrity of the ministry, this bill is equally useful, equally
+    necessary. The question is now concerning an act of the senate, not of
+    the ministry, and the bill may proceed without obstructing future
+    examinations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the bill, sir, now before us be so far approved as to be conceived of
+    any real benefit to the nation, if it can at all contribute to the
+    distress or disappointment of our enemies, or the prevention of those
+    domestic disturbances which are naturally produced by scarcity and
+    misery, there is no need of arguments to evince the necessity of
+    despatch in passing it. For if these effects are to be produced by
+    preventing the exportation of provisions, and a law is necessary for
+    that purpose, it is certain that the law must be enacted, while our
+    provisions are yet in our own hands, and before time has been given for
+    the execution of those contracts which are already made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That contracts, sir, are entered into for quantities that justly claim
+    the care of the legislative power, I have been informed by such
+    intelligence as I cannot suspect of deceiving me. In one small town in
+    the western part of this kingdom, fifty thousand barrels of corn are
+    sold by contract, and will be exported, if time be allowed for
+    collecting and for shipping them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A few contracts like this will be sufficient to store an army with
+    bread, or to furnish garrisons against the danger of a siege; a few
+    contracts like this will produce a considerable change in the price of
+    provisions, and plunge innumerable families into distress, who might
+    struggle through the present difficulties, which unsuccessful harvests
+    have brought upon the nation, had we not sold the gifts of providence
+    for petty gain, and supported our enemies with those provisions which
+    were barely sufficient for our own consumption.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not heard many objections made against the intention of the bill,
+    and those which were offered, were mentioned with such diffidence and
+    uncertainty, as plainly showed, that even in the opinion of him that
+    proposed them, they were of little weight; and I believe they had no
+    greater effect upon those that heard them. It may, therefore, be
+    reasonably supposed that the propriety of a law to prevent the
+    exportation of victuals is admitted, and surely it can be no question,
+    whether it ought to be pressed forward, or to be delayed till it will be
+    of no effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, as the bill now under
+    our consideration is entangled with a multitude of circumstances too
+    important to be passed by without consideration, and too numerous to be
+    speedily examined; as its effects, whether salutary or pernicious, must
+    extend to many nations, and be felt in a few weeks to the remotest parts
+    of the dominions of Britain, I cannot but think, that they who so much
+    press for expedition on this occasion, consult rather their passions
+    than their reason, that they discover rather enthusiasm than zeal, and
+    that by imagining that they have already traced the effects of a law
+    like this to their utmost extent, they discover rather an immoderate
+    confidence in their own capacity than give any proofs of that anxious
+    caution, and deliberate prudence, which true patriotism generally
+    produces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is another method, sir, of proceeding, more proper on this
+    occasion, which has been already pointed out in this debate; a method of
+    exerting the prerogative in a manner allowed by law, and established by
+    immemorial precedents, and which may, therefore, be revived without
+    affording any room for jealousy or complaints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An embargo imposed only by the prerogative may be relaxed or enforced as
+    occasion may require, or regulated according to the necessity arising
+    from particular circumstances; circumstances in themselves variable, and
+    subject to the influence of a thousand accidents, and which, therefore,
+    cannot be always foreseen, or provided against by a law positive and
+    fixed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not subject the commonwealth to a hazardous and uncertain
+    security, while we have in our hands the means of producing the same
+    end, with less danger and inconveniency; and since we may obviate the
+    exportation of our corn by methods more speedily efficacious than the
+    forms of making laws can allow, let us not oppress our fellow-subjects
+    by hasty or imprudent measures, but make use of temporary expedients,
+    while we deliberate upon the establishment of a more lasting regulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke to the following purpose;&mdash;Sir, that an embargo on
+    merchandise or provisions may, upon sudden emergencies, or important
+    occasions, be imposed by the prerogative, cannot be doubted by any man
+    whose studies have made him acquainted with the extent of the regal
+    power, and the manner in which it has been exerted in all ages. The
+    chief use of the prerogative is to supply the defects of the laws, in
+    cases which do not admit of long consultations, which do not allow time
+    to convoke senates or inquire into the sentiments of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, in times of war the imperial power is much enlarged,
+    and has still a greater extent as exigencies are more pressing. If the
+    nation is invaded by a foreign force, the authority of the crown is
+    almost without limits, the whole nation is considered as an army of
+    which the king is general, and which he then governs by martial laws, by
+    occasional judicature, and extemporary decrees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is the power of the king on particular emergencies, and such
+    power the nature of human affairs must, sometimes, require; for all
+    forms of government are intended for common good, and calculated for the
+    established condition of mankind, but must be suspended when they can
+    only obstruct the purposes for which they were contrived, and must vary
+    with the circumstances to which they were adapted. To expect that the
+    people shall be consulted in questions on which their happiness depends,
+    supposes there is an opportunity of consulting them without hazarding
+    their lives, their freedom, or their possessions, by the forms of
+    deliberation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of extending the prerogative to the extremities of power,
+    is, I hope, at a very great distance from us; but if the danger of the
+    exportation of victuals be so urgent as some gentlemen have represented
+    it, and so formidable as it appears to the whole nation, it is surely
+    requisite that the latent powers of the crown should be called forth for
+    our protection, that plenty be secured within the nation, by barring up
+    our ports, and the people hindered from betraying themselves to their
+    enemies, and squandering those blessings which the fertility of our soil
+    has bestowed upon them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, it is so
+    unusual among the gentlemen who have opposed my opinion to recommend an
+    exertion of the regal authority, or willingly to intrust any power to
+    the administration, that, though they have on this occasion expressed
+    their sentiments without any ambiguity of language, or perplexity of
+    ideas, I am in doubt whether I do not mistake their meaning, and cannot,
+    without hesitation and uncertainty, propose the motion to which all
+    their arguments seem necessarily to conduct me; arguments of which I do
+    not deny the force, and which I shall not attempt to invalidate by
+    slight objections, when I am convinced, in general, of their
+    reasonableness and truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of that despatch which I have endeavoured to recommend, is
+    not only universally admitted, but affirmed to be so pressing, that it
+    cannot wait for the solemnity of debates, or the common forms of passing
+    laws. The danger which is every moment increasing, requires, in the
+    opinion of these gentlemen, to be obviated by extraordinary measures,
+    and that pernicious commerce, which threatens the distress of the
+    community, is to be restrained by an immediate act of the prerogative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this be the opinion of the house, it will be necessary to lay it
+    before his majesty, by a regular address, that the nation may be
+    convinced of the necessity of such extraordinary precautions, and that
+    the embargo may be imposed, at once, with the expedition peculiar to
+    despotick power, and the authority which can be conferred only by
+    senatorial sanctions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this is the intention of the members, from whose declarations I
+    have deduced it, can only be discovered by themselves, who, if they have
+    any other scheme in view, must explain it in clearer terms, that the
+    house may deliberate upon it, and reject or adopt it, according to its
+    conformity to the laws of our country, and to the present state of our
+    affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, whatever may be the meaning of other
+    gentlemen, who must undoubtedly be left at full liberty to explain their
+    own expressions, I will freely declare, that I am sufficiently
+    understood by the right honourable gentleman, and that, in my opinion,
+    no remedy can be applied to the present distemper of the nation, a
+    distemper by which it is hourly pining away, by which its vitals are
+    impaired, and the necessary nourishment withdrawn from it, that will
+    operate with sufficient efficacy and speed, except an embargo be imposed
+    by the prerogative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this opinion, if received by the house, must be the subject of an
+    address, is in itself manifest, and the reason for which an embargo is
+    required, proves that an address ought not to be delayed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot omit this opportunity of remarking, how plainly it must now
+    appear that many of us have been unjustly charged with obstructing the
+    progress of the bill for pernicious purposes, with views of raising
+    discontents in the nation, of exposing the administration to publick
+    hatred, of obstructing the measures of the government, or hindering the
+    success of the war, when we have receded from our general principles,
+    and suspended the influence of our established maxims, for the sake of
+    facilitating an expedient which may promote the general advantage, by
+    recommending his majesty to the affections of his people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM here replied, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am far from blaming any
+    gentleman for asserting, on all occasions, the integrity of his designs,
+    or displaying the reasonableness of his conduct; and of what I do not
+    disapprove I shall not decline the imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not uncommon, in the heat of opposition, while each man is
+    convinced of his own honesty, and strongly persuaded of the truth of his
+    own positions, to hear each party accused by the other of designs
+    detrimental to the publick interest, of protracting debates by artful
+    delays, of struggling against their own conviction, and of obscuring
+    known truth by objections which discover themselves to be without force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These accusations, which are on both sides frequent, are, I hope, on
+    both sides generally false; at least, it must appear on this occasion,
+    that those who press the bill had no views of strengthening their party
+    by a victory, of wearying their opponents by obstinacy, or of promoting
+    any private purposes by a new law; since an expedient, by which time may
+    be gained, and the avowed end of hastening this necessary bill secured,
+    is no sooner proposed on one part, than received on the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At the close of the debate, a form of an address was proposed by Mr.
+    CLUTTERBUCK; which, being approved by the house, was presented to his
+    majesty: and an embargo was laid on all provisions accordingly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 17th day of sitting the house proceeded on the bill for
+    preventing exportation; and ordered an account of the corn which had
+    been exported for six years last past to be laid before the committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house also addressed his majesty to take off the embargo on ships
+    laden with fish or rice, which his majesty had before ordered to be
+    done.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 21st the corn bill was again the subject of deliberation, and
+    some amendments were offered by Mr. SANDYS, containing not only
+    exceptions of rice and fish, which had been before admitted, but
+    likewise of butter, as a perishable commodity, which, if it were not
+    allowed to be exported, would corrupt and become useless in a short
+    time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He proposed, likewise, that the two islands of Jersey and Guernsey might
+    continue to be supplied, with certain restrictions, from the port of
+    Southampton.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was proposed, likewise, in favour of some other colonies, that they
+    might receive provisions from Britain, lest there should be a necessity
+    for the inhabitants of those provinces to abandon their settlements.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The penalties of this law, and the manner in which they should be
+    recovered and applied, were likewise settled on this day.
+</p>
+<center>
+    NOVEMBER 25, 1740.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The consideration of the corn bill was resumed; and it was particularly
+    debated from what time it should commence, which some of the members
+    were inclined to fix on the 9th day of the session, on which occasion
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, that the laws may be observed by the nation without daily violence
+    and perpetual compulsion, that our determinations may be received with
+    reverence, and the regulations which we establish confirmed by the
+    concurrence of our constituents, it is necessary that we endeavour to
+    preserve their esteem, and convince them that the publick prosperity may
+    be safely trusted in our hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confidence is to be gained as well in high stations, as in lower
+    conditions, by large assemblies, as by individuals, only by a constant
+    practice of justice, and frequent exertion of superiour wisdom. When any
+    man finds his friend oppressive and malicious, he naturally withdraws
+    his affections from him; when he observes him advancing absurd opinions,
+    and adhering to them with obstinacy incapable of conviction, he falls
+    unavoidably into a distrust of his understanding, and no longer pays any
+    deference to his advice, or considers his conduct as worthy of
+    imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the same manner, sir, if the legislative powers shall, in making
+    laws, discover that they regard any motives before the advantage of
+    their country, or that they pursue the publick good by measures
+    inadequate and ill-concerted, what can be expected from the people, but
+    that they should set up their own judgment in opposition to that of
+    their governours, make themselves the arbiters in all doubtful
+    questions, and obey or disregard the laws at discretion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this danger may arise from laws injudiciously drawn up, it may surely
+    be apprehended from a compliance with this proposal; a proposal that the
+    operation of the law should commence eleven days before the law itself
+    is in being.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, hitherto, sir, regarded it as a principle equally true in
+    politicks as in philosophy, that nothing <i>can act</i> when it does <i>not
+    exist</i>; and I did not suspect that a position so evident would ever
+    stand in need of a proof or illustration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We live, indeed, in an age of paradoxes, and have heard several notions
+    seriously defended, of which some would, not many years ago, have
+    condemned their abetter to a prison or a madhouse, and would have been
+    heard by the wisest of our ancestors with laughter or detestation; but I
+    did not expect that the most hardy innovator would have shocked my
+    understanding with a position like this, or have asserted that a law may
+    operate before it is made, or before it is projected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That where there is no law there is no transgression, is a maxim not
+    only established by universal consent, but in itself evident and
+    undeniable; and it is, sir, surely no less certain, that where there is
+    no transgression there can be no punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a man may be punished, sir, by a law made after the fact, how can any
+    man conclude himself secure from the jail or the gibbet? A man may
+    easily find means of being certain that he has offended no law in being,
+    but that will afford no great satisfaction to a mind naturally timorous;
+    since a law hereafter to be made, may, if this motion be supposed
+    reasonable, take cognizance of his actions, and how he can know whether
+    he has been equally scrupulous to observe the future statutes of future
+    senates, he will find it very difficult to determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM rose, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the absurdity
+    which the honourable gentleman imagines himself to have discovered in
+    this proposal, and which he must be confessed to have placed in a very
+    strong light, I am of opinion, that it may, with very little
+    consideration, be reconciled to reason and to justice, and that the wit
+    and satire that have been so liberally employed, will appear to have
+    been lost in the air, without use and without injury.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The operation of the law may, very properly, commence from the day on
+    which the embargo was laid by his majesty's proclamation, which surely
+    was not issued to no purpose, and which ought not to be disobeyed
+    without punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but be
+    somewhat surprised, that a gentleman so long conversant in national
+    affairs, should not yet have heard or known the difference between a
+    proclamation and a penal law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By a proclamation, his majesty may prevent, in some cases, what he
+    cannot punish; he may hinder the exportation of our corn by ordering
+    ships to be stationed at the entrance of our harbours; but if any should
+    escape with prohibited cargoes, he can inflict no penalties upon them at
+    their return.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To enforce this prohibition by the sanction of punishments is the
+    intention of the present bill, but a proclamation can make nothing
+    criminal, and it is unjust and absurd to punish an action which was
+    legal when it was done.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The law ought, sir, in my opinion, not to commence till time is allowed
+    for dispersing it to the utmost limits of this island; for as it is
+    unreasonable to punish without law, it is not more equitable to punish
+    by a law, of which, they who have unhappily broken it, could have no
+    intelligence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A future day was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_5"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE RELATING TO A SEDITIOUS PAPER OF THE SAME KIND <br>WITH THE
+    CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    Lord THOMSON took notice of a paper which he had in his hand, and said
+    he received it at the door, where it was given to the members as they
+    came in, and, complaining of it as an indignity offered to the house,
+    desired that it might be read. Which being done, he rose up, and spoke
+    in substance as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the crime of exasperating the people against their governours, of
+    raising discontent, and exciting murmurs in a time of general danger,
+    and of attempting to represent wise and salutary measures, which have
+    received the approbation of the whole legislature, as mean artifices,
+    contrived only to raise the fortunes of some favourites of the minister,
+    and aggrandize the officers of state, by the miseries of the people, is
+    a crime too enormous to require or admit any aggravation from rhetorick,
+    and too dangerous to hope for any excuse from candour and lenity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To read or hear this paper is sufficient for a full conviction of its
+    pernicious tendency, and of the malice of its author; a charge not fixed
+    upon particular expressions capable of a doubtful meaning, and which
+    heat or inadvertency might casually have produced, but supported by the
+    general design of the whole paper, and the continued tenour of the
+    argument, which is evidently intended to show, that an act of
+    government, which cannot but appear necessary and seasonable in the
+    present state of our affairs, an act ratified by the concurrence of all
+    the powers of the legislature, is nothing but a scheme of avarice to
+    grow rich by oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this scandalous libel written with more confidence and insolence
+    than it is dispersed. Not content, sir, with vilifying the proceedings
+    of the state, the author has industriously published his calumny at our
+    door: the time has been when defamation skulked in secret, and calumnies
+    against the government were dispersed by whispers or private
+    communication; but this writer adds insults to his injuries, and at once
+    reproaches and defies us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I beg leave to move, therefore, that the house do censure this paper as
+    "a malicious and scandalous libel, highly and injuriously reflecting
+    upon a just and wise act of his majesty's government, and also upon the
+    proceedings of both houses of senate; and tending to create jealousies
+    in the minds of the people." I also move, "that the author may be
+    ordered to attend, to be examined at our bar."
+</p>
+<p>
+    [This was unanimously agreed to by the house. The doorkeeper was called
+    in, and, being shown the paper, was asked from whom he received it? who
+    answered, that he believed the person who delivered it to him, was then
+    detained in one of the committee rooms, upon which he was ordered to
+    look for, and fetch him to the bar.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS, taking notice that the person was already in custody, said,
+    that he should be glad to know by what authority. It was not reasonable
+    to punish first, and judge afterwards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon which sir William YONGE replied, that he had caused him to be
+    detained, in order to know the pleasure of the house; and that he
+    thought it his duty to secure so enormous an offender from escaping.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Soon after, the doorkeeper brought the man in, when he declared, upon
+    examination, his name and his profession, which was that of a scrivener,
+    and owned with great openness, that he was the author of the paper. He
+    was then asked who was the printer, and answered that he printed it
+    himself. Which he explained afterwards, by saying, that as he had
+    carried it to the printer's, he might be said, in the general
+    acceptation of the term, as applied to an author, to be the printer. He
+    then discovered the printer, and was asked, where was the original
+    manuscript, which he said he had destroyed, as he did any other useless
+    paper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It having been observed by some of the members, that it was printed in
+    one of the daily papers, he was asked, who carried it thither? and
+    answered, that he carried it himself. It was then demanded, what he gave
+    for having it inserted, and he answered that he gave nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [After many questions, Mr. Henry ARCHER desired that he might be asked,
+    whether on the Friday before he was in the gallery; at which some of the
+    members expressed their disapprobation, and the man being ordered to
+    withdraw, the following debate ensued upon the propriety of the
+    question.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke first, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, those who are
+    intrusted by their country with the authority of making laws, ought,
+    undoubtedly, to observe them with the utmost circumspection, lest they
+    should defeat their own endeavours, and invalidate, by their example,
+    their own decrees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is no part, sir, of our civil constitution more sacred, none that
+    has been more revered by those that have trampled upon other forms of
+    justice, and wantoned in oppression without restraint, than that
+    privilege by which every Briton is exempted from the necessity of
+    accusing himself, and by which he is entitled to refuse an answer to any
+    question which may be asked, with a view to draw from him a confession
+    of an offence which cannot be proved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this great privilege, sir, is not violated; whether the
+    unalienable right of a free subject is not infringed, by the question
+    put to the person at our bar, the house must decide. The punishment to
+    which intruders are subject by the orders of this house, proves that his
+    presence in the house is considered as a crime, of which, as we have no
+    proof of it, a confession ought not to be extorted by an artful and
+    insidious question, of which he may not discover the intention or the
+    consequence. Such treatment, sir, is rather to be expected by slaves in
+    the inquisition of Spain, than a Briton at the bar of this house; a
+    house instituted to preserve liberty, and to restrain injustice and
+    oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur with
+    the opinion of the honourable gentleman, that, in requiring an answer to
+    this question, we shall expose a man to a punishment against whom we
+    have no evidence, but what is extorted from himself; and, consequently,
+    no knowledge of his crime upon which we can proceed to inflict censures
+    or penalties, without the manifest infraction of our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be imagined, sir, that he intends to confess himself guilty of
+    a crime of which no proof has been brought, or that he will voluntarily
+    subject himself to punishments. It must, therefore, follow, that he is
+    entrapped in his examination, by an artifice, which, I hope, will never
+    find any countenance in this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON answered to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    impossible that the honourable gentlemen, having not lately looked into
+    the orders of the house, may mistake the tendency of the question; I,
+    therefore, move that the order may be read.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The order being read by the clerk, he proceeded.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, sir, that by the order now read, the serjeant at arms
+    attending on this house, may take into custody all strangers that shall
+    be found in the house or gallery while we are assembled; and that this
+    order is not always put in practice, must be attributed to the lenity of
+    the house. But that this order extends to past offences, and subjects
+    any man to imprisonment for having been present in some former day,
+    cannot be conceived. For how far may such a retrospect be extended? or
+    at what time, after having intruded into the house, can any man presume
+    to consider himself as exempt from the danger of imprisonment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our order, sir, only decrees present punishment for present offences,
+    and, therefore, the question asked by the honourable gentleman, may be
+    insisted on without scruple, and answered without hazard. Let then the
+    honourable gentlemen reserve their laudable zeal for our constitution
+    till it shall be invaded by more important occasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied:&mdash;Sir, what victory the honourable gentleman imagines
+    himself to have gained, or whence proceeds all his wantonness of
+    exultation, I am not able to discover. The question only relates to the
+    interpretation of one of our own orders, and is, therefore, not of the
+    highest importance; nor can his success, in so trivial a debate, entitle
+    him to great applause from others, or produce, in a person of his
+    abilities, any uncommon satisfaction to himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, whatever may be the pleasure of the victory, it must, at least, be
+    gained before it can be celebrated; and it is by no means evident, that
+    he has yet any reason to assure himself of conquest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His interpretation, sir, of the order, which he has so confidently laid
+    before the house, seems to me to have no foundation in reason or
+    justice; for if it be an offence against the house to be present at our
+    consultations, and that offence be justly punishable, why should any man
+    be exempt from a just censure by an accidental escape? or what makes the
+    difference between this crime and any other, that this alone must be
+    immediately punished, or immediately obliterated, and that a lucky
+    flight is equivalent to innocence?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, sir, more rational to believe, that the house may punish
+    any breach of its orders at a distant time, that if our censure is once
+    eluded, it may be afterwards enforced; and, therefore, that the question
+    put to the person at the bar ought not to be asked, because it cannot
+    safely be answered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, in words to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    conceive that our order may extend its influence beyond the present
+    moment, and that intrusions may be punished by the house on another day
+    than that on which they were committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am so far, sir, from being of opinion, that, to make the execution of
+    this order valid, the house must sit, without interruption, from the
+    time of the offence to that of the punishment, that if the gentlemen in
+    the gallery were to be taken into custody, I should advise the serjeant
+    to wait till the house should break up, and seize them as they should
+    come out.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, if any such
+    punishment were now intended, I should advise the gentlemen in the
+    gallery to retire, indeed, but not to hide themselves like felons, or
+    men proscribed by proclamation; for as the power of seizing any man in
+    the house is sufficient to secure us from intrusion, there is no reason
+    to extend it farther; and penalties are not, without reason, to be
+    inflicted, neither has the house ever coveted the power of oppressing;
+    and what else is unnecessary punishment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, an intruder is not seized in the act of intrusion, he
+    cannot legally be imprisoned for it. And any of the strangers, who now
+    hear this debate, may retire to a very small distance from the house,
+    and set the serjeant at arms at defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, whether the question
+    be proper or not, it seems very unnecessary to debate; because, however
+    it be answered, it cannot be of great importance: the man has already
+    confessed himself the author of the libel, and may, therefore, be
+    punished without farther examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That he is the real author, sir, I am not, indeed, convinced by his
+    assertion, with whatever confidence it was made; for so far as his
+    appearance enables me to judge of his education and sphere of life, it
+    is not probable that he should be much versed in political inquiries, or
+    that he should engage in the discussion of questions like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There appears, sir, in the paper before us, a more extensive knowledge
+    of facts, a more accurate attention to commerce, more artful reasoning,
+    and a more elevated style, than it is reasonable to expect from this
+    man, whom, without pretending to determine the limits of his capacity,
+    or the compass of his knowledge, I am, for my part, inclined to look
+    upon as an agent to some other person of higher station, and greater
+    accomplishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not uncommon, sir, for gentlemen to exercise their abilities, and
+    employ their pens, upon political questions, and when they have produced
+    any thing, which their complaisance for themselves equally hinders them
+    from owning and suppressing, they are known to procure some person of
+    inferiour rank, to take upon him, in publick, the character of the
+    author, and to stand the danger of the prosecution, contenting
+    themselves with the applause and admiration of their chosen friends,
+    whom they trust with the important secret, and with whom they sit and
+    laugh at the conjectures of the publick, and the ignorance of the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is a frequent practice, not only with those who have no other
+    employment, but, as I have sufficient reasons to believe, among some
+    gentlemen who have seats in this house; gentlemen, whose abilities and
+    knowledge qualify them to serve the publick in characters much superiour
+    to that of lampooners of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY answered in terms to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, whether
+    the man who confessed himself the author of the paper, has accused
+    himself of what he did not commit, or has ingenuously and openly
+    discovered the truth, it is beyond my penetration absolutely to decide;
+    the frankness and unconcern with which he made the declaration, gave it,
+    at least, the appearance of truth, nor do I discover any reason for
+    doubting his sincerity. Is there any improbability in the nature of the
+    fact, that should incline us to suspect his veracity? Is there any
+    apparent advantage to be gained by assuming a false character? Neither
+    of those circumstances can be produced against him, and an assertion is
+    to be admitted for its own sake, when there is nothing to invalidate it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman, sir, appears to have a very particular
+    reason for his doubts; a reason, which will, I hope, have no weight with
+    any but himself. By denying the paper to this man, he gives room for
+    conjecture and suspicion to range far and wide, and wanton with whatever
+    characters he shall think proper subjects for his amusement. An author
+    is now to be sought, and many diverting arguments may be brought by the
+    dullest inquirer for fixing it upon one man, or denying it to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The honourable gentleman, sir, has given us a bold specimen of this kind
+    of wit, by insinuating that it is the production of some one of the
+    members of this house; a conjecture of which I am not able to find the
+    foundation, and therefore imagine, that raillery rather than argument
+    was intended. But let the honourable gentleman recollect, that the chief
+    excellence of raillery is politeness, to which he has surely paid little
+    regard, in supposing that what has been unanimously condemned as a
+    libel, has one of those who censured it for its author.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I am particularly hinted at in this sagacious conjecture, I take this
+    opportunity of declaring that I am equally ignorant of the whole affair
+    with any other gentleman in this house; that I never saw the paper till
+    it was delivered to me at the door, nor the author till he appeared at
+    the bar. Having thus cleared myself, sir, from this aspersion, I declare
+    it as my opinion, that every gentleman in the house can safely purge
+    himself in the same manner; for I cannot conceive that any of them can
+    have written a libel like this. There are, indeed, some passages which
+    would not disgrace the greatest abilities, and some maxims true in
+    themselves, though perhaps fallaciously applied, and at least such an
+    appearance of reasoning and knowledge, as sets the writer far above the
+    level of the contemptible scribblers of the ministerial vindications: a
+    herd of wretches whom neither information can enlighten, nor affluence
+    elevate; low drudges of scurrility, whose scandal is harmless for want
+    of wit, and whose opposition is only troublesome from the
+    pertinaciousness of stupidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why such immense sums are distributed amongst these reptiles, it is
+    scarce possible not to inquire; for it cannot be imagined that those who
+    pay them expect any support from their abilities. If their patrons would
+    read their writings, their salaries would quickly be withdrawn; for a
+    few pages would convince them, that they can neither attack nor defend,
+    neither raise any man's reputation by their panegyrick, nor destroy it
+    by their defamation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke in the following manner:&mdash;I hope it is not
+    expected, that the heat with which one class of our political writers
+    have been attacked by the honourable gentleman, should engage me to
+    undertake their defence with the same earnestness. I have neither
+    interest enough in the question to awaken my passions, nor curiosity or
+    leisure sufficient for such an examination of the writings on each side,
+    as is necessary, before the superiority of any author above his brethren
+    can he justly asserted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is no part, sir, of my employment or amusement to compare their
+    arguments, or to balance their abilities; nor do I often read the papers
+    of either party, except when I am informed by some that have more
+    inclination to such studies than myself, that they have risen by some
+    accident above their common level.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet that I may not appear entirely to desert the question, I cannot
+    forbear to say, that I have never, from these accidental inspections of
+    their performances, discovered any reason to exalt the authors who write
+    against the administration, to a higher degree of reputation than their
+    opponents. That any of them deserve loud applauses, I cannot assert, and
+    am afraid that all, which deserves to be preserved of the writings on
+    either side, may be contracted to a very few volumes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The writers for the opposition appear to me to be nothing more than the
+    echoes of their predecessors, or, what is still more despicable, of
+    themselves, and to have produced nothing in the last seven years, which
+    had not been said seven years before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I may, perhaps, be thought by some gentlemen of each class to speak
+    contemptuously of their advocates, nor shall I think my own opinion less
+    just for such a censure; for the reputation of controversial writers
+    arises, generally, from the prepossession of their readers in favour of
+    the opinions which they endeavour to defend. Men easily admit the force
+    of an argument which tends to support notions, that it is their interest
+    to diffuse, and readily find wit and spirit in a satire pointed at
+    characters which they desire to depress: but to the opposite party, and
+    even to themselves, when their passions have subsided, and their
+    interest is disunited from the question, those arguments appear only
+    loud assertions, or empty sophistry; and that which was clamorously
+    praised, discovers itself to be only impudence or low conceits; the
+    spirit evaporates, and the malignity only remains.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, sir, what opposition of character is necessary to
+    constitute a political writer, it will not be wondered that so few excel
+    in that undertaking. He that will write well in politicks, must at the
+    same time have a complete knowledge of the question, and time to digest
+    his thoughts into method, and polish his style into elegance; which is
+    little less than to say, he must be at once a man of business, and a man
+    of leisure; for political transactions are not easily understood, but by
+    those who are engaged in them, and the art of writing is not attainable
+    without long practice, and sedentary application.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it happens that political writings are generally defective: for
+    they are drawn up by men unacquainted with publick business, and who
+    can, therefore, only amuse their readers with fallacious recitals,
+    specious sophistries, or an agreeable style; or they are the hasty
+    productions of busy negotiators, who, though they cannot but excel the
+    other class of writers in that which is of most importance, the
+    knowledge of their subject, are yet rarely at leisure to display that
+    knowledge to advantage, or add grace to solidity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Writers of the latter sort appear but seldom, and most of our political
+    papers are the amusements of leisure, or the expedients of want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the paper now before us is the produce of ease, or of necessity,
+    I shall not determine; I have already offered my opinion, that the man
+    who claims it is not the author, nor do I discover any reason for
+    changing my sentiment: the question is a question merely of conjecture,
+    since neither I nor the honourable gentleman attempt to offer any
+    demonstrative proofs of our opinion. If he has any to produce in favour
+    of his own notions, let him lay them before you, but let him always
+    forbear to impute to me assertions which I never uttered, and beware of
+    representing me as declaring that I believe this paper the composition
+    of some member of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was then debated, whether this offence should be punished by the
+    authority of the house, or referred to the cognizance of some of the
+    courts of judicature in Westminster hall, on which occasion Mr. HOWE
+    spoke as follows:]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, it is the duty of every part of the legislature, not only to
+    preserve the whole system of our government unaltered and unimpaired,
+    but to attend particularly to the support of their own privileges,
+    privileges not conferred upon them by our ancestors, but for wise
+    purposes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the privilege of this house that we, and we only, are the judges
+    of our own rights, and we only, therefore, can assign the proper
+    punishment when they shall be presumptuously invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we remit this offender, who has attempted to debase the house in the
+    opinion of the nation, to any inferiour court, we allow that court to
+    determine, by the punishment that shall be inflicted, the importance of
+    this assembly, and the value of the collective character of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It therefore concerns us, in regard to our own dignity, and to the
+    privileges of our successours, that we retain the cognizance of this
+    crime in our own hands, in which it is placed by perpetual prescription
+    and the nature of our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The house agreed to this, and the libeller was sent to the common jail
+    of Middlesex, by warrant from the speaker.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am pleased with
+    finding that the malice and indecency of this libel, has raised in the
+    house a just resentment, and that the wretch, who, with a confidence so
+    steady, and such appearance of satisfaction in his countenance,
+    confesses, or rather proclaims himself the author, is treated as he
+    deserves. But let us not forget that the same degree of guilt always
+    requires the same punishment, and that when the author of scandal is in
+    prison, the printer and propagator of it ought not to be at liberty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The printer of the daily news is surely the proper object of your
+    indignation, who inserted this libel in his paper, without the fondness
+    of an author, and without the temptation of a bribe; a bribe, by the
+    help of which it is usual to circulate scurrility. To this man the
+    expense or labour of aspersing the government was recompensed by the
+    pleasure, and he could not prevail on himself to omit any opportunity of
+    incensing the people, and exposing at once the whole legislature to
+    censure and contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, that have concurred in the imprisonment of the author,
+    will doubtless join with me in requiring the attendance of his officious
+    accomplice, and I cannot forbear expressing my hopes, that he will not
+    meet with kinder treatment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is far from being the first offence of his licentious press; and the
+    lenity of the government, by which he has been so long spared, has had
+    no other effect upon him, than to add confidence to his malice, and
+    incite him to advance from one degree of impudence to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has for several weeks persisted in misrepresenting the intention of
+    the embargo, by letters pretended to be written by friends of the
+    government who are injured by it. He has vented his insinuations
+    hitherto, as without punishment, so, as it appears, without fear. It is
+    time, therefore, to disturb his security, and restrain him from adding
+    one calumny to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose up hereupon, and opposed this motion in terms to
+    the following effect:&mdash;Sir, the end of punishment is to prevent a
+    repetition of the same crime, both in the offender, and in those who may
+    have the same inclinations; and when that end is accomplished, all
+    farther severities have an appearance rather of cruelty than justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By punishing the author of this libel, we have, in my opinion,
+    sufficiently secured our dignity from any future attacks, we have
+    crushed the head of the confederacy, and prevented the subordinate
+    agents from exerting their malice. Printers can do no injury without
+    authors; and if no man shall dare to write a libel, it is not worthy of
+    our inquiry how many may be inclined to publish it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if the printer must necessarily be punished before the resentment of
+    the house can be satisfied; if it shall not be thought sufficient to
+    punish him without whose assistance the other could not have offended;
+    let us, at least, confine our animadversion to the present fault,
+    without tracing back his life for past misdemeanours, and charging him
+    with accumulated wickedness; for if a man's whole life is to be the
+    subject of judicial inquiries, when he shall appear at the bar of this
+    house, the most innocent will have reason to tremble when they approach
+    it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even with regard, sir, to the offence of which he is now accused,
+    somewhat may, perhaps, be said in extenuation of his guilt, which I do
+    not offer to gratify any personal affection or regard for him, to whom I
+    am equally a stranger with any other gentleman in this house, but to
+    prevent a punishment which may be hereafter thought disproportioned to
+    the crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, to be remembered, that he was not the original printer of
+    the libel, which he only reprinted from a paper, of which he knew that
+    it was to be dispersed at our door, and in which he could not naturally
+    suspect any seditious or dangerous assertions to be contained. It is,
+    therefore, probable that he fell into the offence by ignorance, or, at
+    worst, by inadvertency; and, as his intention was not criminal, he may
+    properly be spared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke, in answer, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    think the honourable gentleman betrayed, by his zeal for the defence of
+    this man, into some assertions not to be supported by law or reason. If
+    it be innocent to print a paper once printed, will it not inevitably
+    follow, that the most flagitious falsehoods, and the most enormous
+    insults on the crown itself, the most seditious invectives, and most
+    dangerous positions, may be dispersed through the whole empire, without
+    any danger but to the original printer? And what reason, sir, can be
+    assigned, why that which is criminal in one man, should be innocent in
+    another?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only position which has been advanced contrary to the
+    laws of our country; for it has been asserted, that the general
+    character of an offender is a consideration foreign from that of his
+    immediate crime; and that whatever any man's past life has been, he is
+    only to be judged according to the evidence for the offence which is
+    then the subject of examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much this opinion is consistent with the practice of our courts, a
+    very slight knowledge of their methods of proceeding will readily
+    discover. Is any villain there convicted but by the influence of his
+    character? And is not the chief question at a trial the past conduct of
+    the person at the bar?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose here, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I rise up only to
+    answer a question, which is, whether properly or not, put to me, and
+    hope the irregularity will not be imputed to me, by the house, but to
+    the occasion which produces it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am asked, whether it is not the chief question at the bar of our
+    courts of justice, what is the character of the prisoner? and cannot but
+    feel some amazement that any man should be so ignorant of common
+    proceedings, and so much unacquainted with the execution of our laws, as
+    to have admitted a notion so chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The character of the prisoner is never examined, except when it is
+    pleaded by himself, and witnesses are produced to offer testimony in his
+    favour; that plea, like all others, is then to be examined, and is
+    sometimes confuted by contrary evidence. But, the character of a
+    criminal, though it may be urged by himself as a proof of his innocence,
+    is never to be mentioned by his prosecutor as an aggravation or proof of
+    his guilt. It is not required by the law, that the general character of
+    a criminal, but that the particular evidence of the crime with which he
+    stands charged, should be examined; nor is his character ever mentioned
+    but by his own choice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, to prove
+    the malignity of the intention with which this libel was inserted in the
+    daily paper, it cannot be improper to observe, that the embargo has been
+    for many days past the favourite topic of this printer, and that,
+    therefore, it was not by accident that he admitted so zealous an
+    advocate for his opinions to be seasonably assisted by the circulation
+    of his paper, but that he, doubtless, was delighted with an opportunity
+    of dispersing sedition by means of greater abilities than his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can it be justly pleaded, sir, in his favour, that he was encouraged
+    to publish it by the confidence with which he saw it dispersed; for it
+    was printed by him in the morning, and not brought hither till the
+    afternoon. I cannot, therefore, but conclude, that his intentions were
+    agreeable to his practice, and that he deserves to accompany the author
+    in his present confinement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advocate, CAMPBELL, spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I hope it
+    will not be imputed to me as disregard of the government, or neglect of
+    the honour of this house, that I declare myself, on all occasions like
+    this, inclined to lenity, and think it necessary always to proceed by
+    regular methods, and known forms of justice, not by capricious
+    determinations, and orders variable at pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I opposed the imprisonment of the man who just now appeared at the bar
+    of our house, and am still more unwilling to proceed to severities
+    against another, who is criminal only in a subordinate degree. The
+    loudest declaimers against these men cannot have stronger detestation of
+    falsehood and sedition than myself; but however flagrant may be the
+    crimes, they may be punished with unjustifiable rigour, and, in my
+    opinion, we have already proceeded with severity sufficient to
+    discourage any other attempts of the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether it will promote the advantage of the publick, and the efficacy
+    of our deliberations, to deter any man from the common practice of
+    giving us information by delivering papers at our door, must be
+    considered by the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less worthy of our most attentive inquiry, whether it is not
+    more reasonable to prosecute this offender in the common forms of
+    justice, than to punish him by any act of uncontroulable, unaccountable
+    authority? Whether it is not more reasonable to have him prosecuted
+    before a judge unprejudiced, and a disinterested jury, than to act at
+    once as party, evidence, and judge? I have no desire, sir, of
+    diminishing the privileges of this house; and yet less would I
+    contribute to establish any precedents of unlimited power or arbitrary
+    punishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whence so
+    much tenderness can arise for an offender of this kind, I am at a loss
+    to discover, nor am I able to conceive any argument that can be produced
+    for exempting from punishment the printer of a paper, which has been
+    already determined, by the vote of the house, to be a scandalous libel,
+    tending to promote sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been, indeed, agreed, that there are contained in the paper some
+    true positions, and some passages innocent, at least, and perhaps
+    rational and seasonable. But this, sir, is nothing more than to say,
+    that the paper, flagitious as it is, might have been swelled to a
+    greater degree of impudence and scurrility; that what is already too
+    heinous to be borne, might, by greater virulence, become more enormous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If no wickedness, sir, is to be checked till it has attained the
+    greatest height at which it can possibly arrive, our courts of criminal
+    judicature may be shut up as useless; and if a few innocent paragraphs
+    will palliate a libel, treason may be written and dispersed without
+    danger or restraint; for what libel was ever so crowded with sedition,
+    that a few periods might not have been selected, which, upon this
+    principle, might have secured it from censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of discouraging intelligence from being offered at the door
+    of our house, does not alarm me with any apprehensions of disadvantage
+    to the nation; for I have not so mean an opinion of the wisdom of this
+    assembly, as to imagine that they can receive any assistance from the
+    informations of their officious instructors, who ought, in my opinion,
+    sir, rather to be taught by some senatorial censure to know their own
+    station, than to be encouraged to neglect their proper employments, for
+    the sake of directing their governours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When bills, sir, are depending, by which either the interest of the
+    nation, or of particular men, may be thought to be endangered, it is,
+    indeed, the incontestable right of every Briton to offer his petition at
+    the bar of the house, and to deliver the reasons upon which it is
+    founded. This is a privilege of an unalienable kind, and which is never
+    to be infringed or denied; and this may always be supported without
+    countenancing anonymous intelligence, or receiving such papers as the
+    authors of them are afraid or ashamed to own, and which they, therefore,
+    employ meaner hands to distribute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind, sir, undoubtedly, is the paper now under our
+    consideration, of which I am far from imagining that it was drawn up by
+    the man who declares himself the writer, and am, therefore, convinced of
+    the necessity of calling the printer to the bar, that whatever the
+    lenity or justice of this assembly may determine with regard to his
+    punishment, he may be examined with respect to the real authors of the
+    libel; and that our resentment may fall upon him, who has endeavoured to
+    shelter himself by exposing another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Counsellor ORD spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am inclined to believe,
+    that the persons associated in writing and dispersing this paper,
+    whosoever they may be, are of no high rank, or considerable influence;
+    as it is not likely that any man who had much to hazard, would expose
+    himself to the resentment of the whole legislature; but let us not for
+    that reason exert our superiority in wanton punishments, or tyrannise
+    merely because we cannot be resisted. Let us remember that the same
+    justice and the same humanity is due to the meanest, as the highest of
+    our fellow-subjects; and that there is even less necessity of rigorous
+    measures, as the attack is less formidable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, there is one motive to moderation that has seldom been found
+    less efficacious than the consideration of the laws of justice or
+    humanity. We ought to be withheld by regard to our posterity, and even
+    to ourselves, from any exorbitant extension of our privileges. We know,
+    that authority once exerted, is claimed afterwards by prescription. And
+    who knows by what sudden rotation of power he may himself suffer by a
+    precedent which he has concurred to establish, and feel the weight of
+    that oppressive power which he first granted for the punishment of
+    another?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HOWE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am always unwilling to oppose any proposal
+    of lenity and forbearance, nor have now any intention of heightening the
+    guilt of this man by cruel exaggerations, or inciting the house to
+    rigour and persecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us remember, sir, that justice and mercy are equally to be
+    regarded, and while we pity the folly of a misguided, or, perhaps, a
+    thoughtless offender, let us not suffer ourselves to be betrayed, by our
+    compassion, to injure ourselves and our posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This house, sir, has always claimed and exerted the privilege of judging
+    of every offence against itself, a privilege so long established, and so
+    constantly exercised, that I doubt whether the inferiour courts of
+    judicature will take cognizance of an attack upon us; for how can they
+    venture to decide upon a question of such importance without any form or
+    precedent for their proceedings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There seems also to be at this time, sir, an uncommon necessity for
+    tenaciousness of our privileges, when, as some whispers, which have been
+    wafted from the other house, inform us, a motion has been made in terms
+    which might imply the subordination of this assembly, an assertion
+    without foundation either in reason or justice, and which I shall always
+    oppose as destructive to our rights, and dangerous to our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, sir, retain in our hands the cognizance of this
+    affair, and let the criminal either suffer his punishment from <i>our</i>
+    sentence, or owe his pardon to <i>our</i> mercy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was agreed that the printer of the daily paper should attend next
+    day, when, being called in, it was proposed that he should be asked,
+    whether he printed the paper complained of. It was objected to, for the
+    same reason as the question about the author's being in the gallery,
+    because the answer might tend to accuse himself; and he being withdrawn,
+    a debate of the same nature ensued, and the question being put whether
+    he should be asked, if he be the person that printed the daily paper
+    shown to him, which paper the house the day before resolved to contain a
+    malicious and scandalous libel, etc. it was, on a division, carried in
+    the affirmative, by two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and
+    sixty-three: accordingly he was called in again, and being asked the
+    question, he owned that he printed the said paper from a printed copy
+    which was left for him with one of his servants; and being asked what he
+    had to allege in his justification or excuse for printing the said
+    libel, he said that as he had before printed several other things which
+    he had received from the said person, which had not given offence, he
+    inserted part of the paper in his news, and which he should not have
+    inserted, if he had thought it would have given offence to the house,
+    and that he forbore to print the remainder, having heard that it had
+    given offence. Upon which he withdrew, and the house, after some debate,
+    on a division, one hundred and eighty-eight to one hundred and
+    forty-five, not only ordered him into the custody of the serjeant, but
+    resolved to present an address to his majesty, that he would be pleased
+    to give directions to his attorney general to prosecute him at law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first printer of the libel was also ordered into custody. This was
+    on the 3d of December, but the next day presenting his petition,
+    expressing his sorrow for the offence, whereby he had justly incurred
+    the displeasure of the house, and praying to be discharged, he was
+    brought to the bar on the following day, received a reprimand on his
+    knees, and was ordered to be discharged, paying his fees.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the 12th, lord BARRINGTON presented a petition from the printer of
+    the daily paper, expressing his sorrow, promising all possible care not
+    to offend for the future, and praying to be discharged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This petition being read, a motion was made, that the serjeant at arms
+    do carry the petitioner to some court of law, to give security for his
+    appearance to the prosecution to be carried on against him by the
+    attorney general; which done, that he be discharged, paying his fees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not for what reason
+    this enormous offender is entitled to so much regard, or by what
+    interest he has engaged so many, who, I doubt not, abhor his crimes, to
+    pity his sufferings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had he been young and unexperienced, and seduced into the commission of
+    this offence by artifice or persuasion, his act might have been
+    reasonably considered rather as an errour than a crime, and it might
+    have been proper to treat with lenity a delinquent neither obstinate nor
+    malicious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how, sir, can this plea be urged in favour of a man, whose daily
+    employment it has been, for these two years past, to misrepresent the
+    public measures, to disperse scandal, and excite rebellion, who has
+    industriously propagated every murmur of discontent, and preserved every
+    whisper of malevolence from perishing in the birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proper judge, sir, of this affair, is his majesty's attorney
+    general, who is not now in the house. I am, therefore, for detaining him
+    in custody, and for referring the consideration of farther proceedings
+    against him to that gentleman, whose proper province it is to prosecute
+    for the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALLER spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is
+    undoubtedly the duty of every man to oppose the introduction of new
+    laws, and methods of oppression and severity, which our constitution
+    does not admit; and what else is the mention of a prisoner's character
+    as an aggravation of his present offence?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, and has been already asserted, upon this occasion,
+    that in the lower courts of justice, though the prisoner may plead his
+    character, in his own defence, his prosecutor is not at liberty to
+    produce it to his disadvantage. Even those who are cited to the bar for
+    murder or for treason, are tried only by the evidence of that crime for
+    which they are indicted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this house is not bound to strict forms, and is not accountable for
+    the exercise of its power, is easily granted; but authority cannot
+    change the nature of things, and what is unjust in a lower court, would
+    be in us not less unjust, though it may not be punishable.
+</p>
+<hr>
+<p>
+    It was replied that this question had been before sufficiently
+    discussed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The attorney general not being present, the debate was adjourned to the
+    next sitting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the next day of the session, the lord BARRINGTON proposed, that the
+    adjourned debate might be resumed, and several members interceded for
+    the petitioner, that he might be released; to which it was objected,
+    that it was not proper to release him, unless an information was lodged
+    against him, without which he could not be held to bail; and the
+    question being put, whether he should be released, was determined in the
+    negative.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At the sixth sitting, the author of the libel, who was committed to the
+    common prison of Middlesex, petitioned the house to permit him to
+    implore pardon on his knees, and promising, by the strongest and most
+    solemn assurances, not to offend again, was ordered to be discharged the
+    next day, paying his fees.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the forty-seventh sitting, the printer of the daily paper again
+    petitioned the house, representing, that he most heartily bewailed his
+    offence, that he was miserably reduced by his confinement, having
+    borrowed money of all his friends to support himself, his wife, and
+    children, and praying the mercy of the house. He was then ordered to be
+    discharged, paying his fees, and giving security for his appearance to
+    answer the prosecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the eighty-fifth day, Mr. George Heathcote offered another petition
+    for the said printer, and represented, that the fees amounting to one
+    hundred and twenty-one pounds, he was not able to pay them, that,
+    therefore, he hoped the house would consider his case; but the petition
+    was not allowed to be brought up. On which he remained in custody
+    fourteen days longer, till the end of the session, and, the authority of
+    the senate ceasing, had his liberty without paying any fees.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_6"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    ON INCORPORATING THE NEW-RAISED MEN INTO THE STANDING REGIMENTS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the 4th of December, sir William YONGE, secretary at war, having
+    presented to the house of commons an estimate of the expense of raising
+    ten thousand men, the same was taken into consideration in a committee
+    on the supply, and after debate agreed to. At the report of this
+    proceeding, on the 11th, another debate happened on a motion that the
+    new-raised men should be incorporated into the standing regiments, etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As in these two debates the arguments were the same, they are thrown
+    into one, to prevent unnecessary repetitions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE opened the debate with respect to what he had
+    delivered in the estimate, after the manner following:&mdash;Sir, as this
+    estimate has been drawn up after very accurate calculations and careful
+    inquiries, I hope that no objections will be raised against it, and that
+    the sum necessary for raising the new regiments will be very readily
+    granted by that house, which voted the war necessary for which they are
+    designed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope it will be admitted as some proof of frugality, that this
+    estimate requires less money than one that was laid before the senate in
+    the reign of king William; for if it be considered, that since that
+    time, the necessaries of life are become dearer, and that, therefore,
+    all expenses are increased, it will appear to be the effect of the
+    exactest economy, that the sum required for the same service is less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have heard, indeed, sir, that in conversation, the method of raising
+    troops on this occasion has been censured as improper, and that in the
+    opinion of some, whose judgment cannot be entirely disregarded, it would
+    be more reasonable to add more men to our regiments already established,
+    than to raise new regiments with new officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief argument, sir, produced in support of their method of
+    augmentation, is drawn from the necessity of publick frugality, a very
+    popular topick, which never fails to produce favour and attention; for
+    every man is naturally inclined to hear his friend, and to consider that
+    man as performing the office of friendship, who proposes methods of
+    alleviating his taxes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality is undoubtedly a virtue very necessary to the happiness of the
+    nation, and such as there occur frequent occasions of inculcating to
+    those who are intrusted with the superintendence of publick
+    disbursements, but I am far from thinking that this estimate affords any
+    opportunity for declamations of this kind, and am of opinion that the
+    addition of new soldiers to each regiment, would, in reality, be more
+    expensive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be denied, sir, that by augmenting the regiments, there would
+    be immediately saved to the publick the expense of the officers which
+    are necessary in the method now proposed; but it is to be considered how
+    much the number of officers contributes to the regularity and discipline
+    of the troops, and how much discipline and order promote their success.
+    It is to be considered, sir, that the most successful method of making
+    war is undoubtedly the cheapest, and that nothing is more expensive than
+    defeats.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If by raising the same number of men under fewer officers, we should
+    give our enemies any advantage, if a single party should be cut off, a
+    garrison forced, an expedition rendered fruitless, or the war protracted
+    but a few months, where will be the advantage of this admired frugality?
+    What would be the consequence, but the same or a greater expense, not to
+    gain advantages, but to repair losses, and obviate the effects of our
+    former parsimony?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In private life, sir, it is common for men to involve themselves in
+    expense, only by avoiding it; to repair houses at greater charges than
+    new ones might be built, and to pay interest, rather than the debt. Weak
+    minds are frighted at the mention of extraordinary efforts, and decline
+    large expenses, though security and future affluence may be purchased by
+    them; as tender bodies shrink from severe operations, though they are
+    the certain methods of restoring health and vigour. The effects of this
+    timidity are the same in both cases, the estate is impaired insensibly,
+    and the body languishes by degrees, till no remedy can be applied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such examples, sir, are frequent, and the folly of imitating them is
+    therefore greater, for who would pursue that track by which he has seen
+    others led to destruction? Nor need we search for remote illustrations
+    to discover the destructive tendency of unseasonable tenderness for the
+    publick, for I believe the whole history of the wars of king William
+    will prove, that too close an attention to parsimony is inconsistent
+    with great achievements.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be expected that I, who cannot claim any regard in this
+    disquisition, from my own experience, should produce some decisive
+    evidence in favour of the method which I have taken upon me to defend;
+    this expectation I shall endeavour to satisfy, by alleging the authority
+    of the greatest commander of later ages, whom neither his friends nor
+    his enemies will deny to have been well versed in these subjects, and
+    whose success is a sufficient proof of the soundness of his principles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The illustrious duke of MARLBOROUGH was of opinion, that the whole force
+    of the French armies consisted in the number of the officers, and that
+    to be always equal to them in the field, it was necessary to form our
+    troops nearly upon the same plan; to this scheme he conformed in his
+    practice of war, and how much his practice confirmed his opinion, let
+    Blenheim and Ramillies attest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I pretend not to have determined myself on this question, otherwise
+    than by authority, and, as I know not any authority equal to that of the
+    duke of MARLBOROUGH, I cannot discharge the trust reposed in me by my
+    country, any otherwise, than by proposing, that, on this occasion, we
+    agree to grant his majesty the sum calculated for raising the new
+    regiments, as I believe that method of augmentation most likely to
+    produce success in our undertakings, and consequently to procure a
+    speedy conclusion of the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I have been so
+    long accustomed to the debates of this house, and have so often attended
+    to the eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, that I am never
+    startled at paradoxes, nor shocked at absurdities; I can now hear with
+    great tranquillity an harangue upon the necessity of placemen in this
+    house, upon the usefulness of standing armies, and the happiness of a
+    general excise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am no longer offended with facts quoted in opposition to history, nor
+    with calculations drawn up without regard to the rules of arithmetick; I
+    know that there are persons in this house, who think themselves obliged
+    to speak, even when in their own opinion nothing can be said with weight
+    or with propriety; who come hither prepared against the shame of
+    confutation, and determined not to be convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To reason with such men, sir, is, indeed, no pleasing task; it is to
+    fight with enchanted heroes, upon whom the common weapons of argument
+    have no effect, and who must be softened by a countercharm, before they
+    can be attacked with any prospect of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some, however, of whom I am willing to believe that they
+    dispute only for truth, and inquire with the view of attaining a
+    solution of their doubts. For the sake of these, sir, I think it
+    necessary to declare my sentiments, as I shall be desirous, in my turn,
+    to hear their sentiments; but with regard to those whose opinion I know
+    already by their posts, I should think it of great advantage to the
+    despatch of publick affairs, if they would content themselves with
+    voting for their pay, without any ambition of other service, or adding
+    the praise of volubility to that of steadiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having this opportunity, sir, of declaring my opinion of the measures
+    pursued in regulating our military preparations, I shall not confine
+    myself entirely to the present question, but lay before the house my
+    thoughts upon some parts of the establishment, which may, perhaps,
+    require a reform, and which are at least proper objects of
+    consideration, though not absolutely necessary to the determination of
+    our opinion upon the present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have long ago, sir, declared, what, therefore, it is scarcely of any
+    use to repeat, that I know not any advantage to be hoped from a standing
+    army, nor can discover why the ablest and most vigorous of the
+    inhabitants of this kingdom should be seduced from the loom, the anvil
+    and the plough, only to live at ease upon the labour of industry, only
+    to insult their landlords, and rob the farmers. I never could find why
+    any body of men should be exempt from the common labour of social
+    duties, or why they should be supported by a community, who contribute
+    neither to its honour nor its defence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I doubt not, sir, but I shall hear, on this occasion, of the service of
+    our troops in the suppression of riots; we shall be told, by the next
+    pompous orator who shall rise up in defence of the army, that they have
+    often dispersed the smugglers; that the colliers have been driven down
+    by the terrour of their appearance to their subterraneous
+    fortifications; that the weavers, in the midst of that rage which hunger
+    and oppression excited, fled at their approach; that they have at our
+    markets bravely regulated the price of butter, and, sometimes, in the
+    utmost exertion of heroick fury, broken those eggs which they were not
+    suffered to purchase on their own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some one, perhaps, of more penetration, may inform us of the use which
+    has been made of them at elections, where the surly burgesses have been
+    sometimes blind to the merit of those worthy gentlemen, whom the
+    soldiers have known how to esteem according to their desert; nor,
+    indeed, do I see how those can refuse their votes in favour of our
+    troops, who are indebted for the power of giving them, to their kind
+    interposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To these arguments, sir, I shall content myself with answering, that
+    those who are versed in the history of Britain, know that we have had
+    colliers and weavers for many years before a standing army was heard of
+    among us, and that it is, nevertheless, nowhere recorded that any of our
+    kings were deposed by those formidable bodies of men, or that any
+    remarkable changes were made by them in the form of our government; and,
+    therefore, till some reason shall be alleged, why such insurrections are
+    now more dangerous, and our civil magistrates more impotent than in
+    former ages, I humbly conceive, that even without the protection of a
+    standing army, we might yet sleep in security, notwithstanding the plots
+    of the colliers, and the combinations of the weavers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I must own, sir, these are not our only enemies, for there is
+    somewhere, yet in existence, a person that lays claim to the dominion of
+    these kingdoms, and pleads an hereditary title to dispose of our wealth,
+    to subvert our liberties, and destroy our religion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any foreigner, sir, unacquainted with our affairs, were to be present
+    at our debates, and to hear with what ardour we animate each other to an
+    obstinate resistance of this pretender to the throne, how often he is
+    represented as hovering over us, and how often we have caught a general
+    panick, and imagined ourselves upon the verge of destruction, how often
+    our most zealous patriots take opportunities of declaring their
+    resolution to die in defence of their liberties; and how pathetically
+    our most elegant declaimers have expatiated on the misery of that
+    unhappy race, whom they should leave behind to groan under the
+    oppression of absolute power, what would be his opinion of this
+    pretender, whom he saw so perpetually dreaded, against whom so many
+    alliances were formed, so many armies were levied, and so many navies
+    equipped?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would he not believe him to be some formidable tyrant in a neighbouring
+    country, the lord of wide dominions, and the master of numerous armies
+    and powerful fleets? Would he not imagine that he could assemble half
+    the continent at his call, that he was supported by powerful alliances,
+    and that nothing but a fair wind was required to land him on our coasts
+    at the head of millions? And would he not, even on that supposition, be
+    inclined to censure us as timorous, as somewhat regardless of the honour
+    of our nation, and condemn us for giving way to such suspicions and
+    exclamations, as have a natural tendency to heighten the apprehension of
+    danger, and depress the spirits of the people?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what would be his conclusion, sir, when he should be told, what in
+    reality is true, that this dreadful pretender is an unhappy fugitive,
+    driven in his infancy from this country, and by consequence without any
+    personal interest; that he is supported by the charity of a prince whose
+    name is hated almost by every inhabitant of the kingdom; that he has
+    neither sovereignty, nor money, nor alliances, nor reputation in war,
+    nor skill in policy; that all his actions are watched by British spies;
+    and that the few friends that remain to support the farce of a court,
+    are such only as dare not return to their native country, and are,
+    therefore, without fortune, and without dependants?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What could a wise man conceive of a nation held in continual alarms by
+    an enemy like this; of a nation always watchful against an invasion from
+    a man who has neither dominions to supply, nor money to hire a single
+    regiment; from a man whose title all the neighbouring princes disown,
+    and who is at such a distance from them, that he cannot be assisted by
+    them without open preparations, of which we cannot fail of having
+    intelligence, and which may be defeated, without danger, by the vessels
+    regularly stationed on our coasts?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would not any stranger imagine, sir, that we were a nation infected with
+    a general phrensy, that cowardice had perverted our imaginations, filled
+    us with apprehensions of impossible invasions, raised phantoms before
+    our eyes, and distracted us with wild ideas of slavery and tyranny,
+    oppression and persecution?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have dwelt thus long on this point, because I know the pretender is
+    the last refuge of those who defend a standing army; not that I propose
+    to convince any man of the folly of such apprehensions, or to fortify
+    him against such terrours for the time to come; for if any man, in
+    reality, now dreads the pretender, fear must be his distemper; he is
+    doomed to live in terrours, and it is of no importance whether he dreads
+    an invasion or a goblin, whether he is afraid to disband the army, or to
+    put out his candle in the night; his imagination is tainted, and he must
+    be cured, not by argument, but by physick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the greatest part of those who disturb our consultations with the
+    mention of the pretender, are men of a very different character, men
+    equally unconcerned about his designs, or his motions, with those who
+    are most desirous of setting the nation free from the burden of an army,
+    and very often such as we may discover, from their conduct, to be
+    determined to comply with every government; and such as have, therefore,
+    nothing to fear from a change of masters.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The men, for whose sake I am now speaking, sir, laugh equally with
+    myself at the apprehensions of those whom they contribute to terrify;
+    they know too well the impotence of the pretender to dread an invasion
+    from him, and affect only to continue their outcries, that they may not
+    be deprived of a topick, on which, by long practice, they have attained
+    an uncommon facility of haranguing, which they know how to diversify
+    with various combinations of circumstances, and how to accommodate to
+    any emergent occasion, without the pain of torturing their inventions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be useful, sir, to inform these men, that their disguise ought at
+    last to be thrown off, because it deceives no longer, and that the
+    nation cannot be cheated but at the expense of more cunning than they
+    are willing, or perhaps able, to display. A mask must necessarily be
+    thrown aside, when, instead of concealing, it discovers him by whom it
+    is used.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who are attempting, sir, to deceive others, and whose character is
+    exalted, in their own opinion, in proportion to the success of their
+    endeavours, have surely a sense of shame, though they have none of
+    virtue, and cannot, without pain, find their artifices detected, and
+    themselves made the objects of ridicule, by those stratagems which they
+    employ for the deception of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, sir, that, for their own sakes, these declaimers on
+    the exploded story of the pretender, will change their bugbear, that if
+    it be necessary to frighten those whom they want art or eloquence to
+    persuade, they will find out some other object of terrour, which, after
+    a little practice in private meetings, they may first produce in the
+    court, and then turn loose in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The world, methinks, allows them a sufficient choice of tyrants more
+    formidable than the pretender. Suppose they should revive the history of
+    the Mohocks. The Mohocks are a dreadful race, not to be mentioned
+    without horrour, by a true lover of his country, and a steady adherent
+    to the house of Hanover; they might then very easily increase our army,
+    or enhance our taxes; for who would not be urged by his wife and
+    daughter to agree to any measures that might secure them from the
+    Mohocks?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as an army is, at present, likely to be kept up for our defence,
+    against an enemy less formidable, it may be more seasonable to propose
+    the regulation than the dismission of our troops, and to mention those
+    evils which arise from the present establishment, rather than those
+    which are inseparable from the expense of a standing force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary, sir, to support soldiers, I suppose that it will not
+    be denied by the advocates for an army, that we ought to levy such
+    troops as may be of use; yet in their practice they seem to have paid
+    very little regard to this principle. Our troopers are mounted upon
+    horses which can serve no purpose but that of show, which may, indeed,
+    wheel about in the park with a formidable air, but can neither advance
+    upon an enemy with impetuosity, nor retreat from him with expedition;
+    and which, therefore, though purchased by the nation at a very high
+    price, and supported at a large expense, can only grace a review, but
+    are of very little use in an enemy's country, and must perish in the
+    march, or stand unactive in the battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is much more service to be expected, sir, from their riders, than
+    from the horses, for there are very few of them acquainted with the
+    first elements of their profession, or who have ever learned more than a
+    few postures of exercise, and the meaning of a few words of command, but
+    have a number of officers with large appointments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The French troops, sir, if they are doubly officered, are officered and
+    maintained at a less expense, and to greater effect; for the soldiers
+    are better instructed, and the same number of men cost not, perhaps,
+    much more than half the charge of a British regiment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The guards, sir, that are maintained about this metropolis, for no other
+    purpose than to keep up the splendour of a modern court, cost the
+    nation, yearly, such a sum as would be sufficient to support an army of
+    Frenchmen, for the protection of their frontier towns, or the invasion
+    of neighbouring countries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I cannot see what injury would be done to the nation by
+    abolishing an establishment, at the same time useless and expensive, and
+    employing that money which is at present squandered upon idlers without
+    effect, upon levies of useful soldiers for marching regiments, who might
+    be employed, when occasion should require them, in the service of their
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will, doubtless, be objected, that the officers of this body of men,
+    many of whom are persons of the highest merit, and who have, generally,
+    purchased their commissions, might very justly complain of being
+    deprived, without a crime, of that which they have bought at its full
+    value, and to which, therefore, they imagine themselves entitled, till
+    they shall forfeit their right by some offence against the laws, or some
+    neglect of their duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall not, sir, at present, inquire into the justness of this plea,
+    nor examine, whether he who purchases an employment, which he knows to
+    be useless, and therefore burdensome to the publick, deserves that the
+    publick should be solicitous to support him in the enjoyment of it; but
+    I shall declare, on this occasion, with confidence, that I know many of
+    the officers of the guards to be men of honour, who would gladly
+    exchange their posts, so chargeable to the nation, for an opportunity of
+    serving it, and who are not very anxious for the increase of their pay,
+    so they may not be degraded from their present rank.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If these gentlemen, sir, might, in the regiments that should be raised
+    by disbanding the guards, be advanced to higher commissions, though with
+    some diminution of their pay, they would imagine themselves abundantly
+    compensated by the happiness of becoming useful subjects, and serving
+    that nation by which they have been, hitherto, supported only to fill up
+    the pomp of levees, and add to the magnificence of drawing-rooms, to
+    loiter in antechambers, and to quarrel at gaming tables.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this scheme should not be approved, the method eligible, in the next
+    degree, seems to be that of incorporating our new levies into the
+    regiments already raised, that being associated with men already
+    acquainted with discipline, they may learn their duty much more
+    expeditiously than in separate bodies, where one officer will be obliged
+    to attend to the instruction of great numbers, and where no man will be
+    excited to application, because no man will see any degree of excellence
+    which he may be ambitious of attaining.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, heard no reason alleged for the necessity of new levies,
+    which appeared likely to convince even those by whom it was produced. It
+    appears to me that our present army is more than sufficient for the
+    publick service, without an augmentation, and that some of our regiments
+    might immediately embark, not only without danger to the nation, but
+    with far greater hopes of success, as our enemies would have less time
+    to strengthen their fortifications, and collect their troops, and as
+    disciplined forces are more formidable than troops newly levied; for
+    discipline must be of great efficacy to the success of military
+    undertakings, or all arguments which have been used in the defence of a
+    standing army fall to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In answer to this proposal, we shall probably be once again intimidated
+    with an invasion, whether from the pretender, the Spaniards, the French,
+    or any other power, it is of no great importance. An invasion is a
+    formidable sound; the sack of towns, the destruction of villages, the
+    captivity of our children, the ruin of our fortunes, and the desolation
+    of our country, are frightful images, and may, therefore, be
+    successfully produced, on this occasion, to perplex our thoughts, and
+    embarrass our inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To remove, therefore, this panick, and to dissipate, for ever, the
+    phantoms of invasion, I will lay before the house the opinion of the
+    great commander whose name has already been introduced in this debate.
+    In the late reign, on a day when the great officers of the crown, and
+    many of the council, were at a publick feast in the city, a report was
+    suddenly spread that the duke of Ormond had landed in the west, with two
+    thousand men. This account was, in appearance, well attested, and
+    universally believed; all jollity was, therefore, at an end, the company
+    departed, the council was summoned, and every man offered such
+    expedients as his present thoughts, confused and oppressed with the
+    proximity of the danger, suggested to him. One proposed, that a body of
+    troops should be sent to a distant part of the kingdom, to restrain the
+    seditions of the populace; another apprehended more danger from a
+    different quarter, and advised that the inhabitants should be awed by
+    another detachment sent thither; the most experienced easily saw the
+    unprofitableness of the measures proposed, but could not so easily
+    strike out more efficacious expedients, and therefore sat in great
+    perplexity. Lord Somers, particularly, shook his head, and seemed to
+    consider the kingdom as in the hands of the invaders, and the dreadful
+    pretender as seated on the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At last, the duke of MARLBOROUGH, who had hitherto sat silent, asked
+    calmly, whether they were certain that any forces were really landed,
+    and was answered, that though it might not be absolutely certain, yet
+    they were to consult and send orders upon that supposition. Then, says
+    he, I will lay down this great rule to be observed invariably, whenever
+    you are invaded. Attend only to one point, nor have any other purpose in
+    view than that of destroying the regular forces that shall be landed in
+    the kingdom, without any regard to petty insurrections, which may be
+    always easily quelled, and which will probably cease of themselves, when
+    the army by which they were excited is cut off. For this end, let it be
+    your rule, to keep your army undivided, and to make no motion but
+    towards the enemies; fight them with the utmost expedition before they
+    can fortify themselves, or receive reinforcements from the continent. By
+    the observation of this plain method of operation, continued he, I will
+    engage, without any other force than the regiments generally stationed
+    about the capital, to put a stop to any troops that shall be landed on
+    the coast of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So far was this great officer, who was acquainted with the whole art of
+    war, from sinking into astonishment at the sound of an invasion, and so
+    far from thinking it necessary that the nation should be harassed by
+    standing troops, to preserve it from being plundered by a foreign army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though our troops, sir, should not be necessary to prevent an
+    invasion, they may be useful in services of equal importance; the
+    ministry may think the suffrages of the officers more serviceable than
+    their swords, and may be more afraid of exposing themselves than the
+    nation by any detachment of their forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is, at present, sir, the state of this unhappy country, that
+    neither in peace nor war are any measures taken, but with a view of
+    increasing or confirming the power of the ministry; for this purpose
+    those troops whose officers have seats here, are to be retained at home,
+    and the fate of our American settlements to be committed to new-levied
+    forces, without military skill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason is an army to be raised without necessity, and raised in
+    a manner that may furnish the court with an opportunity of extending its
+    influence, by the disposal of great numbers of new commissions. By this
+    plan every family that is burdened with a relation whose vices have
+    ruined his fortune, or whose stupidity disqualifies him for employment,
+    will have an opportunity of selling, for a commission, its interest at
+    the approaching election; dependence will be propagated, and the
+    troublesome spirit of liberty be depressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To little purpose will it be objected, that soldiers and officers will
+    be equally ignorant, that discipline is not infused instantaneously,
+    that a military dress will not make a soldier, that men can only know
+    their duty by instruction, and that nothing is to be hoped from
+    ploughmen and manufacturers, commanded by schoolboys. The success of the
+    expedition is not so much considered by those who have the direction of
+    the levies, as that of the election, and while they keep their posts,
+    they are very little concerned about the affairs of America.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In defence of this method, it has, indeed, been affirmed, that it was
+    preferred by the duke of MARLBOROUGH; but we are not informed to whom,
+    or upon what occasion he declared his opinion, and, therefore, are left
+    at liberty to doubt, whether his authority is not produced for a method
+    which he did not approve, or approved only at some particular time for
+    some extraordinary service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is urged, that he recommended it by his practice, and that his
+    success is a sufficient proof that his practice was founded upon right
+    maxims. But if it be remembered what was, in that time, the method of
+    obtaining commissions, and who it was that had the disposal of them, it
+    will appear not absolutely certain, that his practice ought to be
+    produced as a decisive proof of his opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the success of troops be properly urged as an argument for the form
+    of their establishment, may not the victories of prince Eugene afford a
+    proof, equally convincing, that a few officers are sufficient? And if
+    the arguments which arise from success are equal on both sides, ought
+    not the necessity of saving the publick money to turn the balance?
+</p>
+<p>
+    War, sir, is in its own nature a calamity very grievous to the most
+    powerful and flourishing people, and to a trading nation is particularly
+    destructive, as it at once exhausts our wealth, and interrupts our
+    commerce, at once drinks up the stream and chokes up the fountain. In
+    those countries whose affairs are wholly transacted within their own
+    frontiers, where there is either very little money, or where their
+    wealth is dug out of their own mines, they are only weakened by the loss
+    of men, or by the diminution of their dominions, and, in general, can
+    only suffer by being overcome.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the state of Britain is far different; it is not necessary to our
+    ruin that an enemy should be stronger than ourselves, that he should be
+    able to pour armies into our country, to cover the sea with fleets, to
+    burn our villages by incursions, or destroy our fortresses with bombs;
+    for he that can secure his own dominions from our attacks, to which
+    nothing but distance and some advantages of situation are necessary, may
+    support a war against us, and he that can fit out privateers to
+    interrupt our trade, may, without obtaining a victory, reduce us to
+    distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our situation, sir, as it preserves us from the danger of an invasion,
+    except from that powerful monarch, the pretender, who is, indeed, always
+    to be dreaded, has, likewise, the effect of securing other nations from
+    being invaded by us; for it is very difficult to transport in one fleet,
+    and to land at one time, a number sufficient to force their way into a
+    country where the ports are fortified, and the inhabitants in arms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our wars, sir, are, therefore, to be determined by naval battles, and
+    those nations have very little to fear from us who have no trade to be
+    disturbed, and no navies to be destroyed; if they can only fit out
+    cruisers, which may always be done by granting commissions to foreign
+    adventurers, they may ruin our merchants by captures, exhaust the nation
+    by the necessity of convoys, and give neutral traders an opportunity of
+    establishing their credit at those markets which have been, hitherto,
+    supplied by our manufactures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, indeed, far from being at present an exact account of the state
+    of Spain, whose wide-extended dominions are liable to insults, and from
+    whom many of her most wealthy provinces may be torn without great hazard
+    or difficulty. The particular state of her commerce, which, being only
+    carried on from one part of her dominions to another, can only be for a
+    time interrupted, but is in no danger of being invaded by any rival, or
+    lost by disuse, at least requires our consideration, and we ought to
+    make war with the utmost frugality, against a people whom no hostilities
+    can really impoverish, whose commerce may be said to lie at rest rather
+    than to be shackled, as it will rise into greater vigour at the end of
+    the war, and whose treasures, though the want of them is a present
+    inconvenience, are only piled up for a time of security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the only method, sir, of reducing this nation, must be that of
+    invading its colonies, and dismembering its provinces, by which the
+    chief persons will be deprived of their revenues, and a general
+    discontent be spread over the people, the forces which are levied for
+    this expedition, an expedition on which so much of the honour of our
+    arms and the prosperity of our trade must necessarily depend, ought to
+    be selected with the greatest care, and disciplined with the exactest
+    regularity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, therefore, it is surely improper to employ troops
+    newly collected from shops and villages, and yet more irrational to
+    trust them to the direction of boys called on this occasion from the
+    frolicks of a school, or forced from the bosoms of their mothers, and
+    the softness of the nursery. It is not without compassion, compassion
+    very far extended, that I consider the unhappy striplings doomed to a
+    camp, from whom the sun has hitherto been screened, and the wind
+    excluded, who have been taught, by many tender lectures, the
+    unwholesomeness of the evening mists and the morning dews, who have been
+    wrapt in furs in winter, and cooled with fans in summer, who have lived
+    without any fatigue but that of dress, or any care but that of their
+    complexion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who can forbear, sir, some degree of sympathy, when he sees animals like
+    these taking their last farewell of the maid that has fed them with
+    sweetmeats, and defended them from insects; when he sees them drest up
+    in the habiliments of soldiers, loaded with a sword, and invested with a
+    command, not to mount the guard at the palace, nor to display their lace
+    at a review; not to protect ladies at the door of an assembly room, nor
+    to show their intrepidity at a country fair, but to enter into a kind of
+    fellowship with the rugged sailor, to hear the tumult of a storm, to
+    sustain the change of climates, and to be set on shore in an enemy's
+    dominions?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, he that can see such spectacles without sorrow, must have
+    hardened his heart beyond the common degrees of cruelty, and it may
+    reasonably be expected, that he who can propose any method by which such
+    hardships may be escaped, will be thought entitled to gratitude and
+    praise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I should imagine, sir, that an easy method might be
+    discovered of obviating such misery, without lessening that number of
+    officers, which, perhaps, in opposition to reason and experience, some
+    gentlemen will continue to think necessary, and hope that this may be no
+    improper time to declare my opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have observed, that for some time no private centinel has ever risen
+    to any rank above that of a serjeant, and that commissions have been
+    reserved as rewards for other services than those of the camp. This
+    procedure I cannot but think at once impolitick and unjust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impolitick, sir, as it has a natural tendency to extinguish in the
+    soldiery all emulation and all industry. Soldiers have an equal genius
+    with other men, and undoubtedly there might be found among them great
+    numbers capable of learning and of improving the military sciences; but
+    they have, likewise, the same love of ease, and the desire of honour and
+    of profit, and will not condemn themselves to labour without the
+    prospect of reward, nor sacrifice their time to the attainment of that
+    knowledge, which can have no other effect than to make them discover the
+    stupidity of their commanders, and render their obedience more
+    difficult, as it will destroy that reverence which is necessary to
+    subordination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is unjust, sir, because it is not to be doubted, that some soldiers,
+    by the natural force of their faculties, or by a laudable activity of
+    mind, have extended their knowledge beyond the duties of a private
+    station; and he that excels in his profession, has an equitable claim to
+    distinction and preferment. To advance any man in the army, because his
+    father is an orator in the senate, or the chief inhabitant of a borough,
+    seems not more rational, than to make another man a judge, because some
+    of his ancestors were skilled in gunnery; nor would the lawyers have
+    juster reasons for complaint in one case, than the soldiers in the
+    other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, necessary to the advancement of
+    military knowledge, that, as a centinel is, for excelling in his
+    profession, advanced to the degree of a serjeant, the serjeant, who
+    continues his application, and performs his duty, should, in time, be
+    honoured with a commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be objected, indeed, that serjeants, though they are skilful
+    commanders in war, can very seldom arrive at any remarkable skill in
+    politicks, and though they should be so fortunate as to gain estates,
+    could never be of any use as the representatives of a borough; and to
+    what purpose should those men be advanced, who can only serve their
+    country, but can contribute very little to the support of the court?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, I own, sir, an objection, which I despair of answering to the
+    satisfaction of those by whom it will be raised. The hardy serjeant
+    would never cringe gracefully at a levee, would never attain to any
+    successful degree of address in soliciting votes; and if he should by
+    mere bribery be deputed hither, would be unable to defend the conduct of
+    his directors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In vindication of the present scheme, I believe few of those rugged
+    warriours would find many arguments; they would not recommend to the
+    nation a troop of boys, under the command of boys, as the most proper
+    forces to be sent to make conquests in distant countries, nor would
+    imagine, that unskilful soldiers could, under the direction of officers
+    equally ignorant with themselves, attain the knowledge of their duty in
+    the same time as if they were incorporated with regular troops, in which
+    every man might receive instructions, and learn his business from his
+    comrade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I had lately, sir, the opportunity of hearing the opinion of one of the
+    greatest generals in the world, on this subject, who declared, with the
+    utmost confidence of certainty, that raw troops could be disciplined in
+    a short time, only by being incorporated with those that had been
+    already taught their duty, and asserted, that with an army so mixed, he
+    should think himself sufficiently enabled to meet any forces of the same
+    number, and should not fear to acquit himself successfully, either in
+    attacking or defending.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the sentiments of this great man, to whom I know not whether
+    any name can be opposed that deserves equally to be reverenced. He has
+    had the honour of defending the rights of his country in the senate as
+    well as in the field, has signalized himself equally in the debate and
+    in the battle, and, perhaps, deserves less regard for having hazarded
+    his life, than for having been divested of his employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Since, therefore, it is apparent that great numbers of officers are by
+    no means necessary to success in war, since they are dangerous to our
+    liberty in time of peace, since they are certainly expensive, and at
+    best not certainly useful; and since the greatest general of the present
+    age has declared, that our new levies ought to be mingled with our
+    standing forces, I shall think it my duty to vote against the present
+    scheme of raising new regiments, and shall agree to no other supplies
+    than such as may be sufficient for adding the same numbers to the
+    present army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot pretend to
+    pursue the honourable gentleman through the whole compass of his
+    argument, nor shall attempt to stand up as his rival, either in extent
+    of knowledge, or elegance of language, yet as my course of life has
+    necessarily furnished me with some observations relating to the question
+    before us, and my present station in the army may, in some measure, be
+    said to make it my duty to declare my opinion, I shall lay before the
+    house a few considerations, with the artless simplicity of a plain
+    soldier, without engaging in a formal debate, or attempting to overthrow
+    the arguments of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is observed, sir, that for the greatest part, the farther any man has
+    advanced in life, the less confidence he places in speculation, and the
+    more he learns to rest upon experience, as the only sure guide in human
+    affairs; and as the transactions in which he is engaged are more
+    important, with the greater anxiety does he inquire after precedents,
+    and the more timorously does he proceed, when he is obliged to regulate
+    his conduct by conjecture or by deliberation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This remark, sir, though it may be just with regard to all states of
+    life, is yet more constantly and certainly applicable to that of the
+    soldier; because, as his profession is more hazardous than any other, he
+    must with more caution guard against miscarriages and errours. The old
+    soldier, therefore, very rarely ventures beyond the verge of experience,
+    unless in compliance with particular accidents, which does not make any
+    change in his general scheme, or in situations where nothing can
+    preserve him but some new stratagem or unprecedented effort, which are
+    not to be mentioned as part of his original plan of operation, because
+    they are produced always by unforeseen emergencies, and are to be
+    imputed, not to choice, but to necessity; for, in consequence of my
+    first principle, an old soldier never willingly involves himself in
+    difficulties, or proceeds in such a manner as that he may not expect
+    success by the regular operations of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not, therefore, be strange, if I, who, having served in the
+    army, in the wars of king William, may justly claim the title of an old
+    soldier, should not easily depart from the methods established in my
+    youth; methods of which their effects have shown me, that they at least
+    answer the intention for which they were contrived, and which,
+    therefore, I shall be afraid of rejecting, lest those which it is
+    proposed to substitute in their place, however probable in speculation,
+    should be found defective in practice, and the reasonings, which,
+    indeed, I cannot answer, should be confuted in the field, where
+    eloquence has very little power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The troops of Britain, formed according to the present establishment,
+    have been found successful; they have preserved the liberties of Europe,
+    and driven the armies of France before them; they have appeared equally
+    formidable in sieges and in battles, and with strength equally
+    irresistible have pressed forward in the field, and mounted the breach.
+    It may be urged, that this vigour, alacrity, and success, cannot be
+    proved to have been produced by the number of officers by whom they were
+    commanded; but since, on the contrary, it cannot be shown that the
+    number of officers did not contribute to their victories, I think it not
+    prudent to try the experiment, which, if it should succeed, as it
+    possibly may, would produce no great advantage; and if it should fail,
+    and that it may fail no man will deny, must bring upon us, not only the
+    expense which we are so solicitous to avoid, but disgrace and losses, a
+    long interruption of our trade, and the slaughter of great numbers of
+    our fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus far, sir, I have proceeded upon a supposition that the balance of
+    argument is equal on both sides, and that nothing could be alleged on
+    one part but experience, or objected to the other but the want of it;
+    but as I am now called to declare my opinion in a question relating to
+    my profession, a question of great importance to the publick, I should
+    think that I had not discharged my duty to my country with that fidelity
+    which may justly be exacted from me, if I should omit any observation
+    that my memory may suggest, by which the house may be better enabled to
+    proceed in this inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, therefore, proper to declare, that we not only, in the last
+    great war, experienced the usefulness of numerous officers, but that we
+    have likewise felt the want of them on a signal occasion, and that the
+    only great advantage which our enemies obtained, was gained over an army
+    rendered weak by the want of the usual number of officers. Such were the
+    forces that were defeated at the fatal battle of Almanza, by which
+    almost all Spain was recovered from us. And it is, sir, the opinion of
+    very skilful commanders, that the Germans, only by having fewer officers
+    than the French, did not succeed in those long and obstinate battles of
+    Parma and Guastalla.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, indeed, natural to imagine, that a greater number of officers
+    must promote success, because courage is kindled by example, and it is,
+    therefore, of use to every man to have his leader in his view. Shame, at
+    one time, and affection at another, may produce the effects of courage
+    where it is wanted, and those may follow their commander, who are
+    inclined to desert their duty; for it is seldom known that, while the
+    officers appear confident, the soldiers despair, or that they think of
+    retreating but after the example of their leaders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Where there are only few officers, it is apparent that more is left to
+    chance, in which it becomes not a wise man to place any confidence; for
+    if the officers are killed at the beginning of the action, the soldiers
+    must become an useless, defenceless herd, without order, without
+    unanimity, and without design; but by the present method, if an officer
+    happens to fall, his place is immediately supplied by another, the
+    action goes forward, and the enemy receives no advantage from confusion
+    or delay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore of opinion, that in raising troops for the expedition
+    now intended, the established method ought to be followed, and that we
+    ought not to hazard the success of our attempt by new regulations, of
+    which no human sagacity can fortell the event.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it cannot be denied, that some addition might be made to our
+    companies without any visible or certain inconvenience, yet the
+    augmentation now intended is too numerous to be so incorporated without
+    some neglect of discipline, as the officers would be charged with more
+    men than they could properly superintend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is, indeed, sir, another method of incorporation, by adding new
+    companies to each regiment; but of this method the advantage would be
+    small, because the number of captains and inferiour officers must be the
+    same, and the pay of only the field officers would be saved, and this
+    trifling gain would be far over-balanced by the inconveniencies which
+    experience has shown to arise from it. There have been regiments formed
+    of thirteen companies, instead of ten; but it was found, that as the
+    officers of a company may be over-charged with soldiers, a colonel may
+    likewise have more companies than he can conveniently inspect, and the
+    ancient regulation was restored, as the least liable to difficulties and
+    objections.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the manner in which our new troops
+    are proposed to be levied, it may be expected that I should now make
+    some observations on the service in which they are to be employed, which
+    I cannot think liable to any unanswerable objection. It is now, sir, in
+    our choice whether we will send the new regiments abroad or keep them at
+    home; and our choice may easily be determined by comparing the value of
+    our colonies with that of their mother country. If it be not necessary
+    to have any army here to defend us against insults and invasions, the
+    question about the manner of raising or employing new regiments is
+    superfluous, because none ought to be raised, as our old troops are
+    sufficiently numerous for foreign service. But if the security of the
+    nation requires an army, would it not be madness to send those troops to
+    a distant part of the world, in which we can confide most! Would not
+    those, who speak with such contempt of an expedition undertaken by boys,
+    have a better reason for their censure, if only boys were stationed on
+    our coasts to repel the veterans of France? Would not such measures
+    animate our enemies, and invite an invasion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, perhaps, be urged farther, that the troops which are sent into
+    America, are more likely to succeed in their design, than any regiment
+    of ancient establishment. The chief danger to be feared in that part of
+    the world, is not from the enemy but the climate, with which young men
+    are most able to contend, though they may not be equally qualified for
+    attempts in which skill is equally necessary with vigour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am convinced, sir, that this war has hitherto been prosecuted with
+    ardour and fidelity, and that no measures have been taken but such as
+    experience and reason have supported, and therefore affirm, without
+    scruple, that if we are not successful, our miscarriages must be imputed
+    to the chance of war, from which no prudence can exempt us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord QUARENDON spoke next, in the following manner, being his first
+    speech:&mdash;Sir, having-but very lately had the honour of a seat in this
+    assembly, I am conscious how little I am acquainted with either the
+    subjects or forms of debate, and should, therefore, continue to listen
+    to the sentiments of persons more experienced, with silent veneration,
+    did I not observe with how much indulgence they are heard who mean well,
+    however deficient in knowledge, or in eloquence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the honourable gentleman who spoke last, sir, professes to have
+    formed his opinion rather from facts than arguments, I hope I shall be
+    indulged by the house, in an attempt to examine those facts which he has
+    produced, because I think them not sufficient to support his positions,
+    which must, therefore, be established by some other proofs, before a
+    decision of this question can be fixed by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to his experience, to which undoubtedly no small degree of
+    veneration is due, he confesses that we have tried only one of the two
+    forms of establishment now in competition, and that, therefore, though
+    he has had reason to approve that with which he is most acquainted, he
+    has no certain proofs of the inefficacy or imperfection of the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But experience, sir, may be extended much farther than our own personal
+    transactions, and may very justly comprehend those observations which we
+    have had opportunities of making upon the conduct and success of others.
+    This gentleman, though he has only commanded in the armies of Britain,
+    has seen the forces of other nations, has remarked their regulations,
+    and heard of their actions with our confederates in the last war; he has
+    probably acted in conjunction, and though it is known that they differ
+    from us in the proportion of soldiers and officers, he has mentioned no
+    disadvantage which might be supposed to arise from their establishment,
+    and therefore, I suppose, he cannot deny that their behaviour and
+    success was the same with that of our own troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The battles of Almanza, Parma, and Guastalla, which he has particularly
+    mentioned, were lost, as he informs us, by armies not officered
+    according to the establishment which he recommends to us: but it is
+    observable that his argument is defective in an essential part; for
+    though he affirms that the armies which were defeated had fewer officers
+    than the enemy, he has neither shown, nor attempted to show, that the
+    want of officers occasioned the defeat, or that the loss would have been
+    prevented by a greater number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These instances, therefore, can be of no effect on the determination of
+    the present question; for though it is certain that at Germany, and at
+    other places, armies with few officers have lost the battle, it is not
+    less common for those troops that are more liberally supplied, to be
+    overthrown by others which are differently modelled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the troops of Germany, I have heard them praised,
+    in many parts of Europe, as not inferiour either to those of France, or
+    of any other nation, and have been informed, that their ill success,
+    both at Parma and Guastalla, may be justly imputed to other causes than
+    the want of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There has, perhaps, sir, seldom been an example of firmness, discipline,
+    and resolution, beyond that which was shown by the Germans at the action
+    of Parma, where they attacked the trenches of the French, sustained the
+    fire of the ramparts of the city, and though they lost their
+    commander-in-chief and two others, towards the beginning of the action,
+    they continued the fight for eleven hours, and at last retired only at
+    the approach of night.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At Guastalla, sir, they attacked the French in their trenches, even with
+    forces inferiour in number, so far were they from any diffidence in the
+    form of their establishment; and after a fight of seven hours, in which
+    their loss was, under all their disadvantages, not greater than that of
+    their enemies, they retreated to their former camp unmolested and
+    unpursued. The French, sir, were preserved in both these battles, not by
+    the number of their officers, but by their situation, by woods,
+    cassines, ditches, and intrenchments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I discover, sir, what can be inferred from his observation of the
+    influence of example in time of action, but that officers should be
+    selected with great care, and not be promoted by favour, or interest, or
+    caprice; for an example of cowardice in a leader must be pernicious, in
+    proportion as that of bravery is beneficial; and as, where more officers
+    are supposed necessary, there is less room for choice, it must be
+    allowed that the troops, which have more officers than other forces, are
+    in more danger of being infected with cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, to me that the expense of the present
+    establishment is a certain evil, and that the advantages are very
+    doubtful: it appears that the present state of the nation requires
+    frugality, and, therefore, I shall vote for the incorporation of our new
+    levies with the old regiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this incorporation, sir, our new-levied troops will be no longer
+    distinguished from our veterans; they will be equally acquainted with
+    discipline, and will learn, from the conversation of their associates, a
+    spirit of enterprise, and a contempt of danger; we may then employ
+    forces equally formidable in all parts of the publick service, and
+    invade the dominions of our enemies, without leaving our own country
+    desolate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The arguments which the honourable gentleman has offered in defence of
+    sending our younger troops to America, which may likewise be used
+    against an incorporation, is, in my opinion, sir, far from being
+    conclusive; for it supposes, what will not be granted, that a cold
+    climate may be changed for a hotter with more safety by a young than an
+    old man. I have been told, on the contrary, that superabundant heat is
+    the great disease of youth, and that the want of it produces most of the
+    infirmities of age; and every one has known the lives of persons
+    languishing with age, prolonged by a removal into warm countries. I am,
+    therefore, of opinion, that the honourable gentleman's argument is
+    defective in all its parts, and hope that I shall not be charged with
+    obstinacy or perverseness for dissenting from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HOWE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, before I engage in a
+    discussion of the question, I cannot but think it necessary to observe,
+    that the honourable gentleman who spoke the second in this debate, has
+    been very far from consulting either policy or justice in his
+    declamation, and that he deviated from the subject only to ridicule his
+    country, to exalt our enemies, and depress our efforts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has described, sir, the British youth, the sons of noble families,
+    and the hopes of the nation, in terms too contemptuous to be heard
+    without indignation; he has amused himself with displaying their
+    ignorance and their effeminacy, and has indulged his imagination in a
+    malignant kind of gaiety, which, however it may divert himself, is very
+    far from contributing either to the reformation or prevention of those
+    practices which he censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, it will be granted, that nothing ought to please but in
+    proportion to its propriety and truth; and, if we try the satire that we
+    have lately heard, by this test, it will be found to have very little
+    claim to applause; for our armies must be composed of the youth of the
+    nation; and, for my part, I cannot discover what advantage we shall gain
+    over the Spaniards, by informing them how little our troops are
+    accustomed to danger, how short a time they have been acquainted with
+    fatigue, how tenderly they have been nursed, how easily they may be
+    frighted, and how certainly they will be conquered, if they but meet
+    with opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, is such an account of the youth of Britain more true, in my
+    opinion, than it is prudent. I am far from discovering any such
+    remarkable degeneracy in the age, or any great prevalence of cowardice
+    and unmanly delicacy; nor do I doubt of hearing that our youth, if they
+    are sent upon any expedition, have shown that the British courage is not
+    yet extinguished, and that, if they are ranged on the plains of America,
+    they will discover themselves the sons of those that forced those
+    passes, and those trenches, that other troops would have failed in
+    attempting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the degeneracy of the British youth, is, at least, not universal,
+    we have just now sir, received an incontestable proof from the gentleman
+    who spoke last, and spoke with so much elegance of language, and
+    justness of reasoning, as shows, that there are to be found, among the
+    youth of Britain, persons very well qualified for the senate; and I have
+    never heard that a post in the army required greater abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pleasure, however, with which I have attended to his remarks, has
+    not so far prejudiced me in favour of his opinion, as that I shall
+    easily consent to change that method of discipline, to which our troops
+    have been accustomed, and of which we know by experience, that it is, at
+    least, not less efficacious than that of any other nation. Customs, if
+    they are not bad, are not to be changed, because it is an argument in
+    favour of a practice that the people have experienced it, and approved
+    it, and every change is disagreeable to those who judge only by
+    prejudice, of whom I need not say how great is the number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many arguments may, sir, in my opinion, be added to our experience in
+    favour of the present establishment. The number of officers&mdash;but I find
+    myself unable to pursue my design, because I can no longer read my
+    notes, which, being written by another hand, somewhat embarrass me in
+    this decline of the light. I shall, therefore, only make some
+    observations upon the speech of the gentleman who spoke the second in
+    this debate, and hope that I shall be allowed to deviate from the
+    principal question, since I do it only in pursuit of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has observed, that our troopers are mounted upon horses that are of
+    no use; a remark, sir, which I never heard from any other person, and
+    for which, I believe, no authority can be produced: they are mounted,
+    indeed, upon horses very different from those which are used by other
+    nations, because scarcely any other country breeds horses of equal size
+    and strength, and, therefore, I am informed that the French have
+    purchased horses from this island, and believe that all the cavalry of
+    Europe would be mounted upon our horses if they could procure them. I
+    have been informed, that their pressure in the shock of battle is such,
+    as no forces in the world are able to sustain; and that it was not less
+    by the strength of our horses than the spirit of our soldiers, that the
+    squadrons of France were, in the battle of Blenheim, pushed into the
+    Danube.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I less disapprove his censure of the choice which has been made
+    of the troops intended for the American service, which, though I
+    ardently desire its success, I cannot think of equal importance with the
+    defence of our own country; for though we may be disgraced by a defeat,
+    we can be endangered only by an invasion; and, therefore, I think it
+    necessary to retain those troops on which we may best rely for the
+    security of this island, lest our enemies should take the advantage of
+    their absence, and set the pretender on the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE next rose, and spoke to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, it
+    is a standing maxim, both in private life and public transactions, that
+    no man can obtain great advantages who is afraid of petty
+    inconveniencies; and that he that will hope to obtain his end without
+    expense, will languish for ever in fruitless wishes, and have the
+    mortification of seeing the adventurous and the liberal enjoy that
+    felicity, which, though it is within his reach, he is afraid of seizing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the depredations of the Spaniards became first the subject of our
+    debates, nothing was heard amongst us but threats of vengeance, demands
+    of reparation, assertions of sovereignty, and resolutions to obtain
+    security: the importance of our commerce, the necessity of rigorous
+    measures, the danger of pusillanimity, the meanness of negotiation, and
+    the disadvantages of delay, were thundered from every part of the house.
+    Every man seemed to imagine that there was no mean between victory and
+    ruin, and that not to humble Spain was to betray our country to insults,
+    ignominy, and slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Far was I then, sir, from suspecting, that when the war, thus vehemently
+    urged, should be declared, that the prosecution of it would produce any
+    debates. I doubted not but that every man would be desirous of
+    signalizing his zeal for the prosperity of commerce, by expediting the
+    supplies, and forwarding the preparations; and that the only contention
+    among us would be, who should appear the most ardent enemy of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But no sooner are hostilities begun against this insolent and oppressive
+    nation, than those who expressed most resentment at the prudence and
+    moderation by which they were delayed, those that accused every attempt
+    for an accommodation, of cowardice, and charged the ministry with
+    conniving at the rapine of pirates, begin to inquire into the necessity
+    of the expenses occasioned by the war, to harangue on the advantages of
+    parsimony, and to think it of more importance to ease our taxes than to
+    subdue our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In pursuance of this new doctrine they are now endeavouring to embarrass
+    the measures of his majesty, that they may save, according to their own
+    computation, only thirty thousand pounds, which, in reality, I can
+    easily show to be no more than fifteen thousand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the sake of this important sum, our army is to be modelled by a new
+    regulation, and the success of the war is to be impeded, the security of
+    our commerce to be hazarded, and our colonies are to be endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality is, undoubtedly, a virtue, but is, like others, to be
+    practised on proper occasions: to compute expenses with a scrupulous
+    nicety, in time of war, is to prefer money to safety, and, by a very
+    perverse kind of policy, to hazard the whole for the preservation of a
+    part.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentlemen, sir, who have most endeavoured to distinguish themselves
+    as the constant opponents of the administration, have charged it, on all
+    occasions, with giving encouragement to the Spaniards, but can charge it
+    with nothing so likely to raise the confidence and confirm the obstinacy
+    of the enemy, as the objections which they themselves have made to the
+    present scheme of levying forces; for to how great a degree of poverty
+    must they believe that nation reduced, of which the warmest patriots
+    struggle to save a sum so inconsiderable, by an experiment of so much
+    uncertainty? And how easily will the Spaniards promise themselves, that
+    they shall gain the victory only by obliging us to continue in a state
+    of war, a state which, by our own confession, we are not able to
+    support?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had any other argument, sir, been produced than the necessity of
+    parsimony, it had been less dangerous to have agreed to this new scheme;
+    but to adopt it only for the sake of sparing fifteen thousand pounds,
+    would be to make ourselves contemptible, to intimidate our allies, and
+    to unite all those against us, who are inclined to trample on misery,
+    and to plunder weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am inclined to judge so favourably, sir, of the intentions of those
+    whom I am now opposing, that I believe they have only used this
+    argument, because they were able to produce no other, and that if either
+    reason or experience had been on their side, the poverty of the nation
+    had not been mentioned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman, who has been so long engaged in military
+    employments, has shown that all our success has been obtained by the
+    present establishment, and that the battle in which we suffered most,
+    was lost by our unfortunate deficiency of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do his reasons, sir, however modestly offered, deserve less regard
+    than his experience, for he has shown that a greater number of officers
+    naturally contribute to preserve discipline, and excite courage; and it
+    is not necessary that a man should be much a soldier to discover, that
+    discipline and courage united, must generally prevail. To the examples
+    which he has produced in favour of his opinion, it has been objected,
+    that victories equally wonderful have been gained with fewer officers,
+    and, by the honourable gentleman that spoke the second on this occasion,
+    the actions of Eugene were opposed to those of the duke of MARLBOROUGH.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That victories have been gained by troops differently regulated, I
+    cannot deny; victories have likewise been gained, sir, under every
+    circumstance of disadvantage; victories have been gained by inferiour
+    numbers, and by raw troops, over veteran armies, yet no prudent general
+    ever produced these instances as arguments against the usefulness of
+    discipline, or as proofs that superiority of numbers was no advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The success of prince Eugene, in the late war, was far from convincing
+    the British general, that the German establishment was preferable to our
+    own; for he required that the Hessian troops, which were paid by
+    Britain, should be officered like our national troops. In this he could
+    be influenced only by his own opinion; for he neither nominated their
+    officers, nor could advance his interest at home by creating new posts
+    to which he did not recommend; he could, therefore, only regard the
+    success of the war, and changed their model only because he thought it
+    defective.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Germans themselves, sir, are far from imagining that their armies
+    might not be made more formidable by approaching nearer to the British
+    methods; for one of their officers, a man of great reputation and
+    experience, has informed me, that they were convinced of their defect,
+    and that nothing hindered them from adding more officers, but the fear
+    of expenses; that they imputed all their defeats to the necessity of
+    parsimony, that their men wanted not courage but leaders, and that their
+    enemies gained advantages merely by the superiority of their opulence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the late war, it was common for the auxiliary troops, when they were
+    sent upon any expedition of importance, to be supplied with officers
+    either from their other regiments, or by the British forces; so
+    necessary did the duke of MARLBOROUGH think a larger number of officers
+    in time of action, that where he could not alter the establishment, he
+    deviated from the common methods of war, and transferred his officers
+    occasionally into troops over which they had no settled authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, most evident, sir, that the model on which our troops
+    are formed, was, by this great commander, preferred to that which is now
+    so warmly recommended, and I know not why we should recede from his
+    practice, if we are desirous of his success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I discover, sir, any better method of selecting officers than
+    that which has of late been followed, however some may censure or
+    ridicule it. To advance gentlemen to command, seems to be the most
+    likely way to unite authority with rank, for no man willingly obeys
+    those to whom he has lately seen himself equal, or whose conduct in
+    lower stations he has, perhaps, had opportunities of examining too
+    nearly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The distinction of birth, however chimerical in itself, has been so long
+    admitted, and so universally received, that it is generally imagined to
+    confer on one man an indelible and evident superiority over another, a
+    superiority, which those who would easily imagine themselves equal in
+    merit cannot deny, and which they allow more willingly, because, though
+    it be an advantage to possess it, to want it cannot be justly considered
+    as a reproach.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, men cheerfully obey those to whom their birth
+    seems to have subjected them, without any scrupulous inquiries into
+    their virtue or abilities; they have been taught from their childhood to
+    consider them as placed in a higher rank than themselves, and are,
+    therefore, not disgusted at any transient bursts of impatience, or
+    sudden starts of caprice, which would produce, at least, resentment,
+    and, perhaps, mutiny, in men newly exalted from a low station. The more
+    attentively, sir, we look upon the world, the more strongly shall we be
+    convinced of the truth of these assertions, and the more evidently shall
+    we discover the influence which operates, in a degree scarcely credible,
+    even to those who have experienced its power, and which is, indeed, one
+    of the chief means of subordination, by which society is held together.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are officers of birth, sir, to be preferred to men who are
+    recommended by nothing but military service, only because they are more
+    cheerfully obeyed, but for another reason of equal importance. It has
+    been observed, that, in reality, they discharge the duty of commanders
+    in a manner more likely to preserve dignity and increase reverence; that
+    they discover, on all occasions, a sense of honour, and dread of
+    disgrace, which are not easily to be found in a mind contracted by a
+    mean education, and depressed by long habits of subjection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, sir, universally and unvariably certain, that a man,
+    raised from meanness and poverty, will be insolent and oppressive; nor
+    do I doubt but there are many now languishing in obscurity, whose
+    abilities might add new lustre to the highest honours, and whose
+    integrity would very faithfully discharge the most important trust, and
+    in their favour, wherever they can be discovered, some exceptions ought
+    to be made; but as general rules are generally to be followed, as well
+    in military regulations as other transactions, it will be found, upon
+    the exactest inquiry, by no means improper to advance gentlemen to posts
+    of command rather than private sentinels, however skilful or courageous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is to be considered, sir, that the present state of the continent,
+    has for many years made it necessary to support an army, even when we
+    are not engaged in an actual war; that this army, though of late it has,
+    for the ease of the people, been sometimes encamped during the summer,
+    is, for the greatest part, quartered in towns, and mingled with the rest
+    of the community, but governed, at the same time, by the officers, and
+    subject to the martial law. It has often been observed by those who have
+    argued against standing forces, that this difference of government makes
+    different societies, which do not combine in the same interest, nor much
+    favour one another; and it is, indeed, certain, that feuds are sometimes
+    produced, that when any private quarrel happens, either by drunkenness
+    or accident, or claims really disputable, between a soldier and any
+    other, person, each applies for support and assistance to those in the
+    same condition with himself, the cause becomes general, and the soldiers
+    and townsmen are not easily restrained from blows and bloodshed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is true, likewise, that the rhetorick of the patriots has been so
+    efficacious, that their arguments have been so clamorously echoed, and
+    their weekly productions so diligently dispersed, that a great part of
+    the nation, as men always willingly admit what will produce immediate
+    ease or advantage, believes the army to be an useless burden imposed
+    upon the people for the support of the ministry; that the landlord,
+    therefore, looks upon the soldier as an intruder forced into his house,
+    and rioting in sloth at his expense; and the farmer and manufacturer
+    have learned to call the army the vermin of the land, the caterpillars
+    of the nation, the devourers of other men's industry, the enemies of
+    liberty, and the slaves of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be supposed, sir, that the soldiers entertain the same
+    ideas of their profession, or that they do not conceive themselves
+    injured by such representations: they undoubtedly consider themselves as
+    the bulwark of their country, as men selected for the defence of the
+    rest of the community, as those who have engaged, at the hazard of their
+    lives, to repel invasion, and repress rebellion, and who contribute more
+    than their part to the general felicity, by securing property, and
+    preventing danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be doubted, sir, but sentiments so widely different, must
+    produce an equal contrariety of claims, and diversity of conduct: the
+    trader imagines, that the man who subsists upon the taxes which are
+    raised only from his labour, ought to consider himself as his inferiour,
+    at least, if not as his hireling and his servant; the soldier wonders
+    how he can ever conceive himself sufficiently grateful to him that has
+    devoted his life to his defence, and to whom he must fly for protection
+    whenever danger shall approach him, and concludes, that he has an
+    incontestable right to the better part of that, of which the
+    preservation of the whole depends upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus does self-love magnify every man in his own eyes, and so
+    differently will men determine when each is to judge in his own cause.
+    Which of these competitors thinks most justly of his own station and
+    character, or whether both are not mistaken in their opinion, I think it
+    by no means necessary to decide. This, at least, is evident, that to
+    preserve peace and harmony between two bodies of men obliged to live
+    together with sentiments so opposite, there is required an uncommon
+    degree of prudence, moderation, and knowledge of mankind, which is
+    chiefly to be exerted on the part of the soldiers, because they are
+    subject to more rigorous command, and are more easily governed by the
+    authority of their superiours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us suppose any dispute of this kind, sir, to happen where the
+    soldiers were commanded only by private sentinels, disguised in the
+    dress of officers, but retaining, what it cannot be expected that they
+    should suddenly be able to lay aside, the prejudices which they had
+    imbibed in the ranks, and all the ardour of trifling competition in
+    which their station had once engaged them. What could be expected from
+    their councils and direction? Can it be imagined that they would inquire
+    impartially into the original cause of the dispute, that they would
+    attend equally to the parties, endeavour, by mildness and candour, to
+    soften the malevolence of each, and terminate the dispute by some
+    addressful expedient, or decent accommodation? He, surely, must be very
+    little acquainted with the vulgar notions of bravery and honour, that
+    could form any hopes of such conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The plain soldier, sir, has not accustomed himself to regulate his
+    motions by reason, nor has learned any more of honour, than that it
+    consists in adhering invariably to his pretensions, even though he
+    should discover that they are false; and in resenting affronts with the
+    utmost rigour, even when they were provoked by himself, he is taught,
+    that it is his business to conquer in whatever cause, and that to desist
+    from any of his attempts, or retract any of his assertions, is unworthy
+    of a man of honour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Warm with such notions as these, sir, would such officers, as have been
+    recommended by the honourable gentleman, apply themselves to the
+    termination of differences? Without any knowledge of the laws of
+    society, without any settled ideas of the different rights of different
+    persons, they would have nothing in view but the honour of their
+    profession, nor endeavour to support it by any other method than that of
+    violence. If a soldier was affronted by a farmer, they would probably
+    lay his territories waste, and ravage his plantations like an enemy's
+    country; if another disagreed with his landlord, they would advise him
+    to <i>make good his quarters</i>, to invade the magazines of provision
+    without restraint, to force the barricadoes of the cellar, and to forage
+    in the stables without controul.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But gentlemen, sir, are proper judges of debates between the army and
+    the rest of the community, because they are equally related to both
+    parties, as men who possess or expect estates, or who are allied to
+    those whose influence arises from their property. As men bred in
+    affluence and freedom, and acquainted with the blessings of our
+    constitution, and the necessity of civil government, they cannot
+    willingly contribute to the increase of the military power, and as
+    members of the army they cannot but be desirous to support their own
+    rank, and to hinder their profession from sinking into contempt; it is,
+    therefore, their care to repress insolence on one part, and to prevent
+    oppression on the other, to stop dissensions in their beginning, and
+    reconcile all the different pretensions of Britons and soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, surprised, sir, to hear the promotion of serjeants
+    recommended by the honourable gentleman who has so often strained his
+    lungs, and exhausted his invention, to explain how much our constitution
+    is endangered by the army, how readily those men will concur in the
+    abolition of property who have nothing to lose, and how easily they may
+    be persuaded to destroy the liberties of their country, who are already
+    cut off from the enjoyment of them, who, therefore, can only behold with
+    envy and malevolence those advantages which they cannot hope to possess,
+    and which produce in them no other effects than a quicker sense of their
+    own misery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what principles, sir, any gentleman can form those notions, or with
+    what view he can so long and so studiously disperse them, it is his
+    province to explain; for the only reason that can be offered by any
+    other person for his incessant declamations, the desire of securing his
+    country from the oppression of a standing army, is now for ever
+    overthrown by this new proposal; which, if it were to be received, would
+    in a very few years produce an army proper to be employed in the
+    execution of the most detestable designs, an army that could be of no
+    other use than to gratify an ambitious prince, or a wicked ministry, as
+    it would be commanded, not by men who had lost their liberty, but by men
+    who never enjoyed it, by men who would abolish our constitution without
+    knowing that they were engaged in any criminal undertaking, who have no
+    other sense of the enjoyment of authority than that it is the power of
+    acting without controul, who have no knowledge of any other laws than
+    the commands of their superiours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To men like these, sir, to men raised up from poverty and servility to
+    rank and power, to ignorance invested with command, and to meanness
+    elated with preferment, would any real patriot, any zealous assertor of
+    liberty, any inflexible enemy to the corruptions of the ministry,
+    consign the protection of his country, and intrust to these our
+    happiness, properties, and our lives?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the honourable gentleman has changed any of the sentiments which
+    he has hitherto appeared to admit with regard to the army, whether this
+    new determination is only an instance of that inconsistency which is
+    scarcely to be avoided in the vindication of a bad cause, or whether he
+    was betrayed to it only by his hatred of the administration, which would
+    prompt him to recant his own advice, if it should happen to be approved,
+    I will not pretend to determine, but I must lament, on this occasion,
+    the entertainment which the house will lose, by the eternal cessation of
+    any harangues on the army, since he cannot now declaim on either part
+    without contradicting his former declarations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will the honourable gentleman find less difficulty in proving, that
+    justice, rather than policy, requires the promotion of Serjeants to
+    commissions. Military preferments are always at the disposal of the
+    crown, nor can any right be pretended to them, but such as arises from
+    the custom which has been generally followed in conferring them, which
+    is not only variable at pleasure, but has never been, at any time,
+    regularly observed. The order of rotation has been suffered sometimes to
+    proceed, because of two persons, otherwise equal, he that has served
+    longest may plead the most merit; but the plea of service has been
+    always overruled by birth or powerful recommendation. And though, sir,
+    it is natural for men disappointed to complain, yet as those officers,
+    whose preferment has been delayed, were not thought, in reality, to have
+    received any injury, their murmurs have been the less regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It might be expected, sir, from a patriot, a lamenter of the degeneracy
+    of mankind, and an inflexible opponent of corruption, that he should
+    consider rather facts than persons, that he should regulate his decision
+    by the unvariable principles of reason and justice, and that, therefore,
+    he should not applaud at one time what he condemns at another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this gentleman seems to have established some new maxims of conduct,
+    and, perhaps, upon new notions of morality; for he seems to imagine,
+    that his friends may seize, as their right, what his adversaries cannot
+    touch without robbery, though the claim of both be the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, to the whole army, that a noble person, whose
+    abilities are so loudly celebrated, whose virtues are so liberally
+    praised, and whose removal from his military employments is so solemnly
+    lamented as a publick calamity, obtained his first preferments by
+    pretensions very different from military merit, and that at the age only
+    of seventeen, a time of life in which, whatever might be his abilities,
+    very little prudence or experience could be expected, he was advanced to
+    the command of a regiment, and exalted above many officers whose known
+    bravery and frequent hazards entitled them to favour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not assert that he was undeservedly promoted, or condemn those who
+    either solicited or granted his commission; I maintain only, that what
+    was then reasonable and just, is not now either iniquitous or
+    ridiculous, and different persons in the same circumstances have a right
+    to the same treatment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of queen Anne, a reign, sir, which every Briton recollects
+    with so much satisfaction, and which will for ever afford examples of
+    the wisest councils, and most successful wars, when new regiments were
+    to be raised, it was far from being thought necessary to observe this
+    gentleman's favourite method of rotation; posts were filled, not with
+    the officers of other regiments, that room might be left for the
+    promotion of serjeants, but with gentlemen who had never seen a battle,
+    or learned any part of the military discipline.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though, sir, the regulation of our army be thus violently attacked,
+    the greatest crime of the ministry is, in this gentleman's opinion, that
+    of levying new troops, when we have no employment for our standing
+    forces, of laying unnecessary impositions upon the nation, and alarming
+    with the fears of an invasion, only that the army might be increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this head, sir, a declaration of the duke of MARLBOROUGH has been
+    produced, with a great pomp of circumstances, and such a seeming
+    accuracy of narration, that the attention of the house was engaged, and
+    the account was received with all the solemnity of universal silence,
+    and with the veneration due to so high an authority in a question of so
+    much importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The subject is, indeed, so worthy of regard, that I think, sir, every
+    man ought to contribute to its elucidation, and, therefore, I take the
+    liberty of adding to the honourable gentleman's relation, what I hope
+    will be heard with equal curiosity, the method by which that great
+    commander proposed to put a stop to an invasion with so small a number.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was very far, sir, from imagining that he should be able to repel
+    them by open force, he was far from being so confident of his
+    superiority in military skill, as to imagine that he should defeat them
+    by stratagem, and, therefore, he designed, by burning the villages, and
+    destroying the country, to deprive them of the means of subsistence, and
+    harass them with famine; to hover at a distance, and cut off those
+    parties which necessity should force out to forage, till a body of
+    troops could be assembled sufficient to overthrow them in a battle, or
+    to drive them back to their ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the scheme, sir, as I have been informed, of this great man,
+    nor, perhaps, can any other be struck out by human abilities, where
+    greater numbers are to be opposed by smaller. But this scheme, though
+    preferable, in the last extremities, to slavery, is such as cannot be
+    mentioned without horrour, and of which the execution ought to be
+    avoided by every expedient that can be practised without the danger of
+    our liberties. We ought, certainly, not to reject a nauseous medicine,
+    by which that health is preserved, which, if lost, can only be restored
+    by the amputation of a limb.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As it was, therefore, necessary, sir, to secure our coasts from an
+    invasion, it was necessary to raise new troops for the American
+    expedition; nor did this method produce any delay, for the regiments
+    were completed a long time before the ships of war and the transports
+    were ready to convoy and receive them, nor could the utmost ardour and
+    diligence despatch them sooner from our coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ships, sir, were, by the violence of a frost, scarcely exampled,
+    retained, for a long time, in the harbours, without a possibility of
+    being put to sea; when they were all assembled at the place appointed
+    for their conjunction, they waited for a wind; all the delay that can be
+    objected, was produced by the seasons, of which the regulation was in no
+    man's power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the time, sir, which was unwillingly spent in the camp, was not,
+    however, lost or misemployed, for the troops were, by the order of the
+    general, every day exercised, and instructed in the art of war, so that
+    what was lost in time, was more than recompensed by the advantage of
+    better discipline.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did these troops appear an herd so ignorant and contemptible, as
+    they have been represented by malicious invectives and ludicrous
+    descriptions; there were not, indeed, among them many grey-headed
+    warriours, nor were their former campaigns and past exploits the
+    subjects of their conversation; but there was not one amongst them who
+    did not appear ready to suffer, in the cause of his country, all that
+    the most hardened veteran could undergo, or whose alacrity and eagerness
+    did not promise perseverance in the march, and intrepidity in the
+    battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their general, sir, who saw them pursue their exercises, declared how
+    much he was satisfied with their proficiency, applauded their
+    appearance, and expressed his confidence in their courage; nor do I
+    doubt, but our enemies will find, that it is not necessary to send out
+    our most formidable forces to humble them, and that the youth of Britain
+    will compensate their want of experience by their courage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I, sir, have been drawn aside from the present question, it is by
+    following, perhaps, with an exactness too scrupulous, the honourable
+    gentleman, whose propositions I have now shown to be erroneous, and
+    whose reproaches will, I believe, now appear rather the effects of
+    disappointment than of zeal, and, therefore, I think it now necessary to
+    return to the business before us, the consideration of the present
+    establishment, from which, as it was approved by the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH, and has been defended with very strong arguments, by one of
+    the most experienced officers of this time, I cannot think it safe or
+    prudent to depart.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GRENVILLE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, as a noble
+    person has been frequently hinted at in this debate, to whom my relation
+    is well known, and whom, as I know him well, I have the strongest
+    motives to reverence and honour, I cannot forbear to give, on this
+    occasion, an attestation which he will be allowed to deserve by all
+    those whom interest has not blinded, and corruption depraved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will be allowed, sir, that he is one of those who are indebted for
+    their honours only to merit, one whom the malice of a court cannot
+    debase, as its favour cannot exalt; he is one of those whose loss of
+    employments can be a reproach only to those who take them from him, as
+    he cannot forfeit them but by performing his duty, and can only give
+    offence by steady integrity, and a resolution to speak as he thinks, and
+    to act as his conscience dictates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, sir, men, I know, to whom this panegyrick will seem romantick
+    and chimerical, men, to whom integrity and conscience are idle sounds,
+    men, who are content to catch the word of their leader, who have no
+    sense of the obligation of any law but the supreme will of him that pays
+    them, and who know not any virtue but diligence in attendance, and
+    readiness in obedience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, sir, no loss to the noble person to be debarred from any
+    fellowship with men like these. Nothing can be more unpleasing to virtue
+    than such a situation as lays it under a necessity of beholding
+    wickedness that cannot be reformed; as the sight of a pesthouse must
+    raise horrour, though we should suppose the spectator secure from the
+    contagion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. ORD spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, as I cannot approve
+    the scheme now proposed, for augmenting our forces, I shall endeavour to
+    show why the arguments, by which it has hitherto been supported, have
+    failed to convince me, and shall lay before the house some reasons
+    against it, to which I shall expect an answer, before I shall think that
+    I can agree to it, without squandering the money of which my
+    constituents have intrusted me with the disposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, with which this motion was introduced, which is,
+    indeed, the strongest that has yet been offered, was, that this estimate
+    is less expensive than one that was laid before the house in a late
+    reign, and that, therefore, it could not reasonably be charged with
+    extravagance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us now consider this argument with that care which is required by
+    the importance of the question, let us inquire what consequences will
+    follow from it, and to what previous suppositions it must owe its force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, evidently supposes that the estimate in king
+    William's reign was drawn up without any intention to deceive the house,
+    or to raise money for purposes different from those for which it was
+    really expended. But if we suppose that estimate to be fraudulently
+    calculated, this may contain the same fallacies in a lower degree, and
+    the only merit that can be claimed by the authors of it, will be, that
+    they are not the most rapacious plunderers of their country, that,
+    however they may be charged with profusion of publick money, they are
+    yet more modest than some of their predecessors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is known, sir, that in king William's reign, very few estimates
+    were honestly computed; it is known that the rotation of parties, and
+    fluctuation of measures, reduced the ministry to subsist upon artifices,
+    to amuse the senate with exorbitant demands, only that they might obtain
+    the necessary grants, and to pretend expenses which never were incurred,
+    that the supplies which the publick affairs really required, might not
+    be withheld; as fraudulent tradesmen fix immoderate prices, that the
+    buyer may make offers proportionate to their demands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The estimates, therefore, of that reign are of very little authority,
+    though they might sometimes pass the house without censure; for it is to
+    be considered, that by the frequency of new elections, the greatest part
+    of the members were often unacquainted with the state of publick
+    accounts, and that an army was so little known to this kingdom, that the
+    true expense of it might easily be concealed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this, sir, the only fallacy of this argument; for it supposes,
+    likewise, that the nation is no less wealthy than in the time when that
+    computation was offered, with which this is so triumphantly compared.
+    For every man knows that publick as well as private expenses are to be
+    proportioned to the revenue by which they are supplied, and that the
+    charges which are easily supported at one time, may threaten ruin at
+    another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But unhappily, sir, it is evident, that, since the days of that
+    sovereign, the nation has been exhausted by a long and wasteful war, and
+    since, by a peace equally destructive, it is embarrassed with an
+    enormous debt, and entangled in treaties, of which the support may call
+    every day for new expenses; it has suffered since that time a thousand
+    losses, but gained no advantage, and yet the expenses of that time are
+    mentioned as an example to be compared with those which are proposed in
+    this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The difference of the condition of the British nation at those two
+    periods of time, sir, is not less than that of the strength of the same
+    man in the vigour of youth and the frigidity of old age, in the flush of
+    health and the languor of disease, of the same man newly risen from rest
+    and plenty, and debilitated with hunger and fatigue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To make such a comparison, sir, betrays, at least, a very criminal
+    insensibility, of the publick misery, if it may not be charged with
+    greater malignity. I know not whether those who shall hear of this
+    debate, may not impute such reflections rather to cruelty than
+    negligence, and imagine that those who squander the treasure of the
+    nation take pleasure in reproaching that poverty which their counsels
+    produce, and indulge their own vanity by contemplating the calamities
+    from which they are themselves secure, and to which they are indebted
+    for opportunities of increasing their own fortunes, and gratifying their
+    ambition. It is evident, that an estimate which requires less than that
+    which has been mentioned, may yet exact more than the nation can now
+    raise, without feeling too great inconveniencies to be compensated by
+    the advantages which can be expected from our new forces. Nor is it
+    sufficient that it is lower than those of former times; for, as it ought
+    to be the care of the government to preserve the ease and happiness of
+    the people, it should be reduced in proportion to the diminution of the
+    national wealth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The right honourable gentleman confesses, sir, that frugality is a
+    virtue, and his argument supposes that to contract expenses is an
+    argument of prudent measures; why then is he afraid of carrying virtue
+    to a greater height, of making the burden still more light, and
+    preferring the cheapest estimate that can be proposed, when it is
+    asserted by those whose authority is most worthy of regard, that it will
+    produce no weakness in our troops, nor give our enemies any superiority?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not pretend any other skill in military affairs, than may be gained
+    by casual conversation with soldiers, and by a cursory observation of
+    daily occurrences; but I speak with greater confidence on this occasion,
+    because I do not think any other qualifications necessary for the
+    determination of this question, than a habit of just reasoning, and
+    freedom from the prejudices of interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man knows, sir, without a military education, that it is imprudent
+    to purchase any thing at a greater price which may be procured at a
+    less, and that when the same sum will buy two things, of which one is
+    evidently preferable to the other, the best ought to be chosen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the application of either of these two positions will decide this
+    controversy, there will be no need of recurring to experience, of citing
+    the authority of foreign commanders, of comparing the actions of the
+    German and British generals, or of inquiring how battles have been lost,
+    or to what victories are to be ascribed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, sir, that the scheme now proposed, is twice as costly as
+    that which is recommended in opposition to it, and therefore, unless it
+    will produce twice the advantage, it must be acknowledged to be
+    imprudently chosen. The advantage in war, is to be rated by comparing
+    the strength of different numbers in different circumstances, and
+    inquiring what degree of superiority will be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we suppose, sir, two bodies of men, equally armed and disciplined,
+    opposed to each other without any advantage of situation, we must
+    conceive that neither party could be conquered, that the balance of the
+    day must remain equal, and that the contest would continue undecided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be objected to this supposition, sir, that no such event is
+    recorded in history, because in war many causes really act which cannot
+    be estimated; one army may consist of soldiers more courageous, and more
+    confident in the justice of their cause; unforeseen accidents may
+    operate, orders may be mistaken, or leaders may be misinformed; but all
+    these considerations are to be set aside in speculation, because they
+    may equally be alleged on either part.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Two bodies of men, sir, equally numerous, being, therefore, supposed
+    equal, it is to be inquired how either may be superiour to the other. It
+    is proposed, on one part, to produce this effect by doubling the number
+    of officers rather than increasing that of the soldiers; on the other,
+    to double the soldiers under the same officers, the expense being the
+    same of both methods.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When two armies, modelled according to these different schemes, enter
+    the field, what event can be expected? Either five thousand men, with a
+    double number of officers, must be equal to ten thousand, differently
+    regulated, or the publick has paid more for assistance of the officers
+    than its real value, and has chosen, of two methods equally expensive,
+    that which is least efficacious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is the state of the question now before us; our present
+    deficiency is not of men but money, and we may procure ten thousand men
+    regulated like the foreign troops, at the same expense as five thousand
+    in the form proposed; but I am afraid that no man will be found to
+    assert, that the addition of officers will be equivalent to a double
+    number of soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it is evident, sir, evident to demonstration, that the most
+    expensive method is, at the same time, the least advantageous, and that
+    the proposal of new regiments is intended to augment the strength of the
+    ministry rather than of the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we suppose, sir, what is more than any foreigner will grant, that the
+    additional officers raise a body of five thousand men to an equality
+    with six thousand, is not the pay of four thousand men apparently thrown
+    away? And do not the officers receive a reward which their service
+    cannot deserve? Would it not be far more rational to raise seven
+    thousand, by which our army would be stronger by a seventh part, and as
+    the pay of three thousand would be saved, the publick would be richer by
+    almost a third.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, sir, numerical arguments cannot but deserve some consideration,
+    even from those who have learned by long practice to explain away mere
+    probability at pleasure, to select the circumstances of complicated
+    questions, and only to show those which may be produced in favour of
+    their own opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present question, sir, there is very little room for fallacy; nor
+    do I see what remains to the decision of it, but that those gentlemen
+    who have been acquainted with military operations, inform us, what
+    degree of superiority is conferred by any assignable number of officers;
+    that we may compare their service with the price, and discover whether
+    the same money will not purchase greater advantages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The experience of the late war may evince, sir, that those troops which
+    have the greatest number of officers are not always victorious; for our
+    establishment never admitted the same, or nearly the same number with
+    that of the French, our enemies; nevertheless, we still boast of our
+    victories; nor is it certain that we might not have been equally
+    successful, though the number of our officers had been yet less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Foreigners, sir, are very far from discovering the defect of their own
+    establishment, or imagining that they should become more formidable by
+    imitating our methods. When I travelled, I took opportunities of
+    conversing with the generals of those nations which are most famous for
+    the valour of their troops, and was informed by them, that they thought
+    a multitude of officers by no means useful, and that they were so far
+    from desiring to see their own regulation changed, that they should make
+    no scruple of recommending it to other nations, who, in their opinion,
+    squandered their treasure upon useless commissions, and increased the
+    calamities of war by unnecessary burdens.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope no man will think it sufficient to reply to these arguments with
+    general assertions, or will deny the necessity of frugality, and extol
+    the opulence of the nation, the extent of our commerce, and the
+    happiness of our condition. Such indeed, sir, is the method of
+    argumentation made use of by the hireling scribblers of the court, who,
+    because they feel none of the publick calamities, represent all
+    complaints as criminal murmurs, and charge those with sedition who
+    petition only for relief. Wretches like these would celebrate our
+    victories, though our country should be overrun by an invader, would
+    praise the lenity of any government by which themselves should be
+    spared, and would boast of the happiness of plenty, when half the people
+    should be languishing with famine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not suppose, sir, that the despicable sophistry of prostitutes like
+    these has any effect here, nor should I have thought them worthy of the
+    least notice, had it not been proper to inquire, whether those may not
+    be justly suspected of some inclination to deceive, even in this
+    assembly, by whom the most profligate of mankind are openly paid for the
+    promulgation of falsehood, and the patronage of corruption.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is indeed, sir, artful, in those who are daily impairing our honour
+    and influence, to endeavour to conceal from the people their own
+    weakness, that weakness which is so well known in foreign countries,
+    that every nation is encouraged to insult us, and by which it may
+    reasonably be imagined that new enemies will, in a short time, be
+    raised.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The late changes in our military regulations have, indeed, taken away
+    all the terrour of our arms; those troops are now no longer dreaded, by
+    which the liberties of Europe were recovered, and the French reduced to
+    abandon their schemes of universal empire, for the defence of their own
+    country, because the officers by whom they were formerly conducted to
+    glory and to victory, are now dismissed, and men advanced to their
+    posts, who are neither feared nor known.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the duke of ARGYLE was lately deprived of his command, the
+    Spaniards could not conceal their satisfaction; they bestowed, however
+    unwillingly, the highest panegyrick upon his bravery and conduct, by
+    showing that he was the only Briton of whom they were afraid. Nor did
+    their allies, the French, discover less exultation; for by them it was
+    declared, that the nation was now disarmed, that either no war was
+    intended, or that none could be successfully prosecuted, since, as they
+    made no scruple to assert, though I know not whether I ought to repeat
+    it, we have no other man capable of commanding armies, or conducting any
+    great design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am informed that this illustrious warriour, whose abilities are
+    sufficiently attested by these enemies, that have felt their prevalence,
+    is of opinion, that the number of officers now required is not
+    necessary, and has declared that he should with equal confidence
+    undertake either invasion or defence, with forces modelled after the
+    German custom; and since I have shown, that, unless the troops so
+    regulated, are equivalent to a double number, added to the standing
+    regiments, part of the expense of the officers is evidently squandered,
+    I shall vote against the motion, unless it be proved, which I believe
+    will not be attempted, that the force of a regiment is doubled by
+    doubling the officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke, to the purpose following:&mdash;Sir, the learned
+    gentleman who spoke last, must be acknowledged to have discovered a very
+    specious method of reasoning, and to have carried his inquiry as far as
+    speculation without experience can hope to proceed, but has, in my
+    opinion, admitted a false principle, by which all his argument has been
+    perplexed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He supposes, that the advantages must be always in proportion to the
+    money expended in procuring them, and that, therefore, if five thousand
+    men, raised at any given cost, will be equal to five thousand, they
+    ought, if they are regulated according to an establishment of double the
+    charge, to be able to encounter ten thousand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But in this supposition, sir, he forgets that the possibility of loss is
+    to be thrown into the balance against the advantage of the expense
+    saved, and that though the strength of the troops be not increased in
+    proportion to the increase of the cost, yet the additional security
+    against a great loss may justly entitle the most expensive regulation to
+    the preference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Suppose five thousand men to be brought into the field against six
+    thousand; if they can, by multiplying their officers at a double
+    expense, be enabled to engage successfully a body superiour in number by
+    only a sixth part, the nation may be justly said to gain all that would
+    have been lost by suffering a defeat.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we ought not to choose a worse method when we can discover a
+    better, is indisputably true, but which method is worse or better, can
+    be discovered only by experience. The last war has taught us, that our
+    troops in their present establishment are superiour to the forces of
+    France, but how much they might suffer by any alteration it is not
+    possible to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Success is gained by courage, and courage is produced by an opinion of
+    superiority; and it may easily be imagined, that our soldiers, who judge
+    of their own strength only by experience, imagine their own
+    establishment and discipline advanced to the highest perfection; nor
+    would they expect any other consequences from an alteration of it, but
+    weakness and defeats. It is, therefore, dangerous to change the model of
+    our forces, because it is dangerous to depress the spirit of our
+    soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it is confessed, sir, that the French, whose officers are still
+    more numerous, have been conquered by our troops, it must be likewise
+    alleged, that they had yielded us far easier victories had their
+    officers been wanting; for to them are they indebted for their conquests
+    wherever they have been successful, and for their resistance wherever
+    they have been with difficulty defeated; their soldiers are a spiritless
+    herd, and were they not invigorated by the example of their leaders, and
+    restrained by the fear of instant punishment, would fly at the approach
+    of any enemy, without waiting for the attack.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, sir, but be of opinion, that the necessity of a
+    large number of officers, may be learned even from the behaviour of
+    those troops which have been unsuccessful, since it is certain, that
+    though they have been often overcome, they have generally resisted with
+    great steadiness, and retired with great order.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If those, who are only speculative warriours, shall imagine that their
+    arguments are not confuted, I can only repeat what I declared when I
+    first attempted to deliver my sentiments in this debate, that I do not
+    pretend to be very skilful in the arts of disputation. I, who claim no
+    other title than that of an old soldier, cannot hope to prevail much by
+    my oratory; it is enough for me that I am confident of confuting those
+    arguments in the field, which I oppose in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX spoke next, in this manner:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking that
+    this question has been hitherto fully explained by those who have either
+    considered it only as a dispute about money, or a question merely
+    speculative concerning the proportions between different degrees of
+    expense, and probability of success. In a war of this kind, expense is
+    the last and lowest consideration, and where experience may be
+    consulted, the conjectures of speculation ought to have no weight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The method, sir, by which our troops have hitherto been regulated, is
+    well known to have produced success beyond our expectations, to have
+    exalted us to the arbitration of the world, to have reduced the French
+    to change their threats of forcing a monarch upon us, into petitions for
+    peace, and to have established the liberties of almost every nation of
+    the world that can call itself free.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this method, sir, so successful, so easy, and so formidable,
+    shall be changed, whether it shall be changed at a time when the whole
+    continent is in commotion, and every nation calling soldiers to its
+    standard; when the French, recovered from their defeats, seem to have
+    forgotten the force of that hand that crushed them in the pride of
+    victory; when they seem to be reviving their former designs, and
+    rekindling their extinguished ambition; whether, at such a time, the
+    regulations of our army shall be changed to save, upon the highest
+    computation, only thirty thousand pounds, is the present question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On such a question, sir, I cannot observe, without astonishment, any man
+    deliberating for a single moment. To suspend our opinion in this case,
+    would be to balance our lives, our liberties, our patrimonies, and our
+    posterity, against thirty thousand pounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The effects of our present method, sir, are well known to ourselves, our
+    confederates, our enemies, to every man that has heard the name of
+    Blenheim and Ramillies; the consequences of the establishment, now
+    contended for, our most experienced commanders own themselves unable to
+    foresee, and I am far from believing that theoretical disquisitions can
+    enable any man to make great discoveries in military affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our own inexperience of the method which is so warmly recommended, is
+    not the strongest objection to it, though even this ought, in my
+    opinion, to restrain us from trying it at this hazardous conjuncture.
+    But since arguments, merely negative, may be thought over-balanced by
+    the prospect of saving money, I shall lay before the house, what effects
+    the want of officers has produced, with regard to those nations whose
+    poverty has laid them under a necessity of parsimonious establishments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the Germans were defeated by the French, in the late war, I was at
+    the Sardinian court, where the battle was, as it may easily be supposed,
+    the reigning subject of conversation, and where they did not want
+    opportunities of informing themselves minutely of all the circumstances
+    which contributed to the event; it was there, sir, universally
+    determined, that the Germans lost the day merely for want of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was observed also, sir, that some troops, which were once courted and
+    feared by all the neighbouring potentates, had lost their reputation in
+    later times, of which no reason could be alleged, but that they had
+    lessened the number of their officers; such is the change in the model
+    of the Walloons, and such is the consequence produced by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am very far, sir, from thinking, that reason is not to be consulted in
+    military operations, as in other affairs, and have no less satisfaction
+    than the learned gentleman who spoke last but one, in clear and
+    demonstrative deductions; but in this question, reason itself informs
+    me, that regard ought only to be had to experience, and that authority
+    unsupported by practice, ought to have no prevalence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, sir, make no inquiry into the abilities of the
+    generals, by whom these contrary opinions are defended, nor draw any
+    parallel between their actions or their knowledge. It is sufficient for
+    me that the one is proposing a new scheme, and that the opinion of the
+    other can plead the practice of king William, and the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH, and the success of the last war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, if parsimony be a virtue at this time so eminently necessary,
+    it may be urged in favour of this estimate, that it will be less
+    expensive than those that have been formerly offered, and that as all
+    changes ought to be gradual, this may be considered as the first step
+    towards a general reduction of the publick charge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HEATHCOTE spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not without
+    astonishment, that I heard the honourable gentleman who spoke lately,
+    conclude his remarks with an attempt to renew our apprehensions of the
+    pretender, a chimerical invader, an enemy in the clouds, without spirit,
+    and without forces, without dominions, without money, and without
+    allies; a miserable fugitive, that has not a friend in this kingdom, or
+    none but such as are exasperated by those whom the men that mention him
+    with so much terrour are attempting to vindicate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The vanity, sir, of such fears, the folly of admitting them, if they are
+    real, and of counterfeiting them, if they are false, has been
+    sufficiently exposed in this debate, by my honourable friend; but as he
+    thought it unnecessary to employ arguments in proof of what cannot be
+    denied, and believed it sufficient to ridicule a panick which he
+    supposed merely political, I, who judge, perhaps, more favourably of the
+    sincerity of some, and more tenderly of the cowardice of others, shall
+    endeavour to show, that the frequent revolutions which have happened in
+    this nation, afford us no reason for fearing another, equally sudden and
+    unforeseen in favour of the pretender.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The government, sir, is always stronger, as it is complicated with the
+    private interest of more individuals; because, though there are few that
+    have comprehension sufficient to discern the general advantage of the
+    community, almost every man is capable of attending to his own; and
+    though not many have virtue to stand up in opposition to the approach of
+    general calamities, of which every one may hope to exempt himself from
+    his particular share, yet the most sanguine are alarmed, and the most
+    indolent awakened at any danger which threatens themselves, and will
+    exert their utmost power to obviate or escape it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, I have long considered the publick funds
+    established in this nation, as a barrier to the government, which cannot
+    easily be broken: a foreign prince cannot now be placed upon the throne,
+    but in opposition almost to every wealthy man, who, having trusted the
+    government with his money, has reposited a pledge of his own fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to this gentleman, sir, whom I am now answering, arguments can be of
+    very little importance, because, by his own confession, he is retained
+    as a mere machine, to speak at the direction of another, and to utter
+    sentiments which he never conceived, and which his hesitation and abrupt
+    conclusion shows him to admit with very little examination. He had not
+    even allowed himself time to know the opinion which he was to assert, or
+    to imprint upon his memory those arguments to which he was to add the
+    sanction of his authority. He seems to have boldly promised to speak,
+    and then to have inquired what he was to say. Yet has this gentleman
+    often declaimed here with all the apparent ardour of integrity, and been
+    heard with that regard which is only due to virtue and independence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some of his assertions are such, however, as require confutation, which
+    is, perhaps, more necessary since he has produced an authority for them,
+    which many of those who heard him may think of much greater weight than
+    his own. He affirms, that we can suffer only by an invasion, and infers
+    from this position, that we need only to guard our own coasts. I am of
+    an opinion very different, and having not yet prevailed upon myself to
+    receive notes from any other person, cannot forbear to speak what I
+    think, and what the publick prosperity requires to be generally known.
+    We may surely suffer by many other causes, by the ignorance, or
+    treachery, or cowardice of the ministry, by the negligence of that
+    person to whom this gentleman was probably indebted for his notes. We
+    may suffer by the loss of our sugar colonies, which may be justly valued
+    at ten millions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These plantations, which afford us almost all the profitable trade that
+    is now left us, have been exposed to the insults of the enemy, without
+    any other guard than two ships, almost unfit for service. They have been
+    left to the protection of chance, with no other security, at a time when
+    the Spaniards had fitted out a squadron, to infest and ravage our
+    American dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The admiral, who was sent into America, was confined for almost a year
+    in the ports, without forces, ships, or ammunition, which yet might have
+    been sent in a few months, had not pretences of delay been studiously
+    invented, had not the preparations been obstructed by clandestine
+    expedients, and had not every man been tacitly assured, that he should
+    recommend himself to his superiours, by raising difficulties, rather
+    than by removing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the conduct of those who now stand up in the face of their
+    country, and, without diffidence or shame, boast of their zeal, their
+    assiduity, and their despatch; who proclaim, with an air of triumphant
+    innocence, that no art or diligence could have been more expeditious,
+    and that the embarkation was only impeded by the seasons and the winds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With assertions equally intrepid, and arguments equally contemptible,
+    has the same person, who boasted his expedition, endeavoured to defend
+    the establishment of new regiments, in opposition to the practice of
+    foreign nations, and to the opinion of the greatest general among us;
+    and, to show how little he fears confutation, has recommended his scheme
+    on account of its frugality.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be wondered, sir, that such an orator should undertake to
+    defend the model of the troops sent to America, that he should prefer
+    boys to veterans, and assert the propriety of intrusting new levies to
+    unexperienced commanders; for he has given us in this debate such proofs
+    of controversial courage, that nothing can be now imagined too arduous
+    for him to attempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His strength, sir, is, indeed, not equal to his spirit, and he is
+    frequently unsuccessful in his most vigorous efforts, but it must be
+    confessed that he is generally overborne only by the force of truth, by
+    a power which few can resist so resolutely as himself, and which,
+    therefore, though it makes no impression upon him, prevails upon others
+    to leave him sometimes alone in the vindication of his positions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The examples, sir, of those noble persons who were advanced early to
+    commissions, will be produced by him without effect, because the cases
+    are by no means parallel. They were not invested with command till they
+    had spent some time in the service, and exhibited proofs of their
+    courage and their capacity; and it cannot be doubted, but some men may
+    discover at seventeen, more merit than others in the full strength of
+    manhood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, there is another consideration of more importance, which will
+    annihilate the parallel, and destroy the argument founded upon it. At
+    the time in which these persons were preferred, the nation had but newly
+    seen an army, and had, therefore, very few old officers whose experience
+    could be trusted, or whose services required to be rewarded: the
+    ministers were obliged to select those, who, though they did not
+    understand the military sciences, were likely to attain them in a short
+    time, and the event has sufficiently proved, that in the choice no
+    greater regard was paid to interest than to judgment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was prudent, likewise, sir, to choose young persons, supposing their
+    abilities equal with those of others, because the nation was likely to
+    possess them longer, and would not be reduced, by an interval of peace,
+    to make war again with raw forces, under the direction of ignorant
+    commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this provision, however reasonable, the wisdom of this ministry has
+    found means to defeat, by detaining at home the disciplined troops, and
+    depriving the most experienced generals of their commands, at a time
+    when they are most necessary, at a time when the whole world is in arms,
+    when the ambition of France is reviving its claims, and the Spaniards
+    are preparing to invade our colonies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, though our generals are discarded, we are sufficiently
+    informed, that it is not because we are imagined to be in a state of
+    safety; for the increase of our army betrays our fear, of which, whether
+    it will be dispelled or increased by such measures, it is not difficult
+    to determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An army thus numerous, sir, is, in the opinion of every honest Briton,
+    of every man that reveres the constitution, or loves his liberty, an
+    evil more to be dreaded, than any from which we can be defended by it.
+    The most unpopular act of the most unpopular of our monarchs, was the
+    establishment of a standing-army; nor do I know any thing to be feared
+    from the exaltation of the dreadful pretender to the throne, but that he
+    will govern the nation with an armed force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our troops continue to be increased, which we may reasonably suspect,
+    since, if arguments like these be admitted, pretences for augmentations
+    can never be wanting, the consequences are easily foreseen; they will
+    grow too numerous to be quartered in the towns, and, with an affectation
+    of easing them of such unwelcome guests, it will be proposed, that after
+    having spent the summer in a camp, they shall retire in winter to
+    barracks. Then will the burden of a standing army be imposed for ever on
+    the nation; then may our liberties be openly invaded, and those who now
+    oppress us by the power only of money, will then throw aside the mask,
+    and deliver themselves from the constraint of hypocrisy; those who now
+    sooth us with promises and protestations, will then intimidate us with
+    threatenings, and, perhaps, revenge the opposition of their schemes by
+    persecution and sequestrations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GAGE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, if the weakness of
+    arguments proved the insincerity of those who produce them, I should be
+    inclined to suspect the advocates for the establishment of new
+    regiments, of designs very different from the defence of their country;
+    but as their intentions cannot be known, they cannot be censured, and I
+    shall, therefore, confine myself to an examination of the reasons which
+    they have offered, and the authorities which they have cited.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The German general, who has been mentioned on this occasion with so much
+    regard, is not less known to me than to the honourable gentleman, nor
+    have I been less diligent to improve the hours in which I enjoyed his
+    friendship and conversation. Among other questions, which my familiarity
+    with him entitled me to propose, I have asked him to what causes he
+    imputed the ill success of the last war, and he frankly ascribed the
+    miscarriages of it to the unhappy divisions by which the German councils
+    were at that time embarrassed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Faction produces nearly the same consequence in all countries, and had
+    then influenced the imperial court, as of late the court of Great
+    Britain, to dismiss the most able and experienced commanders, and to
+    intrust the conduct of the war to men unequal to the undertaking; who,
+    when they were defeated for want of skill, endeavoured to persuade their
+    patrons and their countrymen, that they lost the victory for want of
+    officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They might, perhaps, think of their countrymen, what our ministers seem
+    to imagine of us, that to gain belief among them, it was sufficient to
+    assert boldly, that they had not any memory of past transactions, and
+    that, therefore, they could not observe, that the same troops were
+    victorious under Eugene, which were defeated under the direction of his
+    successours; nor could discover that the regulation was the same, where
+    the effects were different.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, in every place, it is the practice of men in power, to blind the
+    people by false representations, and to impute the publick calamities
+    rather to any other cause than their own misconduct. It is every where
+    equally their practice to oppress and obscure those who owe their
+    greatness to their virtue or abilities, because they can never be
+    reduced to blind obedience, or taught to be creatures of the ministry,
+    because men who can discover truth, will sometimes speak it, and because
+    those are best qualified to deceive others, who can be persuaded that
+    they are contending for the right.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is surely time for this nation to rouse from indolence, and to
+    resolve to put an end to frauds that have been so long known. It is time
+    to watch with more vigilance the distribution of the publick treasure,
+    and to consider rather how to contract the national expenses, than upon
+    what pretences new offices may be erected, and new dependencies created.
+    It is time to consider how our debts may be lessened, and by what
+    expedients our taxes may be diminished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our taxes, sir, are such, at present, as perhaps no nation was ever
+    loaded with before, such as never were paid to raise forces against an
+    invader, or imposed by the insolence of victory upon a conquered people.
+    Every gentleman pays to the government more than two thirds of his
+    estate, by various exactions.&mdash;This assertion is received, I see, with
+    surprise, by some, whose ample patrimonies have exempted them from the
+    necessity of nice computations, and with an affected appearance of
+    contempt by others, who, instead of paying taxes, may be said to receive
+    them, and whose interest it is to keep the nation ignorant of the causes
+    of its misery, and to extenuate those calamities by which themselves are
+    enriched.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, to endeavour to confute demonstration by a grin, or to laugh
+    away the deductions of arithmetick, is, surely, such a degree of
+    effrontery, as nothing but a post of profit can produce; nor is it for
+    the sake of these men, that I shall endeavour to elucidate my assertion;
+    for they cannot but be well informed of the state of our taxes, whose
+    chief employment is to receive and to squander the money which arises
+    from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is frequent, sir, among gentlemen, to mistake the amount of the taxes
+    which are laid upon the nation, by passing over, in their estimates, all
+    those which are not paid immediately out of the visible rents of their
+    lands, and imagining that they are in no degree interested in the
+    imposts upon manufactures or other commodities. They do not consider
+    that whenever they purchase any thing of which the price is enhanced by
+    duties, those duties are levied upon them, and that there is no
+    difference between paying ten shillings a year in land taxes, and paying
+    five shillings in land taxes, and five shillings to manufacturers to be
+    paid by them to the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It would be, in reality, equally rational for a man to please himself
+    with his frugality, by directing half his expenses to be paid by his
+    steward, and the event is such as might be expected from such a method
+    of economy; for, as the steward might probably bring in false accounts,
+    the tradesman commonly adds twopence to the price of his goods for every
+    penny which is laid on them by the government; as it is easy to show,
+    particularly in the prices of those two great necessaries of life,
+    candles and leather.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now, sir, let any gentleman add to the land tax the duties raised from
+    the malt, candles, salt, soap, leather, distilled liquors, and other
+    commodities used in his house; let him add the expenses of travelling so
+    far as they are increased by the burden laid upon innkeepers, and the
+    extortions of the tradesmen which the excises have occasioned, and he
+    will easily agree with me that he pays more than two-thirds of his
+    estate for the support of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, therefore, be doubted that it is now necessary to stop in our
+    career of expenses, and to inquire how much longer this weight of
+    imposts can possibly be supported. It has already, sir, depressed our
+    commerce, and overborne our manufactures, and if it be yet increased, if
+    there be no hope of seeing it alleviated, every wise man will seek a
+    milder government and enlist himself amongst slaves that have masters
+    more wise or more compassionate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought to consider, sir, whether some of our present expenses are not
+    superfluous or detrimental, whether many of our offices are not merely
+    pensions without employment, and whether multitudes do not receive
+    salaries, who serve the government only by their interest and their
+    votes. Such offices, if they are found, ought immediately to be
+    abolished, and such salaries withdrawn, by which a fund might be now
+    established for maintaining the war, and afterwards for the payment of
+    our debts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not now, sir, in my opinion, a question whether we shall choose
+    the dearest or the cheapest method of increasing our forces, for it
+    seems to me not possible to supply any new expenses. New troops will
+    require more money to raise and to pay them, and more money can only be
+    obtained by new taxes; but what now remains to be taxed, or what tax can
+    be increased? The only resource left us is a lottery, and whether that
+    will succeed is likewise a lottery; but though folly and credulity
+    should once more operate according to our wishes, the nation is, in the
+    meantime, impoverished, and at last lotteries must certainly fail, like
+    other expedients. When the publick wealth is entirely exhausted,
+    artifice and violence will be equally vain. And though the troops may
+    possibly be raised, according to the estimate, I know not how we shall
+    pay them, or from what fund, yet unmortgaged, the officers who will be
+    entailed upon us, can hope to receive their half-pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, sir, I think the question so easy to be decided, that I am
+    astonished to see it the subject of a debate, and imagine that the
+    controversy might be ended only by asking the gentleman, on whose
+    opinion all his party appear to rely, without any knowledge or
+    conviction of their own, whether, if he were to defend a nation from its
+    enemies, and could procure only a small sum for the war, he would not
+    model his forces by the cheapest method.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SLOPER then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I cannot, without the highest
+    satisfaction, observe any advances made in useful knowledge, by my
+    fellow-subjects, as the glory of such attainments must add to the
+    reputation of the kingdom which gives rise to such elevated abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This satisfaction I have received from the observations of the right
+    honourable member, whose accurate computations cannot but promise great
+    improvements of the doctrine of arithmetick; nor can I forbear to
+    solicit him, for the sake of the publick, to take into his consideration
+    the present methods of traffick used by our merchants, and to strike out
+    some more commodious method of stating the accoinpts between those two
+    contending parties, debtor and creditor. This he would, doubtless,
+    execute with great reputation, who has proved, from the state of our
+    taxes, that new forces require new funds, and that new funds cannot be
+    established without a lottery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, inclined to differ from him in the last of his positions,
+    and believe the nation not yet so much exhausted but that it may easily
+    bear the expense of the war, and shall, therefore, vote for that
+    establishment of our troops which will be most likely to procure
+    success, without the least apprehension of being censured either by the
+    present age, or by posterity, as a machine of the ministry, or an
+    oppressor of my country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE spoke again, thus:&mdash;Sir, since the right honourable member
+    has been pleased to insinuate, that by answering a plain question I may
+    put an end to the debate, I am willing to give a proof of my desire to
+    promote unanimity in our councils, and despatch in our affairs, by
+    complying with his proposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I were obliged with a small sum to raise an army for the defence of a
+    kingdom, I should, undoubtedly, proceed with the utmost frugality; but
+    this noble person's ideas of frugality would, perhaps, be very different
+    from mine; he would think those expenses superfluous, which to me would
+    seem indispensably necessary, and though we should both intend the
+    preservation of the country, we should provide for its security by
+    different methods.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He would employ the money in such a manner as might procure the greatest
+    numbers; I should make my first inquiry after the most skilful officers,
+    and should imagine myself obliged, by my fidelity to the nation that
+    intrusted me with its defence, to procure their assistance, though at a
+    high price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not easy for persons who have never seen a battle or a siege,
+    whatever may be their natural abilities, or however cultivated by
+    reading and contemplation, to conceive the advantage of discipline and
+    regularity, which is such, that a small body of veteran troops will
+    drive before them multitudes of men, perhaps equally bold and resolute
+    with themselves, if they are unacquainted with the rules of war, and
+    unprovided with leaders to direct their motions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I should, therefore, in the case which he has mentioned, prefer
+    discipline to numbers, and rather enter the field with a few troops,
+    well governed and well instructed, than with a confused multitude,
+    unacquainted with their duty, unable to conduct themselves, and without
+    officers to conduct them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VINER spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I am not very
+    solicitous what may be the determination of the house upon this
+    question, because I think it more necessary to resolve against an
+    augmentation of the army, than to inquire, whether it shall be made by
+    one method or another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every addition to our troops, I consider as some approach towards the
+    establishment of arbitrary power, as it is an alienation of part of the
+    British people, by which they are deprived of the benefits of the
+    constitution, and subjected to rigorous laws, from which every other
+    individual is exempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The principal of these laws, which all the rest are intended to enforce,
+    requires from every soldier an unlimited and absolute obedience to the
+    commands of his officers, who hold their commission, and expect
+    advancement, by the same compliance with the orders of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of adding to the number of men, thus separated from their
+    fellow-subjects, and directed by the arbitrary determinations of their
+    officers, has been often explained with great strength and perspicuity;
+    nor should I have taken this occasion of recalling it to the attention
+    of the house, but that I think it a consideration, to which, in all
+    debates on the army, the first regard ought to be paid.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Colonel MORDAUNT spoke to the purpose following:&mdash;Sir, the objection
+    which the honourable gentleman has raised, will be most easily removed,
+    by considering the words of the act by which the military authority is
+    established, where it is by no means declared, that either officers or
+    soldiers are obliged indiscriminately to obey all the orders which they
+    shall receive, but that they shall, on pain of the punishments there
+    enacted, obey all the <i>lawful</i> orders of their commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The obedience, therefore, sir, required from a soldier, is an obedience
+    according to law, like that of any other Briton, unless it can be
+    imagined that the word <i>lawful</i> is, in that place, without a meaning.
+    Nor does his condition differ from that of his fellow-subjects by an
+    exemption from any law, but by a greater number of duties, and stricter
+    obligations to the performance of them; and I am not able to conceive
+    how our constitution can be endangered by augmenting an army, which, as
+    it can only act in conformity to it, can act only in defence of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question at last was put, that the new-raised troops be
+    incorporated into the standing corps, but it passed in the negative, 232
+    to 166.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_7"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON TAKING THE STATE OF THE ARMY INTO CONSIDERATION.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE rose first, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My
+    lords, as the present situation of our affairs may require an
+    augmentation of our forces, and as the success of our arms, and the
+    preservation of our liberties, may equally depend upon the manner in
+    which the new forces shall be raised, there is, in my opinion, no
+    question more worthy the attention of this august assembly, than what
+    may be the most proper method of increasing our army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this question, my lords, I shall offer my own sentiments with greater
+    confidence, as there are few men who have had more opportunities of
+    being acquainted with it in its whole extent, as I have spent great part
+    of my life in the field and in the camp. I commanded a regiment under
+    king William, and have long been either the first, or almost the first
+    man in the army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, my lords, it will be allowed, without difficulty, that I have,
+    at least, been educated at the best school of war, and that nothing but
+    natural incapacity can have hindered me from making some useful
+    observations upon the discipline and government of armies, and the
+    advantages and inconveniencies of the various plans upon which other
+    nations regulate their forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have always maintained, my lords, that it is necessary, in the present
+    state of the neighbouring countries, to keep up a body of regular
+    troops, that we may not be less able to defend ourselves, than our
+    enemies to attack us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that states must secure themselves by
+    different means, as they are threatened by dangers of different kinds:
+    policy must be opposed by policy, and force by force; our fleets must be
+    increased when our neighbours grow formidable by their naval power, and
+    armies must be maintained at a time like this, in which every prince on
+    the continent estimates his greatness by the number of his troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But an army, my lords, as it is to be admitted only for the security of
+    the nation, is to be so regulated, that it may produce the end for which
+    it is established; that it may be useful without danger, and protect the
+    people without oppressing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this purpose, my lords, it is indispensably necessary, that the
+    military subordination be inviolably preserved, and that discipline be
+    discreetly exercised without any partial indulgence, or malicious
+    severities; that every man be promoted according to his desert, and that
+    military merit alone give any pretensions to military preferment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To make the army yet more useful, it ought to be under the sole command
+    of one man, exalted to the important trust by his known skill, courage,
+    justice, and fidelity, and uncontrouled in the administration of his
+    province by any other authority, a man enabled by his experience to
+    distinguish the deserving, and invested with power to reward them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, ought an army to be regulated, to which the defence of a
+    nation is intrusted, nor can any other scheme be formed which will not
+    expose the publick to dangers more formidable than revolutions or
+    invasions. And yet, my lords, how widely those who have assumed the
+    direction of affairs have deviated from this method is well known. It is
+    known equally to the highest and meanest officers, that those who have
+    most opportunities of observing military merit, have no power of
+    rewarding it; and, therefore, every man endeavours to obtain other
+    recommendations than those of his superiours in the army, and to
+    distinguish himself by other services than attention to his duty, and
+    obedience to his commanders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our generals, my lords, are only colonels with a higher title, without
+    power, and without command; they can neither make themselves loved nor
+    feared in their troops, nor have either reward or punishment in their
+    power. What discipline, my lords, can be established by men, whom those
+    who sometimes act the farce of obedience, know to be only phantoms of
+    authority, and to be restrained by an arbitrary minister from the
+    exercise of those commissions which they are invested with? And what is
+    an army without discipline, subordination, and obedience? What, but a
+    rabble of licentious vagrants, set free from the common restraints of
+    decency, exempted from the necessity of labour, betrayed by idleness to
+    debauchery, and let loose to prey upon the people? Such a herd can only
+    awe the villages, and bluster in the streets, but can never be able to
+    oppose an enemy, or defend the nation by which they are supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They may, indeed, form a camp upon some of the neighbouring heaths, or
+    pass in review with tolerable regularity; they may sometimes seize a
+    smuggler, and sometimes assist a constable with vigour and success. But
+    unhappy would be the people, who had no other force to oppose against an
+    army habituated to discipline, of which every one founds his hopes of
+    honour and reward upon the approbation of the commander.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no man will labour to no purpose, or undergo the fatigue of
+    military vigilance, without an adequate motive; that no man will
+    endeavour to learn superfluous duties, and neglect the easiest road to
+    honour and to wealth, merely for the sake of encountering difficulties,
+    is easily to be imagined. And, therefore, my lords, it cannot be
+    conceived, that any man in the army will very solicitously apply himself
+    to the duties of his profession, of which, when he has learned them, the
+    most accurate practice will avail him nothing, and on which he must lose
+    that time, which might, have been employed in gaining an interest in a
+    borough, or in forming an alliance with some orator in the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For nothing, my lords, is now considered but senatorial interest, nor is
+    any subordination desired but in the supreme council of the empire. For
+    the establishment of this new regulation, the honours of every
+    profession are prostituted, and every commission is become merely
+    nominal. To gratify the leaders of the ministerial party, the most
+    despicable triflers are exalted to an authority, and those whose want of
+    understanding excludes them from any other employment, are selected for
+    military commissions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No sooner have they taken possession of their new command, and gratified
+    with some act of oppression the wantonness of new authority, but they
+    desert their charge with the formality of demanding a permission to be
+    absent, which their commander dares not deny them. Thus, my lords, they
+    leave the care of the troops, and the study of the rules of war, to
+    those unhappy men who have no other claim to elevation than knowledge
+    and bravery, and who, for want of relations in the senate, are condemned
+    to linger out their lives at their quarters, amuse themselves with
+    recounting their actions and sufferings in former wars, and with reading
+    in the papers of every post, the cormissions which are bestowed on those
+    who never saw a battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, preferments in the army, instead of being
+    considered as proofs of merit, are looked on only as badges of
+    dependence; nor can any thing be inferred from the promotion of an
+    officer, but that he is in some degree or other allied to some member
+    of the senate, or the leading voters of a borough.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After this manner, my lords, has the army been modelled, and on these
+    principles has it subsisted for the last and the present reign; neither
+    myself, nor any other general officer, have been consulted in the
+    distribution of commands, or any part of military regulations. Our
+    armies have known no other power than that of the secretary of war, who
+    directs all their motions, and fills up every vacancy without
+    opposition, and without appeal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But never, my lords, was his power more conspicuous, than in raising the
+    levies of last year; never was any authority more despotically exerted,
+    or more tamely submitted to; never did any man more wantonly sport with
+    his command, or more capriciously dispose of posts and preferments;
+    never did any tyrant appear to set censure more openly at defiance,
+    treat murmurs and remonstrances with greater contempt, or with more
+    confidence and security distribute posts among his slaves, without any
+    other reason of preference than his own uncontroulable pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And surely no man, my lords, could have made choice of such wretches for
+    military commands, but to show that nothing but his own private
+    inclinations should influence his conduct, and that he considered
+    himself as supreme and unaccountable: for we have seen, my lords, the
+    same animals to-day cringing behind a counter, and to-morrow swelling in
+    a military dress; we have seen boys sent from school in despair of
+    improvement, and intrusted with military command; fools that cannot
+    learn their duty, and children that cannot perform it, have been
+    indiscriminately promoted; the dross of the nation has been swept
+    together to compose our new forces, and every man who was too stupid or
+    infamous to learn or carry on a trade, has been placed, by this great
+    disposer of honours, above the necessity of application, or the reach of
+    censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did not sometimes indignation, and sometimes pity, check the sallies of
+    mirth, it would not be a disagreeable entertainment, my lords, to
+    observe, in the park, the various appearances of these raw commanders,
+    when they are exposing their new scarlet to view, and strutting with the
+    first raptures of sudden elevation; to see the mechanick new-modelling
+    his mien, and the stripling tottering beneath the weight of his cockade;
+    or to hear the conversation of these new adventurers, and the
+    instructive dialogues of schoolboys and shopkeepers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I take this opportunity, my lords, of clearing myself from any suspicion
+    of having contributed, by my advice, to this stupendous collection. I
+    only once interposed with the recommendation of a young gentleman, who
+    had learned his profession in two campaigns among the Muscovians, and
+    whom yet neither his own desert, nor my patronage could advance to a
+    commission. And, I believe, my lords, all the other general officers
+    were equally unconsulted, and would, if their advice had been asked,
+    equally have disapproved the measures that have been pursued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But thus, my lords, were our new regiments completed, in which, of two
+    hundred and fifty officers who have subsisted upon half-pay, only
+    thirty-six have been promoted, though surely they might have pleaded a
+    juster claim to employment, who had learned their profession in the
+    service of their country, and had long languished in penury, than those
+    who had neither knowledge nor capacity, who had neither acted nor
+    suffered any thing, and who might have been destined to the hammer or
+    the plough, without any disreputation to their families, or
+    disappointment to themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been told, indeed, my lords, that to some of these officers
+    commissions were offered, which they refused, and for this refusal every
+    reason is alleged but the true: some, indeed, excused themselves as
+    disabled by age and infirmities from military service; nor can any
+    objection be made to so just a plea. For how could those be refused in
+    their age the comforts of ease and repose, who have served their country
+    with their youth and vigour?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Others there are, my lords, who refused commissions upon motives very
+    different, in which, nevertheless, some justice cannot be denied. They
+    who had long studied and long practised their profession; they, who had
+    tried their courage in the breach, and given proofs of their skill in
+    the face of the enemy, refused to obey the command of novices, of
+    tradesmen, and of schoolboys: they imagined, my lords, that they ought
+    to govern those whom they should be obliged to instruct, and to lead
+    those troops whom they must range in order. But they had forgot that
+    they had outlived the time when a soldier was formed by study and
+    experience, and had not heard, in their retreats, that a colonel or a
+    captain was now formed in a day; and, therefore, when they saw and heard
+    their new commanders, they retired back to their half-pay, with surprise
+    and indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the follies of last year cannot be easily rectified, and
+    are only now to be exposed that they may not be repeated. If we are now
+    to make new levies, and increase the number of our land-forces, it is,
+    in my opinion, incumbent upon us to consider by what methods we may best
+    augment our troops, and how we may be able to resist our foreign
+    enemies, without exposing the nation to intestine miseries, and leaving
+    our liberties at the mercy of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, my lords, two methods of increasing our forces; the first is,
+    that of raising new regiments; the other, of adding new men to those
+    which already subsist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By raising new regiments, my lords, we shall only gratify the minister
+    with the distribution of new commissions, and the establishment of new
+    dependents; we shall enlarge the influence of the court, and increase
+    the charge of the nation, which is already loaded with too many taxes to
+    support any unnecessary expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By the other method, of adding a hundred men to every company, we shall
+    not only save the pay of the officers, which is no slight consideration,
+    but what seems, if the reports raised by the ministry of our present
+    danger be true, of far more importance, shall form the new forces with
+    more expedition into regular troops; for, by distributing them among
+    those who are already instructed in their duty, we shall give them an
+    opportunity of hourly improvement; every man's comrade will be his
+    master, and every one will be ambitious of forming himself by the
+    example of those who have been in the army longer than themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be objected, my lords, that the number of officers will not then
+    bear a just proportion to that of the soldiers, it may be answered, that
+    the foreign troops of the greatest reputation have no greater number of
+    officers, as every one must know who is acquainted with the constitution
+    of the most formidable armies of Europe. Those of the Prussian monarch,
+    or of the various nations by which we were assisted in the late war,
+    either as confederates or mercenaries, have but few officers. And I very
+    well remember, my lords, that whenever they were joined by parties of
+    our own nation, the inequality in the number of the officers produced
+    contests and disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only troops of Europe, my lords, that swarm with officers, are those
+    of France, but even these have fewer officers, in proportion to their
+    private men, in time of war; for when they disband any part of their
+    forces, they do not, like us, reduce their officers to half-pay, but add
+    them to the regiments not reduced, that the families of their nobility
+    may not be burdened with needy dependents, and that they may never want
+    officers for new levies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are many reasons, my lords, that make this practice in France more
+    reasonable than it would be in our kingdom. It is the chief view of
+    their governours to continue absolute, and therefore their constant
+    endeavour to keep great numbers in dependence; it ought to be our care
+    to hinder the increase of the influence of the court, and to obstruct
+    all measures that may extend the authority of the ministry, and
+    therefore those measures are to be pursued by which independence and
+    liberty will be most supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is likewise to be remembered, my lords, that a French officer is
+    supported with pay not much larger than that of a private soldier among
+    us, and that, therefore, the argument which arises from the necessity of
+    frugality is not of the same force in both nations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is yet another reason why the French are under the necessity of
+    employing more officers than any other nation: the strength of their
+    armies consists in their gentlemen, who cannot be expected to serve
+    without some command: the common soldiers of the French army are a mean,
+    spiritless, despicable herd, fit only to drudge as pioneers, to raise
+    intrenchments, and to dig mines, but without courage to face an enemy,
+    or to proceed with vigour in the face of danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their gentlemen, my lords, are of a very different character; jealous of
+    their honour, and conscious of their birth, eager of distinction, and
+    ambitious of preferment. They have, commonly, their education in the
+    army, and have no expectations of acquiring fortunes equal to their
+    desires by any other profession, and are, therefore, intent upon the
+    improvement of every opportunity which is offered them of increasing
+    their knowledge and exalting their reputation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To the spirit of these men, my lords, are the French armies indebted for
+    all their victories, and to them is to be attributed the present
+    perfection of the art of war. They have the vigilance and perseverance
+    of Romans joined with the natural vivacity and expedition of their own
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are, therefore, not to wonder, my lords, that there is in the French
+    armies an establishment for more gentlemen than in other countries,
+    where the disparity between the military virtues of the higher and lower
+    classes of men is less conspicuous. In the troops of that nation nothing
+    is expected but from the officers, but in ours the common soldier meets
+    danger with equal intrepidity, and scorns to see himself excelled by his
+    officer in courage or in zeal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are, therefore, my lords, under no necessity of burdening our country
+    with the expense of new commissions, which, in the army, will be
+    superfluous, and, in the state, dangerous, as they will fill our senate
+    with new dependents, and our corporations with new adherents to the
+    minister, whose steady perseverance in his favourite scheme of
+    senatorial subordination, will be, perhaps, the only occasion of these
+    new levies, or, at least, has hindered the right application of our
+    standing troops. For what reason, my lords, can invention or imagination
+    assign, why the troops, who had been for some time disciplined, were not
+    rather sent to the assistance of Vernon than the new marines, except
+    that some of them were commanded by men who had obtained seats in the
+    other house, and who, by their settled adherence and avowed fidelity to
+    the minister, had recommended themselves too powerfully to be rashly
+    exposed in the service of their country to the bullets of the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So great, my lords, has been the minister's regard to senatorial
+    abilities, and so strict his gratitude to his friends, that I know of
+    but one member of the other house that has been hazarded in this
+    expedition, and he a hopeless, abandoned patriot, insensible of the
+    capacity or integrity of our ministry, and whom nothing has been able to
+    reconcile to our late measures. He, therefore, who has never exerted
+    himself in defence of the ministry, was, in his turn, thought unworthy
+    of ministerial protection, and was given up to the chance of war without
+    reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I hope your lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that it is
+    not always necessary to gratify the ministry, but that our country
+    claims some part of our regard, and, therefore, that in establishing our
+    army we should pursue that method which may be most accommodated to our
+    constitution, and, instead of imitating the military policy of the
+    French, follow the example of those nations by whose troops they have
+    been conquered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had this scheme been hitherto followed, had our new levies, instead of
+    being put under the command of boys, been distributed in just
+    proportions among the standing regiments, where they might soon have
+    been qualified for service by the inspection of experienced officers, we
+    might now have seen an army capable of awing the court of Spain into
+    submission, or, if our demands had been still refused, of revenging our
+    injuries, and punishing those who have insulted and despised us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From an army thus raised and disciplined, detachments, my lords, ought
+    to have been sent on board of all our fleets, and particularly that
+    which is now stationed in the Mediterranean, which would not then have
+    coasted about from one port to another, without hurting or frighting the
+    enemy, but might, by sudden descents, have spread terrour through a
+    great part of the kingdom, harassed their troops by continual marches,
+    and, by frequent incursions, have plundered all the maritime provinces,
+    driven the inhabitants into the inland country, and laid the villages in
+    ashes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is yet, my lords, no appearance of a peace, for our success has
+    not enabled us to prescribe terms, and I hope we are not yet fallen so
+    low as to receive them; it is, therefore, proper to form such
+    resolutions as may influence the conduct of the war, and enable us to
+    retrieve the errours of our past measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The minister, my lords, is not without panegyrists, who may, perhaps,
+    endeavour to persuade us, that we ought to resign all our understandings
+    to his superiour wisdom, and blindly trust our fortunes and our
+    liberties to his unshaken integrity. They will, in proof of his
+    abilities, produce the wonderful dexterity and penetration which the
+    late negotiations have discovered, and will confirm the reputation of
+    his integrity by the constant parsimony of all his schemes, and the
+    unwillingness with which he at any time increases the expenses of the
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it is the great duty of your high station to watch over
+    the administration, and to warn those, who are more immediately
+    intrusted with the publick affairs, against measures which may endanger
+    the safety or happiness of the nation; and, therefore, if I have proved
+    to your lordships, that to raise new regiments is dangerous to our
+    liberties, that a multitude of officers is of no use in war, and that an
+    army may be more expeditiously disciplined by adding new men to every
+    company, I hope your lordships will agree to this resolution, which I
+    have drawn up with the utmost brevity, and of which the meaning cannot
+    be mistaken:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That the augmenting the army by raising regiments, as it is the most
+    unnecessary and expensive method of augmentation, is also the most
+    dangerous to the liberties of the nation."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of NEWCASTLE next spoke, to this effect:&mdash;My lords, as my
+    education and employments have afforded me no opportunity of acquiring
+    any skill in military affairs, it will not be expected by your
+    lordships, that I should be able to confute the arguments of the noble
+    duke, whose acknowledged superiority in the art of war, and the
+    abilities which he has displayed in the administration of every province
+    which he has undertaken, give him a claim to the highest deference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, as I cannot assume the province of disputing on this
+    question, so I cannot, without longer consideration, form any resolution
+    concerning it; for arguments may be fallacious, which, yet, I cannot
+    confute, and to approve without knowledge is no less weak than to
+    censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is not any present necessity, my lords, of forming a resolution on
+    this subject; we are not now called upon particularly to consider it,
+    and certainly it cannot be prudent, by so determinate a decision,
+    pronounced without reflection or deliberation, to preclude a fuller
+    examination of this important question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET rose, and spoke in this manner:&mdash;My lords, the noble duke
+    who made the present motion has supported it by such strength of
+    argument, and so fully explained the advantages of the method which it
+    tends to recommend, that not only the present age, but posterity may,
+    probably, be indebted to him, for juster notions of a military
+    establishment, than have been yet attained even by those whose
+    profession obliges them to such inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, my lords, could we expect less from his long experience and
+    extensive capacity; experience gained in the heat of war, and in the
+    midst of danger; a capacity not only cultivated by solitary
+    disquisitions in retirement and security, but exercised by difficulties,
+    and quickened by opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such abilities, my lords, matured by such an education, have justly made
+    the noble duke the oracle of war, and procured him the esteem and
+    reverence of all the powers upon earth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I did not receive from my education any military knowledge, I am not
+    able to add much to the arguments which your lordships have already
+    heard; but, nevertheless, having been under the necessity of regulating
+    the army when I had the honour to be employed in Ireland, and having
+    made, in those countries where I transacted the business of the crown,
+    some observations upon the different forms of military establishments, I
+    hope I shall be allowed to offer what my experience or my remarks may
+    suggest to me, in confirmation of the sentiments of the noble duke.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When I was in Ireland, my lords, the troops of that kingdom consisted of
+    twenty-one regiments, of which ten were, as last year, brought into
+    Britain, and the Irish forces were to be filled up by new levies, which
+    were raised in the manner now proposed, by increasing every regiment
+    from three hundred and forty to six hundred men; so that the eleven
+    regiments remaining composed a body of nearly the same number with the
+    twenty-one regiments, as formerly constituted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the Swedish establishment, my lords, the reputation and success of
+    their troops are an uncontrovertible vindication, attd I have often had
+    an opportunity of comparing the number of officers with that of ours,
+    and found their private men to be far more numerous in proportion to the
+    officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In Hanover, my lords, I have seen his majesty's troops remarkable for
+    the elegance of their appearance; and being once asked, by the
+    commander, at what expense one of those gallant troopers and his horse
+    was supported, was told, after confessing my ignorance, that he cost no
+    more than fourteen pounds a year, who could not, in this country, be
+    maintained for less than forty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, my lords, that the French forces are not more expensive than
+    those of Hanover, and, therefore, we are by no means to imitate their
+    establishment, for the price of provisions and habits of life do not
+    admit of any diminution of the pay of either our officers or soldiers,
+    and we can only lessen our expenses by reducing their numbers, to which
+    I shall, for my part, most willingly contribute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as this, my lords, is not the proper time for disbanding our forces,
+    of which the present state of our affairs may, perhaps, demand an
+    augmentation, it is necessary to compare the state of our forces with
+    that of foreign troops, and supply, by prudent methods, the
+    disadvantages to which we are subject, by the peculiar condition of our
+    country. For, if the French can support an army at a fourth part of our
+    expense, what must be the consequence of a war, supposing the wealth of
+    the two nations nearly equal? It will be to little purpose that we
+    boast, however justly, of the superiority of our troops; for though it
+    should be granted that the British cannot be resisted by an equal
+    number, yet it can never be expected that they should conquer troops
+    four times as numerous as themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it appears, with all the evidence of arithmetical
+    demonstration, that the method now proposed is highly expedient, nor can
+    any objection, in my opinion, be made to the resolution offered to your
+    lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is not a proper time for this inquiry has been, indeed, urged,
+    but surely no time can be more proper than when we may, by a resolution
+    unanimously passed, regulate, in some degree, the conduct of the other
+    house, and faint to them the opinion of this assembly on a question
+    which is, perhaps, to-morrow to be brought before them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY then spoke thus:&mdash;My lords, though I was once honoured
+    with a command in the army, and consequently ought to have attained some
+    military knowledge, yet I have so long resigned my commission, possessed
+    it for so short a time, and have suffered my attention to be diverted
+    from inquiries on that subject by employments of so different a kind,
+    that I cannot presume to oppose any knowledge of my own to the reasons
+    which have been offered; but I cannot think that the conclusions drawn
+    by the noble duke, are so evidently true as to force conviction, and
+    exclude all possibility of reply; nor can I conceive it consistent with
+    the dignity of this assembly, to yield implicitly to any man's
+    assertions, or to pass any resolution without an accurate inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Some objections, my lords, arise, upon reflection, from my narrow
+    observation and transient reading, and these I shall lay before your
+    lordships, with an open acknowledgment of my insufficiency to discuss
+    the question, and a sincere desire of being instructed where I may be
+    mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The subordination of the army, my lords, appears to me, in general, to
+    be sufficiently maintained, nor is it ever infringed but by particular
+    partiality, that can never be prevented, or a casual difference in the
+    circumstances of the officers, which, though not relative to their
+    military characters, will always produce some degree of influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, my lords, how the general regulation of our forces, and the
+    distribution of military honours, can be condemned, without extending
+    some degree of censure to a person who ought not to be mentioned as
+    concurring in any measures injurious to the publick. Our army, my lords,
+    is maintained by the parliament, but commanded by the king, who has not
+    either done or directed any thing of which his people may justly
+    complain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here the duke of ARGYLE interrupted him:&mdash;My lords, it is necessary to
+    clear myself from misrepresentations, and to preserve, at the same time,
+    the order of this assembly, by reminding the noble lord, that his
+    majesty is never to be introduced into our debates, because he is never
+    to be charged with wrong; and by declaring to your lordships, that I
+    impute no part of the errours committed in the regulation of the army to
+    his majesty, but to those ministers whose duty it is to advise him, and
+    whom the law condemns to answer for the consequences of their counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY resumed:&mdash;My lords, if I misrepresented any assertion
+    of the noble duke, it was by misapprehension, or failure of memory, and
+    not by malice or design; and if in any other objections which I shall
+    make, I shall fall into any errour of the same kind, I desire that it
+    may be ascribed to the same cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ignorance and inexperience of our present officers have been exposed
+    with great gaiety of imagination, and with the true spirit of satirical
+    rhetorick, nor can I presume to support them against so formidable
+    censures. But, my lords, I cannot discover any method of protracting the
+    lives of our old officers beyond the usual term, nor of supplying the
+    loss of those whom death takes away from the army, but by substituting
+    others, who, as they have seen no wars, can have little experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the number of officers in the foreign troops, I have been
+    informed, that they were, by an express stipulation, to be constituted
+    in the same manner with the British and Dutch forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the duke of ARGYLE again interrupted him:&mdash;My lords, as it was my
+    province in the late war to superintend the payment of the foreign
+    troops, I may be allowed to have some knowledge of the establishment,
+    and hope I shall not be imagined to need any information on that
+    subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY said:&mdash;My lords, I do not presume to dispute any
+    assertion of the noble duke, for whose knowledge I have the highest
+    veneration, but only to offer such hints for inquiry as may be pursued
+    by other lords of greater abilities, and to show, that as some
+    difficulties may be raised, the resolution ought not to be agreed to
+    without farther deliberation; since it not only tends to prescribe the
+    measures which shall be hereafter taken, and prohibit a method of
+    raising forces, which, when diligently examined, may, perhaps, appear
+    most eligible, but to censure the methods, which, when they were put in
+    practice the last year, received the approbation of all the powers of
+    the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord WESTMORELAND spoke next, as follows:&mdash;My lords, I have, for my own
+    satisfaction, stated the difference of the expense between the two
+    methods of raising forces, and find it so great, that the method
+    proposed by the noble duke ought, undoubtedly, to be preferred, even
+    though it were attended with some inconvenience, from which he has shown
+    it to be free.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality, my lords, is one of the chief virtues of an administration; a
+    virtue without which no government can be long supported: the publick
+    expense can never be too accurately computed, or the first tendency to
+    profusion too rigorously opposed; for as in private life, so in
+    political economy, the demands of necessity are easily supplied; but if
+    once the calls of wantonness and caprice are complied with, no limits
+    can be fixed, nor will any treasure be sufficient.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the burdens under which the people are now toiling were all
+    imposed by necessity, I will not inquire, but I think, my lords, we may
+    readily determine, that whatever is not necessary is cruel and
+    oppressive, and that, therefore, since the expense of raising new
+    regiments appears, at least, not to be necessary, it ought to be
+    opposed; and how can it be opposed more properly or effectually than by
+    the noble duke's resolution?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HERVEY spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, I do not claim any
+    superiority of knowledge in any affairs that relate to the publick, but
+    have less acquaintance with the military establishment than with any
+    other part of the government, and can, therefore, neither oppose the
+    resolution now offered to your lordships by such arguments as may
+    deserve your attention, nor agree to it with that degree of conviction
+    which the importance of it seems to require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the chief argument which has been produced against raising new
+    regiments, is less formidable than it has been represented, will, I
+    believe, appear to your lordships, when it is considered that the
+    officers are always gentlemen of the first families in the empire, who,
+    therefore, cannot be supposed voluntarily to give up their relations and
+    posterity to the power of any ministry, or, for the sake of their
+    commissions, to betray that constitution by which their own properties
+    are secured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether every other argument may not with equal justice be controverted,
+    is not, without longer consideration, possible to be determined, and,
+    therefore, it cannot be reasonably expected that we should agree to the
+    resolution, which would be only to decide without examination, and to
+    determine what we don't understand; for I am under no apprehension of
+    being imagined to reflect unjustly on this assembly, in supposing that
+    many of your lordships may be strangers to the question, which, when the
+    last levies were made, was neither discussed nor proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore move, that the previous question may be put, which may,
+    perhaps, gain time sufficient for a more exact inquiry upon this
+    important subject.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT replied to this purport:&mdash;My lords, if, in imitation of some
+    noble lords, I profess my ignorance of the subject on which I am to
+    speak, may it not yet be allowed me, after the example of others, to
+    employ the little knowledge which I have in the defence of a resolution,
+    which appears to have no other tendency than the advantage of the
+    publick, and to show my zeal for the happiness of my country, though,
+    perhaps, without the true knowledge of its interest?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lord, who spoke last, is too great a master of eloquence not
+    to be heard with all the attention which pleasure naturally produces,
+    and a reasoner too formidable not to raise in his hearers all the
+    anxiety which is produced by the fear of being deceived by partial
+    representations, and artful deductions. I am always afraid, my lords,
+    lest errour should appear too much like truth in the ornaments which his
+    lordship's imagination may bestow, and lest sophistry should dazzle my
+    understanding whilst I imagine myself only guided by the light of
+    reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, endeavour, my lords, to review his ornaments, and
+    try whether they owe their influence to the force of truth, or to that
+    of eloquence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His lordship has observed, that the objections which are now made to the
+    method of raising new regiments, were not produced last year upon a like
+    occasion. I know not, indeed, what can be inferred from this assertion;
+    for, surely, it will not maintain, that an errour, once admitted, is to
+    become perpetual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, another reason may be assigned, for which the objections
+    that occurred last year might not be produced. The ministry, after a
+    long course of disgraceful negotiations, and artful delays, were, at
+    length, compelled to a war, by the general clamours of the whole nation;
+    but they acted as men unwilling to execute what they did not approve.
+    They proceeded so slowly in their preparations, and were so languid in
+    all their motions, that it was evident how willingly they would have
+    improved every opportunity of retarding the vengeance which they were
+    forced to threaten; and with what artifices they would have protracted
+    any delay, which they could have imputed to those by whom they were
+    opposed. It was, therefore, to the last degree, improper to embarrass
+    their measures of themselves sufficiently perplexed, or to lay any
+    obstacle in the way of those who would gladly be stopped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is filled with gentlemen, is so far, my lords, from
+    proving that there is nothing to be feared from it, that it is the only
+    foundation of all our solicitude. For none but gentlemen can injure our
+    liberties, and while the posts of the army are bestowed as rewards of
+    senatorial slavery, gentlemen will always be found who will be corrupted
+    themselves, and can corrupt a borough; who will purchase a vote in the
+    house, and sell it for military preferments. By the posts of the army
+    the senate may be corrupted, and by the corruption of the senate the
+    army be perpetuated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, my lords, who are the warmest opponents of the army, apprehend
+    not any danger from their swords, but from their votes. As they have
+    been of late regulated without discipline or subordination, I should not
+    feel such anxiety at seeing them led on by their new commanders against
+    a body of honest ploughmen, united in the cause of virtue and of
+    liberty; I should, with great alacrity, draw my sword against them, and
+    should not doubt of seeing them in a short time heaped upon our fields.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, they are employed to ruin us by a more slow and silent
+    method; they are directed to influence their relations in the senate,
+    and to suborn the voters in our small towns; they are dispersed over the
+    nation to instil dependence, and being enslaved themselves, willingly
+    undertake the propagation of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is instrumental in extending the influence of the ministry
+    to the senate, cannot be denied, when military preferments are held no
+    longer than while he that possesses them gives a sanction, by his vote,
+    to the measures of the court; when no degree of merit is sufficient to
+    balance a single act of senatorial opposition, and when the nation is
+    rather to be left to the defence of boys, than the minister be suspected
+    of misconduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Could either bravery or knowledge, reputation, or past services, known
+    fidelity to his majesty, or the most conspicuous capacity for high
+    trust, have secured any man in the enjoyment of his post, the noble duke
+    who made the motion, had carried his command to his grave, nor had the
+    nation now been deprived either of his arms, or of his counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as he has now offered his advice to his country, and supported his
+    opinion with proofs from reason and experience, which even those who
+    oppose them have confessed themselves unable to answer; as the justness
+    of his reasoning, and the extent of his knowledge, have silenced those
+    whose prejudices will not suffer them to own themselves convinced; let
+    us not, my lords, reject what we cannot condemn, nor suffer our country
+    to be defrauded of the advantage of this resolution, by that low
+    senatorial craft, the previous question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the CHANCELLOR spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, I am far
+    from suspecting that an open profession of my inability to examine the
+    question before us, in its full extent, will be imputed to an
+    affectation of modesty, since any knowledge of military affairs could
+    not be acquired in those stations in which I have been placed, or by
+    those studies, in which the greatest part of my life is known to have
+    been spent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not be expected, my lords, that I should attempt a formal
+    confutation of the noble duke's positions, or that I should be able to
+    defend my own opinion against his knowledge and experience; nor would I,
+    my lords, expose myself to the censure of having harangued upon war in
+    the presence of Hannibal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble duke has explained his sentiments to your lordships with the
+    utmost accuracy of method, and the most instructive perspicuity of
+    language; he has enforced them with a strength of reasoning rarely to be
+    found, and with an extent of knowledge peculiar to himself. Yet, my
+    lords, as his arguments, however powerful in themselves, do not strike
+    me with the same force with which others may be affected, who are more
+    capable of receiving them, I hope that your lordships will allow me to
+    mention such objections as occur to me, that in voting on this question
+    I may, at least, preserve my conscience from violation, and neither
+    adopt the opinion of another, however great, without examination, nor
+    obstinately reject the means of conviction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every lord who has spoken either in support of the noble duke's opinion,
+    or in opposition to it, has confessed that he is very little acquainted
+    with the subject of our debate; and it may not, therefore, be an
+    improper or useless attempt, if I endeavour by objections, however
+    injudicious, or by arguments, however inconclusive, to procure some
+    illustration of a question so important, and, at the same time, so
+    little understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The objections, my lords, which I shall produce, are such as I have
+    heard in conversation with those whose long acquaintance with military
+    employments give them a just claim to authority in all questions which
+    relate to the art of war; among whom I find no uniformity of opinion
+    with regard to the most proper method of augmenting our forces. And, my
+    lords, when we observe those to differ in their sentiments, whose
+    education, experience, and opportunities of knowledge have been nearly
+    the same, and who have all obtained a very great degree of reputation in
+    their profession, what can be inferred, but that the question is in its
+    own nature obscure and difficult? That it involves a multitude of
+    relations, and is diffused through a great variety of circumstances?
+    And that, therefore, it is prudent for every man, who can judge only
+    upon the authority of others, to suspend his opinion?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief argument, or that, at least, which impressed itself most
+    strongly on my mind, against any innovation in our military
+    constitution, was drawn from the success of our armies in their present
+    form, with that proportion of soldiers and officers, which the present
+    motion tends to abolish. Our forces, say the advocates for the present
+    establishment, have afforded us a sufficient testimony of the propriety
+    of their regulation, by their frequent victories over troops, whose
+    discipline has been studied with the utmost vigilance, and which have
+    been trained up to war with a degree of attention not disproportioned to
+    the mighty design for which they were raised, the subjection of the
+    world, and attainment of universal monarchy. These troops, who have been
+    taught, almost from their infancy, that cowardice and flight are the
+    greatest crimes, and persuaded, by national prejudices, and principles
+    studiously instilled, that no foreign forces could withstand them, have
+    fled before equal numbers of Britons, and been driven from one province
+    to another, till, instead of grasping at general dominion, they were
+    reduced to defend their wives and children.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much of this success was to be ascribed to that part of the
+    regulation which this motion proposes to be changed, it is not, my
+    lords, within my province to determine; the great commander whom I have
+    the honour to oppose, can best explain to your lordships the province of
+    every officer in the field, and how far the number of inferiour officers
+    may influence the success of a battle and the fate of a kingdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to me, my lords, the establishment of our armies, comprising
+    different views, and connecting various subordinate regulations, may be
+    compared to a medicine composed of different ingredients, and found
+    infallibly efficacious in a dangerous disease, in which, though some of
+    the parts may seem to physicians of the profoundest learning,
+    superfluous or improper, it would be no less than the folly of
+    preferring experiments to life, to make any alteration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wantonness of innovation, my lords, is a dangerous disease of the
+    mind; in a private station, it prompts men to be always discontented
+    with what they find, and to lose the enjoyment of good in search of
+    something better; it incites them to leave the safe and beaten tracks of
+    life, in search of those which they imagine nearer, but, which are, at
+    best, less secure, and which generally lead them to points far different
+    from that to which they originally intended to direct their course.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is dangerous, my lords, to admit any alteration which is not
+    absolutely necessary, for one innovation makes way for another. The
+    parts of a constitution, like a complicated machine, are fitted to each
+    other, nor can one be changed without changing that which corresponds to
+    it. This necessity is not always foreseen, but when discovered by
+    experience is generally complied with; for every man is more inclined to
+    hazard farther changes, than to confess himself mistaken by retracting
+    his scheme. Thus, my lords, one change introduces another, till the
+    original constitution is entirely destroyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By the ambition of innovation, my lords, have almost all those empires
+    been destroyed, of which nothing now is left but the memory. Every human
+    establishment has its advantages and its inconveniencies, and by weak
+    attempts to remedy these defects, which, notwithstanding the utmost
+    attention, will embarrass the machine of government, alterations have
+    been introduced which have been quickly followed by a total dissolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There seem, my lords, to be few regulations on which it is more
+    dangerous to make experiments than on that of the armies of a nation. We
+    are sufficiently convinced how much of success is the consequence of
+    courage, and that courage is only an opinion of our own superiority,
+    arising from certain circumstances, either imaginary or real.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The courage which at present animates our forces, arises, my lords, from
+    a very proper ground, their former victories over the enemies which they
+    are now to combat, and will, therefore, doubtless, continue while they
+    can consider themselves as enjoying the same advantage with those
+    particular men by whom the victories were obtained. But, my lords, if
+    any essential part of their establishment be changed, they will be
+    considered, both by themselves and their enemies, as a different army;
+    they will then charge with less alacrity, and be opposed with less
+    dejection; they will consider themselves as fighting without that
+    certainty of success which arises from experience, and their enemies
+    will resolve to try, by an obstinate resistance, whether they are now
+    equally formidable as in their former state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, I have attempted, however weakly, to represent the
+    arguments which I have heard for the continuance of the establishment,
+    of which your lordships will examine the validity, and shall now proceed
+    to consider the noble duke's system of a military subordination in time
+    of peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether a standing army in time of peace is made necessary to the change
+    of conduct in foreign courts, it is now useless to inquire; but it will
+    be easily granted by your lordships, that no motive but necessity,
+    necessity absolute and inevitable, ought to influence us to support a
+    standing body of regular forces, which have always been accounted
+    dangerous, and generally found destructive to a free people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief reason, my lords, of the danger arising from a standing army,
+    may be ascribed to the circumstances by which men, subject to military
+    laws, are distinguished from other members of the same community; they
+    are, by the nature of martial government, exposed to punishment which
+    other men never incur, and tried by forms of a different and more
+    rigorous kind than those which are practised by the civil power. They
+    are, if not exempted from the jurisdiction of a magistrate, yet subject
+    to another authority which they see more frequently and more severely
+    exerted, and which, therefore, they fear and reverence in a higher
+    degree. They, by entering into the army, lay aside, for the most part,
+    all prospect of advantage from commerce or civil employments, and, in a
+    few years, neither fear nor hope any thing but from the favour or
+    displeasure of their own officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For these, my lords, or for other reasons, the soldiers have always been
+    inclined to consider themselves as a body distinct from the rest of the
+    community, and independent on it, a government regulated by their own
+    laws, without regard to the general constitution of their country; they
+    have, therefore, been ready to subvert the constitution, from which they
+    received little advantage, and to oppress the civil magistrates, for
+    whom they had lost their reverence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And how soon, my lords, might such outrages be expected from an army
+    formed after the model of the noble duke, released from the common
+    obligations of society, disunited from the bulk of the nation, directed
+    solely by their own officers, and ultimately commanded by a man who had
+    the right of commanding no other? Would they not soon consider
+    themselves as a separate community, whose interests were, no less than
+    their laws, peculiar to themselves? Would they not consider him, from
+    whom they received all their rewards, and all their punishments, as the
+    proper object of their supreme regard, and endeavour to exalt him to the
+    same dominion over others, which he enjoyed in regard to themselves,
+    that they might share in his superiority?
+</p>
+<p>
+    A body of men, my lords, thus separated from the rest of the people,
+    must consider themselves as either ennobled or degraded by such
+    distinction, and would soon find themselves inclined to use the power of
+    their arms, either in the exertion of their privileges, or the revenge
+    of their disgrace. Then, my lords, would they set at defiance the laws
+    of the nation, nor would one of these noble lords be able to disband,
+    nor the other to resist them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The army, my lords, is, in time of peace, then best regulated when it is
+    kept under the strictest subordination to the civil power, that power
+    which it is instituted to protect and to preserve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, have I examined the proposal and reasons of the noble
+    duke, perhaps not much to the information of your lordships; but it
+    cannot be expected that any capacity should be able, in an unexpected
+    and sudden debate, to dispute on a subject, which the noble duke's
+    education gave him particular opportunities of understanding far beyond
+    almost every other man, and which he has had time to consider with
+    respect to this present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, I cannot but think the previous question
+    highly expedient, but not for this reason alone; for as the state of the
+    army, and the proper methods of augmenting it, are soon to be examined
+    by the other house, to prejudice their determinations, may raise a
+    contest about privileges, and oblige us either to persist, for our own
+    honour, in opposition to measures necessary to the security of the
+    publick, or, in compliance with the present exigence, accept their
+    scheme, however opposite to our own resolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, the known
+    abilities of that noble lord incline me always to hear him with uncommon
+    expectation and attention, which seldom fail to be rewarded by such
+    pleasure and information as few other men are able to afford. But his
+    observations on the question before us, my lords, have only convinced
+    me, that the greatest abilities may be sometimes betrayed into errour,
+    and the most candid disposition be vitiated by accidental prejudices.
+    For his own arguments neither appear just, nor his representation
+    impartial, of those advanced in favour of the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the number of officers necessary in time of war, his
+    lordship asserted nothing from his own knowledge, nor do I believe that
+    any other lord will imagine himself qualified to dispute with the noble
+    duke upon questions purely military. His experience entitles him to the
+    highest authority, in debates of this kind; and if every man has a claim
+    to credit in his own profession, surely, he who has given evidence of
+    his proficiency in the art of war in the eyes of the whole world, will
+    not be denied, in this house, that superiority which would readily be
+    allowed him in any other part of the universe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet less, my lords, can it be suspected, that he intends to deceive
+    us, than that he can be deceived himself; for not only his probity, his
+    love of his country, and his fidelity to the crown, concur to secure him
+    from any temptations to make an ill use of his credit, but his own
+    interest obliges him to offer that scheme for the regulation of our
+    forces, which, in his own opinion, will most certainly contribute to
+    their success. For it is not to be doubted, my lords, that when we shall
+    be engaged in war too far for negotiations and conventions, when we
+    shall be surrounded by enemies, and terrified at the near approach of
+    danger, he will be called upon to lead our armies to battle, and attack,
+    once more, those enemies that have fled so often before him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then, my lords, if he has contributed to form a weak plan of our
+    military constitution, must he atone for it with the loss of his
+    reputation; that reputation, for which he has undergone so many
+    fatigues, and been exposed to so many dangers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it is ridiculous to suspect where nothing appears to
+    provoke suspicion, and I am very far from imagining that the dangers of
+    innovation, however artfully magnified, or the apprehensions of the
+    soldiers, however rhetorically represented, will be thought of any
+    weight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The establishment of the army, my lords, is an innovation, and, as the
+    noble lord has justly represented it, an innovation that threatens
+    nothing less than the destruction of our liberties, and the dissolution
+    of our government. Our vigilance ought, therefore, to be very anxiously
+    employed in regulating this new part of our government, and adapting it,
+    in such a manner, to the national constitution, that no detriment may
+    arise from it, and that our civil rights may be protected, not
+    oppressed, by the military power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this purpose, says the noble lord, the soldiers are to be restrained
+    by a due subordination to the magistrate, a position undoubtedly true,
+    but now superfluously urged: for it was never controverted by the noble
+    person whose opinion he intended to oppose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should any man assert, my lords, that the army ought to be formed into a
+    distinct and independent society, which should receive laws only from a
+    council of war, and have no other governour than their officers, none
+    should oppose such an assertion with more ardour or constancy than
+    myself, but what was never advanced it is unnecessary to confute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, my lords, to obviate those dangers from the army which have been so
+    strongly and justly represented, it is necessary, not only that a legal
+    subordination to the civil authority be firmly established, but that a
+    personal dependence on the ministry be taken away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How readily men learn to reverence and obey those on whom their fortunes
+    depend, has been already shown by the noble lord, and therefore it will
+    follow, that a minister who distributes preferments at his pleasure, may
+    acquire such an influence in the army, as may be employed to secure
+    himself from justice by the destruction of liberty. And unless it can be
+    proved, that no such minister can ever exist; that corruption, ambition,
+    and perfidy, have place only in the military race; every argument that
+    shows the danger of an army, dependent only on the general, will show
+    the danger, likewise, of one dependent only on the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The influence of the minister, my lords, is known to arise from the
+    number of the officers, and to be proportioned to the value of the
+    preferment, which it is in his power to bestow; it is, therefore,
+    evident, by adding new officers to our army, we shall throw weight into
+    the scale, which already is, at least, an equal balance to our
+    constitution, and enable the ministry either to employ an army in
+    defence of their measures, or to obtain such an influence in the senate,
+    as shall make any other security superfluous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the danger of a multitude of officers, a danger which
+    surely deserves more attention than the imaginary prejudice of the
+    soldiers in favour of the present establishment; a prejudice represented
+    so powerful, both in our own forces, and those of our enemies, that the
+    future success of our arms may probably depend upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely, my lords, that cause may be allowed indefensible, which such a
+    patron defends so weakly. What can be more chimerical than to imagine
+    that men would lay down their arms, and forsake their standards, because
+    there are twenty more in a company than have formerly been? That such a
+    panick, from such a cause, was never found, I need not prove; and I
+    scarce think it necessary to assert, that, without supposing a universal
+    depravity of reason, it never can be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The establishment proposed by the noble duke, is the same with that of
+    most foreign troops, and particularly with that of his majesty's forces
+    in his foreign dominions, and, therefore, cannot but be approved by him,
+    if it should be proposed by your lordships. For why should he imagine a
+    greater number of officers necessary to the troops of Britain, than to
+    those of any other nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expediency of the motion, my lords, is, in my opinion, so obvious
+    and incontestable, as to require no farther consideration, and,
+    therefore, it is no argument against it, that we were not previously
+    informed of the question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Much less, my lords, can I discover the force of the assertion, that by
+    such a resolution we shall excite the displeasure of the other house; we
+    have, my lords, at least, an equal right with them to examine any
+    position relating to the publick security, a right which we may exert
+    with less danger of disgusting them, while they have yet formed no
+    determination, and with less danger to the nation, than when their
+    opinion, whatever it may be, cannot be controverted without retarding
+    the important bill against mutiny.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are never offended, my lords, at receiving the opinions of the other
+    house, which we often adopt without any alteration, and often make use
+    of for our own instruction, and now are become so contemptible as that
+    no regard should be paid by them to our resolutions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that this assembly is an essential and
+    constituent part of the legislature of this kingdom, and that we
+    received from our ancestors a great extent of power, which it ought to
+    be our care not to suffer to be contracted by degrees, till this
+    assembly shall become merely formal, and sit only to ratify implicitly
+    the determinations of the other house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Several other lords spoke in the debate, and the president having put
+    the previous question, "Whether the question should be then put?" upon a
+    division, it passed in the negative. Content, 42. Not content, 59.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_8"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    RESPECTING OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY.
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS this day moved for an humble address to his majesty, that,
+    for the future ease of his majesty's subjects, all officers now
+    subsisting upon half-pay, etc. might be employed in the army, and
+    supported it to the following effect:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, though I have often known motions opposed without any just
+    objections, or at least without any proof of such inconveniencies likely
+    to arise from them, as were equivalent to the advantages which they
+    would have produced, yet I cannot but confess, that any opposition to
+    this will be unexpected and surprising; for it is, in my opinion,
+    supported by every law of justice and humanity. If we regard the publick
+    in general, it cannot but produce some alleviation of the national
+    expense; and if we consider the particular persons to whom it
+    immediately relates, they have certainly a just claim to that regard
+    which it is the tendency of this motion to procure them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To burden with superfluous officers, and unnecessary expenses, a people
+    already overwhelmed with taxes, and overrun with the dependents on the
+    crown, is, surely, to the highest degree cruel and absurd. And to
+    condemn those men to contempt and penury, who have served their country
+    with bravery and fidelity, to prefer unexperienced striplings to those
+    commissions, which would gladly be accepted by men who have already
+    tried their courage in the battle, and borne the fatigues of marches,
+    and the change of climates, is surely not only to oppress the deserving,
+    and scatter promotion without just distinction; but, what is yet more
+    enormous, it is to wanton with the publick safety, and expose us to our
+    enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor does it appear to me sufficient, that the veteran officers be
+    restored to the commissions which they formerly enjoyed; they ought,
+    upon an augmentation of our troops, to be recompensed by some
+    advancement for their services and their sufferings; the ensign ought to
+    become a lieutenant, and the lieutenant be exalted to a captain;
+    stations which they will surely fill with more dignity and greater
+    abilities, than boys newly discharged from school, and intrusted with
+    unexpected authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be reasonable, sir, that expense should be spared in a time of
+    general poverty, if it be politick to carry on war in the manner most
+    likely to produce success, if it be just, that those who have served
+    their country should be preferred to those who have no merit to boast,
+    this motion cannot be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE answered to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, to the motion now
+    made, it will not, I believe, be objected, that it is unreasonable, or
+    unjust, but that it is unnecessary, and that it is not drawn up with
+    sufficient consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is unnecessary, because his majesty is advised by it to no other
+    measures than those which he has already determined to pursue; for he
+    has declared to me, sir, his intention of conferring the new commissions
+    upon the officers who receive half-pay, before any other officers shall
+    be promoted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion appears to me not to be very attentively considered, or drawn
+    up with great propriety of expression; for it supposes all the half-pay
+    officers fit for the service, which cannot be imagined by any man, who
+    considers that there has been peace for almost thirty years; a space of
+    time, in which many vigorous constitutions must have declined, and many,
+    who were once well qualified for command, must be disabled by the
+    infirmities of age. Nor is the promotion of one of these gentlemen
+    considered always by him as an act of favour; many of them have, in this
+    long interval of peace, engaged in methods of life very little
+    consistent with military employments, many of them have families which
+    demand their care, and which they would not forsake for any advantages
+    which a new commission could afford them, and therefore it would not be
+    very consistent with humanity to force them into new dangers and
+    fatigues which they are now unable to support.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to these men, compassion and kindness seem to require that
+    they should be suffered to spend their few remaining days without
+    interruption, and that the dangers and toils of their youth should be
+    requited in their age with ease and retirement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are others who have less claim to the regard of the publick, and
+    who may be passed by in the distribution of new preferments without the
+    imputation of neglecting merit. These are they who have voluntarily
+    resigned their commissions for the sake of half-pay, and have preferred
+    indolence and retreat to the service of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So that it appears, that of those who subsist upon half-pay, some are
+    unable to execute a commission, some do not desire, and some do not
+    deserve it; and with regard to the remaining part, which can be no great
+    number, I have already stated the intention of his majesty, and
+    therefore cannot but conclude that the motion is needless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what fatality it is,
+    that all the motions made by one party are reasonable and necessary, and
+    all that are unhappily offered by the other, are discovered either to be
+    needless, or of pernicious tendency. Whenever a question can be clouded
+    and perplexed, the opponents of the ministry are always mistaken,
+    confuted, and, in consequence of the confutations, defeated by the
+    majority of votes. When truth is too notorious to be denied, and too
+    obvious to be contested, the administration claim the honour of the
+    first discovery, and will never own that they were incited to their duty
+    by the remonstrances of their opponents, though they never, before those
+    remonstrances, had discovered the least intention of performing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that the motion is allowed to be just and proper, is sufficient; the
+    importance of it will be easily discovered. For my part I shall always
+    consider that motion as important, which tends to contract the expenses
+    of the publick, to rescue merit from neglect, and to hinder the increase
+    of the dependents on the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE answered:&mdash;Sir, there is no temper more opposite to
+    that incessant attention to the welfare of the publick, which is the
+    perpetual boast of those who have signalized themselves by opposing the
+    measures of the administration, than a lust of contradiction, and a
+    disposition to disturb this assembly with superfluous debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this disposition is not discovered in the reply made to the
+    declaration of his majesty's intentions, and the confession of the
+    propriety of the motion, let the house determine. It must surely be
+    confessed, that it is not necessary to advise what is already
+    determined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less evident, that many of the officers whose interest is now
+    so warmly solicited, must be incapacitated by their age for service, and
+    unable to receive any benefit from the offer of new commissions. To deny
+    this, is to question the flux of time, or to imagine that the
+    constitution of a soldier is exempt from its injuries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS explained himself to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am far from
+    intending by this motion to fill the army with decrepit officers, or to
+    obstruct in any manner the service of the publick; nor have I any other
+    intention, than to secure to those whose years permit, and whose
+    inclinations incite them to enter once more into the army, that
+    preferment to which they have a claim, not only from their past
+    services, but from the state of penury and obscurity in which they have
+    languished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I desire to preserve those, whose valour has heretofore made our nation
+    the terrour of the world, from the mortification of seeing themselves
+    insulted by childhood, and commanded by ignorance; by ignorance exalted
+    to authority by the countenance of some rhetorician of the senate, or
+    some mayor of a borough.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whoever has observed the late distribution of military honours, will
+    easily discover that they have been attained by qualifications very
+    different from bravery, or knowledge of the art of war; he will find
+    that regiments and companies are the rewards of a seasonable vote, and
+    that no man can preserve his post in the army, whether given him as the
+    reward of acknowledged merit, or sold him for the full value, any longer
+    than he employs all his influence in favour of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then said:&mdash;Sir, it has been already admitted, that
+    the motion can only be objected to as superfluous, and, therefore, all
+    farther debate is mere waste of time, without any prospect of advantage;
+    nor is any thing now necessary, but to review the motion, and correct
+    such expressions as may be thought inaccurate or improper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That <i>all</i> the half-pay officers are not able to enter into the service,
+    has been already shown, and, therefore, I should imagine, that, instead
+    of <i>all the officers</i>, we might very justly substitute <i>officers
+    properly qualified</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD replied:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot discover the necessity
+    of any alteration, since it cannot be conceived that the senate can
+    advise impossibilities, yet since so much accuracy is affected, it may
+    be allowed that the word <i>all</i> shall be left out, as seeming to imply
+    more than can be intended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the honourable gentleman is not, in my opinion, so happy in his
+    amendment, as in his objection; for the words <i>properly qualified</i>
+    convey to me no distinct idea. He that is qualified is, I suppose,
+    <i>properly qualified</i>, for I never heard of <i>improper qualifications</i>;
+    but if the word <i>properly</i> be omitted, I have no objection to the
+    amendment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_9"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON AN ADDRESS FOR PAPERS RELATING TO ADMIRAL HADDOCK.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALLER this day offered the following motion in writing, That an
+    humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be graciously
+    pleased to give directions that there may be laid before this house
+    copies of two particular letters written by his majesty's secretary of
+    state to admiral Haddock, which had been addressed for before, and of
+    the letters received from admiral Ogle mentioned therein; together with
+    all letters written by admiral Haddock to either of his majesty's
+    secretaries of state, concerning the said letters, and the execution of
+    the orders contained therein.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion he supported by arguments to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, no
+    man who considers the present situation of our foreign affairs, the
+    expense and inefficacy of our military preparations, the appearance of
+    negligence in our naval expeditions, and the general disappointment of
+    the hopes which the nation had conceived of victories, vengeance, and
+    reparations, can, in my opinion, doubt the expediency of the motion
+    which I have taken the liberty to make.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the expectations of the nation are deceived, it certainly becomes
+    those who are deputed to watch over the prosperity of the publick, to
+    inquire whence the disappointment proceeds, and either to inform their
+    constituents that their uneasiness arises from their own errour, and
+    that their hopes are destroyed because they had no rational foundation;
+    or to detect the weak management of those by whom the publick measures
+    have been ill-conducted, or the national treasure has been misapplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the present war, I know not how the nation can be
+    charged with having formed unreasonable expectations. If they considered
+    the speech from the throne, the most authentick declaration of the
+    intentions of the government, they found there the warmest resentments
+    of the injuries which they had sustained, and the strongest assurances
+    of a vigorous prosecution of all those measures which might produce
+    speedy recompense, and inviolable security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they reflect, sir, on the preparations for war, on the multitude of
+    ships, the demand of materials for naval equipments, and the high prices
+    at which workmen were retained, they could not but imagine that either
+    some mighty attempt was designed, or some formidable enemy dreaded, and
+    as they know not whom they had to fear, they ascribed the vigour of our
+    proceedings to a resolution of humbling our enemies by one fatal blow,
+    and re-establishing our naval dominion by a single effort.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And justly, sir, might they indulge this pleasing imagination; with
+    reason might they anticipate a triumph over an enemy whose strength
+    bears no proportion to the force that was fitted out against them, and
+    expect that in a few months they should see the ambassadors of Spain
+    supplicating for peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To raise their expectations yet higher, their trade was suspended by an
+    embargo, long continued, and in the strictest manner enforced, and the
+    impresses were let loose upon the sailors; they saw nothing omitted,
+    however grievous to the nation, that could contribute to make it
+    formidable, and bore part of the miseries of war without impatience, in
+    hopes of being rewarded by military glory, and repaid by the plunder of
+    Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, when so long a time has elapsed, and no account is brought of
+    either a victory or a battle, when they hear nothing but that our fleets
+    have visited several neutral ports, and those of the enemy sailed
+    unmolested from coast to coast, and when they are every day told of the
+    losses of our merchants, are insulted in our own channel by the Spanish
+    privateers, and receive no relations of our success upon the shores of
+    our enemies, can it be wondered that they suspect the reality of our
+    designs, or inquire whence it proceeds that their money has been wasted,
+    their trade interrupted, and the liberty of their fellow-subjects
+    invaded to no purpose?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how much more justly, sir, are they inflamed when they hear of the
+    lucky stratagems, or daring enterprises of those enemies, which a just
+    sense of their own superiority, had induced them to consider as
+    vanquished before the battle, and of whom they had no apprehensions but
+    that their cowardice would always secure them from vengeance? How
+    justly may they murmur when they read, that our fleets leave every part
+    of the enemy's coast where their presence is necessary, and have
+    afforded the Spaniards an opportunity of changing one port for another,
+    as it is most convenient, and at length of joining the French squadrons,
+    and sailing to the defence of their American dominions?
+</p>
+<p>
+    May they not justly, sir, require of their representatives some reason
+    for such inexplicable conduct? May they not reasonably demand an account
+    of the arguments which procured their approbation of measures, which, so
+    far as they can be examined by those who have no opportunity of perusing
+    the necessary papers, appear either cowardly or treacherous?
+</p>
+<p>
+    And what answer, sir, can we return to such remonstrances, unless this
+    motion be agreed to? How can we appease the discontents of our
+    constituents, or discharge the trust reposed in us, without a very
+    minute and attentive inquiry into questions thus obscure and thus
+    important?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Are we to tell our constituents, that we absolutely rely upon the
+    prudence and fidelity of the ministry and admirals, and recommend to
+    them the same implicit dependence? Are we to confess that we have now
+    for two sessions voted in the dark, and approved what we were not
+    suffered to examine and understand?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such answers, sir, to questions so reasonable, will not contribute to
+    increase the veneration of the people either for ourselves, or our
+    constitution; and yet this answer, and this only, they can receive from
+    us, if the papers mentioned in the motion I have made are denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CLUTTERBUCK replied in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, this motion,
+    though so warmly urged, and so artfully supported, I can consider only
+    as a repetition of a former motion which was approved by the assembly,
+    so far as it could properly be complied with, nor was any paper then
+    concealed which it would not have been an injury to the nation to have
+    divulged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the design of this motion be to promote the success of the present
+    war, and the zeal with which it has been pressed, be incited only by the
+    ardour of true patriotism, I doubt not but it will easily be withdrawn
+    by those who are now most inclined to support it, when they shall
+    reflect that it tends to the discovery of our schemes, and to the
+    overthrow of our designs, that it will expose all our consultations to
+    our enemies, and instruct them how to annoy us with most success, and
+    how to shelter themselves from our intended attacks.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the first care, sir, of every administration, that their military
+    designs should only be discovered by the execution of them, and that
+    their enemies, by being obliged to guard all parts, should be weak in
+    all. If, by laying our papers before this house, the Spaniards should
+    come to be informed against what part of their dominions our expeditions
+    are designed, will they not increase their strength, improve their
+    fortifications, and double their vigilance? And if we are thus obliged
+    to form new schemes, must we not impute the defeat of the former to our
+    own imprudent zeal, or unseasonable curiosity?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, that we should demand the schemes
+    laid for the future conduct of the war with Spain was never proposed,
+    nor, as it may reasonably be concluded, ever imagined; for what is
+    mentioned in the motion but the papers relating to the transactions of
+    the two last years.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it should be necessary to remind gentlemen of the difference
+    between the <i>future</i> and the <i>past</i>, would hardly be suspected by any
+    man not accustomed to senatorial controversies and artifices of state;
+    and yet in the argument which has been offered against the motion,
+    nothing has been asserted but that the orders relating to past
+    transactions are not to be laid before us, lest the enemy should thereby
+    gain intelligence of what we now design against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity of secrecy in war needs not be urged, because it will not
+    be denied; but when designs have been laid, and miscarried, the reasons
+    of that miscarriage may surely be inquired, without danger of betraying
+    the councils of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the negligence of our councils, and the misconduct of our commanders,
+    has been such, that no designs have been premeditated; if a war has been
+    carried on by chance, and nothing has succeeded, because nothing has
+    been attempted; if our commanders have not done ill, and have only done
+    nothing; if they have avoided loss by avoiding danger; we may surely
+    inquire to whom such proceedings are to be imputed, whether the defeat
+    of our designs is to be charged upon the strength of our enemy, or the
+    cowardice of our officers; or whether the inactivity and apparent
+    neutrality of our forces is occasioned by the negligence of our
+    admirals, or the irresolution of our own ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There have been, sir, many incidents in these two last years, of which
+    the examination can be of very little advantage to the Spaniards. I do
+    not know what pernicious intelligence they can glean from an inquiry
+    into the reasons for which Haddock's fleet was divided, and Ogle sent to
+    the defence of Minorca, or for which he afterwards returned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I conceive that any advantage, except that of merriment and
+    diversion, can be thrown into the hands of our enemies, though we should
+    seriously inquire into what no man has yet pretended to understand, the
+    wonderful escape of the Spanish squadron. A transaction on which we had
+    dwelt long enough with that admiration which ignorance produces, and on
+    which it may not be improper at length to enable us to reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is an affair, perhaps, much better understood by our enemies than
+    by ourselves, and surely we cannot, therefore, be afraid of informing
+    them of it; at least since the fleet has long since sailed out, and left
+    their coast, we can hardly be restrained in our inquiries by the fear of
+    discovering our <i>future</i> designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it be the incontestable right of the senate to examine
+    the conduct of publick affairs, which I suppose will scarcely be denied,
+    this motion cannot be rejected as unseasonable, nor can the papers be
+    refused, without increasing those suspicions which are already too
+    prevalent throughout the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, indeed, for our own sakes, ought we to delay this inquiry any
+    longer, lest by having long acted without being accountable, the
+    minister should form a prescription against our privilege, and, in time,
+    tell us in plain terms that we are his slaves, and that we are not to
+    presume to carry our examinations, however solemn and important they may
+    continue to appear, farther than he shall be pleased to permit; and
+    that, whatever may be the opinion of the people that deputes us, or,
+    whatever ancient claims we may plead to authority, we are now to
+    consider ourselves only as the oppressors of the nation, and the
+    panegyrists of the court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE next rose, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, it cannot be
+    denied to be reasonable that all those papers should be laid before the
+    senate, which can be communicated without injury to the publick. Of this
+    number we may justly imagine the orders sent to the admirals, in which
+    the time of their departure is fixed, and many others which may be of
+    use to inform the house, but cannot enable the enemy to judge either of
+    our force or our designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is evident, that there must be others included in this motion,
+    which our regard for the success of the war, and the prosperity of our
+    country, ought to determine us to conceal, and such as are never exposed
+    by any administration; it is, therefore, proper to limit the address to
+    papers of a certain kind, or a certain date, which may be considered by
+    the house without benefit to our enemies, and for the examination of
+    which a day or two will be more than sufficient.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I know not what
+    number of papers the wisdom of the administration will allow us, but, if
+    we judge by the time proposed to be spent in examination, we shall not
+    be distracted with a great diversity of subjects; intelligence will be
+    very penuriously dealt out, and if we submit to their choice of the
+    writings which shall be laid before us, our inquiry will probably end
+    without any discoveries made either by our enemies or ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I hope, sir, we shall not be so cheaply satisfied, nor exposed by
+    the fear of one enemy, to the insolence of another. I hope we shall
+    resolutely continue our demands of information, while a single line is
+    concealed, from which any light can be expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There may, indeed, be circumstances in which our demands, however loud,
+    will necessarily be vain. It is not impossible that we may suspect those
+    transactions of deep art, and secret contrivance, which have been the
+    consequences of mere indolence, and want of consideration. Our great
+    ministers have been, perhaps, only doing nothing, while we have imagined
+    that they were working out of sight.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Misled, sir, by this notion, we may call for the orders that have been
+    despatched in these two last years, when, perhaps, our secretaries of
+    state have been fattening on their salaries without employment, and have
+    slept without care, and without curiosity, while we have been
+    congratulating ourselves upon their vigilance for our preservation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Or if orders have been given, it is to be considered, that the end of
+    inspecting orders is to compare them with the conduct of the admirals to
+    whom they were directed: from this comparison, I doubt not but many
+    gentlemen expect uncommon discoveries; but to check all unreasonable
+    hopes before they have taken possession of their hearts, for
+    unreasonable hopes are the parent of disappointment, I think it proper
+    to remind them, that to draw any conclusions from the orders, it is
+    necessary to understand them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This consideration alone is sufficient to redress the ardour of inquiry,
+    for every man that has had opportunities of knowing the wonderful
+    accomplishments of our ministry, the depth of their designs, the
+    subtilty of their stratagems, and the closeness of their reasoning, will
+    easily conceive it probable that they might send such orders as none but
+    themselves could understand; and what then will be the consequence of
+    our idle curiosity, but that we be led into a labyrinth of endless
+    conjectures? For we have long ago found that no explanations are to be
+    expected, and that our ministry are too wise to discover their secrets
+    to their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, examine the naked facts which have fallen within our
+    observation, and endeavour to inform ourselves of the meaning of these
+    secret orders by the execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral Ogle was despatched from Haddock's fleet to protect Minorca,
+    and, in his absence, the Spanish squadron sailed away. Perhaps he was
+    ordered to watch Ferrol and Minorca at the same time, and not
+    understanding how that was to be done, neglected one part of his charge,
+    by an attention to the other: as a watchman who should be employed to
+    guard at once the bank in London, and the treasury in Westminster.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS, sir, sailed lately forth, I suppose, in pursuance of
+    orders, with a very formidable fleet, and after having lost sight for
+    some days of the British coast, sailed back again with great
+    precipitation. Whether his orders were only to sail forth, or whether,
+    when he examined them farther, he could not understand them, I pretend
+    not to determine; but it may reasonably be imagined that his orders were
+    of the same kind with those of our other admirals, because they produced
+    the same consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been told, that formerly our commanders were ordered to <i>burn</i>,
+    <i>sink</i>, and <i>destroy</i>; and that in those times it was not uncommon for a
+    British admiral to do much mischief with a strong fleet; but it is
+    evident that the style is since changed, for our admirals are now very
+    inoffensive, and go out only to come back. I, therefore, think the
+    motion highly necessary, and such as ought to be complied with.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS here rose up, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am not conscious
+    that my conduct in any part of my life has exposed me to be justly
+    treated with contempt and ridicule, and what I have not deserved I will
+    not bear.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any gentleman in this house can accuse me of having neglected my
+    duty, or deserted it, let him not spare insults or invectives, let him
+    now expose my cowardice or my carelessness, let him prove me unworthy of
+    trust or of command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But my own conscience acquits me, and I defy any man to produce and
+    support his accusation; nor can you, sir, [Footnote: Addressing himself
+    to Mr. PULTENEY.] who have thus contemptuously treated me, allege any
+    thing against me that may justify your neglect of decency: that you have
+    transgressed the rules of decency is the softest censure that your
+    behaviour admits, and I think it may with equal propriety be asserted,
+    that you have broken the laws of justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY replied in this manner:&mdash;Sir, I shall submit to you and all
+    who hear me, whether I have treated the honourable gentleman's name with
+    any contemptuous freedom of speech. The usual method of mentioning an
+    expedition is that of naming the commander, who is not thereby
+    necessarily included in the censure of an unsuccessful attempt, and I am
+    very far from calling his courage and capacity into question.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that I shall ever think it necessary to make an apology for
+    expressing my sentiments with freedom as a member of this house, in
+    which I shall always speak what I think, and in what manner it shall
+    appear to me most proper, nor shall I fear to repeat without doors what
+    I say here.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose up, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, as I
+    am not acquainted with any measures pursued by the administration, which
+    it is their particular interest to conceal, I am desirous that all
+    papers should be laid before the house which will not afford our enemies
+    any opportunity of obviating our designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What necessity there is for this address I cannot, indeed, discover,
+    because I know not any foundation for suspicion of either negligence or
+    treachery, which have been both insinuated in this debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are the ministry, however ludicrously their abilities have been
+    treated, afraid of discovering their ignorance, by laying before the
+    house the orders which they have given to our admirals; orders of which
+    they are far from doubting that they will appear, upon a candid
+    examination, rational and proper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief objection to this motion arises from its unreasonableness, and
+    the necessity which it will produce of assigning to a fruitless inquiry
+    those hours that may be more usefully employed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT replied in terms to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, it is my
+    opinion, that our time cannot be more usefully employed during a war,
+    than in examining how it has been conducted, and settling the degree of
+    confidence that may be reposed in those to whose care are intrusted our
+    reputations, our fortunes, and our lives.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is not any inquiry, sir, of more importance than this; it is not a
+    question about an uncertain privilege, or a law, which, if found
+    inconvenient, may hereafter be repealed; we are now to examine whether
+    it is probable that we shall preserve our commerce and our independence,
+    or whether we are sinking into subjection to a foreign power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this inquiry, sir, will produce no great information, if those,
+    whose conduct is examined, are allowed to select the evidence. For what
+    accounts will they exhibit but such as have often already been laid
+    before us, and such as they now offer without concern: accounts obscure
+    and fallacious, imperfect and confused, from which nothing can be
+    learned, and which can never entitle the minister to praise, though they
+    may screen him from punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am confident that no man engaged in
+    the administration desires to be <i>screened</i> from the most rigorous
+    inquiry, or would defer to exhibit the papers a moment for any other
+    reason than his regard for the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am confident, that nothing could so much contribute to advance the
+    particular and distinct interest of the ministry as the publication of
+    all the writings that relate to the present war, by which it would
+    incontestably appear that nothing has been omitted that could promote
+    our success, that our commanders have been sent out with orders to act
+    with the utmost vigour, and that our preparations have been not
+    disproportioned to the importance of our design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will appear that no former ministry have given greater proofs of
+    their zeal for the publick interest, or have more steadily pursued the
+    most proper measures by which it might be advanced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not, indeed, certain that those who now call so loudly for
+    information would be prevailed on by any degree of evidence to suspend
+    their censures. Them, who are now dissatisfied, I shall despair of
+    influencing by reason or testimony; for they seem to inquire only to
+    condemn; nor is this motion, perhaps, made so much for the sake of
+    obtaining information, as of harassing the ministry with delays, and
+    suspending affairs of greater importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion was agreed to, and upon another motion made by Mr. SANDYS,
+    it was resolved,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+    graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+    this house a copy of the reasons sent by admiral Cavendish, in pursuance
+    of an order from the commissioners of the admiralty, which had retarded
+    the sailing of admiral Ogle's squadron, so much beyond expectation."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Likewise,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+    graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+    this house a copy of the reasons transmitted by admiral Ogle, that did
+    prevent him from sailing, pursuant to his repeated orders for that
+    purpose, and particularly to those sent him by the commissioners of the
+    admiralty."
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_10"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE REGARDING THE DEPARTURE OF THE <br>FRENCH AND SPANISH SQUADRONS.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS this day presented a motion in writing, for petitioning his
+    majesty to inform them when the regency received intelligence that the
+    French and Spanish squadrons sailed, which was seconded, as follows, by
+    Mr. WALLER:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the information now moved for, appears to me so necessary in their
+    deliberations on the conduct of the war, that without it we can only
+    conjecture in the dark, and entangle ourselves in an inextricable
+    labyrinth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, that in war all motions are, in a great degree, to be
+    regulated by those of the enemy, and that, therefore, no vigilance is to
+    be spared by which any knowledge can be gained of their designs, nor any
+    methods omitted of communicating them to those who have the direction of
+    the war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A ministry may, in conducting military operations, disappoint the
+    expectations of their country, either by neglecting to procure
+    intelligence, or by failing to make use of those opportunities which
+    seasonable information puts into their power, and they may, when their
+    designs fail of success, justify themselves, by proving that they were
+    deceived by intelligence which it was reasonable to believe, or that
+    better intelligence was not attainable, or that they made use, however
+    unsuccessfully, of all the forces that could then be employed, and of
+    all the advantages that were then in their possession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But how shall we judge of our administration, how shall we know what
+    confidence we ought to repose in their prudence and fidelity, and what
+    miscarriages are to be attributed to the chance of war or superiour
+    force of our enemies, if we cannot be informed with what diligence they
+    endeavour at information, and how early they have notice of the motions
+    of the enemy?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The sailing, or rather escape of the Ferrol squadron, and departure of
+    the French fleet, are the most important events of the present war;
+    events that threaten very dangerous consequences, no less than descents
+    upon our American colonies, the conquest of our dominions, the slavery
+    of our fellow-subjects, and perhaps the destruction of the brave Vernon,
+    who is secure in the imagined vigilance of the other commanders, and
+    may, perhaps, in a few days see himself surrounded by formidable
+    squadrons of different nations, and exposed to the attack of forces to
+    which his little fleet bears no proportion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing appears more evident, than that we had opportunities of
+    observing, at least, all the preparations of the French, and of watching
+    the moment of their departure, and that our force on the coast of Spain
+    was sufficient to have confined their fleets for ever in their harbours,
+    or to have destroyed them at their first entrance into the open seas, of
+    which we may justly inquire, why it was not attempted, but shall inquire
+    to no purpose till we know when they departed, that we may consider the
+    state of our own forces, and whether our enemies escaped by our
+    negligence, cowardice, or weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON then spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, that we
+    cannot deliberate upon subjects which we do not understand, and that,
+    therefore, no necessary or useful information ought to be denied to the
+    house, I shall readily admit; but must observe, at the same time, that
+    the reputation of the house would be very little consulted, in demanding
+    information which cannot be given.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To address his majesty to inform us of the time at which the squadrons
+    of our enemies sailed, is to inquire of him what it ought to be the
+    highest care of those princes to conceal from him, and which he can only
+    know by having spies in their privy councils.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And of what importance is it to inquire what intelligence was brought
+    him, or when he received it, if it appears that his intelligence must be
+    in its own nature uncertain and dubitable?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That they have left their ports is now certain, because they have been
+    twice discovered in different parts of the world; but, as we can now
+    only form conjectures on their designs and courses, so, before they
+    sailed, it was impossible to know when they were fully equipped, or what
+    time was fixed for their departure. It is to be remembered, that they
+    form their measures, and make their preparations in their own dominions,
+    and therefore, have more advantages of concealing their schemes than we
+    of discovering them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Advocate CAMPBELL then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, this motion, which has been
+    represented as unreasonable and absurd, is, in my opinion, not only
+    proper, but important.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is important, because it will enable us to judge, upon sufficient
+    foundations, of the conduct of the ministry, who are censured by the
+    voice of the nation, for having been either defective in vigilance or in
+    activity, for having been either ignorant by their own fault of the
+    designs of the enemy, or perfidiously passive in permitting the
+    execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far from believing that such intelligence as our ministry is
+    expected to procure, requires any uncommon subtilty, or any other agents
+    than are always employed by every minister, to transmit to them
+    informations from foreign courts. Such, I am afraid, are always hovering
+    about our consultations, and I know not why our ministers should be less
+    diligent or less successful than those of other princes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, such intelligence might have been obtained, it was
+    criminal not to obtain it; and if the departure of the Spanish squadron
+    was foreseen, it ought to be inquired, why it was not prevented; and if
+    it was only known when it was too late to hinder it from sailing, why it
+    was not pursued, or why succours were not immediately despatched to
+    admiral Vernon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these questions can only be resolved, in consequence of the
+    information which his majesty shall give us; and for which it is,
+    therefore, in my opinion, necessary to petition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, how the regency
+    could be informed of the intention of the Spaniards to leave their ports
+    till it appeared by their departure, or by what means it can be expected
+    that his majesty should be now acquainted with their particular course,
+    or farther designs, I confess myself unable to conceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the intelligence transmitted from foreign courts by
+    agents and spies, a little consideration will easily discover that it is
+    not to be trusted. For what can be generally expected from them, but
+    that they should catch flying reports, or by chance intercept uncertain
+    whispers, that they should inquire timorously, and, therefore, for the
+    greatest part, of those from whom no satisfactory accounts can be
+    received, and that they should often endeavour to deserve their salaries
+    by such information as is rather pleasing than true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All the knowledge that can be obtained of an enemy's designs, must arise
+    from a diligent comparison of one circumstance with another, and from a
+    general view of his force, his interest, and his opportunities. And that
+    such conjectures will be often erroneous, needs not be told.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Probability, therefore, is, in such inquiries, all that can be attained,
+    and he that sits idle in the time of war, expecting certain
+    intelligence, will see his enemies enjoying the advantages of his folly,
+    and laying hold on a thousand opportunities which he has neglected to
+    improve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war in which we are now engaged, has been carried on by the
+    administration with the utmost diligence and vigour; nor have any
+    measures been omitted that could probably produce success, and the
+    success of the wisest measures is only probable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should the great admiral, who is now present in the house, have met the
+    French and Spaniards in the open seas, by what art could he arrive at a
+    certain knowledge of their designs? He might by his acquaintance with
+    the situation and state of neighbouring countries, the observation of
+    their course, the periods of particular winds, and other hints of
+    observation, form probable conjectures, but could never reach to
+    certainty or confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems to me, therefore, highly improper, to petition his majesty for
+    intelligence which he cannot be imagined to have received, and I cannot
+    agree to any motion for that purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then made another motion, to address his majesty, that there
+    may be laid before the house copies of all letters received from, or
+    written to, admiral Vernon since his going to the West Indies. Which
+    being seconded,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, this motion, if the intention of
+    it be limited by proper restrictions, is doubtless reasonable and just;
+    for the right of this house to examine into the conduct of publick
+    affairs, and, consequently, for calling for the papers necessary to
+    enlighten their inquiries, is not to be disputed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as the end of all such inquiries is the promotion of the publick
+    welfare, so they are not to be made in a manner by which that end may be
+    defeated. Papers are not to be demanded, which cannot be produced
+    without discovering our own secrets, and acquainting our enemies either
+    with that weakness which we ought carefully to conceal, or that force
+    which will be most effectually employed if it is not known, and,
+    therefore, no preparations are made to oppose it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be imagined, but that many of the papers which have passed
+    between the admiralty and the commander in America, contain plans for
+    the prosecution of the war, observations on the conditions of our own
+    colonies, and, perhaps, intelligence of the estate of the Spanish
+    fortresses and towns. Many informations of the utmost consequence to our
+    enemies may be collected from those papers, but nothing can be expected
+    from them, that will enable us to prosecute a senatorial inquiry with
+    more success, that will put it in our power to discover frauds,
+    negligence, or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
+    without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
+    ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
+    stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
+    are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
+    restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
+    engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
+    propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
+    supply of ships, marines, or land forces."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_11"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR <br>REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
+    the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
+    and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
+    occasioned the following debate:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET began in this manner:&mdash;My lords, as the motion which I am
+    about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
+    consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
+    prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
+    it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
+    without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
+    by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
+    it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
+    suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
+    private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
+    abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
+    the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
+    and, generally, to be obeyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
+    who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
+    executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
+    And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
+    either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
+    with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
+    general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
+    combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
+    privilege of your lordships, is too evident to be doubted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How often this privilege has been exerted by this house, and how often
+    it has rescued our country from oppression, insolence, and rapine; how
+    often our constitution has been reanimated, and impending ruin been
+    averted by it, a superficial acquaintance with history may inform us.
+    And we are now called upon by the universal cry of the nation, and urged
+    by the perplexed and uncertain state of our foreign affairs, and
+    declension of our wealth, and attacks upon our liberties at home, to
+    recollect these precedents of magnanimity and justice, and to make
+    another effort for the relief of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This house, my lords, has proceeded against ministers, whose conduct
+    they disapproved, by methods of greater or less severity, according to
+    the necessity of affairs, or the supposed malignity of the crimes
+    alleged against them; and, therefore, have sometimes thought it
+    necessary to deter posterity from imitating them by rigorous censures,
+    and exemplary punishments, and sometimes have thought it sufficient to
+    set the nation free from its distresses, without inflicting any
+    penalties on those by whose misconduct they imagined them produced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What were the more violent and vindictive methods of proceeding, it is
+    not necessary, with regard to this motion, to examine; since I shall
+    only propose, that we should, in imitation of our predecessors, in cases
+    of this nature, humbly address his majesty to remove the minister from
+    his presence and councils.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, can be more moderate or tender than such an address,
+    by which no punishment is inflicted, nor any forfeiture exacted. The
+    minister, if he be innocent, if his misconduct be only the consequence
+    of his ignorance or incapacity, may lay down in peace an office for
+    which nature has not designed him, enjoy the vast profits of long
+    employment in tranquillity, and escape the resentment of an unhappy
+    people; who, when irritated to the highest degree, by a continuation of
+    the same miscarriages, may, perhaps, in the heat of a more malevolent
+    prosecution, not sufficiently distinguish between inability and guilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, among your lordships, that think him honest but
+    mistaken, must willingly agree to a motion like this, as the best
+    expedient to appease the people without the ruin of the minister. For
+    surely no man who has read the history, or is acquainted with the temper
+    of this nation, can expect that the people will always bear to see
+    honours, favours, and preferments, distributed by the direction of one
+    universally suspected of corruption, and arbitrary measures; or will
+    look only with silent envy upon the affluence of those whom they believe
+    to be made great by fraud and plunder, swelled to insolence by the
+    prosperity of guilt, and advanced to wealth and luxury by publick
+    miseries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such of your lordships who join with the people in ascribing our present
+    unhappy state not to the errours, but to the crimes of the minister, and
+    who, therefore, think a bare removal not sufficient to satisfy the
+    demands of justice, must, doubtless, give their consent to the motion,
+    for the sake of obtaining proper evidence of his wickedness, which
+    cannot be expected while he stands exalted in prosperity, and
+    distributes the riches of the nation, and the gifts of his sovereign at
+    his own choice; while he is in possession of every motive that can
+    influence the mind, enforce secrecy, and confirm fidelity; while he can
+    bribe the avaricious, and intimidate the fearful; while he can increase
+    the gratification of luxury, and enlarge the prospects of ambition. For,
+    my lords, if it be considered from whom this evidence must be drawn, it
+    will soon appear that no very important discoveries can be made, but by
+    those whom he has intrusted with his secrets, men whose disregard of
+    virtue recommended them to his favour, and who, as they are moved only
+    by interest, will continue faithful while they can hope for recompense;
+    but may, perhaps, be willing to buy their own security by sacrificing
+    their master, when they shall see no farther prospect of advantage from
+    serving him, or any other method of escaping punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, all must allow this motion to be reasonable, whatever
+    they think of the minister's conduct, who are of opinion that a free
+    people have a right of complaining when they feel oppression, and of
+    addressing the crown to remove a minister that has incurred their
+    universal detestation. That such is the condition of the present
+    minister, I believe, will scarcely be denied, or may be discovered by
+    those who find themselves inclined to doubt it, by asking any man whom
+    they shall accidentally meet, what are his sentiments on the situation
+    of national affairs, and of the hands by which they are administered.
+    What answer he will receive is well known to most of your lordships. Let
+    him not be satisfied with a single suffrage, let him repeat the question
+    to ten thousand persons, different in their ages, their conditions, and
+    religious opinions, in every thing that produces contrariety of
+    dispositions and affections, he will yet find them unanimous in
+    complaining of publick misconduct, and in censuring one gentleman as the
+    author of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not imagine, my lords, that these accusations and murmurs are
+    confined to the lowest class of the people, to men whose constant
+    attention to more immediate distresses, hinder them from making
+    excursions beyond their own employments. For though, perhaps, it might
+    be made evident from the accounts of past times, that no general
+    dissatisfaction, even among men of this rank, was ever groundless;
+    though it might be urged that those who see little can only clamour,
+    because they feel themselves oppressed; and though it might not
+    unseasonably be hinted that they are at least formidable for their
+    numbers, and have, sometimes, executed that justice which they had not
+    interest to procure, and trampled upon that insolence that has dared to
+    defy them; yet I shall not insist upon such motives, because it is
+    notorious that discontent is epidemical in all ranks, and that condition
+    and observation are far from appeasing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether the discontent, thus general, is groundless, whether it is
+    raised only by the false insinuations of the disappointed, and the
+    wicked arts of the envious, whether it is, in exception to all the
+    maxims of government, the first dislike of an administration that ever
+    overspread a nation without just reasons, deserves to be inquired into.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this inquiry, my lords, it will be necessary to consider not only the
+    state of domestick affairs, increase or diminution of our debts, the
+    security or violation of our liberties, the freedom or dependence of our
+    senates, and the prosperity or declension of our trade, but to examine
+    the state of this nation, with regard to foreign powers; to inquire,
+    whether we are equally feared and equally trusted now as in former
+    administrations; whether our alliances have contributed to secure us
+    from our inveterate and habitual enemies, or to expose us to them;
+    whether the balance of Europe be still in our hands; and whether, during
+    this long interval of peace, our power has increased in the same
+    proportion with that of our neighbours. France, my lords, is the
+    constant and hereditary enemy of Britons, so much divided from her in
+    religion, government, and interest, that they cannot both be prosperous
+    together; as the influence of one rises, that of the other must, by
+    consequence, decline. Alliances may form a temporal show of friendship,
+    but it cannot continue; for their situation produces a natural
+    rivalship, which every accidental circumstance has contributed to
+    increase. Long wars, for many reigns after the conquest, established a
+    radical and insuperable hatred between us, nor did those wars cease till
+    the reformation produced new occasions of jealousy and aversion. France
+    was, by these reasons, obliged for many ages to employ all her influence
+    and policy in strengthening herself against us, by treaties and
+    alliances; and in our times, has given us a new reason for jealousy by
+    extending her commerce, and improving her manufactures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been, therefore, my lords, the settled principle of every wise
+    administration, of every Briton, whose opinions were not regulated by
+    some other motives than those of reason, to attend, with the highest
+    degree of vigilance, to all the designs of the French, and oppose, with
+    incessant diligence, every attempt to increase their force, or extend
+    their influence, and to check their conquests, obstruct their alliances,
+    and forestal their trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this great end it has been our constant endeavour to support the
+    Austrian family, whose large dominions and numerous forces make a
+    counterbalance on the continent to the power of France. For this end we
+    entered into a long war, of which we still languish under the
+    consequences, squandered the lives of our countrymen, and mortgaged the
+    possessions of our posterity. For failing in the prosecution of this
+    purpose, for leaving France too formidable, and neglecting the interests
+    of the emperour, was the treaty of Utrecht censured, and the authors of
+    it prosecuted by the present minister; but how much he has improved the
+    errours of his predecessors to his own advantage, how diligent he has
+    been to rectify the miscarriages of their conduct, and supply the
+    defect, I shall endeavour to explain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that during the regency of the duke of
+    Orleans, we had nothing to apprehend from French machinations; his
+    interest, a tie which that nation is seldom found to break, held him
+    steady to his engagements with us; nor is it less known how much he
+    distrusted Spain, and how little, by consequence, he favoured her. We
+    had, at that time, no necessity of anxiously attending to every whisper
+    of the French court, which was sufficiently engaged in regulating their
+    domestick affairs, and repairing the ruins of a destructive war; but, my
+    lords, we ought to observe, that it had been happy for us had our
+    minister laboured with equal address at the same employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After the death of this duke, the affairs of France were restored to
+    their former situation, her old schemes were revived, her ancient
+    alliances cultivated, and her general interest pursued. Spain was again
+    considered as the power which had the same views with her, and which
+    could never rival, but might always assist her.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This alliance, my lords, was intended to have been unalterably confirmed
+    by a marriage, but as no human policy can form measures certain of
+    success, an irreconcilable hatred was nearly produced by the measure
+    intended to confirm a settled and indissoluble friendship. The infanta
+    was sent back after her arrival in France, an affront which no nation
+    would soon have forgot, but which the general character and habitual
+    sentiments of the Spaniards inclined them to resent beyond any other
+    people. To any one acquainted with their character in this respect, it
+    will readily appear, that no other insult or injury could so sensibly
+    affect them, or excite so eager a desire of revenge, This, my lords, the
+    sagacity of our minister should have discovered, this opportunity should
+    have been improved with the utmost care, by which Spain and France might
+    possibly have been disunited for ages, and Britain have gained such
+    advantages as would have made her the sole arbitress of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards were not deficient on their side, nor did they neglect to
+    court our friendship, but gave us the highest proof of their confidence
+    by offering us the sole mediation of their differences with the emperour
+    of Germany: but at this time it was, that the gentleman whose conduct I
+    am examining, obtained the chief influence in our councils, and by his
+    peculiar penetration discovered, that nothing was to be done which might
+    give the least offence to the French. We, therefore, refused to mediate,
+    unless French ministers might be associated with ours, which the
+    Spaniards had too much spirit to consent to.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, was neglected the first opportunity of forming against
+    the French an alliance by which they might have been awed in all their
+    designs, and by which the peace of Europe might have been long
+    preserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards, finding that we would not undertake to reconcile their
+    differences with the emperour of Germany, and continuing their
+    abhorrence of French mediators, concluded, without the intervention of
+    any other power, a treaty both of peace and alliance with his imperial
+    majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, was the famous treaty of Vienna, the source of so many
+    projects and expedients, of so much terrour and solicitude, of such
+    immense expenses, and perplexed negotiations. This treaty, a paper
+    innocent and well-meaning, which related only to the contracting
+    parties, kept, for some time, this nation in alarms, in apprehensions of
+    conspiracies, and expectations of invasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this treaty, had we singly regarded our own affairs, without applying
+    to France for instructions, we ought to have acceded, by which we should
+    have divided the interest of the house of Bourbon, broken the
+    combination of these pontifical powers, and, by improving one lucky
+    incident, obtained what our arms and our politicks had never, hitherto,
+    been able to accomplish.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French, sensible of their danger, and well acquainted with our
+    minister, contrived an expedient which, indeed, would not often have
+    succeeded, but which was so well adapted to the intellects of this
+    gentleman, that it extricated them from all their difficulties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They told us, my lords, and, what is yet more wonderful, they prevailed
+    upon us to believe, that in this dreadful treaty of Vienna, it was
+    stipulated between the German emperour and Spain, that they should
+    employ their joint forces against Britain, that they should exalt the
+    pretender to the throne, take immediate possession of Gibraltar, and,
+    without mercy, debar us for ever from our trade both in Spain and in the
+    Western Indies. This his late majesty was advised to assert in his
+    speech from the throne, which I desire may be read.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of which the following clauses were read:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "My lords and gentlemen,
+</p>
+<p>
+    "The distressed condition of some of our religious brethren abroad, and
+    the negotiations and engagements entered into by some foreign powers,
+    which seem to have laid the foundation of new troubles and disturbances
+    in Europe, and to threaten my subjects with the loss of several of the
+    most advantageous branches of their trade, obliged me, without any loss
+    of time, to concert with other powers such measures as might give a
+    check to the ambitious views of those who are endeavouring to render
+    themselves formidable, and put a stop to the farther progress of such
+    dangerous designs. For these ends I have entered into a defensive
+    alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
+    other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
+    and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
+    treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
+    shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
+    many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
+    most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
+    of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
+    hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
+    offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
+    already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
+    whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
+    promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
+    notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
+    received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
+    the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
+    any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
+    abortive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
+    nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
+    happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
+    us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
+    circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
+    strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
+    desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
+    against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
+    measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
+    preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
+    prosperity."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
+    religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
+    reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
+    resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
+    promised to shelter them from the storm?
+</p>
+<p>
+    There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
+    such a representation, would have considered, that Britain was an
+    island, that the pretender could not be forced upon us without an army,
+    and that an army could not be transported without ships, that the
+    emperour of Germany had neither navies nor ports, that Gibraltar might
+    be easily supplied with every thing requisite for its defence, and that
+    any attempt made by Spain to injure our trade, might easily be punished
+    by intercepting their Plate fleets.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They would then have considered whether attempts so improbable, and
+    stipulations so absurd and ridiculous, ought to be credited upon the
+    information of an ambassadour's secretary, who, as he proposed to reveal
+    his master's secrets for a bribe, might as probably take another reward
+    for imposing upon those whom he pretended to inform. Those, therefore,
+    who advised his majesty to assert to the senate what they knew from no
+    better authority, those whose daring insolence could make their
+    sovereign instrumental in alarming the people with false terrours, and
+    oppressing them with unnecessary burdens, well deserve to feel a
+    senatorial censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our ministers, my lords, were too much frighted to make such
+    reflections: they imagined that destruction was hanging over us, and, in
+    a dread of arbitrary government, oppression, and persecution, concluded
+    at Hanover a treaty with the French.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the French gained our confidence, and raised in us a distrust of
+    both the powers with whom it was our interest to be united: but the
+    alliance of the emperour of Germany with Spain made them still uneasy;
+    and, therefore, they determined, once more, to make our credulity
+    instrumental in procuring a reconciliation between them and the
+    Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To effect this, they kindly gave us intelligence, that when the
+    Spaniards should receive their treasures from the Western Indies, they
+    designed to employ it in favour of the pretender, and that, therefore,
+    it was necessary to intercept it. This advice was thankfully listened
+    to, a fleet was fitted out, and thousands were sacrificed without any
+    advantage; for the French not only forbore to assist us in the
+    expedition, but forbade us to seize the treasure when we had found it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards, apprehending themselves attacked, omitted no opportunity
+    of showing their resentment; they seized our ships, and laid siege to
+    Gibraltar, while our new allies looked quietly on, and expected the
+    event of their own scheme, which was far from being defeated by our
+    policy; for the Spaniards, finding the return of their American revenues
+    insuperably obstructed, and knowing that the emperour of Germany, that
+    emperour who was to invade Britain, had not any power even to assist
+    them, were obliged to have recourse to the nation which they then hated,
+    and to forgive the past affront, that they might obtain their good
+    offices in this exigence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, it was not sufficient for the designs of the French, that
+    they had recovered their ancient allies the Spaniards, unless they could
+    disunite them from the emperour of Germany: this it was, likewise, our
+    interest to prevent, and yet this, likewise, we enabled them to effect;
+    for they prevailed upon us to promise, in our stipulations with the
+    Spaniards, what they had not the least claim to demand, that Spain,
+    instead of neutral troops, should be introduced into Italy, to secure
+    certain successions there to a son of the queen of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With what reluctance the emperour of Germany would consent to see troops
+    placed in the provinces bordering upon his dominions, which would
+    certainly, on the first occasion, be employed to invade them, it was
+    easy to foresee, and with what degree of good-will he would regard those
+    by whom they were introduced; yet, my lords, such was the influence of
+    France, and so ardent our desire of diverting Spain from setting the
+    pretender upon the throne of Britain, that we complied at all events,
+    without any prospect or promise of advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus were the Spaniards, by being persuaded to make this demand, and we,
+    by granting it, brought equally to ill terms with the emperour of
+    Germany; and France was, by procuring such agreeable conditions to the
+    Spaniards, again considered as their most useful ally.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That nation, my lords, is in a very unhappy state, which is reduced to
+    admit such terms as mediators are pleased to prescribe. We durst not
+    refuse the introduction of Spanish troops, nor durst we introduce them
+    without the emperour of Germany's consent, which, however, he granted at
+    an easy rate, for he demanded only that we should become guarantees of
+    the Pragmatick sanction. This we gladly agreed to, and thought ourselves
+    so happy in purchasing, so cheaply, an opportunity of ingratiating
+    ourselves with Spain, that we desired no other recompense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This treaty with the emperour of Germany, was, however, by no means
+    improper, nor could we, after the errours which had been committed, do
+    any thing more effectual to preserve the balance of Europe, and
+    reestablish our credit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, this only treaty, which it was for our interest to make,
+    seems to have been made without any intention of observing it; for about
+    this time all the northern powers were alarmed by the approaching
+    election of Poland, and every nation that had any thing either to hope
+    or fear from the event of it, endeavoured to influence it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How this election was determined, my lords, and by what means, it is
+    unnecessary to relate; but it may not be improper to remark, that
+    whatever cause we may have to congratulate ourselves upon the choice, it
+    does not appear that we had any part in promoting it. Nay, as it is not
+    common for ministers to keep the best part of their conduct secret,
+    there is reason for suspecting that they were not altogether without
+    foundation reported to have favoured France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The emperour of Germany, sensible of his own interest, promoted the
+    election with vigour and resolution, proportioned to the greatness of
+    the danger that might have arisen from neglecting it. By this conduct he
+    drew upon himself the resentment of the French, who had now a pretence
+    for taking measures which might effectually reunite them to Spain, and,
+    as the event showed, alienate us from the emperour, and, therefore, in
+    vindication of the claim of Stanislaus, declared war upon Germany, in
+    conjunction with Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now, my lords, the emperour learned to set the true value upon his
+    alliance with Britain, and all Europe had an opportunity of remarking
+    our spirit, our power, and our vigilance. The troops which we prevailed
+    upon his imperial majesty to admit into Italy, were now drawn out of the
+    garrisons against him, his dominions were attacked on each side, by
+    formidable enemies, and his British allies looked with tranquillity and
+    unconcern upon the difficulties into which they had betrayed him. The
+    liberties of Europe were endangered by a new combination of the houses
+    of Bourbon; and Britain, the great protectress of the rights of mankind,
+    the great arbitress of the balance of power, either neglected or feared
+    to interpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the event of the war, my lords, I need only observe, that it added
+    new strength to France, and contributed to such an union between her and
+    Spain, as the most artful politician cannot hope to dissolve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, whether by negligence, ignorance, cowardice, or
+    treachery, it is not easy to determine, we were made the instruments of
+    the French policy. Thus was that power enabled by our assistance to
+    retrieve all that she had lost by the ill success of her arms, and by
+    her indecent and contemptuous treatment of Spain. Thus was the German
+    emperour dispirited and weakened; thus were we deprived at once of our
+    allies and our reputation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our loss of reputation, the greatest loss that bad measures can bring
+    upon a nation, is made evident beyond controversy, by the insolence with
+    which the Spaniards have treated us while we were flattering, enriching,
+    and supporting them. While we were fitting out squadrons to convey their
+    princes to Italy, and increasing their dominions at our own expense,
+    they seem to have considered our good offices, not as the benefits of
+    friends, but the drudgery of slaves, and, therefore, could scarcely
+    refrain from insults while they employed us, at least when they no
+    longer wanted our immediate assistance. They renewed their contempt and
+    cruelty, their robberies and oppressions; they prescribed laws to our
+    navigation, and laid claim to our colonies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To these ravages and injuries what did we oppose? What but humble
+    intreaties, pacifick negotiations, and idle remonstrances? Instead of
+    asserting our just claims, and incontestable possessions, instead of
+    preventing war by threatening it, and securing ourselves from a second
+    injury by punishing the first, we amused ourselves with inquiries,
+    demands, representations, and disputes, till we became the jest of that
+    nation which it was in our power to distress, by intercepting their
+    treasure, and to reduce to terms almost without bloodshed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, did we proceed, new questions ever arose, and the
+    controversy became more intricate; commissaries were despatched to
+    Spain, who returned without obtaining either restitution or security,
+    and in the mean time no opportunity was neglected of plundering our
+    merchants, and insulting our flag: accounts of new confiscations and of
+    new cruelties daily arrived, the nation was enraged, and the senate
+    itself alarmed, and our ministers, at length awakened from their
+    tranquillity, sent orders to the envoy at the Spanish court to expedite
+    an accommodation; these directions were immediately obeyed, and produced
+    the celebrated convention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What was given up, or what was endangered by this detestable treaty,
+    your lordships have often had occasion to observe, and the consequences
+    of it were so obvious, that the nation was astonished. Every man saw
+    that we were either treacherously betrayed by our own ministry, or that
+    the ministers were almost the only men in the kingdom utterly
+    unacquainted with our claims, our injuries, and our danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A war could now no longer be avoided, it was not in the power of the
+    ministry any longer to refuse to send out our fleets, and make an
+    appearance of hostile measures; but they had still some expedients
+    remaining to shelter the Spaniards from our resentment, and to make
+    their country yet more contemptible: they could contrive such orders for
+    their admirals as should prevent them from destroying their enemies with
+    too little mercy; and if any one was suspected of intentions less
+    pacifick, there were methods of equipping his fleet in such a manner as
+    would effectually frustrate his schemes of revenge, reprisals, and
+    destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are not the murmurs of the disappointed, nor the
+    insinuations of the factious; it is well known to our countrymen and to
+    our enemies, how ill admiral Vernon was furnished with naval and
+    military stores, and how little his importunate demands of a supply were
+    regarded. What opportunities were lost, and what advantages neglected,
+    may be conjectured from the success of his inconsiderable force. A very
+    little reflection on the situation and state of those countries will
+    easily satisfy your lordships, how far a small body of land-forces might
+    have penetrated, what treasures they might have gained, and what
+    consternation they might have spread over the whole Spanish America.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our squadrons in the Mediterranean have been, at least, useless,
+    that they have sailed from point to point, and from one coast to
+    another, only to display the bulk of our ships, and to show the opulence
+    of our nation, can require no proof: I wish, my lords, there was less
+    reason for suspecting that they acted in concert with our enemies, that
+    they retired from before their ports only to give them an opportunity of
+    escaping, and that they, in reality, connived at some attempts which
+    they were, in appearance, sent to prevent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some miscarriages in war, my lords, which every reasonable man
+    imputes to chance, or to causes of which the influence could not be
+    foreseen; there are others that may justly be termed the consequences of
+    misconduct, but of misconduct involuntary and pardonable, of a
+    disregard, perhaps, of some circumstances of an affair produced by too
+    close an attention to others. But there are miscarriages, too, for which
+    candour itself can find no excuses, and of which no other causes can be
+    assigned than cowardice or treachery. From the suspicion of one, the
+    past actions of the admiral who commands our fleet in those seas will
+    secure him, but I know not whether there are now any that will attempt
+    to clear the minister's character from the imputation of the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All the insolence of the Spaniards, a nation by no means formidable, is
+    the consequence of the reunion of the houses of Bourbon; a reunion which
+    could not easily have been accomplished, but by the instrumental
+    offices of our ministry, whom, therefore, the nation has a right to
+    charge with the diminution of its honour, and the decay of its trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor has our trade, my lords, been only contracted and obstructed by the
+    piracies of Spain, but has been suffered to languish and decline at
+    home, either by criminal negligence, or by their complaisance for
+    France, which has given rise to our other calamities. The state of our
+    woollen manufactures is well known, and those whose indolence or love of
+    pleasure keeps them strangers to the other misfortunes of their country,
+    must yet have been acquainted with this, by the daily accounts of riots
+    and insurrections, raised by those who, having been employed in that
+    manufacture, can provide for their families by no other business, and
+    are made desperate by the want of bread.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are told, my lords, by all parties, and told with truth, that our
+    manufactures decline, because the French have engrossed most of the
+    foreign markets; and it is not denied even by those whose interest it
+    might be to' deny it, that the cloth which they ruin us by vending, is
+    made of our own wool, which they are suffered to procure either by the
+    folly of an unskilful, or the connivance of a treacherous
+    administration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our own manufactures, my lords, had been carefully promoted, if the
+    whole influence of our government had been made to cooperate with the
+    industry of our traders, there had always been such a demand for our
+    wool, that they could not have afforded to purchase it at a price
+    equivalent to the danger of exporting it: and if any means were now
+    steadily practised to prevent the exportation, our trade must
+    consequently revive, because cloth is one of the necessaries of life
+    which other nations must have from Britain, when France can no longer
+    supply them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, notwithstanding the decay of trade, our expenses have
+    never been contracted; we have squandered millions in idle preparations,
+    and ostentatious folly; we have equipped fleets which never left the
+    harbour, and raised armies which were never to behold any other enemy
+    than the honest traders and husbandmen that support them. We have,
+    indeed, heard many reasons alleged for oppressing the empire with
+    standing troops, which can have little effect upon those who have no
+    interest to promote by admitting them: sometimes we are in danger of
+    invasions, though it is not easy to imagine for what purpose any prince
+    should invade a nation, which he may plunder at pleasure, without the
+    least apprehension of resentment, and which will resign any of its
+    rights whenever they shall be demanded: sometimes, as we have already
+    heard, the pretender is to be set upon the throne by a sudden descent of
+    armies from the clouds; and sometimes the licentiousness and
+    disobedience of the common people requires the restraint of a standing
+    army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the people are, to the last degree, exasperated and inflamed, I am
+    far from intending to deny, but surely they have yet been guilty of no
+    outrage so enormous as to justify so severe a punishment; they have
+    generally confined themselves to harmless complaints, or, at least, to
+    executions in effigy. The people, my lords, are enraged because they are
+    impoverished, and, to prevent the consequences of their anger, their
+    poverty is increased by new burdens, and aggravated by the sight of an
+    useless, despicable herd, supported by their industry, for no other
+    purpose than to insult them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By these useless armaments and military farces, our taxes, my lords,
+    have been continued without diminishing our debts, and the nation seems
+    condemned to languish for ever under its present miseries, which, by
+    furnishing employment to a boundless number of commissioners, officers,
+    and slaves, to the court, under a thousand denominations, by diffusing
+    dependence over the whole country, and enlarging the influence of the
+    crown, are too evidently of use to the minister for us to entertain any
+    hopes of his intention to relieve us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be boasted that nine millions are paid, when a new debt of
+    seven millions appears to be contracted; nothing is more easy than to
+    clear debts by borrowing, or to borrow when a nation is mortgaged for
+    the payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the weight of the present taxes, my lords, though heavier than was
+    perhaps ever supported by any nation for so long a time, taxes greater
+    than ever were paid, to purchase neither conquests nor honours, neither
+    to prevent invasions from abroad, nor to quell rebellions at home, is
+    not the most flagrant charge of this wonderful administration, which,
+    not contented with most exorbitant exactions, contrives to make them yet
+    more oppressive by tyrannical methods of collection. With what reason
+    the author of the excise scheme dreads the resentment of the nation is
+    sufficiently obvious; but surely, in a virtuous and benevolent mind, the
+    first sentiments that would have arisen on that occasion, would not have
+    been motions of anger, but of gratitude. A whole nation was condemned to
+    slavery, their remonstrances were neglected, their petitions ridiculed,
+    and their detestation of tyranny treated as disaffection to the
+    established government; and yet the author of this horrid scheme riots
+    in affluence, and triumphs in authority, and without fear, as without
+    shame, lifts up his head with confidence and security.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much, my lords, is the forbearance of that people to be admired,
+    whom such attacks as these have not provoked to transgress the bounds of
+    their obedience, who have continued patiently to hope for legal methods
+    of redress, at a time when they saw themselves threatened with legal
+    slavery, when they saw the legislative power established only for their
+    protection, influenced by all possible methods of corruption to betray
+    them to the mercy of the ministry?
+</p>
+<p>
+    For, that corruption has found its way into one of the houses of the
+    legislature, is universally believed, and, without scruple, maintained
+    by every man in the nation, who is not evidently restrained from
+    speaking as he thinks; and that any man can even be of a different
+    opinion, that any man can even affirm that he thinks otherwise, would
+    be, in any other age, the subject of astonishment. That an immense
+    revenue is divided among the members of the other house, by known
+    salaries and publick employments, is apparent; that large sums are
+    privately scattered on pressing exigencies, that some late transactions
+    of the ministry were not confirmed but at a high price, the present
+    condition of the civil list, a civil list vastly superiour to all the
+    known expenses of the crown, makes highly probable. That the commons
+    themselves suspect the determinations of their assembly to be influenced
+    by some other motives than justice and truth, is evident from the bill
+    this day sent hither for our concurrence; and, surely, no aggravation
+    can be added to the crimes of that man who has patronised our enemies,
+    and given up our navigation, sunk his country into contempt abroad, and
+    into poverty at home, plundered the people, and corrupted the
+    legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the minister has not only contributed, by his wickedness
+    or his ignorance, to the present calamities, but has applied all his art
+    and all his interest to remove from posts of honour and trust, to banish
+    from the court, and to exclude from the legislature all those whose
+    counsels might contribute to restore the publick affairs, without any
+    regard to the popularity of their characters, the usefulness of their
+    talents, or the importance of their past services to the crown. Had any
+    of these considerations prevailed, we had not seen the greatest general
+    in Britain dispossessed of all his preferments, dispossessed at a time
+    when we are at war with one nation, and in expectation of being attacked
+    by another far more powerful, which will, doubtless, be encouraged, by
+    his removal, to more daring contempt, and more vigorous measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What were the motives of this procedure it is easy to discover. As his
+    open defence of the present royal family in the late rebellion, exempts
+    him from the imputation of being disaffected to the crown, the only
+    crime with which he can be charged is disaffection to the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps, my lords, the minister may have determined to have no need of
+    generals in his transactions with foreign powers; but in proportion as
+    he relies less upon the sword, he must depend more upon the arts of
+    peaceable negotiation, and, surely, there has been another person
+    dismissed from his employments, whose counsels it had been no reproach
+    to have asked, and to have followed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The nature of my motion, my lords, makes it not necessary to produce
+    evidence of these facts, it is sufficient that any minister is
+    universally suspected; for when did an innocent man, supported by power,
+    and furnished with every advantage that could contribute to exalt or
+    preserve his character, incur the general hatred of the people? But if
+    it could ever happen by a combination of unlucky accidents, what could
+    be more for the happiness of himself, his master, and the nation, than
+    that he should retire and enjoy the consciousness of his own virtue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His own interest, in such a retirement, I have already considered, and
+    that both of the prince and the people is no less apparent: while a
+    hated minister is employed, the king will always be distrusted by the
+    nation, and, surely, nothing can so much obstruct the publick happiness,
+    as a want of confidence in those who are intrusted with its
+    preservation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That common fame is, in this case, sufficient, will not be questioned,
+    when it is considered that common fame is never without a foundation in
+    facts, that it may spread disquiet and suspicion over all the kingdom,
+    and that the satisfaction of millions is very cheaply purchased by the
+    degradation of one man, who was exalted only for their benefit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The objection, that there is no sole minister, will create no greater
+    difficulty; if there be many concerned in these transactions,
+    <i>respondeat superior:</i> but it is too apparent that there is, in reality,
+    one whose influence is greater than that of any other private man, and
+    who is arrived at a height not consistent with the nature of the British
+    government; it is uncontested that there is one man to whom the people
+    impute their miseries, and by whose removal they will be appeased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The affairs of Europe, my lords, will probably be so much embarrassed,
+    and the struggles between the different designs of its princes be so
+    violent, that they will demand all our attention, and employ all our
+    address, and it will be to the highest degree dangerous to be distracted
+    at the same time with apprehensions of domestick troubles; yet, such is
+    the present unhappy state of this nation, and such is the general
+    discontent of the people, that tranquillity, adherence to the
+    government, and submission to the laws, cannot reasonably be hoped,
+    unless the motion I shall now take leave to make your lordships, be
+    complied with: and I move, "That an humble address be presented to his
+    majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that he will be
+    most graciously pleased to remove the right honourable sir Robert
+    WALPOLE, knight of the most noble order of the blue riband, first
+    commissioner of his majesty's treasury, and chancellor of the exchequer,
+    and one of his majesty's most honourable privy council, from his
+    majesty's presence and councils for ever."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by lord ABINGDON in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, the
+    copiousness and perspicuity with which the noble lord has laid down the
+    reasons of his motion, make it neither easy nor necessary to enlarge
+    upon them. I shall, therefore, only offer to your lordships a few
+    thoughts upon the authority of common fame, as the evidence upon which
+    the motion is in part founded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That all the miscarriages of our late measures are by common fame
+    imputed to one man, I suppose, will not be denied; nor can it, in my
+    opinion, be reasonably required, that in the present circumstances of
+    things any other proof should be brought against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame, my lords, is admitted in courts of law as a kind of
+    auxiliary or supplemental evidence, and is allowed to corroborate the
+    cause which it appears to favour. The general regard which every wise
+    man has for his character, is a proof that in the estimation of all
+    mankind, the testimony of common fame is of too great importance to be
+    disregarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider the nature of popular opinions on publick affairs, it
+    will be difficult to imagine by what means a persuasion not founded on
+    truth should universally take possession of a people; it will be yet
+    more difficult to believe that it should preserve its empire, and that
+    in opposition to every art that can be made use of to undeceive them,
+    they should pertinaciously adhere to an errour not imbibed in their
+    education, nor connected with their interest. And how has any man been
+    originally prejudiced against the present minister? Or what passion or
+    interest can any man gratify, by imagining or declaring his country on
+    the verge of ruin? The multitude, my lords, censure and praise without
+    dissimulation, nor were ever accused of disguising their sentiments;
+    their voice is, at least, the voice of honesty, and has been termed the
+    voice of heaven, by that party of which those affect to be thought whom
+    it now condemns.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be urged, that the people are easily deceived, that they
+    think and speak merely by caprice, and applaud or condemn without any
+    calm inquiry or settled determination; these censures are applicable
+    only to sudden tumults, and gusts of zeal excited by fallacious
+    appearances, or by the alarms of a false report industriously
+    disseminated, but have no relation to opinions gradually propagated, and
+    slowly received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the credulity of the people exposes them to so easy an admission of
+    every report, why have the writers for the minister found so little
+    credit? Why have all the loud declamations, and the laboured arguments,
+    the artful insinuations, and positive assertions, which have been for
+    many years circulated round the nation, at the expense of the
+    government, produced no effect upon the people, nor convinced any man,
+    who was not apparently bribed, to resign his private opinion to that of
+    his patrons? Whence comes it, my lords, that falsehood is more
+    successful than truth, and that the nation is inclined to complain
+    rather than to triumph? It is well known that the people have been
+    charged in all former ages, with being too much dazzled by the glitter
+    of fortune, and the splendour of success, and bestowing their applauses
+    not according to the degrees of merit, but prosperity. The minister, my
+    lords, has defeated his opponents in almost all their attempts; his
+    friends have sounded victory every session, and yet the people declare
+    against him; his adversaries have retired into the country with all the
+    vexation of disappointment, and have been rewarded for their
+    unsuccessful efforts with general acclamations. What is it, my lords,
+    but the power of truth, that can preserve the vanquished from ridicule,
+    and influence the nation to believe them the only patrons of their
+    commerce and liberty, in opposition to all the writers and voters for
+    the ministry?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consult history, my lords, how seldom do we find an innocent
+    minister overwhelmed with infamy? Innocent men have sometimes been
+    destroyed by the hasty fury, but scarcely ever by the settled hatred of
+    the populace. Even that fury has generally been kindled by real
+    grievances, though imputed to those who had no share in producing them;
+    but when the tempest of their first rage has subsided, they have seldom
+    refused to hear truth, and to distinguish the patriot from the
+    oppressor.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though it should be acknowledged, my lords, that the people have
+    been blinded by false representations, and that some causes yet
+    undiscovered, some influence which never has been known to operate in
+    any state before, hinder them from beholding their own felicity; yet, as
+    publick happiness is the end of government, and no man can be happy that
+    thinks himself miserable, it is, in my opinion, necessary to the honour
+    of his majesty, and to the tranquillity of the nation, that your
+    lordships should agree to the present motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of NEWCASTLE answered to this effect:&mdash;My lords, it is not
+    without wonder that I hear a motion so uncommon and important, a motion
+    which may be reasonably supposed to have been long premeditated, and of
+    which such affecting expectations have been raised, so weakly supported
+    by evidence. I cannot think that any other attestation is needful for
+    the vindication of the right honourable gentleman, whose conduct is this
+    day to be examined, than the declaration of the noble lord, that there
+    appears no positive evidence against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pretence that no evidence can be expected while he continues in his
+    present station, is too openly fallacious to impose upon your lordships;
+    for why should his influence be greater, and his power less resistible
+    than that of other ministers, who are well known to have found accusers
+    in the height of their authority, and to have been dragged to punishment
+    almost from behind the throne?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is sufficiently known, that during the continuance of this
+    administration, many have been dismissed from their employments, who
+    appear not altogether unaffected with the loss, and from whose
+    resentment a discovery of wicked measures might be reasonably expected,
+    as their acquaintance with the secrets of the government must have given
+    opportunities of detecting them. If, therefore, no particular crimes are
+    charged upon him, if his enemies confine themselves to obscure surmises,
+    and general declamations, we may reasonably conclude, that his behaviour
+    has been at least blameless. For what can be a higher encomium than the
+    silence of those who have made it the business of years to discover
+    something that might be alleged against him on the day of trial.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I suppose that no man can question the penetration of those noble lords
+    who have opened this debate, and I, my lords, shall be very far from
+    insinuating that cowardice suppresses any of their sentiments. As the
+    highest reproach that can be thrown upon any man, is to suggest that he
+    speaks what he does not think; the next degree of meanness would be to
+    think what he dares not speak, when the publick voice of his country
+    calls upon him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, popular reports are alleged as the foundation of the
+    address, it is probable that it is not founded, in reality, upon known
+    crimes or attested facts, and if the sudden blasts of fame may be
+    esteemed equivalent to attested accusations, what degree of virtue can
+    confer security?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the clamour is so loud and so general as it is represented, I can
+    discover no necessity of admitting; but, however the populace may have
+    been exasperated against him, we are surely not to be influenced by
+    their complaints, without inquiring into the cause of them, and
+    informing ourselves whether they proceed from real hardships,
+    unnecessary severities, and calamities too heavy to be borne, or from
+    caprice, and inconstancy, idle rumours, and artful representations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I very readily allow, my lords, that nothing has been left unattempted
+    that might fill the people with suspicion and discontent. That
+    inevitable calamities have been imputed to misconduct, or to treachery,
+    and even the inconstancy of the winds and severity of the weather
+    charged upon the right honourable gentleman, the daily libels that are
+    in every man's hand, are a standing evidence; and though I should grant
+    that the people never complain without cause, and that their burdens are
+    always heavy before they endeavour to shake them off, yet it will by no
+    means follow, that they do not sometimes mistake the cause of their
+    miseries, and impute their burdens to the cruelty of those whose utmost
+    application is employed to lighten them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame is, therefore, my lords, no sufficient ground for such a
+    censure as this, a censure that condemns a man long versed in high
+    employments, long honoured with the confidence of his sovereign, and
+    distinguished by the friendship of the most illustrious persons in the
+    nation, to infamy and contempt, unheard, and even unaccused; for he
+    against whom nothing is produced but general charges, supported by the
+    evidence of common fame, may be justly esteemed to be free from
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That other evidence will appear against him when he shall be reduced, in
+    consequence of our agreeing to this motion, to the level with his
+    fellow-subjects, that all informations are now precluded by the terrours
+    of resentment, or the expectations of favour, has been insinuated by the
+    noble lord, who made the motion: whether his insinuation be founded only
+    upon conjecture, whether it be one of those visions which are raised by
+    hope in a warm imagination, or upon any private informations
+    communicated to his lordship, I pretend not to determine; but if we may
+    judge from the known conduct of the opposition, if we consider their
+    frequent triumphs before the battle, and their chimerical schemes of
+    discoveries, or prosecutions and punishments, their constant assurance
+    of success upon the approach of a new contest, and their daily
+    predictions of the ruin of the administration, we cannot but suspect
+    that men so long accustomed to impose upon themselves, and flatter one
+    another with fallacious hopes, may now, likewise, be dreaming of
+    intelligence which they never will receive, and amusing themselves with
+    suspicions which they have no reasonable expectation of seeing
+    confirmed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And to confess the truth, my lords, if I may be allowed, in imitation of
+    these patrons of their country, to indulge my own imagination, and
+    presume to look forward to the future conduct of those who have exerted
+    such unwearied industry in their attempts upon the administration, and
+    so long pursued the right honourable gentleman with inquiries,
+    examinations, rhetorick, and ridicule, I cannot but find myself inclined
+    to question whether, after their motion shall have been received in this
+    house, and their petition granted by his majesty, they will very
+    solicitously inquire after evidence, or be equally diligent in the
+    discovery of truth, as in the persecution of the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am afraid, my lords, that they will be too deeply engaged in the care
+    of making a dividend of the plunder in just proportions, to find leisure
+    for pursuit of the enemy, and that the sight of vacant posts, large
+    salaries, and extensive power, will revive some passions, which the love
+    of their country has not yet wholly extinguished, and leave in their
+    attention no room for deep reflections, and intricate inquiries. There
+    have formerly, my lords, been patriots, who, upon a sudden advancement
+    to a place of profit, have been immediately lulled into tranquillity,
+    learned to repose an implicit confidence in the ministers, forgotten to
+    harangue, threaten, inquire, and protest, and spent the remaining part
+    of their lives in the harmless amusement of counting their salaries,
+    perquisites, and gratuities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How great, my lords, would be the disappointment of the people, that
+    unhappy people which has been long neglected and oppressed, which so
+    justly detests the minister, and calls so loudly for vengeance, when
+    they shall see their defenders remit the vigour of the pursuit, when
+    once the minister flies before them, and instead of driving him into
+    exile, contend about his places!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Unhappy then surely, my lords, would the nation be: the administration,
+    we are told, is already universally abhorred, and its hope is only in
+    the opposition; but should the zeal of the patriots once grow cold,
+    should they discover to the publick, that they have been labouring not
+    for general liberty, but for private advantage; that they were enemies
+    to power only because it was not in their hands; and disapproved the
+    measures of the government only because they were not consulted; how
+    inevitably must the people then sink into despair; how certain must they
+    then imagine their destruction?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, my lords, equally prudent and just to reject this
+    motion, till better proof shall be brought to support it; lest, by
+    complying with it, we should heighten rather than appease the discontent
+    of the people; lest we should too soon deprive them of their only
+    consolation, and expose the patriots to censure, without vindicating the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In my opinion, my lords, all who have approved the conduct of the
+    present ministry, must necessarily join in rejecting the motion, as
+    cruel and unequitable, and incline to support a just, and continue a
+    wise administration; and all those whom the restless clamours of the
+    opposite party have persuaded to regard them as arbitrary, corrupt, and
+    perfidious, must, if they are true friends to their country, and steady
+    exacters of justice, resolve to defer their compliance, in order to
+    bring to light the evidences necessary for a legal conviction, and
+    severer punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these evidences will never be found, and that, therefore, no legal
+    punishment will ever be inflicted, we may reasonably collect from the
+    injustice of the laboured charge which your lordships have now heard; a
+    charge drawn up with all the assistance of senatorial and political
+    knowledge, and displayed with all the power of eloquence, a collection
+    of every occurrence for many years, of which any circumstance could be
+    shown in an unfavourable light, and a recapitulation of all the measures
+    which have miscarried by unforeseen events, or which the populace have
+    been persuaded to dislike.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the administration of governments, my lords, many measures reasonable
+    and just, planned out in pursuance of a very exact knowledge of the
+    state of things then present, and very probable conjectures concerning
+    future events, have yet failed to produce the success which was
+    expected; they have been sometimes defeated by the inconstancy or
+    dishonesty of those who are equally engaged in them, and sometimes
+    frustrated by accidents, of which only providence has the disposal. It
+    will even be allowed, my lords, that the ministry have been sometimes
+    mistaken in their conjectures, and, perhaps, deceived by their
+    intelligence, but I will presume to say, it never will be discovered
+    that they willingly betrayed, or heedlessly neglected their trust, that
+    they ever oppressed their country with unnecessary burdens, or exposed
+    it to be insulted by foreign powers. Nor will it, perhaps, be found that
+    they ever appeared grossly ignorant of the publick interest, or failed
+    to discover any obvious truth, or foresee any probable contingencies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, I am willing to confess that they cannot judge of events
+    to come with such unerring and demonstrative knowledge as their
+    opponents can obtain of them after they have happened; and they are
+    inclined to pay all necessary deference to the great sagacity of those
+    wonderful prognosticators, who can so exactly <i>foresee</i> the <i>past</i>. They
+    only hope, my lords, that you will consider how much harder their task
+    is than that of their enemies; they are obliged to determine very often
+    upon doubtful intelligence, and an obscure view of the designs and
+    inclinations of the neighbouring powers; and as their informers may be
+    either treacherous or mistaken, and the interests of other states are
+    subject to alterations, they may be sometimes deceived and disappointed.
+    But their opponents, my lords, are exempt, by their employment, from the
+    laborious task of searching into futurity, and collecting their
+    resolutions, from a long comparison of dark hints and minute
+    circumstances. Their business is not to lead or show the way, but to
+    follow at a distance, and ridicule the perplexity, and aggravate the
+    mistakes of their guides. They are only to wait for consequences, which,
+    if they are prosperous, they misrepresent as not intended, or pass over
+    in silence, and are glad to hide them from the notice of mankind. But if
+    any miscarriages arise, their penetration immediately awakes, they see,
+    at the first glance, the fatal source of all our miseries, they are
+    astonished at such a concatenation of blunders, and alarmed with the
+    most distracting apprehensions of the danger of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Accusation of political measures is an easy province; easy, my lords, in
+    the same proportion as the administration of affairs is difficult; for
+    where there are difficulties there will be some mistakes; and where
+    there are mistakes, there will be occasions of triumph, to the factious
+    and the disappointed. But the justice of your lordships will certainly
+    distinguish between errours and crimes, and between errours of weakness
+    and inability, and such as are only discoverable by consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I may add, my lords, that your wisdom will easily find the difference
+    between the degree of capacity requisite for recollecting the past, and
+    foreknowing the future; and expect that those whose ambition incites
+    them to endeavour after a share in the government of their country,
+    should give better proofs of their qualifications for that high trust,
+    than mere specimens of their memory, their rhetorick, or their malice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even the noble lord, who must be confessed to have shown a very
+    extensive acquaintance with foreign affairs, and to have very accurately
+    considered the interests and dispositions of the princes of Europe, has
+    yet failed in the order of time, and by one errour very much invalidated
+    his charge of misconduct in foreign affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Vienna, my lords, was not produced by the rejection of the
+    infanta, unless a treaty that was made before it could be the
+    consequence of it; so that there was no such opportunity thrown into our
+    hands as the noble lord has been pleased to represent. Spain had
+    discovered herself our enemy, and our enemy in the highest degree,
+    before the French provoked her by that insult; and, therefore, how much
+    soever she might be enraged against France, there was no prospect that
+    she would favour us, nor could we have courted her alliance without the
+    lowest degree of meanness and dishonour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    See then, my lords, this atrocious accusation founded upon false dates,
+    upon a preposterous arrangement of occurrences; behold it vanish into
+    smoke at the approach of truth, and let this instance convince us how
+    easy it is to form chimerical blunders, and impute gross follies to the
+    wisest administration; how easy it is to charge others with mistakes and
+    how difficult to avoid them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But we are told, my lords, that the dangers of the confederacy at Vienna
+    were merely imaginary, that no contract was made to the disadvantage of
+    our dominions, or of our commerce, and that if the weakness of the
+    Spaniards and Germans had contrived such a scheme, it would soon have
+    been discovered by them to be an airy dream, a plan impossible to be
+    reduced to execution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been amused, my lords, on this occasion with great profusion of
+    mirth and ridicule, and have received the consolation of hearing that
+    Britain is an island, and that an island is not to be invaded without
+    ships. We have been informed of the nature of the king's territories,
+    and of the natural strength of the fortress of Gibraltar; but the noble
+    lord forgot that though Britain has no dominions on the continent, yet
+    our sovereign has there a very extensive country, which, though we are
+    not to make war for the sake of strengthening or enlarging it, we are,
+    surely, to defend when we have drawn an invasion upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The weakness of the Spaniards, my lords, has been also much enlarged
+    upon, but the strength of the jacobites at home has been passed over in
+    silence, though it is apparent how easily the pretender might have
+    landed here, and with what warmth his cause would have been espoused,
+    not only by those whose religion avowed and professed makes them the
+    enemies of the present royal family, but by many whom prospects of
+    interest, the love of novelty, and rage of disappointment, might have
+    inclined to a change.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no such stipulations were made by that treaty, that no injury was
+    intended to our commerce, nor any invasion proposed in favour of the
+    pretender, are very bold assertions, and though they could be supported
+    by all the evidence that negatives admit of, yet will not easily be
+    believed by your lordships, in opposition to the solemn assurances of
+    his late majesty. It is evident, from this instance, how much prejudice
+    prevails over argument; they are ready to condemn the right honourable
+    gentleman to whom they give the title of sole minister, upon the
+    suffrage of common fame, yet will not acquit him upon the testimony of
+    the king himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, the arguments alleged to prove the improbability of such
+    a confederacy, are so weak in themselves, that they require no such
+    illustrious evidence to overbalance them. For upon what are they
+    founded, but upon the impossibility of executing such designs?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, how differently different parties consider
+    the same cause, the same designs, and the same state of affairs. Every
+    man is partial in favour of his own equity, strength, and sagacity. Who
+    can show that the same false opinion of their own power, and of our
+    intestine divisions, which now prompts the Spaniards to contend with us,
+    might not then incite them to invade us, or at least to countenance the
+    attempts of one, whom they are industriously taught to believe the
+    greatest part of the nation is ready to receive?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That they might have injured our trade is too evident from our present
+    experience, and that they would have supported the Ostend company, which
+    they espoused in an open manner, is undeniable. Nor is it in the least
+    unlikely, that, elated with the certain power of doing much mischief,
+    and with the imaginary prospects of far greater effects, they might
+    engage in a confederacy, and farther attempts against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far from imagining, my lords, that it was in the power of the
+    Germans and Spaniards united to force the pretender upon us, though we
+    had stood alone against them; but the impossibility of succeeding in
+    their design was not then so apparent to them as it is at present to us;
+    they had many reasons to wish, and therefore would not be long without
+    some to believe it practicable; and it was not the danger but the insult
+    that determined his late majesty to enter into an alliance with France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    War, my lords, is always to be avoided, if the possessions and
+    reputation of a people can be preserved without it; it was, therefore,
+    more eligible to oblige them to lay aside their scheme while it was yet
+    only in idea, than to defeat it in its execution. And an alliance with
+    France effectually restrained the emperour, as our fleets in America
+    reduced the Spaniards to desire peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we did not seize the cargo of the galleons, has been often asked,
+    and as often such answers have been returned as ought to satisfy any
+    rational examiner. We did not seize them, my lords, because a larger
+    part belonged to other nations than to the Spaniards, and because the
+    interests of our trade made it convenient not to exasperate the
+    Spaniards, so far as to render a reconciliation very difficult.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the terms of this reconciliation, my lords, it is charged upon the
+    ministry, that they were guilty of contributing to the power of the
+    house of Bourbon, by stipulating that Spain, instead of neutral troops,
+    should be introduced into Italy. That those troops were less agreeable
+    to the emperour cannot be denied, but it has already been shown how
+    little reason we had to consult his satisfaction; and with regard to the
+    advantages gained by the French and Spaniards in the late war, a very
+    small part of them can be ascribed to six thousand troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With as little reason, my lords, is the charge advanced of neglecting to
+    preserve the balance of Europe, by declining to assist the emperour
+    against the French; for the intention of the war seems to have been
+    rather revenge than conquest, and the emperour rather exchanged than
+    lost his dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we declined engaging too far in the affairs of the continent,
+    proceeded, my lords, from a regard to the trade of the nation, which is
+    not only suspended and interrupted during the time of war, but often
+    thrown into another channel, out of which it is the business of many
+    years to recover it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have the ministry, my lords, deviated from their regard to trade, in
+    their transactions with Spain, which have been the subject of so much
+    clamour, and such pathetick declamations; they always knew what the
+    nation now feels, that the merchants would suffer much more from a war
+    than from piracies and depredations, which, however, they were far from
+    submitting to, and for which they constantly made demands of
+    satisfaction. To these demands they received such answers, as, if they
+    had been sincere, would have left the nation no room to complain; but
+    when it was discovered that nothing but verbal satisfaction was to be
+    expected, the security of our trade, and the honour of our country,
+    demanded that war should be declared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The conduct of the war, my lords, has been frequently the subject of
+    censure; we are told of the inactivity of one fleet, and the imperfect
+    equipment of another, the escape of our enemies, and the interception of
+    our trading ships. War, my lords, is confessed to be uncertain, and ill
+    success is not always the consequence of bad measures: naval wars are by
+    the nature of the element on which they are to be conducted, more
+    uncertain than any other; so that, though it cannot but be suspected
+    that the common people will murmur at any disappointment, call every
+    misfortune a crime, and think themselves betrayed by the ministry, if
+    Spain is not reduced in a single summer, it might be reasonably hoped,
+    that men enlightened by a long familiarity with the accounts of past,
+    and instructed by personal experience in national transactions, will
+    produce stronger arguments than want of success, when they charge the
+    ministry with misconduct in war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, they have not any misfortunes to complain of; nor is the
+    accusation, that we have been defeated ourselves, but that we have not
+    enough molested our enemies. Of this, my lords, it is not easy to judge,
+    at a distance from the scene of action, and without a more accurate
+    knowledge of a thousand minute circumstances, which may promote or
+    retard a naval expedition. It is undoubtedly true, my lords, that many
+    of our merchant ships have been taken by the enemy; but it is not
+    certain that they do not murmur equally that they have been obstructed
+    in their commerce, and have been so little able to interrupt ours, since
+    they have so many advantages from the situation of their coasts. When we
+    reckon those that are lost, let us not forget to number those that have
+    escaped. If admiral Vernon's fleet was ill provided with arms and
+    ammunition, even then, let all censure be suspended till it can be
+    proved that it was ill furnished by the fault of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more common, my lords, in all naval wars, than sudden changes
+    of fortune; for on many occasions an accidental gust of wind, or
+    unexpected darkness of the weather, may destroy or preserve a fleet from
+    destruction, or may make the most formidable armaments absolutely
+    useless; and in the present disposition of some people towards the
+    ministry, I should not wonder to hear an alteration of wind charged upon
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what objections may they not expect, my lords, when all the
+    disadvantages which the nation suffers from the enemies of his majesty,
+    are imputed to them; when daily endeavours are used to make them
+    suspected of favouring arbitrary power, for maintaining an army which
+    nothing has made necessary but the struggles of those men whose
+    principles have no other tendency than to enslave their country. Let not
+    our domestick animosities be kept alive and fomented by a constant
+    opposition to every design of the administration, nor our foreign
+    enemies incited by the observation of our divisions, to treat us with
+    insolence, interrupt our trade, prescribe bounds to our dominions, and
+    threaten us with invasions&mdash;and the army may safely be disbanded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the ministry, my lords, are not conscious of having consulted any
+    thing but the happiness of the nation, and have, therefore, no
+    apprehensions of publick resentment, nor want the protection of an armed
+    force. They desire only the support of the laws, and to them they
+    willingly appeal from common fame and unequitable charges.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I mention the ministry, my lords, because I am unacquainted with any man
+    who either claims or possesses the power or title of sole minister. I
+    own, in my province, no superiour but his majesty, and am willing and
+    ready to answer any charge which relates to that part of the publick
+    business which I have had the honour to transact or direct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A great part of what I have now offered was, therefore, no otherwise
+    necessary on the present occasion, than because silence might have
+    appeared like a consciousness of misconduct, and have afforded a new
+    subject of airy triumph to the enemies of the administration; for very
+    few of the transactions which have been so severely censured, fell under
+    the particular inspection of the right honourable gentleman against whom
+    the motion is levelled; he was not otherwise concerned in counselling or
+    in ratifying, than as one of his majesty's privy council; and,
+    therefore, though they should be defective, I do not see how it is
+    reasonable or just, that he should be singled out from the rest for
+    disgrace or punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, therefore, my lords, appears to me neither founded on facts,
+    nor law, nor reason, nor any better grounds than popular caprice, and
+    private malevolence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it is contrary to law to punish without proof; if it is not agreeable
+    to reason that one should be censured for the offences of another; if it
+    is necessary that some crime should be proved before any man can suffer
+    as a criminal, then, my lords, I am convinced that your lordships will
+    be unanimous in rejecting the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE spoke next, as follows:&mdash;My lords, if we will
+    obstinately shut our eyes against the light of conviction; if we will
+    resolutely admit every degree of evidence that contributes to support
+    the cause which we are inclined to favour, and to reject the plainest
+    proofs when they are produced against it, to reason and debate is to
+    little purpose: as no innocence can be safe that has incurred the
+    displeasure of partial judges, so no criminal that has the happiness of
+    being favoured by them, can ever be in danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any lord has already determined how to vote on the present
+    occasion, far be it from me to assert: may it never, my lords, be
+    suspected that private interest, blind adherence to a party, personal
+    kindness or malevolence, or any other motive than a sincere and
+    unmingled regard for the prosperity of our country, influences the
+    decisions of this assembly; for it is well known, my lords, that
+    authority is founded on opinion; when once we lose the esteem of the
+    publick, our votes, while we shall be allowed to give them, will be only
+    empty sounds, to which no other regard will be paid than a standing army
+    shall enforce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The veneration of the people, my lords, will not easily be lost: this
+    house has a kind of hereditary claim to their confidence and respect;
+    the great actions of our ancestors are remembered, and contribute to the
+    reputation of their successours; nor do our countrymen willingly suspect
+    that they can be betrayed by the descendants of those, by whose bravery
+    and counsels they have been rescued from destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But esteem must languish, and confidence decline, unless they are
+    renewed and reanimated by new acts of beneficence; and the higher
+    expectations the nation may have formed of our penetration to discover
+    its real advantages, and of our steadiness to pursue them, the more
+    violent will be its resentment, if it shall appear, on this important
+    question, that we are either ignorant or timorous, that we are
+    unconcerned at the miseries of the people, or content ourselves with
+    pitying what our ancestors never failed to redress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, for our own interest, attend impartially to
+    the voice of the people; let us hear their complaints with tenderness,
+    and if, at last, we reject them, let it be evident that they were
+    impartially heard, and that we only differed from them because we were
+    not convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even then, my lords, we shall suffer, for some time, under the suspicion
+    of crimes, from which I hope we shall always be free; the people will
+    imagine that we were influenced by those whose interest it appears to
+    continue their miseries, and, my lords, all the consolation that will be
+    left us, must arise from the consciousness of having done our duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, this is to suppose what I believe no history can furnish
+    an example of; it is to conceive that we may inquire diligently after
+    the true state of national affairs, and yet not discover it, or not be
+    able to prove it by such evidence as may satisfy the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people, my lords, however they are misrepresented by those who, from
+    a long practice of treating them with disregard, have learned to think
+    and speak of them with contempt, are far from being easily deceived, and
+    yet farther from being easily deceived into an opinion of their own
+    unhappiness: we have some instances of general satisfaction, and an
+    unshaken affection to the government, in times when the publick good has
+    not been very diligently consulted, but scarcely any of perpetual
+    murmurs and universal discontent, where there have been plain evidences
+    of oppression, negligence, or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not, therefore, my lords, think of the people as of a herd to be
+    led or driven at pleasure, as wretches whose opinions are founded upon
+    the authority of seditious scribblers, or upon any other than that of
+    reason and experience; let us not suffer them to be at once oppressed
+    and ridiculed, nor encourage, by our example, the wretched advocates for
+    those whom they consider as their enemies, nor represent them as
+    imputing to the misconduct of the ministry the late contrariety of the
+    winds, and severity of the winter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people, my lords, if they are mistaken in their charge, are mistaken
+    with such evidence on their side, as never misled any nation before; not
+    only their reason but their senses must have betrayed them; and those
+    marks of certainty that have hitherto established truth, must have
+    combined in the support of falsehood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They are persuaded, my lords, too firmly persuaded, to yield up their
+    opinions to rhetorick, or to votes, or any proof but demonstration, that
+    there is a <i>first</i>, or, to speak in the language of the nation, a <i>sole</i>
+    minister, one that has the possession of his sovereign's confidence, and
+    the power of excluding others from his presence, one that exalts and
+    degrades at his pleasure, and distributes, for his own purposes, the
+    revenues of his master, and the treasure of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this, my lords, can it be maintained that they have no proof? Can
+    this be termed a chimerical suspicion, which nothing can be produced to
+    support? How can power appear but by the exercise of it? What can prove
+    any degree of influence or authority, but universal submission and
+    acknowledgment? And surely, my lords, a very transient survey of the
+    court and its dependents, must afford sufficient conviction, that this
+    man is considered by all that are engaged in the administration, as the
+    only disposer of honours, favours, and employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Attend to any man, my lords, who has lately been preferred, rewarded, or
+    caressed, you will hear no expressions of gratitude but to that <i>man</i>;
+    no other benefactor is ever heard of, the royal bounty itself is
+    forgotten and unmentioned, nor is any return of loyalty, fidelity, or
+    adherence professed, but to the minister; the minister! a term which,
+    however lately introduced, is now in use in every place in the kingdom,
+    except this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Preferments, my lords, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military, are
+    either wholly in his hands, or those who make it the business of their
+    lives to discover the high road to promotion, are universally deceived,
+    and are daily offering their adorations to an empty phantom that has
+    nothing to bestow; for, no sooner is any man infected with avarice or
+    ambition, no sooner is extravagance reduced to beg new supplies from the
+    publick, or wickedness obliged to seek for shelter, than this man is
+    applied to, and honour, conscience, and fortune offered at his feet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did either those whose studies and station give them a claim to
+    advancement in the church, or those whose bravery and long service
+    entitle them to more honourable posts in the army; did either those who
+    profess to understand the laws of their own country, or they who declare
+    themselves versed in the interests and transactions of foreign powers,
+    apply to any other man for promotion or employment, he might then,
+    indeed, be called the <i>chief</i>, but not properly the <i>sole</i> minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is well known, my lords; many of us know it too well, that
+    whatever be the profession or the abilities of any person, there is no
+    hope of encouragement or reward by any other method than that of
+    application to this man, that he shall certainly be disappointed who
+    shall attempt to rise by any other interest, and whoever shall dare to
+    depend on his honesty, bravery, diligence, or capacity, or to boast any
+    other merit than that of implicit adherence to his measures, shall
+    inevitably lie neglected and obscure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, every one whose calmness of temper can enable
+    him to support the sight, without starts of indignation and sallies of
+    contempt, may daily see at the levee of this great man, what I am
+    ashamed to mention, a mixture of men of all ranks and all professions,
+    of men whose birth and titles ought to exalt them above the meanness of
+    cringing to a mere child of fortune, men whose studies ought to have
+    taught them, that true honour is only to be gained by steady virtue, and
+    that all other arts, all the low applications of flattery and servility
+    will terminate in contempt, disappointment, and remorse.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This scene, my lords, is daily to be viewed, it is ostentatiously
+    displayed to the sight of mankind, the minister amuses himself in
+    publick with the splendour, and number, and dignity of his slaves; and
+    his slaves with no more shame pay their prostrations to their master in
+    the face of day, and boast of their resolutions to gratify and support
+    him. And yet, my lords, it is inquired why the people assert that there
+    is a <i>sole</i> minister?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who deny, my lords, that there is a <i>sole</i> minister to whom the
+    miscarriages of the government may justly be imputed, may easily
+    persuade themselves to believe that there have been no miscarriages,
+    that all the measures were necessary, and well formed, that there is
+    neither poverty nor oppression felt in the nation, that our compliance
+    with France was no weakness, and that our dread of the treaty of Vienna
+    was not chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Vienna, my lords, which has been the parent of so many
+    terrours, consultations, embassies, and alliances is, I find, not yet to
+    be acknowledged, what it certainly was, a mere phantom, an empty
+    illusion, sent by the arts of the French to terrify our ministry. His
+    late majesty's testimony is cited to prove that stipulations were really
+    entered into by the two powers allied by that treaty, to destroy our
+    trade, subvert our constitution, and set a new king upon the throne,
+    without consent of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such improbabilities, my lords, ought, indeed, to be proved by a high
+    testimony, by a testimony which no man shall dare to question or
+    contradict; for as any man is at liberty to consult his reason, it will
+    always remonstrate to him, that it is no less absurd to impute the folly
+    of designing impossibilities to any powers not remarkable for weak
+    counsels, than unjust to suspect princes of intending injuries, to which
+    they have not been incited by any provocation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, nowithstanding the solemnity with which his late majesty
+    has been introduced, his testimony can prove nothing more than that he
+    believed the treaty to be such as he represents, that he had been
+    deceived into false apprehensions and unnecessary cautions by his own
+    ministers, as they had been imposed upon by the agents of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is all, my lords, that can be collected from the royal speech, and
+    to infer more from it is to suppose that the king was himself a party in
+    the designs formed against him; for if he was not himself engaged in
+    this treaty, he could only be informed, by another, of the stipulations,
+    and could only report what he had been told upon the credit of the
+    informer, a man, necessarily of very little credit. Thus, my lords, all
+    the evidence of his late majesty vanishes into nothing more than the
+    whisper of a spy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as great stress ought, doubtless, to be laid upon intelligence which
+    the nation is believed to purchase at a very high price, let it be
+    inquired, what proofs those have who dare to suspect the sagacity of our
+    ministers, to put in the balance against their intelligence, and it will
+    be discovered, my lords, that they have a testimony no less than that of
+    the German emperour himself, who could not be mistaken with regard to
+    the meaning of the treaty concluded at his own court, and to whom it
+    will not be very decent to deny such a degree of veracity as may set him
+    at least on the level with a traitor and a hireling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the treaty of Vienna was an imposture, most of our misfortunes are
+    evidently produced by the weakness of the minister; but even supposing
+    it real, as it was only a formidable mockery, an idle threat, that could
+    never be executed, it was not necessary, that in order to obviate it, we
+    should give ourselves implicitly into the hands of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was not necessary, my lords, that we should suffer them first to
+    elude the treaty of Utrecht, by making a port at Mardyke, and then
+    directly and openly to violate it by repairing Dunkirk. That this latter
+    is a port contrary to treaty, the bills of entry at the custom-house
+    daily show; and as the customs are particularly under the inspection of
+    the commissioners of the treasury, this man cannot plead ignorance of
+    this infraction, were no information given him by other means. If it
+    should now be asked, my lords, what, in my opinion, ought to be done, I
+    cannot advise that we should attempt to demolish it by force, or draw
+    upon ourselves the whole power of France by a declaration of war, but
+    what it may be difficult now to remedy, it was once easy to obviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had we shown the same contempt of the French power with our ancestors,
+    and the same steadiness in our councils, the same firmness in our
+    alliances, and the same spirit in our treaties, that court would never
+    have ventured to break a known solemn stipulation, to have exasperated a
+    brave and determined adversary by flagrant injustice, and to have
+    exposed themselves to the hazard of a war, in which it would have been
+    the interest of every prince of Europe who regarded justice or posterity
+    to wish their defeat.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Now they see us engaged in a war, my lords, they may be animated to a
+    more daring contempt of the faith of treaties, and insult us with yet
+    greater confidence of success, as they cannot but remark the cowardice
+    or the ignorance with which we have hitherto carried on this war. They
+    cannot but observe that either our minister means in reality to make war
+    rather upon the Britons than the Spaniards, or that he is totally
+    unacquainted with military affairs, and too vain to ask the opinion of
+    others who have greater knowledge than himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more apparent than that the minister was forced,
+    by the continual clamours of the nation, to declare war, contrary to his
+    own inclination, and that he always affected to charge it upon others,
+    and to exempt himself from the imputation of it. It is, therefore,
+    probable that he has not acted on this occasion so wisely as even his
+    own experience and penetration might, if they were honestly employed,
+    enable him to act, and that he has suffered our counsels to be
+    embarrassed; that he sees with great tranquillity those suffering by the
+    war, at whose request it was begun, and imagines it a proof of the
+    excellence of his own scheme, that those who forced him to break it, may
+    in time repent of their importunities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that in the management of the war, my lords, no regard has been had
+    either to the advantages which the course of our trade inevitably gives
+    to our enemies, or to the weakness to which the extent of their
+    dominions necessarily subjects them, that neither the interest of the
+    merchant has been consulted, nor the ease of the nation in general
+    regarded, that the treasure of the publick has been squandered, and that
+    our military preparations have intimidated no nation but our own, is
+    evident beyond contradiction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, to every man but the minister, that we have
+    nothing to fear from either the fleets or armies of the Spaniards, that
+    they cannot invade us except in America, and that they can only molest
+    us by intercepting our traders. This they can only effect by means of
+    their privateers, whose vessels, being light and active, may be easily
+    fitted out, nimbly seize their prey, and speedily retire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The experience of the last French war, my lords, might have taught us
+    how much we have to fear from the activity of men incited by prospects
+    of private gain, and equipped with that care and vigilance, which,
+    however omitted in national affairs, the interest of particular men
+    never fails to dictate. It is well known, my lords, how much we lost
+    amidst our victories and triumphs, and how small security the merchants
+    received from our magnificent navies, and celebrated commanders. It was,
+    therefore, surely the part of wise men, not to miscarry twice by the
+    same omission, when they had an opportunity to supply it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not inform your lordships of what every reader of newspapers can
+    tell, and which common sense must easily discover, that privateers are
+    only to be suppressed by ships of the same kind with their own, which
+    may scour the seas with rapidity, pursue them into shallow water, where
+    great ships cannot attack them, seize them as they leave the harbours,
+    or destroy them upon their own coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is, in its own nature, at once obvious to be contrived, and
+    easy to be done, must appear upon the bare mention of it, and yet that
+    it has been either treacherously neglected, or ignorantly omitted, the
+    accounts of every day have long informed us. Not a week passes in which
+    our ships are not seized, and our sailors carried into a state of
+    slavery. Nor does this happen only on the wide ocean, which is too
+    spacious to be garrisoned, or upon our enemies' coasts, where they may
+    have, sometimes, insuperable advantages, but on our own shores, within
+    sight of our harbours, and in those seas of which we vainly style our
+    nation the sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Who is there, my lords, whose indignation is not raised at such
+    ignominy? Who is there by whom such negligence will not be resented? It
+    cannot be alleged that we had not time to make better preparations; we
+    had expected war long before we declared it, and if the minister was the
+    only man by whom it was not expected, it will make another head of
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was his disregard of our dominions less flagrant than that of our
+    trade: it was publickly declared by don Geraldino, that his master would
+    never give up his claim to part of our American colonies, which yet were
+    neither fortified on the frontiers, nor supplied with arms, nor enabled
+    to oppose an enemy, nor protected against him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One man there is, my lords, whose natural generosity, contempt of
+    danger, and regard for the publick, prompted him to obviate the designs
+    of the Spaniards, and to attack them in their own territories; a man,
+    whom by long acquaintance I can confidently affirm to have been equal to
+    his undertaking, and to have learned the art of war by a regular
+    education, who yet miscarried in his design, only for want of supplies
+    necessary to a possibility of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there, my lords, much probability that the forces sent lately to
+    Vernon will be more successful; for this is not a war to be carried on
+    by boys: the state of the enemy's dominions is such, partly by
+    situation, and partly by the neglect of that man whose conduct we are
+    examining, that to attack them with any prospect of advantage, will
+    require the judgment of an experienced commander; of one who had learned
+    his trade, not in Hyde-park, but in the field of battle; of one that has
+    been accustomed to sudden exigencies and unsuspected difficulties, and
+    has learned cautiously to form, and readily to vary his schemes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    An officer, my lords, an officer qualified to invade kingdoms is not
+    formed by blustering in his quarters, by drinking on birth-nights, or
+    dancing at assemblies; nor even by the more important services of
+    regulating elections, and suppressing those insurrections which are
+    produced by the decay of our manufactures. Many gallant colonels have
+    led out their forces against women and children, with the exactest
+    order, and scattered terrour over numerous bodies of colliers and
+    weavers, who would find difficulties not very easily surmountable, were
+    they to force a pass, or storm a fortress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, those whom we have destined for the conquest of America,
+    have not even flushed their arms with such services, nor have learned,
+    what is most necessary to be learned, the habit of obedience; they are
+    only such as the late frost hindered from the exercise of their trades,
+    and forced to seek for bread in the service; they have scarcely had time
+    to learn the common motions of the exercise, or distinguish the words of
+    command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are their officers, my lords, extremely well qualified to supply
+    those defects, and establish discipline and order in a body of
+    new-raised forces; for they are absolutely strangers to service, and
+    taken from school to receive a commission, or if transplanted from other
+    regiments, have had time only to learn the art of dress. We have sent
+    soldiers undisciplined, and officers unable to instruct them, and sit in
+    expectation of conquests to be made by one boy acting under the
+    direction of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To their commander-in-chief, my lords, I object nothing but his
+    inexperience, which is by no means to be imputed to his negligence, but
+    his want of opportunities; though of the rest, surely it may be said,
+    that they are such a swarm as were never before sent out on military
+    designs; and, in my opinion, to the other equipments, the government
+    should have added provisions for women to nurse them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Had my knowledge of war, my lords, been thought sufficient to have
+    qualified me for the chief command in this expedition, or had my advice
+    been asked with regard to the conduct of it, I should willingly have
+    assisted my country with my person or my counsels; but, my lords, this
+    man, who engrosses all authority, seems, likewise, to believe that he is
+    in possession of all knowledge, and that he is equally capable, as he is
+    equally willing, to usurp the supreme and uncontroulable direction both
+    of civil and military affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why new forces were raised, my lords, it is very easy to judge; new
+    forces required new commissions, and new commissions produced new
+    dependencies, which might be of use to the minister at the approaching
+    election; but why the new-raised troops were sent on this expedition
+    rather than those which had been longer disciplined, it is very
+    difficult to assign a reason, unless it was considered that some who had
+    commands in them had likewise seats in the senate; and the minister was
+    too grateful to expose his friends to danger, and too prudent to hazard
+    the loss of a single vote. Besides the commander-in-chief, there is but
+    one senator in the expedition, and, my lords, he is one of too great
+    integrity to be corrupted, and, though sensible of the weakness of the
+    troops, too brave to quit his post. How much our country may suffer by
+    such absurd conduct, I need not explain to your lordships; it may easily
+    be conceived how much one defeat may dispirit the nation, and to what
+    attempts one victory may excite our enemies; those enemies whom, under a
+    steady and wise administration, we should terrify into submission, even
+    without an army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot forbear to remark on this occasion, how much the ignorance of
+    this man has exposed a very important part of our foreign dominions to
+    the attempts of the Spaniards. Gibraltar, my lords, is well known to be
+    so situated, as to be naturally in very little danger of an attack from
+    the land, and to command the country to a great distance; but these
+    natural advantages are now taken away, or greatly lessened, by new
+    fortifications, erected within much less than gunshot of the place,
+    erected in the sight of the garrison, and while one of our admirals was
+    cruizing upon the coast.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The pretence, my lords, upon which they were erected, was, that though
+    Gibraltar was granted to Britain, yet there was no district appendent to
+    it, nor did the British authority extend beyond the walls of the town:
+    this poor excuse did the chicanery of the Spaniards invent, and with
+    this, my lords, was our minister contented, either not knowing or not
+    appearing to know what, I hope, the children whom we have despatched to
+    America have been taught, and what no man, versed in national affairs,
+    can be ignorant of without a crime, that when a fortress is yielded to
+    another nation, the treaty always virtually includes, even without
+    mentioning it, an extent of land as far as the guns of the fortification
+    can reach.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this man, my lords, was so ignorant as to be deceived thus
+    grossly, or so abandoned as willingly to deceive his country, he is
+    equally unqualified to support the office of first minister, and almost
+    equally deserves to be prosecuted by the indignation and justice of this
+    assembly, in the severest manner; for how great must be his wickedness
+    who undertakes a charge above his abilities, when his country may be
+    probably ruined by his errours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Your lordships cannot but observe, that I make use rather of the term
+    minister than that of the administration, which others are so desirous
+    to substitute in its place, either to elude all inquiry into the
+    management of our affairs, or to cover their own shameful dependence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Administration, my lords, appears to me a term without a meaning, a wild
+    indeterminate word, of which none can tell whom it implies, or how
+    widely it may extend: a charge against the administration may be
+    imagined a general censure of every officer in the whole subordination
+    of government, a general accusation of instruments and agents, of
+    masters and slaves: my charge, my lords, is against the minister,
+    against that man, who is believed by every one in the nation, and known
+    by great numbers, to have the chief, and, whenever he pleases to require
+    it, the sole direction of the publick measures; he, to whom all the
+    other ministers owe their elevation, and by whose smile they hold their
+    power, their salaries, and their dignity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this appellation is not without sufficient reason bestowed upon
+    that man, I have already proved to your lordships; and as it has already
+    been made appear that common fame is a sufficient ground of accusation,
+    it will easily be shown that this man has a just claim to the title of
+    minister; for if any man be told of an accusation of the minister; he
+    will not ask the name of the person accused.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there is in the motion one title conferred upon him, to which he has
+    no pretensions; for there is no law for styling him the first
+    commissioner of the treasury. The commissioners, my lords, who
+    discharge, in a collective capacity, the office of lord high treasurer,
+    are constituted by the same patent, invested with equal power and equal
+    dignity, and I know not why this man should be exalted to any
+    superiority over his associates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we take, my lords, a review of our affairs, and examine the state of
+    the nation in all its relations and all its circumstances, we cannot,
+    surely, conceive that we are in a state of prosperity, unless discontent
+    at home, and scorn abroad, the neglect of our allies, and insolence of
+    our enemies, the decay of trade, and multitude of our imposts, are to be
+    considered as proofs of a prosperous and nourishing nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Will it be alleged, my lords, has this man one friend adventurous enough
+    to assert, in open day, that the people are not starving by thousands,
+    and murmuring by millions, that universal misery does not overspread the
+    nation, and that this horrid series of calamities is not universally,
+    among all conditions, imputed to the conduct of this man?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That great evils are felt, my lords, no Briton, I am certain, who
+    converses promiscuously with his countrymen, will attempt to dispute,
+    and until some other cause more proportioned to the effect shall be
+    assigned, I shall join the publick in their opinion, and while I think
+    this man the author of our miseries, shall conclude it necessary to
+    comply with the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARDWICK spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, though I
+    very readily admit that crimes ought to be punished, that a treacherous
+    administration of publick affairs is, in a very high degree, criminal,
+    that even ignorance, where it is the consequence of neglect, deserves
+    the severest animadversion, and that it is the privilege and duty of
+    this house to watch over the state of the nation, and inform his majesty
+    of any errours committed by his ministers; yet I am far from being
+    convinced either of the justice or necessity of the motion now under
+    consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The most flagrant and invidious part of the charge against the right
+    honourable gentleman appears to consist in this, that he has engrossed
+    an exorbitant degree of power, and usurped an unlimited influence over
+    the whole system of government, that he disposes of all honours and
+    preferments, and that he is not only <i>first</i> but <i>sole</i> minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But of this boundless usurpation, my lords, what proof has been laid
+    before you? What beyond loud exaggerations, pompous rhetorick, and
+    specious appeals to common fame; common fame, which, at least, may
+    sometimes err, and which, though it may afford sufficient ground for
+    suspicion and inquiry, was never yet admitted as conclusive evidence,
+    where the immediate necessities of the publick did not preclude the
+    common forms of examination, where the power of the offender did not
+    make it dangerous to attack him by a legal prosecution, or where the
+    conduct of the accusers did not plainly discover that they were more
+    eager of blood than of justice, and more solicitous to destroy than to
+    convict.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope none of these circumstances, my lords, can at present obstruct a
+    candid and deliberate inquiry: with regard to the publick, I am not able
+    to discover any pressing exigencies that demand a more compendious
+    method of proceeding, than the established laws of the land, and the
+    wisdom of our ancestors have prescribed. I know not any calamity that
+    will be aggravated, nor any danger that will become move formidable, by
+    suffering this question to be legally tried.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there, my lords, in the circumstances of the person accused, any
+    thing that can incite us to a hasty process; for, if what is alleged by
+    the noble lords is not exaggerated beyond the truth, if he is
+    universally detested by the whole nation, and loaded with execrations by
+    the publick voice; if he is considered as the author of all our
+    miseries, and the source of all our corruptions; if he has ruined our
+    trade, and depressed our power, impoverished the people, and attempted
+    to enslave them, there is, at least, no danger of an insurrection in his
+    favour, or any probability that his party will grow stronger by delays.
+    For, my lords, to find friends in adversity, and assertors in distress,
+    is only the prerogative of innocence and virtue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentleman against whom this formidable charge is drawn up, is, I
+    think, not suspected of any intention to have recourse either to force
+    or flight; he has always appeared willing to be tried by the laws of his
+    country, and to stand an impartial examination; he neither opposes nor
+    eludes inquiry, neither flies from justice, nor defies it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet less, my lords, can I suspect, that those by whom he is accused,
+    act from any motive that may influence them to desire a sentence not
+    supported by evidence, or conformable to truth; or that they can wish
+    the ruin of any man whose crimes are not notorious and flagrant, that
+    they persecute from private malice, or endeavour to exalt themselves by
+    the fall of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, inquire before we determine, and suffer
+    evidence to precede our sentence. The charge, if it is just, must be, by
+    its own nature, easily proved, and that no proof is brought may,
+    perhaps, be sufficient to make us suspect that it is not just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For, my lords, what is the evidence of common fame, which has been so
+    much exalted, and so confidently produced? Does not every man see that,
+    on such occasions, two questions may be asked, of which, perhaps,
+    neither can easily be answered, and which, yet, must both be resolved
+    before common fame can be admitted as a proof of facts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is first to be inquired, my lords, whether the reports of fame are
+    necessarily or even probably true? A question very intricate and
+    diffusive, entangled with a thousand, and involving a thousand,
+    distinctions; a question of which it may be said, that a man may very
+    plausibly maintain either side, and of which, perhaps, after months or
+    years wasted in disputation, no other decision can be obtained than what
+    is obvious at the first view, that they are often true, and often false,
+    and, therefore, can only be grounds of inquiry, not reasons of
+    determination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if it appear, my lords, that this oracle cannot be deceived, we are
+    then to inquire after another difficulty, we are to inquire, <i>What is
+    fame?</i>
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is fame, my lords, that fame which cannot err? a report that flies, on a
+    sudden, through a nation, of which no man can discover the original; a
+    sudden blast of rumour, that inflames or intimidates a people, and
+    obtains, without authority, a general credit? No man versed in history
+    can inquire whether such reports may not deceive. Is fame rather a
+    settled opinion, prevailing by degrees, and for some time established?
+    How long, then, my lords, and in what degree must it have been
+    established, to obtain undoubted credit, and when does it commence
+    infallible? If the people are divided in their opinions, as in all
+    publick questions it has hitherto happened, fame is, I suppose, the
+    voice of the majority; for, if the two parties are equal in their
+    numbers, fame will be equal; then how great must be the majority before
+    it can lay claim to this powerful auxiliary? and how shall that majority
+    be numbered?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These questions, my lords, may be thought, perhaps with justice, too
+    ludicrous in this place, but, in my opinion, they contribute to show the
+    precarious and uncertain nature of the evidence so much confided in.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Common fame, my lords, is to every man only what he himself commonly
+    hears; and it is in the power of any man's acquaintance to vitiate the
+    evidence which they report, and to stun him with clamours, and terrify
+    him with apprehensions of miseries never felt, and dangers invisible.
+    But, without such a combination, we are to remember, that most men
+    associate with those of their own opinions, and that the rank of those
+    that compose this assembly naturally disposes such as are admitted to
+    their company, to relate, or to invent, such reports as may be
+    favourably received, so that what appears to one lord the general voice
+    of common fame, may, by another, be thought only the murmur of a petty
+    faction, despicable, with regard to their numbers, and detestable, if we
+    consider their principles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So difficult is it, my lords, to form any solid judgment concerning the
+    extent and prevalence of any particular report, and the degree of credit
+    to be given to it. The industry of a party may supply the defect of
+    numbers, and some concurrent circumstances may contribute to give credit
+    to a false report.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, we are ourselves appealed to as witnesses of the truth of
+    facts, which prove him to be sole minister, of the number of his
+    dependents, the advancement of his friends, the disappointments of his
+    opponents, and the declarations made by his followers of adherence and
+    fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be granted, my lords, that there is nothing in these
+    representations exaggerated beyond the truth, and that nothing is
+    represented in an improper light, what consequence can we draw, but that
+    the followers of this gentleman, make use of those arts which have
+    always been practised by the candidates of preferment, that they
+    endeavour to gain their patron's smile by flattery and panegyrick, and
+    to keep it by assiduity and an appearance of gratitude. And if such
+    applications exalted any man to the authority and title of first
+    minister, the nation has never, in my memory, been without some man in
+    that station, for there is always some one to whom ambition and avarice
+    have paid their court, and whose regards have been purchased at the
+    expense of truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it to be wondered at, my lords, that posts of honour and profit
+    have been bestowed upon the friends of the administration; for who
+    enriches or exalts his enemies? who will increase the influence that is
+    to be exerted against him, or add strength to the blow that is levelled
+    at himself?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the right honourable gentleman is the only disposer of honours, has
+    never yet appeared; it is not pretended, my lords, that he distributes
+    them without the consent of his majesty, nor even that his
+    recommendation is absolutely necessary to the success of any man's
+    applications. If he has gained more of his majesty's confidence and
+    esteem than any other of his servants, he has done only what every man
+    endeavours, and what, therefore, is not to be imputed to him as a crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impossible, my lords, that kings, like other men, should not have
+    particular motions of inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
+    may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
+    their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
+    and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
+    and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
+    desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
+    effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
+    confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
+    pretended that he assumes the title of <i>prime minister</i>, or indeed, that
+    it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
+    conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
+    if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
+    against it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
+    against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
+    that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
+    injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
+    was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
+    country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
+    or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
+    upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
+    honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
+    treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
+    able to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
+    have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
+    spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+    would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
+    blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
+    lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
+    administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
+    the decisions of my own judgment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
+    accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
+    cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
+    confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
+    conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
+    corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if every man's regard to
+    his own safety and reputation will prevent him from betraying his trust,
+    or abusing his power, much more will it incite him to prevent any
+    misconduct in another for which he must himself be accountable. Men are,
+    usually, sufficiently tenacious of power, and ready to vindicate their
+    separate rights, when nothing but their pride is affected by the
+    usurpation, but surely no man will patiently suffer his province to be
+    invaded when he may himself be ruined by the conduct of the invader.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it appears to me to be not only without proof, but
+    without probability, and the first minister can, in my opinion, be
+    nothing more than a formidable illusion, which, when one man thinks he
+    has seen it, he shows to another, as easily frighted as himself, who
+    joins with him in propagating the notion, and in spreading terrour and
+    resentment over the nation, till at last the panick becomes general, and
+    what was at first only whispered by malice or prejudice in the ears of
+    ignorance or credulity, is adopted by common fame, and echoed back from
+    the people to the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have hitherto, my lords, confined myself to the consideration of one
+    single article of this complicated charge, because it appears to me to
+    be the only part of it necessary to be examined; for if once it be
+    acknowledged that the affairs of the nation are transacted not by the
+    minister but the administration, by the council in which every man that
+    sits there has an equal voice and equal authority, the blame or praise
+    of all the measures must be transferred from him to the council, and
+    every man that has advised or concurred in them, will deserve the same
+    censure or the same applause; as it is unjust to punish one man for the
+    crimes of another, it is unjust to choose one man out for punishment
+    from among many others equally guilty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I doubt not, my lords, when all those measures are equitably
+    considered, there will be no punishment to be dreaded, because neither
+    negligence nor treachery will be discovered. For, my lords, with regard
+    to the treaty of Vienna, let us suppose our ministers deceived by
+    ignorant or corrupt intelligence, let us admit that they were cautious
+    where there was no danger, and neglected some opportunities, which, if
+    they had received better information, they might have improved to the
+    advantage and security of the nation. What have they done, even under
+    all these disadvantageous suppositions, but followed the lights which
+    they judged most clear, and by which they hoped to be conducted to
+    honour and to safety?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Policy, my lords, is very different from prescience; the utmost that can
+    be attained is probability, and that, for the most part, in a low
+    degree. It is observed, that no man is wise but as you take into
+    consideration the weakness of another; a maxim more eminently true of
+    political wisdom, which consists, very often, only in discovering
+    designs which could never be known but by the folly or treachery of
+    those to whom they are trusted. If our enemies were wise enough to keep
+    their own secrets, neither our ministers nor our patriots would be able
+    to know or prevent their designs, nor would it be any reproach to their
+    sagacity, that they did not know what nobody would tell them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If therefore, my lords, the princes, whose interest is contrary to our
+    own, have been at any time served by honest and wise men, there was a
+    time when our ministers could act only by conjecture, and might be
+    mistaken without a crime.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it was always in our power to penetrate into the intentions of our
+    enemies, they must necessarily have the same means of making themselves
+    acquainted with our projects, and yet when any of them are discovered we
+    think it just to impute it to the negligence of the minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, every man is inclined to judge with prejudice and
+    partiality. When we suffer by the prudence of our enemies, we charge our
+    ministers with want of vigilance, without considering, that very often
+    nothing is necessary to elude the most penetrating sagacity, but
+    obstinate silence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we inquire into the transactions of past times, shall we find any
+    man, however renowned for his abilities, not sometimes imposed upon by
+    falsehoods, and sometimes betrayed by his own reasonings into measures
+    destructive of the purposes which he endeavoured to promote? There is no
+    man of whose penetration higher ideas have been justly formed, or who
+    gave more frequent proofs of an uncommon penetration into futurity than
+    Cromwell; and yet succeeding times have sufficiently discovered the
+    weakness of aggrandizing France by depressing Spain, and we wonder now
+    how so much policy could fall into so gross an errour, as not rather to
+    suffer power to remain in the distant enemy, than transfer it to another
+    equally divided from us by interest, and far more formidable by the
+    situation of his dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Cromwell, my lords, suffered himself to be hurried away by the near
+    prospect of present advantages, and the apprehension of present dangers;
+    and every other man has been, in the same manner, sometimes deluded into
+    a preference of a smaller present advantage, to a greater which was more
+    remote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not be urged, my lords, that politicks are advanced since the
+    time of Cromwell, and that errours which might then be committed by the
+    wisest administration, are now gross and reproachful; we are to remember
+    that every part of policy has been equally improved, and that if more
+    methods of discovery have been struck out, there have been likewise more
+    arts invented of eluding it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, we inquire into the conduct, or examine the abilities
+    of a minister, we are not to expect that he should appear never to have
+    been deceived, but that he should never be found to have neglected any
+    proper means of information, nor ever to have willingly given up the
+    interest of his country; but we are not to impute to his weakness what
+    is only to be ascribed to the wisdom of those whom he opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this plea, my lords, is reasonable, it will be necessary for those
+    who support the motion, to prove, not only that the treaty of Vienna was
+    never made, but that the falsehood of the report either was or might
+    have been known by our ministers; otherwise, those who are inclined to
+    retain a favourable opinion of their integrity and abilities, may
+    conclude, that they were either not mistaken, or were led into errour by
+    such delusions as would no less easily have imposed on their accusers,
+    and that by exalting their enemies to their stations, they shall not
+    much consult the advantage of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This motion, therefore, my lords, founded upon no acknowledged, no
+    indisputable facts, nor supported by legal evidence; this motion, which,
+    by appealing to common fame, as the ultimate judge of every man's
+    actions, may bring every man's life, or fortune, into danger; this
+    motion, which condemns without hearing, and decides without examining, I
+    cannot but reject, and hope your lordships will concur with me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARLISLE spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;My lords, the state
+    of the question before us has, in my opinion, not been rightly
+    apprehended by the noble lord who spoke last, nor is the innocence or
+    guilt of the minister the chief question before us, because a minister
+    may possibly mean well, and yet be, in some particular circumstances,
+    unqualified for his station.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He may not only want the degree of knowledge and ability requisite to
+    make his good intentions effectual, but, my lords, however skilful,
+    sagacious, or diligent, he may be so unfortunate, in some parts of his
+    conduct, as to want the esteem and confidence of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That a very able and honest minister may be misinformed by his
+    intelligence, disappointed by his agents, or baffled by other men of
+    equal capacity and integrity with himself, cannot be controverted; but
+    it must surely be owned likewise, that when this has happened so often,
+    and in cases of such importance, as to deprive him entirely of the
+    regard and affection of the people; when he is reduced to intrench
+    himself behind his privileges, to employ all the influence of the crown
+    for his own security, and make it his daily endeavour to create new
+    dependencies, he ought to be pitied and discarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the state of the minister whose removal is desired by the
+    motion, cannot be denied; the exaltation of his adherents to places and
+    preferments, the noble lord has been so far from questioning, that he
+    has endeavoured to justify it, and has in plain terms inquired, who
+    would have acted otherwise?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, my lords, would have acted otherwise, whose character had not
+    been blasted by general detestation; every man would have acted
+    otherwise, who preferred the publick good to his own continuance in
+    power; and every man has acted otherwise who has distinguished himself
+    as a friend to the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the interest of the nation, my lords, that every office should be
+    filled by that man who is most capable of discharging it, whatever may
+    be his sentiments with regard to the minister; and that his attention
+    should be confined to his employment, rather than distracted by various
+    concerns and opposite relations. It is, therefore, an injury to the
+    publick, to thrust a skilful commissioner into the senate, or to
+    embarrass an industrious senator with a post or commission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, my lords, that multitudes have obtained places, who have no
+    acquaintance with the duties of their offices, nor any other pretensions
+    to them, than that they have seats in the other house, and that by
+    distinguishing himself in that assembly, any man may most easily obtain
+    the preferments of the crown, is too obvious for controversy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This practice, my lords, is a sufficient foundation for the motion; a
+    practice so injurious to the nation, so long continued, and so openly
+    avowed, requires to be vigorously opposed, lest it should become
+    established by long custom, and entangle itself with our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the minister, my lords, has made it necessary to employ none but his
+    adherents and blind followers, this necessity is alone a sufficient
+    proof how little he confides in his own prudence or integrity, how
+    apprehensive he is of the censure of the senate, and how desirous of
+    continuing his authority, by avoiding it. And, surely, my lords, it is
+    our duty, as well as our right, to address the throne, that a minister
+    should be removed who fears the people, since few men fear without
+    hating, and nothing so much contributes to make any man an enemy to his
+    country, as the consciousness that he is universally abhorred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if this is done by him without necessity, if the general
+    preference of his friends is only the consequence of mistaken judgment,
+    or corrupt gratitude, this address is equally necessary, because the
+    effects are equally pernicious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a minister, suspected of ill intentions, is continued in
+    employment, discontent must naturally spread over the nation; and if the
+    end of government be the happiness of the people; if suspicion and
+    jealousy be contrary to a state of happiness; and if this suspicion
+    which generally prevails, this discontent which fills the whole nation,
+    can only be appeased by the removal of the minister; prudence, justice,
+    and the examples of our ancestors, ought to influence us to endeavour
+    that the affairs of the nation may be transferred to such whose greater
+    integrity or wisdom has recommended them to the affection of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this motion, therefore, we need not be supposed to imply that the
+    minister is either ignorant or corrupt, but that he is disliked by the
+    people, disliked to such a degree, my lords, that it is not safe for his
+    majesty to employ him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, doubtless, our duty, my lords, to guard both the rights of the
+    people, and the prerogatives of the throne, and with equal ardour to
+    remonstrate to his majesty the distresses of his subjects, and his own
+    danger. We are to hold the balance of the constitution, and neither to
+    suffer the regal power to be overborne by a torrent of popular fury, nor
+    the people to be oppressed by an illegal exertion of authority, or the
+    more insupportable hardships of unreasonable laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this motion, my lords, the happiness of the people, and the security
+    of his majesty, are at once consulted, nor can we suppress so general a
+    clamour without failing equally in our duty to both.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what, my lords, is the untimely end of so many kings and emperours to
+    be imputed, but to the cowardice or treachery of their counsellors, of
+    those to whom they trusted that intercourse, which is always to be
+    preserved between a monarch and his people? Were kings honestly informed
+    of the opinions and dispositions of their subjects, they would never,
+    or, at least rarely, persist in such measures, as, by exasperating the
+    people, tend necessarily to endanger themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the happiness of a British monarch, that he has a standing and
+    hereditary council, composed of men who do not owe their advancement to
+    the smiles of caprice, or the intrigues of a court; who are, therefore,
+    neither under the influence of a false gratitude, nor of a servile
+    dependence, and who may convey to the throne the sentiments of the
+    people, without danger, and without fear. But, my lords, if we are
+    either too negligent, or too timorous to do our duty, how is the
+    condition of our sovereign more safe, or more happy than that of an
+    emperour of Turkey, who is often ignorant of any complaints made against
+    the administration, till he hears the people thundering at the gates of
+    his palace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, whatever may be our opinion of the conduct
+    of the minister, inform his majesty of the discontent of his subjects,
+    since, whether it is just or not, the danger is the same, and whenever
+    any danger threatens the king, we ought either to enable him to oppose,
+    or caution him to avoid it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, I
+    cannot but observe in this debate an ambition of popularity, in my
+    opinion not very consistent with the freedom of debate, and the dignity
+    of this assembly, which ought to be influenced by no other motive than
+    the force of reason and truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been a common method of eluding the efficacy of arguments, to
+    charge the opponent with blind adherence to interest, or corrupt
+    compliance with the directions of a court; nor has it been less frequent
+    to prevent inquiries into publick measures, by representing them as the
+    clamours of faction, the murmurs of disobedience, and the prelude to
+    rebellion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So necessary, my lords, has it been always thought to be uninfluenced in
+    our examinations by dependence or interest, that the most irrefragable
+    reasons have lost the power of conviction, by the condition and
+    characters of those by whom they were produced; and so much is it
+    expected from innocence and justice to despise all foreign assistance,
+    and to stand the test of inquiry without asking the support of power,
+    that every man has been concluded guilty that has fled for shelter to
+    the throne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And surely, my lords, if that man's suffrage is of little weight, who
+    appears determined to subscribe to the dictates of a minister, no
+    greater credit can be assigned to another, who professes himself only
+    the echo of the clamours of the populace. If it be a proof of a weak
+    cause, and consciousness of misconduct, to apply to the crown for
+    security and protection, it may be accounted an acknowledgment of the
+    insufficiency of arguments, when the people is called in to second them,
+    and they are only to expect success from the violence of multitudes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That all government is instituted for the happiness of the people, that
+    their interest ought to be the chief care of the legislature, that their
+    complaints ought patiently to be heard, and their grievances speedily
+    redressed, are truths well known, generally acknowledged, and, I hope,
+    always predominant in the mind of every lord in this assembly. But, that
+    the people cannot err, that the voice of fame is to be regarded as an
+    oracle, and every murmur of discontent to be pacified by a change of
+    measures, I have never before heard, or heard it only to disregard it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    True tenderness for the people, my lords, is to consult their advantage,
+    to protect their liberty, and to preserve their virtue; and perhaps
+    examples may be found sufficient to inform us that all these effects are
+    often to be produced by means not generally agreeable to the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is possible, my lords, for a very small part of the people to form
+    just ideas of the motives of transactions and the tendency of laws. All
+    negotiations with foreign powers are necessarily complicated with many
+    different interests, and varied by innumerable circumstances, influenced
+    by sudden exigencies, and defeated by unavoidable accidents. Laws have
+    respect to remote consequences, and involve a multitude of relations
+    which it requires long study to discover. And how difficult it is to
+    judge of political conduct, or legislative proceedings, may be easily
+    discovered by observing how often the most skilful statesmen are
+    mistaken, and how frequently the laws require to be amended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If then, my lords, the people judge for themselves on these subjects,
+    they must necessarily determine without knowledge of the questions, and
+    their decisions are then of small authority. If they receive,
+    implicitly, the dictates of others, and blindly adopt the opinions of
+    those who have gained their favour and esteem, their applauses and
+    complaints are, with respect to themselves, empty sounds, which they
+    utter as the organs of their leaders. Nor are the desires of the people
+    gratified when their petitions are granted; nor their grievances
+    overlooked when their murmurs are neglected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As it is no reproach to the people that they cannot be the proper judges
+    of the conduct of the government, so neither are they to be censured
+    when they complain of injuries not real, and tremble at the apprehension
+    of severities unintended. Unjust complaints, my lords, and unreasonable
+    apprehensions, are to be imputed to those who court their regard only to
+    deceive them, and exalt themselves to reputation by rescuing them from
+    grievances that were never felt, and averting dangers that were never
+    near.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He only who makes the happiness of the people his endeavour, loves them
+    with a true affection and a rational tenderness, and he certainly
+    consults their happiness who contributes to still all groundless
+    clamours, and appease all useless apprehensions, who employs his care,
+    not only to preserve their quiet and their liberty, but to secure them
+    from the fear of losing it, who not only promotes the means of
+    happiness, but enables them to enjoy it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, it appears, my lords, that it is possible to be a friend, at the
+    same time, to the people and the administration, and that no man can
+    more deserve their confidence and applause, than he that dissipates
+    their unreasonable terrours, and contributes to reconcile them to a good
+    government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That most of the clamours against the present government arise from
+    calumnies and misrepresentations, is apparent from the sanction of the
+    senate, which has been given to all the measures that are charged as
+    crimes upon the administration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the army is supported by the consent of the senate, that the senate
+    has approved the convention, and that our taxes are all imposed and
+    continued by the senate, cannot be denied. What then is demanded by
+    those that censure the conduct of publick affairs, but that their
+    opinion should be considered as an overbalance to the wisdom of the
+    senate, that no man should be allowed to speak but as they dictate, nor
+    to vote but as they shall influence them by their rhetorick or example?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To repeat the particular topicks of accusation, and recapitulate the
+    arguments which have been produced to confute it, would be a tedious and
+    unnecessary labour; unnecessary, because it is well known that they once
+    had the power of convincing this house, and that nothing has since
+    happened to lessen their force, and because many of them now have been
+    already repeated by the noble lords that have opposed the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To search far backward for past errors, and to take advantage of later
+    discoveries in censuring the conduct of any minister, is in a high
+    degree disingenuous and cruel; it is an art which may be easily
+    practised, of perplexing any question, by connecting distant facts, and
+    entangling one period of time with another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only candid method of inquiry is to recur back to the state of
+    affairs, as it then appeared, to consider what was openly declared, and
+    what was kept impenetrably secret, what was discoverable by human
+    sagacity, and what was beyond the reach of the most piercing politician.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the Hanover treaty, it is not, my lords, requisite that
+    we should engage ourselves in a very minute examination; for it was not
+    only not transacted by the right honourable gentleman whose behaviour is
+    the subject of this debate, but cannot be proved to have been known by
+    him till it was formally ratified. If he afterwards approved it either
+    in the council or the senate, he cannot justly, how destructive or
+    ridiculous soever that treaty may be thought, be charged with more than
+    his share of the guilt, the bare guilt of a single vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there is one accusation yet more malicious, an accusation not only
+    of crimes which this gentleman did not commit, but which have not yet
+    been committed, an accusation formed by prying into futurity, and
+    exaggerating misfortunes which are yet to come, and which may probably
+    be prevented. Well may any man, my lords, think himself in danger, when
+    he hears himself charged not with high crimes and misdemeanours, not
+    with accumulative treason, but with misconduct of publick affairs, past,
+    present, and future.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only charge against this gentleman, which seems to relate more to
+    him than to any other man engaged in the administration, is the
+    continuance of the harbour of Dunkirk, which, says the noble duke, he
+    must be acquainted with as commissioner of the treasury; but if the
+    title of first commissioner be denied, if his authority be but the same
+    with that of his associates, whence comes it, my lords, that he is more
+    particularly accused than they? Why is his guilt supposed greater if his
+    power is only equal?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, I believe it will appear, that no guilt has been
+    contracted on this account, and that Dunkirk was always intended, even
+    by those that demanded the demolition of it, to continue a harbour for
+    small trading vessels, and that if larger ever arrived from thence, they
+    lay at a distance from the shore, and were loaded by small vessels from
+    the town.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to other affairs, my lords, they were all transacted by the
+    council, not by his direction, but with his concurrence; and how it is
+    consistent with justice to single him out for censure, I must desire the
+    noble lords to show who approve the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the people, my lords, have been, by misrepresentations industriously
+    propagated, exasperated against him, if the general voice of the nation
+    condemns him, we ought more cautiously to examine his conduct, lest we
+    should add strength to prejudice too powerful already, and instead of
+    reforming the errours, and regulating the heat of the people, inflame
+    their discontent and propagate sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The utmost claim of the people is to be admitted as accusers, and
+    sometimes as evidence, but they have no right to sit as judges, and to
+    make us the executioners of their sentence; and as this gentleman has
+    yet been only condemned by those who have not the opportunities of
+    examining his conduct, nor the right of judging him, I cannot agree to
+    give him up to punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HALIFAX spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, though I do
+    not conceive the people infallible, yet I believe that in questions like
+    this they are seldom in the wrong, for this is a question not of
+    argument but of fact; of fact discoverable, not by long deductions and
+    accurate ratiocinations, but by the common powers of seeing and feeling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is difficult to know the motives of negotiations, and the
+    effects of laws, and that it requires long study and intense meditation
+    to discover remote consequences, is indubitably true. And, with regard
+    to the people in general, it cannot be denied, that neither their
+    education qualifies them, nor their employments allow them to be much
+    versed in such inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, to refer effects to their proper causes, and to observe,
+    when consequences break forth, from whence they proceed, is no such
+    arduous task. The people of the lowest class may easily feel that they
+    are more miserable this year than the last, and may inquire and discover
+    the reason of the aggravation of their misery; they may know that the
+    army is increased, or our trade diminished; that the taxes are heavier,
+    and penal laws become more grievous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less easy for them to discover that these calamities are not
+    brought upon them by the immediate hand of heaven, or the irresistible
+    force of natural causes; that their towns are not ruined by an invasion,
+    nor their trade confined by a pestilence; they may then easily collect,
+    that they are only unhappy by the misconduct of their governours; they
+    may assign their infelicity to that cause, as the only remaining cause
+    that is adequate to the effect.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be granted, my lords, that they may be mistaken in their
+    reasoning, it must be owned, that they are not mistaken without
+    probabilities on their side: it is probable that the ministry must
+    injure the publick interest when it decays without any other visible
+    cause; it is still more probable, when it appears that among those whose
+    station enables them to enter into national inquiries, every man imputes
+    his calamities to the minister, who is not visibly dependent on his
+    favour. It becomes more probable, yet, when it appears that it is the
+    great business of the minister to multiply dependencies, to list
+    accomplices, and to corrupt his judges.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At least, my lords, if it be granted, which, surely, cannot be denied,
+    that the people may be sensible of their own miseries, it is their part
+    to declare their sufferings, and to apply to this house for relief, and
+    it is our business to discover the authors of them, and bring them to
+    punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the people are very loud and importunate in their complaints, is
+    daily evident; nor is it less apparent, that their complaints are just;
+    if, therefore, their miseries must have an author, let the defenders of
+    this gentleman point out the man whom they may more properly accuse.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, nothing is more evident, than that the crimes and the
+    criminal are equally known, that there is one man predominant in his
+    majesty's councils, and that it has long been the practice of that man
+    at once to oppress and ridicule the people, to plunder them, and set
+    them at defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more known than that this man pretends to a superiour
+    knowledge, and exerts a superiour power in the management of the publick
+    revenues, and that they have been so ill managed for many years, that
+    the expenses of peace have been almost equal to those of a most vigorous
+    and extensive war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more probable, than that most of the foreign negotiations are
+    conducted by his direction, nor more certain, than that they have
+    generally tended only to make us contemptible.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the excise was projected in his own head, that it was recommended
+    by him upon his own conviction, and pressed upon the legislature by his
+    influence, cannot be questioned; and if this were his only crime, if
+    this were the only scheme of oppression that ever he planned out, it is
+    such a declaration of war upon the publick liberty, such an attack of
+    our natural and constitutional rights, as was never, perhaps, pardoned
+    by any nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it less notorious, that the late infamous convention was
+    transacted by one of his own dependents, that he palliated or concealed
+    the losses of our merchants, that he opposed the declaration of war, and
+    has since obstructed its operations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, my lords, it may be useful to remark the apparent
+    partiality of this gentleman's vindicators, who declare, that measures
+    are not to be censured as imprudent, only because they are unsuccessful,
+    and yet when other instances of his conduct fall under our examination,
+    think it a sufficient defence to exclaim against the unreasonableness of
+    judging before the event.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To deny that, in the conduct both of civil and military affairs, he has
+    obtained, I know not by what means, an authority superiour to that of
+    any other man, an authority irresistible, uncontroulable, and regal, is
+    to oppose not only common fame, but daily experience. If as commissioner
+    of the treasury he has no more power than any of his associates, whence
+    is it, that to oppose or censure him, to doubt of his infallibility, to
+    suspect his integrity, or to obstruct his influence, is a crime punished
+    with no lighter penalty than forfeiture of employment, as appears, my
+    lords, from the late dismission of a gentleman, against whom nothing can
+    be alleged but an obstinate independence and open disregard of this
+    arbitrary minister.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But happy would it be, my lords, for this nation, if he endeavoured not
+    to extend his authority beyond the treasury or the court; if he would
+    content himself with tyrannising over those whose acceptance of salaries
+    and preferments has already subjected them to his command, without
+    attempting to influence elections, or to direct the members of the other
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the influence of the crown has operated upon all publick
+    councils since the advancement of this gentleman, how zealously it has
+    been supported, and how industriously extended, is unnecessary to
+    explain, since what is seen or felt by almost every man in the kingdom
+    cannot reasonably be supposed unknown to your lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing can be more contrary to the true notion of the British
+    constitution, than to imagine, that by such measures his majesty's real
+    interest is advanced. The true interest, my lords, of every monarch, is
+    to please the people, and the only way of pleasing Britons, is to
+    preserve their liberties, their reputation, and their commerce. Every
+    attempt to extend the power of the crown beyond the limits prescribed by
+    our laws, must in effect make it weaker, by diverting the only source of
+    its strength, the affection of his subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, my opinion, my lords, that we ought to agree to this
+    motion, as a standing memorial not only of our regard for the nation,
+    but of our adherence to our sovereign; that his councils may be no
+    longer influenced by that man whose pernicious advice, and unjustifiable
+    conduct, has added new hopes and new strength to his enemies,
+    impoverished and exasperated his subjects, inflamed the discontent of
+    the seditious, and almost alienated the affection of the loyal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bishop of SALISBURY spoke next, to the following purport:&mdash;My lords,
+    after all the exaggerations of the errours, and all the representations
+    of the malconduct of the right honourable gentleman; after the most
+    affecting rhetorick, and the most acute inquiries, nothing has appeared
+    of weight sufficient to prevail with me to agree to the present motion;
+    a motion, if not of an unprecedented, yet of a very extraordinary kind,
+    which may extend in its consequences to futurity, and be, perhaps, more
+    dangerous to innocence than guilt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot yet discover any proof sufficient to convict him of having
+    usurped the authority of <i>first</i> minister, or any other power than that
+    accidental influence which every man has, whose address or services have
+    procured him the favour of his sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The usurpation, my lords, of regal power must be made evident by
+    somewhat more than general assertions, must appear from some publick act
+    like that of one of the prelates left regent of the kingdom by Richard
+    the first, who, as soon as the king was gone too far to return, in the
+    first elevations of his heart, began his new authority by imprisoning
+    his colleague.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To charge this gentleman with the dismission of any of his colleagues,
+    can, after the strongest aggravations, rise no higher than to an
+    accusation of having advised his majesty to dismiss him, and even that,
+    my lords, stands, at present, unsupported by evidence; nor could it,
+    however uncontestably proved, discover either wickedness or weakness, or
+    show any other authority than every man would exercise, if he were able
+    to attain it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If he had discharged this gentleman by his own authority, if he had
+    transacted singly any great affair to the disadvantage of the publick,
+    if he had imposed either upon the king or the senate by false
+    representations, if he had set the laws at defiance, and openly trampled
+    on our constitution, and if by these practices he had exalted himself
+    above the reach of a legal prosecution, it had been worthy of the
+    dignity of this house, to have overleaped the common boundaries of
+    custom, to have neglected the standing rules of procedure, and to have
+    brought so contemptuous and powerful an offender to a level with the
+    rest of his fellow-subjects by expeditious and vigorous methods, to have
+    repressed his arrogance, broken his power, and overwhelmed him at once
+    by the resistless weight of an unanimous censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, we have in the present case no provocations from crimes
+    either openly avowed, or evidently proved; and certainly no incitement
+    from necessity to exert the power of the house in any extraordinary
+    method of prosecution. We may punish whenever we can convict, and
+    convict whenever we can obtain evidence; let us not, therefore, condemn
+    any man unheard, nor punish any man uncondemned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of BEDFORD spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, it
+    is easy to charge the most blameless and gentle procedure with injustice
+    and severity, but it is not easy to support such an accusation without
+    confounding measures widely different, and disguising the nature of
+    things with fallacious misrepresentations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident than that neither condemnation nor punishment is
+    intended by the motion before us, which is only to remove from power a
+    man who has no other claim to it than the will of his master, and who,
+    as he had not been injured by never obtaining it, cannot justly complain
+    that it is taken from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, my lords, is so far from inflicting punishment, that it
+    confers rewards, it leaves him in the possession of immense wealth,
+    however accumulated, and enables him to leave that office in security,
+    from which most of his predecessors have been precipitated by national
+    resentment, or senatorial prosecution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is no censure, my lords, made of his conduct, no charge of
+    weakness, or suspicion of dishonesty, nor can any thing be equitably
+    inferred from it, than that in the opinion of this house his majesty may
+    probably be served by some other person, more to the satisfaction of the
+    British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though it is not just to punish any man without examination, or to
+    censure his conduct merely because it has been unpleasing or
+    unsuccessful; though it is not reasonable that any man should forfeit
+    what he possesses in his own right, without a crime, yet it is just to
+    withdraw favours only to confer them on another more deserving; it is
+    just in any man to withhold his own, only to preserve his right, or
+    obviate an injurious prescription, and it is, therefore, just to advise
+    such a conduct whenever it appears necessary to those who have the right
+    of offering advice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To advise his majesty, my lords, is not only our right but our duty; we
+    are not only justifiable in practising, but criminal in neglecting it.
+    That we should declare our apprehensions of any impending danger, and
+    our disapprobation of publick misconduct, is expected both by our
+    sovereign and the people, and let us not, by omitting such warnings,
+    lull the nation and our sovereign into a dangerous security, and, from
+    tenderness to one man, prolong or increase the miseries of our country,
+    and endanger or destroy the honour of our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HERVEY spoke next, in effect as follows:&mdash;My lords, this is surely
+    a day destined by the noble lords who defend the motion, for the support
+    of paradoxical assertions, for the exercise of their penetration, and
+    ostentation of their rhetorick; they have attempted to maintain the
+    certainty of common fame in opposition to daily observation; the
+    existence of a sole minister in contradiction to the strongest evidence;
+    and having by these gradations arrived at the highest degree of
+    controversial temerity, are endeavouring to make it appear that the
+    publick censure of the house of lords is no punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we take the liberty, my lords, of using known words in a new sense,
+    in a meaning reserved to ourselves only, it will, indeed, be difficult
+    to confute, as it will be impossible to understand us; but if punishment
+    be now to be understood as implying the same idea which has hitherto
+    been conveyed by it, it will not be easy to show that a man thus
+    publickly censured is not severely punished, and, if his crimes are not
+    clearly proved, punished in opposition to law, to reason, and to
+    justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been hitherto imagined, my lords, that no punishment is heavier
+    than that of infamy; and shame has, by generous minds, been avoided at
+    the hazard of every other misery. That such a censure as is proposed by
+    the motion, must irreparably destroy the reputation of the person
+    against whom it is directed, that it must confirm the reports of his
+    enemies, impair the esteem of his friends, mark him out to all Europe as
+    unworthy of his sovereign's favour, and represent him to latest
+    posterity as an enemy to his country, is indisputably certain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are the evident consequences of the address moved for
+    by the noble lord; and, if such consequences are not penal, it will be
+    no longer in our power to enforce our laws by sanctions of terrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To condemn a man unheard, is an open and flagrant violation of the first
+    law of justice, but it is still a wider deviation from it to punish a
+    man unaccused; no crime has been charged upon this gentleman
+    proportioned to the penalty proposed by the motion, and the charge that
+    has been produced is destitute of proof.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, reverence the great laws of reason and
+    justice, let us preserve our high character and prerogative of judges,
+    without descending to the low province of accusers and executioners; let
+    us so far regard our reputation, our liberty, and our posterity, as to
+    reject the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Several other lords spoke in this debate, which lasted eleven hours; at
+    length the question was put, and, on a division, carried in the
+    negative. Content, 59. Not content, 108.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    After the determination of the foregoing question, the duke of
+    MARLBOROUGH rose up, and spoke as follows:&mdash;My lords, though your
+    patience must undoubtedly be wearied by the unusual length of this day's
+    debate, a debate protracted, in my opinion, not by the difficulty of the
+    question, but by the obstinacy of prejudice, the ardour of passion, and
+    the desire of victory; yet, I doubt not but the regard which this
+    assembly has always paid to the safety and happiness of the state, will
+    incline you to support the fatigue of attention a little longer, and to
+    hear with your usual impartiality another motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proposition which I am about to lay down, my lords, is not such as
+    can admit of controversy; it is such a standing principle as was always
+    acknowledged, even by those who have deviated from it. Such a known
+    truth as never was denied, though it appears sometimes to have been
+    forgotten.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, as it never can be forgotten, without injury to
+    particular persons, and danger to the state in general, it cannot be too
+    frequently recollected, or too firmly established; it ought not only to
+    be tacitly admitted, but publickly declared, since no man's fortune,
+    liberty, or life, can be safe, where his judges shall think themselves
+    at liberty to act upon any other principle. I therefore move, "That any
+    attempt to inflict any kind of punishment on any person without allowing
+    him an opportunity to make his defence, or without any proof of any
+    crime or misdemeanour committed by him, is contrary to natural justice,
+    the fundamental laws of this realm, and the ancient established usage of
+    the senate, and is a high infringement of the liberties of the subject."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by the duke of DEVONSHIRE:&mdash;My lords, though the motion
+    made by the noble duke is of such a kind, that no opposition can be
+    expected or feared, yet I rise up to second it, lest it should be
+    imagined that what cannot be rejected is yet unwillingly admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That where this maxim is not allowed and adhered to, rights and
+    liberties are empty sounds, is uncontestably evident; if this principle
+    be forsaken, guilt and innocence are equally secure, all caution is
+    vain, and all testimony useless. Caprice will, in our courts, supply the
+    place of reason, and all evidence must give way to malice, or to favour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, my lords, that your regard to justice, to truth, and
+    to your own safety, will influence you to confirm this great and
+    self-evident principle by a standing resolution, that may not only
+    restrain oppression in the present age, but direct the judiciary
+    proceedings of our successors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord LOVEL rose next, and spoke as follows:&mdash;My lords, liberty and
+    justice must always support each other, they can never long flourish
+    apart; every temporary expedient that can be contrived to preserve or
+    enlarge liberty by means arbitrary and oppressive, forms a precedent
+    which may, in time, be made use of to violate or destroy it. Liberty is
+    in effect suspended whenever injustice is practised; for what is
+    liberty, my lords, but the power of doing right without fear, without
+    control, and without danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if any man may be condemned unheard, if judgment may
+    precede evidence, what safety or what confidence can integrity afford?
+    It is in vain that any man means well, and acts prudently; it is even in
+    vain that he can prove the justice and prudence of his conduct.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By liberty, my lords, can never be meant the privilege of doing wrong
+    without being accountable, because liberty is always spoken of as
+    happiness, or one of the means to happiness, and happiness and virtue
+    cannot be separated. The great use of liberty must, therefore, be to
+    preserve justice from violation; justice, the great publick virtue, by
+    which a kind of equality is diffused over the whole society, by which
+    wealth is restrained from oppression, and inferiority preserved from
+    servitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Liberty, general liberty, must imply general justice; for wherever any
+    part of a state can be unjust with impunity, the rest are slaves. That
+    to condemn any man unheard is oppressive and unjust, is beyond
+    controversy demonstrable, and that no such power is claimed by your
+    lordships will, I hope, appear from your resolutions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GOWER spoke next:&mdash;My lords, to the principle laid down by those
+    noble lords, I have no objection, and concur with them in hoping that
+    all our proceedings will contribute to establish it; but why it should
+    be confirmed by a formal resolution, why the house should solemnly
+    declare their assent to a maxim which it would be madness to deny, it is
+    beyond my penetration to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though the noble lord's position cannot be controverted, yet his motion,
+    if it is designed to imply any censure of the proceedings of this day,
+    may reasonably be rejected, and that some censure is intended we may
+    conjecture, because no other reason can be given why it was not made at
+    some other time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HALIFAX then rose:&mdash;My lords, that a censure is intended, will, I
+    suppose, not be denied, and that such a censure is unjust must doubtless
+    be the opinion of all those who are supposed to have incurred it, and it
+    will, therefore, not be wondered that the motion is opposed by them, as
+    indecent and calumnious: late as it is, my lords, I will not, for my
+    part, suffer such an indignity without opposition, and shall think my
+    conscience and my honour require, that I should not be overborne by
+    perseverance or by numbers, but that I should, if I cannot convince the
+    noble lords by argument, of the impropriety of the motion, record my
+    reasons against it, which may, perhaps, be more candidly received by
+    posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, it is not without
+    indignation that I hear a motion so injurious to my own honour, and to
+    that of the noble lords who have concurred with me in the last debate,
+    nor without contempt that I observed the motion confounded with the
+    positions contained in it; the low subtilty of such conduct is no less
+    to be despised than the malice to be abhorred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Fifty-nine lords are here branded as strangers, or enemies to the first
+    principle of judicial equity, for doing what will entitle them to the
+    general applause of every man in the kingdom that has the full
+    possession of his understanding, or the free use of his senses; of every
+    man that can distinguish truth, or feel oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have endeavoured to rescue their country from the rapine of
+    pensioners and the tyranny of an army, from perpetual taxes, and useless
+    expenses; they have attempted to expose the errours of arrogant
+    ignorance, and to depress the power of greatness, founded on corruption,
+    and swelling beyond legal restraints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
+    observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
+    nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
+    who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
+    whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
+    their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
+    ascribed, their places, their dependence&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, I rise
+    thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
+    publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
+    assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
+    methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
+    preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
+    solemn grandeur of its procedure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
+    avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
+    transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
+    abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
+    preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
+    remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
+    same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
+    reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
+    right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
+    the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT then resumed:&mdash;My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
+    me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
+    For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
+    lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
+    to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
+    character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
+    endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
+    court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
+    should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
+    submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
+    restrain me.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
+    merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
+    examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
+    that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
+    observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
+    authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
+    I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
+    speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable&mdash;
+    But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
+    endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
+    been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
+    of your lordships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:&mdash;My lords, the present motion is
+    undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
+    the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
+    established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
+    which I know not that it has ever departed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As there is, therefore, no particular necessity of confirming it by a
+    new resolution, and as the present time seems less proper than any
+    other, I cannot but declare my opinion, that to resume it at some other
+    time will be more prudent, than to give the lords, who think their
+    conduct censured, any occasion of resentment or discontent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, the maxim laid
+    down in the present motion, is in itself incontestable, and so far from
+    any inconsistency with the former, that as there was no reason for
+    making, there is, in my opinion, none for opposing it; as it may at any
+    time be made, it may at any time be properly passed. And I hope that our
+    unanimity on this occasion will show that truth, however unseasonably
+    advanced, will, in this house, be always received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, lest the noble lords who have opposed the motion, should think
+    their honour engaged in continuing the opposition, I take the liberty,
+    my lords, to move that the previous question may be put.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Other lords spoke on each side; at last the previous question was put
+    by the president, who demanded, "Is it your lordships' pleasure, that
+    the question be now put? Those lords who are for it, say, Content:
+    those who are against it, say, Not content." There was, accordingly, a
+    cry of both; after which the president declared, "the contents have it;"
+    and some lords replying, "the non-contents have it," his lordship said,
+    "the non-contents must go below the bar:" which is the manner of
+    dividing the house. Those who remained being told in their seats, and
+    those who went out being told at coming in again, there were Content,
+    81; Not content, 54: so that the resolution moved for, passed without a
+    division.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_12"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON CLEANSING THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Lord TYRCONNEL made a motion for bringing in a bill for the better
+    cleansing and paving the streets of Westminster, and the liberties
+    thereof; in support of which motion he spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, though the grievance which I am about to lay before the house is
+    not of the most formidable or dangerous kind, yet as it is such as grows
+    every day greater, and such as every day endangers the lives of
+    thousands, I hope it will not be thought useless or improper to propose
+    it to the consideration of this assembly, to offer my thoughts on the
+    methods by which it may be most easily removed, and to endeavour to
+    incite others to the same considerations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is impossible, sir, to come to this assembly, or to return from it
+    without observations on the present condition of the streets of
+    Westminster; observations forced upon every man, however inattentive, or
+    however engrossed by reflections of a different kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The warmest zeal for publick happiness, the most anxious vigilance
+    against general dangers, must, I believe, sometimes give way to objects
+    of immediate, though of less importance, nor will the most
+    publick-spirited senators deny, that they have often been in the streets
+    alarmed with obstructions, or shocked with nuisances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The filth, sir, of some parts of the town, and the inequality and
+    ruggedness of others, cannot but in the eyes of foreigners disgrace our
+    nation, and incline them to imagine us a people, not only without
+    delicacy, but without government, a herd of barbarians, or a colony of
+    hottentots.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The most disgusting part of the character given by travellers, of the
+    most savage nations, is their neglect of cleanliness, of which, perhaps,
+    no part of the world affords more proofs, than the streets of the
+    British capital; a city famous for wealth, and commerce, and plenty, and
+    for every other kind of civility and politeness, but which abounds with
+    such heaps of filth, as a savage would look on with amazement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If that be allowed which is generally believed, that putrefaction and
+    stench are the causes of pestilential distempers, the removal of this
+    grievance may be pressed from motives of far greater weight than those
+    of delicacy and pleasure; and I might solicit the timely care of this
+    assembly for the preservation of inuumerable multitudes, and intreat
+    those, who are watching against slight misfortunes, to unite their
+    endeavours with mine, to avert the greatest and most dreadful of
+    calamities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not to dwell, sir, upon dangers, which may, perhaps, be thought only
+    imaginary, I hope that it will be at least considered, how much the
+    present neglect of the pavement is detrimental to every carriage,
+    whether of trade, or pleasure, or convenience, and that those who have
+    allowed so much of their attention to petitions, relating to the roads
+    of the kingdom, the repair of some of which is almost every session
+    thought of importance sufficient to produce debates in this house, will
+    not think the streets of the capital alone unworthy of their regard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the present neglect of cleansing and paving the streets is such as
+    ought not to be borne, that the passenger is every where either
+    surprised and endangered by unexpected chasms, or offended or obstructed
+    by mountains of filth, is well known to every one that has passed a
+    single day in this great city; and that this grievance is without remedy
+    is a sufficient proof that no magistrate has, at present power to remove
+    it; for every man's private regard to his own ease and safety, would
+    incite him to exert his authority on this occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I humbly propose, therefore, that a bill may be brought into the house,
+    to enable his majesty's justices of peace for the liberties of
+    Westminster, to inspect the publick ways of this city, and punish the
+    neglect of cleansing and paving them; or that a new officer be
+    appointed, and vested with full authority for the same purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I believe the grievance, so
+    much complained of by the right honourable member, is not difficult to
+    be removed without a new act of the legislature, being, perhaps, more
+    properly to be imputed to the negligence of the justices, than a defect
+    of their authority; for they have already sufficient power to regulate
+    this disorder: and I may be allowed to hope, sir, that they do not want
+    leisure to observe it, for their number is so great, that if we suppose
+    them to be wholly engaged by the common business of their office, a
+    foreigner would have occasion of reproaching us with defects more
+    important than want of delicacy, and might justly censure us as a people
+    corrupt beyond the common rate of human wickedness, a nation divided
+    only into two classes, magistrates and criminals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But they, in reality, abound so much among us, that most of them are
+    only nominal magistrates, vested with authority which they never exert,
+    or exert to bad purposes, and which it were well if they were obliged to
+    employ in the real service of their country, by superintending the
+    paviers and the scavengers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason it is unnecessary to erect a new officer, as an
+    inspector of our streets, since every office that is not necessary is
+    pernicious. Were the consequences of this grievance such as they have
+    been represented, I should, perhaps, willingly erect a new office,
+    though I should not be surprised to hear the wisest man declare rather
+    for a pestilence than an increase of officers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I neither think the grievance insupportable, nor the methods proposed
+    for removing it necessary or proper, I declare myself against the
+    motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, as the grievance cannot
+    be denied to be real, and the motion, therefore, may reasonably be
+    imagined to have been made without any other intention than of
+    benefiting the publick by an useful law, I cannot discover any
+    sufficient reason for a rejection so peremptory and contemptuous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every man is disgusted, and almost every man daily endangered in
+    our streets, has not been denied; nor will any man, I suppose, question
+    what, if he has not yet experienced it, he may, perhaps, be fully
+    convinced of, in his next visit or excursion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those evils, which every man feels, though slight, are worthy of the
+    attention of the legislature; and that danger that threatens multitudes,
+    though distant, ought to be averted: for a small disorder, like a small
+    expense, when it extends to multitudes, becomes a national affair.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though this motion may, perhaps, be liable to some objections, there
+    is, certainly, no such absurdity to be found in it, as may justify us in
+    rejecting it without examination; to reject a motion when it is first
+    offered, is a proof of prejudice, next to that of rejecting it unheard;
+    it is to determine a question, before it is discussed, or can be fully
+    understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but differ
+    very widely in opinion from the right honourable member that spoke last,
+    with regard to the propriety of opposing a motion when it is first made;
+    a practice, which I can by no means think inconsistent with either
+    decency or prudence, and which would, perhaps, be of use to the publick,
+    if it was more frequent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any motion is made, it is subjected to the consideration of this
+    assembly, and every member is at full liberty to examine and discuss it.
+    If it appears to deserve farther attention, it may be admitted, but if
+    the subject be either improper or unseasonable, or the measures proposed
+    injudicious or dangerous, it is then to be rejected; and if it is at
+    last to be rejected, it is apparent that no time ought to be thrown away
+    upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The hours, and days, and weeks, that have been improfitably spent upon
+    bills which after all our endeavours could not be passed; the delays of
+    real benefits to the publick, which have been produced by long pursuits
+    of shadowy advantages, have inclined me to a more expeditious method of
+    proceeding, and determined me speedily to reject what I cannot hope to
+    amend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question being put, passed in the negative, 142 against 109.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_13"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF A BILL TO PREVENT <br>INCONVENIENCIES
+    ARISING FROM INSURANCE OF SHIPS.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The bill being read, sir John BARNARD spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, there cannot be
+    brought before this house any questions more difficult in themselves,
+    more entangled with a multiplicity of relations, or more perplexed with
+    an endless diversity of circumstances, than those which relate to
+    commercial affairs; affairs on which the most experienced often
+    disagree, and on which the most sagacious may deceive themselves with
+    erroneous conjectures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are no questions, sir, which require so much personal knowledge of
+    the subject to which they relate, nor is there any subject with which so
+    few gentlemen in this house have had opportunities of being acquainted.
+    There are no questions, sir, which their variety of relations to
+    different persons exposes to be so easily misrepresented without
+    detection, nor any in which the opposition of particular interests so
+    much incites a false representation. In all these cases, deceit is easy,
+    and there is a strong temptation to deceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are these questions, sir, always perplexed by intentional fraud, or
+    false assertions, of which they that utter them are themselves
+    conscious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who deceive us, do not always suppress any truth of which they are
+    convinced, nor set facts before us in any other light, than that in
+    which themselves behold them; they for the most part err with an honest
+    intention, and propagate no mistakes but those which they have
+    themselves admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind, sir, are, doubtless, the measures proposed in the bill
+    before us, which those by whom they are promoted may easily think to be
+    of benefit to the publick, but which, I believe, will appear the result
+    of imperfect views, and partial consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The great and fundamental errour, sir, of the patrons of this bill,
+    seems to be an opinion that the practice of insuring is not known to
+    other nations, nor can be carried on in any other place; and from this
+    principle they deduce consequences, which, if they were inevitably
+    certain, might easily influence us to an immediate approbation of the
+    bill, as necessary to secure our commerce, and distress our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They conclude, sir, with sufficient justness, that very few merchants
+    would hazard their fortunes in long voyages or distant commerce, or
+    expose themselves to the dangers of war, without the security which
+    insurances afford them; and having persuaded themselves that such
+    security is to be obtained from no other nation, they imagine that we
+    might, by prohibiting it, confine all the foreign vessels in their
+    ports, and destroy, by one resolution, the trade of both our rivals and
+    our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our East India company may desire the ratification of this bill, I
+    cannot deny, because they might, perhaps, receive from it some temporary
+    advantage by the short inconveniencies which those whom they consider as
+    the enemies of their commerce would feel from it. They may desire it,
+    because the experiment, if it fails, as it must, cannot injure them; and
+    if it succeeds, may produce great advantages to them: they may wish it,
+    because they will feel the immediate benefit, and the detriment will
+    fall upon others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall not inquire whether our merchants are inclined to look with
+    malevolence on all those who cultivate the same branches of commerce
+    with themselves, though they have neither the violation of natural
+    rights, nor the infringement of national treaties, to complain of. I
+    should be unwilling to suspect a British merchant, whose acquaintance
+    with the constitution of his own country ought to show him the value of
+    liberty, who ought to be above narrow schemes, by the knowledge which
+    his profession enables him to gain, of a desire to encroach upon the
+    rights of others, or to engross the general benefits of nature; and
+    shall only observe, that several other nations can plead a claim to the
+    East India trade, a claim of equal validity with our own; that the Danes
+    have their settlement there, and that the Portuguese discovered the way
+    to those regions of wealth, from which some, perhaps, are inclined to
+    exclude them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But nothing is more vain than to attempt to exclude them by refusing to
+    ensure their ships, because the opinion that they can be insured by no
+    other nation is entirely without foundation. There are at this time
+    offices of insurance along the whole coasts of the midland sea, among
+    the Dutch, and even among the French. Nothing can debar any nation from
+    the trade of insurance but the want of money; and that money is not
+    wanted by foreigners for this purpose, appears from the great sums which
+    they have deposited in our funds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this trade is now carried on chiefly by this nation, though not
+    solely, is incontestable; but what can be inferred from that, but that
+    we ought not to obstruct our own gain; that we ought not to make a law
+    to deprive ourselves of that advantage of which either favourable
+    accidents or our own sagacity have put us in possession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason it appears that it would not contribute to the wealth of
+    the publick to debar us from insuring the ships even of those with whom
+    we are at war, for it is always to be remembered that they will receive
+    no detriment from such prohibitions, nor will feel any other consequence
+    from them than a necessity of transferring to some other nation the
+    profit which we receive from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What the profit is which arises to the nation from the trade of
+    insurance it is not possible exactly to determine, but that the trade is
+    really advantageous may be reasonably conceived, because after many
+    years' experience it is diligently followed, and a law was never
+    necessary to prohibit the pursuit of a business by which nothing was to
+    be gained. But could the gain of the insurer be a doubtful point, there
+    is a certain advantage to the nation by the money paid for commission,
+    brokerage, stamps, and the credit of the premium deposited here.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I might add, sir, another considerable sum yearly arising to the
+    government from the additional letters, occasioned by this trade, which
+    increase the revenues of the post-office, without any deduction for
+    additional charge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the loss of this profit, and the gain of insuring, will ensue upon
+    the ratification of this bill, cannot be denied; nor does it appear,
+    that this loss will be counterbalanced by any advantage that will be
+    gained over our rivals or our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this bill, sir, would produce to the merchants of that city by
+    which it is promoted, the advantages which they expect from it, or
+    remove any of the grievances of which they complain, I am not able
+    positively to determine; but know, that it is not uncommon for
+    merchants, as well as other men, to confound private with publick
+    grievances, and to imagine their own interest the interest of the
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the practice of insuring, <i>interest or no
+    interest</i>, as the term is, when an imaginary value is put upon the ship
+    or cargo, often much above its real worth, it cannot be denied, that
+    some opportunities may be given by it for wicked practices. But there
+    will always be circumstances in which there can be no security against
+    frauds, but common faith; nor do I see how we can secure the insurers
+    against the possibility of being defrauded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, indeed, discover, sir, how this method of insuring can be
+    prevented; for how can the value of a cargo be estimated, which is to be
+    collected in a long voyage, at different ports, and where the success of
+    the adventurers often depends upon lucky accidents, which are, indeed,
+    always hoped for, but seldom happen. An imaginary value must, therefore,
+    be fixed upon, when the ship leaves the port; because the success of
+    that voyage cannot be foreknown, and the contracting parties may be
+    safely trusted to set that value, without any law to direct or restrain
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the merchants are oppressed by any peculiar inconveniencies, and can
+    find means of redressing them without injuring the publick commerce, any
+    proposal for that purpose ought to be favourably received; but as the
+    bill now before us proposes general restraints, and proposes to remove
+    grievances which are not felt, by remedies, which those upon whom they
+    are to operate, do not approve, I think it ought not to be referred to a
+    committee, but rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, in terms to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, when I first
+    proposed this bill to the house, I lamented the absence of that
+    honourable gentleman, from whose discussions and arguments I expected
+    great information; and for whose judgment, in all commercial questions,
+    I have the highest esteem, as his penetration not only enables him to
+    discover the consequences of methods which have not yet been tried, but
+    as his extensive acquaintance with many branches of trade, cannot but
+    have informed him of the success of many expedients tried, as well in
+    other nations as our own, for the advancement of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Trade, sir, is a subject, of which it has been justly observed, that
+    very few gentlemen have attained knowledge sufficient to qualify
+    themselves to judge of the propriety of any new regulation; and I cannot
+    but confess, that I have no uncommon skill in these questions. What I
+    have to offer on this occasion, has been suggested to me, not so much by
+    my own observations, as by the intelligence which I have very
+    industriously sought, and by which, as I endeavoured to inquire of those
+    whose opinion was least likely to be perverted by their interest, I hope
+    I have not been misled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, to whom it has been my fortune to apply, have
+    generally concurred in the opinion that the present practice of insuring
+    is prejudicial to our commerce, nor have I found any disagreement
+    between my constituents and the traders of this great metropolis.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am unwilling to imagine that there can be any evil for which the
+    wisdom of this assembly cannot discover a remedy, and am, therefore, of
+    opinion, that if the grievance is real, some expedient may be discovered
+    for removing it; and that it is real, I cannot but be convinced by the
+    declarations of so many men, who can have no interest in complaining
+    when they suffer nothing, and whose known abilities exempt them from the
+    suspicion of imputing any part of their uneasiness to a cause which
+    cannot produce it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill before us, sir, requires, in my opinion, some amendments, and
+    in its present state might, perhaps, produce more detriment than
+    advantage; but since it is necessary at least to attempt something for
+    the relief of men so useful to this nation, it appears to me necessary
+    to form a committee, and to deliberate on this subject with more
+    attention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LOCKWOOD spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, though I am not
+    of opinion that the bill in its present state ought to be passed into a
+    law, yet I am far from thinking it so imperfect as not easily to be
+    amended, and, therefore, am desirous that it should be considered in a
+    committee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not, indeed, sir, often observed, that bills injudiciously drawn
+    up at first have received great improvements from a second
+    consideration, and have found it more easy to form a new bill, than to
+    make alterations in one that is laid before us; for some original errour
+    will commonly remain, and the sentiments of different men, pursuing
+    different views, can seldom be modelled into one consistent scheme. But
+    I am far from considering this bill as one of those that cannot be
+    amended, for I can discover but few objections to the regulations
+    proposed in it, and those not relating to any of the essential parts,
+    but slight and circumstantial, such as will easily be removed, or,
+    perhaps, answered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The grievance, sir, for which this bill proposes a remedy, is so
+    generally known, and so universally lamented, that, I believe, there is
+    not any thing more worthy of the attention of the legislature than an
+    inquiry into the cause of it, and the proper method of redressing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In our inquiry into the causes of this obstruction of trade, I am of
+    opinion, sir, that the practice of insuring, <i>interest or no interest</i>,
+    will appear to be the foundation of this general uneasiness; it will be
+    found a practice of so natural a tendency to fraud, and so easily
+    susceptible of dishonest artifices, that I believe every member of this
+    house will desire its suppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To confirm my assertion, sir, and illustrate the question before us, I
+    shall mention some particular instances of fraud to which this custom
+    has given occasion; of fraud so evident and so detestable that it cannot
+    be related without indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Royal George was a large ship belonging to the South sea company,
+    which, having been a voyage to Vera Cruz, put in at Jamaica in her
+    return; and being there refitted to proceed on her voyage homewards, set
+    sail, and came within a week's sailing of the port, when, upon a sudden,
+    the officers entered into a consultation, and determined to go back a
+    month's voyage to Antigua; for what reason, sir, may easily be guessed,
+    when it was told that a ship was insured upon a supposed value of sixty
+    thousand pounds.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This resolution, sir, was no sooner formed, than orders were given to
+    change the course and steer to Antigua, in opposition to all the
+    remonstrances of the carpenter, who is the proper judge of the condition
+    of a vessel, and who declared, with honesty and resolution, against
+    their whole procedure. But they pursued their new scheme without any
+    regard to his murmurs or assertions; and when they arrived at Antigua,
+    found some method of influencing the officers of that island to declare
+    the ship unfit for the prosecution of the voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their design, sir, was now happily completed. To confirm the
+    determination which had been pronounced in their favour, they stranded
+    the ship upon a bank of sand, forced out the iron that grapples the
+    timber together, and having first taken away the masts and rigging, and
+    whatever else could be used or sold, threw the ballast to each end, and
+    so broke the vessel in the middle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By this well-contrived shipwreck, having, as they imagined, raised their
+    fortunes, they came home triumphantly from their prosperous voyage, and
+    claimed the money for which the ship was insured. The insurers, startled
+    at a demand so unexpected, inquired into the affair with all the
+    industry which its importance might naturally incite, and, after some
+    consultation, determined to try whether the ship might not be refitted
+    and brought to Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In pursuance of this resolution, they sent workmen and materials, and,
+    without much expense, or any difficulty, brought it hither.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, this relation is sufficient at once to prove the
+    practice, and explain the nature of the frauds to which this method of
+    insurance gives occasion; but as the frequency of them is such, that
+    many instances may be produced, I shall offer another short narrative of
+    the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A ship that belonged to the East India company, insured after this
+    method, was run ashore by the captain, in such a manner that he imagined
+    none but himself able to recover it, and therefore, though it cost five
+    thousand pounds, sold it for five hundred; but the purchaser, no less
+    expert than the captain, found means very speedily to disengage it, to
+    restore it to a proper condition with little expense, and was much
+    enriched by his fortunate bargain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but observe, sir, that this kind of fraud is more formidable,
+    as it may be practised without a possibility of detection: had the
+    captain, instead of stranding, destroyed his vessel, how could his
+    wickedness ever have been discovered; or how could the South sea
+    company's ship have been brought home, had it been sunk in some distant
+    corner of the world.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This practice, sir, and the frauds which it has occasioned, and the
+    suspicions which the easy practice of frauds always creates, have
+    produced so many trials, and filled the courts of justice with such
+    intricate contentions, that the judges, who know, perhaps, nothing of
+    this practice but from its effects, have often declared it to be so
+    pregnant with contests and cheats, that it ought not to be suffered, and
+    that a law for suppressing it would much contribute to the establishment
+    of peace, and the security of property.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not insensible, sir, of the force of the argument made use of by
+    the honourable gentleman who spoke in favour of this practice, and
+    cannot but allow it that regard which his reasonings always deserve; it
+    is the strongest, and perhaps the only argument that can be produced.
+    His assertion of the impossibility of estimating the real value of a
+    ship, or of foreknowing the success of a voyage, is incontestable: but
+    perhaps it will follow from thence, not that an imaginary value ought to
+    be admitted, but that no insurance ought to be allowed, where there is
+    no rational method of ascertaining it; or, at least, that all such
+    insurance ought to be rather below the probable value than above it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the grievance complained of has been proved not to be imaginary, we
+    ought, doubtless, to consult how it may be remedied; nor do I believe
+    that our consultations will be ineffectual, if we engage in them, not
+    with an intention to perplex, but to inform each other. I am of opinion,
+    sir, that the importance of the question requires a committee; nor can I
+    discover any essential defect in the bill, which should hinder it from
+    passing into a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BURRELL spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I am convinced by experience, as
+    well as reason, that so many inconveniencies arise from this method of
+    insurance, that it affords so many opportunities of fraud, and gives
+    such encouragement to negligence, that I shall willingly concur in any
+    measures that may effectually suppress it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, too well known to require proof, that interest is the parent
+    of diligence, and that men attend to the performance of their duty, in
+    proportion as they must suffer by the neglect of it; and, therefore,
+    every practice that deprives honesty of its reward is injurious to the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that this is the consequence of estimating ships at an imaginary
+    value in the offices of insurance, is, to the highest degree, evident.
+    When a ship is estimated above its real value, how will the commander
+    suffer by a wreck, or what shall restrain him from destroying his
+    vessel, when it may be done with security to himself, except that
+    integrity, which, indeed, ought to be generally diffused, but which is
+    not always to be found, and to which few men think it safe to trust upon
+    occasions of far less importance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To show, sir, that I do not indulge groundless suspicions, or magnify
+    the bare possibility of fraud into reality; that I do not blacken human
+    nature, or propose laws against wickedness that has not yet existed; it
+    may be proper to mention some letters, in which I have been informed, by
+    my correspondent at Leghorn, of the state of the ships which have
+    arrived there; ships so weakly manned, and so penuriously or negligently
+    stored, so much decayed in the bottoms, and so ill fitted with rigging,
+    that he declares his astonishment at their arrival.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may deserve our consideration, sir, whether the success of the
+    Spanish privateers may not be, in great part, attributed to this
+    pernicious practice; whether captains, when their vessels are insured
+    for more than their value, do not rashly venture into known danger?
+    whether they do not wilfully miss the security of convoys? whether they
+    do not direct their courses where privateers may most securely cruise?
+    whether they do not surrender with less resistance than interest would
+    excite? and whether they do not raise clamours against the government
+    for their ill success, to avoid the suspicion of negligence or fraud?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That other frauds are committed in the practice of insuring, is well
+    known to the honourable gentleman: it is a common practice to take money
+    upon bottomry, by way of pledge, for the captain's fidelity, and to
+    destroy this security by insuring above the real value; so that the
+    captain may gain by neglecting the care of his vessel, or, at least,
+    secure himself from loss, and indulge his ease or his pleasure without
+    any interruption from the fear of diminishing his fortune.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The whole practice of insurance, sir, is, in its present state, I
+    believe, so perplexed with frauds, and of such manifest tendency to the
+    obstruction of commerce, that it absolutely requires some legal
+    regulations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Of frauds in the practice
+    of insurance, with regard to which the honourable gentleman has appealed
+    to me, I can confidently affirm that I am totally ignorant: I know not
+    of any fraudulent practices openly carried on, or established by custom,
+    which I suppose are meant: for with regard to single acts of fraud,
+    committed by particular men, it is not to be supposed but that they have
+    been detected in this, as in all other branches of traffick: nor can I
+    conceive that any argument can be drawn from them against the practice;
+    for if every part of commerce is to be prohibited, which has furnished
+    villains with opportunities of deceit, we shall contract trade into a
+    narrow compass.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the instance of the Royal George, though the
+    proceedings of the officers are not wholly to be vindicated, yet part of
+    their conduct is less inexplicable than it has been represented. Their
+    return to Antigua, when they were bound for Britain, and were within a
+    week's sailing of their port, is easily to be defended, if the wind was
+    contrary to their intended course; for it is not difficult to conceive
+    that they might reach a distant port, with a favourable wind, much
+    sooner than one much nearer, with the wind against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have always observed, sir, that the gentlemen engaged in the trade to
+    the East Indies, assume an air of superiority, to which I know not what
+    claim they can produce, and seem to imagine, that their charter gives
+    them more extensive knowledge, and more acute sagacity, than falls to
+    the lot of men not combined in their association.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But however these gentlemen may disapprove my arguments, and however
+    they may misrepresent them, I shall be satisfied, that they will have,
+    with the disinterested and impartial, their just weight, and that this
+    affair will not be hastily determined upon an imperfect examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to this effect:&mdash;Whether the merchants are
+    satisfied with the present methods of insuring, or what is the opinion
+    of any separate body of men, I think it absolutely unnecessary to
+    inquire. We are constituted for the publick advantage, and are engaged
+    by our senatorial character to consider, not the private interest of
+    particular men, but the general advantage of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In our pursuit, sir, of national interest, we shall be obliged
+    frequently to oppose the schemes which private men or separate
+    fraternities, have formed for their own advantage, and which they may be
+    expected to defend with all their art; both because every man is
+    unwilling to imagine that the publick interest and his own are opposite,
+    and because it is to be feared, that many may consider the publick only
+    in subordination to themselves, and be very little solicitous about the
+    general prosperity of their country, provided none of the calamities
+    which afflict it extend their influence to themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are in the discussion of this question, sir, to consider that we are
+    engaged in a war against a nation from which insults, depredations,
+    oppressions, and cruelties, have been long complained of, and against
+    which we are, therefore, to act with a resolution proportioned to the
+    injuries which we have suffered, and to our desire of vengeance. We are
+    to practice every method of distressing them, and to promote the success
+    of our arms even at the expense of present gain, and the interest of
+    private men.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, to all who have either heard or read of the
+    Spaniards, that they live in carelessness and indolence, neglect all the
+    natural advantages of their own country, despise the gain of foreign
+    commerce, and depend wholly on their American settlements, for all the
+    conveniences, and, perhaps, for most of the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is the particular circumstance that makes a war with Britain so
+    much to be dreaded by them. A nation superiour to them by sea holds them
+    besieged, like a garrison surrounded by an army, precludes them from
+    supplies, intercepts their succours, and if it cannot force their walls
+    by attack, can, at least, by a blockade, starve them to a capitulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, by a naval war with an enemy of superiour strength, they must
+    at length be subdued, and subdued, perhaps, without a battle, and
+    without the possibility of resistance; against such an enemy their
+    courage or their discipline is of no use; they may form armies, indeed,
+    but which can only stand upon the shore, to defend what their enemies
+    have no intention of invading, and see those ships seized in which their
+    pay is treasured, or their provisions are stored.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is our natural superiority over the Spaniards, a species of
+    superiority that must inevitably prevail, if it be not defeated by our
+    own folly; and surely a more effectual method of defeating it, the
+    Spaniards themselves could not have discovered, than that of insuring,
+    their ships among our merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a ship thus insured is taken, which, notwithstanding all
+    precautions, must sometimes happen, we examine the cargo, find it
+    extremely valuable, and triumph in our success; we not only count the
+    gain to ourselves, but the loss to our enemies, and determine that a
+    small number of such captures will reduce them to offer us peace upon
+    our own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the conclusions which are made, and made with reason, by men
+    unacquainted with the secret practices of our merchants, and who do not
+    suspect us to be stupid enough to secure our enemies against ourselves;
+    but it is often found, upon a more close examination, that our ships of
+    war have only plundered our merchants, and that our privateers may,
+    indeed, have enriched themselves, but impoverished their country. It is
+    discovered that the loss of the Spaniards is to be repaid, and, perhaps,
+    sometimes with interest, by the British insurers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be urged, that we ought not to enact any laws which may obstruct
+    the gain of our fellow-subjects, may it not be asked, why all trade with
+    Spain is prohibited; may not the trade be equally gainful with the
+    insurance, and may not the gain be more generally distributed, and,
+    therefore, be more properly national?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this trade was prohibited, because it was more necessary to our
+    enemies than to ourselves; it was prohibited, because the laws of war
+    require, that a less evil should be suffered to inflict a greater; it is
+    upon this principle that every battle is fought, and that we fire our
+    own ships to consume the navies of the enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, it appears to me evident beyond contradiction,
+    that the insurance of Spanish ships ought to be prohibited: we shall,
+    indeed, lose the profit of the insurance, but we shall be reimbursed by
+    the captures, which is an argument that cannot be produced for the
+    prohibition of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is urged, sir, that they may insure their ships in other countries;
+    an assertion, of which, whether it be true or not, I am not able to
+    decide; but it is acknowledged, that the necessity of establishing new
+    correspondence will be at least a temporary obstruction of their trade,
+    and an obstruction of even a short continuance may lay them at our
+    mercy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us, sir, reflect upon the weakness of this argument,&mdash;<i>they
+    must be allowed to insure here, because they may insure in other
+    places;</i> will it not be equally just to urge, that <i>they must trade with
+    us, because they may trade with other nations?</i> And may it not be
+    answered, that though we cannot wholly suspend their commerce, it is yet
+    our business to obstruct it as far as we are able?
+</p>
+<p>
+    May it-not, sir, be farther affirmed, that by insuring in other nations,
+    they may injure their allies by falling into our hands, but do not the
+    less benefit us? that if they do not grow weaker, we at least are
+    strengthened; but that by insuring among us, whatever steps are taken,
+    the equilibrium of the war is preserved always the same?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is asserted, and I suppose with truth, that we insure at a lower rate
+    than others, and it will, therefore, follow, that the Spaniards,
+    whenever their ships shall escape us, will suffer more by having-insured
+    amongst foreigners, than if they had contracted with our merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears, sir, that there are stronger reasons for prohibiting
+    the insurance of Spanish ships, than for putting a stop to our commerce
+    with them; and that whether their ships are taken by us, or escape us,
+    it is the general interest of the nation, that they shall be insured by
+    foreign merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With respect, sir, to the East India company, I have no regard to their
+    interest, considered as distinct from that of the rest of the nation;
+    nor have received any solicitations from them to promote this bill, or
+    to espouse their interest; but cannot, without concealing my real
+    sentiments, deny, that as they have the grant of an exclusive trade to
+    the East Indies, to insure the ships that are sent thither without their
+    permission, is to invade their rights, and to infringe their charter;
+    and that the practice, if the validity of their charter be admitted, is
+    illegal, and ought to be discountenanced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The practice, sir, of insuring, <i>interest or no interest</i>, or of
+    assigning to ships an imaginary value, is nothing more than a particular
+    game, a mere solemn species of <i>hazard</i>, and ought, therefore, to be
+    prohibited, for every reason that can be urged against games of chance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to this bill in general, it is, in my opinion, highly
+    necessary, nor can I discover any important objection that can be made
+    against it. Some law of this kind, and to this purpose, I have long
+    intended to offer to the consideration of this assembly, and since it is
+    now before us, I think we ought to consider it with the attention which
+    may be justly expected from us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I know not how properly the practice of
+    insuring may be termed a species of hazard, nor do I think any thing
+    more is to be considered, than whether the game be gainful to the
+    nation, or not, for I cannot discover that there is any absurdity in
+    enriching ourselves at the expense of other nations, whether enemies or
+    allies. That we ought to prefer the general good to the advantage of
+    individuals, is undoubted, but I cannot conceive that in this case there
+    can be any opposition between private and publick interest. If our
+    insurers gain by securing the ships of our enemies, the nation is
+    benefited, for all national gain must circulate through the hands of
+    individuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No man will assert that we ought to assist our enemies, nor will any man
+    imagine that we assist them by impoverishing them, and if our insurers
+    gain by their practice, the Spaniards must undoubtedly be losers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WILLIMOT spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have
+    conversed on the question to which this bill relates, with men engaged
+    in various kinds of traffick, and who have no common interest but that
+    of their country. I have dispersed among the merchants, most eminent for
+    their acquaintance with the whole extent of commerce, and for their
+    knowledge of the true interest of the nation, copies of this bill, and
+    cannot find any of them so sensible of the grievance of which we have so
+    loud complaints, as to desire that it should be redressed by the
+    measures now proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That frauds are practised on every side, in this, as well as in other
+    trades, the general corruption of our age gives us sufficient reason to
+    suspect; but what is common to every sort of traffick, cannot be
+    produced as an argument for the prohibition of any.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the practice of insuring an imaginary value may give opportunity
+    for greater frauds than can be practised in common dealings, is likewise
+    evident, but I cannot discover such frauds to require the interposition
+    of the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they are practised only by those of our own nation, the publick does
+    not suffer; for property is only transferred from one subject to
+    another: the fraud ought, indeed, to be severely punished in the courts
+    of criminal justice, but the custom which gave the opportunity of
+    practising it, ought not to be restrained, any more than any other
+    profession not criminal in itself, but liable to accidental abuses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our insurers are defrauded by foreigners, the nation is then, indeed,
+    more nearly affected, but even in that case, it is to be remembered,
+    that the private interest of the insurers, who must be immediately
+    ruined, is a sufficient security for the publick. For it cannot, sir, be
+    conceived that any man will obstinately carry on a business, by which he
+    becomes every day poorer, or, that when he desists he will be succeeded
+    by another, who cannot but know that he engages in that traffick to his
+    certain ruin.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The true state of this affair is, that frauds are, indeed, often
+    committed, and are for that reason always suspected, and that the
+    insurers, when they insure the ship and cargo against accidents, reckon,
+    among other chances, the probability of being cheated, and proportion
+    their demands, not only to the length and danger of the voyage, but to
+    the character, likewise, of the man with whom they contract.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is always the practice of those whom experience has made
+    acquainted with the danger of implicit confidence and unsuspecting
+    credulity, nor do any but the young and unskilful suffer themselves to
+    be so exposed to frauds, as that their fortunes should be injured, or
+    the general gain of their business overbalanced, by a few deceits.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the ease and safety with which the
+    present methods of insurance admit fraud to be practised, the insurers,
+    by a proportionate degree of caution, secure themselves from being
+    injured, and, by consequence, the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The insurance of foreign ships is now to be considered, by which great
+    profit arises to the nation. We insure, sir, as it has been observed, at
+    lower rates than other nations, because we have more business of this
+    kind, and the smallness of our profit is compensated by the frequency;
+    the cheapness of insurances, and eagerness of foreigners to insure here,
+    reciprocally contribute to each other; we are often applied to, because
+    we insure at an easy rate, and we can insure at an easy rate, because we
+    are often applied to.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is the cheapness of British insurance the only motive to the
+    preference which it preserves among foreigners, who are induced to apply
+    to this nation, by the reputation which our merchants have deservedly
+    gained for probity and punctuality superiour to that of any other
+    traders. Our merchants, sir, bargain without artifice, pay without
+    subterfuges, and are ready on all occasions to preserve their character
+    at the hazard of their profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From these two considerations we may draw unanswerable arguments against
+    any restraints upon the practice of insuring: if foreigners are once
+    disappointed in their applications to us, our business will in a great
+    part cease, and as we shall not then be able to insure at lower rates
+    than other nations, we shall never recover that branch of our trade. And
+    as the character of the British merchants exempts them from any
+    suspicion of practices pernicious to the publick, why should they be
+    restrained? Why, sir, should they appear to be suspected by the
+    legislature of their own country, whom foreigners trust without
+    hesitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been objected to them with great warmth, and urged with much
+    rhetorical exaggeration, that they assist the enemies of their country,
+    that they prolong the war, and defeat those advantages which our
+    situation and commerce have given us; imputations sufficiently
+    atrocious, if they were founded upon truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us, sir, examine the arguments by which this accusation has been
+    supported, and inquire whether this triumph of eloquence has been
+    occasioned by any real superiority of evidence or reason; it is urged,
+    that we have already prohibited commerce with the Spaniards, and that,
+    therefore, we ought, likewise, to prohibit the insurance of their ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not require, sir, an imagination very fertile, or a knowledge
+    very extensive, to supply arguments sufficient to refute the supposed
+    demonstration; in opposition to which it may be urged, that this kind of
+    commerce is of a peculiar nature, that it subsists upon opinion, and is
+    preserved by the reputation of our insurers; a reputation that the
+    insurers of other nations may obtain by the same means, and from whom we
+    shall, therefore, never recover it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be observed, sir, that other commodities are the peculiar product
+    of different countries, and that there is no danger of losing our other
+    trade by suspending it, because it depends upon the excellence of our
+    manufactures; but that insurance may be the commodity of any country,
+    where money and common honesty are to be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This argument may, perhaps, be yet more effectually invalidated, or,
+    perhaps, entirely subverted, by denying the expedience of that
+    prohibition which is produced as a precedent for another restraint. Nor,
+    indeed, does it appear why we should preclude ourselves from a gainful
+    trade, because the money is drawn by it out of the hands of our enemies;
+    or why the product of our lands should lie unconsumed, or our
+    manufactures stand unemployed, rather than we should sell to our enemies
+    what they will purchase at another place, or by the intervention of a
+    neutral power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To sell to an enemy that which may enable him to injure us, that which
+    he must necessarily obtain, and which he could buy from no other, would,
+    indeed, be to the last degree, absurd; but that may surely be sold them
+    without any breach of morality or policy, which they can want with less
+    inconvenience than we can keep. If we were besieging a town, I should
+    not advise our soldiers to sell to the inhabitants ammunition or
+    provisions, but cannot discover the folly of admitting them to purchase
+    ornaments for their houses, or brocades for their ladies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, without examining with the utmost accuracy, whether the late
+    prohibition was rational or not, I have, I hope, suggested objections
+    sufficient to make the question doubtful, and to incline us to try the
+    success of one experiment, before we venture upon another more
+    hazardous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am never willing, sir, to load trade with restraints; trade is, in its
+    own nature, so fugitive and variable, that no constant course can be
+    prescribed to it; and those regulations which were proper when they were
+    made, may, in a few months, become difficulties and obstructions. We
+    well know, that many of the measures which our ancestors pursued for the
+    encouragement of commerce, have been found of pernicious consequence;
+    and even in this age, which, perhaps, experience, more than wisdom, has
+    enlightened, I have known few attempts of that kind which have not
+    defeated the end for which they were made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is more prudent to leave the merchants at liberty to pursue those
+    measures which experience shall dictate upon every occasion, and suffer
+    them to snatch the present opportunity of honest gain, whenever it shall
+    happen; they will never injure their own interest by the use of this
+    liberty, and by preserving themselves, they will preserve the nation
+    from detriment; nor will they need to be restrained by a law proposed
+    without their solicitation, and of which they cannot discover any
+    beneficial consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, for the bill now
+    before us I have no particular fondness, nor desire that it should be
+    promoted by any other means than rational arguments, and the
+    representation of indubitable facts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have no regard, sir, in this inquiry, to any private interest, or any
+    other desire than that of securing the interest of my country, which, in
+    my opinion, evidently requires that we should give no assistance to our
+    enemies, that our merchants should cooperate with our navies, and that
+    we should endeavour to withhold every thing that may make the war less
+    burdensome to them, and, consequently, of longer continuance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was observed, sir, in the beginning of the debate, by a gentleman
+    eminently skilled in mercantile affairs, that insurance was practised by
+    many nations; but he did not inform us of what one of the clauses makes
+    it proper to inquire, whether they allowed the method of insuring
+    <i>interest or no interest</i>, and rating ships at an imaginary value. This
+    is, I know, prohibited by the Dutch, a nation whose authority on
+    commercial questions will not be disputed, nor do they allow their East
+    Indian ships to be insured at all.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The difficulty of estimating the value of any cargo has been urged in
+    defence of this practice, nor is the defence wholly without weight,
+    because the cargo in many voyages cannot be ascertained. I shall,
+    however, take this opportunity of observing, though I may somewhat
+    digress from the present argument, how necessary it is that some of our
+    exported cargoes should be exactly specified.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been lately informed, sir, that six ships laden with British
+    wool, have entered at one time into a port of France; nor do I know how
+    this practice, which is justly complained of as pernicious to our trade,
+    and threatening the ruin of our country, can be prevented but by a
+    constant and regular particularization of every cargo carried to France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I admit, sir, that some cargoes which are imported cannot be
+    particularly registered; such is the gold with which we are daily
+    supplied by our commerce with the Portuguese, in opposition to their
+    laws, and which our merchants are, therefore, under the necessity of
+    concealing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, easy to foresee all the inconveniencies that may
+    arise from new regulations of commerce; but the difficulty is not so
+    great as has been represented, nor can I conceive why all our
+    consultations on trade should be without effect. Gentlemen may obtain
+    some knowledge of commerce from their own observation, which they may
+    enlarge by an unconfined and indifferent conversation with traders of
+    various classes, and by inquiries into the different branches of
+    commerce; inquiries, sir, which are generally neglected by those whose
+    employments confine their attention to particular parts of commerce, or
+    whose application to business hinders them from attending to any
+    opinions but those which their own personal experience enables them to
+    form.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From these informations impartially collected, and diligently compared,
+    a man not engaged in the profession of a merchant may form general
+    principles, and draw consequences, more certain, and more extensive in
+    their relations, than those which are struck out only from the
+    observation of one subdivided species of commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A member of this house, sir, thus enlightened by inquiry, and whose
+    judgment is not diverted from its natural rectitude by the impulse of
+    any private consideration, may judge of any commercial debate with less
+    danger of errour or partiality than the merchants, of whom,
+    nevertheless, I have the highest esteem, and whose knowledge, or
+    probity, I do not intend to depreciate, when I declare my fears that
+    they may sometimes confound general maxims of trade with the opinions of
+    particular branches, and sometimes mistake their own gain for the
+    interest of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The interest of the merchants ought, indeed, always to be considered in
+    this house; but then it ought to be regarded only in subordination to
+    that of the whole community, a subordination which the gentleman who
+    spoke last seems to have forgotten. He may, perhaps, not intend long to
+    retain his senatorial character, and, therefore, delivered his opinion
+    only as a merchant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has distinguished between the conduct of experienced and unskilful
+    insurers, with how much justice I shall not determine. I am afraid that
+    a vigorous inquiry would discover, that neither age nor youth has been
+    able to resist strong temptations to some practices, which neither law
+    nor justice can support, and that those, whose experience has made them
+    cautious, have not been always equally honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this is a subject upon which I am not inclined to dwell, and only
+    mention as the reason which convinces me of the propriety of the bill
+    before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, there appears no
+    probability that the different opinions which have been formed of this
+    bill will be reconciled by this debate; nor, indeed, is there any reason
+    for wondering at this contrariety of sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The several clauses of the bill have relations and consequences so
+    different, that scarce any one man can approve them all; and in our
+    present deliberation, an objection to a particular clause is considered
+    as an argument against the whole bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, necessary, to prevent an unprofitable expense of time,
+    to resolve the house into a committee, in which the bill may be
+    considered by single clauses, and that part which cannot be defended may
+    be rejected, and that only retained which deserves our approbation. In
+    the committee, when we have considered the first clause, and heard the
+    objections against it, we may mend it; or, if it cannot be amended,
+    reject or postpone it, and so proceed through the whole bill with much
+    greater expedition, and at the same time, with a more diligent view of
+    every clause, than while we are obliged to take the whole at once into
+    our consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, for my part, approve some clauses, and make objections to
+    others; but think it proper to reserve my objections, and the reasons of
+    my approbation, for the committee into which we ought to go on this
+    occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The bill was referred to a committee, but not forty members staying in
+    the house, it was dropped.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_14"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND <br>INCREASE OF SEAMEN.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The bill was ordered to be read the second time, and to be printed for
+    the use of the members, that it might be thoroughly examined and
+    understood.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the forty-fourth day, the second reading of the bill was postponed to
+    the fiftieth; but the grand motion being debated on that day, nothing
+    else was heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-first it was again put off; but
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-sixth day, being read a second time, it was, after some
+    opposition, referred to a committee of the whole house, to sit five days
+    after. In the meanwhile,
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the fifty-seventh, it was ordered that the proper officers do lay
+    before this house an account of what persons were authorized, by virtue
+    of the act in the 4th of queen Anne, for "the encouragement and increase
+    of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning her fleet;" to
+    conduct seamen or seafaring men taken upon privy searches made by
+    applications to justices; and what number of seamen or seafaring men
+    were returned; also, the charge attending the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-first day, moved that the said account should be read;
+    which being done, the house resolved itself into a grand committee on
+    the present bill; and the first clause being read, proposing the blanks
+    to be filled thus: that every volunteer seamen, after five years'
+    service, be entitled to six pounds per year, during life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, as it is our duty to
+    provide laws, by which all frauds and oppressions may be punished, when
+    they are detected, we are no less obliged to obviate such practices as
+    shall make punishments necessary; nor are we only to facilitate the
+    detection, but take away, as far as it is possible, the opportunities of
+    guilt. It is to no purpose that punishments are threatened, if they can
+    be evaded, or that rewards are offered, if they may by any mean
+    artifices be withheld.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, I think it necessary to observe, that the intent
+    of this clause, the most favourable and alluring clause in the bill, may
+    lose its effect by a practice not uncommon, by which any man, however
+    inclined to serve his country, may be defrauded of the right of a
+    volunteer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many men have voluntarily applied to the officers of ships of war, and
+    after having been rejected by them as unfit for the service, have been
+    dragged on board within a few days, perhaps within a few hours
+    afterwards, to undergo all the hardships, without the merit, of
+    volunteers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any man, sir, has been rejected by the sea officers, he ought to
+    have a certificate given him, which shall be an exemption from an
+    impress, that if any other commander shall judge more favourably of his
+    qualifications, he may always have the privilege of a volunteer, and be
+    entitled to the reward which he deserved, by his readiness to enter the
+    service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If such provisions are not made, this hateful practice, a practice, sir,
+    common and notorious, and very discouraging to such as would enter the
+    service of the publick, may so far prevail, that no man shall be able to
+    denominate himself a volunteer, or claim the reward proposed by the
+    bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    common for men to receive injuries without applying for redress, when it
+    may certainly be obtained. If any proceedings like those which are now
+    complained of, had been mentioned at the board of admiralty, they had
+    been immediately censured and redressed; but as no such accusations were
+    offered, I think it may probably be concluded, that no such crimes have
+    been committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose oppressions of this kind should be practised, it is not
+    easy to conceive; for the officers are not at all rewarded for
+    impressing sailors. As, therefore, it is not probable that any man acts
+    wickedly or cruelly without temptation: as I have never heard any such
+    injury complained of by those that suffered it, I cannot but imagine,
+    that it is one of those reports which arise from mistake, or are forged
+    by malice, to injure the officers, and obstruct the service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;That the
+    practice now complained of, sir, is very frequent, and, whatever may be
+    the temptation to it, such as every day produces some instances of, I
+    have reasons for asserting with great confidence. I have, within these
+    few days, as I was accidentally upon the river, informed myself of two
+    watermen ignominiously dragged by force into the service to which they
+    had voluntarily offered themselves a few days before. The reasons of
+    such oppression, it is the business of those gentlemen to inquire, whom
+    his majesty intrusts with the care of his fleet; but to interrupt the
+    course of wickedness, to hinder it from frustrating the rewards offered
+    by the publick, is the province of the representatives of the people.
+    And I hope, sir, some proviso will be made in this case.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS rose and said:&mdash;Sir, if any such practices had been
+    frequent, to what can it be imputed, that those who employ their lives
+    in maritime business should be strangers to them? Why have no complaints
+    been made by those that have been injured? Or why should officers expose
+    themselves to the hazard of censure without advantage? I cannot
+    discover why these hardships should be inflicted, nor how they could
+    have been concealed, and, therefore, think the officers of the navy may
+    be cleared from the imputation, without farther inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke again, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is in
+    vain that objections are made, if the facts upon which they are founded
+    may be denied at pleasure: nothing is more easy than to deny, because
+    proofs are not required of a negative. But as negatives require no
+    proof, so they have no authority, nor can any consequence be deduced
+    from them. I might, therefore, suffer the facts to remain in their
+    present state, asserted on one side by those that have reasons to
+    believe them, and doubted on the other without reasons; for surely he
+    cannot be said to reason, who questions an assertion only because he
+    does not know it to be true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as every question, by which the liberty of a Briton may be affected,
+    is of importance sufficient to require that no evidence should be
+    suppressed by which it may be cleared, I cannot but think it proper that
+    a committee should be formed to examine the conduct of the officers in
+    this particular; and in confidence of the veracity of those from whom I
+    received my information, I here promise to produce such evidence as
+    shall put an end to controversy and doubt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this is not granted, sir, the fact must stand recorded and allowed;
+    for to doubt, and refuse evidence, is a degree of prejudice and
+    obstinacy without example. Nor is this the only objection to the clause
+    before us, which appears very imperfect, with regard to the
+    qualifications specified as a title to the reward. The reward ought not
+    to be confined to those who shall hereafter be invited by the promise of
+    it to engage in the service, while those who entered into it without any
+    such prospect, are condemned to dangers and fatigues without a
+    recompense. Where merit is equal, the reward ought to be equal; and,
+    surely, where there is greater merit, the reward proposed by the senate,
+    as an encouragement to bravery, ought not to be less. To be excluded
+    from the advantages which others have obtained, only by avoiding the
+    service, cannot but depress the spirit of those whose zeal and courage
+    incited them, at the beginning of the war, to enter into the fleet; and
+    to deject those from whom we expect defence and honour, is neither
+    prudent nor just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, in my opinion, proper to offer the same reward
+    indiscriminately to all that shall accept it; rewards ought to be
+    proportioned to desert, and no man can justly be paid for what he cannot
+    perform; there ought, therefore, to be some distinction made between a
+    seaman by profession, one that has learned his art at the expense of
+    long experience, labour, and hazard, and a man who only enters the ship
+    because he is useless on land, and who can only incommode the sailors
+    till he has been instructed by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, sir, to me, a considerable defect in our naval regulations,
+    that wages are not proportioned to ability; and I think it may not be
+    now unseasonably proposed, that sailors should be paid according to the
+    skill which they have acquired; a provision by which an emulation would
+    be raised among them, and that industry excited, which now languishes
+    for want of encouragement, and those capacities awakened which now
+    slumber in ignorance and sloth, from the despair of obtaining any
+    advantage by superiority of knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;That this charge,
+    sir, however positively urged, is generally unjust, the declarations of
+    these honourable gentlemen are sufficient to evince, since it is not
+    probable that the injured persons would not have found some friend to
+    have represented these hardships to the admiralty, and no such
+    representations could have been made without their knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, I am far from doubting that by accident, or, perhaps, by
+    malice, some men have been treated in this manner; for it is not in the
+    power of any administration to make all those honest or wise whom they
+    are obliged to employ; and when great affairs are depending, minute
+    circumstances cannot always be attended to. If the vigilance of those
+    who are intrusted with the chief direction of great numbers of
+    subordinate officers be such, that corrupt practices are not frequent,
+    and their justice such, that they are never unpunished when legally
+    detected, the most strict inquirer can expect no more. Power will
+    sometimes be abused, and punishment sometimes be escaped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, easy to be conceived that a report may become general,
+    though the practice be very rare. The fact is multiplied as often as it
+    is related, and every man who hears the same story twice, imagines that
+    it is told of different persons, and exclaims against the tyranny of the
+    officers of the navy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these, in my opinion, sir, are questions, if not remote from the
+    present affair, yet by no means essential to it. The question now before
+    us is, not what illegalities have been committed in the execution of
+    impresses, but how impresses themselves may become less necessary? how
+    the nation may be secured without injury to individuals? and how the
+    fleet may be manned with less detriment to commerce?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the reward now proposed is intended to excite men to enter the
+    service without compulsion; and if this expedient be not approved,
+    another ought to be suggested: for I hope gentlemen are united in their
+    endeavours to find out some method of security to the publick, and do
+    not obstruct the proceedings of the committee, that when the fleets lie
+    inactive and useless, they may have an opportunity to reproach the
+    ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral NORRIS spoke next, in substance:&mdash;Sir, though it is not
+    necessary to enter into an accurate examination of the gentleman's
+    proposal, yet I cannot but observe, that by making it, he discovers
+    himself unacquainted with the disposition of seamen, among whom nothing
+    raises so much discontent as the suspicion of partiality. Should one
+    man, in the same rank, receive larger wages than another, he who thought
+    himself injured, as he who is paid less will always think, would be so
+    far from exerting his abilities to attain an equality with his
+    associate, that he would probably never be prevailed on to lay his hand
+    upon the tackling, but would sit sullen, or work perversely, though the
+    ship were labouring in a storm, or sinking in a battle.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GORE then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the danger of introducing
+    distinctions among men in the same rank, where every man that imagines
+    his merit neglected, may have an opportunity of resenting the injury,
+    is, doubtless, such as no prudent commander will venture to incur.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, in this case, becomes the judge of his own merit; and as he
+    will always discover some reason for the preference of another very
+    different from superiority of desert, he will, by consequence, be either
+    enraged or dispirited, will either resolve to desert his commander, or
+    betray him to the enemies, or not oppose them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I remember, sir, though imperfectly, a story which I heard in my
+    travels, of an army in which some troops received a penny a day less
+    than the rest; a parsimony which cost dear in the day of battle; for the
+    disgusted troops laid down their arms before the enemy, and suffered
+    their general to be cut in pieces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur with
+    the honourable gentleman in his opinion, that those who are already
+    engaged in the service, who have borne the fatigues of a long voyage,
+    and perhaps are, at this hour, exposing their lives in battle to defend
+    the rights of their country, ought to have the same claim to the reward
+    proposed, with those who shall hereafter offer themselves. Nor, in my
+    opinion, ought those who have hitherto been pressed into our fleets to
+    be discouraged from their duty by an exclusion from the same advantage.
+    For if they were compelled to serve in the fleet, they were compelled
+    when there was not this encouragement for volunteers, which, perhaps,
+    they would have accepted if it had been then proposed, Every man, at
+    least, will allege, that he would have accepted it, and complain he
+    suffers only by the fault of the government; a government which he will
+    not be very zealous to defend, while he is considered with less regard
+    than others, from whom no greater services are expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A prospect of new rewards, sir, will add new alacrity to all the forces,
+    and an equal distribution of favour will secure an unshaken and
+    inviolable fidelity. Nothing but union can produce success, and nothing
+    can secure union but impartiality and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the efficacy of rewards,
+    and the necessity of an impartial distribution, are no unfruitful
+    subjects for rhetorick; but it may, perhaps, be more useful at present
+    to consider, with such a degree of attention as the question must be
+    acknowledged to deserve, to whom these rewards are to be paid, and from
+    what fund they are expected to arise.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to those who are to claim the reward, sir, they seem very
+    negligently specified; for they are distinguished only by the character
+    of having served five years; a distinction unintelligible, without
+    explanation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, I suppose, sir, the intent of the bill, that no man shall miss
+    the reward but by his own fault; and, therefore, it may be inquired,
+    what is to be the fate of him who shall be disabled in his first
+    adventure, whom in the first year, or month, of his service, an unlucky
+    shot shall confine for the remaining part of his life to inactivity: as
+    the bill is now formed, he must be miserable without a recompense; and
+    his wounds, which make him unable to support himself, will, though
+    received in defence of his country, entitle him to no support from the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only difficulty that may arise from the specifying of so
+    long a service; for how can any man that shall enter on board the fleet
+    be informed that the war will continue for five years? May we not all
+    justly hope, that alacrity, unanimity, and prudence, may, in a much
+    shorter time, reduce our enemies to beg for peace? And shall our sailors
+    lose the reward of their hazards and their labours, only because they
+    have been successful? What will this be less than making their bravery a
+    crime or folly, and punishing them for not protracting the war by
+    cowardice or treachery?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us suppose, sir, those defects supplied by a more explicit and
+    determinate specification; there will yet arise an objection far more
+    formidable; an objection, which the present state of our revenues will
+    not suffer to be answered. The consideration of the greatness of the
+    annual payment which this proposal requires, ought to incite every man
+    to employ all his sagacity in search of some other method, equally
+    efficacious, and less expensive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have already, sir, forty thousand seamen in our pay, to whom eight
+    thousand more are speedily to be added: when each of these shall demand
+    his stipend, a new burden of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand
+    pounds must be laid upon the nation; upon a nation, whose lands are
+    mortgaged, whose revenues are anticipated, and whose taxes cannot be
+    borne without murmurs, nor increased without sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The nation has found, by experience, that taxes once imposed for just
+    reasons, and continued upon plausible pretences, till they are become
+    familiar, are afterwards continued upon motives less laudable, are too
+    productive of influence, and too instrumental towards facilitating the
+    measures of the ministry, to be ever willingly remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BLADEN spoke next, as follows:&mdash;Sir, it is obvious, that when the
+    balance is unequal, it may be reduced to an equilibrium, as well by
+    taking weight out of one scale, as adding it to the other. The wages
+    offered by the merchants overbalance, at present, those which are
+    proposed by the crown; to raise the allowance in the ships of war, will
+    be, to lay new loads upon the publick, and will incommode the merchants,
+    whose wages must always bear the same proportion to the king's. The only
+    method, then, that remains, is to lighten the opposite scale, by
+    restraining the merchants from giving wages, in time of war, beyond a
+    certain value; for, as the service of the crown is then more immediately
+    necessarv to the general advantage than that of the merchants, it ought
+    to be made more gainful. Sailors, sir, are not, generally, men of very
+    extensive views; and, therefore, we cannot expect that they should
+    prefer the general good of their country before their own present
+    interest; a motive of such power, that even in men of curious
+    researches, refined sentiments, and generous education, we see, too
+    often, that it surmounts every other consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE then spoke again:&mdash;Sir, to the expedient which the
+    honourable gentleman who spoke last has suggested, and which he must be
+    confessed to have placed in the strongest light, many objections may be
+    raised, which I am afraid will not easily be removed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first, sir, which occurs to me on this short reflection is not less
+    than the impossibility of putting his scheme in execution. The
+    prescription of wages which he proposes, may be eluded by a thousand
+    artifices, by advanced money, by gratuitous acknowledgments, the payment
+    of money for pretended services, or by secret contracts, which it would
+    be the interest of both parties to conceal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if this objection could be surmounted by severity and vigilance,
+    would not this expedient help to defeat the general intention of the
+    bill? A bill not designed as an immediate resource, a mere temporary
+    project to supply our fleets for the present year, but as a method for
+    removing the only obstruction of the British power, the difficulty of
+    manning our ships of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, I hope, sir, the intention of every man who has offered his
+    sentiments on this occasion, to contrive some general encouragement for
+    seamen, which shall not only invite them to assist their country at the
+    first summons, but shall allure others to qualify themselves for the
+    publick service, by engaging in the same profession.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is only to be done by making the condition of sailors less
+    miserable, by entitling them to privileges, and honouring them with
+    distinctions. But by limiting the merchant's wages, if such limitations
+    are, indeed, possible, though we may palliate the present distress, we
+    shall diminish the number of sailors, and thereby not only contract our
+    commerce but endanger our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. TRACEY spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not for
+    what reasons the present method of advancing rewards at entrance is
+    practised, of which, however specious it might appear, the success by no
+    means encourages the continuance. The sailors, though not a generation
+    of men much disposed to reflection, or qualified for ratiocination, are
+    not yet so void of thought as not easily to perceive that a small
+    increase of constant wages is of more value than several pounds to be
+    paid only at once, and which are squandered as soon as they are
+    received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Instead, therefore, of restraining the wages of the merchants, it seems
+    probable, that by raising those of the king, we may man the fleet with
+    most expedition; and one method of raising the wages will be to suppress
+    the advanced money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke next:&mdash;Sir, if the sum of money now paid by
+    way of advance can be supposed to have any effect, if it can be imagined
+    that any number of seamen, however inconsiderable, are allured by it
+    into the fleet, it is more usefully employed than it can be supposed to
+    be when sunk into the current wages, and divided into small payments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advance money is only paid to those that enter: if no volunteers
+    present themselves, no money is paid, and the nation doth not suffer by
+    the offer: but if the wages are raised, the expense will be certain,
+    without the certainty of advantage; for those that enter voluntarily
+    into the fleet, will receive no more than those that are forced into it
+    by an impress; and therefore there will be no incitement to enter
+    without compulsion. Thus every other inconvenience will remain, with the
+    addition of a new burden to the nation; our forces will be maintained at
+    a greater expense, and not raised with less difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE said:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but concur in opinion with the
+    honourable gentleman who spoke last, from my own acquaintance with the
+    sentiments and habits that unalterably prevail among those who have been
+    accustomed to the sea, a race of men to the last degree negligent of any
+    future events, and careless about any provision against distant evils;
+    men who have no thoughts at sea, but how to reach the land; nor at land,
+    but how to squander what they have gained at sea. To men like these, it
+    may easily be imagined that no encouragement is equal to the temptation
+    of present gain, and the opportunity of present pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this any man, sir, may convince himself, who shall talk to a crew but
+    half an hour; for he shall find few among them, who will not, for a
+    small sum of present money, sell any distant prospect of affluence or
+    happiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether I am mistaken in my opinion, the honourable members who have
+    long commanded in the naval service can easily determine, and I doubt
+    not but they will agree that no motive can be proposed to a sailor
+    equivalent to immediate reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next:&mdash;Sir, that some distinction ought to be
+    made to the advantage of volunteers, if we intend to man our fleet
+    without compulsion, is obvious and incontestable; and to avoid the
+    necessity of compulsion ought to be the chief end of this bill; for
+    nothing can be less to the advantage of the nation, than to continue the
+    use of such ungrateful methods, and yet increase the publick expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought, therefore, in my opinion, to determine upon some peculiar
+    reward, either to be advanced upon their entrance into the service, or
+    paid at their dismission from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I see, sir, no reason for hoping that all the encouragement which
+    can be offered, will raise volunteers in a sufficient number to secure
+    our navigation, and assert our sovereignty, it seems not proper to
+    confine our consultations to this part of the bill; for since compulsion
+    is on many occasions apparently necessary, some method requires to be
+    considered, in which it may be legal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What new power ought to be placed in the magistrate, for what time, and
+    with what restrictions, I am far from assuming the province of
+    determining; but that some measures must be taken for compelling those
+    who cannot be persuaded, and discovering those that will not offer
+    themselves, cannot admit of doubt; and as the magistrate is at present
+    without any authority for this purpose, it is evident that his power
+    must be extended, for the same reason as it was given in its present
+    degree&mdash;the general benefit of the whole community.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, if the
+    intent of this bill be to enable one part of the nation to enslave the
+    other; if the plausible and inviting professions of encouraging and
+    increasing seamen, are to terminate in violence, constraint, and
+    oppression; it is unnecessary to dwell longer upon particular clauses.
+    The intention of the bill is detestable, and deserves not the ceremony
+    of debate, or the forms of common regard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a man, sir, is liable to be forced from the care of his own private
+    affairs, from his favourite schemes of life, from the engagements of
+    domestick tenderness, or the prospects of near advantage, and subjected,
+    without his consent, to the command of one whom he hates, or dreads, or
+    perhaps despises, it requires no long argument to show, that by whatever
+    authority he is thus treated, he is reduced to the condition of a slave,
+    to that abject, to that hateful state, which every Englishman has been
+    taught to avoid at the hazard of his life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is therefore evident, that a law which tends to confer such a power,
+    subverts our constitution as far as its effects extend; a constitution,
+    which was originally formed as a barrier against slavery, and which one
+    age after another has endeavoured to strengthen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such a power, therefore, in whatever hands it may be lodged, I shall
+    always oppose. It is dangerous, sir, to intrust any man with absolute
+    dominion, which is seldom known to be impartially exercised, and which
+    often makes those corrupt, and insolent, whom it finds benevolent and
+    honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The bill proposes only encouragement, and encouragement may be given by
+    his majesty, without a new law; let us, therefore, draw up an address,
+    and cease to debate, where there is no prospect of agreement.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the payment of an annual salary
+    will, in my opinion, be to the last degree inconvenient and dangerous.
+    The yearly expense has been already estimated, and arises to a sum very
+    formidable in our present state. Nor is the necessity of adding to the
+    publick burden, a burden which already is hard to be borne, the only
+    objection to this proposal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing can more contribute to dispirit the nation, than to protract the
+    consequences of a war, and to make the calamity felt, when the pleasures
+    of victory and triumph have been forgotten; we shall be inclined rather
+    to bear oppression and insult than endeavour after redress, if we
+    subject ourselves and our posterity to endless exactions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expenses of the present provision for superannuated and disabled
+    sailors, is no inconsiderable tax upon the publick, which is not less
+    burdened by it for the manner of collecting it by a deduction from the
+    sailors' wages; for, whoever pays it immediately, it is the ultimate
+    gift of the nation, and the utmost that can be allowed for this purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It must be confessed, sir, the persons entitled to the pension are not
+    sufficiently distinguished in the bill; by which, as it now stands, any
+    of the worthless superfluities of a ship, even the servants of the
+    captains, may, after five years, put in their demand, and plunder that
+    nation which they never served.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think, sir, the efficacy of this method will bear any
+    proportion to the expense of it; for I am of opinion, that few of the
+    sailors will be much affected by the prospect of a future pension. I am,
+    therefore, for dazzling them with five pounds, to be given them at their
+    entrance, which will be but a single payment, and probably fill our
+    fleets with greater expedition, than methods which appear more refined,
+    and the effects of deeper meditation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:&mdash;Sir, nothing is more clear
+    than that a yearly pension will burden the nation, without any
+    advantage; and as it will give occasion to innumerable frauds, it is a
+    method which ought to be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As to the new power, sir, which is proposed to be placed in the hands of
+    the magistrates, it undoubtedly reduces every sailor to a state of
+    slavery, and is inconsistent with that natural right to liberty, which
+    is confirmed and secured by our constitution. The bill, therefore, is,
+    in my opinion, defective in all its parts, of a tendency generally
+    pernicious, and cannot be amended but by rejecting it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but think it
+    necessary, that on this occasion, at least, gentlemen should remit the
+    ardour of disputation, and lay the arts of rhetorick aside; that they
+    should reserve their wit and their satire for questions of less
+    importance, and unite, for once, their endeavours, that this affair may
+    meet with no obstructions but from its natural difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are now, sir, engaged in a war with a nation, if not of the first
+    rank in power, yet by no means contemptible in itself; and, by its
+    alliances, extremely formidable. We are exposed, by the course of our
+    trade, and the situation of our enemies, to many inevitable losses, and
+    have no means of preventing our merchants from being seized, without any
+    danger or expense to the Spaniards, but by covering the sea with our
+    squadrons.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are we, sir, to satisfy ourselves with barely defeating the designs
+    of the Spaniards; our honour demands that we should force them to peace
+    upon advantageous terms; that we should not repulse, but attack them;
+    not only preserve our own trade and possessions, but endanger theirs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is by no means certain, sir, that in the prosecution of these designs
+    we shall not be interrupted by the interest or jealousy of a nation far
+    more powerful, whose forces we ought, therefore, to be able to resist.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A vigorous exertion of our strength will probably either intimidate any
+    other power that may be inclined to attack us, or enable us to repel the
+    injuries that shall be offered: discord and delay can only confirm our
+    open enemies in their obstinacy, and animate those that have hitherto
+    concealed their malignity to declare against us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, in no degree prudent to aggravate the
+    inconveniencies of the measures proposed for accomplishing what every
+    man seems equally to desire; to declaim against the expedients offered
+    in the bill as pernicious, unjust, and oppressive, contributes very
+    little to the production of better means. That our affairs will not
+    admit of long suspense, and that the present methods of raising seamen
+    are not effectual, is universally allowed; it, therefore, evidently
+    follows, sir, that some other must be speedily struck out.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it necessary to propose, that the house be resolved into a
+    committee to-morrow morning; and hope all that shall assemble on this
+    occasion, will bring with them no other passion than zeal for their
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The speaker having taken the chair, the chairman of the committee
+    reported, that they had made some progress; and desiring leave to sit
+    again, it was resolved to go into the committee again on the morrow.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    MARCH 4, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-second day the affair was put off; but on the sixty-third,
+    the house resolving itself into a committee, a clause was offered, by
+    which five pounds were proposed to be advanced to an able seaman, and
+    three pounds to every other man that should enter voluntarily into his
+    majesty's service, after twenty days, and within sixty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    After which, Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, this is a clause in
+    which no opposition can be apprehended, as those gentlemen who declared
+    their disapprobation of the former, were almost unanimous in proposing
+    this expedient, as the least expensive, and the most likely to succeed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The time for the reception of volunteers upon this condition, is, sir,
+    in my opinion, judiciously determined. If it was extended to a greater
+    length, or left uncertain, the reward would lose its efficacy, the
+    sailors would neglect that which they might accept at any time, and
+    would only have recourse to the ships of war when they could find no
+    other employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet I cannot conceal my apprehensions, that this bounty will not alone
+    be sufficient to man our fleets with proper expedition; and that as
+    allurements may be useful on one hand, force will be found necessary on
+    the other; that the sailors may not only be incited to engage in the
+    service by the hopes of a reward, but by the fear of having their
+    negligence to accept it punished, by being compelled into the same
+    service, and forfeiting their claim by staying to be compelled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, to the reward
+    proposed in this clause, I have declared in the former conference on
+    this bill, that I have no objection, and, therefore, have no amendment
+    to propose, except with regard to the time limited for the payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As our need of seamen, sir, is immediate, why should not a law for their
+    encouragement immediately operate? What advantage can arise from
+    delays? Or why is not that proper to be advanced now, that will be
+    proper in twenty days? That all the time between the enaction and
+    operation of this law must be lost, is evident; for who will enter for
+    two pounds, that may gain five by withholding himself from the service
+    twenty days longer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think the time now limited sufficient; many sailors who are now
+    in the service of the merchants, may not return soon enough to lay claim
+    to the bounty, who would gladly accept it, and who will either not serve
+    the crown without it, or will serve with disgust and complaints; as the
+    loss of it cannot be imputed to their backwardness, but to an accident
+    against which they could not provide.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, though I think the time now fixed by the
+    bill sufficient, as I hope that our present exigency will be but of
+    short continuance, and that we shall soon be able to raise naval forces
+    at a cheaper rate, yet as the reasons alleged for an alteration of the
+    time may appear to others of more weight than to me, I shall not oppose
+    the amendment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD next rose, and said:&mdash;Sir, with regard to the duration
+    of the time fixed for the advancement of this bounty, we may have
+    leisure to deliberate; but surely it must be readily granted by those
+    who have expatiated so copiously upon the present exigencies of our
+    affairs, that it ought immediately to commence. And if this be the
+    general determination of the house, nothing can be more proper than to
+    address his majesty to offer, by proclamation, an advance of five
+    pounds, instead of two, which have been hitherto given; that while we
+    are concerting other measures for the advantage of our country, those in
+    which we have already concurred may be put in execution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY rose up next, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I take this
+    opportunity to lay before the house a grievance which very much retards
+    the equipment of our fleets, and which must be redressed before any
+    measures for reconciling the sailors to the publick service can be
+    pursued with the least probability of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Observation, sir, has informed me, that to remove the detestation of the
+    king's service, it is not necessary to raise the wages of the seamen; it
+    is necessary only to secure them; it is necessary to destroy those
+    hateful insects that fatten in idleness and debauchery upon the gains of
+    the industrious and honest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a sailor, sir, after the fatigues and hazards of a long voyage,
+    brings his ticket to the pay-office, and demands his wages, the
+    despicable wretch to whom he is obliged to apply, looks upon his ticket
+    with an air of importance, acknowledges his right, and demands a reward
+    for present payment; with this demand, however exorbitant, the
+    necessities of his family oblige him to comply.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this manner, sir, are the wives of the sailors also treated when they
+    come to receive the pay of their husbands; women, distressed,
+    friendless, and unsupported; they are obliged to endure every insult,
+    and to yield to every oppression. And to such a height do these
+    merciless exacters raise their extortions, that sometimes a third part
+    of the wages is deducted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, do the vilest, the meanest of mankind, plunder those who have
+    the highest claim to the esteem, the gratitude, and the protection of
+    their country. This is the hardship which withholds the sailors from our
+    navies, and forces them to seek for kinder treatment in other countries.
+    This hardship, sir, both justice and prudence call upon us to remedy;
+    and while we neglect it, all our deliberations will be ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL then spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, of the hardships
+    mentioned by the honourable gentleman who spoke last, I have myself
+    known an instance too remarkable not to be mentioned. A sailor in
+    Ireland, after his voyage, met with so much difficulty in obtaining his
+    wages, that he was at length reduced to the necessity of submitting to
+    the reduction of near a sixth part. Such are the grievances with which
+    those are oppressed, upon whom the power, security, and happiness of the
+    nation are acknowledged to depend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE, the prime minister, then rose, and spoke as
+    follows:&mdash;Sir, it is not without surprise that I hear the disgust of the
+    sailors ascribed to any irregularity in the payment of their wages,
+    which were never, in any former reign, so punctually discharged. They
+    receive, at present, twelve months' pay in eighteen months, without
+    deduction; so that there are never more than six months for which any
+    demand remains unsatisfied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, the punctuality of the payment has produced of late great
+    inconveniencies; for there has been frequently a necessity of removing
+    men from one ship to another; and it is the stated rule of the
+    pay-office, to assign every man so removed his full pay. These men, when
+    the government is no longer indebted to them, take the first opportunity
+    of deserting the service, and engaging in business to which they are
+    more inclined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not a chimerical complaint, founded upon rare instances, and
+    produced only to counterbalance an objection; the fact and the
+    consequences are well known; so well, that near fourteen hundred sailors
+    are computed to have been lost by this practice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRESIDENT of the commons, who always in a committee takes his seat
+    as another member, rose here, and spoke to the following effect, his
+    honour being paymaster of the navy:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, the nature of the
+    employment with which I am intrusted makes it my duty to endeavour that
+    this question may be clearly understood, and the condition of the
+    seamen, with regard to the reception of their pay, justly represented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have not been able to discover that any sailor, upon producing his
+    ticket, was ever obliged to submit to the deduction of any part of his
+    wages, nor should any clerk or officer under my inspection, escape, for
+    such oppression, the severest punishment and most publick censure: I
+    would give him up to the law without reserve, and mark him as infamous,
+    and unworthy of any trust or employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there are extortions, sir, by which those unhappy men, after having
+    served their country with honesty and courage, are deprived of their
+    lawful gains of diligence and labour. There are men to whom it is usual
+    amongst the sailors to mortgage their pay before it becomes due, who
+    never advance their money but upon such terms as cannot be mentioned
+    without indignation. These men advance the sum which is stipulated, and
+    by virtue of a letter of attorney are reimbursed at the pay-office.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This corruption is, I fear, not confined to particular places, but has
+    spread even to America, where, as in his own country, the poor sailor is
+    seduced, by the temptation of present money, to sell his labour to
+    extortioners and usurers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I appeal to the gentleman, whether the instance which he mentioned was
+    not of this kind. I appeal to him without apprehension of receiving an
+    answer that can tend to invalidate what I have asserted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is, indeed, a grievance pernicious and oppressive, which no
+    endeavours of mine shall be deficient in attempting to remove; for by
+    this the sailor is condemned, notwithstanding his industry and success,
+    to perpetual poverty, and to labour only for the benefit of his
+    plunderer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The clauses were then read, "empowering the justices of the peace, etc.
+    to issue warrants to the constables, etc. to make general privy
+    searches, by day or night, for finding out and securing such seamen and
+    seafaring men as lie hid or conceal themselves; and making it lawful for
+    the officers appointed to make such searches, to force open the doors of
+    any house, where they shall <i>suspect</i> such seamen to be concealed, if
+    entrance be not readily admitted; and for punishing those who shall
+    harbour or conceal any seaman."]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD upon this rose up, and spoke to the following
+    effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, we have been hitherto deliberating upon
+    questions, in which diversity of opinions might naturally be expected,
+    and in which every man might indulge his own opinion, whatever it might
+    be, without any dangerous consequences to the publick. But the clauses
+    now before us are of a different kind; clauses which cannot be read
+    without astonishment and indignation, nor defended without betraying the
+    liberty of the best, the bravest, and most useful of our
+    fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If these clauses, sir, should pass into a law, a sailor and a slave will
+    become terms of the same signification. Every man who has devoted
+    himself to the most useful profession, and most dangerous service of his
+    country, will see himself deprived of every advantage which he has
+    laboured to obtain, and made the mere passive property of those who live
+    in security by his valour, and owe to his labour that affluence which
+    hardens them to insensibility, and that pride that swells them to
+    ingratitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why must the sailors alone, sir, be marked out from all the other orders
+    of men for ignominy and misery? Why must they be ranked with the enemies
+    of society, stopped like vagabonds, and pursued like the thief and the
+    murderer by publick officers? How or when have they forfeited the common
+    privilege of human nature, or the general protection of the laws of
+    their country? If it is a just maxim, sir, that he who contributes most
+    to the welfare of the publick, deserves most to be protected in the
+    enjoyment of his private right or fortune; a principle which surely will
+    not be controverted; where is the man that dares stand forth and assert,
+    that he has juster claims than the brave, the honest, the diligent
+    sailor?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am extremely unwilling, sir, to engage in so invidious an undertaking
+    as the comparison of the harmless, inoffensive, resolute sailor, with
+    those who think themselves entitled to treat him with contempt, to
+    overlook his merit, invade his liberty, and laugh at his remonstrances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, sir, necessary to dwell upon the peculiar merit of this body
+    of men; it is sufficient that they have the same claims, founded upon
+    the same reasons with our own, that they have never forfeited them by
+    any crime, and, therefore, that they cannot be taken away without the
+    most flagrant violation of the laws of nature, of reason, and of our
+    country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us consider the present condition of a sailor, let us reflect a
+    little upon the calamities to which custom, though not law, has already
+    made him subject, and it will surely not be thought that his unhappiness
+    needs any aggravation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He is already exposed to be forced, upon his return from a tedious
+    voyage, into new hardships, without the intermission of a day, and
+    without the sight of his family; he is liable, after a contract for a
+    pleasing and gainful voyage, to be hurried away from his prospects of
+    interest, and condemned amidst oppression and insolence, to labour and
+    to danger, almost without the possibility of a recompense. He has
+    neither the privilege of choosing his commander, nor of leaving him when
+    he is defrauded and oppressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, sir, I say, are the calamities to which he is now subject, but
+    there is now a possibility of escaping them. He is not yet deprived of
+    the right of resistance, or the power of flight; he may now retire to
+    his friend, and be protected by him; he may take shelter in his own
+    cottage, and treat any man as a robber, that shall attempt to force his
+    doors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When any crews are returning home in time of war, they are acquainted
+    with the dangers of an impress, but they comfort themselves with
+    contriving stratagems to elude it, or with the prospect of obtaining an
+    exemption from it by the favour of their friends; prospects which are
+    often deceitful, and stratagems frequently defeated, but which yet
+    support their spirits, and animate their industry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if this bill, sir, should become a law, the sailor, instead of
+    amusing himself on his return with the prospects of ease, or of
+    pleasure, will consider his country as a place of slavery, a residence
+    less to be desired than any other part of the world. He will probably
+    seek, in the service of some foreign prince, a kinder treatment; and
+    will not fail, in any country but his own, to see himself, at least, on
+    a level with other men.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will this bill, sir, only give the seamen new reasons of disgust,
+    but it will tend, likewise, to aggravate those grievances, which already
+    have produced a detestation of the publick service, scarcely to be
+    conquered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The officers of the navy, sir, will hardly be made less insolent by an
+    increase of power; they whose tyranny has already alienated their
+    fellow-subjects from the king's service, though they could only depend
+    upon the character of probity and moderation for the prospect of manning
+    their ships in succeeding expeditions, will probably, when they are
+    animated by a law like this, and made absolute both by land and sea,
+    indulge themselves in the enjoyment of their new authority, contrive new
+    hardships and oppressions, and tyrannise without fear and without mercy.
+    Thus, sir, will the bill not only be tyrannical in itself, but the
+    parent of tyranny; it will give security to the cruel, and confidence to
+    the arrogant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any man, at least any man bred from his infancy to change his
+    residence, and accustomed to different climates and to foreign nations,
+    will fix by choice in that country where he finds the worst reception,
+    is hardly to be imagined. We see indeed, that men unqualified to support
+    themselves in other countries, or who have, by long custom, contracted a
+    fondness for particular methods of life, will bear very uncomfortable
+    circumstances, without endeavouring to improve their conditions by a
+    change of their habitations. But the temper of a sailor, acquainted with
+    all parts, and indifferent to all, is of another kind. Such, sir, is his
+    love of change, arising either from wantonness, or curiosity, that he is
+    hard to be retained by the kindest treatment and most liberal rewards;
+    and will, therefore, never struggle with his habitual dispositions, only
+    to continue in a state of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, therefore, sir, very evident that this new method of
+    <i>encouraging</i> sailors will be so far from <i>increasing</i> them, that it may
+    probably drive them out of the empire, and at once ruin our trade and
+    our navy; at once beggar and disarm us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let me now suppose, sir, for a moment, the bill less pernicious in its
+    consequences, and consider only the difficulties of executing it. Every
+    seafaring man is to be seized, at pleasure, by the magistrate; but what
+    definition is given of a seafaring man? Or by what characteristick is
+    the magistrate to distinguish him? I have never been able to discover
+    any peculiarities in the form of a seaman that mark him out from the
+    rest of the species. There is, indeed, less servility in his air, and
+    less effeminacy in his face, than in those that are commonly to be seen
+    in drawing-rooms, in brothels, and at reviews; but I know not that a
+    seaman can be distinguished from any other man of equal industry or use,
+    who has never enervated himself by vice, nor polished himself into
+    corruption. So that this bill, sir, if it shall pass into a law, will
+    put it at once in the power of the magistrate to dispose of seamen at
+    his pleasure, and to term whom he pleases a seaman.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another expedient, sir, has been offered on this occasion, not equally
+    tyrannical, but equally inadequate to the end in view. It is proposed to
+    restrain the merchants from giving wages beyond a certain rate, on the
+    supposition that the sailors have no motive but that of larger wages, to
+    prefer the service of the merchants to that of the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, sir, is a mistake which might easily arise from a partial and
+    imperfect knowledge of the affair, with which very few gentlemen have
+    opportunities of being well acquainted. The wages, sir, are the smallest
+    inducements which fix the seamen in their choice. The prospect of kinder
+    treatment, the certainty of returning home in a fixed time, and the
+    power of choosing what voyages they will undertake, cannot but be
+    acknowledged very reasonable motives of preference.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On the contrary, sir, when they are once engaged in a ship of war, they
+    know neither whither they are going, what dangers they shall encounter,
+    what hardships they shall suffer, nor when they shall be dismissed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Besides, sir, I do not think it possible by any law to limit the wages
+    to be paid by merchants, since they will change the term of wages into
+    that of a present, or admit the sailors to a small share in the freight,
+    and so all the precaution we can take will become ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, sir, how much shall we embarrass our own commerce, and
+    impair our natural strength&mdash;the power of our fleets? We shall terrify
+    our sailors on the one hand, and endeavour to starve them on the other;
+    we shall not only drive them from us by unheard-of severities, but take
+    away every motive that can induce them to expose themselves to the
+    danger of suffering them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, sir, with what effect methods nearly approaching these
+    were practised in the reign of the late queen, we shall find that not
+    more than one thousand five hundred seamen were raised, and those at the
+    expense of more than four thousand pounds; so that the effects bore no
+    proportion to the means; our laws were infringed, and our constitution
+    violated to no purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what reason, sir, can be assigned for which it must be more
+    difficult to supply the fleet now with sailors than at any other time?
+    This war, sir, was demanded by the publick voice, in pursuance of the
+    particular remonstrances of the merchants, and it is not to be supposed
+    that the sailors or any other body of men engage in it with a particular
+    reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, inclined to believe that the suspicion of great numbers
+    hid in the country, at a distance from the coast, is merely chimerical;
+    and that if we should pass this bill, we should do nothing more than
+    grant an oppressive and unconstitutional power of search for what, in
+    reality, is not to be found.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How oppressive this power may become in the hands of a corrupt or
+    insolent magistrate, any man may discover, who remembers that the
+    magistrate is made judge without appeal, of his own right to denominate
+    any man a sailor, and that he may break open any man's doors at any
+    time, without alleging any other reason than his own suspicion; so that
+    no man can secure his house from being searched, or, perhaps, his person
+    from being seized.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, indeed, be alleged, sir, that this will be only a temporary law,
+    and is to cease with the exigence that made it necessary: but long
+    experience has informed us, that severe laws are enacted more readily
+    than they are repealed; and that most men are too fond of power to
+    suffer willingly the diminution of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, though this law should not be perpetuated, every precedent of
+    an infringement of our constitution, makes way for its dissolution; and
+    the very cessation of an oppressive law, may be a plea, hereafter, for
+    the revival of it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This bill, therefore, must be confessed to be at once violent and
+    ineffectual; to be a transgression of the laws of justice to particular
+    men, without any prospect of real benefit to the community; and,
+    therefore, cannot be passed without deviating at once from prudence and
+    our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Captain CORNWALL then rose, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;I have observed,
+    sir, that every man is apt to think himself ill treated, who is not
+    treated according to his own opinion of his deserts, and will endeavour
+    to diffuse his own notion of the partiality and tyranny of the naval
+    officers; general clamours, therefore, are little to be regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have had, from my early years, a command in the sea service, and can
+    assert, that I never knew more than one instance of injustice, and that
+    was punished with the severity which it deserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRIME MINISTER rose next, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman,
+    it is with uncommon satisfaction that I see every clause of this bill
+    regularly debated, without unbecoming impatience, or passionate
+    exclamations. I am willing to collect from this conduct, that the
+    disposition of every gentleman is, on this occasion, the same with my
+    own; and that every expedient here proposed will be diligently examined,
+    and either be seriously approved, or be calmly rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such coolness and impartiality, sir, is certainly required by the
+    importance of the present question; a question which cannot but
+    influence the prosperity of the nation for many years.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not necessary to remind any gentleman of the importance of our
+    trade, of the power of the enemy against whom we have declared war in
+    defence of it, or of the necessity of showing the world that our
+    declarations of war are not empty noises, or farces of resentment. But
+    it may be proper, sir, to remark, that this is not the only enemy, nor
+    the most powerful, whose attempts we have reason to provide against, and
+    who may oblige us to exert our whole power, and practise every expedient
+    to increase our forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war has been, hitherto, prosecuted with the utmost vigour, with all
+    the attention that its importance requires, and with success not
+    disproportioned to our preparations; nor will it ever be suffered to
+    languish, if the powers necessary for carrying it on are not denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident, sir, than that the natural power of the nation
+    consists in its fleets, which are now, by the care of the government, so
+    numerous, that the united power of many nations cannot equal them. But
+    what are fleets unfurnished with men? How will they maintain the
+    dominion of the sea, by lying unactive in our harbours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no methods, hitherto used, have been sufficient to man our navies,
+    and that our preparations have, therefore, been little more than an
+    expensive show of war, the whole nation is sufficiently informed; it is,
+    therefore, not doubtful that some new measures must be taken; whether
+    any better can be suggested than are offered in this bill, must be
+    inquired.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the clause now under our consideration, it is to be
+    remembered, that little more is proposed by it, than to add the sanction
+    of legality to a power which has long been exercised by the admiralty,
+    without any other authority than that of long prescription, the power of
+    issuing warrants of impress upon emergent occasions, by which sailors
+    are forced into the publick service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This power, in its present state, must be allowed to have no foundation
+    in any law, and, by consequence, to be unlimited, arbitrary, and easily
+    abused, and, upon the whole, to be justifiable only by necessity: but
+    that necessity is so frequent, that it is often exercised, and,
+    therefore, ought to be regulated by the legislature; and by making such
+    regulations, we may rather be said to remove than introduce a grievance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of searching for sailors, however it has been represented, is
+    far from setting them on a level with felons, murderers, or vagabonds;
+    or, indeed, from distinguishing them, to their disadvantage, from the
+    rest of the community, of which every individual is obliged to support
+    the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those that possess estates, or carry on trades, transfer part of their
+    property to the publick; and those ought, by parity of reason, to serve
+    the publick in person, that have no property to transfer. Every man is
+    secured by the constitution in the enjoyment of his life, his liberty,
+    or his fortune; and, therefore, every man ought reciprocally to defend
+    the constitution to which he is himself indebted for safety and
+    protection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, sir, unable to discover in what consists the hardship
+    of a law by which no new duties are enjoined, nor any thing required,
+    which is not already every man's duty. Every man, indeed, who is
+    desirous of evading the performance of any of the duties of society,
+    will consider every compulsion as a hardship, by which he is obliged to
+    contribute to the general happiness; but his murmurs will prove nothing
+    but his own folly and ingratitude, and will certainly deserve no regard
+    from the legislative power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is in the bill before us, sir, encouragement sufficient for
+    volunteers, and an offer of greater rewards than some gentlemen think
+    consistent with the present state of the national revenues; and what
+    remains to be done with respect to those who are deaf to all
+    invitations, and blind to all offers of advantage? Are they to sit at
+    ease only because they are idle, or to be distinguished with indulgence
+    only for want of deserving it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems generally granted, sir, that such drones are the proper objects
+    of an impress. Let us then suppose that every man who is willing to
+    serve his country, has laid hold of the reward proposed, and entered a
+    volunteer. The fleets are not yet sufficiently manned, and more sailors
+    must be procured. Warrants are issued out in the common form. The
+    negligent, the imprudent, the necessitous, are taken. The vigilant, the
+    cunning, and those that have more money, find shelter and escape. Can it
+    be said, that those whose circumstances, or good fortune, enable them to
+    secure themselves from the officers of the impress, deserve any
+    exemption from the publick service, or from the hardships to which their
+    companions are exposed? Have they discharged their debt of gratitude to
+    the publick so effectually by running away from its service, that no
+    search ought to be made after them? It seems evident, that if it was
+    right to seize the one, it is likewise right to pursue the other; and if
+    it be right to pursue him, it is likewise right to hinder him from
+    escaping the pursuers. It is then right to vest some persons with the
+    power of apprehending him, and in whom is that power to be lodged, but
+    in the civil magistrate?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, sir, is obliged by compulsive methods to serve his country,
+    if he can be prevailed upon by no other. If any man shall refuse to pay
+    his rates or his taxes, will not his goods be seized by force, and sold
+    before his face? If any particular methods are proposed for obliging
+    seamen to contribute to the publick safety, it is only because their
+    service is necessary upon more pressing occasions than that of others;
+    upon occasions which do not admit of delay, without the hazard of the
+    whole community.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I must confess, sir, there are instances in which the hardships of the
+    seafaring part of the nation are peculiar, and truly calamitous. A
+    sailor, after the dangers and toils of a long voyage, when he is now in
+    the sight of the port, where he hopes to enjoy that quiet which he has
+    deserved by so long a series of fatigues, to repair the injuries which
+    his health has suffered, by change of climate, and the diet of the
+    ships, and to recover that strength which incessant vigilance has worn
+    away; when he is in expectation of being received by his family with
+    those caresses, which the succours that he brings them naturally
+    produce, and designs to rest awhile from danger and from care; in the
+    midst of these pleasing views, he is, on the sudden, seized by an
+    impress, and forced into a repetition of all his miseries, without any
+    interval of refreshment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let no man who can think without compassion on such a scene as this,
+    boast his zeal for freedom, his regard for bravery, or his gratitude to
+    those who contribute to the wealth and power of their country; let every
+    man who declares himself touched with the pity which the slightest
+    reflection upon such a disappointment must naturally produce, sincerely
+    endeavour to obviate the necessity of such oppressive measures, which
+    may, at least in part, be prevented, by assigning to magistrates the
+    power of hunting out of their retreats, those who neglect the business
+    of their callings, and linger at once in laziness and want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are great numbers who retire not from weariness but idleness, or
+    an unreasonable prepossession against the publick service; and, surely,
+    nothing is more unreasonable, than that bad dispositions should be
+    gratified, and that industry should expose any man to penalties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the whole, sir, I am not able to discover, that any man should be
+    exempted from an impress merely because he finds means to escape it, or
+    because idleness or disinclination to the publick service prompts him to
+    abscond.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any men deserve indulgence, in opposition to the demands of the
+    publick, they are rather those who have already, in some degree,
+    discharged their duty to it, by contributing to bring in that wealth
+    which is the consequence of a prosperous and well-regulated commerce,
+    and without which war cannot be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not without grief and regret, that I am obliged to represent, on
+    this occasion, the obstructions which the war has suffered from those at
+    whose request it was undertaken; and to declare, that the conduct of the
+    merchants, has afforded proof that some law of this tendency is
+    absolutely necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, who have so loudly complained of the decline of
+    trade, the interruption of navigation, and the insolence, rapacity, and
+    cruelty of the Spaniards; the merchants, who filled the nation with
+    representations of their hardships, discouragements, and miseries, and
+    lamented in the most publick manner, that they were the only body for
+    whom the legislature had no regard, who were abandoned to the caprice of
+    other nations, were plundered abroad, and neglected at home; the
+    merchants, after having at length by their importunities engaged the
+    state in a war, of which they have themselves certainly not the least
+    pretensions to question either the justice or necessity, now, when by
+    the natural consequences of a naval armament, sailors become less
+    numerous, and ships more difficult to be equipped, contract in private
+    with such sailors as they are inclined to employ, and conceal them in
+    garrets, hired for that purpose, till the freight is ready, or the
+    danger of an impress is past, and thus secure their own private affairs
+    at the hazard of the publick, and hinder the operations of a war, which
+    they, and they only, solicited.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The danger of having other enemies than the Spaniards, enemies, sir,
+    more active, more powerful, and more ambitious, has already been
+    mentioned; a danger so near, and so formidable, that he will not be
+    thought very solicitous for his country, whom the bare mention of it
+    does not alarm. This danger we are, therefore, to obviate by vigorous
+    preparations, and unanimous resolutions; nor do I doubt but both our
+    enemies, if they find us united, will repent of attacking us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the most efficacious method of manning our fleets, which law or
+    custom has yet put into our hands, is that of suspending our commerce by
+    an embargo; and yet the whole nation knows how much, and by what means,
+    it has been eluded: no sooner was it known that an embargo was laid,
+    than the sailors flew away into the country, or hid themselves in
+    corners of this great city, as from the most formidable danger; and no
+    sooner did the embargo cease, than the banks of the river were again
+    crowded with sailors, and all the trading vessels were immediately
+    supplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As I cannot doubt, sir, that every gentleman is equally zealous for the
+    success of the war, and the prosperity of his country; and as the
+    insufficiency of the present methods of providing for them is apparent,
+    I hope, that either the regulations proposed by this bill, to which I
+    see no important objections, or some other of equal use, will be
+    established by a general concurrence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke next:&mdash;Though no gentleman in this assembly, sir,
+    can more ardently wish the success of the British arms, or shall more
+    willingly concur in any measure that may promote it, yet I cannot agree
+    to the clause now under our consideration; I disapprove it both from
+    moral and political motives; I disapprove it as neither just nor
+    prudent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The injustice of so flagrant an invasion of the liberty of particular
+    men has been already exposed; nor is it, in my opinion, less easy to
+    discover the imprudence of exhausting all our supplies at once, and
+    sweeping away all our sailors, to supply a single exigency.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has often been remarked, sir, in favour of a standing army, that it
+    is requisite to have a number of regular forces, who, though too weak to
+    oppose an invasion, might be able to establish discipline in a larger
+    body. An observation which may, with much greater justness, be applied
+    to the seamen, whose art is much more difficult to be attained, and who
+    are equally necessary in war and peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our stock of seamen, sir, be destroyed, if there is not left in our
+    trading vessels a sufficient number of experienced artists to initiate
+    novices, and propagate the profession, not only our ships of war must
+    lie useless, but our commerce sink to nothing.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have I reason to believe the naval power of France so formidable, as
+    that we ought to be terrified by the apprehensions of it into any
+    extraordinary methods of procedure. I am informed that they have now
+    very few ships of force left in their harbours; and that they have
+    exerted their whole strength in the American fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not, therefore, sir, for providing against present dangers, without
+    regard to our future security; and think nothing more worthy of the
+    consideration of this assembly, than the means of encouraging and
+    increasing our seamen, which will not be effected by the bill before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Land forces may be hired upon emergencies; but sailors are our own
+    peculiar strength, and the growth of our own soil; we are, therefore,
+    above all other regards, to attend, if I may use the term, to the
+    preservation of the species.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER next spoke:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, as there can be no stronger
+    objection to any law than ambiguity, or indeterminate latitude of
+    meaning, I think it necessary to propose, that some word of known and
+    limited import, be substituted in the place of <i>seafaring men</i>; an
+    expression which, if I was asked the meaning of it, I should find it
+    difficult to explain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Are <i>seafaring</i> men those only who navigate in the <i>sea</i>? The term is
+    then superfluous, for all such are evidently comprised in the word
+    <i>seamen</i>. Are they bargemen or watermen, who ply on rivers and transport
+    provision or commodities from one inland town to another? In that sense
+    nobody will affirm that it is a proper word; and impropriety in the
+    expression of laws, produces uncertainty in the execution of them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Captain CORNWALL rose up:&mdash;Sir, the term <i>seafaring men</i>, of which an
+    explication is desired, is intended to include all those who live by
+    conveying goods or passengers upon the water, whether the sea or inland
+    rivers: nor can we restrain it to a narrower sense, without exempting
+    from the publick service great numbers, whose manner of life has
+    qualified them for it, and from whom their country may, with equal
+    justice, expect assistance, as from those who are engaged in foreign
+    traffick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER replied:&mdash;Sir, I am far from concurring with the honourable
+    gentleman in his opinion, that the inland watermen are, by their
+    profession, in any degree qualified for sea service, or can properly be
+    called <i>seafaring men</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All qualifications for the service must consist either in some knowledge
+    of the arts of navigation, or in some familiarity with the dangers of
+    the sea. With regard to any previous knowledge of naval business, it is
+    well known that they have no advantage over any common labourer; for the
+    manner of navigating a ship and a barge have, for the most part, nothing
+    in common.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are these watermen, sir, more able to stand firm in the terrours of
+    the storm, or the noise of a battle, than those who follow any other
+    occupation. Many of them never saw the sea, nor have less dread of its
+    danger than the other inhabitants of the inland counties. They are,
+    therefore, neither <i>seafaring</i> men, nor peculiarly capable of being made
+    <i>seamen</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the hardship upon particular men is not the strongest objection to
+    this clause, which, by obstructing our inland navigation, may make our
+    rivers useless, and set the whole trade of the nation at a stand. For
+    who will bring up his son a waterman, who knows him exposed by that
+    profession to be impressed for a seaman?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, necessary, sir, either to omit the term <i>seafaring
+    men</i> [Footnote: Agreed to be omitted.], or to explain it in such a
+    manner, that inland watermen may not be included.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke next:&mdash;Sir, so much has been urged against the
+    compulsive methods proposed in this clause, and so little produced in
+    favour of them, that it may seem superfluous to add any thing, or to
+    endeavour, by a multiplicity of arguments, to prove what common reason
+    must immediately discover. But there is one consequence of this clause
+    which has not yet been observed, and which is yet too important not to
+    be obviated by a particular proviso.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, that many of those to whom this act will extend,
+    are freeholders and voters, for electing the representatives of the
+    nation; and it is therefore apparent, that elections may be influenced
+    by an ill-timed or partial execution of it. How easy will it be, when an
+    election approaches, to raise a false alarm, to propose some secret
+    expedition, or threaten us with an invasion from some unknown country,
+    and to seize on all the seafaring voters whose affections are suspected,
+    and confine them at Spithead till the contest is over.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, sir, but think it necessary, that if this clause be
+    suffered to pass, some part of its hateful consequences should be
+    prevented by an exception in favour of freeholders and voters, which,
+    surely, is no less than what every man owes to his own security, to the
+    welfare of his country, and to those by whom he has been honoured with
+    the care of their liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM then said, as follows:&mdash;Sir, I do not rise in
+    opposition to the proposal made by that right honourable member, nor do
+    I think this the proper time either for opposing or approving it. Method
+    is of the highest importance in inquiries like these; and if the order
+    of the debate be interrupted by foreign questions, or incidental
+    objections, no man will be able to consider the clauses before us with
+    the attention necessary to his own satisfaction, or to the conviction of
+    others; the mind will be dissipated by a multiplicity of views, and
+    nothing can follow but perplexity and confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The great end, sir, for which we are now assembled, is to strike out
+    methods of manning the fleet with expedition and certainty. It is,
+    therefore, proper, in the first place, to agree upon some general
+    measures, to each of which there may, undoubtedly, be particular
+    objections raised, that may be afterwards removed by exceptions or
+    provisions; but these provisions should, for the sake of order, be
+    inserted in particular clauses, to be separately considered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of this kind is the exception now offered, to which I have no objection
+    but its present impropriety, and the interruption of the debate which it
+    may now occasion; for I see, at present, no reason against admitting it
+    in a particular clause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When it is considered how much the success of the war may depend upon
+    the determinations of this day, and how much our future happiness and
+    security may depend upon the success of our present undertakings, I hope
+    my solicitude for regularity and expedition will be easily excused.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Hind COTTON answered:&mdash;I am not able, sir, to discover any imminent
+    danger to the nation in suspending our attention to the clause before
+    us, for a few moments; nor, indeed, do we cease to attend to it, while
+    we are endeavouring to mollify it, and adapt it to our constitution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The exception proposed is, in the opinion of the honourable gentleman,
+    so reasonable, that he declares himself ready to approve it in another
+    place; and, to me, no place seems more proper of its making part of this
+    bill than this. As a connexion between the clause and exception appears
+    necessary and immediate, I cannot see why it should be postponed, unless
+    it is hoped that it may be forgotten.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY then spoke:&mdash;Sir, that this exception should be forgotten
+    there is no danger; for how long soever it be delayed, I will never
+    agree to the act till I see it inserted. If we suffer the liberty of the
+    freeholders to be infringed, what can we expect but to be charged with
+    betraying our trust, and giving up to servitude and oppression those who
+    deputed us to this assembly, as the guardians of their privileges, and
+    the asserters of their birthright; a charge too just to be denied, and
+    too atrocious to be borne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the right of a freeholder is independent on every other
+    circumstance, and is neither made more or less by wealth or poverty: the
+    estate, however small, which gives a right of voting, ought to exempt
+    the owner from every restraint that may hinder the exertion of his
+    right; a right on which our constitution is founded, and which cannot be
+    taken away without subverting our whole establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To overlook the distinctions which the fundamental laws of our country
+    have made in respect to different orders of men, and to regard only the
+    accidents of affluence and necessity, is surely unjust in itself, and
+    unworthy of this assembly; an assembly, sir, instituted principally to
+    protect the weak against the strong, and deputed to represent those, in
+    a collective state, who are not considerable enough to appear singly,
+    and claim a voice in the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To expose an honest, a laborious, and an useful man, to be seized by the
+    hands of an insolent officer, and dragged from the enjoyment of his
+    right, only because he will not violate his conscience, and add his
+    voice to those of sycophants, dependents, and prostitutes, the slaves of
+    power, the drudges of a court, and the hirelings of a faction, is the
+    highest degree of injustice and cruelty. Let us rather, sir, sweep away,
+    with an impress, the drones of large fortunes, the tyrants of villages,
+    and the oppressors of the poor; let us oblige those to serve their
+    country by force, whose fortunes have had no other effect than to make
+    them insolent and worthless; but let such who, by contributing to
+    commerce, make every day some addition to the publick wealth, be left in
+    the full enjoyment of the rights which they deserve: let those, by whose
+    labour the expenses of the war are furnished, be excused from
+    contributing to it by personal service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, to have our laws established by the
+    representatives of the people; it is necessary that those
+    representatives should be freely elected; and, therefore, every law that
+    obstructs the liberty of voters, is contrary to the fundamental laws of
+    our constitution; and what multitudes may, by this law, be either
+    hindered from giving their votes, or be terrified into such a choice as
+    by no means corresponds with their judgments or inclinations, it is easy
+    to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, indeed, of opinion, sir, that this clause cannot be adapted to our
+    constitution, nor modified, by any expedient, into a law, which will not
+    lay insupportable hardships upon the nation, and make way for absolute
+    power. But as it is necessary that a constant supply of seamen should be
+    provided, I think it not improper to observe, that there is one
+    expedient yet remaining, by which, though it will not much assist us in
+    our present exigence, the fleets of this nation may hereafter be
+    constantly supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have, at present, great numbers of charity schools established in
+    this nation, where the children of the poor receive an education
+    disproportioned to their birth. This has often no other consequences
+    than to make them unfit for their stations, by placing them, in their
+    own opinion, above the drudgery of daily labour; a notion which is too
+    much indulged, as idleness, cooperating with vanity, can hardly fail to
+    gain the ascendant, and which sometimes prompts them to support
+    themselves by practices not only useless, but pernicious to society.
+    This evil, sir, cannot be better obviated than by allotting a reasonable
+    proportion out of every school to the service of the sea, in which, by
+    entering early, they cannot fail to become proficients; and where their
+    attainments, which, at present, too frequently produce laziness and
+    dishonesty, might enable them to excel, and entitle them to promotion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the confidence with which
+    some gentlemen have proposed this amendment, and the easiness with which
+    others have consented to it, I declare, without hesitation, that I
+    oppose it now, and intend to oppose it whenever it shall be offered,
+    because it will defeat all the other provisions which shall be made in
+    the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I will venture to say, sir, that if every man, who has, by whatever
+    tenure, the right of voting, shall be exempted from the necessity of
+    contributing to the publick safety by his personal service, every man
+    qualified for the sea will by some means acquire a vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, a very small part of those who give their votes in this nation for
+    representatives in senate, enjoy that right as the appendage of a
+    freehold; to live in some towns, and to be born only in others, gives
+    the unalienable privilege of voting. Any gentleman, to secure his own
+    interest, or obstruct the publick service, may, by dividing a small
+    piece of barren ground among a hundred sailors, exalt them all to
+    freeholders, and exempt them from the influence of this law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    However, sir, I am not less a friend to the freeholders than those who
+    propose the exception in their favour, but, in my opinion, the great
+    interest of the freeholders is the preservation of their freeholds,
+    which can only be secured by a vigorous exertion of the power of the
+    nation, in the war which is now declared against the Spaniards.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BARRINGTON spoke next:&mdash;Sir, by the observations which I have
+    opportunities of making at the place which I have the honour to
+    represent, I am convinced of the influence that this law will have upon
+    all the boroughs along the coasts. There, most of the voters are, in one
+    sense or other, sir, seafaring men, being, almost all of them, owners of
+    vessels, and in some degree acquainted with navigation; they may,
+    therefore, be hurried away at the choice of an officious or oppressive
+    magistrate, who may, by partiality and injustice, obtain a majority,
+    contrary to the general inclination of the people, and determine the
+    election by his own authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then said:&mdash;Sir, if every freeholder and voter is to
+    be exempted from the influence of the law, the bill that we are with so
+    much ardour endeavouring to draw up and rectify, and of which the
+    necessity is so generally acknowledged, will be no other than an empty
+    sound, and a determination without an object; for while we are
+    empowering the government to call seamen into the service, we are
+    exempting almost all that are able to serve from the denomination of
+    seamen: what is this but to dispute without a subject? to raise with one
+    hand and demolish with the other?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the western parts of the nation, sir, where I reside, many who vote
+    at elections claim their privilege by no other title than that of
+    boiling a pot; a title which he who has it not, may easily obtain, when
+    it will either gratify his laziness or his cowardice, and which, though
+    not occasionally obtained, seems not sufficient to set any man out of
+    the reach of a just and necessary law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, sir, undoubtedly requisite that the terms of the
+    exception should be explicit and definitive, and that only those should
+    be exempted who have such possessions or qualifications as this assembly
+    shall think a just title to exemption. For on the western coast, from
+    whence great supplies may be expected, almost every sailor has a vote,
+    to which nothing is there required but to hire a lodging, and boil a
+    pot; after which, if this exception be admitted in all its latitude, he
+    may sit at ease amidst the distresses of his country, ridicule the law
+    which he has eluded, and set the magistrate at open defiance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The PRIME MINISTER spoke next:&mdash;As I think, Sir, some exception may be
+    just and proper, so I suppose every gentleman will concur with me in
+    rejecting one of such extent as shall leave no object for the operation
+    of the law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, in my opinion, proper to restrain the exemption to those
+    freeholders who are possessed of such an estate as gives a vote for the
+    representative of the county, by which those whose privilege arises from
+    their property will be secured; and it seems reasonable that those who
+    have privileges without property, should purchase them by their
+    services.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Counsellor BROWN spoke next:&mdash;Sir, the exception proposed will not only
+    defeat the end of the bill, by leaving it few objects, but will obstruct
+    the execution of it on proper occasions, and involve the magistrate in
+    difficulties which will either intimidate him in the exertion of his
+    authority, or, if he persists in discharging his duty with firmness and
+    spirit, will perhaps oblige him sometimes to repent of his fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is the necessary consequence, sir, of a seaman's profession, that he
+    is often at a great distance from the place of his legal settlement, or
+    patrimonial possessions; and he may, therefore, assert of his own
+    circumstances what is most convenient, without danger of detection.
+    Distance is a security that prompts many men to falsehoods, by which
+    only vanity is gratified; and few men will tell truth in opposition to
+    their interest, when they may lie without apprehension of being
+    convicted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, a magistrate receives directions to impress all the
+    seamen within his district, how few will he find who will not declare
+    themselves freeholders in some distant county, or freemen of some
+    obscure borough. It is to no purpose, sir, that the magistrate
+    disbelieves what he cannot confute; and if in one instance in a hundred
+    he should be mistaken, and, acting in consequence of his errour, force a
+    freeman into the service, what reparation may not be demanded?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I, therefore, propose it to the consideration of the committee, whether
+    any man ought to claim exemption from this law by a title, that may so
+    readily be procured, or so safely usurped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next:&mdash;Sir, the practice of impressing, which
+    has been declaimed against with such vehement exaggerations, is not only
+    founded on immemorial custom, which makes it part of the common law, but
+    is likewise established by our statutes; for I remember to have found it
+    in the statutes of queen Mary, and therefore cannot allow that it ought
+    to be treated as illegal, and anti-constitutional.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is not inconsistent with our constitution may be proved from the
+    practice of erecting the royal standard, upon great emergencies, to
+    which every man was obliged immediately to repair; this practice is as
+    old as our constitution, and as it may be revived at pleasure, may be
+    properly mentioned as equivalent to an impress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER answered:&mdash;This word, sir, which the learned member has by his
+    wonderful diligence discovered in the statutes, may perhaps be there,
+    but in a signification far different from that which it bears at
+    present. The word was, without doubt, originally French, <i>prêt</i>, and
+    implied what is now expressed by the term <i>ready</i>; and to impress any
+    man was in those days only to make him <i>ready</i>, or engage him to hold
+    himself in <i>readiness</i>, which was brought about not by compulsion,
+    pursuit, and violence, but by the allurements of a pecuniary reward, or
+    the obligation of some ancient tenure.
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 9, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    On the sixty-sixth day, the consideration of the bill for raising seamen
+    was resumed, and a clause read, by which every constable, headborough,
+    tithingman, or other person, was liable to be examined upon oath by the
+    justices of peace, who were empowered to lay a fine upon them for any
+    neglect, offence, or connivance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Mr.
+    Chairman, it is the peculiar happiness of the Britons, that no law can
+    be made without the consent of their representatives, and I hope no such
+    infatuation can ever fall upon them as may influence them to choose a
+    representative capable of concurring in absurdities like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The folly, the iniquity, the stupidity of this clause, can only be
+    conceived by hearing it repeated; it is too flagrant to be extenuated,
+    and too gross to admit exaggerations: to oblige a man to make oath
+    against himself, to subject himself by his own voice to penalties and
+    hardships, is at once cruel and ridiculous, a wild complication of
+    tyranny and folly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To call upon any man to accuse himself, is only to call upon him to
+    commit perjury, and has therefore been always accounted irrational and
+    wicked: in those countries where it is practised, the confession is
+    extorted by the rack, which indeed is so necessary on such occasions,
+    that I should not wonder to hear the promoters of this clause openly
+    declaring for the expediency of tortures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident than that this bill, however the importance of
+    the occasion may be magnified, was drawn up without reflection, and that
+    the clauses were never understood by those that offered them: errours
+    like these must arise only from precipitation and neglect, for they are
+    too gross to be committed either by ignorance or design.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To expose such absurdities is, indeed, easy, but not pleasing; for what
+    end is answered by pointing at folly, or how is the publick service
+    advanced by showing that the methods proposed are totally to be
+    rejected? Where a proposition is of a mixed kind, and only erroneous in
+    part, it is an useful and no disagreeable task to separate truth from
+    errour, and disentangle from ill consequences such measures as may be
+    pursued with advantage to the publick; but mere stupidity can only
+    produce compassion, and afford no opportunities for inquiry or dispute.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER replied:&mdash;Sir, this clause, however contemptuously
+    treated, has been already passed into a law by a senate which brought no
+    dishonour upon the British nation, by a senate which was courted and
+    dreaded by the greatest part of the universe, and was drawn up by a
+    ministry that have given their posterity no reason to treat them with
+    derision and contumely.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of the late great queen, this method of proceeding was
+    approved and established, and we may judge of the propriety of the
+    measures followed in that war by the success which they procured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, therefore, by whom this bill was drawn up have committed no new
+    absurdities, nor have proposed any thing which was not enacted by the
+    wisest of our predecessors, in one of the most illustrious periods of
+    our history.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GYBBON answered:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking a proposition
+    sufficiently defended by an assertion that it was admitted by our
+    predecessors; for though I have no inclination to vilify their memory, I
+    may without scruple affirm, that they had no pretensions to
+    infallibility, and that there are in many of our statutes instances of
+    such ignorance, credulity, weakness, and errour, as cannot be considered
+    without astonishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In questions of an abstruse and complicated nature, it is certain, sir,
+    that experience has taught us what could never have been discovered
+    previously by the wisdom of our ancestors; and we have found, by their
+    consequences, the impropriety of many practices which they approved, and
+    which we should have equally applauded in the same circumstances.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to what purpose is observation, if we must shut our eyes against it,
+    and appeal for ever to the wisdom of our ancestors?&mdash;if we must fall
+    into errour, merely because they were mistaken, and rush upon rocks out
+    of veneration to those who were wrecked against them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In questions easily to be examined, and determinations which comprised
+    no perplexing contrarieties of interest, or multiplicity of
+    circumstances, they were equally liable with ourselves to be supine and
+    negligent, to sink into security, or be surprised by haste. That the
+    clause now before us was enacted by them, must be ascribed merely to the
+    hurry of the session in which it was brought before them; a time in
+    which so many inquiries of the highest importance were to be made, and
+    great diversity of views to be regarded, that it is no wonder that some
+    absurdities should escape without detection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the fourth of the reign of the queen, this bill was brought in, as
+    now, at the latter end of a session, when the attention of the senate
+    was fatigued and distracted; and it was hurried through both houses, and
+    ratified by the queen, with very little consideration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But then, as this circumstance may be justly termed an extenuation of
+    their errour, it ought to be a lesson of caution to us, that we may not
+    be, in the like manner, betrayed into the same weakness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up:&mdash;Sir, the conduct of our predecessors
+    seems not to stand in need of any excuse; for it might be easy to
+    vindicate it by arguments, but that it is more proper to approve it by
+    imitation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whenever the bill was passed, or how hastily soever the law was enacted,
+    it was, I believe, rather the effect of necessity than of inadvertency;
+    of the same necessity which now presses, and which is very ill consulted
+    by tedious debates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were then involved in a war, and were not so distracted by private
+    interests as not to unite in the most vigorous opposition of their
+    enemies. They knew that the publick good is often promoted by the
+    temporary inconveniencies of individuals; and when affairs of the
+    highest importance demanded their attention, when the security of the
+    whole nation and the happiness of their posterity were the subject of
+    their inquiries, they wisely suffered less considerations to pass,
+    without superfluous and unseasonable solicitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How justly they reasoned, sir, and what vigour their resolutions gave to
+    the military operations, our victories are a sufficient proof: and if
+    experience be the surest guide, it cannot be improper to imitate those
+    who, in the same circumstances with ourselves, found means to raise the
+    honour, and improve the commerce of their country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our circumstances are the same with those of the senate by which
+    this law was made, is obvious beyond dispute; or where they vary, the
+    difference is, perhaps, to our disadvantage. We have, sir, the same
+    enemies, or, at least, have reason to apprehend the same; but have
+    little hope of the same allies. The present war is to be carried on at a
+    greater distance, and in more places at the same instant; we cannot,
+    therefore, supply our ships occasionally, but must raise great numbers
+    in a short time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it was then concluded, that the method under our
+    examination was useful; if measures, not eligible in themselves, may be
+    authorized by necessity, why may not we, in compliance with the same
+    exigencies, have recourse to the same expedients?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE then spoke:&mdash;Sir, how much weight is added to the
+    determinations of the senate, by the dignity of their procedure, and the
+    decency of their disputations, a slight knowledge of mankind is
+    sufficient to evince. It is well known that government is supported by
+    opinion; and that he who destroys the reputation, destroys the authority
+    of the legislative power. Nor is it less apparent, that he who degrades
+    debate into scurrility, and destroys the solemnity of consultation,
+    endeavours to sink the senate into contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was, therefore, sir, with indignation and surprise, that I heard the
+    clause before us censured with such indecency of language, and the
+    authors of it treated with contumelies and reproaches that mere errour
+    does not deserve, however apparent, but which were now vented before any
+    errour was detected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, sir, why the gentlemen, who are thus indecently attacked,
+    have suffered such reproaches without censure, and without reply. I know
+    not why they have omitted to put the honourable gentleman in mind of the
+    respect due to this assembly, or to the characters of those whom he
+    opposes; gentlemen equally skilled with himself in the subject of our
+    inquiries, and whom his own attainments, however large, or his
+    abilities, however comprehensive, cannot give him a right to charge with
+    ignorance or folly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To reproach men with incapacity, is a cheap method of answering their
+    arguments; but a method which the rules of this house ought to exclude
+    from our debates, as the general civility of the world has banished it
+    from every other place of concourse or conversation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I, for my part, sir, shall always endeavour to confine my attention to
+    the question before us, without suffering my reason to be biassed, or my
+    inquiries diverted by low altercations, or personal animosities; nor
+    when any other man deviates into reproachful and contemptuous language,
+    shall I be induced to think more highly of either his arguments or
+    capacity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD replied:&mdash;Sir, I have always heard it represented as an
+    instance of integrity, when the tongue and heart move in concert, when
+    the words are representations of the sentiments; and have, therefore,
+    hitherto, endeavoured to explain my arguments with perspicuity, and
+    impress my sentiments with force; I have thought it hypocrisy to treat
+    stupidity with reverence, or to honour nonsense with the ceremony of a
+    confutation. As knavery, so folly, that is not reclaimable, is to be
+    speedily despatched; business is to be freed from obstruction, and
+    society from a nuisance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, when I am censured by those whom I may offend, by the use of
+    terms correspondent with my ideas, will I, by a tame and silent
+    submission, give reason to suspect that I am conscious of a fault, but
+    will treat the accusation with open contempt, and show no greater regard
+    to the abettors, than to the authors of absurdity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That decency is of great use in publick debates, I shall readily allow;
+    it may sometimes shelter folly from ridicule, and preserve villany from
+    publick detection; nor is it ever more carefully supported, than when
+    measures are promoted that nothing can preserve from contempt, but the
+    solemnity with which they are established.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Decency is a proper circumstance; but liberty is the essence of
+    senatorial disquisitions: liberty is the parent of truth; but truth and
+    decency are sometimes at variance: all men and all propositions are to
+    be treated here as they deserve; and there are many who have no claim
+    either to respect or decency.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON then rose:&mdash;Sir, that it is improper in its own nature,
+    and inconsistent with our constitution, to lay any man under an
+    obligation to accuse himself, cannot be denied; it is, therefore,
+    evident, that some amendment is necessary to the clause before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, for this reason, drawn up an amendment, sir, which, if approved
+    by the committee, will, in my opinion, remove all the objections to this
+    part of the bill, and, by reconciling it with our natural and legal
+    rights, I hope, induce those to approve it, who have hitherto opposed
+    it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore propose, that these words should be substituted instead of
+    those which are the subject of the debate; or some other to this
+    purpose: <i>That no person shall be liable to be fined by virtue of this
+    act, unless a witness, being examined, shall make oath of the
+    misdemeanour or neglect</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the necessity of examining men upon oath in their own cause will be
+    entirely taken away; and, as the clause will then stand, there will
+    remain no suspicion of injustice, or oppression, because none can be
+    practised without the concurrence of many persons of different
+    interests.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [This clause, though agreed to in the committee, was at last rejected.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Mr. Chairman, it does
+    not yet appear that the gentlemen who have engaged in this debate, have
+    sufficiently attended to the exigence of our affairs, and the importance
+    of the question. They have lavished their oratory in declaiming upon the
+    absurdity of the methods proposed, and discovered their sagacity, by
+    showing how future navies may be supplied from charity schools, but have
+    substituted no expedients in the place of those which they so warmly
+    condemn, nor have condescended to inform us, how we may now guard our
+    coasts, or man our fleets for immediate service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some circumstances, sir, of the present war, which make our
+    necessity of raising sea forces greater than in those of William, and
+    Anne that succeeded him. The chief advantages that we gained over the
+    French, in their wars, were the consequences of our victories by land.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At sea, sir, the balance was almost equal, though the Dutch fleet and
+    ours were united; nor did they quit the sea because their fleets were
+    destroyed, but because they were obliged to recruit their land forces
+    with their sailors. Should they now declare war against us, they would
+    be under no such necessity of defrauding the sea service, for they have
+    now on foot an army of one hundred and sixty thousand men, which are
+    maintained at no greater expense than forty thousand, by the British
+    government; as they are, therefore, sir, so formidable by land, we have
+    no way of opposing them but by our sea forces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is their navy so contemptible as some have, either by conjecture or
+    misinformation, represented it. The fleet which they have despatched to
+    America, consists not of fewer than twenty ships, of which the least
+    carry sixty guns, and they are fitting out now an equal number in their
+    own ports; besides, their East India company is obliged to furnish ten
+    ships of the line, at the demand of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus it appears that we have neighbours sufficiently powerful to alarm
+    us with the sense of immediate danger; danger which is made more
+    imminent by the expeditious methods by which the French man their
+    fleets, and which we must imitate if we hope to oppose them with
+    success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I need not say how little we can depend upon any professions of
+    neutrality, which will be best observed when they cannot be securely
+    violated; or upon the pacifick inclination of their minister, which
+    interest, persuasion, or caprice, may alter, and to which it is not very
+    honourable to trust for safety. How can that nation sink lower, which is
+    only free because it is not invaded by its neighbours; and retains its
+    possessions, only because no other has leisure or inclination to take
+    them away?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be asked, what can provoke the French to interrupt us in the
+    prosecution of our designs, and in the punishment of those who have
+    plundered and insulted us, it is not only easy to urge the strict
+    alliance between the two crowns, the ties of blood, the conformity of
+    interests, and their equal hatred of the Britons, but another more
+    immediate reason may be added. It is suspected, that under pretence of
+    vindicating our own rights, we are endeavouring to gain the possession
+    of the Spanish dominions, and engross the wealth of the new world; and
+    that, therefore, it is the interest of every power, whose subjects
+    traffick to those countries, to oppose us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, whether we succeed or fail in our attempts upon America, we have
+    the French power to apprehend. If we make conquests, they may, probably,
+    think it necessary to obviate the torrent of our victories, and to
+    hinder the increase of our dominions, that they may secure their own
+    trade, and maintain their own influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we should be defeated, of which no man, sir, can deny the
+    possibility, the inclination of all to insult the depressed, and to push
+    down the falling, is well known; nor can it be expected that our
+    hereditary enemies would neglect so fair an opportunity of attacking us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How they might ravage our coasts, and obstruct our trade; how they might
+    triumph in the Channel, and block us up in our own ports, bombard our
+    towns, and threaten us with invasions, I hope I need but barely mention,
+    to incite this assembly to such despatch in manning our fleets, as may
+    secure us at once from insults and from terrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, undoubtedly, sir, in our power to raise a naval force sufficient
+    to awe the ocean, and restrain the most daring of our enemies from any
+    attempts against us; but this cannot be effected by harangues,
+    objections, and disputations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is nothing, sir, more frequently the subject of raillery or
+    declamation, than the uselessness or danger of a standing army, to which
+    I declare myself no otherwise inclined than by my concern for the common
+    safety; I willingly allow that not one soldier ought to be supported by
+    the publick, whose service is not necessary; but surely none of those
+    who declare so warmly for the honour and privileges of their country,
+    would expose it to the insults of foreign powers, without defence. If,
+    therefore, they think the danger of land forces more than equivalent to
+    the benefit, they ought unanimously to concur in the increase of our
+    naval strength, by which they may be protected, but cannot be oppressed:
+    they ought willingly to give their assistance to any propositions for
+    making the fleet, formidable, that their declarations against the army
+    may not be thought to proceed from a resolution to obstruct the measures
+    of the government, rather than from zeal for the constitution. For he
+    that equally opposes the establishment of the army, and the improvement
+    of the navy, declares in effect against the security of the nation; and
+    though, perhaps, without design, exposes his countrymen to the mercy of
+    their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next:&mdash;Sir, I cannot discover for what reason the
+    bill before us is so vigorously supported, but must observe, that I have
+    seldom known such vehement and continued efforts produced by mere
+    publick spirit, and unmingled regard for the happiness of the nation.
+    Nothing, sir, that can be urged in favour of the measures now proposed
+    has been omitted. When arguments are confuted, precedents are cited;
+    when precedents fail, the advocates for the bill have recourse to
+    terrour and necessity, and endeavour to frighten those whom they cannot
+    convince.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, perhaps, sir, these formidable phantoms may soon be put to flight,
+    and, like the other illusions of cowardice, disappear before the light.
+    Perhaps this necessity will be found only chimerical; and these dangers
+    appear only the visions of credulity, or the bugbears of imposture.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To arrive at a clear view of our present condition, it will be
+    necessary, sir, not to amuse ourselves with general assertions, or
+    overwhelm our reason by terrifying exaggerations: let us consider
+    distinctly the power and the conduct of our enemies, and inquire whether
+    they do not affright us more than they are able to hurt us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the force of Spain alone, sir, is much to be dreaded, no man will
+    assert; for that empire, it is well known, has long been seized with all
+    the symptoms of declining power, and has been supported, not by its own
+    strength, but by the interests of its neighbours. The vast dominions of
+    the Spaniards are only an empty show; they are lands without
+    inhabitants, and, by consequence, without defence; they are rather
+    excrescences, than members of the monarchy, and receive support rather
+    than communicate. In the distant branches of their empire the government
+    languishes, as the vital motion in an expiring body; and the struggles
+    which they now make, may be termed rather agonies than efforts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From Spain, therefore, unassisted, we have nothing to apprehend, and yet
+    from thence we have been threatened with insults and invasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the condition of the French is far different, cannot be denied;
+    their commerce flourishes, their dominions are connected, their wealth
+    increases, and their government operates with full vigour: their
+    influence is great, and their name formidable. But I cannot allow, sir,
+    that they have yet attained such a height of power as should alarm us
+    with constant apprehensions, or that we ought to secure ourselves
+    against them by the violation of our liberties. Not to urge that the
+    loss of freedom, and the destruction of our constitution, are the worst
+    consequences that can be apprehended from a conquest, and that to a
+    slave the change of his master is of no great importance, it is evident,
+    that the power of the French is of such kind as can only affect us
+    remotely, and consequentially. They may fill the continent with alarms,
+    and ravage the territories of Germany, by their numerous armies, but can
+    only injure us by means of their fleets. We may wait, sir, without a
+    panick terrour, though not without some degree of anxiety, the event of
+    their attempts upon the neighbouring princes, and cannot be reduced to
+    fight for our altars and our houses, but by a second armada, which, even
+    then, the winds must favour, and a thousand circumstances concur to
+    expedite.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But that no such fleet can be fitted out by the united endeavours of the
+    whole world; that our navy, in its present state, is superiour to any
+    that can be brought against us, our ministers ought not to be ignorant:
+    and, therefore, to dispirit the nation with apprehensions of armies
+    hovering in the air, and of conquerors to be wafted over by supernatural
+    means, is to destroy that happiness which government was ordained to
+    preserve; to sink us to tameness and cowardice; and to betray us to
+    insults and to robberies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our danger, sir, be such as has been represented, to whom must we
+    impute it? Upon whom are our weakness, our poverty, and our miseries to
+    be charged? Upon whom, but those who have usurped the direction of
+    affairs which they did not understand, or to which their solicitude for
+    the preservation of their own power hindered them from attending?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the Spaniards, sir, are now enabled to make resistance, and,
+    perhaps, to insult and depopulate our colonies; that the French have
+    despatched a fleet into the American seas, to obstruct, as may be
+    conjectured, the progress of our arms, and that we are in danger of
+    meeting opposition which we did not expect, is too evident to be
+    concealed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, is not the spirit of our enemies the consequence rather of our
+    cowardice than of their own strength? Does not the opposition to our
+    designs, by whatever nation it shall be made, arise from the contempt
+    which has been brought upon us by our irresolution, forbearance, and
+    delays? Had we resented the first insult, and repaired our earliest
+    losses by vigorous reprisals, our merchants had long ago carried on
+    their traffick with security, our enemies would have courted us with
+    respect, and our allies supported us with confidence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our negotiations, treaties, proposals, and concessions, not only
+    afforded them leisure to collect their forces, equip their fleets, and
+    fortify their coasts; but gave them, likewise, spirit to resist those
+    who could not be conquered but by their own cowardice and folly. By our
+    ill-timed patience, and lingering preparations, we encouraged those to
+    unite against us, who would, otherwise, have only hated us in secret;
+    and deterred those from declaring in our favour, whom interest or
+    gratitude might have inclined to assist us. For who will support those
+    from whom no mutual support can be expected? And who will expect that
+    those will defend their allies, who desert themselves?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, however late our resentment was awakened, had the war been
+    prosecuted vigorously after it was declared, we might have been now
+    secure from danger, and freed from suspense, nor would any thing have
+    remained but to give laws to our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    From the success of Vernon with so inconsiderable forces, we may
+    conjecture what would have been performed with an armament proportioned
+    to his undertaking; and why he was not better supplied, no reason has
+    yet been given; nor can it be easily discovered why we either did not
+    begin the war before our enemies had concerted their measures, or delay
+    it till we had formed our own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Notwithstanding some opportunities have been neglected, and all the
+    advantages of a sudden attack have been irrecoverably lost;
+    notwithstanding our friends, sir, have learned to despise and neglect
+    us, and our enemies are animated to confidence and obstinacy, yet our
+    real and intrinsick strength continues the same; nor are there yet any
+    preparations made against us by the enemy, with views beyond their own
+    security and defence. It does not yet appear, sir, that our enemies,
+    however insolent, look upon us as the proper objects of a conquest, or
+    that they imagine it possible to besiege us in our own ports, or to
+    confine us to the defence of our own country. We are not, therefore, to
+    have recourse to measures, which, if they are ever to be admitted, can
+    be justified by nothing but the utmost distress, and can only become
+    proper, as the last and desperate expedient. The enemy, sir, ought to
+    appear not only in our seas, but in our ports, before it can be
+    necessary that one part of the nation should be enslaved for the
+    preservation of the rest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To destroy any part of the community, while it is in our power to
+    preserve the whole, is certainly absurd, and inconsistent with the
+    equity and tenderness of a good government: and what is slavery less
+    than destruction? What greater calamity has that man to expect, who has
+    been already deprived of his liberty, and reduced to a level with
+    thieves and murderers? With what spirit, sir, will he draw his sword
+    upon his invaders, who has nothing to defend? Or why should he repel the
+    injuries which will make no addition to his misery, and will fall only
+    on those to whom he is enslaved?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that gratitude is the foundation of our duty to our
+    country, and to our superiours, whom we are obliged to protect upon some
+    occasions, because, upon others, we receive protection from them, and
+    are maintained in the quiet possession of our fortunes, and the security
+    of our lives. But what gratitude is due to his country from a man
+    distinguished, without a crime, by the legislature, from the rest of the
+    people, and marked out for hardships and oppressions? From a man who is
+    condemned to labour and to danger, only that others may fatten with
+    indolence, and slumber without anxiety? From a man who is dragged to
+    misery without reward, and hunted from his retreat, as the property of
+    his master?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Where gratitude, sir, is not the motive of action, which may easily
+    happen in minds not accustomed to observe the ends of government, and
+    relations of society, interest never fails to preside, which may be
+    distinguished from gratitude, as it regards the immediate consequences
+    of actions, and confines the view to present advantages. But what
+    interest can be gratified by a man who is not master of his own actions,
+    nor secure in the enjoyment of his acquisitions? Why should he be
+    solicitous to increase his property, who may be torn from the possession
+    of it in a moment? Or upon what motive can he act who will not become
+    more happy by doing his duty?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of those to whom this bill is proposed to extend, have raised
+    fortunes at the expense of their ease, and at the hazard of their lives;
+    and now sit at rest, enjoying the memory of their past hardships, and
+    inciting others to the prosecution of the same adventures. How will it
+    be more reasonable to drag these men from their houses, than to seize
+    any other gentleman upon his own estate? and how negligently will our
+    navigation and our commerce be promoted, when it is discovered that
+    either wealth cannot be gained by them, or, if so gained, cannot be
+    enjoyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is still urged, sir, that there is a necessity of manning the
+    fleet; a necessity which, indeed, cannot totally be denied, though a
+    short delay would produce no frightful consequences, would expose us to
+    no invasions, nor disable us from prosecuting the war. Yet, as the
+    necessity at least deserves the regard of the legislature, let us
+    consider what motives have hitherto gained men over to the publick
+    service; let us examine how our land forces are raised, and how our
+    merchants equip their ships. How is all this to be effected without
+    murmurs, mutinies, or discontent, but by the natural and easy method of
+    offering rewards?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be objected, sir, that rewards have been already proposed without
+    effect; but, not to mention the corrupt arts which have been made use of
+    to elude that promise, by rejecting those that came to claim them, we
+    can infer from their inefficacy only, that they were too small; that
+    they were not sufficient to dazzle the attention, and withdraw it from
+    the prospect of the distant advantages which may arise from the service
+    of the merchants. Let the reward, therefore, be doubled, and if it be
+    not then sufficient, doubled anew. There is nothing but may be bought,
+    if an adequate price is offered; and we are, therefore, to raise the
+    reward, till it shall be adjudged by the sailors equivalent to the
+    inconveniencies of the service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let no man urge, that this is profusion; that it is a breach of our
+    trust, and a prodigality of the publick money. Sir, the money thus paid
+    is the price of liberty; it is disbursed to hinder slavery from
+    encroaching, to preserve our natural rights from infraction, and the
+    constitution of our country from violation. If we vote away the
+    privilege of one class among us, those of another may quickly be
+    demanded; and slavery will advance by degrees, till the last remains of
+    freedom shall be lost.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But perhaps, sir, it will appear, upon reflection, that even this method
+    needs not to be practised. It is well known, that it is not necessary
+    for the whole crew of a ship to be expert sailors; there must be some
+    novices, and many whose employment has more of labour than of art. We
+    have now a numerous army, which burdens our country, without defending
+    it, and from whom we may, therefore, draw supplies for the fleet, and
+    distribute them amongst the ships in just proportions; they may
+    immediately assist the seamen, and will become able, in a short time, to
+    train up others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will, doubtless, sir, be objected to this proposal, that the
+    continent is in confusion, and that we ought to continue such a force as
+    may enable us to assist our allies, maintain our influence, and turn the
+    scale of affairs in the neighbouring countries. I know not how we are
+    indebted to our allies, or by what ties we are obliged to assist those
+    who never assisted us; nor can I, upon mature consideration, think it
+    necessary to be always gazing on the continent, watching the motions of
+    every potentate, and anxiously attentive to every revolution. There is
+    no end, sir, of obviating contingencies, of attempting to secure
+    ourselves from every possibility of danger. I am, indeed, desirous that
+    our friends, if any there be that deserve that name, should succeed in
+    their designs, and be protected in their claims; but think it ought
+    always to be remembered, that our own affairs affect us immediately,
+    theirs only by consequence, and that the nearest danger is to be first
+    regarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With respect to the amendment offered to this clause, I cannot see that
+    it will produce any advantage, nor think any evidence sufficient to
+    justify the breach of our constitution, or subject any man to the
+    hardship of having his dwelling entered by force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And, sir, I am not entirely satisfied of the impartiality and equity
+    with which it is promised that this law will be put in execution, or
+    what new influence is to cooperate with this law, by which corruption
+    and oppression will be prevented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, that many other laws are made ineffectual by
+    partiality or negligence, which remarkably appears by the immense
+    quantities of corn that are daily carried into foreign countries, by
+    illegal exportations, by which traffick I am informed that we obtain
+    most of our foreign gold, which, in reality, is paid us for corn by the
+    Dutch; though it is studiously represented to the nation as gained by
+    our traffick with Portugal. Who can assure us that this law will not be
+    perverted, after the example of others? and that there will not be
+    wretches found that may employ it to the extortion of money, or the
+    gratification of revenge?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, I have shown by what means our fleet may now be equipped, and
+    how a supply of sailors may be perpetuated; for I cannot think how the
+    boys which are educated in charity schools can be more properly
+    employed. A proportion may be easily selected for the service, who will
+    benefit the publick much more than by serving sharpers and attorneys,
+    and pilfering either at low gaming houses, or in the inns of court.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Since, therefore, it is not pretended, sir, that this bill can be
+    justified otherwise than by necessity, and it appears that supplies may
+    be raised by other means; since, instead of increasing and encouraging
+    seamen, nothing is proposed that does not manifestly tend, by depressing
+    and harassing them, to diminish their numbers, I think it reasonable to
+    declare that I shall continue to oppose it, and hope that every friend
+    of liberty, or commerce, will concur in the opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, I have
+    considered the bill before us with the utmost impartiality, and I can
+    see no reason to apprehend that it will produce such universal
+    discontent, and give occasion to so many abuses, as the honourable
+    gentlemen by whom it is opposed, appear to suspect. It is not uncommon,
+    sir, in judging of future events, and tracing effects from causes, for
+    the most sagacious to be mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The safest method of conjecturing upon the future, is to consider the
+    past, for it is always probable, that from like causes like consequences
+    will arise. Let us, therefore, sir, examine what injustice or oppression
+    has been hitherto produced by laws of the same kind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of searching, however it is now become the subject of loud
+    exclamation and pathetick harangues, is no new invasion of the rights of
+    the people, but has been already granted in its utmost extent, for an
+    end of no greater importance than the preservation of the game. This
+    formidable authority has been already trusted to the magistrate, and the
+    nation has been already subjected to this insupportable tyranny, only
+    lest the hares and partridges should be destroyed, and gentlemen be
+    obliged to disband their hounds and dismiss their setting dogs. Yet,
+    sir, even with regard to this power, thus exorbitant, and thus lightly
+    granted, I have heard no general complaints, nor believe that it is
+    looked upon as a grievance by any, but those whom it restrains from
+    living upon the game, and condemns to maintain themselves by a more
+    honest and useful industry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, those that think this law for the preservation of their
+    amusement, rational and just, will have at least the same regard to the
+    defence of their country, and will not think their venison deserves
+    greater solicitude than their fortunes and their liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it difficult, sir, to produce instances of the exercise of this
+    power, for the end which is now proposed, without any consequences that
+    should discourage us from repeating the experiment. I have now in my
+    hand a letter, by which the mayor and aldermen of Bristol are empowered
+    to seize all the sailors within the bounds of their jurisdiction, which
+    order was executed without any outcries of oppression, or apprehensions
+    of the approach of slavery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this law, sir, will be always executed with the strictest
+    impartiality, and without the least regard to any private purposes,
+    cannot, indeed, be demonstratively proved; every law may possibly be
+    abused by a combination of profligates; but it must, I think, be
+    granted, that it is drawn up with all the caution that reason, or
+    justice, or the corruption of the present age requires. I know not what
+    can be contrived better than an association of men, unlikely to concur
+    in their views and interests&mdash;a justice of the peace, a lieutenant of a
+    ship, and a commissioner of the navy&mdash;three men, probably unknown to
+    each other, and of which no one will be at all solicitous to desire the
+    rest to unite to commit a crime, to which no temptation can be readily
+    imagined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This caution, sir, which cannot but be approved, and which surely is
+    some proof of judgment and consideration, ought, in my opinion, to have
+    exempted the bill, and those by whose assistance it was drawn up, from
+    the reproachful and indecent charge of absurdity, ignorance, and
+    incapacity; terms which the dignity of this assembly does not admit,
+    even when they are incontestably just, and which surely ought not to be
+    made use of when the question is of a doubtful nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The gentlemen, sir, who are now intrusted with publick employments, have
+    never yet discovered that they are inferiour to their predecessors in
+    knowledge or integrity; nor do their characters suffer any diminution by
+    a comparison with those who vilify and traduce them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, sir, that treat others with such licentious contempt, ought
+    surely to give some illustrious proof of their own abilities; and yet if
+    we examine what has been produced on this question, we shall find no
+    reason to admire their sagacity or their knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been told, sir, that the fleet might properly be manned by a
+    detachment from the army; but it has not been proved that we have any
+    superfluous forces in the kingdom, nor, indeed, will our army be found
+    sufficiently numerous, if, by neglecting to equip our fleet, we give our
+    enemies an opportunity of entering our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be inquired what necessity there is for our present forces? What
+    expeditions are designed? Or what dangers are feared? I shall not think
+    it my duty to return any answer. It is, sir, the great unhappiness of
+    our constitution, that our determinations cannot be kept secret, and
+    that our enemies may always form conjectures of our designs, by knowing
+    our preparations; but surely more is not to be published than necessity
+    extorts, and the government has a right to conceal what it would injure
+    the nation to discover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I, sir, approve the method of levying sailors by the incitement
+    of an exorbitant reward, a reward to be augmented at the pleasure of
+    those who are to receive it. For what can be the consequence of such
+    prodigality, but that those to whom the largest sum is offered, will yet
+    refuse their service in expectation of a greater. The reward already
+    proposed is, in my opinion, the utmost stretch of liberality; and all
+    beyond may be censured as profusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be imagined, sir, that all these objections were not made,
+    and answered, in the reign of the late queen, when a bill of the same
+    nature was proposed; they were answered, at least, by the necessity of
+    those times, which necessity has now returned upon us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We do not find that it produced any consequences so formidable and
+    destructive, that they should for ever discourage us from attempting to
+    raise forces by the same means; it was then readily enacted, and
+    executed without opposition, and without complaints; nor do I believe
+    that any measures can be proposed of equal efficacy, and less severity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, whether the
+    precedents produced in defence of this bill, will have more weight than
+    the arguments, must be shown by a careful examination, which will
+    perhaps discover that the order sent to the magistrates of Bristol
+    conveyed no new power, nor such as is, in any respect, parallel to that
+    which this bill is intended to confer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They were only enjoined to inquire with more than usual strictness,
+    after strollers and vagabonds, such as the law has always subjected to
+    punishment, and send them to the fleet, instead of any other place of
+    correction; a method which may now be pursued without danger,
+    opposition, or complaint.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But for my part, I am not able, upon the closest attention to the
+    present scene of affairs, to find out the necessity of extraordinary
+    methods of any kind. The fears of an invasion from France, are, in my
+    opinion, sir, merely chimerical; from their fleet in America the coasts
+    of Britain have nothing to fear, and after the numerous levies of seamen
+    by which it was fitted out, it is not yet probable that they can
+    speedily send out another. We know, sir, that the number of seamen
+    depends upon the extent of commerce, and surely there is as yet no such
+    disproportion between their trade and ours, as that they should be able
+    to furnish out a naval armament with much greater expedition than
+    ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In America our forces are at least equal to theirs, so that it is not
+    very probable, that after the total destruction of our fleet by them,
+    they should be so little injured, as to be able immediately to set sail
+    for the channel, and insult us in our own ports; to effect this, sir,
+    they must not only conquer us, but conquer us without resistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If they do not interrupt us in our attempts, nor expose themselves to an
+    engagement, they may, indeed, return without suffering great damages,
+    but I know not how they can leave the shores of America unobserved, or
+    pour an unexpected invasion upon us. If they continue there, sir, they
+    cannot hurt as, and when they return, we may prepare for their
+    reception.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are men, I know, sir, who have reason to think highly of the
+    French policy, and whose ideas may be exalted to a belief that they can
+    perform impossibilities; but I have not yet prevailed upon myself to
+    conceive that they can act invisibly, or that they can equip a fleet by
+    sorcery, collect an army in a moment, and defy us on our own coast,
+    without any perceptible preparations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then admiral WAGER spoke thus:&mdash;The calamities produced by discord and
+    contention, need not to be pointed out; but it may be proper to reflect
+    upon the consequences of a house divided against itself, that we may
+    endeavour to avoid them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Unanimity is produced by nothing more powerfully than by impending
+    danger, and, therefore, it may be useful to show those who seem at
+    present in profound security, that the power of France is more
+    formidable than they are willing to allow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My age, sir, enables me to remember many transactions of the wars in the
+    late reigns, to which many gentlemen are strangers, or of which they
+    have only imperfect ideas from history and tradition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the second year of the reign of William, the French gained a victory
+    over the united fleets of the maritime powers, which gave them, for the
+    summer following, the dominion of the Channel, enabled them to shut up
+    our merchants in their ports, and produced a total suspension of our
+    commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those, sir, to whom the importance of trade is so well known, will
+    easily apprehend the weight of this calamity, and will, I hope, reject
+    no measures that have a manifest tendency to prevent it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ships, sir, do not lie useless because there is any want of seamen
+    in the nation, but because any service is preferred to that of the
+    publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are now, to my knowledge, in one town on the west coast, no fewer
+    than twelve hundred sailors, of which surely a third part may be justly
+    claimed by the publick interest; nor do I know why they who obstinately
+    refuse to serve their country, should be treated with so much
+    tenderness. It is more reasonable that they should suffer by their
+    refusal, than that the general happiness should be endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, when any
+    authority shall be lodged in my hands, to be exercised for the publick
+    benefit, I shall always endeavour to exert it with honesty and
+    diligence; but will never be made the instrument of oppression, nor
+    execute any commission of tyranny or injustice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, the power of searching is to be placed in the hands of
+    justices of the peace, I think it necessary to declare, that I will
+    never perform so hateful a part of the office, and that if this bill
+    becomes a law, I will retire from the place to which my authority is
+    limited, rather than contribute to the miseries of my fellow-subjects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LITTLETON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, all the arguments which have been
+    offered in support of this bill, are reduced at last to one constant
+    assertion of the necessity of passing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have been told, sir, with great acuteness, that a war cannot be
+    carried on without men, and that ships are useless without sailors; and
+    from thence it is inferred that the bill is necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That forces are by some means necessary to be raised, the warmest
+    opponents of the bill will not deny, but they cannot, therefore, allow
+    the inference, that the methods now proposed are necessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They are of opinion, sir, that cruel and oppressive measures can never
+    be justified, till all others have been tried without effect; they think
+    that the law, when it was formerly passed, was unjust, and are
+    convinced, by observing that it never was revived, and that it was by
+    experience discovered to be useless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Necessity, absolute necessity, is a formidable sound, and may terrify
+    the weak and timorous into silence and compliance; but it will be found,
+    upon reflection, to be often nothing but an idle feint, to amuse and to
+    delude us, and that what is represented as necessary to the publick, is
+    only something convenient to men in power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Necessity, sir, has, heretofore, been produced as a plea for that which
+    could be no otherwise defended. In the days of Charles the first,
+    ship-money was declared to be legal, because it was necessary. Such was
+    the reasoning of the lawyers, and the determination of the judges; but
+    the senate, a senate of patriots! without fear, and without corruption,
+    and influenced only by a sincere regard for the publick, were of a
+    different opinion, and neither admitted the lawfulness nor necessity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will become us, on this occasion, to act with equal vigour, and
+    convince our countrymen, that we proceed upon the same principles, and
+    that the liberties of the people are our chief care.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope we shall unite in defeating any attempts that may impair the
+    rights which every Briton boasts as his birthright, and reject a law
+    which will be equally dreaded and detested with the inquisition of
+    Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though many
+    particular clauses of this bill have been disapproved and opposed, some
+    with more, and some with less reason, yet the committee has hitherto
+    agreed that a bill for this purpose is necessary in the present state of
+    our affairs; upon this principle we have proceeded thus far, several
+    gentlemen have proposed their opinions, contributed their observations,
+    and laboured as in an affair universally admitted to be of high
+    importance to the general prosperity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But now, sir, when some of the difficulties are surmounted, some
+    expedients luckily struck out, some objections removed, and the great
+    design brought nearer to execution, we are on a sudden informed, that
+    all our labour is superfluous, that we are amusing ourselves with
+    useless consultations, providing against calamities that can never
+    happen, and raising bulwarks without an enemy; that, therefore, the
+    question before us is of no importance, and the bill ought, without
+    farther examination, to be totally rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I suppose, sir, I shall be readily believed, when I declare that I shall
+    willingly admit any arguments that may evince our safety; but, in
+    proportion as real freedom from danger is to be desired, a supine and
+    indolent neglect of it is to be dreaded and avoided; and I cannot but
+    fear that our enemies are more formidable, and more malicious, than the
+    gentlemen that oppose this bill have represented them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This bill can only be opposed upon the supposition that it gives a
+    sanction to severities, more rigorous than our present circumstances
+    require; for nothing can be more fallacious or invidious than a
+    comparison of this law with the demand of ship-money, a demand contrary
+    to all law, and enforced by the manifest exertion of arbitrary power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How has the conduct of his present majesty any resemblance with that of
+    Charles the first? Is any money levied by order of the council? Are the
+    determinations of the judges set in opposition to the decrees of the
+    senate? Is any man injured in his property by an unlimited extension of
+    the prerogative? or any tribunal established superiour to the laws of
+    the nation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To draw parallels, sir, where there is no resemblance; and to accuse, by
+    insinuations, where there is no shadow of a crime; to raise outcries
+    when no injury is attempted; and to deny a real necessity because it was
+    once pretended for a bad purpose; is surely not to advance the publick
+    service, which can be promoted only by just reasonings, and calm
+    reflections, not by sophistry and satire, by insinuations without
+    ground, and by instances beside the purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LITTLETON answered:&mdash;Sir, true zeal for the service of the publick
+    is never discovered by collusive subterfuges and malicious
+    representations; a mind, attentive to the common good, would hardly, on
+    an occasion like this, have been at leisure to pervert an harmless
+    illustration, and extract disaffection from a casual remark.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, indeed, not impossible, sir, that I might express myself
+    obscurely; and it may be, therefore, necessary to declare that I
+    intended no disrespectful reflection on the conduct of his majesty; but
+    must observe, at the same time, that obscure or inaccurate expressions
+    ought always to be interpreted in the most inoffensive meaning, and that
+    to be too sagacious in discovering concealed insinuations, is no great
+    proof of superiour integrity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Wisdom, sir, is seldom captious, and honesty seldom suspicious; a man
+    capable of comprehending the whole extent of a question, disdains to
+    divert his attention by trifling observations; and he that is above the
+    practice of little arts, or the motions of petty malice, does not easily
+    imagine them incident to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That in the question of ship-money necessity was pretended, cannot be
+    denied; and, therefore, all that I asserted, which was only that the
+    nation had been once terrified without reason, by the formidable sound
+    of necessity, is evident and uncontested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a fraud has once been practised, it is of use to remember it, that
+    we may not twice be deceived by the same artifice; and, therefore, I
+    mentioned the plea of necessity, that it may be inquired whether it is
+    now more true than before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the senate, sir, and not the judges, is now applied to, is no proof
+    of the validity of the arguments which have been produced; for in the
+    days of ship-money, the consent of the senate had been asked, had there
+    been any prospect of obtaining it; but the court had been convinced, by
+    frequent experiments, of the inflexibility of the senate, and despaired
+    of influencing them by prospects of advantage, or intimidating them by
+    frowns or menaces.
+</p>
+<p>
+    May this and every future senate imitate their conduct, and, like them,
+    distinguish between real and pretended necessity; and let not us be
+    terrified, by idle clamours, into the establishment of a law at once
+    useless and oppressive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied:&mdash;Sir, that I did not intend to misrepresent
+    the meaning of the honourable gentleman, I hope it is not necessary to
+    declare; and that I have, in reality, been guilty of any
+    misrepresentation, I am not yet convinced. If he did not intend a
+    parallel between ship-money and the present bill, to what purpose was
+    his observation? and if he did intend it, was it not proper to show
+    there was no resemblance, and that all which could be inferred from it
+    was, therefore, fallacious and inconclusive?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I only differ, sir, in opinion with the honourable gentleman with
+    relation to his comparison of measures, which have nothing in common
+    with each other; but will venture to declare, that he is not more
+    accurate in his citations from history. The king did not apply to the
+    judges, because the senate would not have granted him the money that he
+    demanded, but because his chief ambition was to govern the nation by the
+    prerogative alone, and to free himself and his descendants from
+    senatorial inquiries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this account, sir, is just, I am confident the histories of those
+    times will discover; and, therefore, any invidious comparison between
+    that senate and any other, is without foundation in reason or in truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, that this law will easily admit, in
+    the execution of it, such abuses as will overbalance the benefits, may
+    readily be proved; and it will not be consistent with that regard to the
+    publick, expected from us by those whom we represent, to enact a law
+    which may probably become an instrument of oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The servant by whom I am now attended, may be termed, according to the
+    determination of the vindicators of this bill, a seafaring man, having
+    been once in the West Indies; and he may, therefore, be forced from my
+    service, and dragged into a ship, by the authority of a justice of the
+    peace, perhaps of some abandoned prostitute, dignified with a commission
+    only to influence elections, and awe those whom excises and riot-acts
+    cannot subdue.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it, sir, not improper to declare, that I would by force oppose
+    the execution of a law like this; that I would bar my doors and defend
+    them; that I would call my neighbours to my assistance; and treat those
+    who should attempt to enter without my consent, as thieves, ruffians,
+    and murderers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, it is well known that by the laws
+    of this nation, poverty is, in some degree, considered as a crime, and
+    that the debtor has only this advantage over the felon, that he cannot
+    be pursued into his dwelling, nor be forced from the shelter of his own
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I think it is universally agreed, that the condition of a man in debt is
+    already sufficiently miserable, and that it would be more worthy of the
+    legislative power to contrive alleviations of his hardships, than
+    additions to them; and it seems, therefore, no inconsiderable objection
+    to this bill, that, by conferring the power of entering houses by force,
+    it may give the harpies of the law an opportunity of entering, in the
+    tumult of an impress, and of dragging a debtor to a noisome prison,
+    under pretence of forcing sailors into the service of the crown.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. TRACEY then said:&mdash;Sir, that some law for the ends proposed by the
+    bill before us, is necessary, I do not see how we can doubt, after the
+    declarations of the admirals, who are fully acquainted with the service
+    for which provision is to be made; and of the ministry, whose knowledge
+    of the present state of our own strength, and the designs of our
+    enemies, is, doubtless, more exact than they can acquire who are not
+    engaged in publick employments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, the measures now proposed are necessary, though they may
+    not be agreeable to the present dispositions of the people, for whose
+    preservation they are intended, I shall think it my duty to concur in
+    them, that the publick service may not be retarded, nor the safety of a
+    whole nation hazarded, by a scrupulous attention to minute objections.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I have often, amidst my elogies on
+    British liberty, and my declarations of the excellence of our
+    constitution, the impartiality of our government, and the efficacy of
+    our laws, been reproached by foreigners with the practice of impresses,
+    as a hardship which would raise a rebellion in absolute monarchies, and
+    kindle those nations into madness, that have, for many ages, known no
+    other law than the will of their princes. A hardship which includes
+    imprisonment and slavery, and to which, therefore, no aggravations ought
+    to be added.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if justice and reason, sir, are to be overborne by necessity; if
+    necessity is to stop our ears against the complaints of the oppressed,
+    and harden our hearts at the sight of their misery, let it, at least,
+    not destroy our memories, nor deprive us of the advantages of
+    experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us inquire, sir, what were the effects of this hateful authority
+    when it was formerly consigned to the magistrates. Were our fleets
+    manned in an instant? were our harbours immediately crowded with
+    sailors? did we surprise our enemies by our expedition, and make
+    conquests before an invasion could be suspected? I have heard, sir, of
+    no such consequences, nor of any advantages which deserved to be
+    purchased by tyranny and oppression. We have found that very few were
+    procured by the magistrates, and the charge of seizing and conveying was
+    very considerable; and, therefore, cannot but conclude that illegal
+    measures, which have been once tried without success, should, for a
+    double reason, never be revived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, it is not without regret
+    that I rise so often on this occasion: for to dispute with those whose
+    determinations are not influenced by reason, is a ridiculous task, a
+    tiresome labour, without prospect of reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as an honourable gentleman has lately remarked, that by denying the
+    necessity of the bill, instead of making objections to particular
+    clauses, the whole design of finding expedients to supply the sea
+    service is at once defeated; I think it necessary to remind him, that I
+    have made many objections to this bill, and supported them by reasons
+    which have not yet been answered. But I shall now no longer confine my
+    remarks to single errours, but observe that there is one general defect,
+    by which the whole bill is made absurd and useless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the foundation of a law like this, sir, the description of a seaman
+    ought to be accurately laid down, it ought to be declared what acts
+    shall subject him to that denomination, and by what means, after having
+    once enlisted himself in this unhappy class of men, he may withdraw into
+    a more secure and happy state of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is a man, who has once only lost sight of the shore, to be for ever
+    hunted as a seaman? Is a man, who, by traffick, has enriched a family,
+    to be forced from his possessions by the authority of an impress? Is a
+    man, who has purchased an estate, and built a seat, to solicit the
+    admiralty for a protection from the neighbouring constable? Such
+    questions as these, sir, may be asked, which the bill before us will
+    enable no man to answer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If a bill for this purpose be truly necessary, let it, at least, be
+    freed from such offensive absurdities; let it be drawn up in a form as
+    different as is possible from that of the bill before us; and, at last,
+    I am far from imagining that a law will be contrived not injurious to
+    individuals, nor detrimental to the publick; not contrary to the first
+    principles of our establishment, and not loaded with folly and
+    absurdities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER then spoke:&mdash;Sir, a definition of a seaman is so necessary in
+    a bill for this purpose, that the omission of it will defeat all the
+    methods that can be suggested. How shall a law be executed, or a penalty
+    inflicted, when the magistrate has no certain marks whereby he may
+    distinguish a criminal? and when even the man that is prosecuted may not
+    be conscious of guilt, or know that the law extended to him, which he is
+    charged with having offended.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, in defining a seaman on the present occasion, it be thought proper
+    to have any regard to the example of our predecessors, whose wisdom has,
+    in this debate, been so much magnified; it may be observed, that a
+    seaman has been formerly defined, a man who haunts the seas; a
+    definition which seems to imply habit and continuance, and not to
+    comprehend a man who has, perhaps, never gone more than a single voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though this definition, sir, should be added to the amendments
+    already proposed, and the bill thereby be brought somewhat nearer to the
+    constitutional principles of our government; I cannot yet think it so
+    much rectified, as that the hardships will not outweigh the benefits,
+    and, therefore, shall continue to oppose the bill, though to some
+    particular clauses I have no objection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The term <i>seafaring man</i> was left out, and the several amendments were
+    admitted in the committee, but the clauses themselves, to the number of
+    eleven, were given up on the report.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 10, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The commons resolved their house into a committee, to consider the bill
+    for the encouragement of sailors, when admiral WAGER offered a clause,
+    by which it was to be enacted, "That no merchants, or bodies corporate
+    or politick, shall hire sailors at higher wages than thirty-five
+    shillings for the month, on pain of forfeiting the treble value of the
+    sum so agreed for;" which law was to commence after fifteen days, and
+    continue for a time to be agreed on by the house: and then spoke to the
+    following purpose:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the necessity of this clause must be so apparent to every gentleman
+    acquainted with naval and commercial affairs, that as no opposition can
+    be apprehended, very few arguments will be requisite to introduce it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much the publick calamities of war are improved by the sailors to
+    their own private advantage; how generally they shun the publick
+    service, in hopes of receiving exorbitant wages from the merchants; and
+    how much they extort from the merchants, by threatening to leave their
+    service for that of the crown, is universally known to every officer of
+    the navy, and every commander of a trading vessel.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A law, therefore, sir, to restrain them in time of war from such
+    exorbitant demands; to deprive them of those prospects which have often
+    no other effect than to lull them in idleness, while they skulk about in
+    expectation of higher wages; and to hinder them from deceiving
+    themselves, embarrassing the merchants, and neglecting the general
+    interest of their country, is undoubtedly just. It is just, sir, because
+    in regard to the publick it is necessary to prevent the greatest
+    calamity that can fall upon a people, to preserve us from receiving laws
+    from the most implacable of our enemies; and it is just, because with
+    respect to particular men it has no tendency but to suppress idleness,
+    fraud, and extortion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henby FOX spoke next:&mdash;Sir, I have no objection to any part of this
+    clause, except the day proposed for the commencement: to make a law
+    against any pernicious practice, to which there are strong temptations,
+    and to give those whose interest may incite them to it, time to effect
+    their schemes, before the law shall begin to operate, seems not very
+    consistent with wisdom or vigilance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not denied, sir, that the merchants are betrayed by that regard to
+    private interest which prevails too frequently over nobler views, to
+    bribe away from the service of the crown, by large rewards, those
+    sailors whose assistance is now so necessary to the publick; and,
+    therefore, it is not to be imagined that they will not employ their
+    utmost diligence to improve the interval which the bill allows in making
+    contracts for the ensuing, year, and that the sailors will not eagerly
+    engage themselves before this law shall preclude their prospects of
+    advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, to make no law, and to make a law that will not be
+    observed, is in consequence the same; and the time allowed by the
+    clause, as it now stands, may make the whole provision ineffectual; it
+    is my opinion, that either it ought to begin to operate to-morrow, or
+    that we ought to leave the whole affair in its present state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then sir Robert WALPOLE spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, nothing has a greater
+    appearance of injustice, than to punish men by virtue of laws, with
+    which they were not acquainted; the law, therefore, is always supposed
+    to be known by those who have offended it, because it is the duty of
+    every man to know it; and certainly it ought to be the care of the
+    legislature, that those whom a law will affect, may have a possibility
+    of knowing it, and that those may not be punished for failing in their
+    duty, whom nothing but inevitable ignorance has betrayed into offence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But if the operation of this law should commence to-morrow, what numbers
+    may break it, and suffer by the breach of it involuntarily, and without
+    design; and how shall we vindicate ourselves from having been accessory
+    to the crime which we censure and punish?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX replied:&mdash;Sir, I shall not urge in defence of my motion what is
+    generally known, and has been frequently inculcated in all debates upon
+    this bill, that private considerations ought always to give way to the
+    necessities of the publick; for I think it sufficient to observe, that
+    there is a distinction to be made between punishments and restraints,
+    and that we never can be too early in the prevention of pernicious
+    practices, though we may sometimes delay to punish them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The law will be known to-morrow, to far the greatest number of those who
+    may be tempted to defeat it; and if there be others that break it
+    ignorantly, how will they find themselves injured by being only obliged
+    to pay less than they promised, which is all that I should propose
+    without longer warning. The debate upon this particular, will be at
+    length reduced to a question, whether a law for this purpose is just and
+    expedient? If a law be necessary, it is necessary that it should be
+    executed; and it can be executed only by commencing to-morrow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it appears to me of no great importance
+    how soon the operation of the law commences, or how long it is delayed,
+    because I see no reason for imagining that it will at any time produce
+    the effects proposed by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been the amusement, sir, of a great part of my life, to converse
+    with men whose inclinations or employments have made them well
+    acquainted with maritime affairs, and amidst innumerable other schemes
+    for the promotion of trade, have heard some for the regulation of wages
+    in trading ships; schemes, at the first appearance plausible and likely
+    to succeed, but, upon a nearer inquiry, evidently entangled with
+    insuperable difficulties, and never to be executed without danger of
+    injuring the commerce of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The clause, sir, now before us contains, in my opinion, one of those
+    visionary provisions, which, however infallible they may appear, will be
+    easily defeated, and will have no other effect than to promote cunning
+    and fraud, and to teach men those acts of collusion, with which they
+    would otherwise never have been acquainted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LODWICK spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with the honourable
+    gentleman by whom this clause has been offered, that the end for which
+    it is proposed, is worthy of the closest attention of the legislative
+    power, and that the evils of which the prevention is now endeavoured,
+    may in some measure not only obstruct our traffick, but endanger our
+    country; and shall therefore very readily concur in any measures for
+    this purpose, that shall not appear either unjust or ineffectual.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this clause will be sufficient to restrain all elusive
+    contracts, and whether all the little artifices of interest are
+    sufficiently obviated, I am yet unable to determine; but by a reflection
+    upon the multiplicity of relations to be considered, and the variety of
+    circumstances to be adjusted in a provision of this kind, I am inclined
+    to think that, it is not the business of a transient inquiry, or of a
+    single clause, but that it will demand a separate law, and engage the
+    deliberation and regard of this whole assembly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD said:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the impatience and
+    resentment with which some men see their mistakes and ignorance
+    detected; notwithstanding the reverence which negligence and haste are
+    said to be entitled to from this assembly, I shall declare once more,
+    without the apprehension of being confuted, that this bill was drawn up
+    without consideration, and is defended without being understood; that
+    after all the amendments which have been admitted, and all the additions
+    proposed, it will be oppressive and ineffectual, a chaos of absurdities,
+    and a monument of ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied:&mdash;Sir, the present business of this assembly
+    is to examine the clause before us; but to deviate from so necessary an
+    inquiry into loud exclamations against the whole bill, is to obstruct
+    the course of the debate, to perplex our attention, and interrupt the
+    senate in its deliberation upon questions, in the determination of which
+    the security of the publick is nearly concerned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The war, sir, in which we are now engaged, and, I may add, engaged by
+    the general request of the whole nation, can be prosecuted only by the
+    assistance of the seamen, from whom it is not to be expected that they
+    will sacrifice their immediate advantage to the security of their
+    country. Publick spirit, where it is to be found, is the result of
+    reflection, refined by study and exalted by education, and is not to be
+    hoped for among those whom low fortune has condemned to perpetual
+    drudgery. It must be, therefore, necessary to supply the defects of
+    education, and to produce, by salutary coercions, those effects which it
+    is vain to expect from other causes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the service of the sailors will be set up to sale by auction, and
+    that the merchants will bid against the government, is incontestable;
+    nor is there any doubt that they will be able to offer the highest
+    price, because they will take care to repay themselves by raising the
+    value of their goods. Thus, without some restraint upon the merchants,
+    our enemies, who are not debarred by their form of government from any
+    method which policy can invent, or absolute power put in execution, will
+    preclude all our designs, and set at defiance a nation superiour to
+    themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then said:&mdash;Sir, I think myself obliged by my duty to
+    my country, and by my gratitude to those by whose industry we are
+    enriched, and by whose courage we are defended, to make, once more, a
+    declaration, not against particular clauses, not against single
+    circumstances, but against the whole bill; a bill unjust and oppressive,
+    absurd and ridiculous; a bill to harass the industrious and distress the
+    honest, to puzzle the wise and add power to the cruel; a bill which
+    cannot be read without astonishment, nor passed without the violation of
+    our constitution, and an equal disregard of policy and humanity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All these assertions will need to be proved only by a bare perusal of
+    this hateful bill, by which the meanest, the most worthless reptile,
+    exalted to a petty office by serving a wretch only superiour to him in
+    fortune, is enabled to flush his authority by tyrannising over those who
+    every hour deserve the publick acknowledgments of the community; to
+    intrude upon the retreats of brave men, fatigued and exhausted by honest
+    industry, to drag them out with all the wantonness of grovelling
+    authority, and chain them to the oar without a moment's respite, or
+    perhaps oblige them to purchase, with the gains of a dangerous voyage,
+    or the plunder of an enemy lately conquered, a short interval to settle
+    their affairs, or bid their children farewell.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any gentleman in this house, let those, sir, who now sit at ease,
+    projecting laws of oppression, and conferring upon their own slaves such
+    licentious authority, pause a few moments, and imagine themselves
+    exposed to the same hardships by a power superiour to their own; let
+    them conceive themselves torn from the tenderness and caresses of their
+    families by midnight irruptions, dragged in triumph through the streets
+    by a despicable officer, and placed under the command of those by whom
+    they have, perhaps, been already oppressed and insulted. Why should we
+    imagine that the race of men for whom those cruelties are preparing,
+    have less sensibility than ourselves? Why should we believe that they
+    will suffer without complaint, and be injured without resentment? Why
+    should we conceive that they will not at once deliver themselves, and
+    punish their oppressors, by deserting that country where they are
+    considered as felons, and laying hold on those rewards and privileges
+    which no other government will deny them?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is, indeed, the only tendency, whatever may have been the intention
+    of the bill before us; for I know not whether the most refined sagacity
+    can discover any other method of discouraging navigation than those
+    which are drawn together in the bill before us. We first give our
+    constables an authority to hunt the sailors like thieves, and drive
+    them, by incessant pursuit, out of the nation; but lest any man should
+    by friendship, good fortune, or the power of money, find means of
+    staying behind, we have with equal wisdom condemned him to poverty and
+    misery; and lest the natural courage of his profession should incite him
+    to assist his country in the war, have contrived a method of precluding
+    him from any advantage that he might have the weakness to hope from his
+    fortitude and diligence. What more can be done, unless we at once
+    prohibit to seamen the use of the common elements, or doom them to a
+    general proscription.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is just that advantage, sir, should be proportioned to the hazard by
+    which it is to be obtained, and, therefore, a sailor has an honest claim
+    to an advance of wages in time of war; it is necessary to excite
+    expectation, and to fire ambition by the prospect of great acquisitions,
+    and by this prospect it is that such numbers are daily allured to naval
+    business, and that our privateers are filled with adventurers. The large
+    wages which war makes necessary, are more powerful incentives to those
+    whom impatience of poverty determines to change their state of life,
+    than the secure gains of peaceful commerce; for the danger is overlooked
+    by a mind intent upon the profit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    War is the harvest of a sailor, in which he is to store provisions for
+    the winter of old age, and if we blast this hope, he will inevitably
+    sink into indolence and cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of the sailors are bred up to trades, or capable of any laborious
+    employment upon land; nor is there any reason for which they expose
+    themselves to the dangers of a seafaring life, but the hope of sudden
+    wealth, and some lucky season in which they may improve their fortunes
+    by a single effort. Is it reasonable to believe that all these will not
+    rather have recourse to their former callings, and live in security,
+    though not in plenty, than encounter danger and poverty at once, and
+    face an enemy without any prospect of recompense?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any man recollect the ideas that arose in his mind upon hearing of a
+    bill for encouraging and increasing sailors, and examine whether he had
+    any expectation of expedients like these. I suppose it was never known
+    before, that men were to be encouraged by subjecting them to peculiar
+    penalties, or that to take away the gains of a profession, was a method
+    of recommending it more generally to the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is not of very great importance to dwell longer upon the
+    impropriety of this clause, which there is no possibility of putting in
+    execution. That the merchants will try every method of eluding a law so
+    prejudicial to their interest, may be easily imagined, and a mind not
+    very fruitful of evasions, will discover that this law may be eluded by
+    a thousand artifices. If the merchants are restrained from allowing men
+    their wages beyond a certain sum, they will make contracts for the
+    voyage, of which the time may very easily be computed, they may offer a
+    reward for expedition and fidelity, they may pay a large sum by way of
+    advance, they may allow the sailors part of the profits, or may offer
+    money by a third hand. To fix the price of any commodity, of which the
+    quantity and the use may vary their proportions, is the most excessive
+    degree of ignorance. No man can determine the price of corn, unless he
+    can regulate the harvest, and keep the number of the people for ever at
+    a stand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let us suppose these methods as efficacious as their most sanguine
+    vindicators are desirous of representing them, it does not yet appear
+    that they are necessary, and to inflict hardships without necessity, is
+    by no means the practice of either wisdom or benevolence. To tyrannise
+    and compel is the low pleasure of petty capacities, of narrow minds,
+    swelled with the pride of uncontroulable authority, the wantonness of
+    wretches who are insensible of the consequences of their own actions,
+    and of whom candour may, perhaps, determine, that they are only cruel
+    because they are stupid. Let us not exalt into a precedent the most
+    unjust and rigorous law of our predecessors, of which they themselves
+    declared their repentance, or confessed the inefficacy, by never
+    reviving it; let us rather endeavour to gain the sailors by lenity and
+    moderation, and reconcile them to the service of the crown by real
+    encouragements; for it is rational to imagine, that in proportion as men
+    are disgusted by injuries, they will be won by kindness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is one expedient, sir, which deserves to be tried, and from which,
+    at least, more success may be hoped than from cruelty, hunger, and
+    persecution. The ships that are now to be fitted out for service, are
+    those of the first magnitude, which it is usual to bring back into the
+    ports in winter. Let us, therefore, promise to all seamen that shall
+    voluntarily engage in them, besides the reward already proposed, a
+    discharge from the service at the end of six or seven months. By this
+    they will be released from their present dread of perpetual slavery, and
+    be certain, as they are when in the service of the merchants, of a
+    respite from their fatigues. The trade of the nation will be only
+    interrupted for a time, and may be carried on in the winter months, and
+    large sums will be saved by dismissing the seamen when they cannot be
+    employed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By adding this to the other methods of encouragement, and throwing aside
+    all rigorous and oppressive schemes, the navy may easily be manned, our
+    country protected, our commerce reestablished, and our enemies subdued;
+    but to pass the bill as it now stands, is to determine that trade shall
+    cease, and that no ship shall sail out of the river.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT spoke to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, it is common for those to
+    have the greatest regard to their own interest who discover the least
+    for that of others. I do not, therefore, despair of recalling the
+    advocates of this bill from the prosecution of their favourite measures,
+    by arguments of greater efficacy than those which are founded on reason
+    and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, is more evident, than that some degree of reputation is
+    absolutely necessary to men who have any concern in the administration
+    of a government like ours; they must either secure the fidelity of their
+    adherents by the assistance of wisdom, or of virtue; their enemies must
+    either be awed by their honesty, or terrified by their cunning. Mere
+    artless bribery will never gain a sufficient majority to set them
+    entirely free from apprehensions of censure. To different tempers
+    different motives must be applied: some, who place their felicity in
+    being accounted wise, are in very little care to preserve the character
+    of honesty; others may be persuaded to join in measures which they
+    easily discover to be weak and ill-concerted, because they are convinced
+    that the authors of them are not corrupt but mistaken, and are unwilling
+    that any man should be punished for natural defects or casual ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot say, sir, which of these motives influences the advocates for
+    the bill before us; a bill in which such cruelties are proposed as are
+    yet unknown among the most savage nations, such as slavery has not yet
+    borne, or tyranny invented, such as cannot be heard without resentment,
+    nor thought of without horrour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, perhaps, not unfortunate, that one more expedient has been
+    added, rather ridiculous than shocking, and that these tyrants of the
+    administration, who amuse themselves with oppressing their
+    fellow-subjects, who add without reluctance one hardship to another,
+    invade the liberty of those whom they have already overborne with taxes,
+    first plunder and then imprison, who take all opportunities of
+    heightening the publick distresses, and make the miseries of war the
+    instruments of new oppressions, are too ignorant to be formidable, and
+    owe their power not to their abilities, but to casual prosperity, or to
+    the influence of money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The other clauses of this bill, complicated at once with cruelty and
+    folly, have been treated with becoming indignation; but this may be
+    considered with less ardour of resentment, and fewer emotions of zeal,
+    because, though, perhaps, equally iniquitous, it will do no harm; for a
+    law that can never be executed can never be felt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it will consume the manufacture of paper, and swell the books of
+    statutes, is all the good or hurt that can be hoped or feared from a law
+    like this; a law which fixes what is in its own nature mutable, which
+    prescribes rules to the seasons and limits to the wind. I am too well
+    acquainted, sir, with the disposition of its two chief supporters, to
+    mention the contempt with which this law will be treated by posterity,
+    for they have already shown abundantly their disregard of succeeding
+    generations; but I will remind them, that they are now venturing their
+    whole interest at once, and hope they will recollect, before it is too
+    late, that those who believe them to intend the happiness of their
+    country, will never be confirmed in their opinion by open cruelty and
+    notorious oppression; and that those who have only their own interest in
+    view, will be afraid of adhering to those leaders, however old and
+    practised in expedients, however strengthened by corruption, or elated
+    with power, who have no reason to hope for success from either their
+    virtue or abilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST next spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the clause now under our
+    consideration is so inconsiderately drawn up, that it is impossible to
+    read it in the most cursory manner, without discovering the necessity of
+    numerous amendments; no malicious subtilties or artful deductions are
+    required in raising objections to this part of the bill, they crowd upon
+    us without being sought, and, instead of exercising our sagacity, weary
+    our attention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The first errour, or rather one part of a general and complicated
+    errour, is the computation of time, not by days, but by calendar months,
+    which, as they are not equal one to another, may embarrass the account
+    between the sailors and those that employ them. In all contracts of a
+    short duration, the time is to be reckoned by weeks and days, by certain
+    and regular periods, which has been so constantly the practice of the
+    seafaring men, that, perhaps, many of them do not know the meaning of a
+    calendar month: this, indeed, is a neglect of no great importance,
+    because no man can be deprived by it of more than the wages due for the
+    labour of a few days; but the other part of this clause is more
+    seriously to be considered, as it threatens the sailors with greater
+    injuries: for it is to be enacted, that all contracts made for more
+    wages than are here allowed shall be totally void.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot be denied to be possible, and in my opinion it is very likely,
+    that many contracts will be made without the knowledge of this law, and
+    consequently without any design of violating it; but ignorance,
+    inevitable ignorance, though it is a valid excuse for every other man,
+    is no plea for the unhappy sailor; he must suffer, though innocent, the
+    penalty of a crime; must undergo danger, hardships, and labour, without
+    a recompense, and at the end of a successful voyage, after having
+    enriched his country by his industry, return home to a necessitous
+    family, without being able to relieve them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is scarcely necessary, sir, to raise any more objections to a clause
+    in which nothing is right; but, to show how its imperfections multiply
+    upon the slightest consideration, I take the opportunity to observe,
+    that there is no provision made for regulating the voyages performed in
+    less time than a month, so that the greatest part of the abuses, which
+    have been represented as the occasion of this clause, are yet without
+    remedy, and only those sailors who venture far, and are exposed to the
+    greatest dangers, are restrained from receiving an adequate reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus much, sir, I have said upon the supposition that a regulation of
+    the sailors' wages is either necessary or just; a supposition of which I
+    am very far from discovering the truth. That it is just to oppress the
+    most useful of our fellow-subjects, to load those men with peculiar
+    hardships to whom we owe the plenty that we enjoy, the power that yet
+    remains in the nation, and which neither the folly nor the cowardice of
+    ministers have yet been able to destroy, and the security in which we
+    now sit and hold our consultations; that it is just to lessen our
+    payments at a time when we increase the labour of those who are hired,
+    and to expose men to danger without recompense, will not easily be
+    proved, even by those who are most accustomed to paradoxes, and are
+    ready to undertake the proof of any position which it is their interest
+    to find true.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it much more easy to show the necessity of this expedient in our
+    present state, in which it appears from the title of the bill, that our
+    chief endeavour should be the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+    and, I suppose, it has not often been discovered, that by taking away
+    the profits of a profession greater numbers have been allured to it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The high wages, sir, paid by merchants are the chief incitements that
+    prevail upon the ambitious, the necessitous, or the avaricious, to
+    forsake the ease and security of the land, to leave easy trades, and
+    healthful employments, and expose themselves to an element where they
+    are not certain of an hour's safety. The service of the merchants is the
+    nursery in which seamen are trained up for his majesty's navies, and
+    from thence we must, in time of danger, expect those forces by which
+    alone we can be protected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, it is necessary to encourage sailors, it is necessary to
+    reject all measures that may terrify or disgust them; and as their
+    numbers must depend upon our trade, let us not embarrass the merchants
+    with any other difficulties than those which are inseparable from war,
+    and which very little care has been hitherto taken to alleviate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY replied:&mdash;Sir, the objections which have been urged with so much
+    ardour, and displayed with such power of eloquence, are not, in my
+    opinion, formidable enough to discourage us from prosecuting our
+    measures; some of them may be, perhaps, readily answered, and the rest
+    easily removed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The computation of time, as it now stands, is allowed not to produce any
+    formidable evil, and therefore did not require so rhetorical a censure:
+    the inconveniency of calendar months may easily be removed by a little
+    candour in the contracting parties, or, that the objection may not be
+    repeated to the interruption of the debate, weeks or days may be
+    substituted, and the usual reckoning of the sailors be still continued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That some contracts may be annulled, and inconveniencies or delays of
+    payment arise, is too evident to be questioned; but in that case the
+    sailor may have his remedy provided, and be enabled to obtain, by an
+    easy process, what he shall be judged to <i>have deserved</i>; for it must be
+    allowed reasonable, that every man who labours in honest and useful
+    employments, should receive the reward of his diligence and fidelity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, may the clause, however loudly censured and violently
+    opposed, be made useful and equitable, and the publick service advanced
+    without injury to individuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, every law
+    which extends its influence to great numbers in various relations and
+    circumstances, must produce some consequences that were never foreseen
+    or intended, and is to be censured or applauded as the general
+    advantages or inconveniencies are found to preponderate. Of this kind is
+    the law before us, a law enforced by the necessity of our affairs, and
+    drawn up with no other intention than to secure the publick happiness,
+    and produce that success which every man's interest must prompt him to
+    desire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If in the execution of this law, sir, some inconveniencies should arise,
+    they are to be remedied as fast as they are discovered, or if not
+    capable of a remedy, to be patiently borne, in consideration of the
+    general advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That some temporary disturbances may be produced is not improbable; the
+    discontent of the sailors may, for a short time, rise high, and our
+    trade be suspended by their obstinacy; but obstinacy, however
+    determined, must yield to hunger, and when no higher wages can be
+    obtained, they will cheerfully accept of those which are here allowed
+    them. Short voyages, indeed, are not comprehended in the clause, and
+    therefore the sailors will engage in them upon their own terms, but this
+    objection can be of no weight with those that oppose the clause,
+    because, if it is unjust to limit the wages of the sailors, it is just
+    to leave those voyages without restriction; and those that think the
+    expedient here proposed equitable and rational, may, perhaps, be willing
+    to make some concessions to those who are of a different opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the bill will not remove every obstacle to success, nor add weight
+    to one part of the balance without making the other lighter; that it
+    will not supply the navy without incommoding the merchants in some
+    degree; that it may be sometimes evaded by cunning, and sometimes abused
+    by malice; and that at last it will be less efficacious than is desired,
+    may, perhaps, be proved; but it has not yet been proved that any other
+    measures are more eligible, or that we are not to promote the publick
+    service as far as we are able, though our endeavours may not produce
+    effects equal to our wishes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD then spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what
+    fatality it is that nothing can be urged in defence of the clause before
+    us which does not tend to discover its weakness and inefficacy. The
+    warmest patrons of this expedient are impelled, by the mere force of
+    conviction, to such concessions as invalidate all their arguments, and
+    leave their opponents no necessity of replying.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If short voyages are not comprehended in this provision, what are we now
+    controverting? What but the expedience of a law that will never be
+    executed? The sailors, however they are contemned by those who think
+    them only worthy to be treated like beasts of burden, are not yet so
+    stupid but that they can easily find out, that to serve a fortnight for
+    greater wages is more eligible than to toil a month for less; and as the
+    numerous equipments that have been lately made have not left many more
+    sailors in the service of the merchants than may be employed in the
+    coasting trade, those who traffick to remoter parts, must shut up their
+    books and wait till the expiration of this act, for an opportunity of
+    renewing their commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To regulate the wages for one voyage, and to leave another without
+    limitation, in time of scarcity of seamen, is absolutely to prohibit
+    that trade which is so restrained, and is, doubtless, a more effectual
+    embargo than has been yet invented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let any man but suppose that the East India company were obliged to give
+    only half the wages that other traders allow, and consider how that part
+    of our commerce could be carried on; would not their goods rot in their
+    warehouses, and their ships lie for ever in the harbour? Would not the
+    sailors refuse to contract with them? or desert them after a contract,
+    upon the first prospect of more advantageous employment?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is not requisite to multiply arguments in a question which may
+    not only be decided without long examination, but in which we may
+    determine our conclusions by the experience of our ancestors. Scarcely
+    any right or wrong measures are without a precedent, and, amongst
+    others, this expedient has been tried by the wisdom of former times; a
+    law was once made for limiting the wages of tailors, and that it is
+    totally ineffectual we are all convinced. Experience is a very safe
+    guide in political inquiries, and often discovers what the most
+    enlightened reason failed to foresee.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, improve the errours of our ancestors to our own
+    advantage, and whilst we neglect to imitate their virtues, let us, at
+    least, forbear to repeat their follies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PERRY spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, there is one objection more which
+    my acquaintance with foreign trade impresses too strongly upon my mind
+    to suffer me to conceal it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that the condition of a seaman subjects him to the
+    necessity of spending a great part of his life at a distance from his
+    native country, in places where he can neither hear of our designs, nor
+    be instructed in our laws, and, therefore, it is evident that no law
+    ought to affect him before a certain period of time, in which he may
+    reasonably be supposed to have been informed of it. For every man ought
+    to have it in his power to avoid punishment, and to suffer only for
+    negligence or obstinacy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is quite unnecessary, sir, to observe to this assembly, that there
+    are now, as at all times, great numbers of sailors in every part of the
+    world, and that they, at least, equally deserve our regard with those
+    who are under the more immediate influence of the government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These seamen have already contracted for the price of their labour, and
+    the recompense of their hazards, nor can we, in my opinion, without
+    manifest injustice, dissolve a contract founded upon equity, and
+    confirmed by law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, an undisputed principle of government, that no person should
+    be punished without a crime; but is it no punishment to deprive a man of
+    what is due to him by a legal stipulation, the condition of which is, on
+    his part, honestly fulfilled?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, can be imagined more calamitous than the disappointment to
+    which this law subjects the unhappy men who are now promoting the
+    interest of their country in distant places, amidst dangers and
+    hardships, in unhealthy climates, and barbarous nations, where they
+    comfort themselves, under the fatigues of labour and the miseries of
+    sickness, with the prospect of the sum which they shall gain for the
+    relief of their families, and the respite which their wages will enable
+    them to enjoy; but, upon their return, they find their hopes blasted,
+    and their contracts dissolved by a law made in their absence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No human being, I think, can coolly and deliberately inflict a hardship
+    like this, and, therefore, I doubt not but those who have, by
+    inadvertency, given room for this objection, will either remove it by an
+    amendment, or what is, in my opinion, more eligible, reject the clause
+    as inexpedient, useless, and unjust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next to this effect:&mdash;Sir, this debate has been
+    protracted, not by any difficulties arising from the nature of the
+    questions which have been the subject of it, but by a neglect with which
+    almost all the opponents of the bill may be justly charged, the neglect
+    of distinguishing between measures eligible in themselves, and measures
+    preferable to consequences which are apprehended from particular
+    conjunctures; between laws made only to advance the publick happiness,
+    and expedients of which the benefit is merely occasional, and of which
+    the sole intention is to avert some national calamity, and which are to
+    cease with the necessity that produced them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such are the measures, sir, which are now intended; measures, which, in
+    days of ease, security, and prosperity, it would be the highest degree
+    of weakness to propose, but of which I cannot see the absurdity in times
+    of danger and distress. Such laws are the medicines of a state, useless
+    and nauseous in health, but preferable to a lingering disease, or to a
+    miserable death.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Even those measures, sir, which have been mentioned as most grossly
+    absurd, and represented as parallel to the provision made in this clause
+    only to expose it to contempt and ridicule, may, in particular
+    circumstances, be rational and just. To settle the price of corn in the
+    time of a famine, may become the wisest state, and multitudes might, in
+    time of publick misery, by the benefit of temporary laws, be preserved
+    from destruction. Even those masts, to which, with a prosperous gale,
+    the ship owes its usefulness and its speed, are often cut down by the
+    sailors in the fury of a storm.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the ships which are now in distant places, whither no
+    knowledge of this law can possibly be conveyed, it cannot be denied that
+    their crews ought to be secured from injury by some particular
+    exception; for though it is evident in competitions between publick and
+    private interest, which ought to be preferred, yet we ought to remember
+    that no unnecessary injury is to be done to individuals, even while we
+    are providing for the safety of the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though I cannot be supposed to
+    have much acquaintance with naval affairs, and, therefore, may not,
+    perhaps, discover the full force of the arguments that have been urged
+    in favour of the clause now under consideration, yet I cannot but think
+    myself under an indispensable obligation to examine it as far as I am
+    able, and to make use of the knowledge which I have acquired, however
+    inferiour to that of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The argument, sir, the only real argument, which has been produced in
+    favour of the restraint of wages now proposed, appears to me by no means
+    conclusive; nor can I believe that the meanest and most ignorant seaman
+    would, if it were proposed to him, hesitate a moment for an answer to
+    it. Let me suppose, sir, a merchant urging it as a charge against a
+    seaman, that he raises his demand of wages in time of war, would not the
+    sailor readily reply, that harder labour required larger pay? Would he
+    not ask, why the general practice of mankind is charged as a crime upon
+    him only? Inquire, says he, of the workmen in the docks, have they not
+    double wages for double labour? and is not their lot safe and easy in
+    comparison with mine, who at once encounter danger and support fatigue,
+    carry on war and commerce at the same time, conduct the ship and oppose
+    the enemy, and am equally exposed to captivity and shipwreck?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is, in reality, the state of a sailor in time of war, I think,
+    sir, too evident to require proof; nor do I see what reply can be made
+    to the sailor's artless expostulation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not why the sailors alone should serve their country to their
+    disadvantage, and be expected to encounter danger without the incitement
+    of a reward.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will any part of the hardships of this clause be alleviated by the
+    expedient suggested by an honourable member, who spoke, some time ago,
+    of granting, or allowing, to a sailor, whose contract shall be void,
+    what our courts of law should adjudge him to deserve, a <i>quantum
+    meruit</i>: for, according to the general interpretation of our statutes,
+    it will be determined that he has forfeited his whole claim by illegal
+    contract. To instance, sir, the statute of usury. He that stipulates for
+    higher interest than is allowed, is not able to recover his legal
+    demand, but irrecoverably forfeits the whole.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, an unhappy sailor who shall innocently transgress this law,
+    must lose all the profit of his voyage, and have nothing to relieve him
+    after his fatigues; but when he has by his courage repelled the enemy,
+    and, by his skill, escaped storms and rocks, must suffer yet severer
+    hardships, in being subject to a forfeiture where he expected applause,
+    comfort, and recompense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, the clause
+    before us cannot, in my opinion, produce any such dreadful consequences
+    as the learned gentleman appears to imagine: however, to remove all
+    difficulties, I have drawn up an amendment, which I shall beg leave to
+    propose, that the contracts which may be affected as the clause now
+    stands, <i>shall be void only as to so much of the wages as shall exceed
+    the sum to which the house shall agree to reduce the seamen's pay;</i> and,
+    as to the forfeitures, they are not to be levied upon the sailors, but
+    upon the merchants, or trading companies, who employ them, and who are
+    able to pay greater sums without being involved in poverty and distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard, sir, to the reasons for introducing this clause, they are,
+    in my judgment, valid and equitable. We have found it necessary to fix
+    the rate of money at interest, and the rate of labour in several cases,
+    and if we do not in this case, what will be the consequence?&mdash;a second
+    embargo on commerce, and, perhaps, a total stop to all military
+    preparations. Is it reasonable that any man should rate his labour
+    according to the immediate necessities of those that employ him? or that
+    he should raise his own fortune by the publick calamities? If this has
+    hitherto been a practice, it is a practice contrary to the general
+    happiness of society, and ought to prevail no longer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the sailor, sir, is exposed to greater dangers in time of war, is not
+    the merchant's trade carried on, likewise, at greater hazard? Is not the
+    freight, equally with the sailors, threatened at once by the ocean and
+    the enemy? And is not the owner's fortune equally impaired, whether the
+    ship is dashed upon a rock, or seized by a privateer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchant, therefore, has as much reason for paying less wages in
+    time of war, as the sailor for demanding more, and nothing remains but
+    that the legislative power determine a medium between their different
+    interests, with justice, if possible, at least with impartiality.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Horace WALPOLE, who had stood up several times, but was prevented by
+    other members, spoke next, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, I was unwilling to
+    interrupt the course of this debate while it was carried on with
+    calmness and decency, by men, who do not suffer the ardour of opposition
+    to cloud their reason, or transport them to such expressions as the
+    dignity of this assembly does not admit. I have hitherto deferred to
+    answer the gentleman who declaimed against the bill with such fluency of
+    rhetorick, and such vehemence of gesture; who charged the advocates for
+    the expedients now proposed, with having no regard to any interest but
+    their own, and with making laws only to consume paper, and threatened
+    them with the defection of their adherence, and the loss of their
+    influence, upon this new discovery of their folly and their ignorance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, sir, do I now answer him for any other purpose than to remind him
+    how little the clamours of rage and petulancy of invectives contribute
+    to the purposes for which this assembly is called together; how little
+    the discovery of truth is promoted, and the security of the nation
+    established by pompous diction and theatrical emotions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Formidable sounds, and furious declamations, confident assertions, and
+    lofty periods, may affect the young and unexperienced; and, perhaps, the
+    gentleman may have contracted his habits of oratory by conversing more
+    with those of his own age, than with such as have had more opportunities
+    of acquiring knowledge, and more successful methods of communicating
+    their sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the heat of his temper, sir, would suffer him to attend to those
+    whose age and long acquaintance with business give them an indisputable
+    right to deference and superiority, he would learn, in time, to reason
+    rather than declaim, and to prefer justness of argument, and an accurate
+    knowledge of facts, to sounding epithets and splendid superlatives,
+    which may disturb the imagination for a moment, but leave no lasting
+    impression on the mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He will learn, sir, that to accuse and prove are very different, and
+    that reproaches, unsupported by evidence, affect only the character of
+    him that utters them. Excursions of fancy, and flights of oratory, are,
+    indeed, pardonable in young men, but in no other; and it would surely
+    contribute more, even to the purpose for which some gentlemen appear to
+    speak, that of depreciating the conduct of the administration, to prove
+    the inconveniencies and injustice of this bill, than barely to assert
+    them, with whatever magnificence of language, or appearance of zeal,
+    honesty, or compassion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT replied:&mdash;Sir, the atrocious crime of being a young man, which
+    the honourable gentleman has with such spirit and decency charged upon
+    me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny, but content myself
+    with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with
+    their youth, and not of that number, who are ignorant in spite of
+    experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir,
+    assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly
+    contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away
+    without improvement, and vice appears to prevail when the passions have
+    subsided. The wretch that, after having seen the consequences of a
+    thousand errours, continues still to blunder, and whose age has only
+    added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of either abhorrence
+    or contempt, and deserves not that his grey head should secure him from
+    insults.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Much more, sir, is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age,
+    has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with less temptation;
+    who prostitutes himself for money which he cannot enjoy, and spends the
+    remains of his life in the ruin of his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But youth, sir, is not my only crime; I have been accused of acting a
+    theatrical part&mdash;a theatrical part may either imply some peculiarities
+    of gesture, or a dissimulation of my real sentiments, and an adoption of
+    the opinions and language of another man.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the first sense, sir, the charge is too trifling to be confuted, and
+    deserves only to be mentioned, that it may be despised. I am at liberty,
+    like every other man, to use my own language; and though I may, perhaps,
+    have some ambition to please this gentleman, I shall not lay myself
+    under any restraint, nor very solicitously copy his diction, or his
+    mien, however matured by age, or modelled by experience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any man shall, by charging me with theatrical behaviour, imply that I
+    utter any sentiments but my own, I shall treat him as a calumniator and
+    a villain; nor shall any protection shelter him from the treatment which
+    he deserves. I shall, on such an occasion, without scruple, trample upon
+    all those forms, with which wealth and dignity intrench themselves, nor
+    shall any thing but age restrain my resentment: age, which always brings
+    one privilege, that of being insolent and supercilious without
+    punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, with regard, sir, to those whom I have offended, I am of opinion,
+    that if I had acted a borrowed part, I should have avoided their
+    censure; the heat that offended them is the ardour of conviction, and
+    that zeal for the service of my country, which neither hope nor fear
+    shall influence me to suppress. I will not sit unconcerned while my
+    liberty is invaded, nor look in silence upon publick robbery. I will
+    exert my endeavours, at whatever hazard, to repel the aggressor, and
+    drag the thief to justice, whoever may protect them in their villany,
+    and whoever may partake of their plunder. And if the honourable
+    gentleman&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here Mr. WINNINGTON called to order, and Mr. PITT sitting down, he spoke
+    thus:&mdash;It is necessary, sir, that the order of this assembly be
+    observed, and the debate resumed without personal altercations. Such
+    expressions as have been vented on this occasion, become not an assembly
+    intrusted with the liberty and welfare of their country. To interrupt
+    the debate on a subject so important as that before us, is, in some
+    measure, to obstruct the publick happiness, and violate our trust: but
+    much more heinous is the crime of exposing our determinations to
+    contempt, and inciting the people to suspicion or mutiny, by indecent
+    reflections, or unjust insinuations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not, sir, undertake to decide the controversy between the two
+    gentlemen, but must be allowed to observe, that no diversity of opinion
+    can justify the violation of decency, and the use of rude and virulent
+    expressions; expressions dictated only by resentment, and uttered
+    without regard to&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PITT called to order, and said:&mdash;Sir, if this be to preserve order,
+    there is no danger of indecency from the most licentious tongue: for
+    what calumny can be more atrocious, or what reproach more severe, than
+    that of speaking with regard to any thing but truth. Order may sometimes
+    be broken by passion, or inadvertency, but will hardly be reestablished
+    by monitors like this, who cannot govern his own passion, whilst he is
+    restraining the impetuosity of others.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Happy, sir, would it be for mankind, if every one knew his own province;
+    we should not then see the same man at once a criminal and a judge. Nor
+    would this gentleman assume the right of dictating to others what he has
+    not learned himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That I may return, in some degree, the favour which he intends me, I
+    will advise him never hereafter to exert himself on the subject of
+    order; but, whenever he finds himself inclined to speak on such
+    occasions, to remember how he has now succeeded, and condemn, in
+    silence, what his censures will never reform.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON replied:&mdash;Sir, as I was hindered by the gentleman's
+    ardour and impetuosity from concluding my sentence, none but myself can
+    know the equity or partiality of my intentions, and, therefore, as I
+    cannot justly be condemned, I ought to be supposed innocent; nor ought
+    he to censure a fault of which he cannot be certain that it would ever
+    have been committed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He has, indeed, exalted himself to a degree of authority never yet
+    assumed by any member of this house, that of condemning others to
+    silence. I am henceforward, by his inviolable decree, to sit and hear
+    his harangues without daring to oppose him. How wide he may extend his
+    authority, or whom he will proceed to include in the same sentence, I
+    shall not determine; having not yet arrived at the same degree of
+    sagacity with himself, nor being able to foreknow what another is going
+    to pronounce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I had given offence by any improper sallies of passion, I ought to
+    have been censured by the concurrent voice of the assembly, or have
+    received a reprimand, sir, from you, to which I should have submitted
+    without opposition; but I will not be doomed to silence by one who has
+    no pretensions to authority, and whose arbitrary decisions can only tend
+    to introduce uproar, discord, and confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, when, in
+    the ardour of controversy upon interesting questions, the zeal of the
+    disputants hinders them from a nice observation of decency and
+    regularity, there is some indulgence due to the common weakness of our
+    nature; nor ought any gentleman to affix to a negligent expression a
+    more offensive sense than is necessarily implied by it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To search deep, sir, for calumnies and reproaches is no laudable nor
+    beneficial curiosity; it must always be troublesome to ourselves by
+    alarming us with imaginary injuries, and may often be unjust to others
+    by charging them with invectives which they never intended. General
+    candour and mutual tenderness will best preserve our own quiet, and
+    support that dignity which has always been accounted essential to
+    national debates, and seldom infringed without dangerous consequences.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. LYTTLETON spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, no man can be more zealous for
+    decency than myself, or more convinced of the necessity of a methodical
+    prosecution of the question before us. I am well convinced how near
+    indecency and faction are to one another, and how inevitably confusion
+    produces obscurity; but I hope it will always be remembered, that he who
+    first infringes decency, or deviates from method, is to answer for all
+    the consequences that may arise from the neglect of senatorial customs:
+    for it is not to be expected that any man will bear reproaches without
+    reply, or that he who wanders from the question will not be followed in
+    his digressions, and hunted through his labyrinths.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, sir, be denied, that some insinuations were uttered injurious
+    to those whose zeal may sometimes happen to prompt them to warm
+    declarations, or incite them to passionate emotions. Whether I am of
+    importance enough to be included in the censure, I despise it too much
+    to inquire or consider, but cannot forbear to observe, that zeal for the
+    right can never become reproachful, and that no man can fall into
+    contempt but those who deserve it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The clause was amended, and agreed to.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The seventieth day of the session being appointed for the report from
+    the committee on the bill for the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+    sir John BARNARD presented a petition from the merchants of London, and
+    spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, this petition I am directed to lay before this house by many of the
+    principal merchants of that great city which I have the honour to
+    represent; men too wise to be terrified with imaginary dangers, and too
+    honest to endeavour the obstruction of any measures that may probably
+    advance the publick good, merely because they do not concur with their
+    private interest; men, whose knowledge and capacity enable them to judge
+    rightly, and whose acknowledged integrity and spirit set them above the
+    suspicion of concealing their sentiments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore present this petition in the name of the merchants of
+    London, in full confidence that it will be found to deserve the regard
+    of this assembly, though I am, equally with the other members, a
+    stranger to what it contains; for it is my opinion that a representative
+    is to lay before the house the sentiments of his constituents, whether
+    they agree with his own or not, and that, therefore, it would have been
+    superfluous to examine the petition, which, though I might not wholly
+    have approved it, I had no right to alter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition was read, and is as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    "The humble petition of the merchants and traders of the city of
+    London&mdash;showeth, that your petitioners are informed a bill is depending
+    in this honourable house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+    and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, in which
+    are clauses, that, should the bill pass into a law, your petitioners
+    apprehend will be highly detrimental to the trade and navigation of this
+    kingdom, by discouraging persons from entering into or being bred to the
+    sea service, and entirely prevent the better and speedier manning his
+    majesty's fleet, by giving the seamen of Great Britain, and of all other
+    his majesty's dominions, a distaste of serving on board the royal navy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners conceive nothing can be of so bad consequence to
+    the welfare and defence of this nation, as the treating so useful and
+    valuable a body of men, who are its natural strength and security, like
+    criminals of the highest nature, and so differently from all other his
+    majesty's subjects; and at the same time are persuaded, that the only
+    effectual and speedy method of procuring, for the service of his
+    majesty's fleet, a proportionable number of the sailors in this kingdom,
+    is to distinguish that body of men by bounties and encouragements, both
+    present and future, and by abolishing all methods of severity and ill
+    usage, particularly that practice whereby they are deprived, after long
+    and hazardous voyages, of enjoying, for a short space of time, the
+    comforts of their families, and equal liberty with other their
+    fellow-subjects in their native country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such
+    methods pointed out as will tend to supply the present necessities, and
+    at the same time effectually promote the increase of seamen, when this
+    honourable house shall think fit to inquire into a matter of such high
+    importance to the naval power, trade, and riches of this kingdom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "That your petitioners are convinced this bill will not only be
+    ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by it, but will be destructive
+    of the liberties of all his majesty's subjects, as it empowers any
+    parish officer, accompanied with an unlimited number of persons, at any
+    hour, by day or by night, to force open the dwelling-houses, warehouses,
+    or other places, provided for the security and defence of their lives
+    and fortunes, contrary to the undoubted liberties of the people of Great
+    Britain, and the laws of this land.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "In consideration, therefore, of the premises, and of the particular
+    prejudices, hardships, and dangers, which must inevitably attend your
+    petitioners, and all others the merchants and traders of this kingdom,
+    should this bill pass into a law, your petitioners most humbly pray this
+    honourable house, that they may be heard by their counsel against the
+    said clauses in the said bill."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. BATHURST then presented a petition, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the
+    alarm which the bill, now depending, has raised, is not confined to the
+    city of London, or to any particular province of the king's dominions;
+    the whole nation is thrown into commotions, and the effects of the law
+    now proposed, are dreaded, far and wide, as a general calamity. Every
+    town which owes its trade and its provisions to navigation, apprehends
+    the approach of poverty and scarcity, and those which are less
+    immediately affected, consider the infraction of our liberties as a
+    prelude to their destruction. Happy would it be, if we, who are
+    intrusted with their interest, could find any arguments to convince them
+    that their terrour was merely panick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these fears have already extended their influence to the county
+    which I represent, the petition which I now beg leave to lay before the
+    house, will sufficiently evince; and I hope their remonstrances will
+    prevail with this assembly to remove the cause of their disquiet, by
+    rejecting the bill.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This was entitled "a petition of several gentlemen, freeholders, and
+    other inhabitants of the county of Gloucester, in behalf of themselves,
+    and all other, the freeholders of the said county," setting forth, in
+    substance, "That the petitioners being informed that a bill was
+    depending in this house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+    and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, containing
+    several clauses which, should the bill pass into a law, would, as the
+    petitioners apprehend, impose hardships upon the people too heavy to be
+    borne, and create discontents in the minds of his majesty's subjects;
+    would subvert all the rights and privileges of a Briton; and overturn
+    Magna Charta itself, the basis on which they are built; and, by these
+    means, destroy that very liberty, for the preservation of which the
+    present royal family was established upon the throne of Britain; for
+    which reasons, such a law could never be obeyed, or much blood would be
+    shed in consequence of it."
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM then spoke, to this purport:&mdash;Sir, I have attended to
+    this petition with the utmost impartiality, and have endeavoured to
+    affix, to every period, the most innocent sense; but cannot forbear to
+    declare it as my opinion, that it is far distant from the style of
+    submission and request: instead of persuading, they attempt to
+    intimidate us, and menace us with no less than bloodshed and rebellion.
+    They make themselves the judges of our proceedings, and appeal, from our
+    determinations, to their own opinion, and declare that they will obey no
+    longer than they approve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If such petitions as these, sir, are admitted; if the legislature shall
+    submit to receive laws, and subjects resume, at pleasure, the power with
+    which the government is vested, what is this assembly but a convention
+    of empty phantoms, whose determinations are nothing more than a mockery
+    of state?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every insult upon this house is a violation of our constitution; and the
+    constitution, like every other fabrick, by being often battered, must
+    fall at last. It is, indeed, already destroyed, if there be, in the
+    nation, any body of men who shall, with impunity, refuse to comply with
+    the laws, plead the great charter of liberty against those powers that
+    made it, and fix the limits of their own obedience.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, sir, pass over, in silence, the mention of the king, whose
+    title to the throne, and the reasons for which he was exalted to it, are
+    set forth with uncommon art and spirit of diction; but spirit, which, in
+    my opinion, appears not raised by zeal, but by sedition; and which,
+    therefore, it is our province to repress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That his majesty reigns for the preservation of liberty, will be readily
+    confessed; but how shall we be able to preserve it, if his laws are not
+    obeyed?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, in regard to the dignity of the assembly, to the
+    efficacy of our determinations, and the security of our constitution,
+    discourage all those who shall address us for the future, on this or any
+    other occasion, from speaking in the style of governours and dictators,
+    by refusing that this petition should be laid on the table.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question was put, and it was agreed, by the whole house, that it
+    should not lie on the table.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. Henry PELHAM rose up again, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I cannot but
+    congratulate the house upon the unanimity with which this petition, a
+    petition of which I speak in the softest language, when I call it
+    irreverent and disrespectful, has been refused the regard commonly paid
+    to the remonstrances of our constituents, whose rights I am far from
+    desiring to infringe, when I endeavour to regulate their conduct, and
+    recall them to their duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is an occasion, on which it is, in my opinion, necessary to exert
+    our authority with confidence and vigour, as the spirit of opposition
+    must always be proportioned to that of the attack. Let us, therefore,
+    not only refuse to this petition the usual place on our table, but
+    reject it as unworthy of this house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question was put, and the petition rejected, with scarcely any
+    opposition.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house then entered upon the consideration of the bill, and when the
+    report was made from the committee, and the blanks filled up, sir
+    William YONGE spoke, in the following manner:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the bill has been brought, by steady perseverance and diligent
+    attention, to such perfection, that much more important effects may be
+    expected from it than from any former law for the same purpose, if it be
+    executed with the same calmness and resolution, the same contempt of
+    popular clamour, and the same invariable and intrepid adherence to the
+    publick good, that has been shown in forming and defending it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what can we hope from this, or any other law, if particular men, who
+    cannot be convinced of its expedience, shall not only refuse to obey it,
+    but declare their design of obstructing the execution of it? shall
+    determine to retire from the sphere of their authority, rather than
+    exercise it in compliance with the decree of the senate, and threaten,
+    in plain terms, to call the country in to their assistance, and to pour
+    the rabble by thousands upon those who shall dare to do their duty, and
+    obey their governours?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such declarations as these, sir, are little less than sallies of
+    rebellion; and, if they pass without censure, will, perhaps, produce
+    such commotions as may require to be suppressed by other means than
+    forms of law and senatorial censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I think that, by rejecting the petition, we have sufficiently
+    established our authority; for, in my opinion, we yielded too much in
+    receiving it. The bill before us whatever may be its title, is, in
+    reality, a money bill; a bill, by which aids are granted to the crown;
+    and we have, therefore, no necessity of rejecting petitions on this
+    occasion, because the standing orders of the house forbid us to admit
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They then proceeded to the amendments, and when the clause for limiting
+    the wages of seamen was read, sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to
+    this effect:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, we are now to consider the clause to which the petition relates,
+    which I have now presented, a petition on a subject of so general
+    importance, and offered by men so well acquainted with every argument
+    that can be offered, and every objection which can be raised, that their
+    request of being heard by their council cannot be denied, without
+    exposing us to the censure of adhering obstinately to our own opinions,
+    of shutting our ears against information, of preferring expedition to
+    security, and disregarding the welfare of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will not be necessary to defer our determinations on this clause for
+    more than three days, though we should gratify this just and common
+    request. And will not this loss be amply compensated by the satisfaction
+    of the people, for whose safety we are debating, and by the
+    consciousness that we have neglected nothing which might contribute to
+    the efficacy of our measures?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, do not come before us with loud remonstrances and
+    harassing complaints, they do not apply to our passions, but our
+    understandings, and offer such informations as will very much facilitate
+    the publick service. It has been frequent, in the course of this debate,
+    to hear loud demands for better expedients, and more efficacious, than
+    those which have been proposed; and is it to be conceived that those who
+    called thus eagerly for new proposals, intended not to inform
+    themselves, but to silence their opponents?
+</p>
+<p>
+    From whom, sir, are the best methods for the prosecution of naval
+    affairs to be expected, but from those whose lives are spent in the
+    study of commerce, whose fortunes depend upon the knowledge of the sea,
+    and who will, most probably, exert their abilities in contriving
+    expedients to promote the success of the war, than they whom the
+    miscarriage of our fleets must irreparably ruin?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The merchants, sir, are enabled by their profession to inform us&mdash;are
+    deterred by their interest from deceiving us; they have, like all other
+    subjects, a right to be heard on any question; and a better right than
+    any other when their interest is more immediately affected; and,
+    therefore, to refuse to hear them, will be, at once, impolitick and
+    cruel; it will discover, at the same time, a contempt of the most
+    valuable part of our fellow-subjects, and an inflexible adherence to our
+    own opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expedient of asserting this to be a money bill, by which the just
+    remonstrances of the merchants are intended to be eluded, is too trivial
+    and gross to be adopted by this assembly: if this bill can be termed a
+    money bill, and no petitions are, therefore, to be admitted against it,
+    I know not any bill relating to the general affairs of the nation which
+    may not plead the same title to an exemption from petitions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I therefore desire that the consideration of this clause may be deferred
+    for two days, that the arguments of the merchants may be examined, and
+    that this affair may not be determined without the clearest knowledge
+    and exactest information.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the petition,
+    whether justifiable or not, with regard to the occasion on which it is
+    presented, or the language in which it is expressed, is certainly
+    offered at an improper time, and, therefore, can lay no claim to the
+    regard of this assembly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The time prescribed, by the rules of this house, for the reception of
+    petitions, is that at which the bill is first introduced, not at which
+    it is to be finally determined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition before us is said not to regard the bill in general, but a
+    particular clause; and it is, therefore, asserted, that it may now
+    properly be heard: but this plea will immediately vanish, when it shall
+    be made appear that the clause is not mentioned in it, and that there is
+    no particular relation between that and the petition, which I shall
+    attempt&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here sir John BARNARD, remarking that sir Robert WALPOLE had the
+    petition in his hand, rose, and said:&mdash;Sir, I rise thus abruptly to
+    preserve the order of this assembly, and to prevent any gentleman from
+    having, in this debate, any other advantage, above the rest, than that
+    of superiour abilities, or more extensive knowledge.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition was not ordered, by the house, to be placed in the right
+    honourable gentleman's hand, but on the table; nor has he a right to
+    make use of any other means for his information, than are in the power
+    of any other member: if he is in doubt upon any particulars contained in
+    it, he may move that the clerk should read it to the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE laid down the paper; Mr. PELHAM rose, and said:&mdash;Sir,
+    I am so far from thinking the rules of the house asserted, that, in my
+    opinion, the right of the members is infringed by this peremptory
+    demand. Is it not, in the highest degree, requisite, that he who is
+    about to reason upon the petition should acquaint himself with the
+    subject on which he is to speak.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What inconveniencies can ensue from such liberties as this, I am not
+    able to discover; and, as all the orders of the house are, doubtless,
+    made for more easy and expeditious despatch, if an order be contrary to
+    this end, it ought to be abrogated for the reasons for which others are
+    observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The confidence with which this petition was presented, will not suffer
+    us to imagine that the person who offered it fears that it can suffer by
+    a close examination; and I suppose, though he has spoken so warmly in
+    favour of it, without perusing, he does not expect that others should
+    with equal confidence admit&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD observing that sir Robert WALPOLE leaned forward
+    towards the table, to read the petition as it lay, rose, and said:&mdash;Sir,
+    I rise once more to demand the observation of the orders of the house,
+    and to hinder the right honourable gentleman from doing by stratagem,
+    what he did more openly and honestly before.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was to little purpose that he laid down the petition, if he placed it
+    within reach of his inspection? for I was only desirous, sir, to hinder
+    him from reading, and was far from suspecting that he would take it
+    away. I insist, that henceforward, he obey the rules of this assembly,
+    with his eyes as well as with his hands, and take no advantage of his
+    seat, which may enable him to perplex the question in debate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it is, undoubtedly, required by the
+    orders of the house, that the petitions should lie upon the table; and
+    that any member, who is desirous of any farther satisfaction, should
+    move that they be read by the clerk, that every member may have the same
+    opportunity of understanding and considering them; and that no one may
+    be excluded from information, by the curiosity or delays of another. But
+    the importance of this affair seems not to be so very great as to
+    require a rigorous observance of the rules; and it were to be wished,
+    for the ease and expedition of our deliberations, that gentlemen would
+    rather yield points of indifference to one another, than insist so
+    warmly on circumstances of a trivial nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the petition,
+    which being immediately done, he proceeded in the following manner:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, having sat above forty years in this assembly, and never been
+    called to order before, I was somewhat disconcerted by a censure so new
+    and unexpected, and, in my opinion, undeserved. So that I am somewhat at
+    a loss, with regard to the train of arguments which I had formed, and
+    which I will now endeavour to recover. Yet I cannot but remark, that
+    those gentlemen who are so solicitous for order in others, ought,
+    themselves, invariably to observe it; and that if I have once given an
+    unhappy precedent of violating the rules of this house, I have, in some
+    measure, atoned for my inadvertence, by a patient attention to reproof,
+    and a ready submission to authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, I may claim some indulgence from the motive of my offence,
+    which was only a desire of accuracy, and an apprehension that I might,
+    by mistaking or forgetting some passages in the petition, lose my own
+    time, and interrupt the proceedings of the house to no purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But having now, according to order, heard the petition, and found no
+    reason to alter my opinion, I shall endeavour to convince the house that
+    it ought not to be granted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The petition, sir, is so far from bearing any particular relation to the
+    clause now before us, that it does not, in any part, mention the
+    expedient proposed in it, but contains a general declaration of
+    discontent, suspicion, apprehensions of dangerous proceedings, and
+    dislike of our proceedings; insinuations, sir, by no means consistent
+    with the reverence due to this assembly, and which the nature of civil
+    government requires always to be paid to the legislative power.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To suspect any man, sir, in common life, is in some degree to detract
+    from his reputation, which must suffer in proportion to the supposed
+    wisdom and integrity of him who declares his suspicion. To suspect the
+    conduct of this senate, is to invalidate their decisions, and subject
+    them to contempt and opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, and such only, appears to be the tendency of the petition which
+    has now been read; a petition, sir, very unskilfully drawn, if it was
+    intended against the clause under our consideration, for it has not a
+    single period or expression that does not equally regard all the other
+    clauses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If any particular objection is made, or any single grievance more
+    distinctly pointed at, it is the practice of impresses, a hardship, I
+    own, peculiar to the sailors; but it must be observed that it is a
+    practice established by immemorial custom, and a train of precedents not
+    to be numbered; and it is well known that the whole common law of this
+    nation is nothing more than custom, of which the beginning cannot be
+    traced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Impresses, sir, have in all ages been issued out by virtue of the
+    imperial prerogative, and have in all ages been obeyed; and if this
+    exertion of the authority had been considered as a method of severity
+    not compensated by the benefits which it produces, we cannot imagine but
+    former senates, amidst all their ardour for liberty, all their
+    tenderness for the people, and all their abhorrence of the power of the
+    crown, would have obviated it by some law, at those times when nothing
+    could have been refused them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proper time for new schemes and long deliberations, for amending our
+    constitution, and removing inveterate grievances, are the days of
+    prosperity and safety, when no immediate danger presses upon us, nor any
+    publick calamity appears to threaten us; but when war is declared, when
+    we are engaged in open hostilities against one nation, and expect to be
+    speedily attacked by another, we are not to try experiments, but apply
+    to dangerous evils those remedies, which, though disagreeable, we know
+    to be efficacious.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And though, sir, the petitioners have been more particular, I cannot
+    discover the reasonableness of hearing them by their council; for to
+    what purpose are the lawyers to be introduced? Not to instruct us by
+    their learning, for their employment is to understand the laws that have
+    been already made, and support the practices which they find
+    established. But the question before us relates not to the past but the
+    future, nor are we now to examine what has been done in former ages, but
+    what it will become us to establish on the present occasion; a subject
+    of inquiry on which this house can expect very little information from
+    the professors of the law?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps the petitioners expect from their counsel, that they should
+    display the fecundity of their imagination, and the elegance of their
+    language; that they should amuse us with the illusions of oratory,
+    dazzle us with bright ideas, affect us with strong representations, and
+    lull us with harmonious periods; but if it be only intended that just
+    facts and valid arguments should be laid before us, they will be
+    received without the decorations of the bar. For this end, sir, it would
+    have been sufficient had the merchants informed their representatives of
+    the methods which they have to propose; for the abilities of the
+    gentlemen whom the city has deputed to this assembly, are well known to
+    be such as stand in need of no assistance from occasional orators. Nor
+    can it be expected that any men will be found more capable of
+    understanding the arguments of the merchants, or better qualified to lay
+    them before the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every petitioner has, except on money bills, a right to be heard,
+    is undoubtedly true; but it is no less evident that this right is
+    limited to a certain time, and that on this occasion the proper time is
+    elapsed. Justice is due both to individuals and to the nation; if
+    petitions may at any time be offered, and are, whenever offered, to be
+    heard, a small body of men might, by unseasonable and importunate
+    petitions, retard any occasional law, till it should become unnecessary.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Petitions, sir, are to be offered when a new bill is brought into the
+    house, that all useful information may be obtained; but when it has
+    passed through the examination of the committees, has been approved by
+    the collective wisdom of the senate, and requires only a formal
+    ratification to give it the force of a law, it is neither usual nor
+    decent to offer petitions, or declare any dislike of what the senate has
+    admitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are not, when we have proceeded thus far, to suffer pleaders to
+    examine our conduct, or vary our determinations, according to the
+    opinions of those whom we ought to believe less acquainted with the
+    question than ourselves. Should we once be reduced to ask advice, and
+    submit to dictators, what would be the reputation of this assembly in
+    foreign courts, or in our own country? What could be expected, but that
+    our enemies of every kind would endeavour to regulate our determinations
+    by bribing our instructers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can I think it necessary that lawyers should be employed in laying
+    before us any scheme which the merchants may propose, for supplying the
+    defects, and redressing the inconveniencies, of the laws by which
+    sailors are at present levied for the royal navy; for how should lawyers
+    be more qualified than other men, to explain the particular advantages
+    of such expedients, or to answer any objections which may happen to
+    rise?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known that it is not easy for the most happy speaker to
+    impress his notions with the strength with which he conceives them, and
+    yet harder is the task of transmitting imparted knowledge, of conveying
+    to others those sentiments which we have not struck out by our own
+    reflection, nor collected from our own experience, but received merely
+    from the dictates of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet such must be the information that lawyers can give us, who can only
+    relate what they have implicitly received, and weaken the arguments
+    which they have heard, by an imperfect recital.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I only oppose the admission of lawyers to our bar, but think the
+    right of the merchants themselves, in the present case, very
+    questionable; for though in general it must be allowed, that every
+    petitioner has a claim to our attention, yet it is to be inquired
+    whether it is likely that the publick happiness is his chief concern,
+    and whether his private interest is not too much affected to suffer him
+    to give impartial evidence, or honest information. Scarcely any law can
+    be made by which some man is not either impoverished, or hindered from
+    growing rich; and we are not to listen to complaints, of which the
+    foundation is so easily discovered, or imagine a law less useful,
+    because those who suffer some immediate inconvenience from it, do not
+    approve it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us is required, by the present exigence of our
+    affairs, to be speedily decided; and though the merchants have, with
+    great tenderness, compassion, and modesty, condescended to offer us
+    their advice, I think expedition preferable to any information that can
+    reasonably be expected from them, and that as they will suffer, in the
+    first place, by any misconduct of our naval affairs, we shall show more
+    regard to their interest by manning our fleet immediately, than by
+    waiting three or four days for farther instructions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS answered to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the merchants of London
+    whether we consider their numbers, their property, their integrity, or
+    their wisdom, are a body of too much importance to be thus
+    contemptuously rejected; rejected when they ask nothing that can be
+    justly denied to the meanest subject of the empire, when they propose to
+    speak on nothing but what their profession enables them to understand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To no purpose is it urged, that the bill is far advanced, for if we have
+    not proceeded in the right way, we ought to be in more haste to return,
+    in proportion as we have gone farther; nor can I discover why we should
+    expedite, with so much assiduity, measures which are judged ineffectual,
+    by those who know their consequences best, and for whose advantage they
+    are particularly designed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we have already spent so much time in considering methods for
+    manning the fleet, is surely one reason why we should endeavour at last
+    to establish such as may be effectual; nor can we hope to succeed
+    without a patient attention to their opinion, who must necessarily be
+    well experienced in naval affairs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is surely, therefore, neither prudent nor just to shut out
+    intelligence from our assemblies, and ridicule the good intention of
+    those that offer it, to consult upon the best expedients for encouraging
+    and increasing sailors, and when the merchants offer their scheme, to
+    treat them as saucy, impertinent, idle meddlers, that assume&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Here the ATTORNEY GENERAL called him to order, and spoke after this
+    manner:&mdash;Sir, it is not very consistent to press the despatch of
+    business, and to retard it, at the same time, by invidious insinuations,
+    or unjust representations of arguments or expressions: whenever any
+    expression is censured, it ought to be repeated in the same words; for
+    otherwise, does not the animadverter raise the phantom that he
+    encounters? Does he not make the stain, which he endeavours, with so
+    much officious zeal, to wipe away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That no epithets of contempt or ridicule have, in this debate, been
+    applied to the merchants, nor any violation of decency attempted, it is
+    unnecessary to prove, and, therefore, it is neither regular nor candid
+    to represent any man as aggravating the refusal of their petition with
+    reproaches and insults. But not to dwell longer on this incident, I will
+    take the liberty of reminding the gentleman, that personal invectives
+    are always, at least superfluous, and that the business of the day
+    requires rather arguments than satire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am by no means convinced that
+    the learned gentleman who charges me with irregularity, is better
+    acquainted than myself with the rules and customs of this house, which I
+    have studied with great application, assisted by long experience. I
+    hope, therefore, it will be no inexcusable presumption, if, instead of a
+    tacit submission to his censure, I assert, in my own vindication, that I
+    have not deviated from the established rules of the senate, that I have
+    spoken only in defence of merit insulted, and that I have condemned only
+    such injurious insinuations. I did not, sir, attempt to repeat
+    expressions, as ought not to be heard without reply.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT said:&mdash;I believe the gentleman either heard
+    imperfectly, or misunderstood these expressions, which he so warmly
+    condemns, for nothing has been uttered that could justly excite his
+    indignation. My office obliges me on this occasion to remark, that the
+    regard due to the dignity of the house ought to restrain every member
+    from digressions into private satire; for in proportion as we proceed
+    with less decency, our determinations will have less influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the reputation
+    which the honourable gentleman has acquired by his uncommon knowledge of
+    the usages of the senate, is too well founded to be shaken, nor was any
+    attack upon his character intended, when he was interrupted in the
+    prosecution of his design. To censure any indecent expression, by
+    whomsoever uttered, is, doubtless, consistent with the strictest
+    regularity; nor is it less proper to obviate any misrepresentation which
+    inattention or mistake may produce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far, sir, from thinking that the gentleman's indignation was
+    excited rather by malice than mistake; but mistakes of this kind may
+    produce consequences which cannot be too cautiously avoided. How
+    unwillingly would that gentleman propagate through the nation an opinion
+    that the merchants were insulted in this house, their interest
+    neglected, and their intelligence despised, at a time when no aspersion
+    was thrown upon them, nor any thing intended but tenderness and regard?
+    And yet such had been the representation of this day's debate, which
+    this numerous audience would have conveyed to the populace, had not the
+    mistake been immediately rectified, and the rumour crushed in the birth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, sir, can be more injurious to the character of this assembly,
+    by which the people are represented, than to accuse them of treating any
+    class of men with insolence and contempt; and too much diligence cannot
+    be used in obviating a report which cannot be spread in the nation,
+    without giving rise to discontent, clamours, and sedition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who shall be inclined to reject the petition, may, perhaps, act
+    with no less regard to the merchants, and may promote their interest and
+    their security with no less ardour than those who most solicitously
+    labour for its reception: for, if they are not allowed to be heard, it
+    is only because the publick interest requires expedition, and because
+    every delay of our preparations is an injury to trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is not a proper time for petitions against the bill to be
+    heard, is universally known; and I can discover nothing in the petition
+    that restrains it to this particular clause, which is so far from being
+    specified, that it appears to be the only part of the bill of which they
+    have had no intelligence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let the warmest advocates for the petition point out any part of it that
+    relates to this single clause, and I will retract my assertion; but as
+    it appears that there are only general declarations of the inexpediency
+    of the measures proposed, and the pernicious tendency of the methods now
+    in use, what is the petition, but a complaint against the bill, and a
+    request that it should be laid aside.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The practice of impresses, sir, is particularly censured, as severe and
+    oppressive; a charge which, however true, has no relation to this
+    clause, which is intended to promote the voluntary engagement of sailors
+    in the service of the crown; yet it may not be improper to observe, that
+    as the practice of impressing is, in itself, very efficacious, and well
+    adapted to sudden emergencies; as it has been established by a long
+    succession of ages, and is, therefore, become almost a part of our
+    constitution; and as it is at this time necessary to supply the navy
+    with the utmost expedition, it is neither decent nor prudent to complain
+    too loudly against, or to heighten the discontent of the people at a
+    necessary evil.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have, sir, examined every part of this bill with the attention which
+    the defence of the nation requires; we have softened the rigour of the
+    methods first proposed, and admitted no violence or hardship that is not
+    absolutely necessary, to make the law effectual, which, like every other
+    law, must be executed by force, if it be obstructed or opposed. We have
+    inserted a great number of amendments, proposed by those who are
+    represented as the most anxious guardians of the privileges of the
+    people; and it is not, surely, to no purpose that the great council of
+    the nation has so long and so studiously laboured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who are chosen by the people to represent them, have undoubtedly,
+    sir, some claim as individuals to their confidence and respect; for to
+    imagine that they have committed the great charge of senatorial
+    employments, that they have trusted their liberties and their happiness
+    to those whose integrity they suspect, or whose understandings they
+    despise, is to imagine them much more stupid than they have been
+    represented by those who are censured as their enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But far different is the regard due to the determinations formed by the
+    collective wisdom of the senate; a regard which ought to border upon
+    reverence, and which is scarcely consistent with the least murmur of
+    dissatisfaction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we are to hear the present petitioners, is it not probable, that
+    before we have despatched them, we shall be solicited by others, who
+    will then plead the same right, supported by a new precedent? And is it
+    not possible that by one interruption upon another, our measures may be
+    delayed, till they shall be ineffectual?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems to me to be of much more importance to defend the merchants
+    than to hear them; and I shall, therefore, think no concessions at this
+    time expedient, which may obstruct the great end of our endeavours, the
+    equipment of the fleet.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY then spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the art and
+    eloquence with which this grant of the merchants' petition has been
+    opposed, I am not yet able to discover that any thing is asked
+    unreasonable, unprecedented, or inconvenient; and I am confident, that
+    no real objection can have been overlooked by the gentlemen who have
+    spoken against it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have spent, sir, thirty-five years of my life in the senate, and know
+    that information has always, upon important questions, been willingly
+    received; and it cannot surely be doubted that the petitioners are best
+    able to inform us of naval business, and to judge what will be the right
+    method of reconciling the sailors to the publick service, and of
+    supplying our fleets without injuring our trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Their abilities and importance have been hitherto so generally
+    acknowledged, that no senate has yet refused to attend to their opinion;
+    and surely we ought not to be ambitious of being the first assembly of
+    the representatives of the people, that has refused an audience to the
+    merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the expedience of delaying the bill at the present
+    conjuncture, he must think very contemptuously of the petitioners, who
+    imagines that they have nothing to offer that will counterbalance a
+    delay of two days, and must entertain an elevated idea of the vigilance
+    and activity of our enemies, enemies never before eminent for
+    expedition, if he believes that they can gain great advantages in so
+    short a time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief reason of the opposition appears, indeed, not to be either the
+    irregularity or inexpediency of hearing them, but the offence which some
+    have received from an irreverent mention of the power of impressing, a
+    power which never can be mentioned without complaint or detestation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not, indeed, impossible that they may intend to represent to the
+    house, how much the sailors are oppressed, how much our commerce is
+    impeded, and how much the power of the nation is exhausted, by this
+    cruel method. They may propose to show that sailors, not having the
+    choice of their voyages, are often hurried through a sudden change of
+    climates, from one extreme to another, and that nothing can be expected
+    from such vicissitudes, but sickness, lameness, and death. They may
+    propose, that to have just arrived from the south may be pleaded as an
+    exemption from an immediate voyage to the north, and that the seaman may
+    have some time to prepare himself for so great an alteration, by a
+    residence of a few months in a temperate climate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this should be their intention, it cannot, in my opinion, sir, be
+    called either unreasonable or disrespectful, nor will their allegations
+    be easily disproved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is insinuated, that their grievances are probably such as affect
+    them only as distinct from the rest of the community, and that they have
+    nothing to complain of but a temporary interruption of their private
+    advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, no idea of the <i>private advantage</i> of a legal trader:
+    for unless, sir, we neglect our duty of providing that no commerce shall
+    be carried on to the detriment of the publick, the merchant's profit
+    must be the profit of the nation, and their interests inseparably
+    combined.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may, however, be possible, that the merchants may, like other men,
+    prefer their immediate to their greater advantage, and may be impatient
+    of a painful remedy, though necessary to prevent a more grievous evil.
+    But let us not censure them by suspicion, and punish them for a crime
+    which it is only possible they may commit; let us, sir, at least have
+    all the certainty that can be obtained, and allow them an audience; let
+    us neither be so positive as not to receive information, nor so rigorous
+    as not to listen to entreaties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the merchants have nothing to offer, nothing but complaints, and can
+    propose no better measures than those which they lament, if their
+    arguments should be found to regard only their present interest, and to
+    be formed upon narrow views and private purposes, it will be easy to
+    detect the imposture, and reject it with the indignation it shall
+    deserve; nor will our proceedings be then censured by the nation, which
+    requires not that the merchants should be implicitly believed, though it
+    expects that they should be heard. Let us at least have a <i>convention</i>,
+    though we should not be able to conclude a treaty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, sir, why we have not taken care to obviate all these
+    difficulties, and to remove the necessity of petitions, debates,
+    searches, and impresses, by the plain and easy method of a voluntary
+    register; by retaining such a number of seamen as may probably be
+    requisite upon sudden emergencies. Would not the nation with more
+    cheerfulness contribute half-pay to those who are daily labouring for
+    the publick good, than to the caterpillars of the land service, that
+    grow old in laziness, and are disabled only by vice?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let ten thousand men receive daily a small salary, upon condition that
+    they shall be ready, whenever called upon, to engage in the service of
+    the crown, and the difficulty of our naval preparations will be at an
+    end.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is necessary to exert ourselves on this occasion, and to strike
+    out some measures for securing the dominion of the ocean, cannot be
+    denied by any one who considers that we have now no other pretensions to
+    maintain; that all our influence on the continent, at whatever expense
+    gained and supported, is now in a manner lost, and only the reputation
+    of our naval strength remains to preserve us from being trampled on and
+    insulted by every power, and from finding Spaniards in every climate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance, as follows:&mdash;Sir, the violence
+    and severity of impresses, so often and so pathetically complained of,
+    appears to be now nothing more than a punishment inflicted upon those
+    who neglect or refuse to receive the encouragement offered, with the
+    utmost liberality, by the government, and decline the service of their
+    country from a spirit of avarice, obstinacy, or resentment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That such men deserve some severities, cannot be doubted, and therefore
+    a law by which no penalty should be enacted, would be imperfect and
+    ineffectual. The observation, sir, of all laws is to be enforced by
+    rewards on one side, and punishments on the other, that every passion
+    may be influenced, and even our weakness made instrumental to the
+    performance of our duty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the bill before us no punishment is, indeed, expressly decreed,
+    because the sailors who shall disregard it, are only left to their
+    former hardships, from which those who engage voluntarily in the service
+    of the navy are exempted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why so many rewards and so much violence should be necessary to allure
+    or force the sailors into the publick service, I am unable to
+    comprehend: for, excepting the sudden change of climates, which may,
+    doubtless, sometimes bring on distempers, the service of the king has no
+    disadvantages which are not common to that of the merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wages in the navy are, indeed, less: but then it is to be
+    remembered, that they are certainly paid, and that the sailor is in less
+    danger of losing, by a tempest or a wreck, the whole profits of his
+    voyage; because, if he can preserve his life, he receives his pay. But
+    in trading voyages, the seamen mortgage their wages, as a security for
+    their care, which, if the ship is lost, they are condemned to forfeit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the hardships of the navy appear not so great when compared
+    with those of the merchants' service, as they have been hitherto
+    represented; and I doubt not, that if counsellors were to be heard on
+    both sides, the measures taken for supplying the fleet would be found to
+    be reasonable and just.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD rose to speak, when Mr. FOX called to order, and
+    proceeded:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, it is well known to be one of the standing and unvariable orders of
+    this house, that no member shall speak twice in a debate on the same
+    question, except when for greater freedom we resolve ourselves into a
+    committee. Upon this question the honourable gentleman has already
+    spoken, and cannot, therefore, be heard again without such a
+    transgression of our orders as must inevitably produce confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I know not for what reason the
+    honourable gentleman apprehends any violation of the order of the house;
+    for, as I have not yet spoken upon the present question, I have an
+    undoubted right to be heard, a right which that gentleman cannot take
+    away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE next spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I know not by what
+    secret distinction the gentleman supports in his own mind this
+    declaration, which, to the whole house, must appear very difficult to be
+    defended; for we must, before we can admit it, allow our memories to
+    have forsaken us, and our eyes and ears to have been deceived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Did he not, as soon as the clause before us was read, rise and assert
+    the characters of the petitioners, and their right to the attention of
+    the house? Did he not dwell upon their importance, their abilities, and
+    their integrity; and enforce, with his usual eloquence, every motive to
+    the reception of the petition? How then can he assert that he has not
+    spoken in the present debate, and how can he expect to be heard a second
+    time, since, however his eloquence may please, and his arguments
+    convince, that pleasure and conviction cannot now be obtained, without
+    infringing the standing orders of the house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the PRESIDENT rose, and spoke to this purport: It is not without
+    uneasiness that I see the time of the house, and of the publick, wasted
+    in fruitless cavils and unnecessary controversies. Every gentleman ought
+    now to consider that we are consulting upon no trivial question, and
+    that expedition is not less necessary than accuracy. It cannot be
+    denied, sir, [to sir John BARNARD] that you have already spoken on this
+    question, and that the rules of the house do not allow you to speak a
+    second time.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE said:&mdash;Sir, I am far from thinking the order of the
+    house so sacred, as that it may not be neglected on some important
+    occasions; and if the gentleman has any thing to urge so momentous,
+    that, in his own opinion, it outweighs the regard due to our rules, I
+    shall willingly consent that he shall be heard.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am far from being inclined to
+    receive as a favour, what, in my own opinion, I may claim as a right,
+    and desire not to owe the liberty of speaking to the condescension of
+    the right honourable gentleman.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What I have to urge is no less against the bill in general, than the
+    particular clause now immediately under our consideration, and though
+    the petition should relate likewise to the whole bill, I cannot discover
+    why we should refuse to hear it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Petitions from men of much inferiour rank, and whose interest is much
+    less closely connected with that of the publick, have been thought
+    necessary to be heard, nor is the meanest individual to be injured or
+    restrained, without being admitted to offer his arguments in his own
+    favour. Even the journeymen shoemakers, one of the lowest classes of the
+    community, have been permitted to bring their counsel to our bar, and
+    remonstrate against the inconveniencies to which they were afraid of
+    being subjected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, I am always willing to hear petitions,
+    when respectfully drawn up, and regularly subscribed, but can by no
+    means discover that this is a real petition, for I have heard of no
+    names affixed to it; it is, therefore, a request from nobody, and by
+    rejecting it no man is refused. It may, so far as can be discovered, be
+    drawn up by the gentleman who offered it, and, perhaps, no other person
+    may be acquainted with it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY spoke to the following purport:&mdash;Sir, it is, in my opinion,
+    necessary that a petition in the name of the merchants of London should
+    be subscribed by the whole number, for if only a few should put their
+    names to it, how does it appear that it is any thing more than an
+    apprehension of danger to their own particular interest, which, perhaps,
+    the other part, their rivals in trade, may consider as an advantage, or
+    at least regard with indifference. This suspicion is much more
+    reasonable, when a petition is subscribed by a smaller number, who may
+    easily be imagined to have partial views, and designs not wholly
+    consistent with the interest of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER then spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, if I am rightly informed, another
+    petition is preparing by several eminent merchants, that this clause may
+    stand part of the bill; and, certainly, they ought to be heard as well
+    as the present petitioners, which will occasion great and unnecessary
+    delays, and, therefore, I am against the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Advocate CAMPBELL answered to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with that
+    honourable gentleman, that if the merchants are divided in opinion upon
+    this point, one side ought to be heard as well as the other, and hope
+    the house will come to a resolution for that purpose: for I shall
+    invariably promote every proposal which tends to procure the fullest
+    information in all affairs that shall come before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Then the question was put, that the farther consideration of the report
+    be adjourned for two days, in order to hear the merchants, and it passed
+    in the negative, ayes, 142; noes, 192.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    [On the report this day, the eleven clauses of severity were given up
+    without any division, and a clause was added, viz. "Provided that
+    nothing in this bill shall be construed to extend to any contracts or
+    agreements for the hire of seamen (or persons employed as such) in
+    voyages from parts beyond the seas, to any other parts beyond the seas,
+    or to Great Britain."]
+</p>
+<p>
+    The engrossed bill "for the increase and encouragement of seamen," was
+    read, according to order, when Mr. DIGBY rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, I have a clause to be offered to the house, as necessary to be
+    inserted in the bill before us, which was put into my hands by a member,
+    whom a sudden misfortune has made unable to attend his duty, and which,
+    in his opinion, and mine, is of great importance, and I shall,
+    therefore, take the liberty of reading it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    "Be it enacted, that every seaman offering himself to serve his majesty,
+    shall, upon being refused, receive from such captain, lieutenant, or
+    justice of the peace, a certificate, setting forth the reasons for which
+    he is refused, which certificate may be produced by him, as an exemption
+    from being seized by a warrant of impress."
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope the reasonableness and equity of this clause is so incontestably
+    apparent, that it will find no opposition; for what can be more cruel,
+    unjust, or oppressive, than to punish men for neglect of a law which
+    they have endeavoured to obey. To what purpose are rewards offered, if
+    they are denied to those who come to claim them? What is it less than
+    theft, and fraud, to force a man into the service, who would willingly
+    have entered, and subject him to hardships, without the recompense which
+    he may justly demand from the solemn promise of the legislature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER next spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, to this clause, which the
+    gentleman has represented as so reasonable and just, objections may, in
+    my opinion, be easily made, of which he will himself acknowledge the
+    force. The great obstruction of publick measures is partiality, whether
+    from friendship, bribery, or any other motive; against partiality alone
+    the clause which is now offered, is levelled; and, indeed, it is so
+    dangerous an evil, that it cannot be obviated with too much caution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this clause, instead of preventing private correspondence, and
+    illegal combinations, has an evident tendency to produce them, by
+    inciting men to apply with pretended offers of service to those who are
+    before suborned to refuse them, then make a merit of their readiness,
+    and demand a certificate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By such artifices multitudes may exempt themselves from the impress, who
+    may be known to be able sailors, even by those that conduct it; and may,
+    under the protection of a certificate, fallaciously obtained, laugh at
+    all endeavours to engage them in the publick service.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. DIGBY spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, if this authority, lodged in the hands of
+    those who are proposed in the clause to be intrusted with it, be in
+    danger of being executed, without due regard to the end for which it is
+    granted, let it be placed where there is neither temptation nor
+    opportunity to abuse it. Let the admiralty alone have the power of
+    granting such certificates, the officers of which will be able to judge
+    whether the sailor is really unfit for the service, and deliver those
+    whom age or accidents have disabled from the terrour of impresses; for
+    surely, he that is fit to serve, when taken by violence, is no less
+    qualified when he enters voluntarily, and he who could not be admitted
+    when he tendered himself, ought not to be dragged away, when, perhaps,
+    he has contracted for another voyage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WAGER replied:&mdash;Sir, it is, doubtless, more proper to place such
+    authority in the officers of the admiralty, than in any other; but it
+    does not appear that the benefit which the sailors may receive from it,
+    to whatever hands it is intrusted, will not be overbalanced by the
+    injury which the publick will probably suffer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sailors are frequently levied in remote parts of the kingdom; in ports
+    where the admiralty cannot speedily be informed of the reasons for which
+    those that may petition for certificates have been refused, and
+    therefore cannot grant them without danger of being deceived by
+    fraudulent accounts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The grievance for which the remedy is proposed cannot frequently occur;
+    for it is not probable that in a time of naval preparations, any man
+    qualified for the service should be rejected, since the officers gain
+    nothing by their refusal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HAY spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, it is very possible that those instances
+    which may be produced of men, who have been impressed by one officer,
+    after they have been rejected by another, may be only the consequences
+    of the high value which every man is ready to set upon his own
+    abilities: for he that offers himself, no doubt, demands the highest
+    premium, though he be not an able sailor; and, if rejected, and
+    afterwards impressed as a novice, thinks himself at liberty to complain,
+    with the most importunate vehemence, of fraud, partiality, and
+    oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question being put was resolved in the negative, almost
+    unanimously.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SOUTHWELL offered a clause, importing, "That all sailors who should
+    take advance-money of the merchants, should be obliged to perform their
+    agreements, or be liable to be taken up by any magistrate or justice of
+    the peace, and deemed deserters, except they were in his majesty's ships
+    of war."
+</p>
+<p>
+    He was seconded by lord GAGE:&mdash;Sir, as this clause has no other tendency
+    than to promote the interest of the merchants, without obstructing the
+    publick preparations; as it tends only to confirm legal contracts, and
+    facilitate that commerce from whence the wealth and power of this nation
+    arises, I hope it will readily be admitted; as we may, by adding this
+    sanction to the contracts made between the merchants and sailors, in
+    some degree balance the obstructions wherewith we have embarrassed trade
+    by the other clauses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Admiral WAGER replied:&mdash;This clause is unquestionably reasonable, but
+    not necessary; for it is to be found already in an act made for the
+    encouragement of the merchants, which is still in force, and ought,
+    whenever any such frauds are committed, to be rigorously observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the act, in
+    which the clause was accordingly found, and Mr. SOUTHWELL withdrew his
+    motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Then the question was put, whether the bill "for the increase and
+    encouragement of sailors" do pass, which was resolved in the
+    affirmative, 153 against 79.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_15"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF <br>MUTINY AND DESERTION.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The house being resolved into a committee for the consideration of the
+    bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion, and for the better
+    payment of the army and their quarters, etc. sir William YONGE desired
+    that the twentieth and twenty-sixth clauses of the late act might be
+    read, which were read as follows:
+</p>
+<p>
+    XX. It is hereby enacted, that the officers and soldiers, so quartered
+    and billeted, shall be received by the owners of the inns,
+    livery-stables, ale-houses, victualling-houses, and other houses in
+    which they are allowed to be quartered and billeted by this act; and
+    shall pay such reasonable prices as shall be appointed, from time to
+    time, by the justices of the peace, in their general and
+    quarter-sessions of each county, city, or division, within their
+    respective jurisdictions: and the justices of the peace aforesaid, are
+    hereby empowered and required to set and appoint, in their general or
+    quarter-sessions aforesaid, such reasonable rates, for all necessary
+    provisions for such officers and soldiers, for one or more nights, in
+    the several cities, towns, villages and other places, which they shall
+    come to in their march, or which shall be appointed for their residence
+    and quarters.
+</p>
+<p>
+    XXVI. That the quarters, both of officers and soldiers in Great Britain,
+    may be duly paid and satisfied, be it enacted, that every officer, to
+    whom it belongs to receive the pay or subsistence-money, either for a
+    whole regiment, or particular troops and companies, shall immediately,
+    upon each receipt of every particular sum, on account of pay or
+    subsistence, give publick notice thereof to all persons keeping inns, or
+    other places where officers or soldiers are quartered by virtue of this
+    act: also appoint them and others to repair to their quarters, within
+    four days at the farthest, after the receipt of the same, to declare the
+    accounts or debts (if any shall be) between them and the officers and
+    soldiers quartered in their respective houses: which accounts the said
+    officer or officers are hereby required immediately to discharge, before
+    any part of the said pay or subsistence be distributed to the officers
+    or soldiers: provided the said accounts exceed not for a commission
+    officer of horse, under a captain, for <i>one day's diet and small beer</i>,
+    two shillings; for one commission officer of dragoons, under a captain,
+    one shilling; for one commission officer of foot, under a captain one
+    shilling; and for hay and straw, for one horse, sixpence; for one
+    dragoon or light horseman's diet and small beer, each day sixpence, and
+    hay and straw for his horse, sixpence; and also not to exceed
+    <i>fourpence</i> a-day, for one <i>foot soldier's diet and small beer</i>.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whether there is any real
+    difficulty in the clauses which you have now heard read, or whether
+    there are such passages as may be easily understood by those who have no
+    interest to mistake them, and which are only clouded by an artificial
+    obscurity, whether they are in themselves capable of different meanings,
+    or whether avarice or poverty have produced unreasonable
+    interpretations, and found ambiguities only because they were determined
+    not to be disappointed in their search; whether this law is disobeyed
+    because it is misunderstood, or only misunderstood by those who have
+    resolved to disobey it, the committee must determine.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been for many years understood that innholders and keepers of
+    publick-houses were obliged by this law to supply soldiers quartered
+    upon them with diet and small beer, and hay and straw for their horses,
+    at such rates as are mentioned in the act; nor can I discover that these
+    clauses admit of any other interpretation, or that any other could be
+    intended by the senate by which it was enacted. The pay of the soldiers,
+    sir, was well known to those who gave their consent to this law, it was
+    intended by them that the soldiers should be supplied with necessaries,
+    and it could not be meant that they should pay for them more than they
+    received; they, therefore, established the rate at which they were to be
+    furnished, and fixed the highest rate which the wages of a soldier allow
+    him to pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This interpretation was, as I suppose, from its apparent consonance to
+    reason, universally allowed, till the inhabitants of Ledbury, whither
+    soldiers had been sent to suppress a riot and enforce the laws, found
+    their apprehensions so sharpened by their malice, that they discovered
+    in the act an ambiguity, which had, till that time, escaped the
+    penetration of the most sagacious, and, upon comparison of one
+    circumstance with another, found themselves under no obligation to give
+    any assistance to the soldiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They therefore, sir, not only refused to afford them victuals at the
+    accustomed rates, but proceeding from one latitude of interpretation to
+    another, at length denied them not only the privilege of diet, but the
+    use of kitchen utensils, to dress the provisions which they bought for
+    themselves, and at last denied their claim to the fire itself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The soldiers, exasperated not only at the breach of their established
+    and uncontested privileges, but at the privation of the necessaries of
+    life, began to think of methods more speedy and efficacious than those
+    of arguments and remonstrances, and to form resolutions of procuring by
+    force, what, in their opinions, was only by force withheld from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What might have been the event of this controversy, to what extremities
+    a contest about things so necessary might have been carried, how wide
+    the contest might have spread, or how long it might have lasted, we may
+    imagine, but cannot determine; had not a speedy decision been procured,
+    its consequences might have been fatal to multitudes, and a great part
+    of the nation been thrown into confusion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having received an account of the affair from the officers who commanded
+    at that place, I consulted the attorney-general what was the design of
+    the law, and the extent of the obligation enforced by it, and was
+    answered by him, that the sums which were to be paid for the diet of the
+    men, and the hay and straw for the horses, being specified, it must
+    necessarily be intended, by the legislature, that no higher rates should
+    be demanded;&mdash;that the power granted to the justices of peace was wholly
+    in favour of the soldier, and that they might lessen the payment at
+    discretion in places of uncommon cheapness, or years of extraordinary
+    plenty, but could not increase it on any occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Another dispute, sir, of the like nature was occasioned by the late
+    scarcity at Wakefield, where the justices, upon the application of the
+    innkeepers, made use of the authority which they supposed to have been
+    reposed in them by the act, and raised the price of hay and straw to
+    eight-pence, which the soldiers were not able to pay, without suffering
+    for want of victuals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    On this occasion, likewise, I was applied to, and upon consulting the
+    present attorney-general, received the same answer as before; and
+    transmitting his opinion to the place from whence I received the
+    complaint, it had so much regard paid to it, that the additional demand
+    was thence-forward remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The letters which those two learned lawyers sent to me on this subject I
+    have now in my hand; and hope their opinion will be thought sufficient
+    authority for the interpretation of an act of the senate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is their authority, sir, however great, so strong a proof of the
+    justness of this interpretation, as the reasonableness, or rather
+    necessity of admitting it. The only argument that can be produced
+    against it, is the hardship imposed by it on the innholder, who, as it
+    is objected, must be obliged by the law, so understood, to furnish the
+    soldiers with provisions for a price at which he cannot afford them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But let it be considered, how much more easily the landlord can furnish
+    them at this price, than they can provide for themselves, and the
+    difficulty will immediately vanish. If soldiers are necessary, they must
+    necessarily be supported, and it appears, upon reflection, that their
+    pay will not support them by any other method. If they are obliged to
+    buy their victuals, they must likewise buy fire and implements to dress
+    them; and what is still a greater hardship, they must sell them, and buy
+    new, at every change of their quarters; if this is impossible, it will
+    be allowed not to be the meaning of the senate, upon whose wisdom it
+    would be a censure too severe to suppose them capable of enacting
+    impossibilities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But to the innholder, sir, whose utensils are always in use, and whose
+    fire is always burning, the diet of a soldier costs only the original
+    price paid to the butcher; and, in years of common plenty, may be
+    afforded, without loss, at the price mentioned in the act. It cannot,
+    indeed, be denied, that, at present, every soldier is a burden to the
+    family on which he is quartered, in many parts of the kingdom; but, it
+    may be reasonably hoped, that the present scarcity will quickly cease,
+    and that provisions will fall back to their former value; and even,
+    amidst all the complaints with which the severity and irregularity of
+    the late seasons have filled the nation, there are many places where
+    soldiers may be maintained at the stated rates, with very little
+    hardship to their landlords.
+</p>
+<p>
+    However, sir, as this interpretation of the act, though thus supported,
+    both by authority and reason, has been disputed and denied; as some
+    lawyers may be of a different opinion from those whom I have consulted;
+    and as it is not likely that the practice, thus interrupted, will now be
+    complied with as a prescription; I think it necessary to propose, that
+    the price of a soldier's diet be more explicitly ascertained, that no
+    room may remain for future controversies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS then rose, and spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am very far from
+    thinking the authority of these learned gentlemen, whose letters are
+    produced, incontrovertible proof of the justness of an interpretation of
+    an act of the senate, where that interpretation is not in itself
+    warranted by reason, nor consistent with the preservation or enjoyment
+    of property. Much less shall I agree to support their interpretation by
+    a new law; or establish, by an act of the legislature, a kind of
+    oppression, for which, however tacitly submitted to, nothing could be
+    pleaded hitherto but custom.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The burden, sir, of a standing army, is already too heavy to be much
+    longer supported, nor ought we to add weight to it by new impositions;
+    it surely much better becomes the representatives of the nation to
+    attend to the complaints of their constituents; and where they are found
+    to arise from real grievances, to contrive some expedient for
+    alleviating their calamities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A heavy and dreadful calamity, sir, lies now, in a particular manner,
+    upon the people; the calamity of famine, one of the severest scourges of
+    providence, has filled the whole land with misery and lamentation; and,
+    surely, nothing can be more inhuman than to choose out this season of
+    horrour for new encroachments on their privileges, and new invasions of
+    the rights of nature, the dominion of their own houses, and the
+    regulation of their own tables.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The honourable gentleman, sir, has mentioned places where provisions, as
+    he says, are still to be bought at easy rates. For my part, I am fixed
+    in no such happy corner of the kingdom; I see nothing but scarcity, and
+    hear nothing but complaints; and shall, therefore, be very far from
+    admitting now such methods of supporting the army, as were thought too
+    burdensome in times of plenty; nor will combine in laying a new tax upon
+    any class of my countrymen, when they are sinking under an enormous load
+    of imposts, and in want of the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, nothing is
+    more easy than outcry and exaggeration; nor any thing less useful for
+    the discovery of truth, or the establishment of right. The most
+    necessary measures may often admit of very florid exclamations against
+    them, and may furnish very fruitful topicks of invective.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When our liberties, sir, are endangered, or our country invaded, it may
+    be very easy, when it is proposed that we should have recourse to our
+    swords for security, to bewail, in pathetick language, the miseries of
+    war, to describe the desolation of cities, the waste of kingdoms, the
+    insolence of victory, and the cruelty of power inflamed by hostilities.
+    Yet to what will those representations contribute, but to make that
+    difficult which yet cannot be avoided, and embarrass measures which
+    must, however, be pursued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, appear to me to be the objections made to the methods now
+    proposed of providing necessaries for the soldiers; methods not eligible
+    for their own sake, but which ought not to be too loudly condemned, till
+    some better can be substituted; for why should the publick be alarmed
+    with groundless apprehensions? or why should we make those laws which
+    our affairs oblige us to enact, less agreeable to the people by partial
+    representations?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the discussion of this question, sir, is to be considered whether
+    soldiers are to be supported, and whether it will be more proper to
+    maintain them by the method of ascertaining the rates at which they are
+    to be supplied, or by increasing their pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One of these two ways it is necessary to take; the provisions are
+    already fixed at as high a price as their pay will allow; if, therefore,
+    they are expected to pay more, their wages must be increased.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, I shall comply with either method; though I cannot but
+    think it my duty to declare, that, in my opinion, it is safer to fix the
+    price of provisions, which must sink in their value, than to raise the
+    pay of the army, which may never afterwards be reduced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GYBBON then spoke, to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I agree with the honourable
+    gentleman, that if soldiers are necessary, we must make provision for
+    their support. This is indisputably certain; but it is no less certain,
+    that where soldiers are necessary, restraints and regulations are
+    necessary likewise, to preserve those from being insulted and plundered
+    by them, who maintain them for the sake of protection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The usefulness, sir, of this caution seems not to be known, or not
+    regarded, by the gentleman whose proposal gave occasion to this debate;
+    for, by enacting laws in general terms, as he seems to advise, we should
+    leave the unhappy innkeeper wholly at the mercy of his guests, who might
+    plunder and insult him under the protection of the legislature, might
+    riot, as in a conquered country, and say, "To this treatment you are
+    subjected by the determination of the senate."
+</p>
+<p>
+    The unhappy man, sir, could have no prospect, either of quiet or safety,
+    but by gratifying all the expectations of his masters; returning
+    civilities for insolence, and receiving their commands with the same
+    submission that is paid in capitulating towns to the new garrison.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary to ascertain the price, is it not necessary, at the
+    same time, to ascertain the species and quantity of provisions to be
+    allowed for it? Is a soldier to fatten on delicacies, and to revel in
+    superfluities, for fourpence a-day? Ought not some limits to be set to
+    his expectations, and some restraints prescribed to his appetite? Is he
+    to change his fare, with all the capriciousness of luxury, and relieve,
+    by variety, the squeamishness of excess?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such demands as these, sir, may be thought ludicrous and trifling, by
+    those who do not reflect on the insolence of slaves in authority, who do
+    not consider that the license of a military life is the chief inducement
+    that brings volunteers into the army; an inducement which would, indeed,
+    make all impresses superfluous, were this proposal to be adopted: for
+    how readily would all the lazy and voluptuous engage in a state of life
+    which would qualify them to live upon the labour of others, and to be
+    profuse without expense?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our army may, by this method, be increased; but the number of those by
+    whom they are to be maintained, must quickly diminish: for, by exaction
+    and oppression, the poorer innkeepers must quickly become bankrupts; and
+    the soldiers that lose their quarters, must be added to the dividend
+    allotted to the more wealthy, who, by this additional burden will soon
+    be reduced to the same state, and then our army must subsist upon their
+    pay, because they will no longer have it in their power to increase it
+    by plunder.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will then be inevitably necessary to divide the army from the rest of
+    the community, and to build barracks for their reception; an expedient
+    which, though it may afford present ease to the nation, cannot be put in
+    practice without danger to our liberties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The reason, for which so many nations have been enslaved by standing
+    armies, is nothing more than the difference of a soldier's condition
+    from that of other men. Soldiers are governed by particular laws, and
+    subject to particular authority; authority which, in the manner of its
+    operation, has scarcely any resemblance of the civil power. Thus, they
+    soon learn to think themselves exempt from all other laws; of which they
+    either do not discover the use, and, therefore, easily consent to
+    abolish them; or envy the happiness of those who are protected by them,
+    and so prevail upon themselves to destroy those privileges which have no
+    other effect, with regard to them, but to aggravate their own
+    dependence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, sir, are the natural consequences of a military subjection; and
+    if these consequences are not always speedily produced by it, they must
+    be retarded by that tenderness which constant intercourse with the rest
+    of the nation produces, by the exchange of reciprocal acts of kindness,
+    and by the frequent inculcation of the wickedness of contributing to the
+    propagation of slavery, and the subversion of the rights of nature;
+    inculcations which cannot be avoided by men who live in constant
+    fellowship with their countrymen.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But soldiers, shut up in a barrack, excluded from all conversation with
+    such as are wiser and honester than themselves, and taught that nothing
+    is a virtue but implicit obedience to the commands of their officer,
+    will soon become foreigners in their own country, and march against the
+    defenders of their constitution, with the same alacrity as against an
+    army of invaders ravaging the coasts; they will lose all sense of social
+    duty, and of social happiness, and think nothing illustrious but to
+    enslave and destroy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    So fatal, sir, will be the effects of an establishment of barracks, or
+    petty garrisons, in this kingdom; and, therefore, as barracks must be
+    built when innkeepers are ruined, and our concurrence with this proposal
+    must produce their ruin, I hope it-will not be necessary to prove by any
+    other argument, that the motion ought to be rejected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in terms to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, though I am not
+    inclined, by loud exaggerations and affected expressions of tenderness,
+    to depress the courage or inflame the suspicions of the people, to teach
+    them to complain of miseries which they do not feel, or ward against ill
+    designs, which were never formed, yet no man is more really solicitous
+    for their happiness, or more desirous of removing every real cause of
+    fear and occasion of hardships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This affection to the people, an affection steady, regular, and
+    unshaken, has always prompted me to prefer their real to their seeming
+    interest, and rather to consult the security of their privileges than
+    the gratification of their passions; it has hitherto determined me to
+    vote for such a body of troops, as may defend us against sudden inroads
+    and wanton insults, and now incites me to propose that some efficacious
+    method may be struck out for their support, without exasperating either
+    the soldiers or their landlords by perpetual wrangles, or adding to the
+    burden of a military establishment the necessity of contentions in
+    courts of law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not with what view those have spoken, by whom the proposal first
+    made has been opposed; they have, indeed, produced objections, some of
+    which are such as may be easily removed, and others such as arise from
+    the nature of things, and ought not, therefore, to be mentioned, because
+    they have no other tendency than to inflame the minds of those that hear
+    them against an army, at a time when it is allowed to be necessary, and
+    prove only what was never denied, that no human measures are absolutely
+    perfect, and that it is often impossible to avoid a greater evil, but by
+    suffering a less.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us, sir, is in its own nature so simple, so little
+    connected with circumstances that may distract our attention, or induce
+    different men to different considerations, that when I reflect upon it,
+    I cannot easily conceive by what art it can be made the subject of long
+    harangues, or how the most fruitful imagination can expatiate upon it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is already admitted that an army is necessary; the pay of that army
+    is already established; the accidental scarcity of forage and victuals
+    is such, that the pay is not sufficient to maintain them; how then must
+    the deficiency be supplied? It has been proposed, either to fix the
+    price of provisions with respect to them, or to advance their wages in
+    some proportion to the price of provisions. Both these methods seem to
+    meet with disapprobation, and yet the army is to be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Those who reason thus, do surely not expect to be answered, or at least
+    expect from a reply no other satisfaction than that of seeing the time
+    of the session wasted, and the administration harassed with trivial
+    delays; for what can be urged with any hope of success to him who will
+    openly deny contradictory propositions, who will neither move nor stand
+    still, who will neither disband an army nor support it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether these gentlemen conceive that an army may subsist without
+    victuals till the time of scarcity is over, or whether they have raised
+    those forces only to starve them, I am not sagacious enough to
+    conjecture, but shall venture to observe, that if they have such a
+    confidence in the moderation and regularity of the soldiers, as to
+    imagine that they will starve with weapons in their hands, that they
+    will live within the sight of full tables, and languish with hunger, and
+    perish for want of necessaries, rather than diminish the superfluities
+    of others, they ought for ever to cease their outcries about the
+    licentiousness, insolence, and danger of a standing army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, not to sink into levity unworthy of this assembly, may I be
+    permitted to hint that these arts of protracting our debates, are by no
+    means consistent with the reasons for which we are assembled, and that
+    it is a much better proof, both of ability and integrity, to remove
+    objections, than to raise them, and to facilitate, than to retard, the
+    business of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The proposal made at first was only to elucidate a law which had been
+    regularly observed for fifty years, and to remove such ambiguities as
+    tended only to embarrass the innholders, not to relieve them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To this many objections have been made, and much declamation has been
+    employed to display the hardships of maintaining soldiers, but no better
+    method has been yet discovered, nor do I expect that any will be started
+    not attended with greater difficulties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In all political questions, questions too extensive to be fully
+    comprehended by speculative reason, experience is the guide which a wise
+    man will follow with the least distrust, and it is no trivial
+    recommendation of the present method, that it has been so long pursued
+    without any formidable inconvenience or loud complaints.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Hardships, even when real, are alleviated by long custom; we bear any
+    present uneasiness with less regret, as we less remember the time in
+    which we were more happy: at least, by long acquaintance with any
+    grievance we gain this advantage, that we know it in its whole extent,
+    that it cannot be aggravated by our imagination, and that there is no
+    room for suspecting that any misery is yet behind more heavy than that
+    which we have already borne.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the present state of the practice now recommended to this
+    assembly, a practice to which the innkeepers have long submitted, and
+    found it at least tolerable, to which they knew themselves exposed when
+    they took out a license for the exercise of that profession, and which
+    they consider as a tax upon them, to be balanced against the advantages
+    which they expect from their employment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This tax cannot be denied at present to be burdensome in a very uncommon
+    degree, but this weight has not been of long continuance, and it may be
+    reasonably hoped that it will now be made every day lighter. It is,
+    indeed, true, that no unnecessary impositions ought to be laid upon the
+    nation even for a day; and if any gentleman can propose a method by
+    which this may be taken off or alleviated, I shall readily comply with
+    his proposal, and concur in the establishment of new regulations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to barracks, I cannot deny that they are justly names of
+    terrour to a free nation, that they tend to make an army seem part of
+    our constitution, and may contribute to infuse into the soldiers a
+    disregard of their fellow-subjects, and an indifference about the
+    liberties of their country; but I cannot discover any connexion between
+    a provision for the support of soldiers in publick-houses, in a state of
+    constant familiarity with their countrymen, and the erection of
+    barracks, by which they will be, perhaps for ever, separated from them,
+    nor can discover any thing in the method of supporting them now
+    recommended that does not tend rather to the promotion of mutual good
+    offices, and the confirmation of friendship and benevolence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The advocate CAMPBELL next spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, whence
+    the impropriety of raising objections to any measures that are proposed
+    is imagined to arise I am unable to discover, having hitherto admitted
+    as an incontrovertible opinion, that it is the duty of every member of
+    this assembly to deliver, without reserve, his sentiments upon any
+    question which is brought before him, and to approve or censure,
+    according to his conviction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be his duty, sir, to condemn what he thinks dangerous or
+    inconvenient, it seems by no means contrary to his duty, to show the
+    reason of his censure, or to lay before the house those objections which
+    he cannot surmount by his own reflection. It certainly is not necessary
+    to admit implicitly all that is asserted; and to deny, or disapprove
+    without reason, can he no proof of duty, or of wisdom; and how shall it
+    be known, that he who produces no objections, acts from any other
+    motives, than private malevolence, discontent, or caprice?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, sir, to be imputed as a just reason for censure to those who
+    have opposed the motion, that no other measures have been offered by
+    them to the consideration of the committee. It is necessary to demolish
+    a useless or shattered edifice, before a firm and habitable building can
+    be erected in its place: the first step to the amendment of a law is to
+    show its defects; for why should any alteration be made where no
+    inconveniency is discovered?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To the chief objection that was offered, no answer has yet been made,
+    nor has the assembly been informed how the innkeeper shall be able to
+    discover when he has paid the tax which this law lays upon him. This is,
+    indeed, a tax of a very particular kind, a tax without limits, and to be
+    levied at the discretion of him for whose benefit it is paid. Soldiers
+    quartered upon these terms, are more properly raising contributions in
+    an enemy's country, than receiving wages in their own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is it intended, by this motion, that the innkeepers shall judge what
+    ought to be allowed the soldier for his money? I do not see, then, that
+    any alteration is proposed in the present condition of our army; for who
+    has ever refused to sell them food for their money at the common price,
+    or what necessity is there for a law to enforce a practice equally to
+    the advantage of all parties? If it be proposed that the soldier shall
+    judge for himself, that he shall set what value he shall think fit on
+    his own money, and that he shall be at once the interpreter and
+    executioner of this new law, the condition of the innkeeper will then be
+    such as no slave in the mines of America can envy, and such as he will
+    gladly quit for better treatment under the most arbitrary and oppressive
+    government.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor will the insolence of the soldier, thus invested with unlimited
+    authority, thus entitled to implicit obedience, and exalted above the
+    rest of mankind, by seeing his claim only bounded by his own moderation,
+    be confined to his unhappy landlord. Every guest will become subject to
+    his intrusion, and the passenger must be content to want his dinner,
+    whenever the lord of the inn shall like it better than his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That these apprehensions, sir, are not groundless, may be proved from
+    the conduct of these men, even when the law was not so favourable to
+    their designs; some of them have already claimed the sole dominion of
+    the houses in which they have been quartered, and insulted persons of
+    very high rank, and whom our ancient laws had intended to set above the
+    insults of a turbulent soldier. They have seen the provisions which they
+    had ordered taken away by force, partly, perhaps, to please the appetite
+    of the invader, and partly to gratify his insolence, and give him an
+    opportunity of boasting among his comrades, how successfully he
+    blustered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be necessary, sir, to insert a new clause in the act to prevent
+    lawsuits, which, however advantageous they may sometimes be to me, I
+    shall always be ready to obviate, it is surely proper to limit the claim
+    of one party as well as that of the other, for how else is the ambiguity
+    taken away? The difficulty may be, indeed, transferred, but is by no
+    means removed, and the innkeeper must wholly repose himself upon the
+    lenity and justice of the soldier, or apply to the courts of law for the
+    interpretation of the act.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question before us is said to be so free from perplexity, that it
+    can scarcely give occasion for harangues or disputations; and, indeed,
+    it cannot but be allowed, that the controversy may soon be brought to a
+    single point, and I think nothing more is necessary than to inquire, if
+    innholders shall be obliged to provide victuals for soldiers at a stated
+    price, what, and how much the soldier shall demand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power of raising money at pleasure, has been hitherto denied to our
+    kings, and surely we ought not to place that confidence in the lowest,
+    that has been refused to the most exalted of mankind, or invest our
+    soldiers with power, which neither the most warlike of our monarchs
+    could constrain us, nor the most popular allure us to grant.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The power now proposed to be granted, is nothing less than the power of
+    levying money, or what is exactly equivalent, the power of raising the
+    money in their own hands, to any imaginary value. A soldier may, if this
+    motion be complied with, demand for a penny, what another man must
+    purchase at forty times that price. While this is the state of our
+    property, it is surely not very necessary to raise armies for the
+    defence of it; for why should we preserve it from one enemy only to
+    throw it into the hands of another, equally rapacious, equally
+    merciless, and only distinguished from foreign invaders by this
+    circumstance, that he received from our own hands the authority by which
+    he plunders us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Having thus evinced the necessity of determining the soldier's
+    privileges, and the innkeeper's rights, I think it necessary to
+    recommend to this assembly an uncommon degree of attention to the
+    regulation of our military establishment, which is become not only more
+    burdensome to our fellow-subjects by the present famine, but by the
+    increase of our forces; an increase which the nation will not behold
+    without impatience, unless they be enabled to discern for what end they
+    have been raised.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The people of this nation are, for very just reasons, displeased, even
+    with the appearance of a standing army, and surely it is not prudent to
+    exasperate them, by augmenting the troops in a year of famine, and
+    giving them, at the same time, new powers of extortion and oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WINNINGTON spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have heard nothing in this
+    debate, but doubts and objections, which afford no real information, nor
+    tend to the alleviation of those grievances, which are so loudly
+    lamented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not sufficient to point out inconveniencies, or to give striking
+    representations of the hardships to which the people are exposed; for
+    unless some better expedient can be proposed, or some method discovered
+    by which we may receive the benefits, without suffering the
+    disadvantages of the present practice, how does it appear that these
+    hardships, however severe, are not inseparable from our present
+    condition, and such as can only be removed by exposing ourselves to more
+    formidable evils?
+</p>
+<p>
+    As no remedy, sir, has been proposed by those who appear dissatisfied
+    with the present custom, it is reasonable to imagine that none will be
+    easily discovered; and, therefore, I cannot but think it reasonable that
+    the motion should be complied with. By it no new imposition is intended,
+    nor any thing more than the establishment of a practice which has
+    continued for more than fifty years, and never, except on two occasions,
+    been denied to be legal. It is only proposed that the senate should
+    confirm that interpretation of the act which has been almost universally
+    received; that they should do what can produce no disturbance, because
+    it will make no alterations; but may prevent them, because it may
+    prevent any attempts of innovation, or diversity of opinions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, whether the
+    interpretation of the act which is now contended for, has been
+    universally admitted, it is impossible to know; but it is at least
+    certain, that the practice which is founded upon it, has in many places
+    never been followed, nor, indeed, can it be made general without great
+    impropriety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Many of those, sir, who are styled keepers of publick-houses, and on
+    whom soldiers are quartered under that denomination, have no conveniency
+    of furnishing provisions, because they never sell them; such are many of
+    the keepers of livery stables, among whom it is the common method to pay
+    soldiers a small weekly allowance, instead of lodging them in their
+    houses, a lodging being all which they conceive themselves obliged to
+    provide, and all that the soldiers have hitherto required; nor can we
+    make any alteration in this method without introducing the license and
+    insolence of soldiers into private houses; into houses hitherto
+    unacquainted with any degree of riot, incivility, or uproar.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The reason for which publick-houses are assigned for the quarters of
+    soldiers, is partly the greater conveniency of accommodating them in
+    families that subsist, by the entertainment of strangers, and partly the
+    nature of their profession, which, by exposing them to frequent
+    encounters with the rude and the debauched, enables them either to bear
+    or repress the insolence of a soldier.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But with regard, sir, to the persons whom I have mentioned, neither of
+    these reasons have any place; they have not, from their daily
+    employment, any opportunities of furnishing soldiery with beds or
+    victuals, nor, by their manner of life, are adapted to support intrusion
+    or struggle with perverseness. Nor can I discover why any man should
+    force soldiers into their houses, who would not willingly admit them
+    into his own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. COCKS spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, the practice mentioned by the
+    honourable gentleman, I know to be generally followed by all those that
+    keep alehouses in the suburbs of this metropolis, who pay the soldiers
+    billeted on them a composition for their lodging, nor ever see them but
+    when they come to receive it; so far are they from imagining that they
+    can claim their whole subsistence at any stated price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is apparent, therefore, that by admitting this motion, we should not
+    confirm a law already received, but establish a new regulation unknown
+    to the people; that we should lay a tax upon the nation, and send our
+    soldiers to collect it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General WADE rose, and spoke to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I have been long
+    conversant with military affairs; and, therefore, may perhaps be able to
+    give a more exact account, from my own knowledge, of the antiquity and
+    extent of this practice, than other gentlemen have had, from their way
+    of life; an opportunity of obtaining.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was, sir, in the reign of king William, the constant method by which
+    the army was supported, as may be easily imagined by those who reflect,
+    that it was common for the soldiers to remain for eight or ten months
+    unpaid, and that they had, therefore, no possibility of providing for
+    themselves the necessaries of life. Their pay never was received in
+    those times by themselves, but issued in exchequer bills for large sums,
+    which the innkeepers procured to be exchanged and divided among
+    themselves, in proportion to their debts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such was the practice, sir, in that reign, which has been generally
+    followed to this time, and the rates then fixed have not since been
+    changed; and as no inconveniency has arisen from this method, I can
+    discover no reason against confirming and continuing it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTKNEY spoke next, in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, those that have
+    spoken in defence of the motion, have accused their opponents, with
+    great confidence, of declaiming without arguments, and of wasting the
+    time of the session in a useless repetition of objections. I do not,
+    indeed, wonder that the objections which have been raised should have
+    given some disgust, for who can be pleased with hearing his opponent
+    produce arguments which he cannot answer? But surely the repetitions may
+    be excused; for an objection is to be urged in every debate till it is
+    answered, or is discovered to be unanswerable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But what, sir, have those urged in defence of their own opinions, who so
+    freely animadvert upon the reasonings of others? What proofs, sir, have
+    they given of the superiority of their own abilities, of the depth of
+    their researches, or the acuteness of their penetration?
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have not produced one argument in favour of their motion, but that
+    it is founded on custom; they have not discovered, however wise and
+    sagacious, that it is always necessary to inquire whether a custom be
+    good or bad; for surely without such inquiry no custom ought to be
+    confirmed. The motion which they would support, is, indeed, useless in
+    either case, for a good custom will continue of itself, and one that is
+    bad ought not to be continued. It is the business of the legislature to
+    reform abuses, and eradicate corruptions, not to give them new strength
+    by the sanction of a law.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been urged, sir, that the law in reality exists already in that
+    the act has been interpreted in this sense by the attorney general; and
+    that his interpretation is generally received. This is then the state of
+    the question: if the practice, founded upon this sense of the act,
+    generally prevails, there is no need of a new clause to enforce what is
+    already complied with; if it does not prevail, all that has been urged
+    in defence of the motion falls to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not doubt, sir, that this custom has been received without many
+    exceptions, and therefore think it ought still to remain a custom,
+    rather than be changed into a law; because it will be complied with as a
+    custom, where there are no obstacles to the observation of it; and it
+    ought not to be enforced by law, where it is inconvenient and
+    oppressive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    While the soldier, sir, is moderate in his demands, and peaceable and
+    modest in his behaviour, the innkeeper will cheerfully furnish him even
+    more than he can afford at the stated price; and certainly, rudeness,
+    insolence, and unreasonable expectations, may justly be punished by the
+    forfeiture of some conveniencies. Thus, sir, the innkeeper will preserve
+    some degree of authority in his own house, a place where the laws of
+    nature give every man dominion, and the soldier will continue a regular
+    and inoffensive member of civil society.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The absurdity of leaving the soldier at large in his demands, and
+    limiting the price which the innkeeper is to require, has been already
+    exposed beyond the possibility of reply; nor, indeed, has the least
+    attempt been made to invalidate this objection; for it has been passed
+    in silence by those who have most zealously espoused the motion. The
+    account given by the honourable gentleman of the reason for which this
+    regulation was first introduced in the reign of king William, is
+    undoubtedly just; but it proves, sir, that there is no necessity of
+    continuing it; for the soldiers are now constantly paid, and therefore
+    need not that assistance from the innkeeper, which was absolutely
+    requisite when they were sometimes six months without money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been urged, sir, with great importunity and vehemence, that some
+    expedient should be proposed in the place of this, which so many
+    gentlemen who have spoken on this occasion seem inclined to reject, and
+    which, indeed, cannot be mentioned without contempt or abhorrence. That
+    the soldiers should know, as well as their landlord, their own rights,
+    is undoubtedly just, as well as that they should have some certain means
+    of procuring the necessaries of life; it may, therefore, be proper to
+    enact, that the innkeeper shall either furnish them with diet at the
+    established rates, or permit them to dress the victuals which they shall
+    buy for themselves, with his fire and utensils, and allow them candles,
+    salt, vinegar, and pepper. By this method the soldiers can never be much
+    injured by the incivility of their landlord, nor can the innkeeper be
+    subjected to arbitrary demands. The soldier will still gain, by decency
+    and humanity, greater conveniencies than he can procure for himself by
+    his pay alone, and all opportunities of oppression on either side will,
+    in a great measure, be taken away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but express my hopes that this method will be generally
+    approved. Those that have opposed the establishment of an army will be
+    pleased to see it made less grievous to the people; and those that have
+    declared in its favour, ought surely to adopt, without opposition, any
+    measures, by the pursuit of which it may be borne with fewer complaints,
+    and less reluctance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The consideration of this question was deferred, and the chairman
+    having moved for leave to sit again, it was resolved to proceed on this
+    business upon the next day but one, in a committee of the whole house.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 15, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The order of the day being read for the house to resolve itself into a
+    committee of the whole house, to consider the bill for punishing mutiny
+    and desertion, and the better paying the army and their quarters,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, the last day
+    which was assigned to the consideration of this bill, was spent in long
+    altercations, in vague and unnecessary disquisitions, in retrospective
+    reflections upon events long past, and in aggravating of grievances that
+    may never happen; much sagacity was exerted, and much eloquence
+    displayed, but no determination was attained, nor even that expedient
+    examined, by which those objections might be removed which appeared so
+    important, or those dangers obviated which were represented so
+    formidable and so near.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, sir, part of the time which has intervened between that debate
+    and the present day, has been employed by the gentlemen, whose scruples
+    were so numerous, and whose caution is so vigilant, in contriving some
+    methods of maintaining the army without oppressing the victuallers, and
+    of providing for our defence against foreign enemies without subjecting
+    us to the evils of discontent and disaffection, which they impute to the
+    present state of the military establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To object for ever, and to advance nothing, is an easy method of
+    disputation upon any question, but contributes very little to the
+    increase of knowledge: an artful and acute objector may confound, and
+    darken, and disturb, but never assists inquiry, or illustrates truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In political questions, sir, it is still more easy and less ingenuous;
+    for all political measures are in some degree right and wrong at the
+    same time: to benefit some they very frequently bear hard upon others,
+    and are, therefore, only to be approved or rejected as advantages appear
+    to overbalance the inconveniencies, or the inconveniencies to outweigh
+    the advantages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, sir, the proper province of a senator to promote, not to obstruct
+    the publick counsels; and when he declares his disapprobation of any
+    expedient, to endeavour to substitute a better: for how can he be said
+    to sustain his part of the general burden of publick affairs, who lays
+    others under the necessity of forming every plan, and inventing every
+    expedient, and contents himself with only censuring what he never
+    endeavours to amend?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That every man, who is called forth by his country to sit here as the
+    guardian of the publick happiness, is obliged, by the nature of his
+    office, to propose, in this assembly, whatever his penetration or
+    experience may suggest to him as advantageous to the nation, I doubt not
+    but all that hear me are sufficiently convinced; and, therefore, cannot
+    but suppose that they have so far attended to their duty, as to be able
+    to inform us how the present inconveniencies of this bill may be
+    remedied, and its defects supplied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To show, sir, at least my inclination to expedite an affair so
+    important, I shall lay before the house an amendment that I have made to
+    the clause, pursuant to a hint offered the last day by an honourable
+    member, "That all innholders, victuallers, etc. shall be obliged to
+    furnish soldiers with salt, vinegar, small beer, candles, fire, and
+    utensils to dress their victuals, and so doing shall not be obliged to
+    supply the troops with provisions, except on a march."
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am far, sir, from thinking the clause, as it will stand after this
+    amendment, complete and unexceptionable, being conscious that some
+    articles in it may require explanation. The quantity of small beer to be
+    allowed to each soldier must necessarily be ascertained, in order to
+    prevent endless and indeterminable disputes; for one man, sir, may
+    demand a greater quantity than another, and a man may be prompted by
+    malice or wantonness to demand more than health requires; it will,
+    therefore, be proper to limit the quantity which must be furnished, that
+    neither the soldier may suffer by the avarice of his landlord, nor the
+    landlord be oppressed by the gluttony of the soldier.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to this question, sir, I expect to find different opinions
+    in this assembly, which every man is at liberty to offer and to
+    vindicate; and I shall take this opportunity of proposing on my part,
+    that every man may have a daily allowance of three quarts. One quart to
+    each meal may be allowed in my opinion to be sufficient, and sure no
+    gentleman can imagine that by this limitation much superfluity is
+    indulged.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are some parts, sir, of this kingdom, in which cider is more
+    plentiful, and cheaper than small beer; consequently, it may be for the
+    ease of the victualler to have the choice allowed him of furnishing one
+    or the other; it will, therefore, be a very proper addition to this
+    clause, that the innkeepers shall allow the soldier, every day, three
+    quarts of either small beer or cider.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That penal sanctions, sir, are essential to laws, and that no man will
+    submit to any regulations inconvenient to himself, but that he may avoid
+    some heavier evil, requires not to be proved; and, therefore, to
+    complete this clause, I propose that the victualler who shall neglect or
+    refuse to observe it, shall be subject to some fine for his
+    non-compliance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, I cannot omit this opportunity of
+    observing how much the burden of the army is diminished by the judicious
+    regulations invariably observed in the late reigns, and how little the
+    assignment of troops is to be dreaded by the victualler.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the reign of king William, sir, before funds were established, while
+    the credit of the government was low, the measures of the court were
+    often obviated or defeated by the superiority of the discontented party,
+    and the supplies denied which were necessary to support them, and in
+    expectation of which they had been undertaken, it was not uncommon for
+    the towns in which the troops were stationed, to murmur at their guests;
+    nor could they be charged with complaining without just reasons: for to
+    quarter soldiers upon a house, was in those days little less than to
+    send troops to live at discretion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As all supplies, sir, were then occasional and temporary, and nothing
+    was granted but for the present exigence, the prevalence of the
+    opposition, for a single session, embarrassed all the measures of the
+    court in the highest degree; their designs were at a stand, the forces
+    were unpaid, and they were obliged to wait till another session for an
+    opportunity of prosecuting their schemes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the soldiers were sometimes five months without their pay,
+    and were necessarily supported by the innkeeper at his own expense, with
+    how much reluctance and discontent I need not mention. It cannot but be
+    immediately considered, upon hearing this account of the soldier's
+    condition, with how many reproaches he would receive his victuals, how
+    roughly he would be treated, how often he would be insulted as an idler,
+    and frowned upon as an intruder. Nor can it be imagined that such
+    affronts, however they might be provoked, would be borne without return,
+    by those who knew themselves not the authors of the provocation, and who
+    thought themselves equal suf-ferers with those who complained. When the
+    innkeeper growled at the soldier, the soldier, it may be supposed,
+    seldom failed to threaten or to plunder the innkeeper, and to rise in
+    his demands as his allowance was retrenched.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, sir, the landlord and his guest were the constant enemies of each
+    other, and spent their lives in mutual complaints, injuries, and
+    insults.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But by the present regularity of our military establishment, this great
+    evil is taken away; as the soldier requires no credit of the victualler,
+    he is considered as no great incumbrance on his trade; and being treated
+    without indignities, like any other member of the community, he
+    inhabits his quarters without violence, insolence, or rapacity, and
+    endeavours to recommend himself by officiousness and civility.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present method of payment, sir, the troops have always one
+    month's pay advanced, and receive their regular allowance on the stated
+    day; so that every man has it in his power to pay his landlord every
+    night for what he has had in the day; or if he imagines himself able to
+    procure his own provisions at more advantage, he can now go to market
+    with his own money.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, to me, sir, that the amendment now proposed is
+    the proper mean between the different interests of the innkeeper and
+    soldier; by which neither is made the slave of the other, and by which
+    we shall leave, to both, opportunities of kindness, but take from them
+    the power of oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAREW next spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, the amendment now offered is not,
+    in my opinion, so unreasonable or unequitable as to demand a warm and
+    strenuous opposition, nor so complete as not to be subject to some
+    objections; objections which, however, may be easily removed, and which
+    would, perhaps, have been obviated, had they been foreseen by the
+    gentleman who proposed it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The allowance, sir, of small liquors proposed, I cannot but think more
+    than sufficient; three quarts a-day are surely more than the demands of
+    nature make necessary, and I know not why the legislature should
+    promote, or confirm in the soldiery, a vice to which they are already
+    too much inclined, the habit of tippling.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The innkeeper, sir, will be heavily burdened by the obligation to supply
+    the soldier with so many of the necessaries of life without payment;
+    and, therefore, it may be justly expected by him, that no superfluities
+    should be enjoyed at his expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But there remains another objection, sir, of far more importance, and
+    which must be removed before this clause can be reasonably passed into a
+    law. It is not declared, or not with sufficient perspicuity, that it is
+    to be left to the choice of the innkeeper, whether he will furnish the
+    soldier with provisions at fourpence a-day, or with the necessaries
+    enumerated in the clause for nothing. If it is to be left to the choice
+    of the soldier, the victualler receives no relief from the amendment, to
+    whose option, since he must suffer in either case, it ought to be
+    referred, because he only can tell by which method he shall suffer
+    least.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CORNWALL spoke in the manner following:&mdash;Sir, it is not without the
+    greatest diffidence that I rise to oppose the gentleman who offered the
+    amendment; for his abilities are so far superiour to mine, that I
+    object without hope of being able to support my objection, and contend
+    with an absolute certainty of being overcome. I know not whether it may
+    be allowed me to observe, that the difference between our faculties is,
+    with regard to strength and quickness, the same as between the cider of
+    his county and that of mine, except that in one part of the parallel the
+    advantage is on our side, and in the other on his.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The cider, sir, of our county is one of our most valuable commodities;
+    so much esteemed in distant places, that our merchants often sell it by
+    the bottle, for more than the soldier has to give for the provision of a
+    day; and of such strength, that I, who am accustomed to the use of it,
+    never was able to drink three quarts in any single day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, therefore, sir, the soldier is to have three quarts of this cider,
+    when small beer is not easily to be procured, not only the innkeeper,
+    but the army will be injured; for what greater harm can be done to any
+    man, than to initiate him in a habit of intemperance? and what outrages
+    and insolencies may not be expected from men trusted with swords, and
+    kept, from day to day, and from month to month, in habitual drunkenness
+    by a decree of the senate?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE replied to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, I know not why the
+    gentleman has thought this a proper opportunity for displaying his
+    eloquence in the praise of his own cider. That he loves his own county
+    cannot be wondered, for no passion is more universal, and few less to be
+    censured;-but he is not to imagine that the produce of his native soil
+    will be generally allowed to excel that of other counties, because early
+    habits have endeared it to him, and familiarized it to his particular
+    palate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The natives of every place prefer their own fruits and their own liquor,
+    and, therefore, no inference can be drawn from approbation so apparently
+    partial. From this prejudice I am far from suspecting myself free, nor
+    am desirous or industrious to overcome it: neither am I afraid of
+    exposing myself to all the censure that so innocent a prepossession may
+    bring upon me, by declaring that, in my opinion, the cider of my native
+    county is of equal excellence with that which this gentleman has so
+    liberally extolled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CORNWALL answered to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, how little I expect
+    victory in this controversy I have already declared, and I need not
+    observe of how small importance it is what soil produces cider of the
+    greatest excellence and value; since, if there be other places where the
+    cider is equally esteemed, and purchased at the same rate, it is yet
+    more necessary to provide, by some exception, that the soldier shall not
+    be entitled to demand, of the victualler, liquor to more than thrice the
+    value of his pay, nor be allowed to revel in continual drunkenness, and
+    to corrupt his morals, and enervate his limbs by incessant debauchery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But since, sir, the preference due to the cider of my county has been
+    denied, in my opinion, with great partiality and injustice, I think
+    myself obliged, by all the laws of honour and gratitude, to stand up
+    once more to vindicate its superiority, and assert its value.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The laws of honour, sir, require this from me, as they oblige every man
+    to stand forth a vindicator of merit slighted and oppressed; and
+    gratitude calls loudly upon me to exert myself in the protection of that
+    to which I have been often indebted for a pleasing suspense of care, and
+    a welcome flow of spirit and gaiety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The cider, sir, which I am now rescuing from contemptuous comparisons,
+    has often exhilarated my social hours, enlivened the freedom of
+    conversation, and improved the tenderness of friendship, and shall not,
+    therefore, now want a panegyrist. It is one of those few subjects on
+    which an encomiast may expatiate without deviating from the truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Would the honourable gentleman, sir, who has thus vilified this
+    wonder-working nectar, but honour my table with his company, he would
+    quickly be forced to retract his censures; and, as many of his
+    countrymen have done, confess that nothing equal to it is produced in
+    any other part of the globe; nor will this confession be the effect of
+    his regard to politeness, but of his adherence to truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of liquor like this, sir, two quarts is, undoubtedly, sufficient for a
+    daily allowance, in the lieu of small beer; nor ought even that to be
+    determined by the choice of the soldier, but of the innkeeper, for whose
+    benefit this clause is said to be inserted, and from whose grievances I
+    hope we shall not suffer our attention to be diverted by any incidental
+    questions, or ludicrous disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. GORE then spoke to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, that the allowance of
+    two quarts a-day is sufficient, and that to demand more is a wanton
+    indulgence of appetite, is experimentally known, and, therefore, no more
+    ought to be imposed upon the innkeeper.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this, sir, the only part of the clause that requires our
+    consideration; for some of the other particulars to be provided by the
+    victualler, may easily furnish perverse tempers with an opportunity of
+    wrangling: vinegar is not to be had in every part, of the kingdom, and,
+    where it cannot be procured, ought not to be required; for neither
+    reason nor experience will inform us that vinegar ought to be ranked
+    among the necessaries of life.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE made the following reply:&mdash;Sir, by the alteration now
+    made in the clause, the innkeepers are effectually relieved from a great
+    part of the burden which, in my opinion, this act has hitherto laid upon
+    them; the necessity of furnishing the soldiers quartered upon them, with
+    provisions at the stated price, whatever might be the scarcity of the
+    season or of the country. That this was the intention of the act, is
+    asserted by those whose reputation and promotion are sufficient
+    evidences of their ability in the interpretation of our laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The innkeeper may now either accept or refuse the limited price, as it
+    shall appear to him most consistent with his interest; nor will there
+    be, for the future, any room for murmuring at unreasonable demands,
+    since he may oblige that soldier whom he cannot satisfy, to please
+    himself better at his own expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The choice of the liquor is, likewise, wholly referred to the innkeeper;
+    for the words in the clause requiring that he shall furnish three quarts
+    of small beer or cider, he complies, indisputably, with the law by
+    supplying either; and, therefore, the value of cider in any particular
+    county is not of much importance in the question before us; if cider be
+    more valuable than small beer, it may be withheld; if it be cheaper, it
+    may be substituted in its place; so that the innkeeper has nothing to
+    consult but his own interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the meaning of the clause, is, I suppose, obvious to every
+    man that hears it read; and, therefore, I see no reason for any
+    alterations, because I know not any effect which they can possibly have,
+    except that of obscuring the sense which is now too clear to be
+    mistaken.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, though it
+    should be granted, that the clause before us is intelligible to every
+    member of this assembly, it will not certainly follow, that there is no
+    necessity of farther elucidations; for a law very easily understood by
+    those who make it, may be obscure to others who are less acquainted with
+    our general intention, less skilled in the niceties of language, or less
+    accustomed to the style of laws.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is to be considered, that this law will chiefly affect a class of men
+    very little instructed in literature, and very unable to draw
+    inferences; men to whom we often find it necessary, in common cases, to
+    use long explanations, and familiar illustrations, and of whom it maybe
+    not unreasonably suspected, that the same want of education, which makes
+    them ignorant, may make them petulant, and at once incline them to
+    wrangle, and deprive them of the means of deciding their controversies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That both innholders and soldiers are, for the greatest part, of this
+    rank and temper, I suppose, sir, every gentleman knows, from daily
+    observation; and, therefore, it will, I hope, be thought necessary to
+    descend to their understandings, and to give them laws in terms of which
+    they will know the meaning; we shall, otherwise, more consult the
+    interest of the lawyers than the innholders, and only, by one
+    alteration, produce a necessity of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am therefore desirous, sir, that all the difficulties which have been
+    mentioned by every gentleman on this occasion, should be removed by
+    clear, familiar, and determinate expressions; for what they have found
+    difficult, may easily be, to an innholder or soldier, absolutely
+    inexplicable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot but declare, while I am speaking on this subject, that in my
+    opinion, two quarts of liquor will be a sufficient allowance. If we
+    consider the demands of nature, more cannot be required; if we examine
+    the expense of the innholder, he ought not to supply soldiers with a
+    greater quantity for nothing. It is to be remembered, that small beer,
+    like other liquors, is charged with an excise in publick-houses; and
+    that two quarts will probably cost the landlord a penny, and as we
+    cannot suppose that fire, candles, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the use of
+    utensils, and lodging, can be furnished for less than threepence a-day,
+    every soldier that is quartered upon a publick-house, may be considered
+    as a tax of six pounds a-year&mdash;a heavy burden, which surely ought not to
+    be aggravated by unnecessary impositions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The committee having gone through the bill, and settled the amendments,
+    the chairman was ordered to make his report the next day.]
+</p>
+<center>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 16, 1740-1.
+</center>
+<p>
+    The report was read, and the amendments to the clauses in debate, which
+    then ran thus:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the officers and soldiers to be quartered and billeted as
+    aforesaid, shall be received, and furnished with diet and small beer by
+    the owners of the inns, livery stables, alehouses, victualling-houses,
+    etc. paying and allowing for the same the several rates mentioned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Provided, that in case the innholder on whom any non-commission officers
+    or soldiers shall be quartered, by virtue of this act, (except on a
+    march,) shall be desirous to furnish such officers or soldiers with
+    candles, vinegar, and salt, and with either small beer or cider, not
+    ex-ceeding three quarts for each man <i>a-day gratis</i>, and to allow them
+    the use of fire, and the necessary utensils for dressing and eating
+    their meat, and shall give notice of such his desire to the commanding
+    officers, and shall furnish and allow them the same accordingly; then,
+    and in such case, the non-commission officers and soldiers so quartered
+    shall provide their own victuals; and the officer to whom it belongs to
+    receive, or that does actually receive the pay and subsistence of such
+    non-commission officers and soldiers, shall pay the several sums,
+    payable out of the subsistence-money for diet and small beer, to the
+    non-commission officers and soldiers aforesaid, and not to the innholder
+    or other person on whom such non-commission officers or soldiers are
+    quartered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question being put whether this clause should stand thus,
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. CAREW spoke to this effect:&mdash;Sir, though it may, perhaps, be
+    allowed, that the circumstances of our present situation oblige us to
+    support a more numerous army than in former years, surely no argument
+    can be drawn from them that can show the necessity of a profuse
+    allowance to our soldiers, or of gratifying their desires by the
+    oppression of the innholders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, sir, the designs of our enemies are so malicious, and their power so
+    formidable, as to demand augmentations of our troops, and additions to
+    our natural securities, they ought, surely, to impress upon us the
+    necessity of frugal measures, that no useless burdens may be imposed
+    upon the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To furnish two quarts of beer, sir, every day for nothing, is,
+    undoubtedly, an imposition sufficiently grievous; and I can, therefore,
+    discover no reason for which an allowance of three should be
+    established; a proposal injurious to the victualler, because it exacts
+    more than he can afford to allow, and of no benefit to the soldier,
+    because it offers him more than he can want.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, if it is an
+    instance of misconduct to spend upon any affair more time than the
+    importance of it deserves, I am afraid that the clause, to which our
+    attention is now recalled, may expose us to censure, and that we may be
+    charged with neglecting weighty controversies, and national questions,
+    to debate upon trifles; of wasting our spirits upon subjects unworthy of
+    contention; of defeating the expectations of the publick, and diverting
+    our enemies rather than opposing them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, sir, as nothing has a more immediate tendency to the security of
+    the nation than a proper establishment of our forces, and the regulation
+    of their quarters is one of the most necessary and difficult parts of
+    the establishment; it is requisite that we think no question of this
+    kind too trivial for our consideration, since very dangerous
+    disturbances have often been produced by petty disputes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The quantity, sir, of small beer to be allowed by the victualler to
+    those soldiers who shall provide their own victuals, was disputed
+    yesterday, and, as I thought, agreed upon; but since this question is
+    revived, I must take the opportunity to declare, that we ought not to
+    assign less than three quarts a-day to each man; for it is to be
+    remembered by those who estimate the demands by their own, how much
+    their way of life is different from that of a common soldier, and how
+    little he can be charged with wantonness and superfluity, for drinking
+    more small liquor than themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are few members of this house, who do not, more than once a-day,
+    drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or some other cooling and diluting
+    infusion; delicacies which the soldier cannot purchase; to which he is
+    entirely a stranger, and of which the place must be supplied by some
+    other cheap and wholesome liquors.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If, sir, those gentlemen whose close attention to the interest of the
+    innholder has, perhaps, abstracted them, in some degree, from any regard
+    to the necessities of a soldier, will consent to allow him five pints
+    a-day, I shall contend no longer; for though I cannot agree that it is a
+    sufficient provision, yet, as other gentlemen, equally able to judge in
+    this subject with myself, are of a different opinion, I shall show my
+    regard for their sentiments by desisting from opposition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BALTIMORE spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am not able to
+    discover any necessity of compromising this debate, by taking the mean
+    between the two different opinions, or for denying to the soldiers what
+    every labourer or serving-man would murmur to be refused for a single
+    day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I believe, sir, every gentleman, who examines the expense of his family,
+    will find that each of his servants consumes daily at least three quarts
+    of small beer, and surely it is not to be required that a soldier should
+    live in a perpetual state of war with his constitution, and a constant
+    inability to comply with the calls of nature.
+</p>
+<p>
+    General HANDASYD spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, the inclination
+    shown by several gentlemen for a penurious and scanty provision for the
+    soldiers, must, in my opinion, proceed from an inattentive consideration
+    of their pay, and will, therefore, be removed, by laying before them an
+    account of his condition, and comparing his daily pay with his daily
+    expenses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The whole pay of a foot soldier, sir, is sixpence a-day, of which he is
+    to pay fourpence to his landlord for his diet, or, what is very nearly
+    the same, to carry fourpence daily to the market, for which how small a
+    supply of provisions he can bring to his quarters, especially in time of
+    scarcity, I need not mention.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There remain then only twopence, sir, to be disbursed for things not
+    immediately necessary for the preservation of life, but which no man can
+    want without being despicable to others and burdensome to himself.
+    Twopence a-day is all that a soldier has to lay out upon cleanliness and
+    decency, and with which he is likewise to keep his arms in order, and to
+    supply himself with some part of his clothing. If, sir, after these
+    deductions, he can, from twopence a-day, procure himself the means of
+    enjoying a few happy moments in the year with his companions over a cup
+    of ale, is not his economy much more to be envied than his luxury? Or
+    can it be charged upon him that he enjoys more than his share of the
+    felicities of life? Is he to be burdened with new expenses lest he
+    should hoard up the publick money, stop the circulation of coin, and
+    turn broker or usurer with twopence a-day?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have been so long acquainted, sir, with the soldier's character, that
+    I will adventure to secure him from the charge of avarice, and to
+    promise that whatever he shall possess not necessary to life, he will
+    enjoy to the advantage of his landlord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the advocate CAMPBELL spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, I am far
+    from intending to oppose this proposal of five pints, though, upon a
+    rigorous examination, it might appear more than the mere wants of nature
+    require; for I cannot but declare that this question has too long
+    engaged the attention of the house, and that the representatives of a
+    mighty nation beset with enemies, and encumbered with difficulties, seem
+    to forget their importance and their dignity, by wrangling from day to
+    day upon a pint of small beer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I conceive the bill, which we are now considering, sir, not as a
+    perpetual and standing law, to be interwoven with our constitution, or
+    added to the principles of our government, but as a temporary
+    establishment for the present year; an expedient to be laid aside when
+    our affairs cease to require it; an experimental essay of a new
+    practice, which may be changed or continued according to its success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To allow, sir, five pints of small beer a-day to our soldiers, for a
+    single year, can produce no formidable inconveniency, and may, though it
+    should not be entirely approved, be of less disadvantage to the publick,
+    than the waste of another day.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [An alteration was made to five pints, instead of three quarts; and the
+    bill, thus amended, was ordered to be engrossed, and a few days
+    afterwards, being read a third time, was passed, and ordered to the
+    lords, where it occasioned no debate.]
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_16"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON ADDRESSING THE KING.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    A copy of his majesty's speech being read, Mr. CLUTTERBUCK-BUCK rose,
+    and spoke as follows:&mdash;
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir, the present confusion in Europe, the known designs of the French,
+    the numerous claims to the Austrian dominions, the armies which are
+    levied to support them, and the present inability of the queen of
+    Hungary to maintain those rights which descend to her from her
+    ancestors, and have been confirmed by all the solemnities of treaties,
+    evidently require an uncommon degree of attention in our consultations,
+    and of vigour in our proceedings.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever may be the professions of the French, their real designs are
+    easily discovered, designs which they have carried on, either openly, or
+    in private, for near a century, and which it cannot be expected that
+    they will lay aside, when they are so near to success. Their view, sir,
+    in all their wars and treaties, alliances and intrigues, has been the
+    attainment of universal dominion, the destruction of the rights of
+    nature, and the subjection of all the rest of mankind; nor have we any
+    reason to imagine that they are not equally zealous for the promotion of
+    this pernicious scheme, while they pour troops into Germany, for the
+    assistance of their ally, as when they wasted kingdoms, laid cities in
+    ashes, and plunged millions into misery and want, without any other
+    motive than the glory of their king.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French are not the only nation at this time labouring for the
+    subversion of our common liberties. Our liberties, sir, are endangered
+    by those equally interested with ourselves in their preservation; for in
+    what degree soever any of the princes who are now endeavouring to divide
+    among themselves the dominions of Austria, may be pleased with the
+    acquisition of new territories, and an imaginary increase of influence
+    and power, it must be evident to all who are not dazzled by immediate
+    interest, that they are only fighting for France, and that by the
+    destruction of the Austrian family, they must in a short time fall
+    themselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, sir, though it is not always remembered, that
+    political as well as natural greatness is merely comparative, and that
+    he only is a powerful prince, who is more powerful than those with whom
+    he can have any cause of contention. That prince, therefore, who
+    imagines his power enlarged by a partition of territories, which gives
+    him some additional provinces, may be at last disappointed in his
+    expectations: for, if this partition gives to another prince already
+    greater than himself, an opportunity of increasing his strength in a
+    degree proportionate to his present superiority, the former will soon
+    find, that he has been labouring for nothing, and that his danger is
+    still the same.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, sir, is the case of the king of Prussia, who, when he has overrun
+    that part of Germany, to which he now lays claim, will only have
+    weakened the house of Austria, without strengthening himself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He is at present secure in the possession of his dominions, because
+    neither the Austrians would suffer the French, nor the French permit the
+    Austrians to increase-their power by subduing him. Thus, while the
+    present equipoise of power is maintained, jealousy and caution would
+    always procure him an ally whenever he should be attacked; but when, by
+    his assistance, the Austrian family shall be ruined, who shall defend
+    him against the ambition of France?
+</p>
+<p>
+    While the liberties of mankind are thus equally endangered by folly and
+    ambition, attacked on one side, and neglected on the other, it is
+    necessary for those who foresee the calamity that threatens them, to
+    exert themselves in endeavours to avert it, and to retard the fatal
+    blow, till those who are now lulled by the contemplation of private
+    advantage, can be awakened into a just concern for the general happiness
+    of Europe, and be convinced that they themselves can only be secure by
+    uniting in the cause of liberty and justice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, sir, our sovereign has asserted the Pragmatick
+    sanction, and promised to assist the queen of Hungary with the forces
+    which former treaties have entitled her to demand from him; for this
+    reason he has endeavoured to rouse the Dutch from their supineness, and
+    excite them to arm once more for the common safety, to intimidate, by
+    new augmentations, those powers whose ardour, perhaps, only subsists
+    upon the confidence that they shall not be resisted, and to animate, by
+    open declarations in favour of the house of Austria, those who probably
+    are only hindered from offering their assistance, by the fear of
+    standing alone against the armies of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That by this conduct he may expose his dominions on the continent to
+    invasions, ravages, and the other miseries of war, every one who knows
+    their situation must readily allow; nor can it be doubted by any man who
+    has heard of the power of the Prussians and French, that they may commit
+    great devastations with very little opposition, the forces of the
+    electorate not being sufficient to give them battle; for though the
+    fortified towns might hold out against them, that consideration will
+    very little alleviate the concern of those who consider the miseries of
+    a nation, whose enemies are in possession of all the open country, and
+    who from their ramparts see their harvest laid waste, and their villages
+    in flames. The fortifications contain the strength, but the field and
+    the trading towns comprise the riches of a people, and the country may
+    be ruined which is not subdued.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, sir, the electoral dominions of his majesty are now
+    endangered, not by any private dispute with the neighbouring princes,
+    but by his firmness in asserting the general rights of Europe; as the
+    consequences of his conduct, on this occasion, will be chiefly
+    beneficial to Britain, we ought surely to support him in the prosecution
+    of this design; a design which we cannot but approve, since our
+    ancestors have always carried it on without regard either to the danger
+    or the expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In conformity to this maxim of politicks, so clearly founded in equity,
+    and so often justified by the votes of the senate, has his majesty been
+    pleased to declare to us his resolution to adhere to his engagements,
+    and oppose all attempts that may be forming in favour of any unjust
+    pretensions to the prejudice of the house of Austria. 'Tis for this end
+    he desires the concurrence of his senate. I hope every gentleman in this
+    house will agree with me that we ought to declare our approbation of
+    these measures, in such terms as may show the world, that those who
+    shall dare to obstruct them, must resolve to incur the resentment of
+    this nation, and expose themselves to all the opposition which the
+    senate of Britain can send forth against them. We ought to pronounce
+    that the territories of Hanover will be considered, on this occasion, as
+    the dominions of Britain, and that any attack on one or the other will
+    be equally resented. I, therefore, move, that an humble address be
+    presented by this house to his majesty,
+</p>
+<p>
+    To return our thanks for his speech; to express our dutiful sense of his
+    majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen of Hungary, and for
+    maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; to declare our concurrence in the
+    prudent measures which his majesty is pursuing for the preservation of
+    the liberties and balance of power in Europe; to acknowledge his
+    majesty's wisdom and resolution, in not suffering himself to be diverted
+    from steadily persevering in his just purposes of fulfilling his
+    engagements with the house of Austria; also, further to assure his
+    majesty, that, in justice to and vindication of the honour and dignity
+    of the British crown, we will effectually stand by and support his
+    majesty against all insults and attacks, which any prince or power, in
+    resentment of the just measures which he has so wisely taken, shall make
+    upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not belonging to the crown
+    of Great Britain. And that in any future events, which might make it
+    necessary for him to enter into still larger expenses, this house will
+    enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+    of the queen of Hungary, to the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+    subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the
+    Pragmatick sanction and the liberties and balance of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. FOX seconded the motion in this manner:&mdash;Sir, the expediency, if not
+    the necessity of the address now moved for, will, I believe, be readily
+    allowed by those who consider the just measures which are pursued by his
+    majesty, the end which is intended by them, and the powers by which they
+    are opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How much it is our duty to support the house of Austria it is not
+    necessary to explain to any man who has heard the debates of this
+    assembly, or read the history of the last war. How much it is our duty
+    to support it, is evident, as soon as it is known by whom it is
+    attacked; by the ancient enemy of these nations, by the general
+    disturber of the universe, by the formidable oppressors of liberty,
+    exulting in new acquisitions, inflamed with the madness of universal
+    monarchy, and elated with an opportunity of subjecting Germany, by
+    exalting to the supreme power a prince who shall hold his authority only
+    by their permission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house of Austria, which has so often stood forth in defence of our
+    common rights, which has poured armies into the field, in confederacy
+    with Britain, to suppress the insolence of that family which nothing
+    could satisfy but boundless power, now demands the assistance which it
+    has so often afforded; that assistance is demanded from us by every
+    claim which the laws of society can enact, or the dictates of nature can
+    suggest, by treaties maturely considered, and solemnly confirmed, by the
+    ties of ancient friendship, and the obligations of common interest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To violate the publick faith, and to neglect the observation of
+    treaties, is to sink ourselves below barbarity, to destroy that
+    confidence which unites mankind in society. To deny or evade our
+    stipulations, sir, is to commit a crime which every honest mind must
+    consider with abhorrence, and to establish a precedent which may be used
+    hereafter to our own destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To forsake an ancient ally only because we can receive no immediate
+    advantage from his friendship, or because it may be in some degree
+    dangerous to adhere to him; to forsake him when he most wants our good
+    offices, when he is distressed by his enemies, and deserted by others
+    from whom he had reason to hope for kinder treatment, is the most
+    despicable, the most hateful degree of cowardice and treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The obligations of interest, sir, it is not often needful to enforce,
+    but it may be observed on this occasion, that a single year of neglect
+    may never be retrieved. We may, sir, now be able to support those whom,
+    when once dispossessed, it will not be in our power to restore; and that
+    if we suffer the house of Austria to be overborne, our posterity,
+    through every generation, may have reason to curse our injudicious
+    parsimony, our fatal inactivity, and our perfidious cowardice.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With what views the king of Prussia concurs in the French measures, or
+    upon what principles of policy he promises to himself any security in
+    the enjoyment of his new dominions, it is not easy to conjecture; but as
+    it is easy to discover, that whatever he may propose to himself, his
+    conduct evidently tends to the ruin of Europe, so he may, in my opinion,
+    justly be opposed, if he cannot be diverted or made easy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can we, sir, if this opposition should incite him, or any other
+    power, to an invasion of his majesty's foreign dominions, refuse them
+    our protection and assistance: for as they suffer for the cause which we
+    are engaged to support, and suffer only by our measures, we are at
+    least, as allies, obliged by the laws of equity and the general compacts
+    of mankind, to arm in their defence; and what may be claimed by the
+    common right of allies, we shall surely not deny them, only because they
+    are more closely united to us, because they own the same monarch with
+    ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, with what eagerness
+    the French snatch every opportunity of increasing their influence,
+    extending their dominions, and oppressing their neighbours, the
+    experience of many years has convinced all Europe; and it is evident
+    that unless some power be preserved in a degree of strength nearly equal
+    to theirs, their schemes, pernicious as they are, cannot be defeated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the only power from which this opposition can be hoped, is the
+    house of Austria, a very superficial view of this part of the globe,
+    will sufficiently demonstrate; of this we were long since so strongly
+    convinced, that we employed all our forces and all our politicks to
+    aggrandize this house. We endeavoured not only to support it in all its
+    hereditary rights, but to invest it with new sovereignties, and extend
+    its authority over new dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we afterwards varied in our councils and our measures, I have long
+    inquired without any satisfaction, having never, sir, with the utmost
+    application, been able to discover the motives to the memorable treaty
+    of Hanover, by which we stipulated to destroy the fabrick that we had
+    been so long and so laboriously endeavouring to erect; by which we
+    abandoned that alliance which we had so diligently cultivated, which we
+    had preferred to peace, plenty, and riches, and for which we had
+    cheerfully supported a tedious, a bloody, and an expensive war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This conduct, sir, raises a greater degree of admiration, as the authors
+    of it had exhausted all their eloquence in censuring the treaty of
+    Utrecht, and had endeavoured to expose those who transacted it to the
+    general hatred of the nation; as they always expressed in the strongest
+    terms their dread and detestation of the French; as they animated all
+    their harangues, and stunned their opponents with declarations of their
+    zeal for the liberties of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By what impulse or what infatuation, these asserters of liberty, these
+    enemies of France, these guardians of the balance of power, were on the
+    sudden prevailed on to declare in favour of the power whom they had so
+    long thought it their chief interest and highest honour to oppose, must
+    be discovered by sagacity superiour to mine. But after such perplexity
+    of councils and such fluctuation of conduct, it is necessary to inquire
+    more particularly what are the present intentions of the ministry, what
+    alliances have been formed, and what conditions are required to be
+    fulfilled.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we are obliged only to supply the queen of Hungary with twelve
+    thousand men, we have already performed our engagements; if we have
+    promised any pecuniary assistance, the sum which we have stipulated to
+    furnish ought to be declared; for I suppose, at least, our engagements
+    have some limits, and that we are not to exert all the force of the
+    nation, to fight as if fire and sword were at our gates, or an invader
+    were landing armies upon our coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, sir, from my earliest years been zealous for the defence and
+    exaltation of the house of Austria, and shall be very far from proposing
+    that any danger or distress should influence us to desert it; but I do
+    not easily discover by what means we shall be able to afford any
+    efficacious assistance: for the power of Britain consists chiefly in
+    naval armaments, which can be of very little use to the queen of
+    Hungary, and I know not any state that will easily consent to unite with
+    us on this occasion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If there be, sir, any states remaining in Europe which the French can
+    neither intimidate nor bribe, we ought studiously to solicit and
+    diligently to cultivate their friendship; but whether any, except the
+    Moscovites, are now independent, or sufficiently confident of their own
+    strength to engage in such a hazardous alliance, may be justly doubted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The late grand alliance, sir, was supported at the expense of this
+    nation alone; nor was it required from the other confederates to exhaust
+    the treasure of their country in the common cause. I hope the debt which
+    that war has entailed upon us will instruct us to be more frugal in our
+    future engagements, and to stipulate only what we may perform without
+    involving the nation in misery, which victories and triumphs cannot
+    compensate.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The necessity, sir, of publick economy obliges me to insist, that before
+    any money shall be granted, an account be laid before the senate, in
+    particular terms, of the uses to which it is to be applied. To ask for
+    supplies in general terms, is to demand the power of squandering the
+    publick money at pleasure, and to claim, in softer language, nothing
+    less than despotick authority.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has not been uncommon for money, granted by the senate, to be spent
+    without producing any of those effects which were expected from it,
+    without assisting our allies, or humbling our enemies; and, therefore,
+    there is reason for suspecting that money has sometimes been asked for
+    one use and applied to another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our concurrence, sir, is necessary to increase his majesty's
+    influence on the continent, to animate the friends of the house of
+    Austria, or to repress the disturbers of the publick tranquillity, I
+    shall willingly unite with the most zealous advocates for the
+    administration in any vote of approbation or assistance, not contrary to
+    the act of settlement, that important and well-concerted act, by which
+    the present family was advanced to the throne, and by which it is
+    provided, that Britain shall never be involved in war for the
+    enlargement or protection of the dominions of Hanover, dominions from
+    which we never expected nor received any benefit, and for which,
+    therefore, nothing ought to be either suffered or hazarded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be again necessary to form a confederacy, and to unite the
+    powers of Europe against the house of Bourbon, that ambitious, that
+    restless family, by which the repose of the world is almost every day
+    interrupted, which is incessantly labouring against the happiness of
+    human nature, and seeking every hour an opportunity of new
+    encroachments, I declare, sir, that I shall not only, with the greatest
+    cheerfulness, bear my share of the publick expense, but endeavour to
+    reconcile others to their part of the calamities of war. This, sir, I
+    have advanced in confidence, that sufficient care shall be taken, that
+    in any new alliance we shall be parties, not principals; that the
+    expense of war, as the advantage of victory, shall be common; and that
+    those who shall unite with us will be our allies, not our mercenaries.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE then spoke, to the following purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not
+    without reason that the honourable gentleman desires to be informed of
+    the stipulations contained in the treaty by which we have engaged to
+    support the Pragmatick sanction; for I find that he either never knew
+    them or has forgotten them; and, therefore, those reasonings which he
+    has formed upon them fall to the ground.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are obliged, sir, by this treaty, to supply the house of Austria with
+    twelve thousand men, and the Dutch, who were engaged in it by our
+    example, have promised a supply of five thousand. This force, joined to
+    those armies which the large dominions of that family enable them to
+    raise, were conceived sufficient to repel any enemy by whom their rights
+    should be invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But because in affairs of such importance nothing is to be left to
+    hazard, because the preservation of the equipoise of power, on which the
+    liberties of almost all mankind, who can call themselves free, must be
+    acknowledged to depend, ought to be rather certain, than barely
+    probable; it is stipulated farther, both by the French and ourselves,
+    that if the supplies, specified in the first article, shall appear
+    insufficient, we shall unite our whole force in the defence of our ally,
+    and struggle, once more, for independence, with ardour proportioned to
+    the importance of our cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By these stipulations, sir, no engagements have been formed that can be
+    imagined to have been prohibited by the act of settlement, by which it
+    is provided, that the house of Hanover shall not plunge this nation into
+    a war, for the sake of their foreign dominions, without the consent of
+    the senate; for this war is by no means entered upon for the particular
+    security of Hanover, but for the general advantage of Europe, to repress
+    the ambition of the French, and to preserve ourselves and our posterity
+    from the most abject dependence upon a nation exasperated against us by
+    long opposition, and hereditary hatred.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is the act of settlement only preserved unviolated by the reasons of
+    the present alliance, but by the regular concurrence of the senate which
+    his majesty has desired, notwithstanding his indubitable right of making
+    peace and war by his own authority. I cannot, therefore, imagine upon
+    what pretence it can be urged, that the law, which requires that no war
+    shall be made on account of the Hanoverian dominions without the consent
+    of the senate, is violated, when it is evident that the war is made upon
+    other motives, and the concurrence of the senate is solemnly desired.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But such is the malevolence with which the conduct of the administration
+    is examined, that no degree of integrity or vigilance can secure it from
+    censure. When, in the present question, truth and reason are evidently
+    on their side, past transactions are recalled to memory, and those
+    measures are treated with the utmost degree of contempt and ridicule, of
+    which the greatest part of the audience have probably forgotten the
+    reasons, and of which the authors of them do not always stand up in the
+    defence, because they are weary of repeating arguments to those who
+    listen with a resolution never to be convinced.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How well, sir, those by whom the ministry is opposed, have succeeded in
+    hardening their minds against the force of reason, is evident from their
+    constant custom of appealing from the senate to the people, and
+    publishing, in pamphlets, those arguments which they have found
+    themselves, in this assembly, unable to support; a practice which
+    discovers rather an obstinate resolution to obstruct the government,
+    than zeal for the prosperity of their country, and which, to speak of it
+    in the softest terms, seems to be suggested more by the desire of
+    popularity than the love of truth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SANDYS spoke to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, notwithstanding the
+    confidence with which this motion has been offered and defended,
+    notwithstanding the specious appearance of respect to his majesty, by
+    which it is recommended, I am not ashamed to declare, that it appears to
+    me inconsistent with the trust reposed in us by our constituents, who
+    owe their allegiance to the king of Britain, and not to the elector of
+    Hanover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It will be urged, sir, by the people, whom we sit here to represent,
+    that they are already embarrassed with debts, contracted in a late war,
+    from which, after the expense of many millions, and the destruction of
+    prodigious multitudes, they receive no advantage; and that they are now
+    loaded with taxes for the support of another, of which they perceive no
+    prospect of a very happy or honourable conclusion, of either security or
+    profit, either conquests or reprisals; and that they are, therefore, by
+    no means willing to see themselves involved in any new confederacy, by
+    which they may entail on their posterity the same calamities, and oblige
+    themselves to hazard their fortunes and their happiness in defence of
+    distant countries, of which many of them have scarcely heard, and from
+    which no return of assistance is expected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. WALPOLE spoke again, to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, though it is not
+    necessary to refute every calumny that malice may invent, or credulity
+    admit, or to answer those of whom it may reasonably be conceived that
+    they do not credit their own accusations, I will yet rise, once more, in
+    vindication of the treaty of Hanover, to show with how little reason it
+    is censured, to repress the levity of insult, and the pride of
+    unreasonable triumph.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The treaty of Hanover, sir, how long soever it has been ridiculed, and
+    with whatever contempt those by whom it was negotiated have been
+    treated, was wise and just. It was just, because no injury was intended
+    to any power, no invasion was planned, no partition of dominions
+    stipulated, nothing but our own security desired. It was wise, because
+    it produced the end proposed by it, and established that security which
+    the Austrians and Spaniards were endeavouring to destroy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The emperour of Germany, sir, had then entered into a secret treaty of
+    alliance with Spain, by which nothing less was designed than the total
+    destruction of our liberties, the diminution of our commerce, the
+    alienation of our dominions, and the subversion of our constitution. We
+    were to have been expelled from Gibraltar, and totally excluded from the
+    Mediterranean, the pretender was to have been exalted to the throne, and
+    a new religion, with the slavery that always accompanies it, to have
+    been introduced amongst us, and Ostend was to have been made a port, and
+    to have shared the poor remains of our commerce to foreign nations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This unjust, this malicious confederacy, was then opposed with the
+    utmost vehemence by the imperial general, whose courage and military
+    capacity are celebrated throughout the world, and whose political
+    abilities and knowledge of the affairs of Europe, were equal to his
+    knowledge of war. He urged, with great force, that such a confederacy
+    would disunite the empire for ever from the maritime powers, by which it
+    had been supported, and which were engaged by one common interest in the
+    promotion of its prosperity: but his remonstrances availed nothing, and
+    the alliance was concluded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When our ancient allies, who had been so often succoured with our
+    treasure, and defended by our arms, had entered into such engagements;
+    when it was stipulated not only to impoverish but enslave us; not only
+    to weaken us abroad, but to deprive us of every domestick comfort; when
+    a scheme was formed that would have spread misery over the whole nation,
+    and have extended its consequences to the lowest orders of the
+    community, it was surely necessary to frustrate it by some alliance, and
+    with whom could we then unite, but with France?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not the only fact on which gentlemen have ventured to speak with
+    great freedom without sufficient information; the conduct of our allies
+    in the late war has been no less misrepresented than that of our
+    ministers in their negotiations. They have been charged with imposing
+    upon us the whole expense of the confederacy, when it may be proved,
+    beyond controversy, that the annual charge of the Dutch was five
+    millions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did they, sir, only contribute annually thus largely to the common
+    cause, but when we forsook the alliance, and shamefully abandoned the
+    advantages we had gained, they received our mercenaries into their own
+    pay, and expended nine millions in a single year.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the truth of these assertions it is easy to produce incontestable
+    evidence, which, however, cannot be necessary to any man who reflects,
+    that from one of the most wealthy nations in the world, the Dutch, with
+    all their commerce, and all their parsimony, are reduced to penury and
+    distress; for who can tell by what means they have sunk into their
+    present low condition, if they suffered nothing by the late war?
+</p>
+<p>
+    How this gentleman, sir, has been deceived, and to whose insinuations
+    his errours are to be imputed, I am at no loss to discover. I hope he
+    will, by this confutation, be warned against implicit credulity, and
+    remember with what caution that man is to be trusted, whose pernicious
+    counsels have endangered his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, it is, in my opinion, an incontestable
+    maxim, that no measures are eligible, which are unjust; and that,
+    therefore, before any resolutions are formed, we ought to examine not
+    what motives may be suggested by expedience, but what arguments may be
+    advanced by equity on one part or the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If I do not mistake the true intent of the address now proposed, we are
+    invited to declare that we will oppose the king of Prussia in his
+    attempts upon Silesia, a declaration in which I know not how any man can
+    concur, who knows not the nature of his claim, and the laws of the
+    empire. It ought, therefore, sir, to have been the first endeavour of
+    those by whom this address has been so zealously promoted, to show that
+    his claim, so publickly explained, so firmly urged, and so strongly
+    supported, is without foundation in justice or in reason, and is only
+    one of those imaginary titles, which ambition may always find to the
+    dominions of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But no attempt has been yet made towards the discussion of this
+    important question, and, therefore, I know not how any man can call upon
+    us to oppose the king of Prussia, when his claim may probably be just,
+    and, by consequence, such as, if it were necessary for us to engage in
+    the affairs of those distant countries, we ought to join with him in
+    asserting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord GAGE spoke next, in substance as follows:&mdash;Sir, as no member of
+    this assembly can feel a greater degree of zeal for his majesty's honour
+    than myself; none shall more readily concur in any expression of duty or
+    adherence to him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I have been always taught that allegiance to my prince is consistent
+    with fidelity to my country, that the interest of the king and the
+    people of great Britain is the same; and that he only is a true subject
+    of the crown, who is a steady promoter of the happiness of the nation:
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason I think it necessary to declare, that Hanover is always
+    to be considered as a sovereignty separate from that of Britain, and as
+    a country with laws and interests distinct from ours; and that it is the
+    duty of the representatives of this nation, to take care that interests
+    so different may never be confounded, and that Britain may incur no
+    expense of which Hanover alone can enjoy the advantage.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the elector of Hanover should be engaged in war with any of the
+    neighbouring sovereigns, who should be enabled, by a victory, to enter
+    into the country, and carry the terrours of war through all his
+    territories, it would by no means be necessary for this nation to
+    interpose; for the elector of Hanover might lose his dominions without
+    any disadvantage or dishonour to the king or people of Britain.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_17"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    DEBATE ON A MOTION FOR SUPPORTING THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
+</center>
+<p>
+    His majesty went this day to the house of lords, and after his assent to
+    several bills, he, in a speech from the throne to both houses of the
+    senate, acquainted them, that the war raised against the queen of
+    Hungary, and the various claims on the late German emperour's
+    succession, might expose the dominions of such princes as should incline
+    to support the Pragmatick sanction to imminent danger. That the queen of
+    Hungary required the twelve thousand men stipulated by treaty, and
+    thereupon he had demanded of the king of Denmark, and of the king of
+    Sweden, as sovereign of Hesse Cassel, their respective bodies of troops,
+    of six thousand men each, to be in readiness to march to her assistance.
+    That he was concerting such farther measures as may disappoint all
+    dangerous designs forming to the prejudice of the house of Austria,
+    which might make it necessary for him to enter into still larger
+    expenses for maintaining the Pragmatick sanction. He, therefore, in a
+    conjuncture so critical, desired the concurrence of his senate, in
+    enabling him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+    of the queen of Hungary, the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+    subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the liberties
+    and balance of power in Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The house of commons, in their address upon this occasion, expressed a
+    dutiful sense of his majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen
+    of Hungary, and for the maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; they
+    declared their concurrence in the prudent measures which his majesty was
+    pursuing for the preservation of the liberties and balance of power in
+    Europe; they assured his majesty, that, in justice to, and vindication
+    of the honour and dignity of the British crown, they would effectually
+    stand by and support his majesty against all insults and attacks, which
+    any power, in resentment of the just measures which he had so wisely
+    taken, should make upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not
+    belonging to the crown of Great Britain. They farther assured his
+    majesty, that in any future events which might make it necessary for him
+    to enter into still larger expenses, they would enable him to
+    contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the designs
+    he proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty, in his answer to this address, observed their readiness in
+    enabling him to make good his engagements with the queen of Hungary, and
+    the assurances given him not to suffer his foreign dominions to be
+    insulted on account of the measures he was pursuing for the support of
+    the Pragmatick sanction, etc.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In consequence of this procedure, the house, pursuant to order, resolved
+    itself into a committee, to consider of the supplies granted to his
+    majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon this occasion, a motion was made by sir Robert WALPOLE for a grant
+    of three hundred thousand pounds, for the support of the queen of
+    Hungary, on which arose the following debate:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE supported his motion by a speech, in substance as
+    follows:&mdash;Sir, the necessity of this grant appears so plainly from the
+    bare mention of the purposes for which it is asked, that I can scarcely
+    conceive that its reasonableness will be disputed. I can discover no
+    principles upon which an objection to this motion can be founded, nor
+    the least arguments by which such objection can be supported.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The indispensable obligations of publick faith, the great ties by which
+    nations are united, and confederacies formed, I cannot suppose any man
+    inclined to invalidate. An exact performance of national promises, and
+    inviolable adherence to treaties, is enforced at once by policy and
+    justice, and all laws both of heaven and earth.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Publick perfidy, sir, like private dishonesty, whatever temporary
+    advantages it may promise or produce, is always, upon the whole, the
+    parent of misery. Every man, however prosperous, must sometimes wish for
+    a friend; and every nation, however potent, stand in need of an ally;
+    but all alliances subsist upon mutual confidence, and confidence can be
+    produced only by unlimited integrity, by known firmness, and approved
+    veracity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The use of alliances, sir, has, in the last age, been too much
+    experienced to be contested; it is by leagues well concerted, and
+    strictly observed, that the weak are defended against the strong, that
+    bounds are set to the turbulence of ambition, that the torrent of power
+    is restrained, and empires preserved from those inundations of war,
+    that, in former times, laid the world in ruins. By alliances, sir, the
+    equipoise of power is maintained, and those alarms and apprehensions
+    avoided, which must arise from daily vicissitudes of empire, and the
+    fluctuations of perpetual contest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it is the interest of this nation to cultivate the friendship of
+    the house of Austria, to protect its rights, and secure its succession,
+    to inform it when mistaken, and to assist it when attacked, is allowed
+    by every party. Every man, sir, knows that the only power that can
+    sensibly injure us, by obstructing our commerce, or invading our
+    dominions, is France, against which no confederacy can be formed, except
+    with the house of Austria, that can afford us any efficacious support.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The firmest bond of alliances is mutual interest. Men easily unite
+    against him whom they have all equal reason to fear and to hate; by whom
+    they have been equally injured, and by whom they suspect that no
+    opportunity will be lost of renewing his encroachments. Such is the
+    state of this nation, and of the Austrians. We are equally endangered by
+    the French greatness, and equally animated against it by hereditary
+    animosities, and contests continued from one age to another; we are
+    convinced that, however either may be flattered or caressed, while the
+    other is invaded, every blow is aimed at both, and that we are divided
+    only that we may be more easily destroyed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason we engaged in the support of the Pragmatick sanction,
+    and stipulated to secure the imperial crown to the daughters of Austria;
+    which was nothing more than to promise, that we would endeavour to
+    prevent our own destruction, by opposing the exaltation of a prince who
+    should owe his dignity to the French, and, in consequence of so close an
+    alliance, second all their schemes, admit all their claims, and
+    sacrifice to their ambition the happiness of a great part of mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such would probably be the consequence, if the French should gain the
+    power of conferring the imperial crown. They would hold the emperour in
+    perpetual dependence, would, perhaps, take possession of his hereditary
+    dominions, as a mortgage for their expenses; would awe him with the
+    troops which they sent under a pretence of assisting him, and leave him
+    only the titles of dominion, and the shadows of empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this state would he remain, whilst his formidable allies were
+    extending their dominions on every side. He would see one power subdued
+    after another, and himself weakened by degrees, and only not deprived of
+    his throne, because it would be unnecessary to dethrone him; or he would
+    be obliged to solicit our assistance to break from his slavery, and we
+    should be obliged, at the utmost hazard, and at an expense not to be
+    calculated, to remedy what it is, perhaps, now in our power to prevent
+    with very little difficulty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this danger is too near to be merely chimerical, that the queen of
+    Hungary is invaded, and her right to the imperial dignity contested, is
+    well known; it is, therefore, the time for fulfilling our engagements;
+    engagements of the utmost importance to ourselves and our posterity; and
+    I hope the government will not be accused of profusion, if, for three
+    hundred thousand pounds, the liberties of Europe shall be preserved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We cannot deny this grant without acting in opposition to our late
+    professions of supporting his majesty in his endeavours to maintain the
+    Pragmatick sanction, and of assisting him to defend his foreign
+    dominions from any injuries to which those endeavours should expose
+    them; for how can he without forces defend his dominions, or assist his
+    ally? or how can he maintain forces without supplies?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. SHIPPEN next rose, and spoke thus:&mdash;Sir, as I have always
+    endeavoured to act upon conviction of my duty, to examine opinions
+    before I admit them, and to speak what I have thought the truth, I do
+    not easily change my conduct, or retract my assertions; nor am I
+    deterred from repeating my arguments when I have a right to speak, by
+    the remembrance that they have formerly been unsuccessful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Every man, when he is confident himself, conceives himself able to
+    persuade others, and imagines that their obstinacy proceeds from other
+    motives than reason; and that, if he fails at one time to gain over his
+    audience, he may yet succeed in some happier moment, when their
+    prejudices shall be dissipated, or their interest varied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, though it cannot be suspected that I have forgotten the
+    resentment which I have formerly drawn upon myself, by an open
+    declaration of my sentiments with regard to Hanover, I stand up again,
+    with equal confidence, to make my protestations against any
+    interposition in the affairs of that country, and to avow my dislike of
+    the promise lately made to defend it: a promise, inconsistent, in my
+    opinion, with that important and inviolable law, the <i>act of
+    settlement!</i>&mdash;a promise, which, if it could have been foreknown, would,
+    perhaps, have for ever precluded from the succession that illustrious
+    family, to which we owe such numberless blessings, such continued
+    felicity!
+</p>
+<p>
+    Far be it from me to insinuate that we can be too grateful to his
+    majesty, or too zealous in our adherence to him; only let us remember,
+    that true gratitude consists in real benefits, in promoting the true
+    interest of him to whom we are indebted; and surely, by hazarding the
+    welfare of Britain in defence of Hanover, we shall very little consult
+    the advantage, or promote the greatness of our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known how inconsiderable, in the sight of those by whom the
+    succession was established, Hanover appeared, in comparison with
+    Britain. Those men, to whom even their enemies have seldom denied praise
+    for knowledge and capacity, and who have been so loudly celebrated by
+    many, who have joined in the last address, for their honest zeal, and
+    the love of their country, enacted, that the king of Britain should
+    never visit those important territories, which we have so solemnly
+    promised to defend, at the hazard of our happiness. It was evidently
+    their design that our sovereign, engrossed by the care of his new
+    subjects, a care which, as they reasonably imagined, would arise from
+    gratitude for dignity and power so liberally conferred, should in time
+    forget that corner of the earth on which his ancestors had resided, and
+    act, not as elector of Hanover, but as king of Britain, as the governour
+    of a mighty nation, and the lord of large dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was expressly determined, that, this nation should never be involved
+    in war for the defence of the dominions on the continent, and,
+    doubtless, the same policy that has restrained us from extending our
+    conquests in countries from which some advantages might be received,
+    ought to forbid all expensive and hazardous measures, for the sake of
+    territories from whence no benefit can be reaped.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are the purposes, sir, for which this supply is demanded, the only
+    objections that may be urged against it, for the manner in which it is
+    asked, makes it necessary at least to delay it. The ministers have been
+    so little accustomed to refusals that they have forgot when to ask with
+    decency, and expect the treasure of the nation to be poured upon them,
+    whenever they shall think it proper to hint that they have discovered
+    some new opportunity of expense.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, that when a supply is desired, the house should be
+    informed, some time before, of the sum that is required, and of the ends
+    to which it is to be applied, that every member may consider, at
+    leisure, the expediency of the measures proposed, and the proportion of
+    the sum to the occasion on which it is demanded; that he may examine
+    what are the most proper methods of raising it, and, perhaps, inquire
+    with what willingness his constituents will advance it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether any man is enabled by his acuteness and experience, to determine
+    all these questions upon momentaneous reflection, I cannot decide. For
+    my part, I confess myself one of those on whom nature has bestowed no
+    such faculties, and therefore move that the consideration of this supply
+    may be deferred for a few days; for if it be now pressed upon us, I
+    shall vote against it, because I do not yet fully discover all the
+    reasons for it, nor all the consequences which it may produce, and I
+    think myself obliged to know for what purpose I give away the money
+    which is not my own.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. VYNER spoke as follows:&mdash;Sir, whatever may be the necessity of
+    maintaining the Pragmatick sanction, or whatever the obligations of
+    national pacts, of which I hope no man is desirous of countenancing the
+    neglect, yet they cannot oblige us to arm without an enemy, to embarrass
+    ourselves with watching every possibility of danger, to garrison
+    dominions which are not threatened, or assert rights which are not
+    invaded.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The expediency of maintaining the house of Austria on the imperial
+    throne, it is not at present necessary to assert, because it does not
+    appear that any other family is aspiring to it. There may, indeed, be
+    whispers of secret designs and artful machinations, whispers, perhaps,
+    spread only to affright the court into treaties, or the senate into
+    grants; or designs, which, like a thousand others that every day
+    produces, innumerable accidents may defeat; which may be discovered, not
+    only before they are executed, but before they are fully formed, and
+    which, therefore, are not worthy to engross much of our attention, or to
+    exhaust the wealth of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Pragmatick sanction is nothing more than a settlement of the
+    imperial dignity upon the eldest daughter of the late German emperour
+    and her son; and if she has no son, upon the son of the second daughter;
+    nor has the crown of Britain, by engaging to support that sanction,
+    promised any thing more than to preserve this order of succession, which
+    no power, at present, is endeavouring to interrupt; and which,
+    therefore, at present, requires no defence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The dispute, sir, between the king of Prussia and the queen of Hungary,
+    is of a different kind; nor is it our duty to engage in it, either as
+    parties or judges. He lays claim to certain territories usurped, as he
+    alleges, from his ancestors by the Austrian family, and asserts, by
+    force, this claim, which is equally valid, whether the queen be emperess
+    or not. We have no right to limit his dominions, or obligation to
+    examine the justice of his demands. If he is only endeavouring to gain
+    what has been forcibly withheld from him, what right have we to obstruct
+    his undertaking? And if the queen can show a better title, she is, like
+    all other sovereigns, at liberty to maintain it; nor are we necessarily
+    to erect ourselves into judges between sovereigns, or distributors of
+    dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The contest seems to have very little relation to the Pragmatick
+    sanction: if the king of Prussia succeeds, he will contribute to support
+    it; and if the queen is able to frustrate his designs, she will be too
+    powerful to need our assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But though, sir, the Pragmatick sanction were in danger of violation,
+    are we to stand up alone in defence of it, while other nations, equally
+    engaged with ourselves by interest and by treaties, sit still to look
+    upon the contest, and gather those advantages of peace which we
+    indiscreetly throw away? Are we able to maintain it without assistance,
+    or are we to exhaust our country, and ruin our posterity in prosecution
+    of a hopeless project, to spend what can never be repaid, and to fight
+    with certainty of a defeat?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Dutch, whose engagements and whose interests are the same as our
+    own, have not yet made any addition to their expenses, nor augmentation
+    of their troops; nor does a single potentate of Europe, however united
+    by long alliances to the house of Austria, or however endangered by
+    revolutions in the empire, appear to rouse at the approach of alarm, or
+    think himself obliged to provoke enemies by whom he is not yet injured.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I cannot, therefore, persuade myself that we are to stand up single in
+    the defence of the Pragmatick sanction, to fight the quarrel of others,
+    or live in perpetual war, that our neighbours may be at peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall always think it my duty to disburse the publick money with the
+    utmost parsimony, nor ever intend, but on the most pressing necessity,
+    to load with new exactions a nation already overwhelmed with debts,
+    harassed with taxes, and plundered by a standing army.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose these numerous forces are maintained, who are now
+    preying on the publick; why we increase our armies by land when we only
+    fight by sea; why we aggravate the burden of the war, and add domestick
+    oppressions to foreign injuries, I am at a loss to determine. Surely
+    some regard should be had to the satisfaction of the people, who ought
+    not, during the present scarcity of provisions, to be starved by the
+    increase of an army, which seems supported only to consume them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As, therefore, part of our present expense is, in my opinion,
+    unnecessary, I shall not contribute to aggravate it by a new grant, for
+    purposes of which I cannot discover that they will promote the advantage
+    of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, the Pragmatick
+    sanction, which we are engaged to support, is not confined to the
+    preservation of the order of succession, but extends to all the rights
+    of the house of Austria, which is now attacked, and by a very formidable
+    enemy, at a time of weakness and distraction, and therefore requires our
+    assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That others, equally obliged by treaty and by interest to lend their
+    help on this occasion, sit reluctive, either through cowardice or
+    negligence, or some prospect of temporary advantage, may, perhaps, be
+    true; but is it any excuse of a crime, that he who commits it is not the
+    only criminal? Will the breach of faith in others excuse it in us?
+    Ought we not rather to animate them by our activity, instruct them by
+    our example, and awaken them by our representations?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Perhaps the other powers say to themselves, and to one another, Why
+    should we keep that treaty which Britain is violating? Why should we
+    expose ourselves to danger, of which that mighty nation, so celebrated
+    for courage, is afraid? Why should we rush into war, in which our most
+    powerful ally seems unwilling to support us?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus the same argument, an argument evidently false, and made specious
+    only by interest, may be used by all, till some one, more bold and
+    honest than the rest, shall dare to rise in vindication of those rights
+    which all have promised to maintain; and why should not the greatest
+    nation be the first that shall avow her solemn engagements? Why should
+    not they be most diligent in the prosecution of an affair who have most
+    to lose by its miscarriage?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am always willing to believe, that no member of this assembly makes
+    use, in any solemn debate, of arguments which do not appear rational to
+    himself, and yet it is difficult to conceive that any man can imagine
+    himself released from a promise, because the same promise is broken by
+    another, or that he is at liberty to desert his friend in distress,
+    because others desert him, whose good offices he has equal reason to
+    expect, and that the more his assistance is needed, the more right he
+    has to deny it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Surely such arguments as these deserve not, need not a confutation.
+    Before we regulate our conduct by that of others, we must either prove
+    that they have done right, which proof will be a sufficient defence
+    without the precedent, or own that they are more capable of judging than
+    we, and that, therefore, we pay an implicit submission to their dictates
+    and example; a sacrifice which we shall not willingly make to the vanity
+    of our neighbours.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present case it is evident that if other nations neglect the
+    performance of their contracts, they are guilty of the breach of publick
+    faith; of a crime, that, if it should generally be imitated, would
+    dissolve society, and throw human nature into confusion, that would
+    change the most happy region into deserts, in which one savage would be
+    preying on another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor are they only propagating an example, which in some distant times
+    may be pleaded against themselves, but they are exposing themselves to
+    more immediate dangers; they are forwarding designs that have no
+    tendency but to their ruin, they are adding strength to their inveterate
+    enemies, and beckoning invasion to their own frontiers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, instead of hardening ourselves in perfidy, or lulling
+    ourselves in security by their example, exert all our influence to unite
+    them, and all our power to assist them. Let us show them what they ought
+    to determine by our resolutions, and teach them to act by our vigour;
+    that, if the house of Austria be preserved, our alliance may be
+    strengthened by new motives of gratitude; and that, if it must be that
+    the liberties of this part of the world be lost, we may not reproach
+    ourselves with having neglected to defend them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM spoke next to this purpose:&mdash;Sir, it is not to be supposed
+    that such members of this assembly as are not engaged in publick
+    affairs, should receive very exact intelligence of the dispositions of
+    foreign powers, and, therefore, I do not wonder that the conduct of the
+    Dutch has been misrepresented, and that they are suspected of neglecting
+    their engagements at a time when they are endeavouring to perform them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Dutch have now under consideration the most proper methods of
+    assisting the queen of Hungary, and maintaining the Pragmatick sanction;
+    it may be, indeed, justly suspected, from the nature of their
+    constitution, that their motions will be slow, but it cannot be
+    asserted, that they break their engagements, or desert their
+    confederates.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is there any reason for imagining that the other princes, who have
+    incurred the same obligations, will not endeavour to perform their
+    promises; it may be easily conceived that some of them are not able at a
+    sudden summons to afford great assistance, and that others may wait the
+    result of our deliberations, and regulate their conduct by our example.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Not that we ought to neglect our engagements, or endanger our country,
+    because other powers are either perfidious, or insensible; for I am not
+    afraid to declare, that if that should happen, which there is no reason
+    to suspect, if all the other powers should desert the defence of the
+    Austrian line, should consent to annul the Pragmatick sanction, and
+    leave the queen of Hungary to the mercy of her enemies, I would advise
+    that Britain alone should pour her armies into the continent, that she
+    should defend her ally against the most formidable confederacy, and show
+    mankind an example of constancy not to be shaken, and of faith not to be
+    violated.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it be, therefore, our duty to support the Pragmatick sanction, it is
+    now the time for declaring our resolutions, when the imperial crown is
+    claimed by a multitude of competitors, among whom the elector of
+    Bavaria, a very powerful prince, has, by his minister, notified his
+    pretensions to the court of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The ancient alliance between this prince and the French is well known,
+    nor can we doubt that he will now implore their assistance for the
+    attainment of the throne to which he aspires; and I need not say what
+    may be expected from an emperour, whose elevation was procured by the
+    forces of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is this the only prince that claims the imperial crown upon
+    plausible pretences, or whose claims other powers may combine to
+    support; it is well known, that even the Spanish monarch believes
+    himself entitled to it, nor can we, who have no communication with him,
+    know whether he has not declared to all the other princes of Europe, his
+    resolution to assert his claim.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is far from being impossible that the pretensions of the house of
+    Bourbon may be revived, and that though no single prince of that family
+    should attempt to mount the imperial throne, they may all conspire to
+    dismember the empire into petty kingdoms, and free themselves from the
+    dread of a formidable neighbour, by erecting a number of diminutive
+    sovereigns, who may be always courting the assistance of their
+    protectors, for the sake of harassing each other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus will the house by which Europe has been hitherto protected, sink
+    into an empty name, and we shall be left to stand alone against all the
+    powers that profess a different religion, and whose interest is opposite
+    to that of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought, indeed, to act with the utmost vigour, when we see one of the
+    most powerful of the reformed princes so far forgetful of the interest
+    of our religion, as to cooperate with the designs of France, and so
+    intent upon improving the opportunity of distressing the house of
+    Austria, as to neglect the common cause, and expose himself or his
+    posterity to the danger of becoming a dependant on the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, I cannot agree that our army, though numerous and
+    burdensome, is greater than the necessity of affairs requires: if we
+    cast our eyes on the continent, nothing is to be seen but general
+    confusion, powerful armies in motion, the dominions of one prince
+    invaded, of another threatened; the tumults of ambition in one place,
+    and a panick stillness in another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What will be the event of these commotions who can discover? And how can
+    we know what may determine the course of that flood of power, which is
+    now in a state of uncertain fluctuation, or seems driven to different
+    points by different impulses? How soon may the Dutch see their barrier
+    attacked, and call upon us for the ten thousand men which we are obliged
+    to send them? How soon may the house of Austria be so distressed, as to
+    require all our power for its preservation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we are to leave nothing unattempted for the security of our own
+    religion and liberty, will easily be granted, and, therefore, unless it
+    can be proved that we may be equally secure, though the house of Austria
+    be ruined, it will necessarily follow that we are, with all our power,
+    to enforce the observation of the Pragmatick sanction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This is not an act of romantick generosity, but such as the closest
+    attention to our own interest shows to be necessary; in defending the
+    queen of Hungary we defend ourselves, and only extinguish that flame, by
+    which, if it be suffered to spread, we shall ourselves be consumed. The
+    empire may be considered as the bulwark of Britain, which, if it be
+    thrown down, leaves us naked and defenceless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, consider our own danger, and remember, that while we
+    are considering this supply, we are deliberating upon nothing less than
+    the fate of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the effect following:&mdash;Sir, I am on this
+    occasion of an opinion different from that of the honourable member who
+    spoke the second in this debate, though on most questions our judgment
+    has been the same. I am so far from seconding his proposal for delaying
+    the consideration of this supply, that I think it may justly be
+    inquired, why it was not sooner proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For the support of the house of Austria, and the assertion of the
+    Pragmatick sanction, no man can be more zealous than myself; I am
+    convinced how closely the interest of this nation and that of the
+    Austrian family are united, and how much either must be endangered by
+    the ruin of the other, and, therefore, I shall not delay, for a single
+    moment, my consent to any measures that may reestablish our interest on
+    the continent, and rescue Germany once more from the jaws of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am afraid that we have lost part of our influence in the neighbouring
+    countries, and that the name of Britain is less formidable than
+    heretofore; but if reputation is lost, it is time to recover it, and I
+    doubt not but it may be recovered by the same means that it was at first
+    obtained. Our armies may be yet equally destructive, and our money
+    equally persuasive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We have not yet suffered, amidst all our misconduct, our naval force to
+    be diminished; our sailors yet retain their ancient courage, and our
+    fleets are sufficient to keep the dominion of the ocean, and prescribe
+    limits to the commerce of every nation. While this power remains
+    unimpaired, while Britain retains her natural superiority, and asserts
+    the honour of her flag in every climate, we cannot become despicable,
+    nor can any nation ridicule our menaces or scorn our alliance. We may
+    still extend our influence to the inland countries, and awe those
+    nations which we cannot invade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To preserve this power let us watch over the disposal of our money;
+    money is the source of dominion; those nations may be formidable for
+    their affluence which are not considerable for their numbers; and by a
+    negligent profusion of their wealth, the most powerful people may
+    languish into imbecility, and sink into contempt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the grant which is now demanded will be sufficient to produce the
+    ends to which it is proposed to be applied, if we are assured of the
+    proper application of it, I shall agree to it without hesitation. But
+    though it cannot be affirmed that the sum now demanded is too high a
+    price for the liberties of Europe, it is at least more than ought to be
+    squandered without effect, and we ought at least to know before we grant
+    it, what advantages may be expected from it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    May not the sum demanded for the support of the queen of Hungary be
+    employed to promote very different interests? May it not be lavished to
+    support that power, to which our grants have too long contributed? that
+    power by which ourselves have been awed, and the administration has
+    tyrannised without control?
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this sum is really intended to support the queen of Hungary, may we
+    not inquire how it is to be employed for her service? Is it to be sent
+    her for the payment of her armies, and the support of her court? Should
+    we not more effectually secure her dominions by purchasing with it the
+    friendship and assistance of the king of Prussia, a prince, whose extent
+    of dominions and numerous forces, make him not more formidable than his
+    personal qualities.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What may be hoped, sir, from a prince of wisdom and courage, at the head
+    of a hundred and ten thousand regular troops, with eight millions in his
+    treasury? How much he must necessarily add to the strength of any party
+    in which he shall engage, is unnecessary to mention; it is evident,
+    without proof, that nothing could so much contribute to the
+    reestablishment of the house of Austria, as a reconciliation with this
+    mighty prince, and that, to bring it to pass, would be the most
+    effectual method of serving the unfortunate queen that requires our
+    assistance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why we should despair, sir, of such a reconciliation I cannot perceive;
+    a reconciliation equally conducive to the real interest of both parties.
+    It may be proved, with very little difficulty, to the king of Prussia,
+    that he is now assisting those with whom interests incompatible and
+    religions irreconcilable have set him at variance, whom he can never see
+    prosperous but by the diminution of his own greatness, and who will
+    always project his ruin while they are enjoying the advantages of his
+    victories. We may easily convince him that their power will soon become,
+    by his assistance, such as he cannot hope to withstand, and show, from
+    the examples of other princes, how dangerous it is to add to the
+    strength of an ambitious neighbour. We may show him how much the fate of
+    the empire is now in his hands, and how much more glorious and more
+    advantageous it will be to preserve it from ruin, than to contribute to
+    its destruction.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If by such arguments, sir, this potent monarch can be induced to act
+    steadily in defence of the common cause, we may once more stand at the
+    head of a protestant confederacy; of a confederacy that may contract the
+    views and repress the ambition of the house of Bourbon, and alter their
+    schemes of universal monarchy into expedients for the defence of their
+    dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But in transacting these affairs, let us not engage in any intricate
+    treaties, nor amuse ourselves with displaying our abilities for
+    negotiation; negotiation, that fatal art which we have learned as yet
+    very imperfectly, and which we have never attempted to practise but to
+    our own loss. While we have been entangled in tedious disquisitions, and
+    retarded by artful delays, while our commissaries have been debating
+    about what was only denied to produce controversies, and inquiring after
+    that which has been hid from them only to divert their attention from
+    other questions, how many opportunities have been lost, and how often
+    might we have secured by war, what was, at a much greater expense, lost
+    by treaties.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Treaties, sir, are the artillery of our enemies, to which we have
+    nothing to oppose; they are weapons of which we know not the use, and
+    which we can only escape by not coming within their reach. I know not by
+    what fatality it is, that to treat and to be cheated, are, with regard
+    to Britons, words of the same signification; nor do I intend, by this
+    observation, to asperse the characters of particular persons, for
+    treaties, by whomsoever carried on, have ended always with the same
+    success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is time, therefore, to know, at length, our weakness and our
+    strength, and to resolve no longer to put ourselves voluntarily into the
+    power of our enemies: our troops have been always our ablest
+    negotiators, and to them it has been, for the most part, necessary at
+    last to refer our cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, then, always preserve our martial character, and neglect the
+    praise of political cunning; a quality which, I believe, we shall never
+    attain, and which, if we could obtain, would add nothing to our honour.
+    Let it be the practice of the Britons to declare their resolutions
+    without reserve, and adhere to them in opposition to danger; let them be
+    ambitious of no other elogies than those which may be gained by honesty
+    and courage, nor will they then ever find their allies diffident, or
+    their enemies contemptuous.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By recovering and asserting this character, we may become once more the
+    arbiters of Europe, and be courted by all the protestant powers as their
+    protectors: we may once more subdue the ambition of the aspiring French,
+    and once more deliver the house of Austria from the incessant pursuit of
+    those restless enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The defence of that illustrious family, sir, has always appeared to me,
+    since I studied the state of Europe, the unvariable interest of the
+    British nation, and our obligations to support it on this particular
+    occasion have already been sufficiently explained.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whence it proceeded, sir, that those who now so zealously espouse the
+    Austrian interest, have been so plainly forgetful of it on other
+    occasions, I cannot determine. That treaties have been made very little
+    to the advantage of that family, and that its enemies have been suffered
+    to insult it without opposition, is well known; nor was it long ago that
+    it was debated in this house, whether any money should be lent to the
+    late emperour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No publick or private character can be supported, no enemy, sir, can be
+    intimidated, nor any friend confirmed in his adherence, but by a steady
+    and consistent conduct, by proposing, in all our actions, such ends as
+    may be openly avowed, and by pursuing them without regard to temporary
+    inconveniencies, or petty obstacles.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such conduct, sir, I would gladly recommend on the present occasion, on
+    which I should be far from advising a faint, an irresolute, or momentary
+    assistance, such supplies as declare diffidence in our own strength, or
+    a mean inclination to please contrary parties at the same time, to
+    perform our engagements with the queen, and continue our friendship with
+    France. It is, in my opinion, proper to espouse our ally with the spirit
+    of a nation that expects her decisions to be ratified, that holds the
+    balance of the world in her hand, and can bestow conquest and empire at
+    her pleasure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, sir, it cannot be denied that many powerful reasons may be brought
+    against any new occasions of expense, nor is it without horrour and
+    astonishment that any man, conversant in political calculations, can
+    consider the enormous profusion of the national treasure. In the late
+    dreadful confusion of the world, when the ambition of France had set
+    half the nations of the earth on flame, when we sent our armies to the
+    continent, and fought the general quarrel of mankind, we paid, during
+    the reigns of king William and his great successour, reigns of which
+    every summer was distinguished by some important action, but four
+    millions yearly.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our preparations for the present war, in which scarcely a single
+    ship of war has been taken, or a single fortress laid in ruins, have
+    brought upon the nation an expense of five millions. So much more are we
+    now obliged to pay to amuse the weakest, than formerly to subdue the
+    most powerful of our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Frugality, which is always prudent, is, at this time, sir,
+    indispensable, when war, dreadful as it is, may be termed the lightest
+    of our calamities; when the seasons have disappointed us of bread, and
+    an universal scarcity afflicts the nation. Every day brings us accounts
+    from different parts of the country, and every account is a new evidence
+    of the general calamity, of the want of employment for the poor, and its
+    necessary consequence, the want of food.
+</p>
+<p>
+    He that is scarce able to preserve himself, cannot be expected to assist
+    others; nor is that money to be granted to foreign powers, which is
+    wanted for the support of our fellow-subjects, who are now languishing
+    with diseases, which unaccustomed hardships and unwholesome provisions
+    have brought upon them, while we are providing against distant dangers,
+    and bewailing the distresses of the house of Austria.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us not add to the miseries of famine the mortifications of insult
+    and neglect; let our countrymen, at least, divide our care with our
+    allies, and while we form schemes for succouring the queen of Hungary,
+    let us endeavour to alleviate nearer distresses, and prevent or pacify
+    domestick discontents.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If there be any man whom the sight of misery cannot move to compassion,
+    who can hear the complaints of want without sympathy, and see the
+    general calamity of his country without employing one hour on schemes
+    for its relief; let not that man dare to boast of integrity, fidelity,
+    or honour; let him not presume to recommend the preservation of our
+    faith, or adherence to our confederates: that wretch can have no real
+    regard to any moral obligation, who has forgotten those first duties
+    which nature impresses; nor can he that neglects the happiness of his
+    country, recommend any good action for a good reason.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It should be considered, sir, that we can only be useful to our allies,
+    and formidable to our enemies, by being unanimous and mutually confident
+    of the good intentions of each other, and that nothing but a steady
+    attention to the publick welfare, a constant readiness to remove
+    grievances, and an apparent unwillingness to impose new burdens, can
+    produce that unanimity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As the cause is, therefore, necessarily to precede the effect, as
+    foreign influence is the consequence of happiness at home, let us first
+    endeavour to establish that alacrity and security that may animate the
+    people to assert their ancient superiority to other nations, and restore
+    that plenty which may raise them above any temptation to repine at
+    assistance given to our allies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    No man, sir, can very solicitously watch over the welfare of his
+    neighbour whose mind is depressed by poverty, or distracted by terrour;
+    and when the nation shall see us anxious for the preservation of the
+    queen of Hungary, and unconcerned about the wants of our
+    fellow-subjects, what can be imagined, but that we have some method of
+    exempting ourselves from the common distress, and that we regard not the
+    publick misery when we do not feel it?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Sir Robert WALPOLE replied, to the following effect:&mdash;Sir, it is always
+    proper for every man to lay down some principles upon which he proposes
+    to act, whether in publick or private; that he may not be always
+    wavering, uncertain, and irresolute; that his adherents may know what
+    they are to expect, and his adversaries be able to tell why they are
+    opposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, sir, even for his own sake, that he may not be always
+    struggling with himself; that he may know his own determinations, and
+    enforce them by the reasons which have prevailed upon him to form them;
+    that he may not argue in the same speech to contrary purposes, and weary
+    the attention of his hearers with contrasts and antitheses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When a man admits the necessity of granting a supply, expatiates upon
+    the danger that may be produced by retarding it, declares against the
+    least delay, however speciously proposed, and enforces the arguments
+    which have been already offered to show how much it is our duty and
+    interest to allow it; may it not reasonably be imagined, that he intends
+    to promote it, and is endeavouring to convince them of that necessity of
+    which he seems himself convinced?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But when the same man proceeds to display, with equal eloquence, the
+    present calamities of the nation, and tells to how much better purposes
+    the sum thus demanded may be applied; when he dwells upon the
+    possibility that an impolitick use may be made of the national treasure,
+    and hints that it may be asked for one purpose and employed to another,
+    what can be collected from his harangue, however elegant, entertaining,
+    and pathetick? How can his true opinion be discovered? Or how shall we
+    fix such fugitive reasonings, such variable rhetorick?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am not able, sir, to discern, why truth should be obscured; or why any
+    man should take pleasure in heaping together all the arguments that his
+    knowledge may supply, or his imagination suggest, against a proposition
+    which he cannot deny. Nor can I assign any good purpose that can be
+    promoted by perpetual renewals of debate, and by a repetition of
+    objections, which have in former conferences, on the same occasion, been
+    found of little force.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When the system of affairs is not fully laid open, and the schemes of
+    the administration are in part unknown, it is easy to raise objections
+    formidable in appearance, which, perhaps, cannot be answered till the
+    necessity of secrecy is taken away. When any general calamity has fallen
+    upon a nation, it is a very fruitful topick of rhetorick, and may be
+    very pathetically exaggerated, upon a thousand occasions to which it has
+    no necessary relation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, In my opinion, sir, is the use now made of the present scarcity, a
+    misfortune inflicted upon us by the hand of providence alone; not upon
+    us only, but upon all the nations on this side of the globe, many of
+    which suffer more, but none less than ourselves.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If at such a time it is more burdensome to the nation to raise supplies,
+    it must be remembered, that it is in proportion difficult to other
+    nations to oppose those measures for which the supplies are granted; and
+    that the same sum is of greater efficacy in times of scarcity than of
+    plenty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our present distress will, I hope, soon be at an end; and, perhaps, a
+    few days may produce at least some alteration. It is not without reason,
+    that I expect the news of some successful attempts in America, which
+    will convince the nation, that the preparations for war have not been
+    idle shows, contrived to produce unnecessary expenses.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time it is necessary that we support that power which may be
+    able to assist us against France, the only nation from which any danger
+    can threaten us, even though our fleets in America should be
+    unsuccessful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we defeat the Spaniards, we may assist the house of Austria without
+    difficulty, and if we fail in our attempts, their alliance will be more
+    necessary. The sum demanded for this important purpose cannot be
+    censured as exorbitant, yet will, I hope, be sufficient: if more should
+    hereafter appear necessary, I doubt not but it will be granted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The question passed without opposition.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_18"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON CHOOSING A SPEAKER.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The new house of commons being met, the usher came from the house of
+    lords, with his majesty's commands for their immediate attendance, when
+    they were ordered to choose a speaker; and being returned, Mr. PELHAM
+    addressed himself in the following manner to the clerk of the house:
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. HARDINGE,
+</p>
+<p>
+    As we are here assembled, in pursuance of the imperial summons, it is
+    necessary, in obedience to his majesty's commands, and the established
+    custom of this house, that we proceed immediately to the choice of a
+    person qualified for the chair.&mdash;Gentlemen, it is with no common degree
+    of satisfaction, that I observe this assembly so numerous on the first
+    day; because whatever is transacted by us, must necessarily be
+    considered by the nation with more regard, as it is approved by a
+    greater number of their representatives; and because the present affair,
+    which relates particularly to this house, must be more satisfactorily
+    conducted, as our number is greater; since every man must willingly
+    abide by his own choice, and cheerfully submit to that authority, of
+    which he has himself concurred to the establishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The qualifications required in the person who shall fill the chair, to
+    his own reputation, and the advantage of the house, it is not necessary
+    minutely to recount; it being obvious to every gentleman who hears me,
+    that he must possess such an equality of temper, as may enable him
+    always to preserve a steady and impartial attention, neither discomposed
+    by the irregularities into which some gentlemen, unacquainted with the
+    forms of this assembly, may easily fall, nor disconcerted by the heat
+    and turbulence to which, in former parliaments, some of those whose
+    experience might have taught them the necessity of decency, have been
+    too often hurried by the eagerness of controversy. That he must add to
+    his perpetual serenity, such a firmness of mind, as may enable him to
+    repress petulance and subdue contumacy, and support the orders of the
+    house, in whatever contrariety of counsels, or commotion of debate,
+    against all attempts of infraction or deviation. That to give efficacy
+    to his interpositions, and procure veneration to his decisions, he must,
+    from his general character and personal qualities, derive such dignity
+    and authority, as may naturally dispose the minds of others to
+    obedience, as may suppress the murmurs of envy, and prevent the
+    struggles of competition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These qualifications were eminently conspicuous in the gentleman who
+    filled the chair in the earlier part of my life, and who is now one of
+    the ornaments of the other house. Such were his abilities, and such his
+    conduct, that it would be presumptuous in any man, however endowed by
+    nature, or accomplished by study, to aspire to surpass him; nor can a
+    higher encomium be easily conceived, than this house bestowed upon that
+    person, who was thought worthy to succeed him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The office which we have now to confer, is not only arduous with regard
+    to the abilities necessary to the execution of it, but extremely
+    burdensome and laborious, such as requires continual attendance, and
+    incessant application; nor can it be expected that any man would engage
+    in it, who is not ready to devote his time and his health to the service
+    of the publick, and to struggle with fatigue and restraint for the
+    advantage of his country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the gentleman whom I shall propose to your choice; one whose
+    zeal for the present imperial house, and the prosperity of the nation,
+    has been always acknowledged, and of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+    will be deterred by any difficulties from a province which will afford
+    him so frequent opportunities of promoting the common interest of the
+    emperour and the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What success may be expected from his endeavours, we can only judge from
+    his present influence; influence produced only by his private virtues;
+    but so extensive in that part of the nation which lies within the reach
+    of his beneficence, and the observation of his merit, that it sets him
+    not only above the danger, but above the fear of opposition, and secures
+    him a seat in this assembly without contest.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus deputed by his country to many successive senates, he has acquired
+    an unrivalled degree of knowledge in the methods of our proceedings, and
+    an eminent dexterity in digesting them with that order and perspicuity
+    by which only the transaction of great affairs can be made expeditious,
+    and the discussion of difficult questions be disentangled from
+    perplexity; qualities which are now made particularly necessary by the
+    importance of the subjects to be considered in this senate: so that I
+    doubt not but you will unanimously concur with me in desiring that the
+    chair may be filled by a person eminently distinguished by his
+    knowledge, his integrity, his diligence, and his reputation; and
+    therefore I move, without scruple, that the right honourable Arthur
+    ONSLOW, esquire, be called to the chair.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion in this manner:&mdash;That I am not
+    able to add any thing to the encomium of the right honourable gentleman
+    nominated to the president's chair, gives me no concern, because I am
+    confident, that in the opinion of this assembly, his name alone includes
+    all panegyrick, and that he who recommends Arthur ONSLOW, esquire, will
+    never be required to give the reason of his choice. I therefore rise now
+    only to continue the common methods of the house, and to second a motion
+    which I do not expect that any will oppose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [Here the whole assembly cried out, with a general acclamation, ONSLOW,
+</p>
+<center>
+    ONSLOW.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    Mr. ONSLOW then rose up and said:&mdash;Though I might allege many reasons
+    against this choice, of which the strongest is my inability to discharge
+    the trust conferred upon me in a manner suitable to its importance, yet
+    I have too high an idea of the wisdom of this assembly, to imagine that
+    they form any resolution without just motives; and therefore shall think
+    it my duty to comply with their determination, however opposite to my
+    own opinion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Mr. PELHAM and Mr. CLUTTERBUCK then led him to the chair, where, before
+    he went up to it, he desired, That the house would consider how little
+    he was qualified for the office which they were about to confer upon
+    him, and fix their choice upon some other person, who might be capable
+    of discharging so important a trust.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The members calling out, The chair, chair, chair, he ascended the step,
+    and then addressed himself thus to the house:&mdash;Gentlemen, since it is
+    your resolution, that I should once more receive the honour of being
+    exalted to this important office, for which it is not necessary to
+    mention how little I am qualified, since I may hope that those defects
+    which have hitherto been excused, will still find the same indulgence;
+    my gratitude for a distinction so little deserved, will always incite me
+    to consult the honour of the house, and enable me to supply, by duty and
+    diligence, what is wanting in my knowledge and capacity.
+</p>
+<a name="2H_4_19"><!-- H2 anchor --></a>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h2>
+    DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+</h2>
+<center>
+    [DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.]
+</center>
+<p>
+    The king came again to the house of lords, and the commons being sent
+    for, his majesty approved their choice of a president, and made a speech
+    to both houses, in which he represented to them, That their counsel was
+    in a particular manner necessary, as they were engaged in a war with
+    Spain, as the affairs of all Europe were in confusion, by the
+    confederacy of many formidable powers for the destruction of the house
+    of Austria; that both houses of the preceding session had come to the
+    strongest resolutions in favour of the queen of Hungary, but that the
+    other powers who were equally engaged to support her, had not yet acted
+    according to their stipulations; that he had endeavoured to assist her
+    ever since the death of the emperour Charles, and hoped that a just
+    sense of common danger would induce other nations to unite with him; but
+    that in this uncertain situation, it was necessary that Britain should
+    be in a condition of supporting itself and its allies, as any exigency
+    might require. He therefore ordered the estimates for the ensuing year
+    to be laid before the commons.&mdash;This speech being under the consideration
+    of the house of lords, lord MILTON spoke in the following manner:
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, though the present perplexity of our affairs, the contrariety
+    of opinions produced by it, and the warmth with which each opinion will
+    probably be supported, might justly discourage me from proposing any of
+    my sentiments to this great assembly, yet I cannot repress my
+    inclination to offer a motion, in my opinion, regular and seasonable,
+    and which, if it should appear otherwise to your lordships, will, I
+    hope, though it should not be received, at least be forgiven, because I
+    have never before wearied your patience, or interrupted or retarded your
+    consultations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I am very far from imagining that by this motion I can give any
+    occasion to debate or opposition, because I shall propose no innovation
+    in the principles, or alteration of the practice of this assembly, nor
+    intend any thing more than to lay before your lordships my opinion of
+    the manner in which it may be proper to address his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To return him our humble thanks for his most gracious speech from the
+    throne, and, at the same time, to present unto his majesty our sincere
+    and joyful congratulations on his safe and happy return into this
+    empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To observe with the utmost thankfulness the great concern which his
+    majesty has been pleased to express for carrying on the just and
+    necessary war against Spain, which we hope, by the divine blessing upon
+    his majesty's arms, will be attended with success equal to the justice
+    of his cause, and the ardent wishes of his people. That,
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty has so truly represented the impending dangers to which
+    Europe is exposed, in the present critical conjuncture, as must awaken,
+    in every one, an attention suitable to the occasion: and we cannot but
+    be fully sensible of the evil consequences arising from the designs and
+    enterprises, formed and carrying on for the subversion or reduction of
+    the house of Austria, which threaten such apparent mischiefs to the
+    common cause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To acknowledge his imperial goodness in expressing so earnest a desire
+    to receive, and so high a regard for, the advice of his parliament: his
+    majesty, secure of the loyalty and affections of his people, may rely
+    upon that, with the best-grounded confidence; and to assure his majesty,
+    that we will not fail to take the important points, which he has been
+    pleased to mention to us, into our most serious consideration; and, in
+    the most dutiful manner, to offer to his majesty such advice as shall
+    appear to us to be most conducive to the honour and true interest of his
+    crown and kingdoms. To assure his majesty that we have a due sense, how
+    much the present posture of affairs calls upon us for that unanimity,
+    vigour, and despatch, which his majesty has so wisely recommended to us;
+    and to give his majesty the strongest assurances, that we will
+    vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary measures for
+    the defence and support of his majesty, the maintenance of the balance
+    and liberties of Europe, and the assistance of our allies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That as duty and affection to his majesty are, in us, fixed and
+    unalterable principles, so we feel the impressions of them, at this
+    time, so strong and lively in our breasts, that we cannot omit to lay
+    hold on this opportunity of approaching his imperial presence, to renew
+    the most sincere professions of our constant and inviolable fidelity:
+    and to promise his majesty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is
+    dear to us, exert ourselves for the defence and preservation of his
+    sacred person and government, and the maintenance of the protestant
+    succession in his imperial house, on which the continuance of the
+    protestant religion, and the liberties of Britain, do, under God,
+    depend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, as this address will not obstruct any future inquiries, by any
+    approbation of past measures, either positive or implied, I doubt not
+    but your lordships will readily concur in it, and am persuaded, that it
+    will confirm his majesty's regard for our councils, and confidence in
+    our loyalty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord LOVEL spoke next, to this effect:&mdash;My lords, the dangers which have
+    been justly represented by his majesty, ought to remind us of the
+    importance of unusual circumspection in our conduct, and deter us from
+    any innovations, of which we may not foresee the consequences, at a time
+    when there may be no opportunity of repairing any miscarriage, or
+    correcting any mistake.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There appears, my lords, not to be at this time any particular reason
+    for changing the form of our addresses, no privileges of our house have
+    been invaded, nor any designs formed against the publick. His majesty
+    has evidently not deviated from the practice of the wisest and most
+    beloved of our British monarchs; he has, upon this emergence of
+    unexpected difficulties, summoned the senate to counsel and assist him;
+    and surely it will not be consistent with the wisdom of this house to
+    increase the present perplexity of our affairs, by new embarrassments,
+    which may be easily imagined likely to arise from an address different
+    from those which custom has established.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The prospect which now lies before us, a prospect which presents us only
+    with dangers, distraction, invasions, and revolutions, ought to engage
+    our attentions, without leaving us at leisure for disputations upon
+    ceremonies or forms. It ought to be the care of every lord in this
+    house, not how to address, but how to advise his majesty; how to assist
+    the councils of the publick, and contribute to such determinations, as
+    may avert the calamities that impend over mankind, and stop the wild
+    excursions of power and ambition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We ought to reflect, my lords, that the expectations of all Europe are
+    raised by the convocation of this assembly; and that from our
+    resolutions, whole nations are waiting for their sentence. And how will
+    mankind be disappointed when they shall hear, that instead of declaring
+    war upon usurpers, or imposing peace on the disturbers of mankind,
+    instead of equipping navies to direct the course of commerce, or raising
+    armies to regulate the state of the continent, we met here in a full
+    assembly, and disagreed upon the form of an address.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, my lords, lay aside, at least for this time, all
+    petty debates and minute inquiries, and engage all in the great attempt
+    of reestablishing quiet in the world, and settling the limits of the
+    kingdoms of Europe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then lord CARTERET spoke, in substance as follows:&mdash;My lords, there is,
+    I find, at least one point upon which it is probable that those will now
+    agree whose sentiments have hitherto been, on almost every occasion,
+    widely different. The danger of our present situation is generally
+    allowed; but the consequences deduced from it are so contrary to each
+    other, as give little hopes of that unanimity which times of danger
+    particularly require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is alleged by the noble lord who spoke last, that since we are now
+    involved in difficulties, we ought only to inquire how to extricate
+    ourselves, and, therefore, ought not to leave ourselves the right of
+    inquiring how we were entangled in them, lest the perplexity of
+    different considerations should dissipate our attention, and disable us
+    from forming any useful determinations, or exerting any vigorous efforts
+    for our deliverance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, in my opinion, my lords, the most probable way of removing
+    difficulties, is to examine how they were produced, and, by consequence,
+    to whom they are to be imputed; for certainly, my lords, it is not to be
+    hoped that we shall regain what we have lost, but by measures different
+    from those which have reduced us to our present state, and by the
+    assistance of other counsellors than those who have sunk us into the
+    contempt, and exposed us to the ravages of every nation throughout the
+    world.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this inquiry, my lords, may be free and unobstructed, it is
+    necessary to address the throne, after the manner of our ancestors, in
+    general terms, without descending to particular facts, which, as we have
+    not yet examined them, we can neither censure nor approve.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been objected by the noble lord, that foreign nations will be
+    disappointed by hearing, that instead of menaces of vengeance, and
+    declarations of unalterable adherence to the liberties of Europe, we
+    have wasted our time at this important juncture in settling the form of
+    an address.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That little time may be wasted on this occasion, I hope your lordships
+    will very speedily agree to an address suitable to the dignity of those
+    who make it, and to the occasion upon which it is made; for I cannot but
+    allow, that the present state of affairs calls upon us for despatch: but
+    though business ought, at this time, undoubtedly to be expedited, I hope
+    it will not be precipitated; and if it be demanded that the most
+    important questions be first determined, I know not any thing of greater
+    moment than that before us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How we shall gratify the expectations of foreign powers, ought not, my
+    lords, to be our first or chief consideration; we ought, certainly,
+    first to inquire how the people may be set free from those suspicions,
+    which a long train of measures, evidently tending to impair their
+    privileges, has raised; and how they may be confirmed in their fidelity
+    to the government, of which they have for many years found no other
+    effects than taxes and exactions, for which they have received neither
+    protection abroad, nor encouragement at home.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, if it be necessary to consult the inclinations, and
+    cultivate the esteem of foreign powers, I believe nothing will raise
+    more confidence in our allies, if there be any who are not now ashamed
+    of that name, or more intimidate those whose designs it is our interest
+    to defeat, than an open testimony of our resolution no longer to approve
+    that conduct by which the liberty of half Europe has been endangered;
+    and not to lavish praises on those men, who have in twenty years never
+    transacted any thing to the real benefit of their country, and of whom
+    it is highly probable that they have in the present war stipulated for
+    the defeat of all our attempts, and agreed, by some execrable compact,
+    to facilitate the exaltation of the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon what facts I ground accusations so atrocious may justly be inquired
+    by your lordships; nor shall I find any difficulty in answering your
+    demand. For, if we extend our view over the whole world, and inquire
+    into the state of all our affairs, we shall find nothing but defeats,
+    miscarriages, and impotence, with their usual consequences, contempt and
+    distrust. We shall discover neither any tokens of that fear among our
+    enemies, which the power of the nation, and the reputation of our former
+    victories, might naturally produce; nor any proofs of that confidence
+    among those whom we still continue to term our allies, which the vigour
+    with which we have formerly supported our confederacies, give us a right
+    to expect. Those whom we once trampled, insult us; and those whom we
+    once protected, give us no credit.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How reasonably, my lords, all nations have withdrawn from us their
+    reverence and esteem, will appear by a transient examination of our late
+    conduct, whether it regarded Europe in general, or influenced only the
+    particular affairs of the British nation; for it will appear beyond
+    possibility of doubt, that whoever has trusted the administration,
+    whether their own country, or any foreign powers, has trusted only to be
+    betrayed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is among our allies none whom we are more obliged to support than
+    the queen of Hungary, whose rights we are engaged, by all the
+    solemnities of treaties, to defend, and in whose cause every motive
+    operates that can warm the bosom of a man of virtue. Justice and
+    compassion plead equally on her side, and we are called upon to assist
+    her by our own interest, as well as the general duty of society, by
+    which every man is required to prevent oppression.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What has been the effect of all these considerations may easily be
+    discovered from the present state of the continent, which is ravaged
+    without mercy by the armies of Spain and France. Why all succours have
+    been denied the queen of Hungary, and why the inveterate and hereditary
+    enemies of our nation, are suffered to enlarge their dominions without
+    resistance; why the rivals of our trade are left at full liberty to
+    equip their squadrons, and the persecutors of our religion suffered to
+    overrun those countries from whence only we can hope for assistance,
+    when the hatred which the difference of opinions produces, shall
+    threaten us with invasions and slavery, the whole world has long asked
+    to no purpose, and, therefore, it is without prospect of receiving
+    satisfaction that I engage in the same inquiry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet, since it is our duty to judge of the state of the publick, and a
+    true judgment can be the result only of accurate examination, I shall
+    proceed, without being discouraged by the ill success of former
+    attempts, to discover the motives of our late measures, and the ends
+    intended to be produced by them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Why the queen of Hungary was not assisted with land-forces, I shall, at
+    present, forbear to ask; that she expected them is, indeed, evident from
+    her solicitations; and, I suppose, it is no less apparent from treaties,
+    that she had a right to expect them; nor am I able to conceive, why
+    subsidies have been paid for troops which are never to be employed, or
+    why foreign princes should be enriched with the plunder of a nation
+    which they cannot injure, and do not defend.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But I know, my lords, how easily it may be replied, that the expenses of
+    a land war are certain, and the event hazardous, and that it is always
+    prudent to act with evident advantage on our side, and that the
+    superiority of Britain consists wholly in naval armaments.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the fleets of Britain are equal in force and number of ships to the
+    united navies of the greatest part of the world; that our admirals are
+    men of known bravery, and long experience, and, therefore, formidable
+    not only for their real abilities and natural courage, but for the
+    confidence which their presence necessarily excites in their followers,
+    and the terrour which must always accompany success, and enervate those
+    who are accustomed to defeats; that our sailors are a race of men
+    distinguished by their ardour for war, and their intrepidity in danger,
+    from the rest of the human species; that they seem beings superiour to
+    fear, and delighted with those objects which cannot be named without
+    filling every other breast with horrour; that they are capable of
+    rushing upon apparent destruction without reluctance, and of standing
+    without concern amidst the complicated terrours of a naval war, is
+    universally known, and confessed, my lords, even by those whose interest
+    it is to doubt or deny it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the ocean, therefore, we are allowed to be irresistible; to be able
+    to shut up the ports of the continent, imprison the nations of Europe
+    within the limits of their own territories, deprive them of all foreign
+    assistance, and put a stop to the commerce of the world. It is allowed
+    that we are placed the sentinels at the barriers of nature, and the
+    arbiters of the intercourse of mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These are appellations, my lords, which, however splendid and
+    ostentatious, our ancestors obtained and preserved with less advantages
+    than we possess, by whom I am afraid they are about to be forfeited. The
+    dominion of the ocean was asserted in former times in opposition to
+    powers far more able to contest it, than those which we have so long
+    submissively courted, and of which we are now evidently afraid.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that we fear them, my lords, they are sufficiently convinced; and it
+    must be confessed, with whatsoever shame, that their opinion is well
+    founded; for to what motive but fear can it be imputed, that we have so
+    long supported their insolence without resentment, and their ravages
+    without reprisals; that we have fitted out fleets without any design of
+    dismissing them from our harbours, or sent them to the sea only to be
+    gazed at from the shores, by those whose menaces or artifice had given
+    occasion to their equipment, and in whom they raised no other emotions
+    than contempt of our cowardice, or pity of our folly?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what, my lords, can it be attributed, that the queen of Hungary has
+    yet received no assistance from allies thus powerful; from allies whose
+    fleets cover the sea, whose commerce extends to the remotest part of the
+    world, and whose wealth may be justly expected to be proportionate to
+    their commerce. To what can we ascribe the confidence with which the
+    house of Bourbon threatens the ruin of a princess, who numbers among her
+    allies the emperour of Britain?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing is more evident, my lords, than that the queen of Hungary has
+    been disappointed of the advantages which she expected from her
+    friendship with this nation, only by a degree of cowardice too
+    despicable to be mentioned without such terms, as the importance of this
+    debate, and the dignity of this assembly, do not admit; nor is it less
+    certain, from the conduct of her enemies, that they knew what would be
+    our measures, and confided for security in that cowardice which has
+    never yet deceived them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It cannot, my lords, be asserted, that our ally, however distressed, has
+    yet received the least assistance from our arms; neither the justice of
+    our cause has yet been able to awaken our virtue, nor the inseparable
+    union of her interest with our own, to excite our vigilance.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, perhaps, my lords, we have had no opportunity of exerting our
+    force; perhaps the situation both of our enemies and ally was such, that
+    neither the one could be protected, nor the other opposed, by a naval
+    power; and, therefore, our inactivity was the effect not of want of
+    courage, but want of opportunity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Though our ministers, my lords, have hitherto given no eminent proofs of
+    geographical knowledge, or of very accurate acquaintance with the state
+    of foreign countries, yet there is reason to believe that they must at
+    some time have heard or read, that the house of Austria had territories
+    in Italy; they must have been informed, unless their disbursements for
+    secret service are bestowed with very little judgment, that against
+    these dominions an army has been raised by the Spaniards; and they must
+    have discovered, partly by the information of their correspondents,
+    partly by the inspection of a map, and partly by the sagacity which
+    distinguishes them from all past and present ministers, that this army
+    was to be transported by sea from the coast of Spain to that of Italy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This knowledge, my lords, however attained, might have furnished minds,
+    which have always been found so fruitful of expedients, with a method of
+    hindering the descent of the Spanish troops, for which nothing more was
+    necessary than that they should have ordered admiral Haddock, instead of
+    retiring before the Spanish fleet of war, and watching them only that
+    they might escape, to lie still before Barcelona, where the transports
+    were stationed, with a convoy of only three men of war, and hinder their
+    departure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope it will be observed by your lordships, that though the road of
+    Barcelona is open and indefensible, though the fleet was unprotected by
+    ships of force, and though they lay, as I am informed, beyond the reach
+    of the guns on the fortifications upon the shore, I do not require that
+    Haddock should have destroyed the army and the ships.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am too well acquainted, my lords, with the lenity of our ministers to
+    the enemies of their country, and am too well convinced of the prudence
+    and tenderness of the restrictions by which the power of our admirals is
+    limited, to expect that our guns should be ever used but in salutations
+    of respect, or exultations on the conclusion of a peace. I am convinced,
+    that our ministers would shudder at the name of bloodshed and
+    destruction, and that they had rather hear that a thousand merchants
+    were made bankrupts by privateers, or all our allies deprived of their
+    dominions, than that one Spanish ship was sunk or burnt by the navies of
+    Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, though they are willing to spare the blood of their
+    enemies, yet surely they might have obstructed their enterprises; they
+    might have withheld those whom they were unwilling to strike, and have
+    endeavoured to fright those whom they determined never to hurt.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To speak in terms more adapted to the subject before us: that the fleet
+    of Spain, a fleet of transports with such a convoy, should lie three
+    weeks in an open road, professedly fitted out against an ally united to
+    us by every tie of nature, and of policy, by the solemnity of treaties,
+    and conformity of interest; that it should lie undisturbed almost within
+    sight of a British navy; that it should lie there not only without
+    danger, but without apprehension of danger, has raised the astonishment
+    of every nation in Europe, has blasted the reputation of our arms,
+    impaired the influence of our counsels, and weakened the credit of our
+    publick faith.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There may be some, my lords, that will impute this absurdity of our
+    conduct, this disregard of our interest, this desertion of our
+    alliances, and this neglect of the most apparent opportunities of
+    success, not to cowardice, but treachery; a cause more detestable, as
+    more atrociously criminal.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This opinion, my lords, I think it not necessary to oppose, both because
+    it cannot be charged with improbability, and because I think it may be
+    easily reconciled with my own assertions; for cowardice abroad produces
+    treachery at home, and they become traitors to their country who are
+    hindered by cowardice from the prosecution of her interest, and the
+    opposition of her enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may however be proper to declare, my lords, that I do not impute this
+    fatal cowardice to those who are intrusted with the command of our
+    navies, but to those from whom they are obliged to receive their
+    instructions, and upon whom they unhappily depend for the advancement of
+    their fortunes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is at least reasonable to impute miscarriages rather to those, who
+    are known to have given, formerly, such orders as a brave admiral
+    perished under the ignominious necessity of observing, than to those of
+    whom it cannot be said that any former part of their lives has been
+    stained with the reproach of cowardice; at least it is necessary to
+    suspend our judgment, till the truth shall be made apparent by a rigid
+    inquiry; and it is, therefore, proper to offer an address in general
+    terms, by which neither the actions or counsels of any man shall be
+    condemned nor approved.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It would be more unreasonable to charge our soldiers or our sailors with
+    cowardice, because they have shown, even in those actions which have
+    failed of success, that they miscarried rather through temerity than
+    fear; and that whenever they are suffered to attack their enemies, they
+    are ready to march forward even where there is no possibility of
+    returning, and that they are only to be withheld from conquest by
+    obstacles which human prowess cannot surmount.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, was the state of those heroes who died under the walls
+    of Carthagena; that died in an enterprise so ill concerted, that I
+    ventured, with no great skill in war, and without the least pretence to
+    prescience, to foretell in this house that it would miscarry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That it would, that it must miscarry; that it was even intended only to
+    amuse the nation with the appearance of an expedition, without any
+    design of weakening our enemies, was easily discovered; for why else, my
+    lords, was the army composed of men newly drawn from the shop, and from
+    the plough, unacquainted with the use of arms, and ignorant of the very
+    terms of military discipline, when we had among us large bodies of
+    troops long kept up under the appearance of a regular establishment;
+    troops of whom we have long felt the expense, but of which the time is
+    not, it seems, yet come, that we are to know the use.
+</p>
+<p>
+    These men, my lords, who have so long practised the motions of battle,
+    and who have given in the park so many proofs of their dexterity and
+    activity, who have at least learned to distinguish the different sounds
+    of the drum, and know the faces and voices of the subaltern officers, at
+    least, might have been imagined better qualified for an attempt upon a
+    foreign kingdom, than those who were necessarily strangers to every part
+    of the military operations, and might have been sent upon our first
+    declaration of war, while the new-raised forces acquired at home the
+    same arts under the same inspection.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, whether it was imagined that new forces would be long
+    before they learned the implicit obedience necessary to a soldier;
+    whether it was imagined that it would not be easy on a sudden to collect
+    troops of men so tall and well proportioned, or so well skilled in the
+    martial arts of curling and powdering their hair; or whether it would
+    have been dangerous to have deprived the other house of the counsels and
+    votes of many worthy members, who had at the same time a seat in the
+    senate, and a commission in the army, it was thought necessary to send
+    out raw forces to attack our enemies, and to keep our disciplined troops
+    at home to awe the nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor did the minister, my lords, think it sufficient to obstruct the
+    expedition to America by employing new-raised troops, unless they were
+    likewise placed under the command of a man, who, though of undoubted
+    courage, was, with respect to the conduct of an army, as ignorant as
+    themselves. It was therefore determined, my lords, that all those
+    officers who had gained experience in former wars, and purchased
+    military knowledge by personal danger, should be disappointed and
+    rejected for the sake of advancing a man, who, as he had less skill, was
+    less likely to be successful, and was, therefore, more proper to direct
+    an expedition proposed only to intimidate the British nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the event was such as might be expected from the means, your
+    lordships need not to be informed, nor can it be questioned with what
+    intentions these means were contrived.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am very far, my lords, from charging our ministers with ignorance, or
+    upbraiding them with mistakes on this occasion, for their whole conduct
+    has been uniform, and all their schemes consistent with each other: nor
+    do I doubt their knowledge of the consequence of their measures, so far
+    as it was to be foreseen by human prudence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether they have carried on negotiations, or made war; whether they
+    have conducted our own affairs, or those of our ally the queen of
+    Hungary, they have still discovered the same intention, and promoted it
+    by the same means. They have suffered the Spanish fleets to sail first
+    for supplies from one port to another, and then from the coasts of Spain
+    to those of America. They have permitted the Spaniards, without
+    opposition, to land in Italy, when it was not necessary even to withhold
+    them from it by any actual violence; for had the fleet, my lords, been
+    under my command, I would have only sent the Spanish admiral a
+    prohibition to sail, and am sure it would have been observed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    They have neglected to purchase the friendship of the king of Prussia,
+    which might, perhaps, have been obtained upon easy terms, but which they
+    ought to have gained at whatever rate; and, to conclude, we have been
+    lately informed that the neutrality is signed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the conduct of the ministry, by which it cannot be
+    denied that we are involved in many difficulties, and exposed to great
+    contempt; but from this contempt we may recover, and disentangle
+    ourselves from these difficulties, by a vigorous prosecution of measures
+    opposite to those by which we have been reduced to our present state.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we consider, without that confusion which fear naturally produces,
+    the circumstances of our affairs, it will appear that we have
+    opportunities in our hands of recovering our losses, and reestablishing
+    our reputation; those losses which have been suffered while we had two
+    hundred ships of war at sea, which have permitted three hundred
+    merchant-ships to be taken; and that reputation which has been destroyed
+    when there was no temptation either to a compliance with our enemies, or
+    to a desertion of our friends.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is well known, my lords, that we make war at present rather with the
+    queen than the people of Spain; and it is reasonable to conclude, that a
+    war carried on contrary to the general good, and against the general
+    opinion, cannot be lasting.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is certain that the Spaniards, whenever they have been attacked by
+    men acquainted with the science of war, and furnished with necessary
+    stores for hostile attempts, have discovered either ignorance or
+    cowardice, and have either fled meanly, or resisted unskilfully.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, probable, my lords, that either our enemies will
+    desist from the prosecution of a war, which few of them approve; or that
+    we shall, by vigorous descents upon their coasts, and their colonies,
+    the interruption of their trade, and the diminution of their forces,
+    soon compel them to receive peace upon our own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these advantages, my lords, are only to be expected from a change of
+    conduct, which change can never be produced by a seeming approbation of
+    the past measures. I am therefore of opinion, that we ought to address
+    the throne in general terms, according to the ancient practice of this
+    house.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In considering the address proposed, I cannot but conclude that it is
+    too much diffused, and that it would be more forcible if it was more
+    concise: to shorten it will be no difficult task, by the omission of all
+    the clauses that correspond with particular parts of his majesty's
+    speech, which I cannot discover the necessity of repeating.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the congratulation to his majesty upon his return to his once
+    glorious dominions, no lord shall concur more readily or more zealously
+    than myself; nor shall I even deny to extend my compliments to the
+    ministry, when it shall appear that they deserve them; but I am never
+    willing to be lavish of praise, because it becomes less valuable by
+    being prodigally bestowed; and on occasions so important as this, I can
+    never consent to praise before I have examined, because inquiry comes
+    too late after approbation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY rose next, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, if the
+    dangers that threaten our happiness and our safety be such as they have
+    been represented; if ambition has extended her power almost beyond a
+    possibility of resistance, and oppression, elated with success, begins
+    to design no less than the universal slavery of mankind; if the powers
+    of Europe stand aghast at the calamities which hang over them, and
+    listen with helpless confusion to that storm which they can neither
+    avoid nor resist, how ought our conduct to be influenced by this
+    uncommon state of affairs? Ought we not to catch the alarm while it is
+    possible to make preparation against the danger? Ought we not to
+    improve, with the utmost diligence, the important interval? to unite our
+    counsels for the protection of liberty, and exert all our influence
+    against the common enemies of society, the unwearied disturbers of the
+    tranquillity of mankind?
+</p>
+<p>
+    To what purpose, my lords, are the miseries that the present
+    distractions of Europe may bring upon us, so pathetically described, and
+    so accurately enumerated, if they are to produce no effect upon our
+    counsels? And what effect can be wished from them, but unanimity, with
+    that vigour and despatch which are its natural consequences, and that
+    success with which steadiness and expedition are generally rewarded?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It might be hoped, my lords, that those who have so clear a view of our
+    present embarrassments, and whose sagacity and acuteness expose them to
+    a sensibility of future miseries, perhaps more painful than would be
+    excited by any present and real calamities, should not be thus tortured
+    to no purpose. Every passion, my lords, has its proper object by which
+    it may be laudably gratified, and every disposition of mind may be
+    directed to useful ends. The true use of that foresight of future
+    events, with which some great capacities are so eminently endowed, is
+    that of producing caution and suggesting expedients. What advantage, my
+    lords, would it be to navigators, that their pilot could, by any
+    preternatural power, discover sands or rocks, if he was too negligent or
+    too stubborn to turn the vessel out of the danger?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Or how, my lords, to pursue the comparison, would that pilot be treated
+    by the crew, who, after having informed them of their approach to a
+    shoal or whirlpool, and set before them, with all his rhetorick, the
+    horrours of a shipwreck, should, instead of directing them to avoid
+    destruction, and assisting their endeavours for their common safety,
+    amuse them with the miscarriages of past voyages, and the blunders and
+    stupidity of their former pilot?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether any parallel can be formed between such ill-timed satire, and
+    wild misconduct, and the manner in which your lordships have been
+    treated on this occasion, it is not my province to determine. Nor have I
+    any other design than to show that the only proper conduct in time of
+    real danger, is preparation against it; and that wit and eloquence
+    themselves, if employed to any other purpose, lose their excellence,
+    because they lose their propriety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It does not appear, my lords, that the address now proposed includes any
+    approbation of past measures, and therefore it is needless to inquire,
+    on this occasion, whether the conduct of our ministers or admirals
+    deserves praise or censure.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It does not appear, my lords, that by censuring any part of our late
+    conduct, however detrimental to the publick it may at present be
+    imagined, any of our losses will be repaired, or any part of our
+    reputation retrieved; and, therefore, such proceedings would only retard
+    our counsels, and divert our thoughts from more important
+    considerations; considerations which his majesty has recommended to us,
+    and which cannot be more strongly pressed upon us than by the noble lord
+    who opposed the motion; for he most powerfully incites to unanimity and
+    attention, who most strongly represents the danger of our situation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of the good effects of publick consultations, I need not observe, my
+    lords, that they arise from the joint endeavour of many understandings
+    cooperating to the same end; from the reasonings and observations of
+    many individuals of different studies, inclinations, and experience, all
+    directed to the illustration of the same question, which is, therefore,
+    so accurately discussed, so variously illustrated, and so amply
+    displayed, that a more comprehensive view is obtained of its relations
+    and consequences, than can be hoped from the wisdom or knowledge of any
+    single man.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this advantage, my lords, can only be expected from union and
+    concurrence; for when the different members of a national council enter
+    with different designs, and exert their abilities not so much to promote
+    any general purposes, as to obviate the measures, and confute the
+    arguments of each other, the publick is deprived of all the benefit that
+    might be expected from the collective wisdom of assemblies, whatever may
+    be the capacity of those who compose them. The senate thus divided and
+    disturbed, will, perhaps, conclude with less prudence than any single
+    member, as any man may more easily discover truth without assistance,
+    than when others of equal abilities are employed in perplexing his
+    inquiries, and interrupting the operations of his mind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, it might be safer for a nation, even in time of terrour
+    and disorder, to be deprived of the counsels of this house, than to
+    confide in the determinations of an assembly not uniform in its views,
+    nor connected in its interests; an assembly from which little can be
+    hoped by those who observe that it cannot, without a tedious debate,
+    prolonged with all the heat of opposition, despatch the first and most
+    cursory part of publick business,&mdash;an address to his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been for a long time a practice too frequent, to confound past
+    with present questions, to perplex every debate by an endless
+    multiplication of objects, and to obstruct our determinations by
+    substituting one inquiry in the place of another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only question, my lords, now before us is, whether the address which
+    the noble lord proposed, implies any commendation of past measures, not
+    whether those measures deserve to be commended; which is an inquiry not
+    at present to be pursued, because we have not now before us the means of
+    attaining satisfaction in it, and which ought, therefore, to be delayed
+    till it shall be your lordships' pleasure to appoint a day for examining
+    the state of the nation, and to demand those letters, instructions, and
+    memorials, which are necessary to an accurate and senatorial
+    disquisition.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the mean time, since it is at least as expedient for me to vindicate,
+    as for others to accuse those of whose conduct neither they nor I have
+    yet any regular cognizance, and I may justly expect from the candour of
+    your lordships, that you will be no less willing to hear an apologist
+    than a censurer, I will venture to suspend the true question a few
+    moments, to justify that conduct which has been so wantonly and so
+    contemptuously derided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the preservation of the house of Austria, my lords, ought to engage
+    the closest attention of the British nation, is freely confessed. It is
+    evident that by no other means our commerce, our liberty, or our
+    religion can be secured, or the house of Bourbon restrained from
+    overwhelming the universe. It is allowed that the queen of Hungary has a
+    claim to our assistance by other ties than those of interest; that it
+    was promised upon the faith of treaties, and it is demanded by the
+    loudest calls of honour, justice and compassion. And did it not appear
+    too juvenile and romantick, I might add, that her personal excellencies
+    are such as might call armies to her assistance from the remotest
+    corners of the earth; that her constancy in the assertion of her rights
+    might animate every generous mind with equal firmness; and her
+    intrepidity in the midst of danger and distress, when every day brings
+    accounts of new encroachments, and every new encroachment discourages
+    those from whom she may claim assistance from declaring in her favour,
+    might inspire with ardour for her preservation all those in whom virtue
+    can excite reverence, or whom calamities unjustly inflicted can touch
+    with indignation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor am I afraid to affirm, my lords, that the condition of this
+    illustrious princess raised all these emotions in the court of Britain,
+    and that the vigour of our proceedings will appear proportioned to our
+    ardour for her success. No sooner was the true state of affairs
+    incontestably known, than twelve thousand auxiliary troops were hired,
+    and commanded to march to her assistance, but her affairs making it more
+    eligible for her to employ her own subjects in her defence, and the want
+    of money being the only obstacle that hindered her from raising armies
+    proportioned to those of her enemies, she required, that instead of
+    troops, a supply of money might be sent her, with which his majesty
+    willingly complied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The British ministers in the mean time endeavoured, by the strongest
+    arguments and most importunate solicitations, to animate her allies to
+    equal vigour, or to procure her assistance from other powers whose
+    interest was more remotely affected by her distress: if the effects of
+    their endeavours are not yet manifest, it cannot be imputed to the want
+    either of sincerity or diligence; and if any other powers should be
+    persuaded to arm in the common cause, it ought to be ascribed to the
+    influence of the British counsels.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the prosecution of the war with Spain, it does not appear, my lords,
+    that any measures have been neglected, which prudence, or bravery, or
+    experience, could be expected to dictate. If we have suffered greater
+    losses than we expected, if our enemies have been sometimes favoured by
+    the winds, or sometimes have been so happy as to conceal their designs,
+    and elude the diligence of our commanders, who is to be censured? or
+    what is to be concluded, but that which never was denied, that the
+    chance of war is uncertain, that men are inclined to make fallacious
+    calculations of the probabilities of future events, and that our enemies
+    may sometimes be as artful, as diligent, and as sagacious as ourselves?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was the general opinion of the British people, my lords, if the
+    general opinion may be collected from the clamours and expectations
+    which every man has had opportunities of observing, that in declaring
+    war upon Spain, we only engaged to chastise the insolence of a nation of
+    helpless savages, who might, indeed, rob and murder a defenceless
+    trader, but who could only hold up their hands and cry out for mercy, or
+    sculk in secret creeks and unfrequented coasts, when ships of war should
+    be fitted out against them. They imagined that the fortifications of the
+    Spanish citadels would be abandoned at the first sound of cannon, and
+    that their armies would turn their backs at the sight of the standard of
+    Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was not remembered, my lords, that the greatest part of our trade was
+    carried on in sight of the Spanish coasts, and that our merchants must
+    be consequently exposed to incessant molestation from light vessels,
+    which our ships of war could not pursue over rocks and shallows. It was
+    not sufficiently considered, that a trading nation must always make war
+    with a nation that has fewer merchants, under the disadvantage of being
+    more exposed to the rapacity of private adventurers. How much we had to
+    fear on this account was shown us by the late war with France, in which
+    the privateers of a few petty ports, injured the commerce of this
+    nation, more than their mighty navies and celebrated admirals.
+</p>
+<p>
+    My lords, it would very little become this august assembly, this
+    assembly so renowned for wisdom, and for justice, to confound want of
+    prudence with want of success; since on many occasions the wisest
+    measures may be defeated by accidents which could not be foreseen; since
+    they may sometimes be discovered by deserters, or spies, and sometimes
+    eluded by an enemy equally skilful with ourselves in the science of war.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any of these apologies are necessary to the administration, I am
+    far from intending to insinuate, for I know not that we have failed of
+    success in any of our designs, except the attack of Carthagena, of which
+    the miscarriage cannot, at least, be imputed to the ministry; nor is it
+    evident that any other causes of it are to be assigned than the
+    difficulty of the enterprise; and when, my lords, did any nation make
+    war, without experiencing some disappointments?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These considerations, my lords, I have thought myself obliged, by my
+    regard to truth and justice, to lay before you, to dissipate those
+    suspicions and that anxiety which might have arisen from a different
+    representation of our late measures; for I cannot but once more observe,
+    that a vindication of the conduct of the ministry is by no means a
+    necessary preparative to the address proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address which was so modestly offered to your lordships, cannot be
+    said to contain any more than a general answer to his majesty's speech,
+    and such declarations of our duty and affection, as are always due to
+    our sovereign, and always expected by him on such occasions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our allies have been neglected or betrayed, my lords, we shall be
+    still at liberty to discover and to punish negligence so detrimental,
+    and treachery so reproachful to the British nation. If in the war
+    against Spain we have failed of success, we shall still reserve in our
+    own hands the right of inquiring whether we were unsuccessful by the
+    superiority of our enemies, or by our own fault; whether our commanders
+    wanted orders, or neglected to obey them; for what clause can be
+    produced in the address by which any of these inquiries can be supposed
+    to be predetermined?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us, therefore, remember, my lords, the danger of our present state,
+    and the necessity of steadiness, vigour, and wisdom, for our own
+    preservation and that of Europe; let us consider that publick wisdom is
+    the result of united counsels, and steadiness and vigour, of united
+    influence; let us remember that our example may be of equal use with our
+    assistance, and that both the allies and the subjects of Great Britain
+    will be conjoined by our union, and distracted by our divisions; and let
+    us, therefore, endeavour to promote the general interest of the world,
+    by an unanimous address to his majesty, in the terms proposed by the
+    noble lord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord TALBOT spoke in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, after the display
+    of the present state of Europe, and the account of the measures of the
+    British ministers, which the noble lord who spoke against the motion has
+    laid before you, there is little necessity for another attempt to
+    convince you that our liberty and the liberty of Europe are in danger,
+    or of disturbing your reflections by another enumeration of follies and
+    misfortunes.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To mention the folly of our measures is superfluous likewise, for
+    another reason. They who do not already acknowledge it, may be justly
+    suspected of suppressing their conviction; for how can it be possible,
+    that they who cannot produce a single instance of wisdom or fortitude,
+    who cannot point out one enterprise wisely concerted and successfully
+    executed, can yet sincerely declare, that nothing has been omitted which
+    our interest required?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The measures, my lords, which are now pursued, are the same which for
+    twenty months have kept the whole nation in continual disturbance, and
+    have raised the indignation of every man, whose private interest was not
+    promoted by them. These measures cannot be said to be rashly censured,
+    or condemned before they are seen in their full extent, or expanded into
+    all their consequences; for they have been prosecuted, my lords, with
+    all the confidence of authority and all the perseverance of obstinacy,
+    without any other opposition than fruitless clamours, or petitions
+    unregarded. And what consequences have they produced? What but poverty
+    and distractions at home, and the contempt and insults of foreign
+    powers? What but the necessity of retrieving by war the losses sustained
+    by timorous and dilatory negotiations; and the miscarriages of a war, in
+    which only folly and cowardice have involved us?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more astonishing, than that it should be asserted
+    in this assembly that we have no ill success to complain of. Might we
+    not hope for success, if we have calculated the events of war, and made
+    a suitable preparation? And how is this to be done, but by comparing our
+    forces with that of our enemy, who must, undoubtedly, be more or less
+    formidable according to the proportion which his treasures and his
+    troops bear to our own?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Upon the assurance of the certainty of this practice, upon the evidence,
+    my lords, of arithmetical demonstration, we were inclined to believe,
+    that the power of Britain was not to be resisted by Spain, and therefore
+    demanded that our merchants should be no longer plundered, insulted,
+    imprisoned, and tortured by so despicable an enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That we did not foresee all the consequences of this demand, we are now
+    ready to confess; we did not conjecture that new troops would be raised
+    for the invasion of the Spanish dominions, only that we might be reduced
+    to the level with our enemies. We did not imagine that the superiority
+    of our naval force would produce no other consequence than an inequality
+    of expense, and that the royal navies of Britain would be equipped only
+    for show, only to harass the sailors with the hateful molestation of an
+    impress, and to weaken the crews of our mercantile vessels, that they
+    might be more easily taken by the privateers of Spain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We did not expect, my lords, that our navies would sail out under the
+    command of admirals renowned for bravery, knowledge, and vigilance, and
+    float upon the ocean without design, or enter ports and leave them,
+    equally inoffensive as a packet-boat, or petty trader.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But not to speak any longer, my lords, in terms so little suited to the
+    importance of the question which I am endeavouring to clear, or to the
+    enormity of the conduct which I attempt to expose; the success of war is
+    only to be estimated by the advantages which are gained, in proportion
+    to the loss which is suffered; of which loss the expenses occasioned by
+    the war are always the chief part, and of which it is, therefore, usual,
+    at the conclusion of a peace, for the conquered power to promise the
+    payment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let us examine, my lords, in consequence of this position, the success
+    of our present war against Spain; let us consider what each nation has
+    suffered, and it will easily appear how justly we boast of our wisdom
+    and vigour.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not on this occasion necessary to form minute calculations, or to
+    compute the expense of every company of soldiers and squadron of ships;
+    it is only necessary to assert, what will, I hope, not be very readily
+    denied, even by those whom daily practice of absurd apologies has
+    rendered impregnable by the force of truth, that such expenses as have
+    neither contributed to our own defence, nor to the disadvantage of the
+    Spaniards, have been thrown away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If this be granted, my lords, it will appear, that no nation ever beheld
+    its treasures so profusely squandered, ever paid taxes so willingly, and
+    so patiently saw them perverted; for it cannot, my lords, be proved,
+    that any part of our preparations has produced a proportionate effect;
+    but it may be readily shown how many fleets have been equipped only that
+    the merchants might want sailors, and that the public stores might be
+    consumed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As to our ill success in America, which has been imputed only to the
+    chance of war, it will be reasonable, my lords, to ascribe to other
+    causes, so much of it as might have been prevented by a more speedy
+    reinforcement of Vernon, or may be supposed to have arisen from the
+    inexperience of our troops, and the escape of the Spaniards from Ferrol.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If our fleets had been sent more early into that part of the world, the
+    Spaniards would have had no time to strengthen their garrisons; had our
+    troops been acquainted with discipline, the attack would have been made
+    with greater judgment; and had not the Spaniards escaped from Ferrol, we
+    should have had no enemy in America to encounter. Had all our ministers
+    and all our admirals done their duty, it is evident that not only
+    Carthagena had been taken, but that half the dominions of Spain might
+    now have owned the sovereignty of the crown of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, may be observed of the only enterprise, which it is
+    reasonable to believe was in reality intended against the Spaniards, if
+    even of this our ministers had not before contrived the defeat. But of
+    all the rest of our armaments it does not appear that any effect has
+    been felt but by ourselves, it cannot be discovered that they even
+    raised any alarms or anxiety either in our enemies or their allies, by
+    whom perhaps it was known that they were only designed as punishments
+    for the merchants of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our merchants have already been severely chastised for their
+    insolence in complaining of their losses, and their temerity in raising
+    in the nation a regard for its commerce, its honour, and its rights, is
+    evident from a dreadful list of three hundred ships taken by the
+    Spaniards, some of which were abandoned by their convoys, and others
+    seized within sight of the coasts of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be urged, my lords, that the Spaniards have likewise lost a great
+    number of vessels; but what else could they expect when they engaged in
+    a war against the greatest naval power of the universe? And it is to be
+    remembered, that the Spaniards have this consolation in their
+    misfortunes, that of their ships none have been deserted by their
+    convoys, or wilfully exposed to capture by being robbed of their crews,
+    to supply ships of war with idle hands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The Spaniards will likewise consider, that they have not harassed their
+    subjects for the protection of their trade; that they have not fitted
+    out fleets only to amuse the populace. They comfort themselves with the
+    hope, that the Britons will soon be reduced to a state of weakness below
+    themselves, and wait patiently for the time in which the masters of the
+    sea shall receive from them the regulation of their commerce and the
+    limits of their navigation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor can it be doubted, my lords, but that by adhering to these measures,
+    our ministers will in a short time gratify their hopes; for whatsoever
+    be the difference between the power of two contending nations, if the
+    richer spends its treasures without effect, and exposes its troops to
+    unhealthy climates and impracticable expeditions, while the weaker is
+    parsimonious and prudent, they must soon be brought to an equality; and
+    by continuing the same conduct, the weaker power must at length prevail.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this has been hitherto the state of the war between Britain and
+    Spain, it is not necessary to prove to your lordships; it is apparent,
+    that the expenses of the Spaniards have been far less than those of
+    Britain; and, therefore, if we should suppose the actual losses of war
+    equal, we are only wearing out our force in useless efforts, and our
+    enemies grow every day comparatively stronger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, let us not flatter ourselves that our actual losses have
+    been equal; let us, before we determine this question, accurately
+    compare the number and the value of our ships and cargoes with those of
+    the Spaniards, and see on which side the loss will fall.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And let us not forget, what in all the calculations which I have yet
+    seen on either part has been totally overlooked, the number of men
+    killed, or captives in the British and Spanish dominions. Men, my lords,
+    are at once strength and riches; and, therefore, it is to be considered,
+    that the most irreparable loss which any nation can sustain is the
+    diminution of its people: money may be repaid, and commerce may be
+    recovered; even liberty may be regained, but the loss of people can
+    never be retrieved. Even the twentieth generation may have reason to
+    exclaim, How much more numerous and more powerful would this nation have
+    been, had our ancestors not been betrayed in the expedition to
+    Carthagena!
+</p>
+<p>
+    What loss, my lords, have the Spaniards sustained which can be put in
+    balance with that of our army in America, an army given up to the
+    vultures of an unhealthy climate, and of which those who perished by the
+    sword, were in reality rescued from more lingering torments?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What equivalent can be mentioned for the liberty of multitudes of
+    Britons, now languishing in the prisons of Spain, or obliged by
+    hardships and desperation to assist the enemies of their country? What
+    have the Spaniards suffered that can be opposed to the detriment which
+    the commerce of this nation feels from the detention of our sailors?
+</p>
+<p>
+    These, my lords, are losses not to be paralleled by the destruction of
+    Porto Bello, even though that expedition should be ascribed to the
+    ministry. These are losses which may extend their consequences to many
+    ages, which may long impede our commerce, and diminish our shipping.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not to be imagined, my lords, that in this time of peculiar
+    danger, parents will destine their children to maritime employments, or
+    that any man will engage in naval business who can exercise any other
+    profession; and therefore the death or captivity of a sailor leaves a
+    vacuity in our commerce, since no other will be ready to supply his
+    place. Thus, by degrees, the continuance of the war will contract our
+    trade, and those parts of it which we cannot occupy, will be snatched by
+    the French or Dutch, from whom it is not probable that they will ever be
+    recovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is another circumstance of disadvantage to which the
+    Spaniards are not exposed; for their traffick being only from one part
+    of their dominions to another, cannot be destroyed, but will, after the
+    short interruption of a war, be again equally certain and equally
+    profitable.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It appears, therefore, my lords, that we have hitherto suffered more
+    than the Spaniards, more than the nation which we have so much reason to
+    despise; it appears that our fleets have been useless, and that our
+    troops have been only sent out to be destroyed; and it will, therefore,
+    surely be allowed me to assert, that the war has not been hitherto
+    successful.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I am, therefore, of opinion, my lords, that as the address now proposed,
+    cannot but be understood both by his majesty and the nation, to imply,
+    in some degree, a commendation of that conduct which cannot be
+    commended, which ought never to be mentioned but with detestation and
+    contempt, it will be unworthy of this house, offensive to the whole
+    nation, and unjust to his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty, my lords, has summoned us to advise him in this important
+    juncture, and the nation expects from our determinations its relief or
+    its destruction: nor will either have much to hope from our counsels,
+    if, in our first publick act, we endeavour to deceive them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It seems, therefore, proper to change the common form of our addresses
+    to the throne, to do once, at least, what his majesty demands and the
+    people expect, and to remember that no characters are more inconsistent,
+    than those of a counsellor of the king, and a flatterer of the ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then lord ABINGDON spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, I have always
+    observed that debates are prolonged, and inquiries perplexed, by the
+    neglect of method; and therefore think it necessary to move, That the
+    question may be read, that the noble lords who shall be inclined to
+    explain their sentiments upon it, may have always the chief point in
+    view, and not deviate into foreign considerations.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [It was read accordingly.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CARTERET spoke next, to the purpose following:&mdash;My lords, I am
+    convinced of the propriety of the last motion by the advantage which it
+    has afforded me of viewing more deliberately and distinctly the question
+    before us; the consideration of which has confirmed me in my own
+    opinion, that the address now proposed is only a flattering repetition
+    of the speech, and that the speech was drawn up only to betray us into
+    an encomium on the ministry; who, as they certainly have not deserved
+    any commendations, will, I hope, not receive them from your lordships.
+    For what has been the result of all their measures, but a general
+    confusion, the depression of our own nation and our allies, and the
+    exaltation of the house of Bourbon?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is universally allowed, my lords, and therefore it would be
+    superfluous to prove, that the liberties of Europe are now in the utmost
+    danger; that the house of Bourbon has arrived almost at that exalted
+    pinnacle of authority, from whence it will look down with contempt upon
+    all other powers, to which it will henceforward prescribe laws at
+    pleasure, whose dominions will be limited by its direction, and whose
+    armies will march at its command.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That Britain will be long exempted from the general servitude, that we
+    shall be able to stand alone against the whole power of Europe, which
+    the French may then bring down upon us, and preserve ourselves
+    independent, while every other nation acknowledges the authority of an
+    arbitrary conqueror, is by no means likely, and might be, perhaps,
+    demonstrated to be not possible.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How long we might be able to retain our liberty, it is beyond the reach
+    of policy to determine, but as it is evident, that when the empire is
+    subdued, the Dutch will quickly fall under the same dominion, and that
+    all their ports and all their commerce will then be in the hands of the
+    French, it cannot be denied that our commerce will quickly be at an end.
+    We shall then lose the dominion of the sea, and all our distant colonies
+    and settlements, and be shut up in our own island, where the continuance
+    of our liberties can be determined only by the resolution with which we
+    shall defend them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this, my lords, must probably, in a few years, be our state, if the
+    schemes of the house of Bourbon should succeed, is certain beyond all
+    controversy; and therefore it is evident, that no man to whom such a
+    condition does not appear eligible, can look unconcerned at the
+    confusion of the continent, or consider the destruction of the house of
+    Austria, without endeavouring to prevent it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, my lords, though such endeavours are the duty of all who are
+    engaged in the transaction of publick affairs, though the importance of
+    the cause of the queen of Hungary be acknowledged in the speech to which
+    we are to return an address, it does not appear that the ministers of
+    Britain have once attempted to assist her, or have even forborne any
+    thing which might aggravate her distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The only effectual methods by which any efficacious relief could have
+    been procured, were that of reconciling her with the king of Prussia, or
+    that of prevailing upon the Muscovites to succour her.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A reconciliation with the king of Prussia would have been my first care,
+    if the honour of advising on this occasion had fallen to my lot. To have
+    mediated successfully between them could surely have been no difficult
+    task, because each party could not but know how much it was their common
+    interest to exclude the French from the empire, and how certainly this
+    untimely discord must expose them both to their ancient enemy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As in private life, my lords, when two friends carry any dispute between
+    them to improper degrees of anger or resentment, it is the province of a
+    third to moderate the passion of each, and to restore that benevolence
+    which a difference of interest or opinion had impaired; so in alliances,
+    or the friendships of nations, whenever it unhappily falls out that two
+    of them forget the general good, and lay themselves open to those evils
+    from which a strict union only can preserve them, it is necessary that
+    some other power should interpose, and prevent the dangers of a
+    perpetual discord.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether this was attempted, my lords, I know not; but if any such design
+    was in appearance prosecuted, it may be reasonably imagined from the
+    event, that the negotiators were defective either in skill or in
+    diligence; for how can it be conceived that any man should act contrary
+    to his own interest, to whom the state of his affairs is truly
+    represented?
+</p>
+<p>
+    But not to suppress what I cannot doubt, I am convinced, my lords, that
+    there is in reality no design of assisting the queen of Hungary; either
+    our ministers have not yet recovered from their apprehensions of the
+    exorbitant power of the house of Austria, by which they were frighted
+    some years ago into the bosom of France for shelter, and which left them
+    no expedient but the treaty of Hanover; or they are now equally afraid
+    of France, and expect the <i>pretender</i> to be forced upon them by the
+    power whom they so lately solicited to secure them from him.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever is the motive of their conduct, it is evident, my lords, that
+    they are at present to the unfortunate queen of Hungary, either
+    professed enemies, or treacherous allies; for they have permitted the
+    invasion of her Italian dominions, when they might have prevented it
+    without a blow, only by commanding the Spaniards not to transport their
+    troops.
+</p>
+<p>
+    To argue that our fleet in the Mediterranean was not of strength
+    sufficient to oppose their passage, is a subterfuge to which they can
+    only be driven by the necessity of making some apology, and an absolute
+    inability to produce any which will not immediately be discovered to be
+    groundless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is known, my lords, to all Europe, that Haddock had then under his
+    command thirteen ships of the line, and nine frigates, and that the
+    Spanish convoy consisted only of three ships; and yet they sailed before
+    his eyes with a degree of security which nothing could have produced but
+    a passport from the court of Britain, and an assured exemption from the
+    danger of an attack.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be urged, that they were protected by the French squadron, and
+    that Haddock durst not attack them, because he was unable to contend
+    with the united fleets; but my lords, even this is known to be false: it
+    is known that they bore no proportion to the strength of the British
+    squadron, that they could not have made even the appearance of a battle,
+    and that our commanders could have been only employed in pursuit and
+    captures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, was well known to our ministers, who were afraid only of
+    destroying the French squadron, and were very far from apprehending any
+    danger from it; but being determined to purchase, on any terms, the
+    continuance of the friendship of their old protectors, consented to the
+    invasion of Italy, and procured a squadron to sail out, under pretence
+    of defending the Spanish transports, that their compliance might not be
+    discovered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All this, my lords, may reasonably be suspected at the first view of
+    their proceedings; for how could an inferiour force venture into the way
+    of an enemy, unless upon security that they should not be attacked? But
+    the late treaty of neutrality has changed suspicion into certainty, has
+    discovered the source of all their measures, and shown that the invasion
+    of Italy is permitted to preserve Hanover from the like calamity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is great danger, my lords, lest this last treaty of Hanover should
+    give the decisive blow to the liberties of Europe. How much it
+    embarrasses the queen of Hungary, by making it necessary for her to
+    divide her forces, is obvious at the first view; but this is not, in my
+    opinion, its most fatal consequence. The other powers will be incited,
+    by the example of our ministry, to conclude treaties of neutrality in
+    the same manner. They will distrust every appearance of our zeal for the
+    house of Austria, and imagine that we intend only an hypocritical
+    assistance, and that our generals, our ambassadors, and our admirals,
+    have, in reality, the same orders.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more dangerous than to weaken the publick faith.
+    When a nation can be no longer trusted, it loses all its influence,
+    because none can fear its menaces, or depend on its alliance. A nation
+    no longer trusted, must stand alone and unsupported; and it is certain
+    that the nation which is justly suspected of holding with its open
+    enemies a secret intercourse to the prejudice of its allies, can be no
+    longer trusted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This suspicion, my lords, this hateful, this reproachful character, is
+    now fixed upon the court of Britain; nor does it take its rise only from
+    the forbearance of our admiral, but has received new confirmation from
+    the behaviour of our ambassador, who denied the treaty of neutrality,
+    when the French minister declared it to the Dutch. Such now, my lords,
+    is the reputation of the British court, a reputation produced by the
+    most flagrant and notorious instances of cowardice and falsehood, which
+    cannot but make all our endeavours ineffectual, and discourage all those
+    powers whose conjunction we might have promoted, from entering into any
+    other engagements than such as we may purchase for stated subsidies. For
+    who, upon any other motive than immediate interest, would form an
+    alliance with a power which, upon the first appearance of danger, gives
+    up a confederate, to purchase, not a large extent of territory, not a
+    new field of commerce, not a port or a citadel, but an abject
+    neutrality!
+</p>
+<p>
+    But however mean may be a supplication for peace, or however infamous
+    the desertion of an ally, I wish, my lords, that the liberty of invading
+    the queen of Hungary's dominions without opposition, had been the most
+    culpable concession of our illustrious ministers, of whom it is
+    reasonable to believe, that they have stipulated with the Spaniards,
+    that they shall be repaid the expense of the war by the plunder of our
+    merchants.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That our commerce has been unnecessarily exposed to the ravages of
+    privateers, from which a very small degree of caution might have
+    preserved it; that three hundred trading ships have been taken, and that
+    three thousand British sailors are now in captivity, is a consideration
+    too melancholy to be long dwelt upon, and a truth too certain to be
+    suppressed or denied.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How such havock could have been made, had not our ships of war concluded
+    a treaty of neutrality with the Spaniards, and left the war to be
+    carried on only by the merchants, it is not easy to conceive; for surely
+    it will not be pretended, that all these losses were the necessary
+    consequence of our situation with regard to Spain, which, if it exposed
+    the Portugal traders to hazard, did not hinder us from guarding our own
+    coasts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet on our own coasts, my lords, have multitudes of our ships been
+    taken by the Spaniards; they have been seized by petty vessels as they
+    were entering our ports, and congratulating themselves upon their escape
+    from danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the late war with France, an enemy much more formidable both for
+    power and situation, methods were discovered by which our trade was more
+    efficaciously protected: by stationing a squadron at the mouth of the
+    Channel, of which two or three ships at a time cruized at a proper
+    distance on the neighbouring seas, the privateers were kept in awe, and
+    confined to their own harbours, or seized if they ventured to leave
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But of such useful regulations in the present war there is little hope;
+    for if the publick papers are of any credit, the king of Spain considers
+    the captures of our merchants as a standing revenue, and has laid an
+    indulto upon them as upon other parts of the Spanish trade.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is, therefore, to little purpose that measures are proposed in this
+    house, or schemes presented by the merchants for the preservation of our
+    commerce; for the merchants are considered as the determined enemies of
+    our minister, who therefore resolved that they should repent of the war
+    into which he was forced by them, contrary to those favourite schemes
+    and established maxims, which he has pursued till the liberties of
+    mankind are almost extinguished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There are, indeed, some hopes, my lords, that new measures, resolutely
+    pursued, might yet repair the mischiefs of this absurd and cowardly
+    conduct, and that by resolution and dexterity, the ambition of France
+    might once more be disappointed. The king of Prussia appears, at length,
+    convinced that he has not altogether pursued his real interest, and that
+    his own family must fall in the ruin of the house of Austria. The king
+    of Sardinia appears firm in his determination to adhere to the queen of
+    Hungary, and has therefore refused a passage through his dominions to
+    the Spanish troops. The States of Holland seem to have taken the alarm,
+    and nothing but their distrust of our sincerity can hinder them from
+    uniting against the house of Bourbon.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This distrust, my lords, we may probably remove, by reviving, on this
+    occasion, our ancient forms of address, and declaring at once to his
+    majesty, and to all the powers of Europe, that we are far from approving
+    the late measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    There is another reason why the short addresses of our ancestors may be
+    preferred to the modern forms, in which a great number of particular
+    facts are often comprehended. It is evident, that the addresses are
+    presented, before there can be time to examine whether the facts
+    contained in them are justly stated; and they must, therefore, lose
+    their efficacy with the people, who are sufficiently sagacious to
+    distinguish servile compliance from real approbation, and who will not
+    easily mistake the incense of flattery for the tribute of gratitude.
+</p>
+<p>
+    With regard to the propriety of the address proposed to your lordships,
+    which is, like others, only a repetition of the speech, there is, at
+    least, one objection to it too important to be suppressed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is affirmed in the speech, in what particular words I cannot exactly
+    remember, that since the death of the late German emperour, the interest
+    of the queen of Hungary has been diligently and invariably promoted; an
+    assertion which his majesty is too wise, too equitable, and too generous
+    to have uttered, but at the persuasion of his ministers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    His majesty well knows, that no important assistance has been hitherto
+    given to that unhappy princess; he knows that the twelve thousand men,
+    who are said to have been raised for the defence of the empire, those
+    mighty troops, by whose assistance the enemies of Austria were to be
+    scattered, never marched beyond the territory of Hanover, nor left that
+    blissful country for a single day. And is it probable that the queen
+    would have preferred money for troops, had she not been informed that it
+    would be more easily obtained?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was even this pecuniary assistance, though compatible with the
+    security of Hanover, granted her without reluctance and difficulty; of
+    which no other proof is necessary, than the distance between the promise
+    and the performance of it. The money, my lords, is not yet all paid,
+    though the last payment was very lately fixed. Such is the assistance
+    which the united influence of justice and compassion has yet procured
+    from the court of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our ministers have been, therefore, hitherto, my lords, so far from
+    acting with vigour in favour of the house of Austria, that they have
+    never solicited the court of Muscovy, almost the only court now
+    independent on France, to engage in her defence. How wisely that mighty
+    power distinguishes her real interest, and how ardently she pursues it,
+    the whole world was convinced in her alliance with the late emperour;
+    nor is it unlikely, that she might have been easily persuaded to have
+    protected his daughter with equal zeal. But we never asked her alliance
+    lest we should obtain it, and yet we boast of our good offices.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our governours thought it more nearly concerned them to humble our
+    merchants than to succour our allies, and therefore admitted the
+    Spaniards into Italy; by which prudent conduct they dexterously at once
+    gratified the house of Bourbon, embarrassed the queen of Hungary, and
+    endangered the effects of the British merchants, lying at Leghorn;
+    effects which were lately valued at six hundred thousand pounds, but
+    which, by the seasonable arrival of the Spaniards, are happily reduced
+    to half their price.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, therefore, I need not urge to your lordships the necessity of
+    confining our address to thanks and congratulations, because it is not
+    necessary to say how inconsistent it must be thought with the dignity of
+    this house to echo falsehood, and to countenance perfidy.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Then the duke of NEWCASTLE spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords, the
+    manner in which the noble lord who spoke last expresses his sentiments,
+    never fails to give pleasure, even where his arguments produce no
+    conviction; and his eloquence always receives its praise, though it may
+    sometimes be disappointed of its more important effects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In the present debate, my lords, I have heard no argument, by which I am
+    inclined to change the usual forms of address, or to reject the motion
+    which has been made to us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address which has been proposed, is not, in my opinion, justly
+    chargeable either with flattery to the ministers, or with disingenuity
+    with respect to the people; nor can I discover in it any of those
+    positions which have been represented so fallacious and dangerous. It
+    contains only a general declaration of our gratitude, and an assertion
+    of our zeal; a declaration and assertion to which I hope no lord in this
+    assembly will be unwilling to subscribe.
+</p>
+<p>
+    As an inquiry into the propriety of this address has produced, whether
+    necessarily or not, many observations on the present state of Europe,
+    and many animadversions upon the late conduct, it cannot be improper for
+    me to offer to your lordships my opinion of the measures which have been
+    pursued by us, as well in the war with Spain, as with regard to the
+    queen of Hungary, and to propose my conjectures concerning the events
+    which may probably be produced by the distractions on the continent.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This deviation from the question before us, will at least be as easily
+    pardoned in me as in the noble lords who have exhibited so gloomy a
+    representation of our approaching condition, who have lamented the
+    slavery with which they imagine all the states of Europe about to be
+    harassed, and described the insolence and ravages of those oppressors to
+    whom their apprehensions have already given the empire of the world. For
+    surely, my lords, it is an endeavour no less laudable to dispel terrour,
+    than to excite it; and he who brings us such accounts as we desire to
+    receive, is generally listened to with indulgence, however unelegant may
+    be his expressions, or however irregular his narration.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the power of the family of Bourbon is arrived at a very dangerous
+    and formidable extent; that it never was hitherto employed but to
+    disturb the happiness of the universe; that the same schemes which our
+    ancestors laboured so ardently and so successfully to destroy, are now
+    formed afresh, and intended to be put in immediate execution; that the
+    empire is designed to be held henceforward in dependence on France; and
+    that the house of Austria, by which the common rights of mankind have
+    been so long supported, is now marked out for destruction, is too
+    evident to be contested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is allowed, my lords, that the power of the house of Austria, which
+    there was once reason to dread, lest it might have been employed against
+    us, is now almost extinguished; and that name, which has for so many
+    ages filled the histories of Europe, is in danger of being forgotten. It
+    is allowed, that the house of Austria cannot fall without exposing all
+    those who have hitherto been supported by its alliance, to the utmost
+    danger; and I need not add, that they ought, therefore, to assist it
+    with the utmost expedition, and the most vigorous measures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It may be suggested, my lords, that this assistance has been already
+    delayed till it is become useless, that the utmost expedition will be
+    too slow, and the most vigorous measures too weak to stop the torrent of
+    the conquests of France: that the fatal blow will be struck, before we
+    shall have an opportunity to ward it off, and that our regard for the
+    house of Austria will be only compassion for the dead.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But these, my lords, I hope, are only the apprehensions of a mind
+    overborne with sudden terrours, and perplexed by a confused survey of
+    complicated danger; for if we consider more distinctly the powers which
+    may be brought in opposition to France, we shall find no reason for
+    despairing that we may once more stand up with success in defence of our
+    religion and the liberty of mankind, and once more reduce those
+    troublers of the world to the necessity of abandoning their destructive
+    designs.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lord has already mentioned the present disposition of three
+    powerful states, as a motive for vigorous resolutions, and a
+    consideration that may, at least, preserve us from despair; and it is no
+    small satisfaction to me to observe, that his penetration and experience
+    incline him to hope upon the prospect of affairs as they now appear;
+    because I doubt not but that hope will be improved into confidence, by
+    the account which I can now give your lordships of the intention of
+    another power, yet more formidable, to engage with us in the great
+    design of repressing the insolence of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A treaty of alliance, my lords, has been for some time concerted with
+    the emperour of Muscovy, and has been negotiated with such diligence,
+    that it is now completed, and I doubt not but the last ratifications
+    will arrive at this court in a few days; by which it will appear to your
+    lordships, that the interest of this nation has been vigilantly
+    regarded, and to our allies, that the faith of Britain has never yet
+    been shaken. It will appear to the French, that they have precipitated
+    their triumphs, that they have imagined themselves masters of nations by
+    whom they will be in a short time driven back to their own confines, and
+    that, perhaps, they have parcelled out kingdoms which they are never
+    likely to possess.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It was affirmed, and with just discernment, that applications ought to
+    be made to this powerful court, as the professed adversary of France;
+    and if it was not hitherto known that their assistance had been
+    assiduously solicited, our endeavours were kept secret only that their
+    success might be more certain, and that they might surprise more
+    powerfully by their effects.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor have the two other princes, which were mentioned by the noble lord,
+    been forgotten, whose concurrence is at this time so necessary to us:
+    and I doubt not but that the representations which have been made with
+    all the force of truth, and all the zeal that is awakened by interest
+    and by danger, will in time produce the effects for which they were
+    intended; by convincing those princes that they endanger themselves by
+    flattering the French ambition, that they are divesting themselves of
+    that defence of which they will quickly regret the loss, and that they
+    are only not attacked at present, that they may be destroyed more easily
+    hereafter.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But it is always to be remembered, my lords, that in publick
+    transactions, as in private life, interest acts with less force as it is
+    at greater distance, and that the immediate motive will generally
+    prevail. Futurity impairs the influence of the most important objects of
+    consideration, even when it does not lessen their certainty; and with
+    regard to events only probable, events which a thousand accidents may
+    obviate, they are almost annihilated, with regard to the human mind, by
+    being placed at a distance from us. Wherever imagination can exert its
+    power, we easily dwell upon the most pleasing views, and flatter
+    ourselves with those consequences, which though perhaps least to be
+    expected, are most desired. Wherever different events may arise, which
+    is the state of all human transactions, we naturally promote our hopes,
+    and repress our fears; and in time so far deceive ourselves, as to quiet
+    all our suspicions, lay all our terrours asleep, and believe what at
+    first we only wished.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, must be the delusion by which some states are induced to
+    favour, and others to neglect the encroachments of France. Men are
+    impolitick, as they are wicked; because they prefer the gratification of
+    the present hour to the assurance of solid and permanent, but distant
+    happiness. The French take advantage of this general weakness of the
+    human mind, and by magnificent promises to one prince, and petty grants
+    to another, reconcile them to their designs. Each finds that he shall
+    gain more by contracting an alliance with them, than with another state
+    which has no view besides that of preserving to every sovereign his just
+    rights, and which, therefore, as it plunders none, will have nothing to
+    bestow.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is the disadvantage under which our negotiators labour
+    against those of France; we have no kingdoms to parcel out among those
+    whose confederacy we solicit; we can promise them no superiority above
+    the neighbouring princes which they do not now possess; we assume not
+    the province of adjusting the boundaries of dominion, or of deciding
+    contested titles: we promise only the preservation of quiet, and the
+    establishment of safety.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But the French, my lords, oppose us with other arguments, arguments
+    which, indeed, receive their force from folly and credulity; but what
+    more powerful assistance can be desired? They promise not mere negative
+    advantages, not an exemption from remote oppression, or an escape from
+    slavery, which, as it was yet never felt, is very little dreaded; they
+    offer an immediate augmentation of dominion, and an extension of power;
+    they propose new tracts of commerce, and open new sources of wealth;
+    they invite confederacies, not for defence, but for conquests; for
+    conquests to be divided among the powers by whose union they shall be
+    made.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let it not, therefore, be objected, my lords, to our ministers, or our
+    negotiators, that the French obtain more influence than they; that they
+    are more easily listened to, or more readily believed: for while such is
+    the condition of mankind, that what is desired is easily credited, while
+    profit is more powerful than reason, the French eloquence will
+    frequently prevail.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether, my lords, our seeming want of success in the war with Spain
+    admits of as easy a solution, my degree of knowledge in military
+    affairs, does not enable me to determine. An account of this part of our
+    conduct is to be expected from the commissioners of the admiralty, by
+    whom, I doubt not, but such reasons will be assigned for all the
+    operations of our naval forces, and such vindications offered of all
+    those measures, which have been hitherto imputed too precipitately to
+    negligence, cowardice, or treachery, as will satisfy those who have been
+    most vehement in their censures.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But because it does not seem to me very difficult to apologize for those
+    miscarriages which have occasioned the loudest complaints, I will lay
+    before your lordships what I have been able to collect from inquiry, or
+    to conjecture from observation; and doubt not but it will easily appear,
+    that nothing has been omitted from any apparent design of betraying our
+    country, and that our ministers and commanders will deserve, at least,
+    to be heard before they are condemned.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That great numbers of our trading vessels have been seized by the
+    Spaniards, and that our commerce has, therefore, been very much
+    embarrassed and interrupted, is sufficiently manifest; but to me, my
+    lords, this appears one of the certain and necessary consequences of
+    war, which are always to be expected, and to be set in our consultations
+    against the advantages which we propose to obtain. It is as rational to
+    expect, that of an army sent against our enemies, every man should
+    return unhurt to his acquaintances, as that every merchant should see
+    his ship and cargo sail safely into port.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we examine, my lords, the late war, of which the conduct has been so
+    lavishly applauded, in which the victories which we obtained have been
+    so loudly celebrated, and which has been proposed to the imitation of
+    all future ministers, it will appear, that our losses of the same kind
+    were then very frequent, and, perhaps, not less complained of, though
+    the murmurs are now forgotten, and the acclamations transmitted to
+    posterity, because we naturally relate what has given us satisfaction,
+    and suppress what we cannot recollect without uneasiness.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If we look farther backward, my lords, and inquire into the event of any
+    other war in which we engaged since commerce has constituted so large a
+    part of the interest of this nation, I doubt not but in proportion to
+    our trade will be found our losses; and in all future wars, as in the
+    present, I shall expect the same calamities and the same complaints. For
+    the escape of any number of ships raises no transport, nor produces any
+    gratitude; but the loss of a few will always give occasion to clamours
+    and discontent. For vigilance, however diligent, can never produce more
+    safety than will be naturally expected from our incontestable
+    superiority at sea, by which a great part of the nation is so far
+    deceived as to imagine, that because we cannot be conquered, we cannot
+    be molested.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor do I see how it is possible to employ our power more effectually for
+    the protection of our trade than by the method now pursued of covering
+    the ocean with our fleets, and stationing our ships of war in every
+    place where danger can be apprehended. If it be urged, that the
+    inefficacy of our measures is a sufficient proof of their impropriety,
+    it will be proper to substitute another plan of operation, of which the
+    success may be more probable. To me, my lords, the loss of some of our
+    mercantile vessels shows only the disproportion between the number of
+    our ships of war, and the extent of the sea, which is a region too vast
+    to be completely garrisoned, and of which the frequenters must
+    inevitably be subject to the sudden incursions of subtle rovers.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The disposition of our squadrons has been such, as was doubtless
+    dictated by the most acute sagacity, and the most enlightened
+    experience. The squadron which was appointed to guard our coasts has
+    been ridiculed as an useless expense; and its frequent excursions and
+    returns, without any memorable attempt, have given occasion to endless
+    raillery, and incessant exclamations of wonder and contempt. But it is
+    to be considered, my lords, that the enemies of this nation, either
+    secret or declared, had powerful squadrons in many ports of the
+    Mediterranean, which, had they known that our coasts were without
+    defence, might have issued out on a sudden, and have appeared
+    unexpectedly in our Channel, from whence they might have laid our towns
+    in ruin, entered our docks, burnt up all our preparations for future
+    expeditions, carried into slavery the inhabitants of our villages, and
+    left the maritime provinces of this kingdom in a state of general
+    desolation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Out of this squadron, however necessary, there was yet a reinforcement
+    of five ships ordered to assist Haddock, that he might be enabled to
+    oppose the designs of the Spaniards, though assisted by their French
+    confederates, whom it is known that he was so far from favouring, that
+    he was stationed before Barcelona to block them up. Why he departed from
+    that port, and upon what motives of policy, or maxims of war, he
+    suffered the Spaniards to prosecute their scheme, he only is able to
+    inform us.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the Spaniards have not at least been spared by design, is evident
+    from their sufferings in this war, which have been much greater than
+    ours. Many of our ships have, indeed, been snatched up by the rapacity
+    of private adventurers, whom the ardour of interest had made vigilant,
+    and whose celerity of pursuit as well as flight, enables them to take
+    the advantage of the situation of their own ports, and those of their
+    friends. But as none of our ships have been denied convoys, I know not
+    how the loss of them can be imputed to the ministry; and if any of those
+    who sailed under the protection of ships of war have been lost, the
+    commanders may be required to vindicate themselves from the charge of
+    negligence or treachery.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this inquiry, my lords, must be, in my opinion, reserved for another
+    day, when it may become the immediate subject of our consultations, with
+    which it has at present no coherence, or to which, at least, it is very
+    remotely related. For I am not able, upon the most impartial and the
+    most attentive consideration of the address now proposed to your
+    lordships, to perceive any necessity of a previous inquiry into the
+    conduct of the war, the transaction of our negotiations, or the state of
+    the kingdom, in order to our compliance with this motion, by which we
+    shall be far from sheltering any crime from punishment, or any doubtful
+    conduct from inquiry; shall be far from obstructing the course of
+    national justice, or approving what we do not understand.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The chief tendency of his majesty's speech is to ask our advice on this
+    extraordinary conjuncture of affairs; a conduct undoubtedly worthy of a
+    British monarch, and which we ought not to requite with disrespect; but
+    what less can be inferred from an alteration of our established forms of
+    address, by an omission of any part of the speech? For what will be
+    imagined by his majesty, by the nation, and by the whole world, but that
+    we did not approve what we did not answer?
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE spoke to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, it is with
+    great reason that the present time has been represented to us from the
+    throne as a time of uncommon danger and disturbance, a time in which the
+    barriers of kingdoms are broken down, in contempt of every law of heaven
+    and of earth, and in which ambition, rapine, and oppression, seem to be
+    let loose upon mankind; a time in which some nations send out armies and
+    invade the territories of their neighbours, in opposition to the most
+    solemn treaties, of which others, with equal perfidy, silently suffer,
+    or secretly favour the violation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At a time like this, when treaties are considered only as momentary
+    expedients, and alliances confer no security, it is evident that the
+    preservation of our rights, our interest, and our commerce, must depend
+    only on our natural strength; and that instead of cultivating the
+    friendship of foreign powers, which we must purchase upon
+    disadvantageous conditions, and which will be withdrawn from us whenever
+    we shall need it; we ought, therefore, to collect our own force, and
+    show the world how little we stand in need of assistance, and how little
+    we have to fear from the most powerful of our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Our country, my lords, seems designed by nature to subsist without any
+    dependence on other nations, and by a steady and resolute improvement of
+    these advantages with which providence has blessed it, may bid defiance
+    to mankind; it might become, by the extension of our commerce, the
+    general centre at which the wealth of the whole earth might be collected
+    together, and from whence it might be issued upon proper occasions, for
+    the diffusion of liberty, the repression of insolence, and the
+    preservation of peace.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But this glory, and this influence, my lords, must arise from domestick
+    felicity; and domestick felicity can only be produced by a mutual
+    confidence between the government and the people. Where the governours
+    distrust the affections of their subjects, they will not be very
+    solicitous to advance their happiness; for who will endeavour to
+    increase that wealth which will, as he believes, be employed against
+    him? Nor will the subjects cheerfully concur even with the necessary
+    measures of their governours, whose general designs they conceive to be
+    contrary to the publick interest; because any temporary success or
+    accidental reputation, will only dazzle the eyes of the multitude, while
+    their liberties are stolen away.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This confidence, my lords, must be promoted where it exists, and
+    regained where it is lost, by the open administration of justice, by
+    impartial inquiries into publick transactions, by the exaltation of
+    those whose wisdom and bravery has advanced the publick reputation, or
+    increased the happiness of the nation, and the censure of those, however
+    elate with dignities, or surrounded with dependants, who by their
+    unskilfulness or dishonesty, have either embarrassed their country or
+    betrayed it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this reason, my lords, it is, in my opinion, necessary to gratify
+    the nation, at the present juncture, with the prospect of those
+    measures, without which no people can reasonably be satisfied; and to
+    pacify their resentment of past injuries, and quiet their apprehensions
+    of future miseries, by a possibility, at least, that they may see the
+    authors of all our miscarriages called to a trial in open day, and the
+    merit of those men acknowledged and rewarded, by whose resolution and
+    integrity they imagine that the final ruin of themselves and posterity
+    has been hitherto prevented.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the present discontent of the British nation is almost universal,
+    that suspicion has infused itself into every rank and denomination of
+    men, that complaints of the neglect of our commerce, the misapplication
+    of our treasure, and the unsuccessfulness of our arms, are to be heard
+    from every mouth, and in every place, where men dare utter their
+    sentiments, I suppose, my lords, no man will deny; for whoever should
+    stand up in opposition to the truth of a fact so generally known, would
+    distinguish himself, even in this age of effrontery and corruption, by a
+    contempt of reputation, not yet known amongst mankind.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And indeed, my lords, it must be confessed that these discontents and
+    clamours are produced by such an appearance of folly, or of treachery,
+    as few ages or nations have ever known; by such an obstinate
+    perseverance in bad measures, as shame has hitherto prevented in those
+    upon whom nobler motives, fidelity to their trust, and love of their
+    country, had lost their influence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Other ministers, when they have formed designs of sacrificing the
+    publick interest to their own, have been compelled to better measures by
+    timely discoveries, and just representations; they have been criminal
+    only because they hoped for secrecy, and have vindicated their conduct
+    no longer than while they had hopes that their apologies might deceive.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But our heroick ministers, my lords, have set themselves free from the
+    shackles of circumspection, they have disburdened themselves of the
+    embarrassments of caution, and claim an exemption from the necessity of
+    supporting their measures by laborious deductions and artful reasonings;
+    they defy the publick when they can no longer delude it, and prosecute,
+    in the face of the sun, those measures which they have not been able to
+    support, and of which the fatal consequences are foreseen by the whole
+    nation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When they have been detected in one absurdity, they take shelter in
+    another; when experience has shown that one of their attempts was
+    designed only to injure their country, they propose a second of the same
+    kind with equal confidence, boast again of their integrity, and again
+    require the concurrence of the legislature, and the support of the
+    people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When they had for a long time suffered our trading vessels to be seized
+    in sight of our own ports, when they had despatched fleets into the
+    Mediterranean, only to lie exposed to the injuries of the weather, and
+    to sail from one coast to another, only to show that they had no hostile
+    intentions, and that they were fitted out by the friends of the
+    Spaniards, only to amuse and exhaust the nation, they at length thought
+    it necessary to lull the impatience of the people, who began to discover
+    that they had hitherto been harassed with taxes and impresses to no
+    purpose, by the appearance of a new effort for the subjection of the
+    enemy, and to divert, by the expectations which an army and a fleet
+    naturally raise, any clamours at their past conduct'.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this end, having entered into their usual consultations, they
+    projected an expedition into America, for which they raised forces and
+    procured transports, with all the pomp of preparation for the conquest
+    of half the continent, not so much to alarm the Spaniards, which I
+    conceive but a secondary view, as to fill the people of Britain with
+    amusing prospects of great achievements, of the addition of new
+    dominions to this empire, and an ample reparation for all their damages.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus provided with forces sufficient, in appearance, for this mighty
+    enterprise, they embarked them after many delays, and dismissed them to
+    their fate, having first disposed their regulations in such a manner,
+    that it was impossible that they should meet with success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I can call your lordships to witness, that this impossibility was not
+    discovered by me after the event, for I foretold in this house, that
+    their designs, so conducted, must evidently miscarry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor was this prediction, my lords, the effect of any uncommon sagacity,
+    or any accidental conjecture on future consequences which happened to be
+    right; for to any man who has had opportunities of observing that
+    knowledge in war is necessary to success, and experience is the
+    foundation of knowledge, it was sufficiently plain that our forces must
+    be repulsed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The forces sent into America, my lords, were newly raised, placed under
+    the direction of officers not less ignorant than themselves, and
+    commanded by a man who never had commanded any troops before; and who,
+    however laudable he might have discharged the duty of a captain, was
+    wholly unacquainted with the province of a general.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Yet was this man, my lords, preferred, not only to a multitude of other
+    officers, to whom experience must have been of small advantage, if it
+    did not furnish them with knowledge far superiour to his, but to five
+    and forty generals, of whom I hope the nation has no reason to suspect
+    that any of them would not gladly have served it on an occasion of so
+    great importance, and willingly have conducted an expedition intended to
+    retrieve the honour of the British name, the terrour of our arms, and
+    the security of our commerce.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When raw troops, my lords, with young officers, are to act under the
+    command of an unskilful general, what is it reasonable to expect, but
+    what has happened&mdash;overthrow, slaughter, and ignominy? What but that
+    cheap victories should heighten the insolence, and harden the obstinacy
+    of our enemies; and that we should not only be weakened by our loss, but
+    dispirited by our disgrace; by the disgrace of being overthrown by those
+    whom we have despised, and with whom nothing but our own folly could
+    have reduced us to a level.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The other conjecture which I ventured to propose to your lordships, with
+    regard to the queen of Hungary, was not founded on facts equally evident
+    with the former, though experience has discovered that it was equally
+    true. It was then asserted, both by other lords and myself, that money
+    would be chosen by that princess as an assistance more useful than
+    forces; an opinion, which the lords who are engaged in the
+    administration vigorously opposed. In consequence of their
+    determination, forces were hired, for what purpose&mdash;let them now
+    declare, since none but themselves have yet known.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That at least they were not taken into our pay for the service for which
+    they were required, the succour of the house of Austria, is most
+    evident, unless the name of armies is imagined sufficient to intimidate
+    the French, as the Spaniards are to be subdued by the sight of fleets.
+    They never marched towards her frontiers, never opposed her enemies, or
+    afforded her the least assistance, but stood idle and unconcerned in the
+    territories of Hanover; nor was it known that they existed by any other
+    proof than that remittances were made for their pay.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, was the assistance, asked with so much solicitude, and
+    levied with so much expedition, for the queen of Hungary; such were the
+    effects of the zeal of our illustrious ministers for the preservation of
+    that august house, to whose alliance we are perhaps indebted for the
+    preservation of our religion and our liberties, and to which all Europe
+    must have recourse for shelter from the oppression of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When this formidable body of men was assembled, my lords, and reviewed,
+    they were perhaps found too graceful and too well sorted to be exposed
+    to the dangers of a battle; and the same tenderness that has so long
+    preserved our own forces from any other field than the park, might
+    rescue them from the fatigues of accompanying the active hussars in
+    their incursions, or the steady Austrians in their conflicts.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whatever was the reason, my lords, it is certain that they have been
+    reserved for other opportunities of signalizing their courage; and they
+    slept in quiet, and fattened upon the wealth of Britain, while the
+    enemies of our illustrious, magnanimous, and unfortunate ally, entered
+    her territories without opposition, marched through them uninterrupted,
+    and rather took possession than made conquests.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That in this condition of her affairs, the queen would refuse an offer
+    of twelve thousand men; that when she was driven from one country to
+    another, attended by an army scarcely sufficient to form a flying camp,
+    she would not gladly have accepted a reinforcement so powerful, let
+    those believe, my lords, who have yet never been deceived by ministerial
+    faith.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The real designs of the ministry, my lords, are sufficiently obvious,
+    nor is any thing more certain, than that they had, in requiring this
+    mock assistance for the queen of Hungary, no other design than that of
+    raising her expectations only to deceive them; and to divert her, by
+    confidence in their preparations, from having recourse to more
+    efficacious expedients, that she might become, without resistance, the
+    slave of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this purpose they determined to succour her with forces rather than
+    with money, because many reasons might be pretended, by which the march
+    of the forces might be retarded; but the money, my lords, when granted,
+    must have been more speedily remitted.
+</p>
+<p>
+    At last the queen, weary with delays, and undoubtedly sufficiently
+    informed of those designs, which are now, however generally discovered,
+    confidently denied, desired a supply of money, which might be granted
+    without leaving Hanover exposed to an invasion. With this demand, which
+    they had no pretence to deny, they have yet found expedients to delay
+    their compliance. For it does not appear that the whole sum granted has
+    yet been paid; and it would well become those noble lords, whose offices
+    give them an opportunity of observing the distribution of the publick
+    money, to justify themselves from the suspicions of the nation, by
+    declaring openly what has been remitted, and what yet remains to be
+    disbursed for some other purpose.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Is it not, therefore, evident, my lords, that by promising assistance to
+    this unhappy princess, the ministry intended to deceive her? That when
+    they flattered her with the approach of auxiliary forces, they designed
+    only to station them where they might garrison the frontiers of Hanover?
+    And that when they forced her to solicit for pecuniary aid, they delayed
+    the payment of the subsidy, that it might not be received till it could
+    produce no effect?
+</p>
+<p>
+    This, my lords, is not only evident from the manifest absurdity of their
+    conduct upon any other supposition, but from the general scheme which
+    has always been pursued by the man whose dictatorial instructions
+    regulate the opinions of all those that constitute the ministry, and of
+    whom it is well known, that it has been the great purpose of his life to
+    aggrandize France, by applying to her for assistance in imaginary
+    distresses from fictitious confederacies, and by sacrificing to her in
+    return the house of Austria, and the commerce of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    How then, my lords, can it be asserted by us, that the house of Austria
+    has been vigilantly supported? How can we approve measures, of which we
+    discover no effect but the expense of the nation? A double expense,
+    produced first by raising troops, which though granted for the
+    assistance of the Austrians, have been made use of only for the
+    protection of Hanover, and by the grant of money in the place of these
+    troops, which were thus fallaciously obtained, and thus unprofitably
+    employed!
+</p>
+<p>
+    For what purpose these forces were in reality raised, I suppose no man
+    can be ignorant, and no man to whom it is known can possibly approve it.
+    How then, my lords, can we concur in an address by which the people must
+    be persuaded, that we either are deceived ourselves, or endeavour to
+    impose upon them; that we either dare not condemn any measures, however
+    destructive, or that, at least, we are in haste to approve them, lest
+    inquiry should discover their tendency too plainly to leave us the power
+    of applauding them, without an open declaration of our own impotence, or
+    disregard for the welfare of the publick.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The complaints of the people are already clamorous, and their discontent
+    open and universal; and surely the voice of the people ought, at least,
+    to awake us to an examination of their condition. And though we should
+    not immediately condemn those whom they censure and detest, as the
+    authors of their miseries, we ought, at least, to pay so much regard to
+    the accusation of the whole community, as not to reject it without
+    inquiry, as a suspicion merely chimerical.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Whether these complaints and suspicions, my lords, proceed from real
+    injuries and imminent dangers, or from false accusations and groundless
+    terrours, they equally deserve the attention of this house, whose great
+    care is the happiness of the people: people equally worthy of your
+    tenderness and regard, whether they are betrayed by one party or
+    another; whether they are plundered by the advocates of the
+    administration, under pretence of supporting the government, or
+    affrighted with unreasonable clamours by the opponents of the court,
+    under the specious appearance of protecting liberty. The people, my
+    lords, are in either case equally miserable, and deserve equally to be
+    rescued from distress.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By what method, my lords, can this be effected, but by some publick
+    assurance from this house, that the transactions of the nation shall no
+    longer be concealed in impenetrable secrecy; that measures shall be no
+    longer approved without examination; that publick evils shall be traced
+    to their causes; and that disgrace, which they have hitherto brought
+    upon the publick, shall fall for the future only upon the authors of
+    them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Of giving this assurance, and of quieting by it the clamours of the
+    people; clamours which, whether just or not, are too formidable to be
+    slighted, and too loud not to be heard, we have now the most proper
+    opportunity before us. The address which the practice of our ancestors
+    requires us to make to his majesty, may give us occasion of expressing
+    at once our loyalty to the crown, and our fidelity to our country; our
+    zeal for the honour of our sovereign, and our regard for the happiness
+    of the people.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For this purpose it is necessary that, as we preserve the practice of
+    our ancestors in one respect, we revive it in another; that we imitate
+    those in just freedom of language whom we follow in the decent forms of
+    ceremony; and show that as we preserve, like them, a due sense of the
+    regal dignity, so, like them, we know likewise how to preserve our own,
+    and despise flattery on one side, as we decline rudeness on the other.
+</p>
+<p>
+    A practice, my lords, has prevailed of late, which cannot but be allowed
+    pernicious to the publick, and derogatory from the honour of this
+    assembly; a practice of retaining in our address the words of the
+    speech, and of following it servilely from period to period, as if it
+    were expected that we should always adopt the sentiments of the court;
+    as if we were not summoned to advise, but to approve, and approve
+    without examination.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By such addresses, my lords, all inquiries may be easily precluded; for
+    the minister by whom the speech is compiled, may easily introduce the
+    most criminal transactions in such a manner, as that they may obtain the
+    approbation of this house; which he may plead afterwards at our bar,
+    when he shall be called before it, and either involve us in the disgrace
+    of inconsistency, and expose us to general contempt, or be acquitted by
+    our former suffrages, which it would be reproachful to retract, and yet
+    criminal to confirm.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is not necessary, my lords, on this occasion to observe, what all
+    parties have long since acknowledged, when it did not promote their
+    interest to deny it, that every speech from the throne is to be
+    considered as the work of the minister, because it is generally written
+    by him; or if composed by the king himself, must be drawn up in
+    pursuance of the information and counsel of the ministry, to whom it is,
+    therefore, ultimately to be referred, and may consequently be examined
+    without any failure of respect to the person of the prince.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This ought, however, to be observed, my lords, that it may appear more
+    plainly how certainly this practice may be imputed to the artifices of
+    ministers, since it does not promote the honour of the prince, and
+    manifestly obstructs the interest of the people; since it is a practice
+    irrational in itself, because it is inconsistent with the great purpose
+    of this assembly, and can, therefore, serve no other purpose than that
+    of procuring indemnity to the ministers, by placing them out of the
+    reach of future animadversion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Let not, my lords, the uninterrupted continuance of this practice for
+    some reigns be pleaded in its defence; for nothing is more worthy of the
+    dignity of this house, than to prevent the multiplication of dangerous
+    precedents. That a custom manifestly injurious to the publick has
+    continued long, is the strongest reason for breaking it, because it
+    acquires every year new authority and greater veneration: if when a
+    nation is alarmed and distracted, a custom of twenty years is not to be
+    infringed, it may in twenty years more be so firmly established, that
+    many may think it necessary to be supported, even when those calamities
+    are incontestably felt, which, perhaps, now are only feared.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I shall, therefore, my lords, propose, that of the address moved for,
+    all be left out but the first paragraph; it will then be more consistent
+    with the honour of your lordships, with our regard for the people, and
+    with our duty to the crown, and hope no lord will refuse his
+    concurrence.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARDWICKE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:&mdash;My lords,
+    upon an attentive consideration of the address now proposed, I am not
+    able to discover any objections which can justly hinder the unanimous
+    concurrence of this assembly, since there is not any proposition
+    contained in it either dangerous or uncertain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lords who have opposed this motion with the most ardent
+    vehemence, are very far from denying what is asserted in it; they
+    readily grant that designs are concerted by many formidable powers
+    against the house of Austria, and that the consequences of the ruin of
+    that family must extend to the utmost parts of Europe, and endanger the
+    liberties of Britain itself; that the power of France will then be
+    without a rival, and that she may afterwards gratify her ambition
+    without fear and without danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor is it, my lords, less obvious in itself, or less generally allowed,
+    that this is a time which demands the most active vigour, the most
+    invariable unanimity, and the most diligent despatch; that nothing can
+    interrupt the course of our common enemies but the wisest counsels, and
+    the most resolute opposition; and that upon our conduct at this great
+    conjuncture may probably depend the happiness and liberty of ourselves,
+    our allies, and our posterity.
+</p>
+<p>
+    All this, my lords, is allowed to be apparently and indisputably true; I
+    am, therefore, at a loss to conceive what can be the occasion of the
+    debate in which some of your lordships have engaged. As the causes of
+    the calamities which are said to threaten us are not assigned in the
+    address, we shall leave ourselves at full liberty to charge them upon
+    those who shall appear from future inquiries to deserve so heavy an
+    accusation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the ministers of the court have, by any inconstancy in their
+    measures, or folly in their negotiations, given an opportunity to the
+    enemies of Europe to extend their influence, or endangered either our
+    own interest, or that of our allies; if they have by oppression or
+    negligence alienated from his majesty the affections of his people, or
+    the confidence of his confederates, nothing that is contained in the
+    address now before us can be produced by them in justification of their
+    conduct, or secure them from accusation, censure, and punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If the war, my lords, has been hitherto carried on with clandestine
+    stipulations, or treacherous compacts; if our admirals have received
+    orders to retire from the coast of Spain, only to give our enemies an
+    opportunity of invading the dominions of the queen of Hungary, or have,
+    without directions, deserted their stations, and abandoned the
+    protection of our commerce and our colonies; we shall, notwithstanding
+    this address, retain in our hands the privilege of inquiring into their
+    conduct, and the power, if it be found criminal, of inflicting such
+    penalties as justice shall require.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I know not, therefore, my lords, upon what motives the debate is
+    continued, nor what objections they are which hinder our unanimity, at a
+    time when all petty controversies ought to be forgot, and all nominal
+    distinctions laid aside; at a time when general danger may justly claim
+    general attention, and we ought to suspend the assertion of our
+    particular opinions, and the prosecution of our separate interests, and
+    regard only the opposition of France, the support of our allies, and the
+    preservation of our country.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The noble lords who have offered their sentiments on this occasion, have
+    very diffusely expatiated on the miseries that impend over us, and have
+    shown uncommon dexterity and acuteness in tracing them all to one
+    source, the weakness or dishonesty of the British ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    For my part, my lords, though, perhaps, I believe that many
+    circumstances of the present distress are to be imputed to accidents
+    which could not be foreseen, and that the conduct of the ministry,
+    however sometimes disappointed of the effects intended by it, was yet
+    prudent and sincere, I shall at present forbear to engage in their
+    defence, because the discussion of a question so complicated must
+    necessarily require much time, and because I think it not so useful to
+    inquire how we were involved in our present difficulties, as by what
+    means we may be extricated from them.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The method by which weak states are made strong, and by which those that
+    are already powerful, are enabled to exert their strength with efficacy,
+    is the promotion of union, and the abolition of all suspicions by which
+    the people may be incited to a distrust of their sovereign, or the
+    sovereign provoked to a disregard of his people. With this view, my
+    lords, all addresses ought to be drawn up, and this consideration will
+    be sufficient to restrain us from any innovations at a time like this.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If it should be granted, my lords, that the ancient method were better
+    adapted to the general intention of addresses, more correspondent to the
+    dignity of this house, and liable to fewer inconveniencies than that
+    which later times have introduced, yet it will not follow that we can
+    now safely change it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing in the whole doctrine of politicks is better known, than that
+    there are times when the redress of grievances, inveterate and
+    customary, is not to be attempted; times when the utmost care is barely
+    sufficient to avert extreme calamities, and prevent a total dissolution;
+    and in which the consideration of lighter evils must not be suffered to
+    interrupt more important counsels, or divert that attention which the
+    preservation of the state necessarily demands.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such, my lords, is the present time, even by the confession of those who
+    have opposed the motion, and of whom, therefore, it may be reasonably
+    demanded, why they waste these important hours in debates upon forms and
+    words?
+</p>
+<p>
+    For that only forms and words have produced the debate, must be
+    apparent, even to themselves, when the fervour of controversy shall have
+    slackened; when that vehemence, with which the most moderate are
+    sometimes transported, and that acrimony, which candour itself cannot
+    always forbear, shall give way to reflection and to reason. That the
+    danger is pressing, and that pressing dangers require expedition and
+    unanimity, they willingly grant; and what more is asserted in the
+    address?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That any lord should be unwilling to concur in the customary expressions
+    of thankfulness and duty to his majesty, or in acknowledgments of that
+    regard for this assembly with which he asks our assistance and advice, I
+    am unwilling to suspect; nor can I imagine that any part of the
+    opposition to this proposal can be produced by unwillingness to comply
+    with his majesty's demands, and to promise that advice and assistance,
+    which it is our duty, both to our sovereign, our country, and ourselves,
+    to offer.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That those, my lords, who have expressed in terms so full of indignation
+    their resentment of the imaginary neglect of the queen of Hungary's
+    interest, have declared the house of Austria the only bulwark of Europe,
+    and expressed their dread of the encroachments of France with emotions
+    which nothing but real passion can produce, should be unwilling to
+    assert their resolution of adhering to the Pragmatick sanction, and of
+    defending the liberties of the empire, cannot be supposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And yet, my lords, what other reasons of their conduct can be assigned
+    either by the emperour, or the people, or the allies of Britain; those
+    allies whose claim they so warmly assert, and whose merits they so
+    loudly extol? Will it not be imagined in foreign courts, that the
+    measures now recommended by the emperour, are thought not consistent
+    with the interest of the nation? Will it not be readily believed, that
+    we propose to abandon those designs of which we cannot be persuaded to
+    declare our approbation?
+</p>
+<p>
+    What will be the consequence of such an opinion artfully propagated by
+    France, and confirmed by appearances so likely to deceive, may easily be
+    foreseen, and safely predicted. The French will prosecute their schemes
+    with fresh ardour, when they dread no longer any interruption from the
+    only nation able to resist them; and it is well known, my lords, how
+    often confidence, by exciting courage, produces success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nor, indeed, can the success of their endeavours, thus animated and
+    quickened, be easily doubted, since the same appearances that encourage
+    them will intimidate their enemies. Our allies will then think no longer
+    of union against the general enemy; they must imagine their united force
+    insufficient, and the only emulation amongst them will quickly be, which
+    shall first offer his liberty to sale, who shall first pay his court to
+    the masters of the world, and merit mercy by a speedy submission.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Thus, my lords, will the house of Austria, that house so faithful to
+    Britain, and so steady in its opposition to the designs of the French
+    ambition, be finally sunk in irrecoverable ruin, by those who appear to
+    please themselves with declamations in its praise, and resolutions for
+    its defence; and who never speak of the French without rage and
+    detestation.
+</p>
+<p>
+    If on this occasion, my lords, we should give any suspicion of unusual
+    discontent, what could be concluded but that we are unwilling any longer
+    to embarrass ourselves with remote considerations, to load this nation
+    with taxes for the preservation of the rights of other sovereigns, and
+    to hazard armies in the defence of the continent? What can our allies
+    think, but that we are at present weary of the burdensome and expensive
+    honour of holding the balance of power in our hands, are content to
+    resign the unquiet province of the arbiters of Europe, and propose to
+    confine our care henceforward to our immediate interest, and shut up
+    ourselves in our own island?
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this is the real design of any of those noble lords who have
+    opposed the motion, I do not intend to insinuate; for I doubt not but
+    they believe the general interest both of this nation and its allies,
+    most likely to be promoted by the method of address which they
+    recommend, since they declare that they do not think our state
+    desperate, and confess the importance of the affairs on which we are
+    required by his majesty to deliberate, to be such, that nothing ought to
+    repress our endeavours but impossibility of success.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Such is the knowledge and experience of those noble lords, that the
+    hopes which I had formed of seeing the destructive attempts of the
+    French once more defeated, and power restored again to that equipoise
+    which is necessary to the continuance of tranquillity and happiness,
+    have received new strength from their concurrence, and I shall now hear
+    with less solicitude the threats of France.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the French, my lords, are not invincible, the noble duke who spoke
+    last has often experienced; nor is there any reason for imagining that
+    they are now more formidable than when we encountered them in the fields
+    of Blenheim and Ramillies. Nothing is requisite but a firm union among
+    those princes who are immediately in danger from their encroachments, to
+    reduce them to withdraw their forces from the countries of their
+    neighbours, and quit, for the defence of their own territories, their
+    schemes of bestowing empires, and dividing dominions.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That such an union is now cultivated, we have been informed by his
+    majesty, whose endeavours will probably be successful, however they may
+    at first be thwarted and obstructed; because the near approach of danger
+    will rouse those whom avarice has stupified, or negligence intoxicated;
+    thus truth and reason will become every day more powerful, and sophistry
+    and artifice be in time certainly detected.
+</p>
+<p>
+    When, therefore, my lords, we are engaged in consultations which may
+    affect the liberties of a great part of mankind, and by which our
+    posterity to many ages may be made happy or miserable; when the daily
+    progress of the enemies of justice and of freedom ought to awaken us to
+    vigilance and expedition, and there are yet just hopes that diligence
+    and firmness may preserve us from ruin, let us not waste our time in
+    unnecessary debates, and keep the nations of Europe in suspense by the
+    discussion of a question, the decision of which may be delayed for
+    years, without any manifest inconvenience. Let us not embarrass his
+    majesty by an unusual form of address, at a time when he his negotiating
+    alliances, and forming plans for the rescue of the empire.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Nothing, my lords, is more remote from the real end of addresses, than a
+    representation of them as made only to the minister; for if there be any
+    commerce between a prince and his subjects, in which he is the immediate
+    agent, if his personal dignity be interested in any act of government, I
+    think it is not to be denied, that in receiving the addresses of the two
+    houses, he assumes a peculiar and distinct character, which cannot be
+    confounded with his council or ministry.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The duke of ARGYLE rose again, and spoke to this effect:&mdash;My lords, if
+    there was now any contest amongst us for superiority of regard to his
+    majesty, of zeal for his honour, or reverence of his person, I should
+    not doubt of proving that no lord in this house can boast of more
+    ardour, fidelity, or respect than myself; and if the chief question now
+    amongst us related to the terms in which he deserves to be addressed by
+    us, I should be unwilling that any man should propose language more
+    submissive and reverend, or more forcible and comprehensive than myself.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But addresses, however they may for present purposes be represented as
+    regarding the personal character of the king, are in reality nothing
+    more than replies to a speech composed by the minister, whose measures,
+    if we should appear to commend, our panegyrick may, in some future
+    proceeding, be cited against us. Every address, therefore, ought to be
+    considered as a publick record, and to be drawn up, to inform the
+    nation, not to mislead our sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The address now proposed, is, indeed, equally indefensible to whomsoever
+    it may be supposed to relate. If it respects the people, it can only
+    drive them to despair; if it be confined to the sovereign, our advice,
+    not our panegyrick, is now required, and Europe is to be preserved from
+    ruin, not by our eloquence, but our sincerity. Respect to his majesty,
+    my lords, will be best shown by preserving his influence in other
+    nations, and his authority in his own empire. This can only be done by
+    showing him how the one has been impaired, and how the other may be in
+    time endangered.
+</p>
+<p>
+    By addresses like this which is now proposed, my lords, has his majesty
+    been betrayed into an inadvertent appro bation of measures pernicious to
+    the nation, and dishonourable to himself, and will now be kept ignorant
+    of the despicable conduct of the war, the treacherous connivance at the
+    descent of the Spaniards upon the dominions of the queen of Hungary, and
+    the contempt with which every nation of the continent has heard of the
+    neutrality lately concluded. By addresses like this, my lords, have the
+    rights of the nation been silently given up, and the invaders of
+    liberty, and violators of our laws, preserved from prosecution; by such
+    addresses have our monarchs been ruined at one time, and our country
+    enslaved at another.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord HARRINGTON spoke next, in the following manner:&mdash;My lords, it is
+    necessary to explain that treaty of neutrality which has been mentioned
+    by some lords as an act to the last degree shameful, an act by which the
+    nation has been dishonoured, and the general liberties of Europe have
+    been betrayed; a representation so distant from the truth, that it can
+    only be imputed to want of information.
+</p>
+<p>
+    This treaty of neutrality, my lords, is so far from being reproachful to
+    this nation, that it has no relation to it, being made by his majesty
+    not in the character of emperour of Britain, but elector of Hanover, nor
+    is any thing stipulated by it but security of the dominions of Hanover,
+    from the invasion of the French for a single year.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What part of this transaction, my lords, can be supposed to fall under
+    the cognizance of this assembly? Or with what propriety can it be
+    mentioned in our debates, or produce an argument on either side? That
+    the dominions of Britain and Hanover are distinct, and independent on
+    each other, has often been asserted, and asserted with truth; and I hope
+    those who so studiously separate their interest on all other occasions,
+    will not now unite them only to reflect maliciously on the conduct of
+    his majesty.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I do not, indeed, charge any lord with a design so malignant and unjust;
+    having already asserted it as my opinion, that these reproaches were
+    produced only by ignorance of the true state of the affair, but cannot
+    with equal readiness allow that ignorance to be wholly blameless.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is necessary, my lords, in common life, to every man who would avoid
+    contempt and ridicule, to refrain from speaking, at least from speaking
+    with confidence, on subjects with which he has not made himself
+    sufficiently acquainted. This caution, my lords, is more necessary when
+    his discourse tends to the accusation or reproach of another, because he
+    can then only escape contempt himself by bringing it, perhaps unjustly,
+    on him whom he condemns. It is more necessary still, to him who speaks
+    in the publick council of the nation, and who may, by false reflections,
+    injure the publick interest; and is yet more indispensably required in
+    him who assumes the province of examining the conduct of his sovereign.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord ISLAY spoke in substance as follows:&mdash;'My lords, it appears that
+    all those who have spoke on either side of the present question, however
+    they may generally differ in their opinions, agree at least in one
+    assertion, that the time which is spent in this debate might be far more
+    usefully employed, and that we, in some degree, desert the great cause
+    of liberty, by giving way to trifling altercations. This, indeed, is an
+    argument of equal force for a concession on either side; but, as in
+    affairs of such importance, no man ought to act in a manner contrary to
+    the convictions of his own reason, it cannot be expected that we should
+    be unanimous in our opinions, or that the dispute should be determined
+    otherwise than by the vote.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I have, indeed, heard no arguments against the motion, which require
+    long consideration; for little of what has been urged, has, in my
+    opinion, been very nearly connected with the question before us, which
+    is not whether the ministers have pursued or neglected the interest of
+    the nation, whether the laws have been violated or observed, the war
+    timorously or magnanimously conducted, or our negotiations managed with
+    dexterity or weakness, but whether we shall offer to his majesty the
+    address proposed.
+</p>
+<p>
+    In this address, my lords, it has never yet been proved that any
+    assertions are contained either false or uncertain in themselves, or
+    contrary to the dignity of this assembly; that any act of cowardice or
+    treachery, any crime, or any errour, will be secured by it from
+    detection and from punishment.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That this, my lords, may appear more plainly, I move that the motion may
+    be read; nor do I doubt but that the question will, by a closer
+    examination, be speedily decided.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The motion being again read, in order to put the question.]
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord BATHURST spoke to the effect following:&mdash;My lords, I know not why
+    the noble lord should expect, that by reading the motion, a more speedy
+    determination of the question would be produced; for if the repeated
+    consideration of it operates upon the minds of the lords that have
+    opposed it, in the same manner as upon mine, it will only confirm their
+    opinion, and strengthen their resolution.
+</p>
+<p>
+    We are required, my lords, to join in an address of thanks to his
+    majesty for his endeavours to <i>maintain</i> the balance of power; in an
+    address, that implies a falsehood open and indisputable, and which will,
+    therefore, only make us contemptible to our fellow-subjects, our allies,
+    and our enemies.
+</p>
+<p>
+    What is meant, my lords, by the balance of power, but such a
+    distribution of dominion, as may keep the sovereign powers in mutual
+    dread of each other, and, by consequence, preserve peace; such an
+    equality of strength between one prince, or one confederacy and another,
+    that the hazard of war shall be nearly equal on each side? But which of
+    your lordships will affirm, that this is now the state of Europe?
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, my lords, that the French are far from imagining that
+    there is now any power which can be put in the balance against their
+    own, and therefore distribute kingdoms by caprice, and exalt emperours
+    upon their own terms.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It is evident, that the continuance of the balance of power is not now
+    to be perceived by its natural consequences, tranquillity and liberty;
+    the whole continent is now in confusion, laid waste by the ravages of
+    armies, subject to one sovereign to-day, and to-morrow to another: there
+    is scarcely any place where the calamities of war are not felt or
+    expected, and where property, by consequence, is not uncertain, and life
+    itself in continual danger.
+</p>
+<p>
+    One happy corner of the world, indeed, is to be found, my lords, secured
+    from rapine and massacre, for one year at least, by a well-timed
+    neutrality, of which, on what terms it was obtained, I would gladly
+    hear, and whether it was purchased at the expense of the honour of
+    Britain, though the advantages of it are confined to Hanover.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But as I am not of opinion, my lords, that the balance of power is
+    preserved by the security of Hanover; or that those territories, however
+    important, will be able to furnish forces equivalent to the power of
+    France, I cannot agree to promise, in an address of this house, to
+    assist his majesty in <i>maintaining</i> the balance of power, though I shall
+    cheerfully give my concurrence in every just and vigorous effort to
+    <i>restore</i> it.
+</p>
+<p>
+    But, as it may be urged, that any direct expressions of discontent may
+    be too wide a deviation from the common forms, which for a long time
+    have admitted nothing but submission and adulation, I shall only venture
+    to propose that we may, at least, contract our address, that if we do
+    not in plain language declare all our sentiments, we may, however,
+    affirm nothing that we do not think; and I am confident, that all the
+    praises which can be justly bestowed on the late measures, may be
+    comprised in a very few words.
+</p>
+<p>
+    It has been insinuated, that this change of our style may, perhaps,
+    surprise his majesty, and raise in him some suspicions of discontent and
+    disapprobation; that it may incline him to believe his measures, either
+    not understood by us, or not applauded, and divert him from his present
+    schemes, by the necessity of an inquiry into the reasons of our dislike.
+</p>
+<p>
+    And for what other purpose, my lords, should such a change of our style
+    be proposed? Why should we deny on this occasion the encomiastick
+    language which has been of late so profusely bestowed, but to show that
+    we think this time too dangerous for flattery, and the measures now
+    pursued, such as none but the most abject flatterers can commend?
+</p>
+<p>
+    I should hope, that if it be asked by his majesty to what cause it is to
+    be imputed, that the address of this house is so much contracted, there
+    would be found some amongst us honest enough to answer, that all which
+    can be said with truth is contained in it, and that flattery and
+    falsehood were not consistent with the dignity of the lords of Britain.
+</p>
+<p>
+    I hope, my lords, some one amongst us would explain to his majesty the
+    decency as well as the integrity of our conduct, and inform him that we
+    have hinted our discontent in the most respectful manner; and where
+    there was sufficient room for the loudest censure, have satisfied
+    ourselves with modest silence, with a mere negation of applause.
+</p>
+<p>
+    Should we, my lords, in opposition to the complaints of our countrymen,
+    to the representations of our allies, and all the conviction which our
+    reason can admit, or our senses produce, continue to act this farce of
+    approbation, what can his majesty conceive, but that those measures
+    which we applaud, ought to be prosecuted as the most effectual and safe?
+    And what consequence but total ruin can arise from the prosecution of
+    measures, by which we are already reduced to penury and contempt?
+</p>
+<p>
+    Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next to the following purpose:&mdash;My lords, it is
+    never without grief and wonder that I hear any suspicion insinuated of
+    injustice or impropriety in his majesty's measures, of whose wisdom and
+    goodness I have so much knowledge, as to affirm, with the utmost
+    confidence, that he is better acquainted than any lord in this assembly
+    with the present state of Europe; so that he is more able to judge by
+    what methods tranquillity may be reestablished; and that he pursues the
+    best methods with the utmost purity of intention, and the most incessant
+    diligence and application.
+</p>
+<p>
+    That the justest intentions may be sometimes defeated, and the wisest
+    endeavours fail of success, I shall readily grant; but it will not
+    follow, that we ought not to acknowledge that wisdom and integrity which
+    is exerted in the prosecution of our interest, or that we ought not to
+    be grateful for the benefits which were sincerely intended, though not
+    actually received.
+</p>
+<p>
+    The wisdom of his majesty's counsels, my lords, is not sufficiently
+    admired, because the difficulties which he has to encounter are not
+    known, or not observed. Upon his majesty, my lords, lies the task of
+    teaching the powers of the continent to prefer their real to their
+    seeming interest, and to disregard, for the sake of distant happiness,
+    immediate acquisitions and certain advantages. His majesty is
+    endeavouring to unite in the support of the Pragmatick sanction those
+    powers whose dominions will be enlarged by the violation of it, and whom
+    France bribes to her interest with the spoils of Austria; and who can
+    wonder that success is not easy in attempts like this?
+</p>
+<p>
+    In such measures we ought, doubtless, to endeavour to animate his
+    majesty, by an address, at least not less expressive of duty and respect
+    than those which he has been accustomed to receive; and, therefore, I
+    shall concur with the noble lords who made and supported the motion.
+</p>
+<p>
+    [The question, on a division, passed in the affirmative, Content, 89.
+    Not Content, 43.]
+</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+by Samuel Johnson
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+Project Gutenberg's The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10., by Samuel Johnson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+       Parlimentary Debates I.
+
+Author: Samuel Johnson
+
+Release Date: December 1, 2003 [EBook #10351]
+[Last updated. February 17, 2013]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK S. JOHNSON, V10 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Tom Allen and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+THE WORKS OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D,
+
+VOLUME THE TENTH.
+
+MDCCCXXV.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+Debate on the bill for prohibiting the exportation of corn.
+
+Debate on a seditious paper.
+
+Debate on incorporating the new-raised men into the standing regiments.
+
+Debate on taking the state of the army into consideration.
+
+Debate respecting officers on half-pay.
+
+Debate on an address for papers relating to admiral Haddock.
+
+Debate regarding the departure of the French and Spanish squadrons.
+
+Debate on addressing his majesty for the removal of sir R. Walpole.
+
+Debate on cleansing the city of Westminster.
+
+Debate on the bill to prevent inconveniencies arising from the insurance
+of ships.
+
+Debate on the bill for the encouragement and increase of seamen.
+
+Debate on the bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion.
+
+Debate on addressing the king.
+
+Debate on supporting the queen of Hungary.
+
+Debate on choosing a speaker.
+
+Debate on the address.
+
+
+
+
+PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
+
+
+The government of this country has long and justly been considered the
+best among the nations of Europe; and the English people have ever
+evinced a proportionate desire for information in its proceedings. But
+in the earlier days of our constitution, we shall find that much
+jealousy on the part of our rulers debarred the people from access to
+the national deliberations. Queen Elizabeth, with a sagacity that
+derived no assurance from the precedents of former times, foresaw the
+mighty power of the press, as an engine applied to state purposes, and
+accordingly aroused the spirit of her subjects, by causing the first
+gazettes to be published in the year of the armada [Footnote: See sir J.
+Mackintosh's Defence in the Peltier case.]: and D'Ewes's journals of her
+parliaments contain the earliest reports of parliamentary debates.
+
+The first volume of the commons' journals comprises the debates from the
+accession of James the first, to the cessation of parliaments under
+Charles the first. The publication, in 1766, of a member's notes,
+furnished authentic debates of the session in 1621. Rushworth, in his
+voluminous collections, presents us with many of the debates during the
+civil wars. Gray's more regular debates succeeded. From these, until the
+times that followed the glorious revolution in 1688, we have no reports
+of parliamentary proceedings, interesting as they must have been, on
+which we can place any more reliance, than on those of Dr. Johnson,
+which, we shall presently see, cannot pretend to the character of
+faithful reports, however deservedly eminent they are as eloquent and
+energetic compositions. But the revolution was not immediately followed
+by a liberal diffusion of parliamentary intelligence, for the newspapers
+of William's reign only give occasionally a detached speech. That
+sovereign scarcely allowed liberty of speech to the members of
+parliament themselves, and was fully as tyrannical in disposition as his
+predecessor on the throne; but, happily for the English nation, he was
+tied and bound by the strong fetters of law.
+
+The stormy period that ensued on William's death, is somewhat
+illustrated by Boyer's POLITICAL STATE. The HISTORICAL REGISTERS which
+appeared on the accession of George the first, may be considered as more
+faithful depositories of political information than Boyer's partial
+publication. The spirited opposition to sir Robert Walpole excited an
+unprecedented anxiety in the nation to learn the internal proceedings of
+parliament. This wish on the part of constituents to know and scrutinize
+the conduct of their representatives, which to us appears so reasonable
+a claim, was regarded in a different light by our ancestors. But the
+frown of authority in the reign of George the second began to have less
+power to alarm a people whose minds were undergoing progressive
+illumination. A general desire was then loudly expressed for
+parliamentary information, which Cave sought to gratify by the insertion
+of the debates in the GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. The jealousy of the houses,
+however, subjected that indefatigable man to the practices of stratagem
+for the accomplishment of his design. He held the office of inspector of
+franks in the postoffice, which brought him into contact with the
+officers of both houses of parliament, and afforded him frequent and
+ready access to many of the members. Cave, availing himself of this
+advantage, frequented the houses when any debate of public interest was
+expected, and, along with a friend, posted himself in the gallery of the
+house of commons, and in some retired station in that of the lords,
+where, unobserved, they took notes of the several speeches. These notes
+were afterwards arranged and expanded by Guthrie, the historian, then in
+the employment of Cave, and presented to the public, monthly, in the
+Gentleman's Magazine. They first appeared in July, 1736 [Footnote: Gent.
+Mag. vol. vi.], and were perused with the greatest eagerness. But it was
+soon intimated to Cave, that the speaker was offended with this freedom,
+which he regarded in the light of a breach of privilege, and would
+subject Cave, unless he desisted, to parliamentary censure, or perhaps
+punishment. To escape this, and likewise to avoid an abridgment of his
+magazine, Cave had recourse to the following artifice. He opened his
+magazine for June, 1738, with an article entitled, "Debates in the
+senate of Magna Lilliputia;" in which he artfully deplores the
+prohibition that forbids him to present his readers with the
+consultations of their own representatives, and expresses a hope that
+they will accept, as a substitute, those of that country which Gulliver
+had so lately rendered illustrious, and which untimely death had
+prevented that enterprising traveller from publishing himself. Under
+this fiction he continued to publish the debates of the British
+parliament, hiding the names of persons and places by the transposition
+of letters, in the way of anagram. These he contrived to explain to his
+readers, by annexing to his volume for 1738, feigned proposals for
+printing a work, to be called Anagrammata Rediviva. This list, and
+others from different years, we give in the present edition, though we
+have rejected the barbarous jargon from the speeches themselves. A
+contemporary publication, the LONDON MAGAZINE, feigned to give the
+debates of the Roman senate, and adapted Roman titles to the several
+speakers. This expedient, as well as Cave's contrivance, sufficed to
+protect its ingenious authors from parliamentary resentment; as the
+resolution of the commons was never enforced.
+
+The debates contained in the following volumes, commence with the 19th
+November, 1740, and terminate with the 23d February, 1742-3. The
+animated attempts that were made to remove sir Robert Walpole from
+administration, seemed, in Cave's opinion, to call for an abler reporter
+than Guthrie. Johnson was selected for the task; and his execution of it
+may well justify the admiration which we have so often avowed for those
+wonderful powers of mind, which, apparently, bade defiance to all
+impediments of external fortune.
+
+He was only thirty-two years of age, little acquainted with the world;
+had never, perhaps, been in either house, and certainly had never
+conversed with the men whose style and sentiments he took upon himself
+to imitate. But so well and skilfully did he assume, not merely the
+sedate and stately dignity of the lords, and the undaunted freedom of
+the commons, but also the tone of the respective parties, that the
+public imagined they recognised the individual manner of the different
+speakers. Voltaire, and other foreigners of distinction, compared
+British with Greek and Roman eloquence; and ludicrous instances are
+detailed by Johnson's biographers, of praises awarded to Pulteney or to
+Pitt, in the presence of the unsuspected author of the orations which
+had excited such regard [Footnote: See Boswell, and sir John Hawkins.]!
+For Johnson confessed, that he composed many of the speeches entirely
+from his own imagination, and all of them from very scanty materials.
+
+This confession he undoubtedly made from his love of truth, and not for
+the gratification of vanity. When he heard that Smollett was preparing
+his History of England, he warned him against relying on the debates as
+authentic; and, on his death-bed, he professed that the recollection of
+having been engaged in an imposture was painful to him. That this was a
+refined scrupulosity the most rigid moralist must allow; but,
+nevertheless, it is matter for congratulation, that the liberality of
+parliament no longer subjects its reporters to the subterfuges which we
+have thus briefly attempted to describe. And a comparison of this age
+and its privileges with the restrictions of former times, may not be
+without its use, if, by reminding us that we were not always free, it
+teaches us political contentment, suggests to us the policy of
+moderation, and enables us to love liberty, and yet be wise.
+
+OXFORD, NOVEMBER, 1825.
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Terms used by Cave to disguise the real Names
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Abingdon, Ld. ... Adonbing or Plefdrahn
+  Ambrose, Captain ... Ambreso
+  Archer ... Arech
+  Argyle, Duke of ... Agryl
+  Arthur ... Aruth
+  Anne ... Nuna
+  Aston ... Anots
+  Aylesford, Lord ... Alysfrop
+  Baltimore, Lord ... Blatirome
+  Barnard, Sir John ... Branard
+  Barrington ... Birrongtan
+  Bath, Earl of ... Baht
+  Bathurst, Lord ... Brustath
+  Bedford, Duke of ... Befdort
+  Berkeley, Lord ... Berelky
+  Bishop ... Flamen
+  Bladen, Mr. ... Bledna
+  Bootle, Mr. ... Butul
+  Bowles, Mr. ... Bewlos
+  Bristol, Lord ... Broslit
+  Bromley, Mr. ... Bormlye
+  Brown, Mr. ... Brewon or Buron
+  Burleigh ... Bruleigh
+  Burrell, Mr. ... Berrull
+  Campbell ... Campobell
+  Carew, Mr. ... Cawar
+  Carlisle, Earl of ... Carsilel
+  Carteret, Lord ... Quadrert
+  Castres, Mons ... Cahstrehs
+  Cavendish ... Candevish
+  Charles ... Chorlo
+  Chesterfield, Earl of ... Castroflet
+  Cholmondeley, Earl of ... Sholmlug
+  Churchill ... Chillchurch
+  Clutterbuck, Mr. ... Cluckerbutt
+  Cocks ... Cosck
+  Coke, Mr. ... Quoke
+  Cooke ... Coeko
+  Cooper, Mr. ... Quepur
+  Corbet, Mr. ... Croteb
+  Cornwall, Mr. ... Carnwoll
+  Cromwell ... Clewmro
+  Danes ... Danians
+  Danvers ... Dranevs
+  Delawarr, Lord ... Devarlar
+  Devonshire, Duke of ... Dovenshire
+  Digby ... Dibgy
+  Drake, Mr. ... Dekra
+  Earle, Mr. ... Eral
+  Edmund ... Emdond
+  Edward ... Eddraw
+  Elizabeth ... Ezila
+  Erskine, Mr. ... Eserkin
+  Eugene, Prince ... Eunege
+  Falconberg, Lord ... Flacnobrug
+  Falkland ... Flakland
+  Fanshaw, Mr. ... Fashnaw
+  Fazakerly ... Fakazerly
+  Fenwick, Mr. ... Finweck
+  Ferrol ... Ferlor
+  Fox, Mr. ... Feaux
+  Francis ... Farncis or Friscan
+  Gage, Lord ... Gega
+  George ... Gorgenti
+  Gibbon, Mr. ... Gibnob
+  Gloucester, Duke of ... Glustre
+  Godolphin, Lord ... Golphindo
+  Gore ... Gero
+  Gower, Lord ... Gewor
+  Grenville, Mr. ... Grevillen
+  Gybbon, Mr. ... Gybnob
+  Halifax, Lord ... Haxilaf
+  Haddock, Admiral ... Hockadd
+  Handasyd, Mr. ... Hasandyd
+  Harding, Mr. ... Hadringe
+  Hardwick, Lord ... Hickrad
+  Harrington ... Hargrinton
+  Hay, Mr. ... Heagh
+  Heathcote ... Whethtoc
+  Henry ... Hynrec
+  Herbert ... Hertreb
+  Hervey, Lord ... Heryef
+  Hessian ... Hyessean
+  Hind Cotton ... Whind Cotnot
+  Hindford ... Honfryd
+  Hinton ... Hwenton
+  Hobart ... Hobrat
+  Holdernesse, Lord ... Hodrelness
+  Hooper ... Horeop
+  Hosier, Admiral ... Hozeri
+  Howe ... Hewo
+  Islay, Lord ... Yasli
+  Isham ... Ishma
+  Ilchester ... Itchletser
+  James ... Jacomo
+  Jekyl ... Jelyco
+  Jenkins ... Jenkino
+  John ... Juan
+  Joseph ... Josippo
+  Keene, Mr. ... Knee
+  Ledbury, Mr. ... Lebdury
+  Lindsay ... Lisnayd
+  Litchneld ... Liftchield
+  Lockwood ... Lodowock
+  Lombe ... Lebom
+  Lonsdale, Lord ... Lodsneal
+  Lovel ... Levol
+  Lymerick, Lord ... Lyromick
+  Lyttleton ... Lettyltno
+  Marlborough, Duke of ... Maurolburgh
+  Malton, Lord ... Matlon
+  Manley ... Manly
+  Mary ... Marya
+  Montrose, Duke of ... Morontosse
+  Mordaunt ... Madrount
+  Morton ... Motron
+  Newcastle, Duke of ... Nardac secretary
+  Noel ... Neol
+  Norris, Admiral ... Nisror
+  Nugent ... Netgun
+  Ogle, Admiral ... Oleg
+  Onslow ... Olswon
+  Orange ... Organe
+  Ord, Mr. ... Whord
+  Orford, Earl of ... Orfrod
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ormond, Duke of ... Omrond
+  Oxford, Earl of ... Odfrox
+  Oxenden ... Odnexen
+  Paxton ... Pantox
+  Pelham, Mr. ... Plemahm
+  Perry ... Peerur
+  Peterborough ... Petraborauch
+  Pitt, Mr. ... Ptit
+  Plumer, Mr. ... Plurom
+  Polwarth ... Polgarth
+  Portland, Duke of ... Poldrand
+  Powlett ... Powltet or Pletow
+  Pretender ... Rednetrep
+  Puffendorf ... Pudenfforf
+  Pulteney ... Pulnub
+  Quarendon ... Quenardon
+  Rainsford ... Rainsfrod
+  Ramelies ... Ramles
+  Raymond ... Ramonyd
+  Robert ... Retrob
+  Rochester ... Roffen
+  Saint Aubyn ... St. Aybun
+  Salisbury ... Sumra
+  Samuel ... Salvem
+  Sandwich, Earl of ... Swandich
+  Sandys, Mr. ... Snadsy
+  Scarborough, Lord ... Sarkbrugh
+  Scroop, Mr. ... Screop
+  Sidney, Lord ... Sedyin
+  Selwin, Mr. ... Slenwy
+  Shaftsbury, Lord ... Shyftasbrug
+  Shippen, Mr. ... Skeiphen
+  Sloper ... Slerop
+  Somers ... Sosrem
+  Somerset ... Sosermet
+  Southwell ... Suthewoll
+  Strafford ... Stordraff
+  Stair ... Stari
+  Stanislaus ... Stasinlaus
+  Sundon ... Snodun
+  Talbot ... Toblat
+  Thomas ... Tsahom
+  Thomson, Mr. ... Thosmon
+  Tracey ... Tryace
+  Trenchard ... Trachnerd
+  Trevor, Mr. ... Tervor
+  Turner ... Truron
+  Tweedale, Marquis of ... Tewelade
+  Tyrconnel, Lord ... Trinocleng
+  Vernon, Admiral ... Venron
+  Vyner, Mr. ... Vynre or Venry
+  Wade ... Weda
+  Wager, Admiral ... Werga
+  Wakefield ... Wafekeild
+  Waller, Mr. ... Welral
+  Walpole, Sir Robert ... Walelop
+  Walpole, Mr. ... Walelop
+  Walter, Mr. ... Gusbret
+  Watkins, Mr. ... Waknits
+  Wendover ... Wednevro
+  Westmoreland ... Westromland
+  William ... Wimgul
+  Willimot, Mr. ... Guillitom
+  Winchelsea, Lord ... Wichensale
+  Winnington, Mr. ... Wintinnong
+  Wortley, Mr. ... Wolresyt or Werotyl
+  Wyndham ... Gumdahm
+  Wynn ... Ooyn
+  Yonge ... Yegon
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Places
+that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Almanza ... Almanaz
+  America ... Columbia
+  Amsterdam ... Amstredam
+  Aschaffenburg ... Aschafnefburg
+  Austria ... Aurista
+  Barbadoes ... Bardosba
+  Barcelona ... Bracolena
+  Brittany ... Brateney
+  Bavaria ... Baravia
+  Blenheim ... Blehneim or Blenhem
+  Bourbon ... Buorbon
+  Brandenburg ... Brangburden
+  Bristol ... Broslit
+  Britain ... Lilliput
+  Cadiz ... Cazid
+  Cambridge ... Guntar
+  Campechy ... Capemchy
+  Carolina ... Carolana
+  Carthagena ... Carthanega
+  Cologne ... Colgone
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Connecticut ... Contecticnu
+  Cressy ... Cerlsy
+  Cuba ... Cabu
+  Denmark ... Dancram
+  Dettingen ... Detteneg
+  Dunkirk ... Donkirk
+  Dutch ... Belgians
+  Edinburgh ... Edina
+  Europe ... Degulia
+  Flanders ... Flandria
+  France ... Blefuscu
+  Georgia ... Gorgentia
+  Germany ... Allemanu
+  Gibraltar ... Grablitra
+  Guastalla ... Gua Stalla
+  Guernsey ... Guensrey
+  Hanover ... Hanevro
+  Haversham ... Havremarsh
+  Hesse Cassel ... Hyesse Clessa
+  Hispaniola ... Iberionola
+  Holland ... Belgia
+  Hungary ... Hungruland
+  India ... Idnia
+  Ireland ... Ierne
+  Italy ... Itlascu
+  Jamaica ... Zamengol
+  Jucatan ... Jutacan
+  Leghorn ... Lehgron
+  London ... Mildendo
+  Madrid ... Mardit
+  Malplaquet ... Malpalquet
+  Mardyke ... Mardryke
+  Martinico ... Marnitico
+  Mediterranean ... Middle Sea
+  Minorca ... Minocra
+  Munster ... Munstru
+  Muscovy ... Mausqueeta
+  New York ... Noveborac
+  Orkney ... Orkyen
+  Orleans ... Olreans
+  Ostend ... Odsten
+  Parma ... Par Ma
+  Pennsylvania ... Pennvasilia
+  Poland ... Poldrand
+  Portugal ... Lusitania
+  Port Mahon ... Port Mohan
+  Prussia ... Parushy
+  Prague ... Praga
+  Sardinia ... Sadrinia
+  Schellembourg ... Schemelbourg
+  Seville ... Sebfule
+  Sicily ... Cilisy
+  South Sea ... Pacific Ocean
+  Spain ... Iberia
+  Straits ... Narrow Seas
+  Sweden ... Swecte
+  Turkey ... Korambec
+  Utrecht ... Ultralt
+  Vienna ... Vinena
+  Virginia ... Vegrinia
+  Westminster ... Belfaborac
+  Wolfenbuttle ... Wobentuffle
+
+
+_The List of fictitious Characters used by Cave to disguise the Names of
+Things that occur in his Debates._
+
+  Admiral ... Galbet
+  Baronet ... Hurgolen
+  Commons ... Clinabs
+  Duke ... Nardac
+  Earl ... Cosern
+  Esquire ... Urg
+  Gentleman ... Urgolen
+  High Heels or Tory ... Tramecsan
+  Knight ... Hurgolet
+  Legal ... Snilpal
+  Lord ... Hurgo
+  Penny ... a Grull
+  Popery ... Missalsm
+  Prophet ... Lustrug
+  Sprug ... a Pound
+  Squire ... Urg
+  Viscount ... Comvic
+  Years ... Moons
+
+
+REFERENCES TO THE SPEAKERS
+
+  Abingdon, Lord,
+  Archer, Mr. Hy.
+  Argyle, Duke of,
+  Attorney General,
+  Bathurst, Mr.
+  Baltimore, Lord,
+  Barnard, Sir John,
+  Barrington, Mr.
+  Bedford, Duke of,
+  Bladen, Mr.
+  Bowles, Mr.
+  Brown, Mr.
+  Burrel, Mr.
+  Campbell, Mr.
+  Carew, Mr.
+  Carlisle, Lord,
+  Carteret, Lord,
+  Cholmondeley, Lord,
+  Clutterbuck, Mr.
+  Cocks, Mr.
+  Cornwall, Capt.
+  Cornwall, Mr.
+  Cotton, Sir Hind,
+  Devonshire, Duke of,
+  Digby, Mr.
+  Earle, Mr.
+  Fazakerly, Mr.
+  Fox, Mr.
+  Gage, Lord,
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gore, Mr.
+  Gower, Lord,
+  Gybbon, Mr.
+  Halifax, Lord,
+  Hardwick, Lord,
+  Harrington, Lord,
+  Hay, Mr.
+  Hervey, Lord,
+  Howe, Mr.
+  Littleton, Mr.
+  Lockwood, Mr.
+  Lord Chancellor,
+  Lovel, Lord,
+  Marlborough, Duke of,
+  Mordaunt, Col.
+  Newcastle, Duke of,
+  Norris, Admiral,
+  Onslow, Mr.
+  Ord, Mr.
+  Pelham, Mr.
+  Pitt, Mr.
+  Pulteney, Mr.
+  Quarendon, Lord,
+  Salisbury, Bishop of,
+  Sandys, Mr.
+  Shippen, Mr.
+  Sloper, Mr.
+  Southwell, Mr.
+  Talbot, Lord,
+  Thompson, Lord,
+  Tracey, Mr.
+  Tyrconnel,
+  Vyner, Mr.
+  Wade, General,
+  Wager, Sir Charles,
+  Waller, Mr.
+  Walpole, Sir Robert,
+  Walpole, Mr.
+  Westmoreland, Lord,
+  Willimot, Mr.
+  Winnington, Mr.
+  Yonge, Sir Wm.
+
+
+
+
+DEBATES IN PARLIAMENT.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, NOVEMBER 19, 1740.
+
+PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATE, WITH REGARD TO THE BILL FOR PROHIBITING THE
+EXPORTATION OF CORN, ETC.
+
+
+On the first day of the session, his majesty, in his speech from the
+throne, recommended to parliament to consider of some good law to
+prevent the growing mischief of the exportation of corn to foreign
+countries.
+
+On the fourth day, a bill for preventing, for a limited time, the
+exportation, etc, was read a first time in the house of commons, and the
+question put, whether it should be printed, which passed in the
+negative.
+
+This day the agent for the colonies of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
+presented a petition against the said corn bill, which was referred to
+the committee.
+
+Another petition was also presented by the agent for the colony of
+Connecticut, in New England, setting forth that the chief trade of that
+colony arose from supplying other British colonies with corn, so that
+unless that colony be excepted from the restraints intended by this
+bill, both that and those which are supplied by it will be reduced to
+great distress, and praying, therefore, that such exception may be
+allowed.
+
+The allegations in this petition were confirmed by another, from one of
+the provinces supplied by the colony of Connecticut.
+
+Another petition was presented by the agent for South Carolina, setting
+forth, that unless the rice produced in that province were allowed to be
+exported, the colony must be ruined by the irretrievable loss of their
+whole trade, as the countries now supplied from thence might easily
+procure rice from the French settlements, already too much their rivals
+in trade.
+
+This petition was supported by another, offered at the same time by the
+merchants of Bristol.
+
+A petition was likewise presented by the agent for the sugar islands, in
+which it was alleged, that if no provisions be imported thither from
+Britain, they must, in one month, suffer the extremities of famine.
+
+All these petitions were referred to the committee for the bill.
+
+A printed paper was also delivered to the members, entitled,
+'considerations on the embargo,' which enumerated many dangerous
+consequences likely to be produced by an embargo on provisions, and
+suggested that it was no better than a wicked scheme for private profit,
+with other reflections, for which the paper was deemed a libel, and the
+author committed to prison.
+
+The bill being read in the committee, produced the following memorable
+debate.
+
+Mr. PULTNEY spoke to this effect:--Sir, after all the attention which
+has been bestowed upon the bill now before us, I cannot yet conceive it
+such as can benefit the nation, or such as will not produce far greater
+inconveniencies than those which it is intended to obviate, and
+therefore, as those inconveniencies may be prevented by other means, I
+cannot but declare that I am far from approving it.
+
+Our ancestors, sir, have always thought it the great business of this
+house to watch against the encroachments of the prerogative, and to
+prevent an increase of the power of the minister; and the commons have
+always been considered as more faithful to their trust, and more
+properly the representatives of the people, in proportion as they have
+considered this great end with more attention, and prosecuted it with
+more invariable resolution. If we inquire into the different degrees of
+reputation, which the several assemblies of commons have obtained, and
+consider why some are remembered with reverence and gratitude, and
+others never mentioned but with detestation and contempt, we shall
+always find that their conduct, with regard to this single point, has
+produced their renown or their infamy. Those are always, by the general
+suffrage of mankind, applauded as the patterns of their country, who
+have struggled with the influence of the crown, and those condemned as
+traitors, who have either promoted it by unreasonable grants, or seen it
+increase by slow degrees, without resistance.
+
+It has not, indeed, sir, been always the practice of ministers to make
+open demands of larger powers, and avow, without disguise, their designs
+of extending their authority; such proposals would, in former times,
+have produced no consequences but that of awakening the vigilance of the
+senate, of raising suspicions against all their proceedings, and of
+embarrassing the crown with petitions, addresses, and impeachments.
+
+They were under a necessity, in those times, of promoting their schemes;
+those schemes which scarcely any ministry has forborne to adopt, by more
+secret and artful and silent methods, by methods of diverting the
+attention of the publick to other objects, and of making invisible
+approaches to the point in view, while they seemed to direct all their
+endeavours to different purposes.
+
+But such, sir, have been the proofs of implicit confidence, which the
+administration has received from this assembly, that it is now common to
+demand unlimited powers, and to expect confidence without restriction,
+to require an immediate possession of our estates by a vote of credit,
+or the sole direction of our trade by an act for prohibiting, during
+their pleasure, the exportation of the produce of our lands.
+
+Upon what instances of uncommon merit, of regard to the publick
+prosperity, unknown in former times, or of discernment superior to that
+of their most celebrated predecessors, the present ministers found their
+new claims to submission and to trust, I am, indeed, at a loss to
+discover; for, however mankind may have determined concerning the
+integrity of those by whom the late memorable convention was transacted,
+defended, and confirmed, I know not that their wisdom has yet appeared
+by any incontestable or manifest evidence, which may set their abilities
+above question, and fix their reputation for policy out of the reach of
+censure and inquiries.
+
+The only act, sir, by which it can be discovered that they have any
+degree of penetration proportionate to their employments, is the embargo
+lately laid upon provisions in Ireland, by which our enemies have been
+timely hindered from furnishing themselves, from our dominions, with
+necessaries for their armies and their navies, and our fellow-subjects
+have been restrained from exposing themselves to the miseries of famine,
+by yielding to the temptation of present profit; a temptation generally
+so powerful as to prevail over any distant interest.
+
+But as nothing is more contrary to my natural disposition, or more
+unworthy of a member of this house, than flattery, I cannot affirm that
+I ascribe this useful expedient wholly to the sagacity or the caution of
+the ministry, nor can I attribute all the happy effects produced by it
+to their benign solicitude for the publick welfare.
+
+I am inclined to believe that this step was advised by those who were
+prompted to consider its importance by motives more prevalent than that
+of publick spirit, and that the desire of profit which has so often
+dictated pernicious measures, has, for once, produced, in return, an
+expedient just and beneficial; and it has, for once, luckily fallen out,
+that some of the friends of the administration have discovered that the
+publick interest was combined with their own.
+
+It is highly probable, sir, that the contractors for supplying the navy
+with provisions, considering, with that acuteness which a quick sense of
+loss and gain always produces, how much the price of victuals would be
+raised by exportation, and, by consequence, how much of the advantage of
+their contracts would be diminished, suggested to the ministry the
+necessity of an embargo, and laid before them those arguments which
+their own observation and wisdom would never have discovered.
+
+Thus, sir, the ministers, in that instance of their conduct, on which
+their political reputation must be founded, can claim, perhaps, no
+higher merit, than that of attending to superiour knowledge, of
+complying with good advice when it was offered, and of not resisting
+demonstration when it was laid before them.
+
+But as I would never ascribe to one man the merit of another, I should
+be equally unwilling to detract from due commendations, and shall
+therefore freely admit, that not to reject good counsel, is a degree of
+wisdom, at which I could not expect that they by whom the convention was
+concluded would ever have arrived.
+
+But whatever proficiency they may have made in the art of government
+since that celebrated period, however they may have increased their
+maxims of domestick policy, or improved their knowledge of foreign
+affairs, I cannot but confess myself still inclined to some degree of
+suspicion, nor can prevail upon myself to shut my eyes, and deliver up
+the publick and myself implicitly to their direction.
+
+Their sagacity, sir, may, perhaps, of late, have received some
+improvements from longer experience, and with regard to their integrity,
+I believe, at least, that it is not much diminished; and yet I cannot
+forbear asserting the right of judging for myself, and of determining
+according to the evidence that shall be brought before me.
+
+I have, hitherto, entertained an opinion that for this purpose only we
+are deputed by our constituents, who, if they had reposed no confidence
+in our care or abilities, would have given up, long since, the vexatious
+right of contesting for the choice of representatives. They would have
+furnished the ministry with general powers to act for them, and sat at
+ease with no other regard to publick measures, than might incite them to
+animate, with their applauses, the laudable endeavours of their
+profound, their diligent, and their magnanimous governours.
+
+As I do not, therefore, check any suspicions in my own mind, I shall not
+easily be restrained from uttering them, because I know not how I shall
+benefit my country, or assist her counsels by silent meditations. I
+cannot, sir, but observe that the powers conferred by this bill upon the
+administration are larger than the nation can safely repose in any body
+of men, and with which no man who considers to what purposes they may be
+employed will think it convenient to invest the negotiators of the
+convention.
+
+Nor do my objections to this act, arise wholly from my apprehensions of
+their conduct, who are intrusted with the execution of it, but from my
+reflections on the nature of trade, and the conduct of those nations who
+are most celebrated for commercial wisdom.
+
+It is well known, sir, how difficult it is to turn trade back into its
+ancient channel, when it has by any means been diverted from it, and how
+often a profitable traffick has been lost for ever, by a short
+interruption, or temporary prohibition. The resentment of disappointed
+expectations inclines the buyer to seek another market, and the civility
+to which his new correspondents are incited by their own interest,
+detains him, till those by whom he was formerly supplied, having no
+longer any vent for their products or their wares, employ their labours
+on other manufactures, or cultivate their lands for other purposes.
+
+Thus, sir, if those nations who have hitherto been supplied with corn
+from Britain, should find a method of purchasing it from Denmark, or any
+other of the northern regions, we may hereafter see our grain rotting in
+our storehouses, and be burdened with provisions which we can neither
+consume ourselves, nor sell to our neighbours.
+
+The Hollanders, whose knowledge of the importance or skill in the arts
+of commerce will not be questioned, are so careful to preserve the
+inlets of gain from obstruction, that they make no scruple of supplying
+their enemies with their commodities, and have been known to sell at
+night those bullets which were next day to be discharged against them.
+
+Whether their example, sir, deserves our imitation I am not able to
+determine, but it ought at least to be considered, whether their conduct
+was rational or not, and whether they did not, by a present evil, ensure
+an advantage which overbalanced it.
+
+There are, doubtless, sir, sometimes such exigencies as require to be
+complied with at the hazard of future profit, but I am not certain that
+the scarcity which is feared or felt at present, is to be numbered
+amongst them; but, however formidable it may be thought, there is surely
+no need of a new law to provide against it: for it is one of those
+extraordinary incidents, on which the king has the right of exerting
+extraordinary powers. On occasions like this the prerogative has
+heretofore operated very effectually, and I know not that the law has
+ever restrained it.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, most prudent to determine nothing
+in so dubious a question, and rather to act as the immediate occasion
+shall require, than prosecute any certain method of proceeding, or
+establish any precedent by an act of the senate.
+
+To restrain that commerce by which the necessaries of life are
+distributed is a very bold experiment, and such as once produced an
+insurrection in the empire of the Turks, that terminated in the
+deposition of one of their monarchs.
+
+I therefore willingly confess, sir, that I know not how to conclude: I
+am unwilling to deprive the nation of bread, or to supply our enemies
+with strength to be exerted against ourselves; but I am, on the other
+hand, afraid to restrain commerce, and to trust the authors of the
+convention.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, to the following purport:--Sir, I am always in
+expectation of improvement and instruction when that gentleman engages
+in any discussion of national questions, on which he is equally
+qualified to judge by his great abilities and long experience, by that
+popularity which enables him to sound the sentiments of men of different
+interests, and that intelligence which extends his views to distant
+parts of the world; but, on this occasion, I have found my expectations
+frustrated, for he has inquired without making any discovery, and
+harangued without illustrating the question before us.
+
+He has satisfied himself, sir, with declaring his suspicions, without
+condescending to tell us what designs or what dangers he apprehends. To
+fear, without being able to show the object of our terrours, is the
+last, the most despicable degree of cowardice; and to suspect, without
+knowing the foundation of our own suspicions, is surely a proof of a
+state of mind, which would not be applauded on common occasions, and
+such as no man but a patriot would venture to confess.
+
+He has, indeed, sir, uttered some very ingenious conceits upon the late
+convention, has alluded to it with great luxuriancy of fancy, and
+elegance of diction, and must, at least, confess that whatever may be
+its effects upon the interest of the nation, it has to him been very
+beneficial, as it has supplied him with a subject of raillery when other
+topics began to fail him, and given opportunity for the exercise of that
+wit which began to languish, for want of employment.
+
+What connexion his wonderful sagacity has discovered between the
+convention and the corn bill, I cannot yet fully comprehend, but have
+too high an opinion of his abilities to imagine that so many
+insinuations are wholly without any reason to support them. I doubt not,
+therefore, sir, but that when some fitter opportunity shall present
+itself he will clear their resemblance, and branch out the parallel
+between them into a thousand particulars.
+
+In the mean time, sir, it may be proper for the house to expedite the
+bill, against which no argument has yet been produced, and which is of
+too much importance to be delayed by raillery or invectives.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the bill before
+us, as it is of too great importance to be negligently delayed, is
+likewise too dangerous to be precipitately hurried into a law.
+
+It has been always the practice of this house to consider money bills
+with particular attention, because money is power in almost the highest
+degree, and ought not, therefore, to be given but upon strong assurances
+that it will be employed for the purposes for which it is demanded, and
+that those purposes are in themselves just.
+
+But if we consider, sir, the bill now before us, it will appear yet more
+than a money bill, it will be found a bill for regulating the disposal
+of that, which it is the great use of money to procure, and is,
+therefore, not to be passed into a law without a close attention to
+every circumstance that may be combined with it, and an accurate
+examination of all the consequences that may be produced by it.
+
+Some of these circumstances or consequences, it is the duty of every
+member to lay before the house, and I shall, therefore, propose that the
+inducements to the discovery of any provisions illegally exported, and
+the manner of levying the forfeiture, may be particularly discussed; for
+by a defect in this part, the regulation lately established by the
+regency, however seasonable, produced tumults and distractions, which
+every good government ought studiously to obviate.
+
+By their proclamation, sir, half the corn that should be found designed
+for exportation was to be given to those who should discover and seize
+it. The populace, alarmed at once with the danger of a famine, and
+animated by a proclamation that put into their own hands the means of
+preventing it, and the punishment of those from whose avarice they
+apprehended it, rose in throngs to execute so grateful a law. Every
+man, sir, whose distress had exasperated him, was incited to gratify his
+resentment; every man, whose idleness prompted him to maintain his
+family by methods more easy than that of daily labour, was delighted
+with the prospect of growing rich on a sudden by a lucky seizure. All
+the seditious and the profligate combined together in the welcome
+employment of violence and rapine, and when they had once raised their
+expectations, there was no small danger lest their impatience of
+disappointment should determine them to conclude, that corn, wherever
+found, was designed for exportation, and to seize it as a lawful prize.
+
+Thus, sir, by an imprudent regulation, was every man's property brought
+into hazard, and his person exposed to the insults of a hungry, a
+rapacious, and ungovernable rabble, let loose by a publick proclamation,
+and encouraged to search houses and carriages by an imaginary law.
+
+That we may not give occasion to violence and injustice of the same
+kind, let us carefully consider the measures which are proposed, before
+we determine upon their propriety, and pass no bill on this important
+occasion without such deliberation as may leave us nothing to change or
+to repent.
+
+Mr. EARLE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, notwithstanding the dangers
+which have been represented as likely to arise from any errour in the
+prosecution of this great affair, I cannot but declare my opinion, that
+no delay ought to be admitted, and that not even the specious pretence
+of more exact inquiries, and minute considerations, ought to retard our
+proceedings for a day.
+
+My imagination, sir, is, perhaps, not so fruitful as that of some other
+members of this house, and, therefore, they may discover many
+inconveniencies which I am not able to conceive. But, as every man ought
+to act from his own conviction, it is my duty to urge the necessity of
+passing this bill, till it can be proved to me, that it will produce
+calamities equally to be dreaded with the consequences of protracting
+our debates upon it, equal to the miseries of a famine, or the danger of
+enabling our enemies to store their magazines, to equip their fleets,
+and victual their garrisons.
+
+If it could be imagined, that there was in this assembly a subject of
+France or Spain, zealous for the service of his prince, and the
+prosperity of his country, I should expect that he would summon all his
+faculties to retard the progress of this bill, that he would employ all
+his sophistry to show its inconveniency and imperfections, and exhaust
+his invention to suggest the dangers of haste; and certainly he could do
+nothing that would more effectually promote the interest of his
+countrymen, or tend more to enfeeble and depress the power of the
+British nation.
+
+If this would naturally be the conduct of an enemy, it is unnecessary to
+prove that we can only be safe by acting in opposition to it, and I
+think it superfluous to vindicate my ardour for promoting this bill,
+when it is evident that its delay would be pleasing to the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BURREL then spoke as follows:--Sir, if this law be necessary at any
+time, it cannot now be delayed, for a few days spent in deliberation,
+may make it ineffectual, and that evil may be past of which we sit here
+contriving the prevention.
+
+That many contracts, sir, for the exportation of provisions are already
+made in all the maritime parts of the empire, is generally known; and it
+requires no great sagacity to discover that those by whom they are made,
+and made with a view of immense profit, are desirous that they may be
+executed; and that they will soon complete the execution of them, when
+they are alarmed with the apprehension of a bill, which, in a few days,
+may take from them the power of exporting what they have already
+collected, and snatch their gain from them when it is almost in their
+hands.
+
+A bill for these purposes, sir, ought to fall upon the contractors like
+a sudden blow, of which they have no warning or dread; against which
+they, therefore, cannot provide any security, and which they can neither
+elude nor resist.
+
+If we allow them a short time, our expedients will be of little benefit
+to the nation, which is every day impoverished by the exportation of the
+necessaries of life, in such quantities, that in a few weeks the law, if
+it be passed, may be without penalties, for there will be no possibility
+of disobeying it.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I cannot
+discover the necessity of pressing the bill with such precipitation, as
+must necessarily exclude many useful considerations, and may produce
+errours extremely dangerous; for I am not able to conceive what
+inconveniencies can arise from a short delay.
+
+The exportation of provisions from Ireland is at present stopped by the
+proclamation; and the beef which was designed for other nations, has
+been prudently bought up by the contractors, by which those murmurs have
+been in a great measure obviated which naturally arise from
+disappointments and losses.
+
+There is, therefore, sir, no danger of exportations from that part of
+our dominions, which is the chief market for provisions, and from whence
+our enemies have been generally supplied: in Britain there is less
+danger of any such pernicious traffick, both because the scarcity here
+has raised all provisions to a high price, and because merchants do not
+immediately come to a new market.
+
+The bill, at least, ought not to be passed without regard to the general
+welfare of our fellow-subjects, nor without an attentive consideration
+of those petitions which have been presented to us; petitions not
+produced by panic apprehensions of imaginary dangers, or distant
+prospects of inconveniencies barely possible, but by the certain
+foresight of immediate calamities, the total destruction of trade, and
+the sudden desolation of flourishing provinces.
+
+By prohibiting the exportation of rice, we shall, sir, in one year,
+reduce the colony of South Carolina below the possibility of subsisting;
+the chief product of that country, the product which induced us
+originally to plant it, and with which all its trade is carried on, is
+rice. With rice the inhabitants of that province purchase all the other
+necessaries of life, and among them the manufactures of our own country.
+This rice is carried by our merchants to other parts of Europe, and sold
+again for large profit.
+
+That this trade is very important appears from the number of ships which
+it employs, and which, without lading, must rot in the harbours, if rice
+be not excepted from the general prohibition. Without this exception,
+sir, it is not easy to say what numbers, whose stations appear very
+different, and whose employments have no visible relation to each other,
+will be at once involved in calamity, reduced to sudden distress, and
+obliged to seek new methods of supporting their families. The sailor,
+the merchant, the shipwright, the manufacturer, with all the
+subordinations of employment that depend upon them, all that supply them
+with materials, or receive advantage from their labours, almost all the
+subjects of the British crown, must suffer, at least, in some degree, by
+the ruin of Carolina.
+
+Nor ought the danger of the sugar islands, and other provinces, less to
+alarm our apprehensions, excite our compassion, or employ our
+consideration, since nothing is more evident than that by passing this
+bill without the exceptions which their petitions propose, we shall
+reduce one part of our colonies to the want of bread, and confine the
+other to live on nothing else; for they subsist by the exchange of those
+products to which the soil of each country is peculiarly adapted: one
+province affords no corn, and the other supplies its inhabitants with
+corn only.
+
+The necessity of expediting this bill, however it has been exaggerated,
+is not so urgent but that we may be allowed time sufficient to consider
+for what purpose it is to be passed, and to recollect that nothing is
+designed by it, but to hinder our enemies from being supplied from the
+British dominions with provisions, by which they might be enabled more
+powerfully to carry on the war against us.
+
+To this design no objection has been made, but it is well known, that a
+good end may be defeated by an absurd choice of means, and I am not able
+to discover how we shall increase our own strength, or diminish that of
+our enemies, by compelling one part of our fellow-subjects to starve the
+other.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to prohibit the exportation of corn to the ports
+of our enemies, and of those nations by which our enemies will be
+supplied, but surely it is of no use to exclude any part of our own
+dominions from the privilege of being supplied from another. Nor can any
+argument be alleged in defence of such a law, that will not prove with
+equal force, that corn ought to remain in the same granaries where it is
+now laid, that all the markets in this kingdom should be suspended, and
+that no man should be allowed to sell bread to another.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, a possibility that the liberty for which I
+contend, may be used to wicked purposes, and that some men may be
+incited by poverty or avarice to carry the enemy those provisions, which
+they pretend to export to British provinces. But if we are to refuse
+every power that may be employed to bad purposes, we must lay all
+mankind in dungeons, and divest human nature of all its rights; for
+every man that has the power of action, may sometimes act ill.
+
+It is, however, prudent to obstruct criminal attempts even when we
+cannot hope entirely to defeat them, and, therefore, I am of opinion,
+that no provisions ought to be exported without some method of security,
+by which the governours of every place may be assured that they will be
+conveyed to our own colonies. Such securities will easily be contrived,
+and may be regulated in a manner that they shall not be defeated without
+such hazard, as the profit that can be expected from illegal commerce,
+will not be able to compensate.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, proper to delay the bill so long, at least, as
+that we may produce by it the ends intended, and distress our enemies
+more than ourselves; that we may secure plenty at home, without the
+destruction of our distant colonies, and without obliging part of our
+fellow-subjects to desert to the Spaniards for want of bread.
+
+Mr. BOWLES spoke in this manner:--Sir, the necessity of excepting rice
+from the general prohibition, is not only sufficiently evinced by the
+agent of South Carolina, but confirmed beyond controversy or doubt, by
+the petition of the merchants of Bristol, of which the justice and
+reasonableness appears at the first view, to every man acquainted with
+the nature of commerce.
+
+How much the province of South Carolina will be distressed by this
+prohibition, how suddenly the whole trade of that country will be at a
+stand, and how immediately the want of many of the necessaries of life
+will be felt over a very considerable part of the British dominions, has
+already, sir, been very pathetically represented, and very clearly
+explained; nor does there need any other argument to persuade us to
+allow the exportation of rice.
+
+But, from the petition of the merchants of Bristol, it appears that
+there are other reasons of equal force for this indulgence, and that our
+regard for the inhabitants of that particular province, however
+necessary and just, is not the only motive for complying with their
+request.
+
+It is shown, sir, in this petition, that the prohibition of rice will
+very little incommode our enemies, or retard their preparations; for
+they are not accustomed to be supplied with it from our plantations. We
+ought, therefore, not to load our fellow-subjects with embarrassments
+and inconveniencies, which will not in any degree extend to our enemies.
+
+It appears, sir, not only that a very important part of our commerce
+will be obstructed, but that it will, probably, be lost beyond recovery;
+for, as only a small quantity of the rice of Carolina is consumed at
+home, and the rest is carried to other countries, it is easy to conceive
+that those who shall be disappointed by our merchants will procure so
+necessary a commodity from other places, as there are many from which it
+may be easily purchased; and it is well known that trade, if it be once
+diverted, is not to be recalled, and, therefore, that trade which may be
+without difficulty transferred, ought never to be interrupted without
+the most urgent necessity.
+
+To prove, sir, that there is now no such necessity, by a long train of
+arguments, would be superfluous, for it has been shown already, that our
+enemies will not suffer by the prohibition, and the miseries that
+inevitably arise from a state of war, are too numerous and oppressive,
+to admit of any increase or aggravation upon trivial motives.
+
+The province of Carolina, sir, has already suffered the inconveniencies
+of this war beyond any other part of his majesty's dominions, as it is
+situate upon the borders of the Spanish dominions, and as it is weak by
+the paucity of the inhabitants in proportion to its extent; let us,
+therefore, pay a particular regard to this petition, lest we aggravate
+the terrour which the neighbourhood of a powerful enemy naturally
+produces, by the severer miseries of poverty and famine.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, nothing is
+more absurd than for those who declare, on all occasions, with great
+solemnity, their sincere zeal for the service of the publick, to
+protract the debates of this house by personal invectives, and delay the
+prosecution of the business of the nation, by trivial objections,
+repeated after confutation, and, perhaps, after conviction of their
+invalidity.
+
+I need not observe how much time would be spared, and how much the
+despatch of affairs would be facilitated by the suppression of this
+practice, a practice by which truth is levelled with falsehood, and
+knowledge with ignorance; since, if scurrility and merriment are to
+determine us, it is not necessary either to be honest or wise to obtain
+the superiority in any debate, it will only be necessary to rail and to
+laugh, which one man may generally perform with as much success as
+another.
+
+The embargo in Ireland was an expedient so necessary and timely, that
+the reputation of it is thought too great to be allowed to the
+administration, of whom it has been for many years the hard fate, to
+hear their actions censured only because they were not the actions of
+others, and to be represented as traitors to their country for doing
+always what they thought best themselves, and perhaps sometimes what was
+in reality approved by those who opposed them.
+
+This, sir, they have borne without much uneasiness, and have contented
+themselves with the consciousness of doing right, in expectation that
+truth and integrity must at last prevail, and that the prudence of their
+conduct and success of their measures would at last evince the justice
+of their intentions.
+
+They hoped, sir, that there would be some occasions on which their
+enemies would not deny the expedience of their counsels, and did not
+expect that after having been so long accused of engrossing exorbitant
+power, of rejecting advice, and pursuing their own schemes with the most
+invincible obstinacy, they should be supposed on a sudden to have laid
+aside their arrogance, to have descended to adopt the opinions, and give
+themselves up to the direction of others, only because no objection
+could be made to this instance of their conduct.
+
+How unhappy, sir, must be the state of that man who is only allowed to
+be a free agent, when he acts wrong, and whose motions, whenever they
+tend to the proper point, are supposed to be regulated by another!
+
+Whether such capricious censurers expect that any regard should be paid
+by the publick to their invectives, I am not able to determine, but I am
+inclined to think so well of their understandings, as to believe that
+they intend only to amuse themselves, and perplex those whom they
+profess to oppose. In one part of their scheme I know not but they may
+have succeeded, but in the other it is evident how generally they have
+failed. It must, at least, sir, be observed of these great patrons of
+the people, that if they expect to gain them by artifices like this,
+they have no high opinion of their discernment, however they may
+sometimes magnify it as the last appeal, and highest tribunal.
+
+With regard, sir, to the manner in which the embargo was laid, and the
+expedients made use of to enforce the observation of it, they were not
+the effects of a sudden resolution, but of long and deliberate
+reflection, assisted by the counsels of the most experienced and
+judicious persons of both nations; so that if any mistake was committed,
+it proceeded not from arrogance or carelessness, but a compliance with
+reasons, that if laid before the house, would, whether just or not, be
+allowed to be specious.
+
+But, sir, it has not appeared that any improper measures have been
+pursued, or that any inconveniencies have arisen from them which it was
+possible to have avoided by a different conduct; for when any expedient
+fails of producing the end for which it was proposed, or gives occasion
+to inconveniencies which were neither expected nor designed, it is not
+immediately to be condemned; for it might fail from such obstacles as
+nothing could surmount, and the inconveniencies which are complained of
+might be the consequences of other causes acting at the same time, or
+cooperating, not by the nature of things, but by the practices of those
+who prefer their own interest to that of their country.
+
+But though it is, in my opinion, easy to defend the conduct of the
+ministry, I am far from thinking this a proper time to engage in their
+vindication. The important business before us, must now wholly engage
+us, nor ought we to employ our attention upon the past, but the future.
+Whatever has been the ignorance or knowledge, whatever the corruption or
+integrity of the ministry, this bill is equally useful, equally
+necessary. The question is now concerning an act of the senate, not of
+the ministry, and the bill may proceed without obstructing future
+examinations.
+
+If the bill, sir, now before us be so far approved as to be conceived of
+any real benefit to the nation, if it can at all contribute to the
+distress or disappointment of our enemies, or the prevention of those
+domestic disturbances which are naturally produced by scarcity and
+misery, there is no need of arguments to evince the necessity of
+despatch in passing it. For if these effects are to be produced by
+preventing the exportation of provisions, and a law is necessary for
+that purpose, it is certain that the law must be enacted, while our
+provisions are yet in our own hands, and before time has been given for
+the execution of those contracts which are already made.
+
+That contracts, sir, are entered into for quantities that justly claim
+the care of the legislative power, I have been informed by such
+intelligence as I cannot suspect of deceiving me. In one small town in
+the western part of this kingdom, fifty thousand barrels of corn are
+sold by contract, and will be exported, if time be allowed for
+collecting and for shipping them.
+
+A few contracts like this will be sufficient to store an army with
+bread, or to furnish garrisons against the danger of a siege; a few
+contracts like this will produce a considerable change in the price of
+provisions, and plunge innumerable families into distress, who might
+struggle through the present difficulties, which unsuccessful harvests
+have brought upon the nation, had we not sold the gifts of providence
+for petty gain, and supported our enemies with those provisions which
+were barely sufficient for our own consumption.
+
+I have not heard many objections made against the intention of the bill,
+and those which were offered, were mentioned with such diffidence and
+uncertainty, as plainly showed, that even in the opinion of him that
+proposed them, they were of little weight; and I believe they had no
+greater effect upon those that heard them. It may, therefore, be
+reasonably supposed that the propriety of a law to prevent the
+exportation of victuals is admitted, and surely it can be no question,
+whether it ought to be pressed forward, or to be delayed till it will be
+of no effect.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, as the bill now under
+our consideration is entangled with a multitude of circumstances too
+important to be passed by without consideration, and too numerous to be
+speedily examined; as its effects, whether salutary or pernicious, must
+extend to many nations, and be felt in a few weeks to the remotest parts
+of the dominions of Britain, I cannot but think, that they who so much
+press for expedition on this occasion, consult rather their passions
+than their reason, that they discover rather enthusiasm than zeal, and
+that by imagining that they have already traced the effects of a law
+like this to their utmost extent, they discover rather an immoderate
+confidence in their own capacity than give any proofs of that anxious
+caution, and deliberate prudence, which true patriotism generally
+produces.
+
+There is another method, sir, of proceeding, more proper on this
+occasion, which has been already pointed out in this debate; a method of
+exerting the prerogative in a manner allowed by law, and established by
+immemorial precedents, and which may, therefore, be revived without
+affording any room for jealousy or complaints.
+
+An embargo imposed only by the prerogative may be relaxed or enforced as
+occasion may require, or regulated according to the necessity arising
+from particular circumstances; circumstances in themselves variable, and
+subject to the influence of a thousand accidents, and which, therefore,
+cannot be always foreseen, or provided against by a law positive and
+fixed.
+
+Let us not subject the commonwealth to a hazardous and uncertain
+security, while we have in our hands the means of producing the same
+end, with less danger and inconveniency; and since we may obviate the
+exportation of our corn by methods more speedily efficacious than the
+forms of making laws can allow, let us not oppress our fellow-subjects
+by hasty or imprudent measures, but make use of temporary expedients,
+while we deliberate upon the establishment of a more lasting regulation.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke to the following purpose;--Sir, that an embargo on
+merchandise or provisions may, upon sudden emergencies, or important
+occasions, be imposed by the prerogative, cannot be doubted by any man
+whose studies have made him acquainted with the extent of the regal
+power, and the manner in which it has been exerted in all ages. The
+chief use of the prerogative is to supply the defects of the laws, in
+cases which do not admit of long consultations, which do not allow time
+to convoke senates or inquire into the sentiments of the people.
+
+For this reason, in times of war the imperial power is much enlarged,
+and has still a greater extent as exigencies are more pressing. If the
+nation is invaded by a foreign force, the authority of the crown is
+almost without limits, the whole nation is considered as an army of
+which the king is general, and which he then governs by martial laws, by
+occasional judicature, and extemporary decrees.
+
+Such, sir, is the power of the king on particular emergencies, and such
+power the nature of human affairs must, sometimes, require; for all
+forms of government are intended for common good, and calculated for the
+established condition of mankind, but must be suspended when they can
+only obstruct the purposes for which they were contrived, and must vary
+with the circumstances to which they were adapted. To expect that the
+people shall be consulted in questions on which their happiness depends,
+supposes there is an opportunity of consulting them without hazarding
+their lives, their freedom, or their possessions, by the forms of
+deliberation.
+
+The necessity of extending the prerogative to the extremities of power,
+is, I hope, at a very great distance from us; but if the danger of the
+exportation of victuals be so urgent as some gentlemen have represented
+it, and so formidable as it appears to the whole nation, it is surely
+requisite that the latent powers of the crown should be called forth for
+our protection, that plenty be secured within the nation, by barring up
+our ports, and the people hindered from betraying themselves to their
+enemies, and squandering those blessings which the fertility of our soil
+has bestowed upon them.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied in the following manner:--Sir, it is so
+unusual among the gentlemen who have opposed my opinion to recommend an
+exertion of the regal authority, or willingly to intrust any power to
+the administration, that, though they have on this occasion expressed
+their sentiments without any ambiguity of language, or perplexity of
+ideas, I am in doubt whether I do not mistake their meaning, and cannot,
+without hesitation and uncertainty, propose the motion to which all
+their arguments seem necessarily to conduct me; arguments of which I do
+not deny the force, and which I shall not attempt to invalidate by
+slight objections, when I am convinced, in general, of their
+reasonableness and truth.
+
+The necessity of that despatch which I have endeavoured to recommend, is
+not only universally admitted, but affirmed to be so pressing, that it
+cannot wait for the solemnity of debates, or the common forms of passing
+laws. The danger which is every moment increasing, requires, in the
+opinion of these gentlemen, to be obviated by extraordinary measures,
+and that pernicious commerce, which threatens the distress of the
+community, is to be restrained by an immediate act of the prerogative.
+
+If this be the opinion of the house, it will be necessary to lay it
+before his majesty, by a regular address, that the nation may be
+convinced of the necessity of such extraordinary precautions, and that
+the embargo may be imposed, at once, with the expedition peculiar to
+despotick power, and the authority which can be conferred only by
+senatorial sanctions.
+
+Whether this is the intention of the members, from whose declarations I
+have deduced it, can only be discovered by themselves, who, if they have
+any other scheme in view, must explain it in clearer terms, that the
+house may deliberate upon it, and reject or adopt it, according to its
+conformity to the laws of our country, and to the present state of our
+affairs.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke thus:--Sir, whatever may be the meaning of other
+gentlemen, who must undoubtedly be left at full liberty to explain their
+own expressions, I will freely declare, that I am sufficiently
+understood by the right honourable gentleman, and that, in my opinion,
+no remedy can be applied to the present distemper of the nation, a
+distemper by which it is hourly pining away, by which its vitals are
+impaired, and the necessary nourishment withdrawn from it, that will
+operate with sufficient efficacy and speed, except an embargo be imposed
+by the prerogative.
+
+That this opinion, if received by the house, must be the subject of an
+address, is in itself manifest, and the reason for which an embargo is
+required, proves that an address ought not to be delayed.
+
+I cannot omit this opportunity of remarking, how plainly it must now
+appear that many of us have been unjustly charged with obstructing the
+progress of the bill for pernicious purposes, with views of raising
+discontents in the nation, of exposing the administration to publick
+hatred, of obstructing the measures of the government, or hindering the
+success of the war, when we have receded from our general principles,
+and suspended the influence of our established maxims, for the sake of
+facilitating an expedient which may promote the general advantage, by
+recommending his majesty to the affections of his people.
+
+Mr. PELHAM here replied, to this effect:--Sir, I am far from blaming any
+gentleman for asserting, on all occasions, the integrity of his designs,
+or displaying the reasonableness of his conduct; and of what I do not
+disapprove I shall not decline the imitation.
+
+It is not uncommon, in the heat of opposition, while each man is
+convinced of his own honesty, and strongly persuaded of the truth of his
+own positions, to hear each party accused by the other of designs
+detrimental to the publick interest, of protracting debates by artful
+delays, of struggling against their own conviction, and of obscuring
+known truth by objections which discover themselves to be without force.
+
+These accusations, which are on both sides frequent, are, I hope, on
+both sides generally false; at least, it must appear on this occasion,
+that those who press the bill had no views of strengthening their party
+by a victory, of wearying their opponents by obstinacy, or of promoting
+any private purposes by a new law; since an expedient, by which time may
+be gained, and the avowed end of hastening this necessary bill secured,
+is no sooner proposed on one part, than received on the other.
+
+At the close of the debate, a form of an address was proposed by Mr.
+CLUTTERBUCK; which, being approved by the house, was presented to his
+majesty: and an embargo was laid on all provisions accordingly.
+
+On the 17th day of sitting the house proceeded on the bill for
+preventing exportation; and ordered an account of the corn which had
+been exported for six years last past to be laid before the committee.
+
+The house also addressed his majesty to take off the embargo on ships
+laden with fish or rice, which his majesty had before ordered to be
+done.
+
+On the 21st the corn bill was again the subject of deliberation, and
+some amendments were offered by Mr. SANDYS, containing not only
+exceptions of rice and fish, which had been before admitted, but
+likewise of butter, as a perishable commodity, which, if it were not
+allowed to be exported, would corrupt and become useless in a short
+time.
+
+He proposed, likewise, that the two islands of Jersey and Guernsey might
+continue to be supplied, with certain restrictions, from the port of
+Southampton.
+
+It was proposed, likewise, in favour of some other colonies, that they
+might receive provisions from Britain, lest there should be a necessity
+for the inhabitants of those provinces to abandon their settlements.
+
+The penalties of this law, and the manner in which they should be
+recovered and applied, were likewise settled on this day.
+
+
+NOVEMBER 25, 1740.
+
+The consideration of the corn bill was resumed; and it was particularly
+debated from what time it should commence, which some of the members
+were inclined to fix on the 9th day of the session, on which occasion
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:
+
+Sir, that the laws may be observed by the nation without daily violence
+and perpetual compulsion, that our determinations may be received with
+reverence, and the regulations which we establish confirmed by the
+concurrence of our constituents, it is necessary that we endeavour to
+preserve their esteem, and convince them that the publick prosperity may
+be safely trusted in our hands.
+
+This confidence is to be gained as well in high stations, as in lower
+conditions, by large assemblies, as by individuals, only by a constant
+practice of justice, and frequent exertion of superiour wisdom. When any
+man finds his friend oppressive and malicious, he naturally withdraws
+his affections from him; when he observes him advancing absurd opinions,
+and adhering to them with obstinacy incapable of conviction, he falls
+unavoidably into a distrust of his understanding, and no longer pays any
+deference to his advice, or considers his conduct as worthy of
+imitation.
+
+In the same manner, sir, if the legislative powers shall, in making
+laws, discover that they regard any motives before the advantage of
+their country, or that they pursue the publick good by measures
+inadequate and ill-concerted, what can be expected from the people, but
+that they should set up their own judgment in opposition to that of
+their governours, make themselves the arbiters in all doubtful
+questions, and obey or disregard the laws at discretion?
+
+If this danger may arise from laws injudiciously drawn up, it may surely
+be apprehended from a compliance with this proposal; a proposal that the
+operation of the law should commence eleven days before the law itself
+is in being.
+
+I have, hitherto, sir, regarded it as a principle equally true in
+politicks as in philosophy, that nothing _can act_ when it does _not
+exist_; and I did not suspect that a position so evident would ever
+stand in need of a proof or illustration.
+
+We live, indeed, in an age of paradoxes, and have heard several notions
+seriously defended, of which some would, not many years ago, have
+condemned their abetter to a prison or a madhouse, and would have been
+heard by the wisest of our ancestors with laughter or detestation; but I
+did not expect that the most hardy innovator would have shocked my
+understanding with a position like this, or have asserted that a law may
+operate before it is made, or before it is projected.
+
+That where there is no law there is no transgression, is a maxim not
+only established by universal consent, but in itself evident and
+undeniable; and it is, sir, surely no less certain, that where there is
+no transgression there can be no punishment.
+
+If a man may be punished, sir, by a law made after the fact, how can any
+man conclude himself secure from the jail or the gibbet? A man may
+easily find means of being certain that he has offended no law in being,
+but that will afford no great satisfaction to a mind naturally timorous;
+since a law hereafter to be made, may, if this motion be supposed
+reasonable, take cognizance of his actions, and how he can know whether
+he has been equally scrupulous to observe the future statutes of future
+senates, he will find it very difficult to determine.
+
+Mr. PELHAM rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, notwithstanding the absurdity
+which the honourable gentleman imagines himself to have discovered in
+this proposal, and which he must be confessed to have placed in a very
+strong light, I am of opinion, that it may, with very little
+consideration, be reconciled to reason and to justice, and that the wit
+and satire that have been so liberally employed, will appear to have
+been lost in the air, without use and without injury.
+
+The operation of the law may, very properly, commence from the day on
+which the embargo was laid by his majesty's proclamation, which surely
+was not issued to no purpose, and which ought not to be disobeyed
+without punishment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but be
+somewhat surprised, that a gentleman so long conversant in national
+affairs, should not yet have heard or known the difference between a
+proclamation and a penal law.
+
+By a proclamation, his majesty may prevent, in some cases, what he
+cannot punish; he may hinder the exportation of our corn by ordering
+ships to be stationed at the entrance of our harbours; but if any should
+escape with prohibited cargoes, he can inflict no penalties upon them at
+their return.
+
+To enforce this prohibition by the sanction of punishments is the
+intention of the present bill, but a proclamation can make nothing
+criminal, and it is unjust and absurd to punish an action which was
+legal when it was done.
+
+The law ought, sir, in my opinion, not to commence till time is allowed
+for dispersing it to the utmost limits of this island; for as it is
+unreasonable to punish without law, it is not more equitable to punish
+by a law, of which, they who have unhappily broken it, could have no
+intelligence.
+
+A future day was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 2, 1740.
+
+DEBATE RELATING TO A SEDITIOUS PAPER OF THE SAME KIND WITH THE
+CONSIDERATIONS ON THE EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS.
+
+
+Lord THOMSON took notice of a paper which he had in his hand, and said
+he received it at the door, where it was given to the members as they
+came in, and, complaining of it as an indignity offered to the house,
+desired that it might be read. Which being done, he rose up, and spoke
+in substance as follows:
+
+Sir, the crime of exasperating the people against their governours, of
+raising discontent, and exciting murmurs in a time of general danger,
+and of attempting to represent wise and salutary measures, which have
+received the approbation of the whole legislature, as mean artifices,
+contrived only to raise the fortunes of some favourites of the minister,
+and aggrandize the officers of state, by the miseries of the people, is
+a crime too enormous to require or admit any aggravation from rhetorick,
+and too dangerous to hope for any excuse from candour and lenity.
+
+To read or hear this paper is sufficient for a full conviction of its
+pernicious tendency, and of the malice of its author; a charge not fixed
+upon particular expressions capable of a doubtful meaning, and which
+heat or inadvertency might casually have produced, but supported by the
+general design of the whole paper, and the continued tenour of the
+argument, which is evidently intended to show, that an act of
+government, which cannot but appear necessary and seasonable in the
+present state of our affairs, an act ratified by the concurrence of all
+the powers of the legislature, is nothing but a scheme of avarice to
+grow rich by oppression.
+
+Nor is this scandalous libel written with more confidence and insolence
+than it is dispersed. Not content, sir, with vilifying the proceedings
+of the state, the author has industriously published his calumny at our
+door: the time has been when defamation skulked in secret, and calumnies
+against the government were dispersed by whispers or private
+communication; but this writer adds insults to his injuries, and at once
+reproaches and defies us.
+
+I beg leave to move, therefore, that the house do censure this paper as
+"a malicious and scandalous libel, highly and injuriously reflecting
+upon a just and wise act of his majesty's government, and also upon the
+proceedings of both houses of senate; and tending to create jealousies
+in the minds of the people." I also move, "that the author may be
+ordered to attend, to be examined at our bar."
+
+[This was unanimously agreed to by the house. The doorkeeper was called
+in, and, being shown the paper, was asked from whom he received it? who
+answered, that he believed the person who delivered it to him, was then
+detained in one of the committee rooms, upon which he was ordered to
+look for, and fetch him to the bar.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS, taking notice that the person was already in custody, said,
+that he should be glad to know by what authority. It was not reasonable
+to punish first, and judge afterwards.
+
+Upon which sir William YONGE replied, that he had caused him to be
+detained, in order to know the pleasure of the house; and that he
+thought it his duty to secure so enormous an offender from escaping.
+
+Soon after, the doorkeeper brought the man in, when he declared, upon
+examination, his name and his profession, which was that of a scrivener,
+and owned with great openness, that he was the author of the paper. He
+was then asked who was the printer, and answered that he printed it
+himself. Which he explained afterwards, by saying, that as he had
+carried it to the printer's, he might be said, in the general
+acceptation of the term, as applied to an author, to be the printer. He
+then discovered the printer, and was asked, where was the original
+manuscript, which he said he had destroyed, as he did any other useless
+paper.
+
+It having been observed by some of the members, that it was printed in
+one of the daily papers, he was asked, who carried it thither? and
+answered, that he carried it himself. It was then demanded, what he gave
+for having it inserted, and he answered that he gave nothing.
+
+[After many questions, Mr. Henry ARCHER desired that he might be asked,
+whether on the Friday before he was in the gallery; at which some of the
+members expressed their disapprobation, and the man being ordered to
+withdraw, the following debate ensued upon the propriety of the
+question.]
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke first, in substance as follows:--Sir, those who are
+intrusted by their country with the authority of making laws, ought,
+undoubtedly, to observe them with the utmost circumspection, lest they
+should defeat their own endeavours, and invalidate, by their example,
+their own decrees.
+
+There is no part, sir, of our civil constitution more sacred, none that
+has been more revered by those that have trampled upon other forms of
+justice, and wantoned in oppression without restraint, than that
+privilege by which every Briton is exempted from the necessity of
+accusing himself, and by which he is entitled to refuse an answer to any
+question which may be asked, with a view to draw from him a confession
+of an offence which cannot be proved.
+
+Whether this great privilege, sir, is not violated; whether the
+unalienable right of a free subject is not infringed, by the question
+put to the person at our bar, the house must decide. The punishment to
+which intruders are subject by the orders of this house, proves that his
+presence in the house is considered as a crime, of which, as we have no
+proof of it, a confession ought not to be extorted by an artful and
+insidious question, of which he may not discover the intention or the
+consequence. Such treatment, sir, is rather to be expected by slaves in
+the inquisition of Spain, than a Briton at the bar of this house; a
+house instituted to preserve liberty, and to restrain injustice and
+oppression.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the opinion of the honourable gentleman, that, in requiring an answer to
+this question, we shall expose a man to a punishment against whom we
+have no evidence, but what is extorted from himself; and, consequently,
+no knowledge of his crime upon which we can proceed to inflict censures
+or penalties, without the manifest infraction of our constitution.
+
+It cannot be imagined, sir, that he intends to confess himself guilty of
+a crime of which no proof has been brought, or that he will voluntarily
+subject himself to punishments. It must, therefore, follow, that he is
+entrapped in his examination, by an artifice, which, I hope, will never
+find any countenance in this house.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON answered to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+impossible that the honourable gentlemen, having not lately looked into
+the orders of the house, may mistake the tendency of the question; I,
+therefore, move that the order may be read.
+
+[The order being read by the clerk, he proceeded.]
+
+It is evident, sir, that by the order now read, the serjeant at arms
+attending on this house, may take into custody all strangers that shall
+be found in the house or gallery while we are assembled; and that this
+order is not always put in practice, must be attributed to the lenity of
+the house. But that this order extends to past offences, and subjects
+any man to imprisonment for having been present in some former day,
+cannot be conceived. For how far may such a retrospect be extended? or
+at what time, after having intruded into the house, can any man presume
+to consider himself as exempt from the danger of imprisonment?
+
+Our order, sir, only decrees present punishment for present offences,
+and, therefore, the question asked by the honourable gentleman, may be
+insisted on without scruple, and answered without hazard. Let then the
+honourable gentlemen reserve their laudable zeal for our constitution
+till it shall be invaded by more important occasions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied:--Sir, what victory the honourable gentleman imagines
+himself to have gained, or whence proceeds all his wantonness of
+exultation, I am not able to discover. The question only relates to the
+interpretation of one of our own orders, and is, therefore, not of the
+highest importance; nor can his success, in so trivial a debate, entitle
+him to great applause from others, or produce, in a person of his
+abilities, any uncommon satisfaction to himself.
+
+But, whatever may be the pleasure of the victory, it must, at least, be
+gained before it can be celebrated; and it is by no means evident, that
+he has yet any reason to assure himself of conquest.
+
+His interpretation, sir, of the order, which he has so confidently laid
+before the house, seems to me to have no foundation in reason or
+justice; for if it be an offence against the house to be present at our
+consultations, and that offence be justly punishable, why should any man
+be exempt from a just censure by an accidental escape? or what makes the
+difference between this crime and any other, that this alone must be
+immediately punished, or immediately obliterated, and that a lucky
+flight is equivalent to innocence?
+
+It is surely, sir, more rational to believe, that the house may punish
+any breach of its orders at a distant time, that if our censure is once
+eluded, it may be afterwards enforced; and, therefore, that the question
+put to the person at the bar ought not to be asked, because it cannot
+safely be answered.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, in words to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+conceive that our order may extend its influence beyond the present
+moment, and that intrusions may be punished by the house on another day
+than that on which they were committed.
+
+I am so far, sir, from being of opinion, that, to make the execution of
+this order valid, the house must sit, without interruption, from the
+time of the offence to that of the punishment, that if the gentlemen in
+the gallery were to be taken into custody, I should advise the serjeant
+to wait till the house should break up, and seize them as they should
+come out.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, if any such
+punishment were now intended, I should advise the gentlemen in the
+gallery to retire, indeed, but not to hide themselves like felons, or
+men proscribed by proclamation; for as the power of seizing any man in
+the house is sufficient to secure us from intrusion, there is no reason
+to extend it farther; and penalties are not, without reason, to be
+inflicted, neither has the house ever coveted the power of oppressing;
+and what else is unnecessary punishment?
+
+If, therefore, an intruder is not seized in the act of intrusion, he
+cannot legally be imprisoned for it. And any of the strangers, who now
+hear this debate, may retire to a very small distance from the house,
+and set the serjeant at arms at defiance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, whether the question
+be proper or not, it seems very unnecessary to debate; because, however
+it be answered, it cannot be of great importance: the man has already
+confessed himself the author of the libel, and may, therefore, be
+punished without farther examination.
+
+That he is the real author, sir, I am not, indeed, convinced by his
+assertion, with whatever confidence it was made; for so far as his
+appearance enables me to judge of his education and sphere of life, it
+is not probable that he should be much versed in political inquiries, or
+that he should engage in the discussion of questions like this.
+
+There appears, sir, in the paper before us, a more extensive knowledge
+of facts, a more accurate attention to commerce, more artful reasoning,
+and a more elevated style, than it is reasonable to expect from this
+man, whom, without pretending to determine the limits of his capacity,
+or the compass of his knowledge, I am, for my part, inclined to look
+upon as an agent to some other person of higher station, and greater
+accomplishments.
+
+It is not uncommon, sir, for gentlemen to exercise their abilities, and
+employ their pens, upon political questions, and when they have produced
+any thing, which their complaisance for themselves equally hinders them
+from owning and suppressing, they are known to procure some person of
+inferiour rank, to take upon him, in publick, the character of the
+author, and to stand the danger of the prosecution, contenting
+themselves with the applause and admiration of their chosen friends,
+whom they trust with the important secret, and with whom they sit and
+laugh at the conjectures of the publick, and the ignorance of the
+ministry.
+
+This, sir, is a frequent practice, not only with those who have no other
+employment, but, as I have sufficient reasons to believe, among some
+gentlemen who have seats in this house; gentlemen, whose abilities and
+knowledge qualify them to serve the publick in characters much superiour
+to that of lampooners of the government.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY answered in terms to the following purpose:--Sir, whether
+the man who confessed himself the author of the paper, has accused
+himself of what he did not commit, or has ingenuously and openly
+discovered the truth, it is beyond my penetration absolutely to decide;
+the frankness and unconcern with which he made the declaration, gave it,
+at least, the appearance of truth, nor do I discover any reason for
+doubting his sincerity. Is there any improbability in the nature of the
+fact, that should incline us to suspect his veracity? Is there any
+apparent advantage to be gained by assuming a false character? Neither
+of those circumstances can be produced against him, and an assertion is
+to be admitted for its own sake, when there is nothing to invalidate it.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, sir, appears to have a very particular
+reason for his doubts; a reason, which will, I hope, have no weight with
+any but himself. By denying the paper to this man, he gives room for
+conjecture and suspicion to range far and wide, and wanton with whatever
+characters he shall think proper subjects for his amusement. An author
+is now to be sought, and many diverting arguments may be brought by the
+dullest inquirer for fixing it upon one man, or denying it to another.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has given us a bold specimen of this kind
+of wit, by insinuating that it is the production of some one of the
+members of this house; a conjecture of which I am not able to find the
+foundation, and therefore imagine, that raillery rather than argument
+was intended. But let the honourable gentleman recollect, that the chief
+excellence of raillery is politeness, to which he has surely paid little
+regard, in supposing that what has been unanimously condemned as a
+libel, has one of those who censured it for its author.
+
+If I am particularly hinted at in this sagacious conjecture, I take this
+opportunity of declaring that I am equally ignorant of the whole affair
+with any other gentleman in this house; that I never saw the paper till
+it was delivered to me at the door, nor the author till he appeared at
+the bar. Having thus cleared myself, sir, from this aspersion, I declare
+it as my opinion, that every gentleman in the house can safely purge
+himself in the same manner; for I cannot conceive that any of them can
+have written a libel like this. There are, indeed, some passages which
+would not disgrace the greatest abilities, and some maxims true in
+themselves, though perhaps fallaciously applied, and at least such an
+appearance of reasoning and knowledge, as sets the writer far above the
+level of the contemptible scribblers of the ministerial vindications: a
+herd of wretches whom neither information can enlighten, nor affluence
+elevate; low drudges of scurrility, whose scandal is harmless for want
+of wit, and whose opposition is only troublesome from the
+pertinaciousness of stupidity.
+
+Why such immense sums are distributed amongst these reptiles, it is
+scarce possible not to inquire; for it cannot be imagined that those who
+pay them expect any support from their abilities. If their patrons would
+read their writings, their salaries would quickly be withdrawn; for a
+few pages would convince them, that they can neither attack nor defend,
+neither raise any man's reputation by their panegyrick, nor destroy it
+by their defamation.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then spoke in the following manner:--I hope it is not
+expected, that the heat with which one class of our political writers
+have been attacked by the honourable gentleman, should engage me to
+undertake their defence with the same earnestness. I have neither
+interest enough in the question to awaken my passions, nor curiosity or
+leisure sufficient for such an examination of the writings on each side,
+as is necessary, before the superiority of any author above his brethren
+can he justly asserted.
+
+It is no part, sir, of my employment or amusement to compare their
+arguments, or to balance their abilities; nor do I often read the papers
+of either party, except when I am informed by some that have more
+inclination to such studies than myself, that they have risen by some
+accident above their common level.
+
+Yet that I may not appear entirely to desert the question, I cannot
+forbear to say, that I have never, from these accidental inspections of
+their performances, discovered any reason to exalt the authors who write
+against the administration, to a higher degree of reputation than their
+opponents. That any of them deserve loud applauses, I cannot assert, and
+am afraid that all, which deserves to be preserved of the writings on
+either side, may be contracted to a very few volumes.
+
+The writers for the opposition appear to me to be nothing more than the
+echoes of their predecessors, or, what is still more despicable, of
+themselves, and to have produced nothing in the last seven years, which
+had not been said seven years before.
+
+I may, perhaps, be thought by some gentlemen of each class to speak
+contemptuously of their advocates, nor shall I think my own opinion less
+just for such a censure; for the reputation of controversial writers
+arises, generally, from the prepossession of their readers in favour of
+the opinions which they endeavour to defend. Men easily admit the force
+of an argument which tends to support notions, that it is their interest
+to diffuse, and readily find wit and spirit in a satire pointed at
+characters which they desire to depress: but to the opposite party, and
+even to themselves, when their passions have subsided, and their
+interest is disunited from the question, those arguments appear only
+loud assertions, or empty sophistry; and that which was clamorously
+praised, discovers itself to be only impudence or low conceits; the
+spirit evaporates, and the malignity only remains.
+
+If we consider, sir, what opposition of character is necessary to
+constitute a political writer, it will not be wondered that so few excel
+in that undertaking. He that will write well in politicks, must at the
+same time have a complete knowledge of the question, and time to digest
+his thoughts into method, and polish his style into elegance; which is
+little less than to say, he must be at once a man of business, and a man
+of leisure; for political transactions are not easily understood, but by
+those who are engaged in them, and the art of writing is not attainable
+without long practice, and sedentary application.
+
+Thus it happens that political writings are generally defective: for
+they are drawn up by men unacquainted with publick business, and who
+can, therefore, only amuse their readers with fallacious recitals,
+specious sophistries, or an agreeable style; or they are the hasty
+productions of busy negotiators, who, though they cannot but excel the
+other class of writers in that which is of most importance, the
+knowledge of their subject, are yet rarely at leisure to display that
+knowledge to advantage, or add grace to solidity.
+
+Writers of the latter sort appear but seldom, and most of our political
+papers are the amusements of leisure, or the expedients of want.
+
+Whether the paper now before us is the produce of ease, or of necessity,
+I shall not determine; I have already offered my opinion, that the man
+who claims it is not the author, nor do I discover any reason for
+changing my sentiment: the question is a question merely of conjecture,
+since neither I nor the honourable gentleman attempt to offer any
+demonstrative proofs of our opinion. If he has any to produce in favour
+of his own notions, let him lay them before you, but let him always
+forbear to impute to me assertions which I never uttered, and beware of
+representing me as declaring that I believe this paper the composition
+of some member of this house.
+
+[It was then debated, whether this offence should be punished by the
+authority of the house, or referred to the cognizance of some of the
+courts of judicature in Westminster hall, on which occasion Mr. HOWE
+spoke as follows:]
+
+Sir, it is the duty of every part of the legislature, not only to
+preserve the whole system of our government unaltered and unimpaired,
+but to attend particularly to the support of their own privileges,
+privileges not conferred upon them by our ancestors, but for wise
+purposes.
+
+It is the privilege of this house that we, and we only, are the judges
+of our own rights, and we only, therefore, can assign the proper
+punishment when they shall be presumptuously invaded.
+
+If we remit this offender, who has attempted to debase the house in the
+opinion of the nation, to any inferiour court, we allow that court to
+determine, by the punishment that shall be inflicted, the importance of
+this assembly, and the value of the collective character of this house.
+
+It therefore concerns us, in regard to our own dignity, and to the
+privileges of our successours, that we retain the cognizance of this
+crime in our own hands, in which it is placed by perpetual prescription
+and the nature of our constitution.
+
+[The house agreed to this, and the libeller was sent to the common jail
+of Middlesex, by warrant from the speaker.]
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am pleased with
+finding that the malice and indecency of this libel, has raised in the
+house a just resentment, and that the wretch, who, with a confidence so
+steady, and such appearance of satisfaction in his countenance,
+confesses, or rather proclaims himself the author, is treated as he
+deserves. But let us not forget that the same degree of guilt always
+requires the same punishment, and that when the author of scandal is in
+prison, the printer and propagator of it ought not to be at liberty.
+
+The printer of the daily news is surely the proper object of your
+indignation, who inserted this libel in his paper, without the fondness
+of an author, and without the temptation of a bribe; a bribe, by the
+help of which it is usual to circulate scurrility. To this man the
+expense or labour of aspersing the government was recompensed by the
+pleasure, and he could not prevail on himself to omit any opportunity of
+incensing the people, and exposing at once the whole legislature to
+censure and contempt.
+
+Those, therefore, that have concurred in the imprisonment of the author,
+will doubtless join with me in requiring the attendance of his officious
+accomplice, and I cannot forbear expressing my hopes, that he will not
+meet with kinder treatment.
+
+It is far from being the first offence of his licentious press; and the
+lenity of the government, by which he has been so long spared, has had
+no other effect upon him, than to add confidence to his malice, and
+incite him to advance from one degree of impudence to another.
+
+He has for several weeks persisted in misrepresenting the intention of
+the embargo, by letters pretended to be written by friends of the
+government who are injured by it. He has vented his insinuations
+hitherto, as without punishment, so, as it appears, without fear. It is
+time, therefore, to disturb his security, and restrain him from adding
+one calumny to another.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up hereupon, and opposed this motion in terms to
+the following effect:--Sir, the end of punishment is to prevent a
+repetition of the same crime, both in the offender, and in those who may
+have the same inclinations; and when that end is accomplished, all
+farther severities have an appearance rather of cruelty than justice.
+
+By punishing the author of this libel, we have, in my opinion,
+sufficiently secured our dignity from any future attacks, we have
+crushed the head of the confederacy, and prevented the subordinate
+agents from exerting their malice. Printers can do no injury without
+authors; and if no man shall dare to write a libel, it is not worthy of
+our inquiry how many may be inclined to publish it.
+
+But if the printer must necessarily be punished before the resentment of
+the house can be satisfied; if it shall not be thought sufficient to
+punish him without whose assistance the other could not have offended;
+let us, at least, confine our animadversion to the present fault,
+without tracing back his life for past misdemeanours, and charging him
+with accumulated wickedness; for if a man's whole life is to be the
+subject of judicial inquiries, when he shall appear at the bar of this
+house, the most innocent will have reason to tremble when they approach
+it.
+
+Even with regard, sir, to the offence of which he is now accused,
+somewhat may, perhaps, be said in extenuation of his guilt, which I do
+not offer to gratify any personal affection or regard for him, to whom I
+am equally a stranger with any other gentleman in this house, but to
+prevent a punishment which may be hereafter thought disproportioned to
+the crime.
+
+It is, sir, to be remembered, that he was not the original printer of
+the libel, which he only reprinted from a paper, of which he knew that
+it was to be dispersed at our door, and in which he could not naturally
+suspect any seditious or dangerous assertions to be contained. It is,
+therefore, probable that he fell into the offence by ignorance, or, at
+worst, by inadvertency; and, as his intention was not criminal, he may
+properly be spared.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke, in answer, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but
+think the honourable gentleman betrayed, by his zeal for the defence of
+this man, into some assertions not to be supported by law or reason. If
+it be innocent to print a paper once printed, will it not inevitably
+follow, that the most flagitious falsehoods, and the most enormous
+insults on the crown itself, the most seditious invectives, and most
+dangerous positions, may be dispersed through the whole empire, without
+any danger but to the original printer? And what reason, sir, can be
+assigned, why that which is criminal in one man, should be innocent in
+another?
+
+Nor is this the only position which has been advanced contrary to the
+laws of our country; for it has been asserted, that the general
+character of an offender is a consideration foreign from that of his
+immediate crime; and that whatever any man's past life has been, he is
+only to be judged according to the evidence for the offence which is
+then the subject of examination.
+
+How much this opinion is consistent with the practice of our courts, a
+very slight knowledge of their methods of proceeding will readily
+discover. Is any villain there convicted but by the influence of his
+character? And is not the chief question at a trial the past conduct of
+the person at the bar?
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose here, and spoke thus:--Sir, I rise up only to
+answer a question, which is, whether properly or not, put to me, and
+hope the irregularity will not be imputed to me, by the house, but to
+the occasion which produces it.
+
+I am asked, whether it is not the chief question at the bar of our
+courts of justice, what is the character of the prisoner? and cannot but
+feel some amazement that any man should be so ignorant of common
+proceedings, and so much unacquainted with the execution of our laws, as
+to have admitted a notion so chimerical.
+
+The character of the prisoner is never examined, except when it is
+pleaded by himself, and witnesses are produced to offer testimony in his
+favour; that plea, like all others, is then to be examined, and is
+sometimes confuted by contrary evidence. But, the character of a
+criminal, though it may be urged by himself as a proof of his innocence,
+is never to be mentioned by his prosecutor as an aggravation or proof of
+his guilt. It is not required by the law, that the general character of
+a criminal, but that the particular evidence of the crime with which he
+stands charged, should be examined; nor is his character ever mentioned
+but by his own choice.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, to prove
+the malignity of the intention with which this libel was inserted in the
+daily paper, it cannot be improper to observe, that the embargo has been
+for many days past the favourite topic of this printer, and that,
+therefore, it was not by accident that he admitted so zealous an
+advocate for his opinions to be seasonably assisted by the circulation
+of his paper, but that he, doubtless, was delighted with an opportunity
+of dispersing sedition by means of greater abilities than his own.
+
+Nor can it be justly pleaded, sir, in his favour, that he was encouraged
+to publish it by the confidence with which he saw it dispersed; for it
+was printed by him in the morning, and not brought hither till the
+afternoon. I cannot, therefore, but conclude, that his intentions were
+agreeable to his practice, and that he deserves to accompany the author
+in his present confinement.
+
+The advocate, CAMPBELL, spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, I hope it
+will not be imputed to me as disregard of the government, or neglect of
+the honour of this house, that I declare myself, on all occasions like
+this, inclined to lenity, and think it necessary always to proceed by
+regular methods, and known forms of justice, not by capricious
+determinations, and orders variable at pleasure.
+
+I opposed the imprisonment of the man who just now appeared at the bar
+of our house, and am still more unwilling to proceed to severities
+against another, who is criminal only in a subordinate degree. The
+loudest declaimers against these men cannot have stronger detestation of
+falsehood and sedition than myself; but however flagrant may be the
+crimes, they may be punished with unjustifiable rigour, and, in my
+opinion, we have already proceeded with severity sufficient to
+discourage any other attempts of the same kind.
+
+Whether it will promote the advantage of the publick, and the efficacy
+of our deliberations, to deter any man from the common practice of
+giving us information by delivering papers at our door, must be
+considered by the house.
+
+Nor is it less worthy of our most attentive inquiry, whether it is not
+more reasonable to prosecute this offender in the common forms of
+justice, than to punish him by any act of uncontroulable, unaccountable
+authority? Whether it is not more reasonable to have him prosecuted
+before a judge unprejudiced, and a disinterested jury, than to act at
+once as party, evidence, and judge? I have no desire, sir, of
+diminishing the privileges of this house; and yet less would I
+contribute to establish any precedents of unlimited power or arbitrary
+punishments.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whence so
+much tenderness can arise for an offender of this kind, I am at a loss
+to discover, nor am I able to conceive any argument that can be produced
+for exempting from punishment the printer of a paper, which has been
+already determined, by the vote of the house, to be a scandalous libel,
+tending to promote sedition.
+
+It has been, indeed, agreed, that there are contained in the paper some
+true positions, and some passages innocent, at least, and perhaps
+rational and seasonable. But this, sir, is nothing more than to say,
+that the paper, flagitious as it is, might have been swelled to a
+greater degree of impudence and scurrility; that what is already too
+heinous to be borne, might, by greater virulence, become more enormous.
+
+If no wickedness, sir, is to be checked till it has attained the
+greatest height at which it can possibly arrive, our courts of criminal
+judicature may be shut up as useless; and if a few innocent paragraphs
+will palliate a libel, treason may be written and dispersed without
+danger or restraint; for what libel was ever so crowded with sedition,
+that a few periods might not have been selected, which, upon this
+principle, might have secured it from censure.
+
+The danger of discouraging intelligence from being offered at the door
+of our house, does not alarm me with any apprehensions of disadvantage
+to the nation; for I have not so mean an opinion of the wisdom of this
+assembly, as to imagine that they can receive any assistance from the
+informations of their officious instructors, who ought, in my opinion,
+sir, rather to be taught by some senatorial censure to know their own
+station, than to be encouraged to neglect their proper employments, for
+the sake of directing their governours.
+
+When bills, sir, are depending, by which either the interest of the
+nation, or of particular men, may be thought to be endangered, it is,
+indeed, the incontestable right of every Briton to offer his petition at
+the bar of the house, and to deliver the reasons upon which it is
+founded. This is a privilege of an unalienable kind, and which is never
+to be infringed or denied; and this may always be supported without
+countenancing anonymous intelligence, or receiving such papers as the
+authors of them are afraid or ashamed to own, and which they, therefore,
+employ meaner hands to distribute.
+
+Of this kind, sir, undoubtedly, is the paper now under our
+consideration, of which I am far from imagining that it was drawn up by
+the man who declares himself the writer, and am, therefore, convinced of
+the necessity of calling the printer to the bar, that whatever the
+lenity or justice of this assembly may determine with regard to his
+punishment, he may be examined with respect to the real authors of the
+libel; and that our resentment may fall upon him, who has endeavoured to
+shelter himself by exposing another.
+
+Counsellor ORD spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am inclined to believe,
+that the persons associated in writing and dispersing this paper,
+whosoever they may be, are of no high rank, or considerable influence;
+as it is not likely that any man who had much to hazard, would expose
+himself to the resentment of the whole legislature; but let us not for
+that reason exert our superiority in wanton punishments, or tyrannise
+merely because we cannot be resisted. Let us remember that the same
+justice and the same humanity is due to the meanest, as the highest of
+our fellow-subjects; and that there is even less necessity of rigorous
+measures, as the attack is less formidable.
+
+But, sir, there is one motive to moderation that has seldom been found
+less efficacious than the consideration of the laws of justice or
+humanity. We ought to be withheld by regard to our posterity, and even
+to ourselves, from any exorbitant extension of our privileges. We know,
+that authority once exerted, is claimed afterwards by prescription. And
+who knows by what sudden rotation of power he may himself suffer by a
+precedent which he has concurred to establish, and feel the weight of
+that oppressive power which he first granted for the punishment of
+another?
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke thus:--Sir, I am always unwilling to oppose any proposal
+of lenity and forbearance, nor have now any intention of heightening the
+guilt of this man by cruel exaggerations, or inciting the house to
+rigour and persecution.
+
+But let us remember, sir, that justice and mercy are equally to be
+regarded, and while we pity the folly of a misguided, or, perhaps, a
+thoughtless offender, let us not suffer ourselves to be betrayed, by our
+compassion, to injure ourselves and our posterity.
+
+This house, sir, has always claimed and exerted the privilege of judging
+of every offence against itself, a privilege so long established, and so
+constantly exercised, that I doubt whether the inferiour courts of
+judicature will take cognizance of an attack upon us; for how can they
+venture to decide upon a question of such importance without any form or
+precedent for their proceedings.
+
+There seems also to be at this time, sir, an uncommon necessity for
+tenaciousness of our privileges, when, as some whispers, which have been
+wafted from the other house, inform us, a motion has been made in terms
+which might imply the subordination of this assembly, an assertion
+without foundation either in reason or justice, and which I shall always
+oppose as destructive to our rights, and dangerous to our constitution.
+
+Let us, therefore, sir, retain in our hands the cognizance of this
+affair, and let the criminal either suffer his punishment from _our_
+sentence, or owe his pardon to _our_ mercy.
+
+[It was agreed that the printer of the daily paper should attend next
+day, when, being called in, it was proposed that he should be asked,
+whether he printed the paper complained of. It was objected to, for the
+same reason as the question about the author's being in the gallery,
+because the answer might tend to accuse himself; and he being withdrawn,
+a debate of the same nature ensued, and the question being put whether
+he should be asked, if he be the person that printed the daily paper
+shown to him, which paper the house the day before resolved to contain a
+malicious and scandalous libel, etc. it was, on a division, carried in
+the affirmative, by two hundred and twenty-two against one hundred and
+sixty-three: accordingly he was called in again, and being asked the
+question, he owned that he printed the said paper from a printed copy
+which was left for him with one of his servants; and being asked what he
+had to allege in his justification or excuse for printing the said
+libel, he said that as he had before printed several other things which
+he had received from the said person, which had not given offence, he
+inserted part of the paper in his news, and which he should not have
+inserted, if he had thought it would have given offence to the house,
+and that he forbore to print the remainder, having heard that it had
+given offence. Upon which he withdrew, and the house, after some debate,
+on a division, one hundred and eighty-eight to one hundred and
+forty-five, not only ordered him into the custody of the serjeant, but
+resolved to present an address to his majesty, that he would be pleased
+to give directions to his attorney general to prosecute him at law.
+
+The first printer of the libel was also ordered into custody. This was
+on the 3d of December, but the next day presenting his petition,
+expressing his sorrow for the offence, whereby he had justly incurred
+the displeasure of the house, and praying to be discharged, he was
+brought to the bar on the following day, received a reprimand on his
+knees, and was ordered to be discharged, paying his fees.]
+
+On the 12th, lord BARRINGTON presented a petition from the printer of
+the daily paper, expressing his sorrow, promising all possible care not
+to offend for the future, and praying to be discharged.
+
+This petition being read, a motion was made, that the serjeant at arms
+do carry the petitioner to some court of law, to give security for his
+appearance to the prosecution to be carried on against him by the
+attorney general; which done, that he be discharged, paying his fees.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, I know not for what reason
+this enormous offender is entitled to so much regard, or by what
+interest he has engaged so many, who, I doubt not, abhor his crimes, to
+pity his sufferings.
+
+Had he been young and unexperienced, and seduced into the commission of
+this offence by artifice or persuasion, his act might have been
+reasonably considered rather as an errour than a crime, and it might
+have been proper to treat with lenity a delinquent neither obstinate nor
+malicious.
+
+But how, sir, can this plea be urged in favour of a man, whose daily
+employment it has been, for these two years past, to misrepresent the
+public measures, to disperse scandal, and excite rebellion, who has
+industriously propagated every murmur of discontent, and preserved every
+whisper of malevolence from perishing in the birth.
+
+The proper judge, sir, of this affair, is his majesty's attorney
+general, who is not now in the house. I am, therefore, for detaining him
+in custody, and for referring the consideration of farther proceedings
+against him to that gentleman, whose proper province it is to prosecute
+for the crown.
+
+Mr. WALLER spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is
+undoubtedly the duty of every man to oppose the introduction of new
+laws, and methods of oppression and severity, which our constitution
+does not admit; and what else is the mention of a prisoner's character
+as an aggravation of his present offence?
+
+It is well known, and has been already asserted, upon this occasion,
+that in the lower courts of justice, though the prisoner may plead his
+character, in his own defence, his prosecutor is not at liberty to
+produce it to his disadvantage. Even those who are cited to the bar for
+murder or for treason, are tried only by the evidence of that crime for
+which they are indicted.
+
+That this house is not bound to strict forms, and is not accountable for
+the exercise of its power, is easily granted; but authority cannot
+change the nature of things, and what is unjust in a lower court, would
+be in us not less unjust, though it may not be punishable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was replied that this question had been before sufficiently
+discussed.
+
+The attorney general not being present, the debate was adjourned to the
+next sitting.
+
+On the next day of the session, the lord BARRINGTON proposed, that the
+adjourned debate might be resumed, and several members interceded for
+the petitioner, that he might be released; to which it was objected,
+that it was not proper to release him, unless an information was lodged
+against him, without which he could not be held to bail; and the
+question being put, whether he should be released, was determined in the
+negative.
+
+At the sixth sitting, the author of the libel, who was committed to the
+common prison of Middlesex, petitioned the house to permit him to
+implore pardon on his knees, and promising, by the strongest and most
+solemn assurances, not to offend again, was ordered to be discharged the
+next day, paying his fees.
+
+On the forty-seventh sitting, the printer of the daily paper again
+petitioned the house, representing, that he most heartily bewailed his
+offence, that he was miserably reduced by his confinement, having
+borrowed money of all his friends to support himself, his wife, and
+children, and praying the mercy of the house. He was then ordered to be
+discharged, paying his fees, and giving security for his appearance to
+answer the prosecution.
+
+On the eighty-fifth day, Mr. George Heathcote offered another petition
+for the said printer, and represented, that the fees amounting to one
+hundred and twenty-one pounds, he was not able to pay them, that,
+therefore, he hoped the house would consider his case; but the petition
+was not allowed to be brought up. On which he remained in custody
+fourteen days longer, till the end of the session, and, the authority of
+the senate ceasing, had his liberty without paying any fees.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DEC. 4-11, 1740.
+
+ON INCORPORATING THE NEW-RAISED MEN INTO THE STANDING REGIMENTS.
+
+
+On the 4th of December, sir William YONGE, secretary at war, having
+presented to the house of commons an estimate of the expense of raising
+ten thousand men, the same was taken into consideration in a committee
+on the supply, and after debate agreed to. At the report of this
+proceeding, on the 11th, another debate happened on a motion that the
+new-raised men should be incorporated into the standing regiments, etc.
+
+As in these two debates the arguments were the same, they are thrown
+into one, to prevent unnecessary repetitions.
+
+Sir William YONGE opened the debate with respect to what he had
+delivered in the estimate, after the manner following:--Sir, as this
+estimate has been drawn up after very accurate calculations and careful
+inquiries, I hope that no objections will be raised against it, and that
+the sum necessary for raising the new regiments will be very readily
+granted by that house, which voted the war necessary for which they are
+designed.
+
+I hope it will be admitted as some proof of frugality, that this
+estimate requires less money than one that was laid before the senate in
+the reign of king William; for if it be considered, that since that
+time, the necessaries of life are become dearer, and that, therefore,
+all expenses are increased, it will appear to be the effect of the
+exactest economy, that the sum required for the same service is less.
+
+I have heard, indeed, sir, that in conversation, the method of raising
+troops on this occasion has been censured as improper, and that in the
+opinion of some, whose judgment cannot be entirely disregarded, it would
+be more reasonable to add more men to our regiments already established,
+than to raise new regiments with new officers.
+
+The chief argument, sir, produced in support of their method of
+augmentation, is drawn from the necessity of publick frugality, a very
+popular topick, which never fails to produce favour and attention; for
+every man is naturally inclined to hear his friend, and to consider that
+man as performing the office of friendship, who proposes methods of
+alleviating his taxes.
+
+Frugality is undoubtedly a virtue very necessary to the happiness of the
+nation, and such as there occur frequent occasions of inculcating to
+those who are intrusted with the superintendence of publick
+disbursements, but I am far from thinking that this estimate affords any
+opportunity for declamations of this kind, and am of opinion that the
+addition of new soldiers to each regiment, would, in reality, be more
+expensive.
+
+It cannot be denied, sir, that by augmenting the regiments, there would
+be immediately saved to the publick the expense of the officers which
+are necessary in the method now proposed; but it is to be considered how
+much the number of officers contributes to the regularity and discipline
+of the troops, and how much discipline and order promote their success.
+It is to be considered, sir, that the most successful method of making
+war is undoubtedly the cheapest, and that nothing is more expensive than
+defeats.
+
+If by raising the same number of men under fewer officers, we should
+give our enemies any advantage, if a single party should be cut off, a
+garrison forced, an expedition rendered fruitless, or the war protracted
+but a few months, where will be the advantage of this admired frugality?
+What would be the consequence, but the same or a greater expense, not to
+gain advantages, but to repair losses, and obviate the effects of our
+former parsimony?
+
+In private life, sir, it is common for men to involve themselves in
+expense, only by avoiding it; to repair houses at greater charges than
+new ones might be built, and to pay interest, rather than the debt. Weak
+minds are frighted at the mention of extraordinary efforts, and decline
+large expenses, though security and future affluence may be purchased by
+them; as tender bodies shrink from severe operations, though they are
+the certain methods of restoring health and vigour. The effects of this
+timidity are the same in both cases, the estate is impaired insensibly,
+and the body languishes by degrees, till no remedy can be applied.
+
+Such examples, sir, are frequent, and the folly of imitating them is
+therefore greater, for who would pursue that track by which he has seen
+others led to destruction? Nor need we search for remote illustrations
+to discover the destructive tendency of unseasonable tenderness for the
+publick, for I believe the whole history of the wars of king William
+will prove, that too close an attention to parsimony is inconsistent
+with great achievements.
+
+It may be expected that I, who cannot claim any regard in this
+disquisition, from my own experience, should produce some decisive
+evidence in favour of the method which I have taken upon me to defend;
+this expectation I shall endeavour to satisfy, by alleging the authority
+of the greatest commander of later ages, whom neither his friends nor
+his enemies will deny to have been well versed in these subjects, and
+whose success is a sufficient proof of the soundness of his principles.
+
+The illustrious duke of MARLBOROUGH was of opinion, that the whole force
+of the French armies consisted in the number of the officers, and that
+to be always equal to them in the field, it was necessary to form our
+troops nearly upon the same plan; to this scheme he conformed in his
+practice of war, and how much his practice confirmed his opinion, let
+Blenheim and Ramillies attest.
+
+As I pretend not to have determined myself on this question, otherwise
+than by authority, and, as I know not any authority equal to that of the
+duke of MARLBOROUGH, I cannot discharge the trust reposed in me by my
+country, any otherwise, than by proposing, that, on this occasion, we
+agree to grant his majesty the sum calculated for raising the new
+regiments, as I believe that method of augmentation most likely to
+produce success in our undertakings, and consequently to procure a
+speedy conclusion of the war.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have been so
+long accustomed to the debates of this house, and have so often attended
+to the eloquence of the right honourable gentleman, that I am never
+startled at paradoxes, nor shocked at absurdities; I can now hear with
+great tranquillity an harangue upon the necessity of placemen in this
+house, upon the usefulness of standing armies, and the happiness of a
+general excise.
+
+I am no longer offended with facts quoted in opposition to history, nor
+with calculations drawn up without regard to the rules of arithmetick; I
+know that there are persons in this house, who think themselves obliged
+to speak, even when in their own opinion nothing can be said with weight
+or with propriety; who come hither prepared against the shame of
+confutation, and determined not to be convinced.
+
+To reason with such men, sir, is, indeed, no pleasing task; it is to
+fight with enchanted heroes, upon whom the common weapons of argument
+have no effect, and who must be softened by a countercharm, before they
+can be attacked with any prospect of success.
+
+There are some, however, of whom I am willing to believe that they
+dispute only for truth, and inquire with the view of attaining a
+solution of their doubts. For the sake of these, sir, I think it
+necessary to declare my sentiments, as I shall be desirous, in my turn,
+to hear their sentiments; but with regard to those whose opinion I know
+already by their posts, I should think it of great advantage to the
+despatch of publick affairs, if they would content themselves with
+voting for their pay, without any ambition of other service, or adding
+the praise of volubility to that of steadiness.
+
+Having this opportunity, sir, of declaring my opinion of the measures
+pursued in regulating our military preparations, I shall not confine
+myself entirely to the present question, but lay before the house my
+thoughts upon some parts of the establishment, which may, perhaps,
+require a reform, and which are at least proper objects of
+consideration, though not absolutely necessary to the determination of
+our opinion upon the present motion.
+
+I have long ago, sir, declared, what, therefore, it is scarcely of any
+use to repeat, that I know not any advantage to be hoped from a standing
+army, nor can discover why the ablest and most vigorous of the
+inhabitants of this kingdom should be seduced from the loom, the anvil
+and the plough, only to live at ease upon the labour of industry, only
+to insult their landlords, and rob the farmers. I never could find why
+any body of men should be exempt from the common labour of social
+duties, or why they should be supported by a community, who contribute
+neither to its honour nor its defence.
+
+I doubt not, sir, but I shall hear, on this occasion, of the service of
+our troops in the suppression of riots; we shall be told, by the next
+pompous orator who shall rise up in defence of the army, that they have
+often dispersed the smugglers; that the colliers have been driven down
+by the terrour of their appearance to their subterraneous
+fortifications; that the weavers, in the midst of that rage which hunger
+and oppression excited, fled at their approach; that they have at our
+markets bravely regulated the price of butter, and, sometimes, in the
+utmost exertion of heroick fury, broken those eggs which they were not
+suffered to purchase on their own terms.
+
+Some one, perhaps, of more penetration, may inform us of the use which
+has been made of them at elections, where the surly burgesses have been
+sometimes blind to the merit of those worthy gentlemen, whom the
+soldiers have known how to esteem according to their desert; nor,
+indeed, do I see how those can refuse their votes in favour of our
+troops, who are indebted for the power of giving them, to their kind
+interposition.
+
+To these arguments, sir, I shall content myself with answering, that
+those who are versed in the history of Britain, know that we have had
+colliers and weavers for many years before a standing army was heard of
+among us, and that it is, nevertheless, nowhere recorded that any of our
+kings were deposed by those formidable bodies of men, or that any
+remarkable changes were made by them in the form of our government; and,
+therefore, till some reason shall be alleged, why such insurrections are
+now more dangerous, and our civil magistrates more impotent than in
+former ages, I humbly conceive, that even without the protection of a
+standing army, we might yet sleep in security, notwithstanding the plots
+of the colliers, and the combinations of the weavers.
+
+But I must own, sir, these are not our only enemies, for there is
+somewhere, yet in existence, a person that lays claim to the dominion of
+these kingdoms, and pleads an hereditary title to dispose of our wealth,
+to subvert our liberties, and destroy our religion.
+
+If any foreigner, sir, unacquainted with our affairs, were to be present
+at our debates, and to hear with what ardour we animate each other to an
+obstinate resistance of this pretender to the throne, how often he is
+represented as hovering over us, and how often we have caught a general
+panick, and imagined ourselves upon the verge of destruction, how often
+our most zealous patriots take opportunities of declaring their
+resolution to die in defence of their liberties; and how pathetically
+our most elegant declaimers have expatiated on the misery of that
+unhappy race, whom they should leave behind to groan under the
+oppression of absolute power, what would be his opinion of this
+pretender, whom he saw so perpetually dreaded, against whom so many
+alliances were formed, so many armies were levied, and so many navies
+equipped?
+
+Would he not believe him to be some formidable tyrant in a neighbouring
+country, the lord of wide dominions, and the master of numerous armies
+and powerful fleets? Would he not imagine that he could assemble half
+the continent at his call, that he was supported by powerful alliances,
+and that nothing but a fair wind was required to land him on our coasts
+at the head of millions? And would he not, even on that supposition, be
+inclined to censure us as timorous, as somewhat regardless of the honour
+of our nation, and condemn us for giving way to such suspicions and
+exclamations, as have a natural tendency to heighten the apprehension of
+danger, and depress the spirits of the people?
+
+But what would be his conclusion, sir, when he should be told, what in
+reality is true, that this dreadful pretender is an unhappy fugitive,
+driven in his infancy from this country, and by consequence without any
+personal interest; that he is supported by the charity of a prince whose
+name is hated almost by every inhabitant of the kingdom; that he has
+neither sovereignty, nor money, nor alliances, nor reputation in war,
+nor skill in policy; that all his actions are watched by British spies;
+and that the few friends that remain to support the farce of a court,
+are such only as dare not return to their native country, and are,
+therefore, without fortune, and without dependants?
+
+What could a wise man conceive of a nation held in continual alarms by
+an enemy like this; of a nation always watchful against an invasion from
+a man who has neither dominions to supply, nor money to hire a single
+regiment; from a man whose title all the neighbouring princes disown,
+and who is at such a distance from them, that he cannot be assisted by
+them without open preparations, of which we cannot fail of having
+intelligence, and which may be defeated, without danger, by the vessels
+regularly stationed on our coasts?
+
+Would not any stranger imagine, sir, that we were a nation infected with
+a general phrensy, that cowardice had perverted our imaginations, filled
+us with apprehensions of impossible invasions, raised phantoms before
+our eyes, and distracted us with wild ideas of slavery and tyranny,
+oppression and persecution?
+
+I have dwelt thus long on this point, because I know the pretender is
+the last refuge of those who defend a standing army; not that I propose
+to convince any man of the folly of such apprehensions, or to fortify
+him against such terrours for the time to come; for if any man, in
+reality, now dreads the pretender, fear must be his distemper; he is
+doomed to live in terrours, and it is of no importance whether he dreads
+an invasion or a goblin, whether he is afraid to disband the army, or to
+put out his candle in the night; his imagination is tainted, and he must
+be cured, not by argument, but by physick.
+
+But the greatest part of those who disturb our consultations with the
+mention of the pretender, are men of a very different character, men
+equally unconcerned about his designs, or his motions, with those who
+are most desirous of setting the nation free from the burden of an army,
+and very often such as we may discover, from their conduct, to be
+determined to comply with every government; and such as have, therefore,
+nothing to fear from a change of masters.
+
+The men, for whose sake I am now speaking, sir, laugh equally with
+myself at the apprehensions of those whom they contribute to terrify;
+they know too well the impotence of the pretender to dread an invasion
+from him, and affect only to continue their outcries, that they may not
+be deprived of a topick, on which, by long practice, they have attained
+an uncommon facility of haranguing, which they know how to diversify
+with various combinations of circumstances, and how to accommodate to
+any emergent occasion, without the pain of torturing their inventions.
+
+It may be useful, sir, to inform these men, that their disguise ought at
+last to be thrown off, because it deceives no longer, and that the
+nation cannot be cheated but at the expense of more cunning than they
+are willing, or perhaps able, to display. A mask must necessarily be
+thrown aside, when, instead of concealing, it discovers him by whom it
+is used.
+
+Those who are attempting, sir, to deceive others, and whose character is
+exalted, in their own opinion, in proportion to the success of their
+endeavours, have surely a sense of shame, though they have none of
+virtue, and cannot, without pain, find their artifices detected, and
+themselves made the objects of ridicule, by those stratagems which they
+employ for the deception of others.
+
+I hope, therefore, sir, that, for their own sakes, these declaimers on
+the exploded story of the pretender, will change their bugbear, that if
+it be necessary to frighten those whom they want art or eloquence to
+persuade, they will find out some other object of terrour, which, after
+a little practice in private meetings, they may first produce in the
+court, and then turn loose in the senate.
+
+The world, methinks, allows them a sufficient choice of tyrants more
+formidable than the pretender. Suppose they should revive the history of
+the Mohocks. The Mohocks are a dreadful race, not to be mentioned
+without horrour, by a true lover of his country, and a steady adherent
+to the house of Hanover; they might then very easily increase our army,
+or enhance our taxes; for who would not be urged by his wife and
+daughter to agree to any measures that might secure them from the
+Mohocks?
+
+But as an army is, at present, likely to be kept up for our defence,
+against an enemy less formidable, it may be more seasonable to propose
+the regulation than the dismission of our troops, and to mention those
+evils which arise from the present establishment, rather than those
+which are inseparable from the expense of a standing force.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to support soldiers, I suppose that it will not
+be denied by the advocates for an army, that we ought to levy such
+troops as may be of use; yet in their practice they seem to have paid
+very little regard to this principle. Our troopers are mounted upon
+horses which can serve no purpose but that of show, which may, indeed,
+wheel about in the park with a formidable air, but can neither advance
+upon an enemy with impetuosity, nor retreat from him with expedition;
+and which, therefore, though purchased by the nation at a very high
+price, and supported at a large expense, can only grace a review, but
+are of very little use in an enemy's country, and must perish in the
+march, or stand unactive in the battle.
+
+Nor is much more service to be expected, sir, from their riders, than
+from the horses, for there are very few of them acquainted with the
+first elements of their profession, or who have ever learned more than a
+few postures of exercise, and the meaning of a few words of command, but
+have a number of officers with large appointments.
+
+The French troops, sir, if they are doubly officered, are officered and
+maintained at a less expense, and to greater effect; for the soldiers
+are better instructed, and the same number of men cost not, perhaps,
+much more than half the charge of a British regiment.
+
+The guards, sir, that are maintained about this metropolis, for no other
+purpose than to keep up the splendour of a modern court, cost the
+nation, yearly, such a sum as would be sufficient to support an army of
+Frenchmen, for the protection of their frontier towns, or the invasion
+of neighbouring countries.
+
+For my part, I cannot see what injury would be done to the nation by
+abolishing an establishment, at the same time useless and expensive, and
+employing that money which is at present squandered upon idlers without
+effect, upon levies of useful soldiers for marching regiments, who might
+be employed, when occasion should require them, in the service of their
+country.
+
+It will, doubtless, be objected, that the officers of this body of men,
+many of whom are persons of the highest merit, and who have, generally,
+purchased their commissions, might very justly complain of being
+deprived, without a crime, of that which they have bought at its full
+value, and to which, therefore, they imagine themselves entitled, till
+they shall forfeit their right by some offence against the laws, or some
+neglect of their duty.
+
+I shall not, sir, at present, inquire into the justness of this plea,
+nor examine, whether he who purchases an employment, which he knows to
+be useless, and therefore burdensome to the publick, deserves that the
+publick should be solicitous to support him in the enjoyment of it; but
+I shall declare, on this occasion, with confidence, that I know many of
+the officers of the guards to be men of honour, who would gladly
+exchange their posts, so chargeable to the nation, for an opportunity of
+serving it, and who are not very anxious for the increase of their pay,
+so they may not be degraded from their present rank.
+
+If these gentlemen, sir, might, in the regiments that should be raised
+by disbanding the guards, be advanced to higher commissions, though with
+some diminution of their pay, they would imagine themselves abundantly
+compensated by the happiness of becoming useful subjects, and serving
+that nation by which they have been, hitherto, supported only to fill up
+the pomp of levees, and add to the magnificence of drawing-rooms, to
+loiter in antechambers, and to quarrel at gaming tables.
+
+If this scheme should not be approved, the method eligible, in the next
+degree, seems to be that of incorporating our new levies into the
+regiments already raised, that being associated with men already
+acquainted with discipline, they may learn their duty much more
+expeditiously than in separate bodies, where one officer will be obliged
+to attend to the instruction of great numbers, and where no man will be
+excited to application, because no man will see any degree of excellence
+which he may be ambitious of attaining.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no reason alleged for the necessity of new levies,
+which appeared likely to convince even those by whom it was produced. It
+appears to me that our present army is more than sufficient for the
+publick service, without an augmentation, and that some of our regiments
+might immediately embark, not only without danger to the nation, but
+with far greater hopes of success, as our enemies would have less time
+to strengthen their fortifications, and collect their troops, and as
+disciplined forces are more formidable than troops newly levied; for
+discipline must be of great efficacy to the success of military
+undertakings, or all arguments which have been used in the defence of a
+standing army fall to the ground.
+
+In answer to this proposal, we shall probably be once again intimidated
+with an invasion, whether from the pretender, the Spaniards, the French,
+or any other power, it is of no great importance. An invasion is a
+formidable sound; the sack of towns, the destruction of villages, the
+captivity of our children, the ruin of our fortunes, and the desolation
+of our country, are frightful images, and may, therefore, be
+successfully produced, on this occasion, to perplex our thoughts, and
+embarrass our inquiries.
+
+To remove, therefore, this panick, and to dissipate, for ever, the
+phantoms of invasion, I will lay before the house the opinion of the
+great commander whose name has already been introduced in this debate.
+In the late reign, on a day when the great officers of the crown, and
+many of the council, were at a publick feast in the city, a report was
+suddenly spread that the duke of Ormond had landed in the west, with two
+thousand men. This account was, in appearance, well attested, and
+universally believed; all jollity was, therefore, at an end, the company
+departed, the council was summoned, and every man offered such
+expedients as his present thoughts, confused and oppressed with the
+proximity of the danger, suggested to him. One proposed, that a body of
+troops should be sent to a distant part of the kingdom, to restrain the
+seditions of the populace; another apprehended more danger from a
+different quarter, and advised that the inhabitants should be awed by
+another detachment sent thither; the most experienced easily saw the
+unprofitableness of the measures proposed, but could not so easily
+strike out more efficacious expedients, and therefore sat in great
+perplexity. Lord Somers, particularly, shook his head, and seemed to
+consider the kingdom as in the hands of the invaders, and the dreadful
+pretender as seated on the throne.
+
+At last, the duke of MARLBOROUGH, who had hitherto sat silent, asked
+calmly, whether they were certain that any forces were really landed,
+and was answered, that though it might not be absolutely certain, yet
+they were to consult and send orders upon that supposition. Then, says
+he, I will lay down this great rule to be observed invariably, whenever
+you are invaded. Attend only to one point, nor have any other purpose in
+view than that of destroying the regular forces that shall be landed in
+the kingdom, without any regard to petty insurrections, which may be
+always easily quelled, and which will probably cease of themselves, when
+the army by which they were excited is cut off. For this end, let it be
+your rule, to keep your army undivided, and to make no motion but
+towards the enemies; fight them with the utmost expedition before they
+can fortify themselves, or receive reinforcements from the continent. By
+the observation of this plain method of operation, continued he, I will
+engage, without any other force than the regiments generally stationed
+about the capital, to put a stop to any troops that shall be landed on
+the coast of Britain.
+
+So far was this great officer, who was acquainted with the whole art of
+war, from sinking into astonishment at the sound of an invasion, and so
+far from thinking it necessary that the nation should be harassed by
+standing troops, to preserve it from being plundered by a foreign army.
+
+But though our troops, sir, should not be necessary to prevent an
+invasion, they may be useful in services of equal importance; the
+ministry may think the suffrages of the officers more serviceable than
+their swords, and may be more afraid of exposing themselves than the
+nation by any detachment of their forces.
+
+Such is, at present, sir, the state of this unhappy country, that
+neither in peace nor war are any measures taken, but with a view of
+increasing or confirming the power of the ministry; for this purpose
+those troops whose officers have seats here, are to be retained at home,
+and the fate of our American settlements to be committed to new-levied
+forces, without military skill.
+
+For this reason is an army to be raised without necessity, and raised in
+a manner that may furnish the court with an opportunity of extending its
+influence, by the disposal of great numbers of new commissions. By this
+plan every family that is burdened with a relation whose vices have
+ruined his fortune, or whose stupidity disqualifies him for employment,
+will have an opportunity of selling, for a commission, its interest at
+the approaching election; dependence will be propagated, and the
+troublesome spirit of liberty be depressed.
+
+To little purpose will it be objected, that soldiers and officers will
+be equally ignorant, that discipline is not infused instantaneously,
+that a military dress will not make a soldier, that men can only know
+their duty by instruction, and that nothing is to be hoped from
+ploughmen and manufacturers, commanded by schoolboys. The success of the
+expedition is not so much considered by those who have the direction of
+the levies, as that of the election, and while they keep their posts,
+they are very little concerned about the affairs of America.
+
+In defence of this method, it has, indeed, been affirmed, that it was
+preferred by the duke of MARLBOROUGH; but we are not informed to whom,
+or upon what occasion he declared his opinion, and, therefore, are left
+at liberty to doubt, whether his authority is not produced for a method
+which he did not approve, or approved only at some particular time for
+some extraordinary service.
+
+It is urged, that he recommended it by his practice, and that his
+success is a sufficient proof that his practice was founded upon right
+maxims. But if it be remembered what was, in that time, the method of
+obtaining commissions, and who it was that had the disposal of them, it
+will appear not absolutely certain, that his practice ought to be
+produced as a decisive proof of his opinion.
+
+If the success of troops be properly urged as an argument for the form
+of their establishment, may not the victories of prince Eugene afford a
+proof, equally convincing, that a few officers are sufficient? And if
+the arguments which arise from success are equal on both sides, ought
+not the necessity of saving the publick money to turn the balance?
+
+War, sir, is in its own nature a calamity very grievous to the most
+powerful and flourishing people, and to a trading nation is particularly
+destructive, as it at once exhausts our wealth, and interrupts our
+commerce, at once drinks up the stream and chokes up the fountain. In
+those countries whose affairs are wholly transacted within their own
+frontiers, where there is either very little money, or where their
+wealth is dug out of their own mines, they are only weakened by the loss
+of men, or by the diminution of their dominions, and, in general, can
+only suffer by being overcome.
+
+But the state of Britain is far different; it is not necessary to our
+ruin that an enemy should be stronger than ourselves, that he should be
+able to pour armies into our country, to cover the sea with fleets, to
+burn our villages by incursions, or destroy our fortresses with bombs;
+for he that can secure his own dominions from our attacks, to which
+nothing but distance and some advantages of situation are necessary, may
+support a war against us, and he that can fit out privateers to
+interrupt our trade, may, without obtaining a victory, reduce us to
+distress.
+
+Our situation, sir, as it preserves us from the danger of an invasion,
+except from that powerful monarch, the pretender, who is, indeed, always
+to be dreaded, has, likewise, the effect of securing other nations from
+being invaded by us; for it is very difficult to transport in one fleet,
+and to land at one time, a number sufficient to force their way into a
+country where the ports are fortified, and the inhabitants in arms.
+
+Our wars, sir, are, therefore, to be determined by naval battles, and
+those nations have very little to fear from us who have no trade to be
+disturbed, and no navies to be destroyed; if they can only fit out
+cruisers, which may always be done by granting commissions to foreign
+adventurers, they may ruin our merchants by captures, exhaust the nation
+by the necessity of convoys, and give neutral traders an opportunity of
+establishing their credit at those markets which have been, hitherto,
+supplied by our manufactures.
+
+This is, indeed, far from being at present an exact account of the state
+of Spain, whose wide-extended dominions are liable to insults, and from
+whom many of her most wealthy provinces may be torn without great hazard
+or difficulty. The particular state of her commerce, which, being only
+carried on from one part of her dominions to another, can only be for a
+time interrupted, but is in no danger of being invaded by any rival, or
+lost by disuse, at least requires our consideration, and we ought to
+make war with the utmost frugality, against a people whom no hostilities
+can really impoverish, whose commerce may be said to lie at rest rather
+than to be shackled, as it will rise into greater vigour at the end of
+the war, and whose treasures, though the want of them is a present
+inconvenience, are only piled up for a time of security.
+
+As the only method, sir, of reducing this nation, must be that of
+invading its colonies, and dismembering its provinces, by which the
+chief persons will be deprived of their revenues, and a general
+discontent be spread over the people, the forces which are levied for
+this expedition, an expedition on which so much of the honour of our
+arms and the prosperity of our trade must necessarily depend, ought to
+be selected with the greatest care, and disciplined with the exactest
+regularity.
+
+On this occasion, therefore, it is surely improper to employ troops
+newly collected from shops and villages, and yet more irrational to
+trust them to the direction of boys called on this occasion from the
+frolicks of a school, or forced from the bosoms of their mothers, and
+the softness of the nursery. It is not without compassion, compassion
+very far extended, that I consider the unhappy striplings doomed to a
+camp, from whom the sun has hitherto been screened, and the wind
+excluded, who have been taught, by many tender lectures, the
+unwholesomeness of the evening mists and the morning dews, who have been
+wrapt in furs in winter, and cooled with fans in summer, who have lived
+without any fatigue but that of dress, or any care but that of their
+complexion.
+
+Who can forbear, sir, some degree of sympathy, when he sees animals like
+these taking their last farewell of the maid that has fed them with
+sweetmeats, and defended them from insects; when he sees them drest up
+in the habiliments of soldiers, loaded with a sword, and invested with a
+command, not to mount the guard at the palace, nor to display their lace
+at a review; not to protect ladies at the door of an assembly room, nor
+to show their intrepidity at a country fair, but to enter into a kind of
+fellowship with the rugged sailor, to hear the tumult of a storm, to
+sustain the change of climates, and to be set on shore in an enemy's
+dominions?
+
+Surely, he that can see such spectacles without sorrow, must have
+hardened his heart beyond the common degrees of cruelty, and it may
+reasonably be expected, that he who can propose any method by which such
+hardships may be escaped, will be thought entitled to gratitude and
+praise.
+
+For my part, I should imagine, sir, that an easy method might be
+discovered of obviating such misery, without lessening that number of
+officers, which, perhaps, in opposition to reason and experience, some
+gentlemen will continue to think necessary, and hope that this may be no
+improper time to declare my opinion.
+
+I have observed, that for some time no private centinel has ever risen
+to any rank above that of a serjeant, and that commissions have been
+reserved as rewards for other services than those of the camp. This
+procedure I cannot but think at once impolitick and unjust.
+
+It is impolitick, sir, as it has a natural tendency to extinguish in the
+soldiery all emulation and all industry. Soldiers have an equal genius
+with other men, and undoubtedly there might be found among them great
+numbers capable of learning and of improving the military sciences; but
+they have, likewise, the same love of ease, and the desire of honour and
+of profit, and will not condemn themselves to labour without the
+prospect of reward, nor sacrifice their time to the attainment of that
+knowledge, which can have no other effect than to make them discover the
+stupidity of their commanders, and render their obedience more
+difficult, as it will destroy that reverence which is necessary to
+subordination.
+
+It is unjust, sir, because it is not to be doubted, that some soldiers,
+by the natural force of their faculties, or by a laudable activity of
+mind, have extended their knowledge beyond the duties of a private
+station; and he that excels in his profession, has an equitable claim to
+distinction and preferment. To advance any man in the army, because his
+father is an orator in the senate, or the chief inhabitant of a borough,
+seems not more rational, than to make another man a judge, because some
+of his ancestors were skilled in gunnery; nor would the lawyers have
+juster reasons for complaint in one case, than the soldiers in the
+other.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in my opinion, necessary to the advancement of
+military knowledge, that, as a centinel is, for excelling in his
+profession, advanced to the degree of a serjeant, the serjeant, who
+continues his application, and performs his duty, should, in time, be
+honoured with a commission.
+
+It may be objected, indeed, that serjeants, though they are skilful
+commanders in war, can very seldom arrive at any remarkable skill in
+politicks, and though they should be so fortunate as to gain estates,
+could never be of any use as the representatives of a borough; and to
+what purpose should those men be advanced, who can only serve their
+country, but can contribute very little to the support of the court?
+
+This is, I own, sir, an objection, which I despair of answering to the
+satisfaction of those by whom it will be raised. The hardy serjeant
+would never cringe gracefully at a levee, would never attain to any
+successful degree of address in soliciting votes; and if he should by
+mere bribery be deputed hither, would be unable to defend the conduct of
+his directors.
+
+In vindication of the present scheme, I believe few of those rugged
+warriours would find many arguments; they would not recommend to the
+nation a troop of boys, under the command of boys, as the most proper
+forces to be sent to make conquests in distant countries, nor would
+imagine, that unskilful soldiers could, under the direction of officers
+equally ignorant with themselves, attain the knowledge of their duty in
+the same time as if they were incorporated with regular troops, in which
+every man might receive instructions, and learn his business from his
+comrade.
+
+I had lately, sir, the opportunity of hearing the opinion of one of the
+greatest generals in the world, on this subject, who declared, with the
+utmost confidence of certainty, that raw troops could be disciplined in
+a short time, only by being incorporated with those that had been
+already taught their duty, and asserted, that with an army so mixed, he
+should think himself sufficiently enabled to meet any forces of the same
+number, and should not fear to acquit himself successfully, either in
+attacking or defending.
+
+Such are the sentiments of this great man, to whom I know not whether
+any name can be opposed that deserves equally to be reverenced. He has
+had the honour of defending the rights of his country in the senate as
+well as in the field, has signalized himself equally in the debate and
+in the battle, and, perhaps, deserves less regard for having hazarded
+his life, than for having been divested of his employments.
+
+Since, therefore, it is apparent that great numbers of officers are by
+no means necessary to success in war, since they are dangerous to our
+liberty in time of peace, since they are certainly expensive, and at
+best not certainly useful; and since the greatest general of the present
+age has declared, that our new levies ought to be mingled with our
+standing forces, I shall think it my duty to vote against the present
+scheme of raising new regiments, and shall agree to no other supplies
+than such as may be sufficient for adding the same numbers to the
+present army.
+
+General WADE then spoke as follows:--Sir, though I cannot pretend to
+pursue the honourable gentleman through the whole compass of his
+argument, nor shall attempt to stand up as his rival, either in extent
+of knowledge, or elegance of language, yet as my course of life has
+necessarily furnished me with some observations relating to the question
+before us, and my present station in the army may, in some measure, be
+said to make it my duty to declare my opinion, I shall lay before the
+house a few considerations, with the artless simplicity of a plain
+soldier, without engaging in a formal debate, or attempting to overthrow
+the arguments of others.
+
+It is observed, sir, that for the greatest part, the farther any man has
+advanced in life, the less confidence he places in speculation, and the
+more he learns to rest upon experience, as the only sure guide in human
+affairs; and as the transactions in which he is engaged are more
+important, with the greater anxiety does he inquire after precedents,
+and the more timorously does he proceed, when he is obliged to regulate
+his conduct by conjecture or by deliberation.
+
+This remark, sir, though it may be just with regard to all states of
+life, is yet more constantly and certainly applicable to that of the
+soldier; because, as his profession is more hazardous than any other, he
+must with more caution guard against miscarriages and errours. The old
+soldier, therefore, very rarely ventures beyond the verge of experience,
+unless in compliance with particular accidents, which does not make any
+change in his general scheme, or in situations where nothing can
+preserve him but some new stratagem or unprecedented effort, which are
+not to be mentioned as part of his original plan of operation, because
+they are produced always by unforeseen emergencies, and are to be
+imputed, not to choice, but to necessity; for, in consequence of my
+first principle, an old soldier never willingly involves himself in
+difficulties, or proceeds in such a manner as that he may not expect
+success by the regular operations of war.
+
+It will not, therefore, be strange, if I, who, having served in the
+army, in the wars of king William, may justly claim the title of an old
+soldier, should not easily depart from the methods established in my
+youth; methods of which their effects have shown me, that they at least
+answer the intention for which they were contrived, and which,
+therefore, I shall be afraid of rejecting, lest those which it is
+proposed to substitute in their place, however probable in speculation,
+should be found defective in practice, and the reasonings, which,
+indeed, I cannot answer, should be confuted in the field, where
+eloquence has very little power.
+
+The troops of Britain, formed according to the present establishment,
+have been found successful; they have preserved the liberties of Europe,
+and driven the armies of France before them; they have appeared equally
+formidable in sieges and in battles, and with strength equally
+irresistible have pressed forward in the field, and mounted the breach.
+It may be urged, that this vigour, alacrity, and success, cannot be
+proved to have been produced by the number of officers by whom they were
+commanded; but since, on the contrary, it cannot be shown that the
+number of officers did not contribute to their victories, I think it not
+prudent to try the experiment, which, if it should succeed, as it
+possibly may, would produce no great advantage; and if it should fail,
+and that it may fail no man will deny, must bring upon us, not only the
+expense which we are so solicitous to avoid, but disgrace and losses, a
+long interruption of our trade, and the slaughter of great numbers of
+our fellow-subjects.
+
+Thus far, sir, I have proceeded upon a supposition that the balance of
+argument is equal on both sides, and that nothing could be alleged on
+one part but experience, or objected to the other but the want of it;
+but as I am now called to declare my opinion in a question relating to
+my profession, a question of great importance to the publick, I should
+think that I had not discharged my duty to my country with that fidelity
+which may justly be exacted from me, if I should omit any observation
+that my memory may suggest, by which the house may be better enabled to
+proceed in this inquiry.
+
+I think it, therefore, proper to declare, that we not only, in the last
+great war, experienced the usefulness of numerous officers, but that we
+have likewise felt the want of them on a signal occasion, and that the
+only great advantage which our enemies obtained, was gained over an army
+rendered weak by the want of the usual number of officers. Such were the
+forces that were defeated at the fatal battle of Almanza, by which
+almost all Spain was recovered from us. And it is, sir, the opinion of
+very skilful commanders, that the Germans, only by having fewer officers
+than the French, did not succeed in those long and obstinate battles of
+Parma and Guastalla.
+
+It is, indeed, natural to imagine, that a greater number of officers
+must promote success, because courage is kindled by example, and it is,
+therefore, of use to every man to have his leader in his view. Shame, at
+one time, and affection at another, may produce the effects of courage
+where it is wanted, and those may follow their commander, who are
+inclined to desert their duty; for it is seldom known that, while the
+officers appear confident, the soldiers despair, or that they think of
+retreating but after the example of their leaders.
+
+Where there are only few officers, it is apparent that more is left to
+chance, in which it becomes not a wise man to place any confidence; for
+if the officers are killed at the beginning of the action, the soldiers
+must become an useless, defenceless herd, without order, without
+unanimity, and without design; but by the present method, if an officer
+happens to fall, his place is immediately supplied by another, the
+action goes forward, and the enemy receives no advantage from confusion
+or delay.
+
+I am, therefore of opinion, that in raising troops for the expedition
+now intended, the established method ought to be followed, and that we
+ought not to hazard the success of our attempt by new regulations, of
+which no human sagacity can fortell the event.
+
+Though it cannot be denied, that some addition might be made to our
+companies without any visible or certain inconvenience, yet the
+augmentation now intended is too numerous to be so incorporated without
+some neglect of discipline, as the officers would be charged with more
+men than they could properly superintend.
+
+There is, indeed, sir, another method of incorporation, by adding new
+companies to each regiment; but of this method the advantage would be
+small, because the number of captains and inferiour officers must be the
+same, and the pay of only the field officers would be saved, and this
+trifling gain would be far over-balanced by the inconveniencies which
+experience has shown to arise from it. There have been regiments formed
+of thirteen companies, instead of ten; but it was found, that as the
+officers of a company may be over-charged with soldiers, a colonel may
+likewise have more companies than he can conveniently inspect, and the
+ancient regulation was restored, as the least liable to difficulties and
+objections.
+
+Having thus endeavoured to vindicate the manner in which our new troops
+are proposed to be levied, it may be expected that I should now make
+some observations on the service in which they are to be employed, which
+I cannot think liable to any unanswerable objection. It is now, sir, in
+our choice whether we will send the new regiments abroad or keep them at
+home; and our choice may easily be determined by comparing the value of
+our colonies with that of their mother country. If it be not necessary
+to have any army here to defend us against insults and invasions, the
+question about the manner of raising or employing new regiments is
+superfluous, because none ought to be raised, as our old troops are
+sufficiently numerous for foreign service. But if the security of the
+nation requires an army, would it not be madness to send those troops to
+a distant part of the world, in which we can confide most! Would not
+those, who speak with such contempt of an expedition undertaken by boys,
+have a better reason for their censure, if only boys were stationed on
+our coasts to repel the veterans of France? Would not such measures
+animate our enemies, and invite an invasion?
+
+It may, perhaps, be urged farther, that the troops which are sent into
+America, are more likely to succeed in their design, than any regiment
+of ancient establishment. The chief danger to be feared in that part of
+the world, is not from the enemy but the climate, with which young men
+are most able to contend, though they may not be equally qualified for
+attempts in which skill is equally necessary with vigour.
+
+I am convinced, sir, that this war has hitherto been prosecuted with
+ardour and fidelity, and that no measures have been taken but such as
+experience and reason have supported, and therefore affirm, without
+scruple, that if we are not successful, our miscarriages must be imputed
+to the chance of war, from which no prudence can exempt us.
+
+Lord QUARENDON spoke next, in the following manner, being his first
+speech:--Sir, having-but very lately had the honour of a seat in this
+assembly, I am conscious how little I am acquainted with either the
+subjects or forms of debate, and should, therefore, continue to listen
+to the sentiments of persons more experienced, with silent veneration,
+did I not observe with how much indulgence they are heard who mean well,
+however deficient in knowledge, or in eloquence.
+
+As the honourable gentleman who spoke last, sir, professes to have
+formed his opinion rather from facts than arguments, I hope I shall be
+indulged by the house, in an attempt to examine those facts which he has
+produced, because I think them not sufficient to support his positions,
+which must, therefore, be established by some other proofs, before a
+decision of this question can be fixed by them.
+
+With regard to his experience, to which undoubtedly no small degree of
+veneration is due, he confesses that we have tried only one of the two
+forms of establishment now in competition, and that, therefore, though
+he has had reason to approve that with which he is most acquainted, he
+has no certain proofs of the inefficacy or imperfection of the other.
+
+But experience, sir, may be extended much farther than our own personal
+transactions, and may very justly comprehend those observations which we
+have had opportunities of making upon the conduct and success of others.
+This gentleman, though he has only commanded in the armies of Britain,
+has seen the forces of other nations, has remarked their regulations,
+and heard of their actions with our confederates in the last war; he has
+probably acted in conjunction, and though it is known that they differ
+from us in the proportion of soldiers and officers, he has mentioned no
+disadvantage which might be supposed to arise from their establishment,
+and therefore, I suppose, he cannot deny that their behaviour and
+success was the same with that of our own troops.
+
+The battles of Almanza, Parma, and Guastalla, which he has particularly
+mentioned, were lost, as he informs us, by armies not officered
+according to the establishment which he recommends to us: but it is
+observable that his argument is defective in an essential part; for
+though he affirms that the armies which were defeated had fewer officers
+than the enemy, he has neither shown, nor attempted to show, that the
+want of officers occasioned the defeat, or that the loss would have been
+prevented by a greater number.
+
+These instances, therefore, can be of no effect on the determination of
+the present question; for though it is certain that at Germany, and at
+other places, armies with few officers have lost the battle, it is not
+less common for those troops that are more liberally supplied, to be
+overthrown by others which are differently modelled.
+
+With regard, sir, to the troops of Germany, I have heard them praised,
+in many parts of Europe, as not inferiour either to those of France, or
+of any other nation, and have been informed, that their ill success,
+both at Parma and Guastalla, may be justly imputed to other causes than
+the want of officers.
+
+There has, perhaps, sir, seldom been an example of firmness, discipline,
+and resolution, beyond that which was shown by the Germans at the action
+of Parma, where they attacked the trenches of the French, sustained the
+fire of the ramparts of the city, and though they lost their
+commander-in-chief and two others, towards the beginning of the action,
+they continued the fight for eleven hours, and at last retired only at
+the approach of night.
+
+At Guastalla, sir, they attacked the French in their trenches, even with
+forces inferiour in number, so far were they from any diffidence in the
+form of their establishment; and after a fight of seven hours, in which
+their loss was, under all their disadvantages, not greater than that of
+their enemies, they retreated to their former camp unmolested and
+unpursued. The French, sir, were preserved in both these battles, not by
+the number of their officers, but by their situation, by woods,
+cassines, ditches, and intrenchments.
+
+Nor do I discover, sir, what can be inferred from his observation of the
+influence of example in time of action, but that officers should be
+selected with great care, and not be promoted by favour, or interest, or
+caprice; for an example of cowardice in a leader must be pernicious, in
+proportion as that of bravery is beneficial; and as, where more officers
+are supposed necessary, there is less room for choice, it must be
+allowed that the troops, which have more officers than other forces, are
+in more danger of being infected with cowardice.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me that the expense of the present
+establishment is a certain evil, and that the advantages are very
+doubtful: it appears that the present state of the nation requires
+frugality, and, therefore, I shall vote for the incorporation of our new
+levies with the old regiments.
+
+By this incorporation, sir, our new-levied troops will be no longer
+distinguished from our veterans; they will be equally acquainted with
+discipline, and will learn, from the conversation of their associates, a
+spirit of enterprise, and a contempt of danger; we may then employ
+forces equally formidable in all parts of the publick service, and
+invade the dominions of our enemies, without leaving our own country
+desolate.
+
+The arguments which the honourable gentleman has offered in defence of
+sending our younger troops to America, which may likewise be used
+against an incorporation, is, in my opinion, sir, far from being
+conclusive; for it supposes, what will not be granted, that a cold
+climate may be changed for a hotter with more safety by a young than an
+old man. I have been told, on the contrary, that superabundant heat is
+the great disease of youth, and that the want of it produces most of the
+infirmities of age; and every one has known the lives of persons
+languishing with age, prolonged by a removal into warm countries. I am,
+therefore, of opinion, that the honourable gentleman's argument is
+defective in all its parts, and hope that I shall not be charged with
+obstinacy or perverseness for dissenting from him.
+
+Mr. HOWE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, before I engage in a
+discussion of the question, I cannot but think it necessary to observe,
+that the honourable gentleman who spoke the second in this debate, has
+been very far from consulting either policy or justice in his
+declamation, and that he deviated from the subject only to ridicule his
+country, to exalt our enemies, and depress our efforts.
+
+He has described, sir, the British youth, the sons of noble families,
+and the hopes of the nation, in terms too contemptuous to be heard
+without indignation; he has amused himself with displaying their
+ignorance and their effeminacy, and has indulged his imagination in a
+malignant kind of gaiety, which, however it may divert himself, is very
+far from contributing either to the reformation or prevention of those
+practices which he censures.
+
+I believe, sir, it will be granted, that nothing ought to please but in
+proportion to its propriety and truth; and, if we try the satire that we
+have lately heard, by this test, it will be found to have very little
+claim to applause; for our armies must be composed of the youth of the
+nation; and, for my part, I cannot discover what advantage we shall gain
+over the Spaniards, by informing them how little our troops are
+accustomed to danger, how short a time they have been acquainted with
+fatigue, how tenderly they have been nursed, how easily they may be
+frighted, and how certainly they will be conquered, if they but meet
+with opposition.
+
+Nor, sir, is such an account of the youth of Britain more true, in my
+opinion, than it is prudent. I am far from discovering any such
+remarkable degeneracy in the age, or any great prevalence of cowardice
+and unmanly delicacy; nor do I doubt of hearing that our youth, if they
+are sent upon any expedition, have shown that the British courage is not
+yet extinguished, and that, if they are ranged on the plains of America,
+they will discover themselves the sons of those that forced those
+passes, and those trenches, that other troops would have failed in
+attempting.
+
+That the degeneracy of the British youth, is, at least, not universal,
+we have just now sir, received an incontestable proof from the gentleman
+who spoke last, and spoke with so much elegance of language, and
+justness of reasoning, as shows, that there are to be found, among the
+youth of Britain, persons very well qualified for the senate; and I have
+never heard that a post in the army required greater abilities.
+
+The pleasure, however, with which I have attended to his remarks, has
+not so far prejudiced me in favour of his opinion, as that I shall
+easily consent to change that method of discipline, to which our troops
+have been accustomed, and of which we know by experience, that it is, at
+least, not less efficacious than that of any other nation. Customs, if
+they are not bad, are not to be changed, because it is an argument in
+favour of a practice that the people have experienced it, and approved
+it, and every change is disagreeable to those who judge only by
+prejudice, of whom I need not say how great is the number.
+
+Many arguments may, sir, in my opinion, be added to our experience in
+favour of the present establishment. The number of officers--but I find
+myself unable to pursue my design, because I can no longer read my
+notes, which, being written by another hand, somewhat embarrass me in
+this decline of the light. I shall, therefore, only make some
+observations upon the speech of the gentleman who spoke the second in
+this debate, and hope that I shall be allowed to deviate from the
+principal question, since I do it only in pursuit of another.
+
+He has observed, that our troopers are mounted upon horses that are of
+no use; a remark, sir, which I never heard from any other person, and
+for which, I believe, no authority can be produced: they are mounted,
+indeed, upon horses very different from those which are used by other
+nations, because scarcely any other country breeds horses of equal size
+and strength, and, therefore, I am informed that the French have
+purchased horses from this island, and believe that all the cavalry of
+Europe would be mounted upon our horses if they could procure them. I
+have been informed, that their pressure in the shock of battle is such,
+as no forces in the world are able to sustain; and that it was not less
+by the strength of our horses than the spirit of our soldiers, that the
+squadrons of France were, in the battle of Blenheim, pushed into the
+Danube.
+
+Nor do I less disapprove his censure of the choice which has been made
+of the troops intended for the American service, which, though I
+ardently desire its success, I cannot think of equal importance with the
+defence of our own country; for though we may be disgraced by a defeat,
+we can be endangered only by an invasion; and, therefore, I think it
+necessary to retain those troops on which we may best rely for the
+security of this island, lest our enemies should take the advantage of
+their absence, and set the pretender on the throne.
+
+Sir William YONGE next rose, and spoke to the effect following:--Sir, it
+is a standing maxim, both in private life and public transactions, that
+no man can obtain great advantages who is afraid of petty
+inconveniencies; and that he that will hope to obtain his end without
+expense, will languish for ever in fruitless wishes, and have the
+mortification of seeing the adventurous and the liberal enjoy that
+felicity, which, though it is within his reach, he is afraid of seizing.
+
+When the depredations of the Spaniards became first the subject of our
+debates, nothing was heard amongst us but threats of vengeance, demands
+of reparation, assertions of sovereignty, and resolutions to obtain
+security: the importance of our commerce, the necessity of rigorous
+measures, the danger of pusillanimity, the meanness of negotiation, and
+the disadvantages of delay, were thundered from every part of the house.
+Every man seemed to imagine that there was no mean between victory and
+ruin, and that not to humble Spain was to betray our country to insults,
+ignominy, and slavery.
+
+Far was I then, sir, from suspecting, that when the war, thus vehemently
+urged, should be declared, that the prosecution of it would produce any
+debates. I doubted not but that every man would be desirous of
+signalizing his zeal for the prosperity of commerce, by expediting the
+supplies, and forwarding the preparations; and that the only contention
+among us would be, who should appear the most ardent enemy of Spain.
+
+But no sooner are hostilities begun against this insolent and oppressive
+nation, than those who expressed most resentment at the prudence and
+moderation by which they were delayed, those that accused every attempt
+for an accommodation, of cowardice, and charged the ministry with
+conniving at the rapine of pirates, begin to inquire into the necessity
+of the expenses occasioned by the war, to harangue on the advantages of
+parsimony, and to think it of more importance to ease our taxes than to
+subdue our enemies.
+
+In pursuance of this new doctrine they are now endeavouring to embarrass
+the measures of his majesty, that they may save, according to their own
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, which, in reality, I can
+easily show to be no more than fifteen thousand.
+
+For the sake of this important sum, our army is to be modelled by a new
+regulation, and the success of the war is to be impeded, the security of
+our commerce to be hazarded, and our colonies are to be endangered.
+
+Frugality is, undoubtedly, a virtue, but is, like others, to be
+practised on proper occasions: to compute expenses with a scrupulous
+nicety, in time of war, is to prefer money to safety, and, by a very
+perverse kind of policy, to hazard the whole for the preservation of a
+part.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who have most endeavoured to distinguish themselves
+as the constant opponents of the administration, have charged it, on all
+occasions, with giving encouragement to the Spaniards, but can charge it
+with nothing so likely to raise the confidence and confirm the obstinacy
+of the enemy, as the objections which they themselves have made to the
+present scheme of levying forces; for to how great a degree of poverty
+must they believe that nation reduced, of which the warmest patriots
+struggle to save a sum so inconsiderable, by an experiment of so much
+uncertainty? And how easily will the Spaniards promise themselves, that
+they shall gain the victory only by obliging us to continue in a state
+of war, a state which, by our own confession, we are not able to
+support?
+
+Had any other argument, sir, been produced than the necessity of
+parsimony, it had been less dangerous to have agreed to this new scheme;
+but to adopt it only for the sake of sparing fifteen thousand pounds,
+would be to make ourselves contemptible, to intimidate our allies, and
+to unite all those against us, who are inclined to trample on misery,
+and to plunder weakness.
+
+I am inclined to judge so favourably, sir, of the intentions of those
+whom I am now opposing, that I believe they have only used this
+argument, because they were able to produce no other, and that if either
+reason or experience had been on their side, the poverty of the nation
+had not been mentioned.
+
+But the honourable gentleman, who has been so long engaged in military
+employments, has shown that all our success has been obtained by the
+present establishment, and that the battle in which we suffered most,
+was lost by our unfortunate deficiency of officers.
+
+Nor do his reasons, sir, however modestly offered, deserve less regard
+than his experience, for he has shown that a greater number of officers
+naturally contribute to preserve discipline, and excite courage; and it
+is not necessary that a man should be much a soldier to discover, that
+discipline and courage united, must generally prevail. To the examples
+which he has produced in favour of his opinion, it has been objected,
+that victories equally wonderful have been gained with fewer officers,
+and, by the honourable gentleman that spoke the second on this occasion,
+the actions of Eugene were opposed to those of the duke of MARLBOROUGH.
+
+That victories have been gained by troops differently regulated, I
+cannot deny; victories have likewise been gained, sir, under every
+circumstance of disadvantage; victories have been gained by inferiour
+numbers, and by raw troops, over veteran armies, yet no prudent general
+ever produced these instances as arguments against the usefulness of
+discipline, or as proofs that superiority of numbers was no advantage.
+
+The success of prince Eugene, in the late war, was far from convincing
+the British general, that the German establishment was preferable to our
+own; for he required that the Hessian troops, which were paid by
+Britain, should be officered like our national troops. In this he could
+be influenced only by his own opinion; for he neither nominated their
+officers, nor could advance his interest at home by creating new posts
+to which he did not recommend; he could, therefore, only regard the
+success of the war, and changed their model only because he thought it
+defective.
+
+The Germans themselves, sir, are far from imagining that their armies
+might not be made more formidable by approaching nearer to the British
+methods; for one of their officers, a man of great reputation and
+experience, has informed me, that they were convinced of their defect,
+and that nothing hindered them from adding more officers, but the fear
+of expenses; that they imputed all their defeats to the necessity of
+parsimony, that their men wanted not courage but leaders, and that their
+enemies gained advantages merely by the superiority of their opulence.
+
+In the late war, it was common for the auxiliary troops, when they were
+sent upon any expedition of importance, to be supplied with officers
+either from their other regiments, or by the British forces; so
+necessary did the duke of MARLBOROUGH think a larger number of officers
+in time of action, that where he could not alter the establishment, he
+deviated from the common methods of war, and transferred his officers
+occasionally into troops over which they had no settled authority.
+
+It is, therefore, most evident, sir, that the model on which our troops
+are formed, was, by this great commander, preferred to that which is now
+so warmly recommended, and I know not why we should recede from his
+practice, if we are desirous of his success.
+
+Nor can I discover, sir, any better method of selecting officers than
+that which has of late been followed, however some may censure or
+ridicule it. To advance gentlemen to command, seems to be the most
+likely way to unite authority with rank, for no man willingly obeys
+those to whom he has lately seen himself equal, or whose conduct in
+lower stations he has, perhaps, had opportunities of examining too
+nearly.
+
+The distinction of birth, however chimerical in itself, has been so long
+admitted, and so universally received, that it is generally imagined to
+confer on one man an indelible and evident superiority over another, a
+superiority, which those who would easily imagine themselves equal in
+merit cannot deny, and which they allow more willingly, because, though
+it be an advantage to possess it, to want it cannot be justly considered
+as a reproach.
+
+For this reason, sir, men cheerfully obey those to whom their birth
+seems to have subjected them, without any scrupulous inquiries into
+their virtue or abilities; they have been taught from their childhood to
+consider them as placed in a higher rank than themselves, and are,
+therefore, not disgusted at any transient bursts of impatience, or
+sudden starts of caprice, which would produce, at least, resentment,
+and, perhaps, mutiny, in men newly exalted from a low station. The more
+attentively, sir, we look upon the world, the more strongly shall we be
+convinced of the truth of these assertions, and the more evidently shall
+we discover the influence which operates, in a degree scarcely credible,
+even to those who have experienced its power, and which is, indeed, one
+of the chief means of subordination, by which society is held together.
+
+Nor are officers of birth, sir, to be preferred to men who are
+recommended by nothing but military service, only because they are more
+cheerfully obeyed, but for another reason of equal importance. It has
+been observed, that, in reality, they discharge the duty of commanders
+in a manner more likely to preserve dignity and increase reverence; that
+they discover, on all occasions, a sense of honour, and dread of
+disgrace, which are not easily to be found in a mind contracted by a
+mean education, and depressed by long habits of subjection.
+
+It is not, indeed, sir, universally and unvariably certain, that a man,
+raised from meanness and poverty, will be insolent and oppressive; nor
+do I doubt but there are many now languishing in obscurity, whose
+abilities might add new lustre to the highest honours, and whose
+integrity would very faithfully discharge the most important trust, and
+in their favour, wherever they can be discovered, some exceptions ought
+to be made; but as general rules are generally to be followed, as well
+in military regulations as other transactions, it will be found, upon
+the exactest inquiry, by no means improper to advance gentlemen to posts
+of command rather than private sentinels, however skilful or courageous.
+
+It is to be considered, sir, that the present state of the continent,
+has for many years made it necessary to support an army, even when we
+are not engaged in an actual war; that this army, though of late it has,
+for the ease of the people, been sometimes encamped during the summer,
+is, for the greatest part, quartered in towns, and mingled with the rest
+of the community, but governed, at the same time, by the officers, and
+subject to the martial law. It has often been observed by those who have
+argued against standing forces, that this difference of government makes
+different societies, which do not combine in the same interest, nor much
+favour one another; and it is, indeed, certain, that feuds are sometimes
+produced, that when any private quarrel happens, either by drunkenness
+or accident, or claims really disputable, between a soldier and any
+other, person, each applies for support and assistance to those in the
+same condition with himself, the cause becomes general, and the soldiers
+and townsmen are not easily restrained from blows and bloodshed.
+
+It is true, likewise, that the rhetorick of the patriots has been so
+efficacious, that their arguments have been so clamorously echoed, and
+their weekly productions so diligently dispersed, that a great part of
+the nation, as men always willingly admit what will produce immediate
+ease or advantage, believes the army to be an useless burden imposed
+upon the people for the support of the ministry; that the landlord,
+therefore, looks upon the soldier as an intruder forced into his house,
+and rioting in sloth at his expense; and the farmer and manufacturer
+have learned to call the army the vermin of the land, the caterpillars
+of the nation, the devourers of other men's industry, the enemies of
+liberty, and the slaves of the court.
+
+It is not to be supposed, sir, that the soldiers entertain the same
+ideas of their profession, or that they do not conceive themselves
+injured by such representations: they undoubtedly consider themselves as
+the bulwark of their country, as men selected for the defence of the
+rest of the community, as those who have engaged, at the hazard of their
+lives, to repel invasion, and repress rebellion, and who contribute more
+than their part to the general felicity, by securing property, and
+preventing danger.
+
+It is not to be doubted, sir, but sentiments so widely different, must
+produce an equal contrariety of claims, and diversity of conduct: the
+trader imagines, that the man who subsists upon the taxes which are
+raised only from his labour, ought to consider himself as his inferiour,
+at least, if not as his hireling and his servant; the soldier wonders
+how he can ever conceive himself sufficiently grateful to him that has
+devoted his life to his defence, and to whom he must fly for protection
+whenever danger shall approach him, and concludes, that he has an
+incontestable right to the better part of that, of which the
+preservation of the whole depends upon him.
+
+Thus does self-love magnify every man in his own eyes, and so
+differently will men determine when each is to judge in his own cause.
+Which of these competitors thinks most justly of his own station and
+character, or whether both are not mistaken in their opinion, I think it
+by no means necessary to decide. This, at least, is evident, that to
+preserve peace and harmony between two bodies of men obliged to live
+together with sentiments so opposite, there is required an uncommon
+degree of prudence, moderation, and knowledge of mankind, which is
+chiefly to be exerted on the part of the soldiers, because they are
+subject to more rigorous command, and are more easily governed by the
+authority of their superiours.
+
+Let us suppose any dispute of this kind, sir, to happen where the
+soldiers were commanded only by private sentinels, disguised in the
+dress of officers, but retaining, what it cannot be expected that they
+should suddenly be able to lay aside, the prejudices which they had
+imbibed in the ranks, and all the ardour of trifling competition in
+which their station had once engaged them. What could be expected from
+their councils and direction? Can it be imagined that they would inquire
+impartially into the original cause of the dispute, that they would
+attend equally to the parties, endeavour, by mildness and candour, to
+soften the malevolence of each, and terminate the dispute by some
+addressful expedient, or decent accommodation? He, surely, must be very
+little acquainted with the vulgar notions of bravery and honour, that
+could form any hopes of such conduct.
+
+The plain soldier, sir, has not accustomed himself to regulate his
+motions by reason, nor has learned any more of honour, than that it
+consists in adhering invariably to his pretensions, even though he
+should discover that they are false; and in resenting affronts with the
+utmost rigour, even when they were provoked by himself, he is taught,
+that it is his business to conquer in whatever cause, and that to desist
+from any of his attempts, or retract any of his assertions, is unworthy
+of a man of honour.
+
+Warm with such notions as these, sir, would such officers, as have been
+recommended by the honourable gentleman, apply themselves to the
+termination of differences? Without any knowledge of the laws of
+society, without any settled ideas of the different rights of different
+persons, they would have nothing in view but the honour of their
+profession, nor endeavour to support it by any other method than that of
+violence. If a soldier was affronted by a farmer, they would probably
+lay his territories waste, and ravage his plantations like an enemy's
+country; if another disagreed with his landlord, they would advise him
+to _make good his quarters_, to invade the magazines of provision
+without restraint, to force the barricadoes of the cellar, and to forage
+in the stables without controul.
+
+But gentlemen, sir, are proper judges of debates between the army and
+the rest of the community, because they are equally related to both
+parties, as men who possess or expect estates, or who are allied to
+those whose influence arises from their property. As men bred in
+affluence and freedom, and acquainted with the blessings of our
+constitution, and the necessity of civil government, they cannot
+willingly contribute to the increase of the military power, and as
+members of the army they cannot but be desirous to support their own
+rank, and to hinder their profession from sinking into contempt; it is,
+therefore, their care to repress insolence on one part, and to prevent
+oppression on the other, to stop dissensions in their beginning, and
+reconcile all the different pretensions of Britons and soldiers.
+
+I am, indeed, surprised, sir, to hear the promotion of serjeants
+recommended by the honourable gentleman who has so often strained his
+lungs, and exhausted his invention, to explain how much our constitution
+is endangered by the army, how readily those men will concur in the
+abolition of property who have nothing to lose, and how easily they may
+be persuaded to destroy the liberties of their country, who are already
+cut off from the enjoyment of them, who, therefore, can only behold with
+envy and malevolence those advantages which they cannot hope to possess,
+and which produce in them no other effects than a quicker sense of their
+own misery.
+
+Upon what principles, sir, any gentleman can form those notions, or with
+what view he can so long and so studiously disperse them, it is his
+province to explain; for the only reason that can be offered by any
+other person for his incessant declamations, the desire of securing his
+country from the oppression of a standing army, is now for ever
+overthrown by this new proposal; which, if it were to be received, would
+in a very few years produce an army proper to be employed in the
+execution of the most detestable designs, an army that could be of no
+other use than to gratify an ambitious prince, or a wicked ministry, as
+it would be commanded, not by men who had lost their liberty, but by men
+who never enjoyed it, by men who would abolish our constitution without
+knowing that they were engaged in any criminal undertaking, who have no
+other sense of the enjoyment of authority than that it is the power of
+acting without controul, who have no knowledge of any other laws than
+the commands of their superiours.
+
+To men like these, sir, to men raised up from poverty and servility to
+rank and power, to ignorance invested with command, and to meanness
+elated with preferment, would any real patriot, any zealous assertor of
+liberty, any inflexible enemy to the corruptions of the ministry,
+consign the protection of his country, and intrust to these our
+happiness, properties, and our lives?
+
+Whether the honourable gentleman has changed any of the sentiments which
+he has hitherto appeared to admit with regard to the army, whether this
+new determination is only an instance of that inconsistency which is
+scarcely to be avoided in the vindication of a bad cause, or whether he
+was betrayed to it only by his hatred of the administration, which would
+prompt him to recant his own advice, if it should happen to be approved,
+I will not pretend to determine, but I must lament, on this occasion,
+the entertainment which the house will lose, by the eternal cessation of
+any harangues on the army, since he cannot now declaim on either part
+without contradicting his former declarations.
+
+Nor will the honourable gentleman find less difficulty in proving, that
+justice, rather than policy, requires the promotion of Serjeants to
+commissions. Military preferments are always at the disposal of the
+crown, nor can any right be pretended to them, but such as arises from
+the custom which has been generally followed in conferring them, which
+is not only variable at pleasure, but has never been, at any time,
+regularly observed. The order of rotation has been suffered sometimes to
+proceed, because of two persons, otherwise equal, he that has served
+longest may plead the most merit; but the plea of service has been
+always overruled by birth or powerful recommendation. And though, sir,
+it is natural for men disappointed to complain, yet as those officers,
+whose preferment has been delayed, were not thought, in reality, to have
+received any injury, their murmurs have been the less regarded.
+
+It might be expected, sir, from a patriot, a lamenter of the degeneracy
+of mankind, and an inflexible opponent of corruption, that he should
+consider rather facts than persons, that he should regulate his decision
+by the unvariable principles of reason and justice, and that, therefore,
+he should not applaud at one time what he condemns at another.
+
+But this gentleman seems to have established some new maxims of conduct,
+and, perhaps, upon new notions of morality; for he seems to imagine,
+that his friends may seize, as their right, what his adversaries cannot
+touch without robbery, though the claim of both be the same.
+
+It is well known, sir, to the whole army, that a noble person, whose
+abilities are so loudly celebrated, whose virtues are so liberally
+praised, and whose removal from his military employments is so solemnly
+lamented as a publick calamity, obtained his first preferments by
+pretensions very different from military merit, and that at the age only
+of seventeen, a time of life in which, whatever might be his abilities,
+very little prudence or experience could be expected, he was advanced to
+the command of a regiment, and exalted above many officers whose known
+bravery and frequent hazards entitled them to favour.
+
+I do not assert that he was undeservedly promoted, or condemn those who
+either solicited or granted his commission; I maintain only, that what
+was then reasonable and just, is not now either iniquitous or
+ridiculous, and different persons in the same circumstances have a right
+to the same treatment.
+
+In the reign of queen Anne, a reign, sir, which every Briton recollects
+with so much satisfaction, and which will for ever afford examples of
+the wisest councils, and most successful wars, when new regiments were
+to be raised, it was far from being thought necessary to observe this
+gentleman's favourite method of rotation; posts were filled, not with
+the officers of other regiments, that room might be left for the
+promotion of serjeants, but with gentlemen who had never seen a battle,
+or learned any part of the military discipline.
+
+But though, sir, the regulation of our army be thus violently attacked,
+the greatest crime of the ministry is, in this gentleman's opinion, that
+of levying new troops, when we have no employment for our standing
+forces, of laying unnecessary impositions upon the nation, and alarming
+with the fears of an invasion, only that the army might be increased.
+
+On this head, sir, a declaration of the duke of MARLBOROUGH has been
+produced, with a great pomp of circumstances, and such a seeming
+accuracy of narration, that the attention of the house was engaged, and
+the account was received with all the solemnity of universal silence,
+and with the veneration due to so high an authority in a question of so
+much importance.
+
+The subject is, indeed, so worthy of regard, that I think, sir, every
+man ought to contribute to its elucidation, and, therefore, I take the
+liberty of adding to the honourable gentleman's relation, what I hope
+will be heard with equal curiosity, the method by which that great
+commander proposed to put a stop to an invasion with so small a number.
+
+He was very far, sir, from imagining that he should be able to repel
+them by open force, he was far from being so confident of his
+superiority in military skill, as to imagine that he should defeat them
+by stratagem, and, therefore, he designed, by burning the villages, and
+destroying the country, to deprive them of the means of subsistence, and
+harass them with famine; to hover at a distance, and cut off those
+parties which necessity should force out to forage, till a body of
+troops could be assembled sufficient to overthrow them in a battle, or
+to drive them back to their ships.
+
+Such was the scheme, sir, as I have been informed, of this great man,
+nor, perhaps, can any other be struck out by human abilities, where
+greater numbers are to be opposed by smaller. But this scheme, though
+preferable, in the last extremities, to slavery, is such as cannot be
+mentioned without horrour, and of which the execution ought to be
+avoided by every expedient that can be practised without the danger of
+our liberties. We ought, certainly, not to reject a nauseous medicine,
+by which that health is preserved, which, if lost, can only be restored
+by the amputation of a limb.
+
+As it was, therefore, necessary, sir, to secure our coasts from an
+invasion, it was necessary to raise new troops for the American
+expedition; nor did this method produce any delay, for the regiments
+were completed a long time before the ships of war and the transports
+were ready to convoy and receive them, nor could the utmost ardour and
+diligence despatch them sooner from our coasts.
+
+The ships, sir, were, by the violence of a frost, scarcely exampled,
+retained, for a long time, in the harbours, without a possibility of
+being put to sea; when they were all assembled at the place appointed
+for their conjunction, they waited for a wind; all the delay that can be
+objected, was produced by the seasons, of which the regulation was in no
+man's power.
+
+But the time, sir, which was unwillingly spent in the camp, was not,
+however, lost or misemployed, for the troops were, by the order of the
+general, every day exercised, and instructed in the art of war, so that
+what was lost in time, was more than recompensed by the advantage of
+better discipline.
+
+Nor did these troops appear an herd so ignorant and contemptible, as
+they have been represented by malicious invectives and ludicrous
+descriptions; there were not, indeed, among them many grey-headed
+warriours, nor were their former campaigns and past exploits the
+subjects of their conversation; but there was not one amongst them who
+did not appear ready to suffer, in the cause of his country, all that
+the most hardened veteran could undergo, or whose alacrity and eagerness
+did not promise perseverance in the march, and intrepidity in the
+battle.
+
+Their general, sir, who saw them pursue their exercises, declared how
+much he was satisfied with their proficiency, applauded their
+appearance, and expressed his confidence in their courage; nor do I
+doubt, but our enemies will find, that it is not necessary to send out
+our most formidable forces to humble them, and that the youth of Britain
+will compensate their want of experience by their courage.
+
+If I, sir, have been drawn aside from the present question, it is by
+following, perhaps, with an exactness too scrupulous, the honourable
+gentleman, whose propositions I have now shown to be erroneous, and
+whose reproaches will, I believe, now appear rather the effects of
+disappointment than of zeal, and, therefore, I think it now necessary to
+return to the business before us, the consideration of the present
+establishment, from which, as it was approved by the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and has been defended with very strong arguments, by one of
+the most experienced officers of this time, I cannot think it safe or
+prudent to depart.
+
+Mr. GRENVILLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, as a noble
+person has been frequently hinted at in this debate, to whom my relation
+is well known, and whom, as I know him well, I have the strongest
+motives to reverence and honour, I cannot forbear to give, on this
+occasion, an attestation which he will be allowed to deserve by all
+those whom interest has not blinded, and corruption depraved.
+
+It will be allowed, sir, that he is one of those who are indebted for
+their honours only to merit, one whom the malice of a court cannot
+debase, as its favour cannot exalt; he is one of those whose loss of
+employments can be a reproach only to those who take them from him, as
+he cannot forfeit them but by performing his duty, and can only give
+offence by steady integrity, and a resolution to speak as he thinks, and
+to act as his conscience dictates.
+
+There are, sir, men, I know, to whom this panegyrick will seem romantick
+and chimerical, men, to whom integrity and conscience are idle sounds,
+men, who are content to catch the word of their leader, who have no
+sense of the obligation of any law but the supreme will of him that pays
+them, and who know not any virtue but diligence in attendance, and
+readiness in obedience.
+
+It is surely, sir, no loss to the noble person to be debarred from any
+fellowship with men like these. Nothing can be more unpleasing to virtue
+than such a situation as lays it under a necessity of beholding
+wickedness that cannot be reformed; as the sight of a pesthouse must
+raise horrour, though we should suppose the spectator secure from the
+contagion.
+
+Mr. ORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as I cannot approve
+the scheme now proposed, for augmenting our forces, I shall endeavour to
+show why the arguments, by which it has hitherto been supported, have
+failed to convince me, and shall lay before the house some reasons
+against it, to which I shall expect an answer, before I shall think that
+I can agree to it, without squandering the money of which my
+constituents have intrusted me with the disposal.
+
+The argument, sir, with which this motion was introduced, which is,
+indeed, the strongest that has yet been offered, was, that this estimate
+is less expensive than one that was laid before the house in a late
+reign, and that, therefore, it could not reasonably be charged with
+extravagance.
+
+Let us now consider this argument with that care which is required by
+the importance of the question, let us inquire what consequences will
+follow from it, and to what previous suppositions it must owe its force.
+
+The argument, sir, evidently supposes that the estimate in king
+William's reign was drawn up without any intention to deceive the house,
+or to raise money for purposes different from those for which it was
+really expended. But if we suppose that estimate to be fraudulently
+calculated, this may contain the same fallacies in a lower degree, and
+the only merit that can be claimed by the authors of it, will be, that
+they are not the most rapacious plunderers of their country, that,
+however they may be charged with profusion of publick money, they are
+yet more modest than some of their predecessors.
+
+But it is known, sir, that in king William's reign, very few estimates
+were honestly computed; it is known that the rotation of parties, and
+fluctuation of measures, reduced the ministry to subsist upon artifices,
+to amuse the senate with exorbitant demands, only that they might obtain
+the necessary grants, and to pretend expenses which never were incurred,
+that the supplies which the publick affairs really required, might not
+be withheld; as fraudulent tradesmen fix immoderate prices, that the
+buyer may make offers proportionate to their demands.
+
+The estimates, therefore, of that reign are of very little authority,
+though they might sometimes pass the house without censure; for it is to
+be considered, that by the frequency of new elections, the greatest part
+of the members were often unacquainted with the state of publick
+accounts, and that an army was so little known to this kingdom, that the
+true expense of it might easily be concealed.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only fallacy of this argument; for it supposes,
+likewise, that the nation is no less wealthy than in the time when that
+computation was offered, with which this is so triumphantly compared.
+For every man knows that publick as well as private expenses are to be
+proportioned to the revenue by which they are supplied, and that the
+charges which are easily supported at one time, may threaten ruin at
+another.
+
+But unhappily, sir, it is evident, that, since the days of that
+sovereign, the nation has been exhausted by a long and wasteful war, and
+since, by a peace equally destructive, it is embarrassed with an
+enormous debt, and entangled in treaties, of which the support may call
+every day for new expenses; it has suffered since that time a thousand
+losses, but gained no advantage, and yet the expenses of that time are
+mentioned as an example to be compared with those which are proposed in
+this.
+
+The difference of the condition of the British nation at those two
+periods of time, sir, is not less than that of the strength of the same
+man in the vigour of youth and the frigidity of old age, in the flush of
+health and the languor of disease, of the same man newly risen from rest
+and plenty, and debilitated with hunger and fatigue.
+
+To make such a comparison, sir, betrays, at least, a very criminal
+insensibility, of the publick misery, if it may not be charged with
+greater malignity. I know not whether those who shall hear of this
+debate, may not impute such reflections rather to cruelty than
+negligence, and imagine that those who squander the treasure of the
+nation take pleasure in reproaching that poverty which their counsels
+produce, and indulge their own vanity by contemplating the calamities
+from which they are themselves secure, and to which they are indebted
+for opportunities of increasing their own fortunes, and gratifying their
+ambition. It is evident, that an estimate which requires less than that
+which has been mentioned, may yet exact more than the nation can now
+raise, without feeling too great inconveniencies to be compensated by
+the advantages which can be expected from our new forces. Nor is it
+sufficient that it is lower than those of former times; for, as it ought
+to be the care of the government to preserve the ease and happiness of
+the people, it should be reduced in proportion to the diminution of the
+national wealth.
+
+The right honourable gentleman confesses, sir, that frugality is a
+virtue, and his argument supposes that to contract expenses is an
+argument of prudent measures; why then is he afraid of carrying virtue
+to a greater height, of making the burden still more light, and
+preferring the cheapest estimate that can be proposed, when it is
+asserted by those whose authority is most worthy of regard, that it will
+produce no weakness in our troops, nor give our enemies any superiority?
+
+I do not pretend any other skill in military affairs, than may be gained
+by casual conversation with soldiers, and by a cursory observation of
+daily occurrences; but I speak with greater confidence on this occasion,
+because I do not think any other qualifications necessary for the
+determination of this question, than a habit of just reasoning, and
+freedom from the prejudices of interest.
+
+Every man knows, sir, without a military education, that it is imprudent
+to purchase any thing at a greater price which may be procured at a
+less, and that when the same sum will buy two things, of which one is
+evidently preferable to the other, the best ought to be chosen.
+
+If the application of either of these two positions will decide this
+controversy, there will be no need of recurring to experience, of citing
+the authority of foreign commanders, of comparing the actions of the
+German and British generals, or of inquiring how battles have been lost,
+or to what victories are to be ascribed.
+
+It is evident, sir, that the scheme now proposed, is twice as costly as
+that which is recommended in opposition to it, and therefore, unless it
+will produce twice the advantage, it must be acknowledged to be
+imprudently chosen. The advantage in war, is to be rated by comparing
+the strength of different numbers in different circumstances, and
+inquiring what degree of superiority will be found.
+
+If we suppose, sir, two bodies of men, equally armed and disciplined,
+opposed to each other without any advantage of situation, we must
+conceive that neither party could be conquered, that the balance of the
+day must remain equal, and that the contest would continue undecided.
+
+It cannot be objected to this supposition, sir, that no such event is
+recorded in history, because in war many causes really act which cannot
+be estimated; one army may consist of soldiers more courageous, and more
+confident in the justice of their cause; unforeseen accidents may
+operate, orders may be mistaken, or leaders may be misinformed; but all
+these considerations are to be set aside in speculation, because they
+may equally be alleged on either part.
+
+Two bodies of men, sir, equally numerous, being, therefore, supposed
+equal, it is to be inquired how either may be superiour to the other. It
+is proposed, on one part, to produce this effect by doubling the number
+of officers rather than increasing that of the soldiers; on the other,
+to double the soldiers under the same officers, the expense being the
+same of both methods.
+
+When two armies, modelled according to these different schemes, enter
+the field, what event can be expected? Either five thousand men, with a
+double number of officers, must be equal to ten thousand, differently
+regulated, or the publick has paid more for assistance of the officers
+than its real value, and has chosen, of two methods equally expensive,
+that which is least efficacious.
+
+This, sir, is the state of the question now before us; our present
+deficiency is not of men but money, and we may procure ten thousand men
+regulated like the foreign troops, at the same expense as five thousand
+in the form proposed; but I am afraid that no man will be found to
+assert, that the addition of officers will be equivalent to a double
+number of soldiers.
+
+Thus it is evident, sir, evident to demonstration, that the most
+expensive method is, at the same time, the least advantageous, and that
+the proposal of new regiments is intended to augment the strength of the
+ministry rather than of the army.
+
+If we suppose, sir, what is more than any foreigner will grant, that the
+additional officers raise a body of five thousand men to an equality
+with six thousand, is not the pay of four thousand men apparently thrown
+away? And do not the officers receive a reward which their service
+cannot deserve? Would it not be far more rational to raise seven
+thousand, by which our army would be stronger by a seventh part, and as
+the pay of three thousand would be saved, the publick would be richer by
+almost a third.
+
+Surely, sir, numerical arguments cannot but deserve some consideration,
+even from those who have learned by long practice to explain away mere
+probability at pleasure, to select the circumstances of complicated
+questions, and only to show those which may be produced in favour of
+their own opinions.
+
+In the present question, sir, there is very little room for fallacy; nor
+do I see what remains to the decision of it, but that those gentlemen
+who have been acquainted with military operations, inform us, what
+degree of superiority is conferred by any assignable number of officers;
+that we may compare their service with the price, and discover whether
+the same money will not purchase greater advantages.
+
+The experience of the late war may evince, sir, that those troops which
+have the greatest number of officers are not always victorious; for our
+establishment never admitted the same, or nearly the same number with
+that of the French, our enemies; nevertheless, we still boast of our
+victories; nor is it certain that we might not have been equally
+successful, though the number of our officers had been yet less.
+
+Foreigners, sir, are very far from discovering the defect of their own
+establishment, or imagining that they should become more formidable by
+imitating our methods. When I travelled, I took opportunities of
+conversing with the generals of those nations which are most famous for
+the valour of their troops, and was informed by them, that they thought
+a multitude of officers by no means useful, and that they were so far
+from desiring to see their own regulation changed, that they should make
+no scruple of recommending it to other nations, who, in their opinion,
+squandered their treasure upon useless commissions, and increased the
+calamities of war by unnecessary burdens.
+
+I hope no man will think it sufficient to reply to these arguments with
+general assertions, or will deny the necessity of frugality, and extol
+the opulence of the nation, the extent of our commerce, and the
+happiness of our condition. Such indeed, sir, is the method of
+argumentation made use of by the hireling scribblers of the court, who,
+because they feel none of the publick calamities, represent all
+complaints as criminal murmurs, and charge those with sedition who
+petition only for relief. Wretches like these would celebrate our
+victories, though our country should be overrun by an invader, would
+praise the lenity of any government by which themselves should be
+spared, and would boast of the happiness of plenty, when half the people
+should be languishing with famine.
+
+I do not suppose, sir, that the despicable sophistry of prostitutes like
+these has any effect here, nor should I have thought them worthy of the
+least notice, had it not been proper to inquire, whether those may not
+be justly suspected of some inclination to deceive, even in this
+assembly, by whom the most profligate of mankind are openly paid for the
+promulgation of falsehood, and the patronage of corruption.
+
+It is indeed, sir, artful, in those who are daily impairing our honour
+and influence, to endeavour to conceal from the people their own
+weakness, that weakness which is so well known in foreign countries,
+that every nation is encouraged to insult us, and by which it may
+reasonably be imagined that new enemies will, in a short time, be
+raised.
+
+The late changes in our military regulations have, indeed, taken away
+all the terrour of our arms; those troops are now no longer dreaded, by
+which the liberties of Europe were recovered, and the French reduced to
+abandon their schemes of universal empire, for the defence of their own
+country, because the officers by whom they were formerly conducted to
+glory and to victory, are now dismissed, and men advanced to their
+posts, who are neither feared nor known.
+
+When the duke of ARGYLE was lately deprived of his command, the
+Spaniards could not conceal their satisfaction; they bestowed, however
+unwillingly, the highest panegyrick upon his bravery and conduct, by
+showing that he was the only Briton of whom they were afraid. Nor did
+their allies, the French, discover less exultation; for by them it was
+declared, that the nation was now disarmed, that either no war was
+intended, or that none could be successfully prosecuted, since, as they
+made no scruple to assert, though I know not whether I ought to repeat
+it, we have no other man capable of commanding armies, or conducting any
+great design.
+
+I am informed that this illustrious warriour, whose abilities are
+sufficiently attested by these enemies, that have felt their prevalence,
+is of opinion, that the number of officers now required is not
+necessary, and has declared that he should with equal confidence
+undertake either invasion or defence, with forces modelled after the
+German custom; and since I have shown, that, unless the troops so
+regulated, are equivalent to a double number, added to the standing
+regiments, part of the expense of the officers is evidently squandered,
+I shall vote against the motion, unless it be proved, which I believe
+will not be attempted, that the force of a regiment is doubled by
+doubling the officers.
+
+General WADE then spoke, to the purpose following:--Sir, the learned
+gentleman who spoke last, must be acknowledged to have discovered a very
+specious method of reasoning, and to have carried his inquiry as far as
+speculation without experience can hope to proceed, but has, in my
+opinion, admitted a false principle, by which all his argument has been
+perplexed.
+
+He supposes, that the advantages must be always in proportion to the
+money expended in procuring them, and that, therefore, if five thousand
+men, raised at any given cost, will be equal to five thousand, they
+ought, if they are regulated according to an establishment of double the
+charge, to be able to encounter ten thousand.
+
+But in this supposition, sir, he forgets that the possibility of loss is
+to be thrown into the balance against the advantage of the expense
+saved, and that though the strength of the troops be not increased in
+proportion to the increase of the cost, yet the additional security
+against a great loss may justly entitle the most expensive regulation to
+the preference.
+
+Suppose five thousand men to be brought into the field against six
+thousand; if they can, by multiplying their officers at a double
+expense, be enabled to engage successfully a body superiour in number by
+only a sixth part, the nation may be justly said to gain all that would
+have been lost by suffering a defeat.
+
+That we ought not to choose a worse method when we can discover a
+better, is indisputably true, but which method is worse or better, can
+be discovered only by experience. The last war has taught us, that our
+troops in their present establishment are superiour to the forces of
+France, but how much they might suffer by any alteration it is not
+possible to foresee.
+
+Success is gained by courage, and courage is produced by an opinion of
+superiority; and it may easily be imagined, that our soldiers, who judge
+of their own strength only by experience, imagine their own
+establishment and discipline advanced to the highest perfection; nor
+would they expect any other consequences from an alteration of it, but
+weakness and defeats. It is, therefore, dangerous to change the model of
+our forces, because it is dangerous to depress the spirit of our
+soldiers.
+
+Though it is confessed, sir, that the French, whose officers are still
+more numerous, have been conquered by our troops, it must be likewise
+alleged, that they had yielded us far easier victories had their
+officers been wanting; for to them are they indebted for their conquests
+wherever they have been successful, and for their resistance wherever
+they have been with difficulty defeated; their soldiers are a spiritless
+herd, and were they not invigorated by the example of their leaders, and
+restrained by the fear of instant punishment, would fly at the approach
+of any enemy, without waiting for the attack.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but be of opinion, that the necessity of a
+large number of officers, may be learned even from the behaviour of
+those troops which have been unsuccessful, since it is certain, that
+though they have been often overcome, they have generally resisted with
+great steadiness, and retired with great order.
+
+If those, who are only speculative warriours, shall imagine that their
+arguments are not confuted, I can only repeat what I declared when I
+first attempted to deliver my sentiments in this debate, that I do not
+pretend to be very skilful in the arts of disputation. I, who claim no
+other title than that of an old soldier, cannot hope to prevail much by
+my oratory; it is enough for me that I am confident of confuting those
+arguments in the field, which I oppose in the senate.
+
+Mr. FOX spoke next, in this manner:--Sir, I am far from thinking that
+this question has been hitherto fully explained by those who have either
+considered it only as a dispute about money, or a question merely
+speculative concerning the proportions between different degrees of
+expense, and probability of success. In a war of this kind, expense is
+the last and lowest consideration, and where experience may be
+consulted, the conjectures of speculation ought to have no weight.
+
+The method, sir, by which our troops have hitherto been regulated, is
+well known to have produced success beyond our expectations, to have
+exalted us to the arbitration of the world, to have reduced the French
+to change their threats of forcing a monarch upon us, into petitions for
+peace, and to have established the liberties of almost every nation of
+the world that can call itself free.
+
+Whether this method, sir, so successful, so easy, and so formidable,
+shall be changed, whether it shall be changed at a time when the whole
+continent is in commotion, and every nation calling soldiers to its
+standard; when the French, recovered from their defeats, seem to have
+forgotten the force of that hand that crushed them in the pride of
+victory; when they seem to be reviving their former designs, and
+rekindling their extinguished ambition; whether, at such a time, the
+regulations of our army shall be changed to save, upon the highest
+computation, only thirty thousand pounds, is the present question.
+
+On such a question, sir, I cannot observe, without astonishment, any man
+deliberating for a single moment. To suspend our opinion in this case,
+would be to balance our lives, our liberties, our patrimonies, and our
+posterity, against thirty thousand pounds.
+
+The effects of our present method, sir, are well known to ourselves, our
+confederates, our enemies, to every man that has heard the name of
+Blenheim and Ramillies; the consequences of the establishment, now
+contended for, our most experienced commanders own themselves unable to
+foresee, and I am far from believing that theoretical disquisitions can
+enable any man to make great discoveries in military affairs.
+
+Our own inexperience of the method which is so warmly recommended, is
+not the strongest objection to it, though even this ought, in my
+opinion, to restrain us from trying it at this hazardous conjuncture.
+But since arguments, merely negative, may be thought over-balanced by
+the prospect of saving money, I shall lay before the house, what effects
+the want of officers has produced, with regard to those nations whose
+poverty has laid them under a necessity of parsimonious establishments.
+
+When the Germans were defeated by the French, in the late war, I was at
+the Sardinian court, where the battle was, as it may easily be supposed,
+the reigning subject of conversation, and where they did not want
+opportunities of informing themselves minutely of all the circumstances
+which contributed to the event; it was there, sir, universally
+determined, that the Germans lost the day merely for want of officers.
+
+It was observed also, sir, that some troops, which were once courted and
+feared by all the neighbouring potentates, had lost their reputation in
+later times, of which no reason could be alleged, but that they had
+lessened the number of their officers; such is the change in the model
+of the Walloons, and such is the consequence produced by it.
+
+I am very far, sir, from thinking, that reason is not to be consulted in
+military operations, as in other affairs, and have no less satisfaction
+than the learned gentleman who spoke last but one, in clear and
+demonstrative deductions; but in this question, reason itself informs
+me, that regard ought only to be had to experience, and that authority
+unsupported by practice, ought to have no prevalence.
+
+I shall, therefore, sir, make no inquiry into the abilities of the
+generals, by whom these contrary opinions are defended, nor draw any
+parallel between their actions or their knowledge. It is sufficient for
+me that the one is proposing a new scheme, and that the opinion of the
+other can plead the practice of king William, and the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH, and the success of the last war.
+
+Yet, sir, if parsimony be a virtue at this time so eminently necessary,
+it may be urged in favour of this estimate, that it will be less
+expensive than those that have been formerly offered, and that as all
+changes ought to be gradual, this may be considered as the first step
+towards a general reduction of the publick charge.
+
+Mr. HEATHCOTE spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not without
+astonishment, that I heard the honourable gentleman who spoke lately,
+conclude his remarks with an attempt to renew our apprehensions of the
+pretender, a chimerical invader, an enemy in the clouds, without spirit,
+and without forces, without dominions, without money, and without
+allies; a miserable fugitive, that has not a friend in this kingdom, or
+none but such as are exasperated by those whom the men that mention him
+with so much terrour are attempting to vindicate.
+
+The vanity, sir, of such fears, the folly of admitting them, if they are
+real, and of counterfeiting them, if they are false, has been
+sufficiently exposed in this debate, by my honourable friend; but as he
+thought it unnecessary to employ arguments in proof of what cannot be
+denied, and believed it sufficient to ridicule a panick which he
+supposed merely political, I, who judge, perhaps, more favourably of the
+sincerity of some, and more tenderly of the cowardice of others, shall
+endeavour to show, that the frequent revolutions which have happened in
+this nation, afford us no reason for fearing another, equally sudden and
+unforeseen in favour of the pretender.
+
+The government, sir, is always stronger, as it is complicated with the
+private interest of more individuals; because, though there are few that
+have comprehension sufficient to discern the general advantage of the
+community, almost every man is capable of attending to his own; and
+though not many have virtue to stand up in opposition to the approach of
+general calamities, of which every one may hope to exempt himself from
+his particular share, yet the most sanguine are alarmed, and the most
+indolent awakened at any danger which threatens themselves, and will
+exert their utmost power to obviate or escape it.
+
+For this reason, sir, I have long considered the publick funds
+established in this nation, as a barrier to the government, which cannot
+easily be broken: a foreign prince cannot now be placed upon the throne,
+but in opposition almost to every wealthy man, who, having trusted the
+government with his money, has reposited a pledge of his own fidelity.
+
+But to this gentleman, sir, whom I am now answering, arguments can be of
+very little importance, because, by his own confession, he is retained
+as a mere machine, to speak at the direction of another, and to utter
+sentiments which he never conceived, and which his hesitation and abrupt
+conclusion shows him to admit with very little examination. He had not
+even allowed himself time to know the opinion which he was to assert, or
+to imprint upon his memory those arguments to which he was to add the
+sanction of his authority. He seems to have boldly promised to speak,
+and then to have inquired what he was to say. Yet has this gentleman
+often declaimed here with all the apparent ardour of integrity, and been
+heard with that regard which is only due to virtue and independence.
+
+Some of his assertions are such, however, as require confutation, which
+is, perhaps, more necessary since he has produced an authority for them,
+which many of those who heard him may think of much greater weight than
+his own. He affirms, that we can suffer only by an invasion, and infers
+from this position, that we need only to guard our own coasts. I am of
+an opinion very different, and having not yet prevailed upon myself to
+receive notes from any other person, cannot forbear to speak what I
+think, and what the publick prosperity requires to be generally known.
+We may surely suffer by many other causes, by the ignorance, or
+treachery, or cowardice of the ministry, by the negligence of that
+person to whom this gentleman was probably indebted for his notes. We
+may suffer by the loss of our sugar colonies, which may be justly valued
+at ten millions.
+
+These plantations, which afford us almost all the profitable trade that
+is now left us, have been exposed to the insults of the enemy, without
+any other guard than two ships, almost unfit for service. They have been
+left to the protection of chance, with no other security, at a time when
+the Spaniards had fitted out a squadron, to infest and ravage our
+American dominions.
+
+The admiral, who was sent into America, was confined for almost a year
+in the ports, without forces, ships, or ammunition, which yet might have
+been sent in a few months, had not pretences of delay been studiously
+invented, had not the preparations been obstructed by clandestine
+expedients, and had not every man been tacitly assured, that he should
+recommend himself to his superiours, by raising difficulties, rather
+than by removing them.
+
+Such was the conduct of those who now stand up in the face of their
+country, and, without diffidence or shame, boast of their zeal, their
+assiduity, and their despatch; who proclaim, with an air of triumphant
+innocence, that no art or diligence could have been more expeditious,
+and that the embarkation was only impeded by the seasons and the winds.
+
+With assertions equally intrepid, and arguments equally contemptible,
+has the same person, who boasted his expedition, endeavoured to defend
+the establishment of new regiments, in opposition to the practice of
+foreign nations, and to the opinion of the greatest general among us;
+and, to show how little he fears confutation, has recommended his scheme
+on account of its frugality.
+
+It is not to be wondered, sir, that such an orator should undertake to
+defend the model of the troops sent to America, that he should prefer
+boys to veterans, and assert the propriety of intrusting new levies to
+unexperienced commanders; for he has given us in this debate such proofs
+of controversial courage, that nothing can be now imagined too arduous
+for him to attempt.
+
+His strength, sir, is, indeed, not equal to his spirit, and he is
+frequently unsuccessful in his most vigorous efforts, but it must be
+confessed that he is generally overborne only by the force of truth, by
+a power which few can resist so resolutely as himself, and which,
+therefore, though it makes no impression upon him, prevails upon others
+to leave him sometimes alone in the vindication of his positions.
+
+The examples, sir, of those noble persons who were advanced early to
+commissions, will be produced by him without effect, because the cases
+are by no means parallel. They were not invested with command till they
+had spent some time in the service, and exhibited proofs of their
+courage and their capacity; and it cannot be doubted, but some men may
+discover at seventeen, more merit than others in the full strength of
+manhood.
+
+But, sir, there is another consideration of more importance, which will
+annihilate the parallel, and destroy the argument founded upon it. At
+the time in which these persons were preferred, the nation had but newly
+seen an army, and had, therefore, very few old officers whose experience
+could be trusted, or whose services required to be rewarded: the
+ministers were obliged to select those, who, though they did not
+understand the military sciences, were likely to attain them in a short
+time, and the event has sufficiently proved, that in the choice no
+greater regard was paid to interest than to judgment.
+
+It was prudent, likewise, sir, to choose young persons, supposing their
+abilities equal with those of others, because the nation was likely to
+possess them longer, and would not be reduced, by an interval of peace,
+to make war again with raw forces, under the direction of ignorant
+commanders.
+
+But this provision, however reasonable, the wisdom of this ministry has
+found means to defeat, by detaining at home the disciplined troops, and
+depriving the most experienced generals of their commands, at a time
+when they are most necessary, at a time when the whole world is in arms,
+when the ambition of France is reviving its claims, and the Spaniards
+are preparing to invade our colonies.
+
+But, sir, though our generals are discarded, we are sufficiently
+informed, that it is not because we are imagined to be in a state of
+safety; for the increase of our army betrays our fear, of which, whether
+it will be dispelled or increased by such measures, it is not difficult
+to determine.
+
+An army thus numerous, sir, is, in the opinion of every honest Briton,
+of every man that reveres the constitution, or loves his liberty, an
+evil more to be dreaded, than any from which we can be defended by it.
+The most unpopular act of the most unpopular of our monarchs, was the
+establishment of a standing-army; nor do I know any thing to be feared
+from the exaltation of the dreadful pretender to the throne, but that he
+will govern the nation with an armed force.
+
+If our troops continue to be increased, which we may reasonably suspect,
+since, if arguments like these be admitted, pretences for augmentations
+can never be wanting, the consequences are easily foreseen; they will
+grow too numerous to be quartered in the towns, and, with an affectation
+of easing them of such unwelcome guests, it will be proposed, that after
+having spent the summer in a camp, they shall retire in winter to
+barracks. Then will the burden of a standing army be imposed for ever on
+the nation; then may our liberties be openly invaded, and those who now
+oppress us by the power only of money, will then throw aside the mask,
+and deliver themselves from the constraint of hypocrisy; those who now
+sooth us with promises and protestations, will then intimidate us with
+threatenings, and, perhaps, revenge the opposition of their schemes by
+persecution and sequestrations.
+
+Mr. GAGE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, if the weakness of
+arguments proved the insincerity of those who produce them, I should be
+inclined to suspect the advocates for the establishment of new
+regiments, of designs very different from the defence of their country;
+but as their intentions cannot be known, they cannot be censured, and I
+shall, therefore, confine myself to an examination of the reasons which
+they have offered, and the authorities which they have cited.
+
+The German general, who has been mentioned on this occasion with so much
+regard, is not less known to me than to the honourable gentleman, nor
+have I been less diligent to improve the hours in which I enjoyed his
+friendship and conversation. Among other questions, which my familiarity
+with him entitled me to propose, I have asked him to what causes he
+imputed the ill success of the last war, and he frankly ascribed the
+miscarriages of it to the unhappy divisions by which the German councils
+were at that time embarrassed.
+
+Faction produces nearly the same consequence in all countries, and had
+then influenced the imperial court, as of late the court of Great
+Britain, to dismiss the most able and experienced commanders, and to
+intrust the conduct of the war to men unequal to the undertaking; who,
+when they were defeated for want of skill, endeavoured to persuade their
+patrons and their countrymen, that they lost the victory for want of
+officers.
+
+They might, perhaps, think of their countrymen, what our ministers seem
+to imagine of us, that to gain belief among them, it was sufficient to
+assert boldly, that they had not any memory of past transactions, and
+that, therefore, they could not observe, that the same troops were
+victorious under Eugene, which were defeated under the direction of his
+successours; nor could discover that the regulation was the same, where
+the effects were different.
+
+Thus, in every place, it is the practice of men in power, to blind the
+people by false representations, and to impute the publick calamities
+rather to any other cause than their own misconduct. It is every where
+equally their practice to oppress and obscure those who owe their
+greatness to their virtue or abilities, because they can never be
+reduced to blind obedience, or taught to be creatures of the ministry,
+because men who can discover truth, will sometimes speak it, and because
+those are best qualified to deceive others, who can be persuaded that
+they are contending for the right.
+
+But it is surely time for this nation to rouse from indolence, and to
+resolve to put an end to frauds that have been so long known. It is time
+to watch with more vigilance the distribution of the publick treasure,
+and to consider rather how to contract the national expenses, than upon
+what pretences new offices may be erected, and new dependencies created.
+It is time to consider how our debts may be lessened, and by what
+expedients our taxes may be diminished.
+
+Our taxes, sir, are such, at present, as perhaps no nation was ever
+loaded with before, such as never were paid to raise forces against an
+invader, or imposed by the insolence of victory upon a conquered people.
+Every gentleman pays to the government more than two thirds of his
+estate, by various exactions.--This assertion is received, I see, with
+surprise, by some, whose ample patrimonies have exempted them from the
+necessity of nice computations, and with an affected appearance of
+contempt by others, who, instead of paying taxes, may be said to receive
+them, and whose interest it is to keep the nation ignorant of the causes
+of its misery, and to extenuate those calamities by which themselves are
+enriched.
+
+But, sir, to endeavour to confute demonstration by a grin, or to laugh
+away the deductions of arithmetick, is, surely, such a degree of
+effrontery, as nothing but a post of profit can produce; nor is it for
+the sake of these men, that I shall endeavour to elucidate my assertion;
+for they cannot but be well informed of the state of our taxes, whose
+chief employment is to receive and to squander the money which arises
+from them.
+
+It is frequent, sir, among gentlemen, to mistake the amount of the taxes
+which are laid upon the nation, by passing over, in their estimates, all
+those which are not paid immediately out of the visible rents of their
+lands, and imagining that they are in no degree interested in the
+imposts upon manufactures or other commodities. They do not consider
+that whenever they purchase any thing of which the price is enhanced by
+duties, those duties are levied upon them, and that there is no
+difference between paying ten shillings a year in land taxes, and paying
+five shillings in land taxes, and five shillings to manufacturers to be
+paid by them to the government.
+
+It would be, in reality, equally rational for a man to please himself
+with his frugality, by directing half his expenses to be paid by his
+steward, and the event is such as might be expected from such a method
+of economy; for, as the steward might probably bring in false accounts,
+the tradesman commonly adds twopence to the price of his goods for every
+penny which is laid on them by the government; as it is easy to show,
+particularly in the prices of those two great necessaries of life,
+candles and leather.
+
+Now, sir, let any gentleman add to the land tax the duties raised from
+the malt, candles, salt, soap, leather, distilled liquors, and other
+commodities used in his house; let him add the expenses of travelling so
+far as they are increased by the burden laid upon innkeepers, and the
+extortions of the tradesmen which the excises have occasioned, and he
+will easily agree with me that he pays more than two-thirds of his
+estate for the support of the government.
+
+It cannot, therefore, be doubted that it is now necessary to stop in our
+career of expenses, and to inquire how much longer this weight of
+imposts can possibly be supported. It has already, sir, depressed our
+commerce, and overborne our manufactures, and if it be yet increased, if
+there be no hope of seeing it alleviated, every wise man will seek a
+milder government and enlist himself amongst slaves that have masters
+more wise or more compassionate.
+
+We ought to consider, sir, whether some of our present expenses are not
+superfluous or detrimental, whether many of our offices are not merely
+pensions without employment, and whether multitudes do not receive
+salaries, who serve the government only by their interest and their
+votes. Such offices, if they are found, ought immediately to be
+abolished, and such salaries withdrawn, by which a fund might be now
+established for maintaining the war, and afterwards for the payment of
+our debts.
+
+It is not now, sir, in my opinion, a question whether we shall choose
+the dearest or the cheapest method of increasing our forces, for it
+seems to me not possible to supply any new expenses. New troops will
+require more money to raise and to pay them, and more money can only be
+obtained by new taxes; but what now remains to be taxed, or what tax can
+be increased? The only resource left us is a lottery, and whether that
+will succeed is likewise a lottery; but though folly and credulity
+should once more operate according to our wishes, the nation is, in the
+meantime, impoverished, and at last lotteries must certainly fail, like
+other expedients. When the publick wealth is entirely exhausted,
+artifice and violence will be equally vain. And though the troops may
+possibly be raised, according to the estimate, I know not how we shall
+pay them, or from what fund, yet unmortgaged, the officers who will be
+entailed upon us, can hope to receive their half-pay.
+
+For my part, sir, I think the question so easy to be decided, that I am
+astonished to see it the subject of a debate, and imagine that the
+controversy might be ended only by asking the gentleman, on whose
+opinion all his party appear to rely, without any knowledge or
+conviction of their own, whether, if he were to defend a nation from its
+enemies, and could procure only a small sum for the war, he would not
+model his forces by the cheapest method.
+
+Mr. SLOPER then spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot, without the highest
+satisfaction, observe any advances made in useful knowledge, by my
+fellow-subjects, as the glory of such attainments must add to the
+reputation of the kingdom which gives rise to such elevated abilities.
+
+This satisfaction I have received from the observations of the right
+honourable member, whose accurate computations cannot but promise great
+improvements of the doctrine of arithmetick; nor can I forbear to
+solicit him, for the sake of the publick, to take into his consideration
+the present methods of traffick used by our merchants, and to strike out
+some more commodious method of stating the accoinpts between those two
+contending parties, debtor and creditor. This he would, doubtless,
+execute with great reputation, who has proved, from the state of our
+taxes, that new forces require new funds, and that new funds cannot be
+established without a lottery.
+
+I am, indeed, inclined to differ from him in the last of his positions,
+and believe the nation not yet so much exhausted but that it may easily
+bear the expense of the war, and shall, therefore, vote for that
+establishment of our troops which will be most likely to procure
+success, without the least apprehension of being censured either by the
+present age, or by posterity, as a machine of the ministry, or an
+oppressor of my country.
+
+General WADE spoke again, thus:--Sir, since the right honourable member
+has been pleased to insinuate, that by answering a plain question I may
+put an end to the debate, I am willing to give a proof of my desire to
+promote unanimity in our councils, and despatch in our affairs, by
+complying with his proposal.
+
+If I were obliged with a small sum to raise an army for the defence of a
+kingdom, I should, undoubtedly, proceed with the utmost frugality; but
+this noble person's ideas of frugality would, perhaps, be very different
+from mine; he would think those expenses superfluous, which to me would
+seem indispensably necessary, and though we should both intend the
+preservation of the country, we should provide for its security by
+different methods.
+
+He would employ the money in such a manner as might procure the greatest
+numbers; I should make my first inquiry after the most skilful officers,
+and should imagine myself obliged, by my fidelity to the nation that
+intrusted me with its defence, to procure their assistance, though at a
+high price.
+
+It is not easy for persons who have never seen a battle or a siege,
+whatever may be their natural abilities, or however cultivated by
+reading and contemplation, to conceive the advantage of discipline and
+regularity, which is such, that a small body of veteran troops will
+drive before them multitudes of men, perhaps equally bold and resolute
+with themselves, if they are unacquainted with the rules of war, and
+unprovided with leaders to direct their motions.
+
+I should, therefore, in the case which he has mentioned, prefer
+discipline to numbers, and rather enter the field with a few troops,
+well governed and well instructed, than with a confused multitude,
+unacquainted with their duty, unable to conduct themselves, and without
+officers to conduct them.
+
+Mr. VINER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I am not very
+solicitous what may be the determination of the house upon this
+question, because I think it more necessary to resolve against an
+augmentation of the army, than to inquire, whether it shall be made by
+one method or another.
+
+Every addition to our troops, I consider as some approach towards the
+establishment of arbitrary power, as it is an alienation of part of the
+British people, by which they are deprived of the benefits of the
+constitution, and subjected to rigorous laws, from which every other
+individual is exempt.
+
+The principal of these laws, which all the rest are intended to enforce,
+requires from every soldier an unlimited and absolute obedience to the
+commands of his officers, who hold their commission, and expect
+advancement, by the same compliance with the orders of the ministry.
+
+The danger of adding to the number of men, thus separated from their
+fellow-subjects, and directed by the arbitrary determinations of their
+officers, has been often explained with great strength and perspicuity;
+nor should I have taken this occasion of recalling it to the attention
+of the house, but that I think it a consideration, to which, in all
+debates on the army, the first regard ought to be paid.
+
+Colonel MORDAUNT spoke to the purpose following:--Sir, the objection
+which the honourable gentleman has raised, will be most easily removed,
+by considering the words of the act by which the military authority is
+established, where it is by no means declared, that either officers or
+soldiers are obliged indiscriminately to obey all the orders which they
+shall receive, but that they shall, on pain of the punishments there
+enacted, obey all the _lawful_ orders of their commanders.
+
+The obedience, therefore, sir, required from a soldier, is an obedience
+according to law, like that of any other Briton, unless it can be
+imagined that the word _lawful_ is, in that place, without a meaning.
+Nor does his condition differ from that of his fellow-subjects by an
+exemption from any law, but by a greater number of duties, and stricter
+obligations to the performance of them; and I am not able to conceive
+how our constitution can be endangered by augmenting an army, which, as
+it can only act in conformity to it, can act only in defence of it.
+
+[The question at last was put, that the new-raised troops be
+incorporated into the standing corps, but it passed in the negative, 232
+to 166.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, DEC. 9, 1740.
+
+DEBATE ON TAKING THE STATE OF THE ARMY INTO CONSIDERATION.
+
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose first, and spoke to the following effect:--My
+lords, as the present situation of our affairs may require an
+augmentation of our forces, and as the success of our arms, and the
+preservation of our liberties, may equally depend upon the manner in
+which the new forces shall be raised, there is, in my opinion, no
+question more worthy the attention of this august assembly, than what
+may be the most proper method of increasing our army.
+
+On this question, my lords, I shall offer my own sentiments with greater
+confidence, as there are few men who have had more opportunities of
+being acquainted with it in its whole extent, as I have spent great part
+of my life in the field and in the camp. I commanded a regiment under
+king William, and have long been either the first, or almost the first
+man in the army.
+
+I hope, my lords, it will be allowed, without difficulty, that I have,
+at least, been educated at the best school of war, and that nothing but
+natural incapacity can have hindered me from making some useful
+observations upon the discipline and government of armies, and the
+advantages and inconveniencies of the various plans upon which other
+nations regulate their forces.
+
+I have always maintained, my lords, that it is necessary, in the present
+state of the neighbouring countries, to keep up a body of regular
+troops, that we may not be less able to defend ourselves, than our
+enemies to attack us.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that states must secure themselves by
+different means, as they are threatened by dangers of different kinds:
+policy must be opposed by policy, and force by force; our fleets must be
+increased when our neighbours grow formidable by their naval power, and
+armies must be maintained at a time like this, in which every prince on
+the continent estimates his greatness by the number of his troops.
+
+But an army, my lords, as it is to be admitted only for the security of
+the nation, is to be so regulated, that it may produce the end for which
+it is established; that it may be useful without danger, and protect the
+people without oppressing them.
+
+To this purpose, my lords, it is indispensably necessary, that the
+military subordination be inviolably preserved, and that discipline be
+discreetly exercised without any partial indulgence, or malicious
+severities; that every man be promoted according to his desert, and that
+military merit alone give any pretensions to military preferment.
+
+To make the army yet more useful, it ought to be under the sole command
+of one man, exalted to the important trust by his known skill, courage,
+justice, and fidelity, and uncontrouled in the administration of his
+province by any other authority, a man enabled by his experience to
+distinguish the deserving, and invested with power to reward them.
+
+Thus, my lords, ought an army to be regulated, to which the defence of a
+nation is intrusted, nor can any other scheme be formed which will not
+expose the publick to dangers more formidable than revolutions or
+invasions. And yet, my lords, how widely those who have assumed the
+direction of affairs have deviated from this method is well known. It is
+known equally to the highest and meanest officers, that those who have
+most opportunities of observing military merit, have no power of
+rewarding it; and, therefore, every man endeavours to obtain other
+recommendations than those of his superiours in the army, and to
+distinguish himself by other services than attention to his duty, and
+obedience to his commanders.
+
+Our generals, my lords, are only colonels with a higher title, without
+power, and without command; they can neither make themselves loved nor
+feared in their troops, nor have either reward or punishment in their
+power. What discipline, my lords, can be established by men, whom those
+who sometimes act the farce of obedience, know to be only phantoms of
+authority, and to be restrained by an arbitrary minister from the
+exercise of those commissions which they are invested with? And what is
+an army without discipline, subordination, and obedience? What, but a
+rabble of licentious vagrants, set free from the common restraints of
+decency, exempted from the necessity of labour, betrayed by idleness to
+debauchery, and let loose to prey upon the people? Such a herd can only
+awe the villages, and bluster in the streets, but can never be able to
+oppose an enemy, or defend the nation by which they are supported.
+
+They may, indeed, form a camp upon some of the neighbouring heaths, or
+pass in review with tolerable regularity; they may sometimes seize a
+smuggler, and sometimes assist a constable with vigour and success. But
+unhappy would be the people, who had no other force to oppose against an
+army habituated to discipline, of which every one founds his hopes of
+honour and reward upon the approbation of the commander.
+
+That no man will labour to no purpose, or undergo the fatigue of
+military vigilance, without an adequate motive; that no man will
+endeavour to learn superfluous duties, and neglect the easiest road to
+honour and to wealth, merely for the sake of encountering difficulties,
+is easily to be imagined. And, therefore, my lords, it cannot be
+conceived, that any man in the army will very solicitously apply himself
+to the duties of his profession, of which, when he has learned them, the
+most accurate practice will avail him nothing, and on which he must lose
+that time, which might, have been employed in gaining an interest in a
+borough, or in forming an alliance with some orator in the senate.
+
+For nothing, my lords, is now considered but senatorial interest, nor is
+any subordination desired but in the supreme council of the empire. For
+the establishment of this new regulation, the honours of every
+profession are prostituted, and every commission is become merely
+nominal. To gratify the leaders of the ministerial party, the most
+despicable triflers are exalted to an authority, and those whose want of
+understanding excludes them from any other employment, are selected for
+military commissions.
+
+No sooner have they taken possession of their new command, and gratified
+with some act of oppression the wantonness of new authority, but they
+desert their charge with the formality of demanding a permission to be
+absent, which their commander dares not deny them. Thus, my lords, they
+leave the care of the troops, and the study of the rules of war, to
+those unhappy men who have no other claim to elevation than knowledge
+and bravery, and who, for want of relations in the senate, are condemned
+to linger out their lives at their quarters, amuse themselves with
+recounting their actions and sufferings in former wars, and with reading
+in the papers of every post, the cormissions which are bestowed on those
+who never saw a battle.
+
+For this reason, my lords, preferments in the army, instead of being
+considered as proofs of merit, are looked on only as badges of
+dependence; nor can any thing be inferred from the promotion of an
+officer, but that he is in some degree or other allied to some member
+of the senate, or the leading voters of a borough.
+
+After this manner, my lords, has the army been modelled, and on these
+principles has it subsisted for the last and the present reign; neither
+myself, nor any other general officer, have been consulted in the
+distribution of commands, or any part of military regulations. Our
+armies have known no other power than that of the secretary of war, who
+directs all their motions, and fills up every vacancy without
+opposition, and without appeal.
+
+But never, my lords, was his power more conspicuous, than in raising the
+levies of last year; never was any authority more despotically exerted,
+or more tamely submitted to; never did any man more wantonly sport with
+his command, or more capriciously dispose of posts and preferments;
+never did any tyrant appear to set censure more openly at defiance,
+treat murmurs and remonstrances with greater contempt, or with more
+confidence and security distribute posts among his slaves, without any
+other reason of preference than his own uncontroulable pleasure.
+
+And surely no man, my lords, could have made choice of such wretches for
+military commands, but to show that nothing but his own private
+inclinations should influence his conduct, and that he considered
+himself as supreme and unaccountable: for we have seen, my lords, the
+same animals to-day cringing behind a counter, and to-morrow swelling in
+a military dress; we have seen boys sent from school in despair of
+improvement, and intrusted with military command; fools that cannot
+learn their duty, and children that cannot perform it, have been
+indiscriminately promoted; the dross of the nation has been swept
+together to compose our new forces, and every man who was too stupid or
+infamous to learn or carry on a trade, has been placed, by this great
+disposer of honours, above the necessity of application, or the reach of
+censure.
+
+Did not sometimes indignation, and sometimes pity, check the sallies of
+mirth, it would not be a disagreeable entertainment, my lords, to
+observe, in the park, the various appearances of these raw commanders,
+when they are exposing their new scarlet to view, and strutting with the
+first raptures of sudden elevation; to see the mechanick new-modelling
+his mien, and the stripling tottering beneath the weight of his cockade;
+or to hear the conversation of these new adventurers, and the
+instructive dialogues of schoolboys and shopkeepers.
+
+I take this opportunity, my lords, of clearing myself from any suspicion
+of having contributed, by my advice, to this stupendous collection. I
+only once interposed with the recommendation of a young gentleman, who
+had learned his profession in two campaigns among the Muscovians, and
+whom yet neither his own desert, nor my patronage could advance to a
+commission. And, I believe, my lords, all the other general officers
+were equally unconsulted, and would, if their advice had been asked,
+equally have disapproved the measures that have been pursued.
+
+But thus, my lords, were our new regiments completed, in which, of two
+hundred and fifty officers who have subsisted upon half-pay, only
+thirty-six have been promoted, though surely they might have pleaded a
+juster claim to employment, who had learned their profession in the
+service of their country, and had long languished in penury, than those
+who had neither knowledge nor capacity, who had neither acted nor
+suffered any thing, and who might have been destined to the hammer or
+the plough, without any disreputation to their families, or
+disappointment to themselves.
+
+I have been told, indeed, my lords, that to some of these officers
+commissions were offered, which they refused, and for this refusal every
+reason is alleged but the true: some, indeed, excused themselves as
+disabled by age and infirmities from military service; nor can any
+objection be made to so just a plea. For how could those be refused in
+their age the comforts of ease and repose, who have served their country
+with their youth and vigour?
+
+Others there are, my lords, who refused commissions upon motives very
+different, in which, nevertheless, some justice cannot be denied. They
+who had long studied and long practised their profession; they, who had
+tried their courage in the breach, and given proofs of their skill in
+the face of the enemy, refused to obey the command of novices, of
+tradesmen, and of schoolboys: they imagined, my lords, that they ought
+to govern those whom they should be obliged to instruct, and to lead
+those troops whom they must range in order. But they had forgot that
+they had outlived the time when a soldier was formed by study and
+experience, and had not heard, in their retreats, that a colonel or a
+captain was now formed in a day; and, therefore, when they saw and heard
+their new commanders, they retired back to their half-pay, with surprise
+and indignation.
+
+But, my lords, the follies of last year cannot be easily rectified, and
+are only now to be exposed that they may not be repeated. If we are now
+to make new levies, and increase the number of our land-forces, it is,
+in my opinion, incumbent upon us to consider by what methods we may best
+augment our troops, and how we may be able to resist our foreign
+enemies, without exposing the nation to intestine miseries, and leaving
+our liberties at the mercy of the court.
+
+There are, my lords, two methods of increasing our forces; the first is,
+that of raising new regiments; the other, of adding new men to those
+which already subsist.
+
+By raising new regiments, my lords, we shall only gratify the minister
+with the distribution of new commissions, and the establishment of new
+dependents; we shall enlarge the influence of the court, and increase
+the charge of the nation, which is already loaded with too many taxes to
+support any unnecessary expense.
+
+By the other method, of adding a hundred men to every company, we shall
+not only save the pay of the officers, which is no slight consideration,
+but what seems, if the reports raised by the ministry of our present
+danger be true, of far more importance, shall form the new forces with
+more expedition into regular troops; for, by distributing them among
+those who are already instructed in their duty, we shall give them an
+opportunity of hourly improvement; every man's comrade will be his
+master, and every one will be ambitious of forming himself by the
+example of those who have been in the army longer than themselves.
+
+If it be objected, my lords, that the number of officers will not then
+bear a just proportion to that of the soldiers, it may be answered, that
+the foreign troops of the greatest reputation have no greater number of
+officers, as every one must know who is acquainted with the constitution
+of the most formidable armies of Europe. Those of the Prussian monarch,
+or of the various nations by which we were assisted in the late war,
+either as confederates or mercenaries, have but few officers. And I very
+well remember, my lords, that whenever they were joined by parties of
+our own nation, the inequality in the number of the officers produced
+contests and disputes.
+
+The only troops of Europe, my lords, that swarm with officers, are those
+of France, but even these have fewer officers, in proportion to their
+private men, in time of war; for when they disband any part of their
+forces, they do not, like us, reduce their officers to half-pay, but add
+them to the regiments not reduced, that the families of their nobility
+may not be burdened with needy dependents, and that they may never want
+officers for new levies.
+
+There are many reasons, my lords, that make this practice in France more
+reasonable than it would be in our kingdom. It is the chief view of
+their governours to continue absolute, and therefore their constant
+endeavour to keep great numbers in dependence; it ought to be our care
+to hinder the increase of the influence of the court, and to obstruct
+all measures that may extend the authority of the ministry, and
+therefore those measures are to be pursued by which independence and
+liberty will be most supported.
+
+It is likewise to be remembered, my lords, that a French officer is
+supported with pay not much larger than that of a private soldier among
+us, and that, therefore, the argument which arises from the necessity of
+frugality is not of the same force in both nations.
+
+There is yet another reason why the French are under the necessity of
+employing more officers than any other nation: the strength of their
+armies consists in their gentlemen, who cannot be expected to serve
+without some command: the common soldiers of the French army are a mean,
+spiritless, despicable herd, fit only to drudge as pioneers, to raise
+intrenchments, and to dig mines, but without courage to face an enemy,
+or to proceed with vigour in the face of danger.
+
+Their gentlemen, my lords, are of a very different character; jealous of
+their honour, and conscious of their birth, eager of distinction, and
+ambitious of preferment. They have, commonly, their education in the
+army, and have no expectations of acquiring fortunes equal to their
+desires by any other profession, and are, therefore, intent upon the
+improvement of every opportunity which is offered them of increasing
+their knowledge and exalting their reputation.
+
+To the spirit of these men, my lords, are the French armies indebted for
+all their victories, and to them is to be attributed the present
+perfection of the art of war. They have the vigilance and perseverance
+of Romans joined with the natural vivacity and expedition of their own
+nation.
+
+We are, therefore, not to wonder, my lords, that there is in the French
+armies an establishment for more gentlemen than in other countries,
+where the disparity between the military virtues of the higher and lower
+classes of men is less conspicuous. In the troops of that nation nothing
+is expected but from the officers, but in ours the common soldier meets
+danger with equal intrepidity, and scorns to see himself excelled by his
+officer in courage or in zeal.
+
+We are, therefore, my lords, under no necessity of burdening our country
+with the expense of new commissions, which, in the army, will be
+superfluous, and, in the state, dangerous, as they will fill our senate
+with new dependents, and our corporations with new adherents to the
+minister, whose steady perseverance in his favourite scheme of
+senatorial subordination, will be, perhaps, the only occasion of these
+new levies, or, at least, has hindered the right application of our
+standing troops. For what reason, my lords, can invention or imagination
+assign, why the troops, who had been for some time disciplined, were not
+rather sent to the assistance of Vernon than the new marines, except
+that some of them were commanded by men who had obtained seats in the
+other house, and who, by their settled adherence and avowed fidelity to
+the minister, had recommended themselves too powerfully to be rashly
+exposed in the service of their country to the bullets of the Spaniards.
+
+So great, my lords, has been the minister's regard to senatorial
+abilities, and so strict his gratitude to his friends, that I know of
+but one member of the other house that has been hazarded in this
+expedition, and he a hopeless, abandoned patriot, insensible of the
+capacity or integrity of our ministry, and whom nothing has been able to
+reconcile to our late measures. He, therefore, who has never exerted
+himself in defence of the ministry, was, in his turn, thought unworthy
+of ministerial protection, and was given up to the chance of war without
+reluctance.
+
+But I hope your lordships will concur with me in the opinion, that it is
+not always necessary to gratify the ministry, but that our country
+claims some part of our regard, and, therefore, that in establishing our
+army we should pursue that method which may be most accommodated to our
+constitution, and, instead of imitating the military policy of the
+French, follow the example of those nations by whose troops they have
+been conquered.
+
+Had this scheme been hitherto followed, had our new levies, instead of
+being put under the command of boys, been distributed in just
+proportions among the standing regiments, where they might soon have
+been qualified for service by the inspection of experienced officers, we
+might now have seen an army capable of awing the court of Spain into
+submission, or, if our demands had been still refused, of revenging our
+injuries, and punishing those who have insulted and despised us.
+
+From an army thus raised and disciplined, detachments, my lords, ought
+to have been sent on board of all our fleets, and particularly that
+which is now stationed in the Mediterranean, which would not then have
+coasted about from one port to another, without hurting or frighting the
+enemy, but might, by sudden descents, have spread terrour through a
+great part of the kingdom, harassed their troops by continual marches,
+and, by frequent incursions, have plundered all the maritime provinces,
+driven the inhabitants into the inland country, and laid the villages in
+ashes.
+
+There is yet, my lords, no appearance of a peace, for our success has
+not enabled us to prescribe terms, and I hope we are not yet fallen so
+low as to receive them; it is, therefore, proper to form such
+resolutions as may influence the conduct of the war, and enable us to
+retrieve the errours of our past measures.
+
+The minister, my lords, is not without panegyrists, who may, perhaps,
+endeavour to persuade us, that we ought to resign all our understandings
+to his superiour wisdom, and blindly trust our fortunes and our
+liberties to his unshaken integrity. They will, in proof of his
+abilities, produce the wonderful dexterity and penetration which the
+late negotiations have discovered, and will confirm the reputation of
+his integrity by the constant parsimony of all his schemes, and the
+unwillingness with which he at any time increases the expenses of the
+nation.
+
+But, my lords, it is the great duty of your high station to watch over
+the administration, and to warn those, who are more immediately
+intrusted with the publick affairs, against measures which may endanger
+the safety or happiness of the nation; and, therefore, if I have proved
+to your lordships, that to raise new regiments is dangerous to our
+liberties, that a multitude of officers is of no use in war, and that an
+army may be more expeditiously disciplined by adding new men to every
+company, I hope your lordships will agree to this resolution, which I
+have drawn up with the utmost brevity, and of which the meaning cannot
+be mistaken:
+
+"That the augmenting the army by raising regiments, as it is the most
+unnecessary and expensive method of augmentation, is also the most
+dangerous to the liberties of the nation."
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE next spoke, to this effect:--My lords, as my
+education and employments have afforded me no opportunity of acquiring
+any skill in military affairs, it will not be expected by your
+lordships, that I should be able to confute the arguments of the noble
+duke, whose acknowledged superiority in the art of war, and the
+abilities which he has displayed in the administration of every province
+which he has undertaken, give him a claim to the highest deference.
+
+But, my lords, as I cannot assume the province of disputing on this
+question, so I cannot, without longer consideration, form any resolution
+concerning it; for arguments may be fallacious, which, yet, I cannot
+confute, and to approve without knowledge is no less weak than to
+censure.
+
+There is not any present necessity, my lords, of forming a resolution on
+this subject; we are not now called upon particularly to consider it,
+and certainly it cannot be prudent, by so determinate a decision,
+pronounced without reflection or deliberation, to preclude a fuller
+examination of this important question.
+
+Lord CARTERET rose, and spoke in this manner:--My lords, the noble duke
+who made the present motion has supported it by such strength of
+argument, and so fully explained the advantages of the method which it
+tends to recommend, that not only the present age, but posterity may,
+probably, be indebted to him, for juster notions of a military
+establishment, than have been yet attained even by those whose
+profession obliges them to such inquiries.
+
+Nor, my lords, could we expect less from his long experience and
+extensive capacity; experience gained in the heat of war, and in the
+midst of danger; a capacity not only cultivated by solitary
+disquisitions in retirement and security, but exercised by difficulties,
+and quickened by opposition.
+
+Such abilities, my lords, matured by such an education, have justly made
+the noble duke the oracle of war, and procured him the esteem and
+reverence of all the powers upon earth.
+
+As I did not receive from my education any military knowledge, I am not
+able to add much to the arguments which your lordships have already
+heard; but, nevertheless, having been under the necessity of regulating
+the army when I had the honour to be employed in Ireland, and having
+made, in those countries where I transacted the business of the crown,
+some observations upon the different forms of military establishments, I
+hope I shall be allowed to offer what my experience or my remarks may
+suggest to me, in confirmation of the sentiments of the noble duke.
+
+When I was in Ireland, my lords, the troops of that kingdom consisted of
+twenty-one regiments, of which ten were, as last year, brought into
+Britain, and the Irish forces were to be filled up by new levies, which
+were raised in the manner now proposed, by increasing every regiment
+from three hundred and forty to six hundred men; so that the eleven
+regiments remaining composed a body of nearly the same number with the
+twenty-one regiments, as formerly constituted.
+
+Of the Swedish establishment, my lords, the reputation and success of
+their troops are an uncontrovertible vindication, attd I have often had
+an opportunity of comparing the number of officers with that of ours,
+and found their private men to be far more numerous in proportion to the
+officers.
+
+In Hanover, my lords, I have seen his majesty's troops remarkable for
+the elegance of their appearance; and being once asked, by the
+commander, at what expense one of those gallant troopers and his horse
+was supported, was told, after confessing my ignorance, that he cost no
+more than fourteen pounds a year, who could not, in this country, be
+maintained for less than forty.
+
+I believe, my lords, that the French forces are not more expensive than
+those of Hanover, and, therefore, we are by no means to imitate their
+establishment, for the price of provisions and habits of life do not
+admit of any diminution of the pay of either our officers or soldiers,
+and we can only lessen our expenses by reducing their numbers, to which
+I shall, for my part, most willingly contribute.
+
+But as this, my lords, is not the proper time for disbanding our forces,
+of which the present state of our affairs may, perhaps, demand an
+augmentation, it is necessary to compare the state of our forces with
+that of foreign troops, and supply, by prudent methods, the
+disadvantages to which we are subject, by the peculiar condition of our
+country. For, if the French can support an army at a fourth part of our
+expense, what must be the consequence of a war, supposing the wealth of
+the two nations nearly equal? It will be to little purpose that we
+boast, however justly, of the superiority of our troops; for though it
+should be granted that the British cannot be resisted by an equal
+number, yet it can never be expected that they should conquer troops
+four times as numerous as themselves.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears, with all the evidence of arithmetical
+demonstration, that the method now proposed is highly expedient, nor can
+any objection, in my opinion, be made to the resolution offered to your
+lordships.
+
+That this is not a proper time for this inquiry has been, indeed, urged,
+but surely no time can be more proper than when we may, by a resolution
+unanimously passed, regulate, in some degree, the conduct of the other
+house, and faint to them the opinion of this assembly on a question
+which is, perhaps, to-morrow to be brought before them.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY then spoke thus:--My lords, though I was once honoured
+with a command in the army, and consequently ought to have attained some
+military knowledge, yet I have so long resigned my commission, possessed
+it for so short a time, and have suffered my attention to be diverted
+from inquiries on that subject by employments of so different a kind,
+that I cannot presume to oppose any knowledge of my own to the reasons
+which have been offered; but I cannot think that the conclusions drawn
+by the noble duke, are so evidently true as to force conviction, and
+exclude all possibility of reply; nor can I conceive it consistent with
+the dignity of this assembly, to yield implicitly to any man's
+assertions, or to pass any resolution without an accurate inquiry.
+
+Some objections, my lords, arise, upon reflection, from my narrow
+observation and transient reading, and these I shall lay before your
+lordships, with an open acknowledgment of my insufficiency to discuss
+the question, and a sincere desire of being instructed where I may be
+mistaken.
+
+The subordination of the army, my lords, appears to me, in general, to
+be sufficiently maintained, nor is it ever infringed but by particular
+partiality, that can never be prevented, or a casual difference in the
+circumstances of the officers, which, though not relative to their
+military characters, will always produce some degree of influence.
+
+I know not, my lords, how the general regulation of our forces, and the
+distribution of military honours, can be condemned, without extending
+some degree of censure to a person who ought not to be mentioned as
+concurring in any measures injurious to the publick. Our army, my lords,
+is maintained by the parliament, but commanded by the king, who has not
+either done or directed any thing of which his people may justly
+complain.
+
+Here the duke of ARGYLE interrupted him:--My lords, it is necessary to
+clear myself from misrepresentations, and to preserve, at the same time,
+the order of this assembly, by reminding the noble lord, that his
+majesty is never to be introduced into our debates, because he is never
+to be charged with wrong; and by declaring to your lordships, that I
+impute no part of the errours committed in the regulation of the army to
+his majesty, but to those ministers whose duty it is to advise him, and
+whom the law condemns to answer for the consequences of their counsels.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY resumed:--My lords, if I misrepresented any assertion
+of the noble duke, it was by misapprehension, or failure of memory, and
+not by malice or design; and if in any other objections which I shall
+make, I shall fall into any errour of the same kind, I desire that it
+may be ascribed to the same cause.
+
+The ignorance and inexperience of our present officers have been exposed
+with great gaiety of imagination, and with the true spirit of satirical
+rhetorick, nor can I presume to support them against so formidable
+censures. But, my lords, I cannot discover any method of protracting the
+lives of our old officers beyond the usual term, nor of supplying the
+loss of those whom death takes away from the army, but by substituting
+others, who, as they have seen no wars, can have little experience.
+
+With regard to the number of officers in the foreign troops, I have been
+informed, that they were, by an express stipulation, to be constituted
+in the same manner with the British and Dutch forces.
+
+Then the duke of ARGYLE again interrupted him:--My lords, as it was my
+province in the late war to superintend the payment of the foreign
+troops, I may be allowed to have some knowledge of the establishment,
+and hope I shall not be imagined to need any information on that
+subject.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY said:--My lords, I do not presume to dispute any
+assertion of the noble duke, for whose knowledge I have the highest
+veneration, but only to offer such hints for inquiry as may be pursued
+by other lords of greater abilities, and to show, that as some
+difficulties may be raised, the resolution ought not to be agreed to
+without farther deliberation; since it not only tends to prescribe the
+measures which shall be hereafter taken, and prohibit a method of
+raising forces, which, when diligently examined, may, perhaps, appear
+most eligible, but to censure the methods, which, when they were put in
+practice the last year, received the approbation of all the powers of
+the legislature.
+
+Lord WESTMORELAND spoke next, as follows:--My lords, I have, for my own
+satisfaction, stated the difference of the expense between the two
+methods of raising forces, and find it so great, that the method
+proposed by the noble duke ought, undoubtedly, to be preferred, even
+though it were attended with some inconvenience, from which he has shown
+it to be free.
+
+Frugality, my lords, is one of the chief virtues of an administration; a
+virtue without which no government can be long supported: the publick
+expense can never be too accurately computed, or the first tendency to
+profusion too rigorously opposed; for as in private life, so in
+political economy, the demands of necessity are easily supplied; but if
+once the calls of wantonness and caprice are complied with, no limits
+can be fixed, nor will any treasure be sufficient.
+
+Whether the burdens under which the people are now toiling were all
+imposed by necessity, I will not inquire, but I think, my lords, we may
+readily determine, that whatever is not necessary is cruel and
+oppressive, and that, therefore, since the expense of raising new
+regiments appears, at least, not to be necessary, it ought to be
+opposed; and how can it be opposed more properly or effectually than by
+the noble duke's resolution?
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke to this effect:--My lords, I do not claim any
+superiority of knowledge in any affairs that relate to the publick, but
+have less acquaintance with the military establishment than with any
+other part of the government, and can, therefore, neither oppose the
+resolution now offered to your lordships by such arguments as may
+deserve your attention, nor agree to it with that degree of conviction
+which the importance of it seems to require.
+
+That the chief argument which has been produced against raising new
+regiments, is less formidable than it has been represented, will, I
+believe, appear to your lordships, when it is considered that the
+officers are always gentlemen of the first families in the empire, who,
+therefore, cannot be supposed voluntarily to give up their relations and
+posterity to the power of any ministry, or, for the sake of their
+commissions, to betray that constitution by which their own properties
+are secured.
+
+Whether every other argument may not with equal justice be controverted,
+is not, without longer consideration, possible to be determined, and,
+therefore, it cannot be reasonably expected that we should agree to the
+resolution, which would be only to decide without examination, and to
+determine what we don't understand; for I am under no apprehension of
+being imagined to reflect unjustly on this assembly, in supposing that
+many of your lordships may be strangers to the question, which, when the
+last levies were made, was neither discussed nor proposed.
+
+I therefore move, that the previous question may be put, which may,
+perhaps, gain time sufficient for a more exact inquiry upon this
+important subject.
+
+Lord TALBOT replied to this purport:--My lords, if, in imitation of some
+noble lords, I profess my ignorance of the subject on which I am to
+speak, may it not yet be allowed me, after the example of others, to
+employ the little knowledge which I have in the defence of a resolution,
+which appears to have no other tendency than the advantage of the
+publick, and to show my zeal for the happiness of my country, though,
+perhaps, without the true knowledge of its interest?
+
+The noble lord, who spoke last, is too great a master of eloquence not
+to be heard with all the attention which pleasure naturally produces,
+and a reasoner too formidable not to raise in his hearers all the
+anxiety which is produced by the fear of being deceived by partial
+representations, and artful deductions. I am always afraid, my lords,
+lest errour should appear too much like truth in the ornaments which his
+lordship's imagination may bestow, and lest sophistry should dazzle my
+understanding whilst I imagine myself only guided by the light of
+reason.
+
+I shall, therefore, endeavour, my lords, to review his ornaments, and
+try whether they owe their influence to the force of truth, or to that
+of eloquence.
+
+His lordship has observed, that the objections which are now made to the
+method of raising new regiments, were not produced last year upon a like
+occasion. I know not, indeed, what can be inferred from this assertion;
+for, surely, it will not maintain, that an errour, once admitted, is to
+become perpetual.
+
+But, my lords, another reason may be assigned, for which the objections
+that occurred last year might not be produced. The ministry, after a
+long course of disgraceful negotiations, and artful delays, were, at
+length, compelled to a war, by the general clamours of the whole nation;
+but they acted as men unwilling to execute what they did not approve.
+They proceeded so slowly in their preparations, and were so languid in
+all their motions, that it was evident how willingly they would have
+improved every opportunity of retarding the vengeance which they were
+forced to threaten; and with what artifices they would have protracted
+any delay, which they could have imputed to those by whom they were
+opposed. It was, therefore, to the last degree, improper to embarrass
+their measures of themselves sufficiently perplexed, or to lay any
+obstacle in the way of those who would gladly be stopped.
+
+That the army is filled with gentlemen, is so far, my lords, from
+proving that there is nothing to be feared from it, that it is the only
+foundation of all our solicitude. For none but gentlemen can injure our
+liberties, and while the posts of the army are bestowed as rewards of
+senatorial slavery, gentlemen will always be found who will be corrupted
+themselves, and can corrupt a borough; who will purchase a vote in the
+house, and sell it for military preferments. By the posts of the army
+the senate may be corrupted, and by the corruption of the senate the
+army be perpetuated.
+
+Those, my lords, who are the warmest opponents of the army, apprehend
+not any danger from their swords, but from their votes. As they have
+been of late regulated without discipline or subordination, I should not
+feel such anxiety at seeing them led on by their new commanders against
+a body of honest ploughmen, united in the cause of virtue and of
+liberty; I should, with great alacrity, draw my sword against them, and
+should not doubt of seeing them in a short time heaped upon our fields.
+
+But, my lords, they are employed to ruin us by a more slow and silent
+method; they are directed to influence their relations in the senate,
+and to suborn the voters in our small towns; they are dispersed over the
+nation to instil dependence, and being enslaved themselves, willingly
+undertake the propagation of slavery.
+
+That the army is instrumental in extending the influence of the ministry
+to the senate, cannot be denied, when military preferments are held no
+longer than while he that possesses them gives a sanction, by his vote,
+to the measures of the court; when no degree of merit is sufficient to
+balance a single act of senatorial opposition, and when the nation is
+rather to be left to the defence of boys, than the minister be suspected
+of misconduct.
+
+Could either bravery or knowledge, reputation, or past services, known
+fidelity to his majesty, or the most conspicuous capacity for high
+trust, have secured any man in the enjoyment of his post, the noble duke
+who made the motion, had carried his command to his grave, nor had the
+nation now been deprived either of his arms, or of his counsels.
+
+But, as he has now offered his advice to his country, and supported his
+opinion with proofs from reason and experience, which even those who
+oppose them have confessed themselves unable to answer; as the justness
+of his reasoning, and the extent of his knowledge, have silenced those
+whose prejudices will not suffer them to own themselves convinced; let
+us not, my lords, reject what we cannot condemn, nor suffer our country
+to be defrauded of the advantage of this resolution, by that low
+senatorial craft, the previous question.
+
+Then the CHANCELLOR spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, I am far
+from suspecting that an open profession of my inability to examine the
+question before us, in its full extent, will be imputed to an
+affectation of modesty, since any knowledge of military affairs could
+not be acquired in those stations in which I have been placed, or by
+those studies, in which the greatest part of my life is known to have
+been spent.
+
+It will not be expected, my lords, that I should attempt a formal
+confutation of the noble duke's positions, or that I should be able to
+defend my own opinion against his knowledge and experience; nor would I,
+my lords, expose myself to the censure of having harangued upon war in
+the presence of Hannibal.
+
+The noble duke has explained his sentiments to your lordships with the
+utmost accuracy of method, and the most instructive perspicuity of
+language; he has enforced them with a strength of reasoning rarely to be
+found, and with an extent of knowledge peculiar to himself. Yet, my
+lords, as his arguments, however powerful in themselves, do not strike
+me with the same force with which others may be affected, who are more
+capable of receiving them, I hope that your lordships will allow me to
+mention such objections as occur to me, that in voting on this question
+I may, at least, preserve my conscience from violation, and neither
+adopt the opinion of another, however great, without examination, nor
+obstinately reject the means of conviction.
+
+Every lord who has spoken either in support of the noble duke's opinion,
+or in opposition to it, has confessed that he is very little acquainted
+with the subject of our debate; and it may not, therefore, be an
+improper or useless attempt, if I endeavour by objections, however
+injudicious, or by arguments, however inconclusive, to procure some
+illustration of a question so important, and, at the same time, so
+little understood.
+
+The objections, my lords, which I shall produce, are such as I have
+heard in conversation with those whose long acquaintance with military
+employments give them a just claim to authority in all questions which
+relate to the art of war; among whom I find no uniformity of opinion
+with regard to the most proper method of augmenting our forces. And, my
+lords, when we observe those to differ in their sentiments, whose
+education, experience, and opportunities of knowledge have been nearly
+the same, and who have all obtained a very great degree of reputation in
+their profession, what can be inferred, but that the question is in its
+own nature obscure and difficult? That it involves a multitude of
+relations, and is diffused through a great variety of circumstances?
+And that, therefore, it is prudent for every man, who can judge only
+upon the authority of others, to suspend his opinion?
+
+The chief argument, or that, at least, which impressed itself most
+strongly on my mind, against any innovation in our military
+constitution, was drawn from the success of our armies in their present
+form, with that proportion of soldiers and officers, which the present
+motion tends to abolish. Our forces, say the advocates for the present
+establishment, have afforded us a sufficient testimony of the propriety
+of their regulation, by their frequent victories over troops, whose
+discipline has been studied with the utmost vigilance, and which have
+been trained up to war with a degree of attention not disproportioned to
+the mighty design for which they were raised, the subjection of the
+world, and attainment of universal monarchy. These troops, who have been
+taught, almost from their infancy, that cowardice and flight are the
+greatest crimes, and persuaded, by national prejudices, and principles
+studiously instilled, that no foreign forces could withstand them, have
+fled before equal numbers of Britons, and been driven from one province
+to another, till, instead of grasping at general dominion, they were
+reduced to defend their wives and children.
+
+How much of this success was to be ascribed to that part of the
+regulation which this motion proposes to be changed, it is not, my
+lords, within my province to determine; the great commander whom I have
+the honour to oppose, can best explain to your lordships the province of
+every officer in the field, and how far the number of inferiour officers
+may influence the success of a battle and the fate of a kingdom.
+
+But to me, my lords, the establishment of our armies, comprising
+different views, and connecting various subordinate regulations, may be
+compared to a medicine composed of different ingredients, and found
+infallibly efficacious in a dangerous disease, in which, though some of
+the parts may seem to physicians of the profoundest learning,
+superfluous or improper, it would be no less than the folly of
+preferring experiments to life, to make any alteration.
+
+The wantonness of innovation, my lords, is a dangerous disease of the
+mind; in a private station, it prompts men to be always discontented
+with what they find, and to lose the enjoyment of good in search of
+something better; it incites them to leave the safe and beaten tracks of
+life, in search of those which they imagine nearer, but, which are, at
+best, less secure, and which generally lead them to points far different
+from that to which they originally intended to direct their course.
+
+It is dangerous, my lords, to admit any alteration which is not
+absolutely necessary, for one innovation makes way for another. The
+parts of a constitution, like a complicated machine, are fitted to each
+other, nor can one be changed without changing that which corresponds to
+it. This necessity is not always foreseen, but when discovered by
+experience is generally complied with; for every man is more inclined to
+hazard farther changes, than to confess himself mistaken by retracting
+his scheme. Thus, my lords, one change introduces another, till the
+original constitution is entirely destroyed.
+
+By the ambition of innovation, my lords, have almost all those empires
+been destroyed, of which nothing now is left but the memory. Every human
+establishment has its advantages and its inconveniencies, and by weak
+attempts to remedy these defects, which, notwithstanding the utmost
+attention, will embarrass the machine of government, alterations have
+been introduced which have been quickly followed by a total dissolution.
+
+There seem, my lords, to be few regulations on which it is more
+dangerous to make experiments than on that of the armies of a nation. We
+are sufficiently convinced how much of success is the consequence of
+courage, and that courage is only an opinion of our own superiority,
+arising from certain circumstances, either imaginary or real.
+
+The courage which at present animates our forces, arises, my lords, from
+a very proper ground, their former victories over the enemies which they
+are now to combat, and will, therefore, doubtless, continue while they
+can consider themselves as enjoying the same advantage with those
+particular men by whom the victories were obtained. But, my lords, if
+any essential part of their establishment be changed, they will be
+considered, both by themselves and their enemies, as a different army;
+they will then charge with less alacrity, and be opposed with less
+dejection; they will consider themselves as fighting without that
+certainty of success which arises from experience, and their enemies
+will resolve to try, by an obstinate resistance, whether they are now
+equally formidable as in their former state.
+
+Thus, my lords, I have attempted, however weakly, to represent the
+arguments which I have heard for the continuance of the establishment,
+of which your lordships will examine the validity, and shall now proceed
+to consider the noble duke's system of a military subordination in time
+of peace.
+
+Whether a standing army in time of peace is made necessary to the change
+of conduct in foreign courts, it is now useless to inquire; but it will
+be easily granted by your lordships, that no motive but necessity,
+necessity absolute and inevitable, ought to influence us to support a
+standing body of regular forces, which have always been accounted
+dangerous, and generally found destructive to a free people.
+
+The chief reason, my lords, of the danger arising from a standing army,
+may be ascribed to the circumstances by which men, subject to military
+laws, are distinguished from other members of the same community; they
+are, by the nature of martial government, exposed to punishment which
+other men never incur, and tried by forms of a different and more
+rigorous kind than those which are practised by the civil power. They
+are, if not exempted from the jurisdiction of a magistrate, yet subject
+to another authority which they see more frequently and more severely
+exerted, and which, therefore, they fear and reverence in a higher
+degree. They, by entering into the army, lay aside, for the most part,
+all prospect of advantage from commerce or civil employments, and, in a
+few years, neither fear nor hope any thing but from the favour or
+displeasure of their own officers.
+
+For these, my lords, or for other reasons, the soldiers have always been
+inclined to consider themselves as a body distinct from the rest of the
+community, and independent on it, a government regulated by their own
+laws, without regard to the general constitution of their country; they
+have, therefore, been ready to subvert the constitution, from which they
+received little advantage, and to oppress the civil magistrates, for
+whom they had lost their reverence.
+
+And how soon, my lords, might such outrages be expected from an army
+formed after the model of the noble duke, released from the common
+obligations of society, disunited from the bulk of the nation, directed
+solely by their own officers, and ultimately commanded by a man who had
+the right of commanding no other? Would they not soon consider
+themselves as a separate community, whose interests were, no less than
+their laws, peculiar to themselves? Would they not consider him, from
+whom they received all their rewards, and all their punishments, as the
+proper object of their supreme regard, and endeavour to exalt him to the
+same dominion over others, which he enjoyed in regard to themselves,
+that they might share in his superiority?
+
+A body of men, my lords, thus separated from the rest of the people,
+must consider themselves as either ennobled or degraded by such
+distinction, and would soon find themselves inclined to use the power of
+their arms, either in the exertion of their privileges, or the revenge
+of their disgrace. Then, my lords, would they set at defiance the laws
+of the nation, nor would one of these noble lords be able to disband,
+nor the other to resist them.
+
+The army, my lords, is, in time of peace, then best regulated when it is
+kept under the strictest subordination to the civil power, that power
+which it is instituted to protect and to preserve.
+
+Thus, my lords, have I examined the proposal and reasons of the noble
+duke, perhaps not much to the information of your lordships; but it
+cannot be expected that any capacity should be able, in an unexpected
+and sudden debate, to dispute on a subject, which the noble duke's
+education gave him particular opportunities of understanding far beyond
+almost every other man, and which he has had time to consider with
+respect to this present motion.
+
+For this reason, my lords, I cannot but think the previous question
+highly expedient, but not for this reason alone; for as the state of the
+army, and the proper methods of augmenting it, are soon to be examined
+by the other house, to prejudice their determinations, may raise a
+contest about privileges, and oblige us either to persist, for our own
+honour, in opposition to measures necessary to the security of the
+publick, or, in compliance with the present exigence, accept their
+scheme, however opposite to our own resolution.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke in substance as follows:--My lords, the known
+abilities of that noble lord incline me always to hear him with uncommon
+expectation and attention, which seldom fail to be rewarded by such
+pleasure and information as few other men are able to afford. But his
+observations on the question before us, my lords, have only convinced
+me, that the greatest abilities may be sometimes betrayed into errour,
+and the most candid disposition be vitiated by accidental prejudices.
+For his own arguments neither appear just, nor his representation
+impartial, of those advanced in favour of the motion.
+
+With regard to the number of officers necessary in time of war, his
+lordship asserted nothing from his own knowledge, nor do I believe that
+any other lord will imagine himself qualified to dispute with the noble
+duke upon questions purely military. His experience entitles him to the
+highest authority, in debates of this kind; and if every man has a claim
+to credit in his own profession, surely, he who has given evidence of
+his proficiency in the art of war in the eyes of the whole world, will
+not be denied, in this house, that superiority which would readily be
+allowed him in any other part of the universe.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can it be suspected, that he intends to deceive
+us, than that he can be deceived himself; for not only his probity, his
+love of his country, and his fidelity to the crown, concur to secure him
+from any temptations to make an ill use of his credit, but his own
+interest obliges him to offer that scheme for the regulation of our
+forces, which, in his own opinion, will most certainly contribute to
+their success. For it is not to be doubted, my lords, that when we shall
+be engaged in war too far for negotiations and conventions, when we
+shall be surrounded by enemies, and terrified at the near approach of
+danger, he will be called upon to lead our armies to battle, and attack,
+once more, those enemies that have fled so often before him.
+
+Then, my lords, if he has contributed to form a weak plan of our
+military constitution, must he atone for it with the loss of his
+reputation; that reputation, for which he has undergone so many
+fatigues, and been exposed to so many dangers.
+
+But, my lords, it is ridiculous to suspect where nothing appears to
+provoke suspicion, and I am very far from imagining that the dangers of
+innovation, however artfully magnified, or the apprehensions of the
+soldiers, however rhetorically represented, will be thought of any
+weight.
+
+The establishment of the army, my lords, is an innovation, and, as the
+noble lord has justly represented it, an innovation that threatens
+nothing less than the destruction of our liberties, and the dissolution
+of our government. Our vigilance ought, therefore, to be very anxiously
+employed in regulating this new part of our government, and adapting it,
+in such a manner, to the national constitution, that no detriment may
+arise from it, and that our civil rights may be protected, not
+oppressed, by the military power.
+
+To this purpose, says the noble lord, the soldiers are to be restrained
+by a due subordination to the magistrate, a position undoubtedly true,
+but now superfluously urged: for it was never controverted by the noble
+person whose opinion he intended to oppose.
+
+Should any man assert, my lords, that the army ought to be formed into a
+distinct and independent society, which should receive laws only from a
+council of war, and have no other governour than their officers, none
+should oppose such an assertion with more ardour or constancy than
+myself, but what was never advanced it is unnecessary to confute.
+
+Yet, my lords, to obviate those dangers from the army which have been so
+strongly and justly represented, it is necessary, not only that a legal
+subordination to the civil authority be firmly established, but that a
+personal dependence on the ministry be taken away.
+
+How readily men learn to reverence and obey those on whom their fortunes
+depend, has been already shown by the noble lord, and therefore it will
+follow, that a minister who distributes preferments at his pleasure, may
+acquire such an influence in the army, as may be employed to secure
+himself from justice by the destruction of liberty. And unless it can be
+proved, that no such minister can ever exist; that corruption, ambition,
+and perfidy, have place only in the military race; every argument that
+shows the danger of an army, dependent only on the general, will show
+the danger, likewise, of one dependent only on the minister.
+
+The influence of the minister, my lords, is known to arise from the
+number of the officers, and to be proportioned to the value of the
+preferment, which it is in his power to bestow; it is, therefore,
+evident, by adding new officers to our army, we shall throw weight into
+the scale, which already is, at least, an equal balance to our
+constitution, and enable the ministry either to employ an army in
+defence of their measures, or to obtain such an influence in the senate,
+as shall make any other security superfluous.
+
+Such, my lords, is the danger of a multitude of officers, a danger which
+surely deserves more attention than the imaginary prejudice of the
+soldiers in favour of the present establishment; a prejudice represented
+so powerful, both in our own forces, and those of our enemies, that the
+future success of our arms may probably depend upon it.
+
+Surely, my lords, that cause may be allowed indefensible, which such a
+patron defends so weakly. What can be more chimerical than to imagine
+that men would lay down their arms, and forsake their standards, because
+there are twenty more in a company than have formerly been? That such a
+panick, from such a cause, was never found, I need not prove; and I
+scarce think it necessary to assert, that, without supposing a universal
+depravity of reason, it never can be found.
+
+The establishment proposed by the noble duke, is the same with that of
+most foreign troops, and particularly with that of his majesty's forces
+in his foreign dominions, and, therefore, cannot but be approved by him,
+if it should be proposed by your lordships. For why should he imagine a
+greater number of officers necessary to the troops of Britain, than to
+those of any other nation.
+
+The expediency of the motion, my lords, is, in my opinion, so obvious
+and incontestable, as to require no farther consideration, and,
+therefore, it is no argument against it, that we were not previously
+informed of the question.
+
+Much less, my lords, can I discover the force of the assertion, that by
+such a resolution we shall excite the displeasure of the other house; we
+have, my lords, at least, an equal right with them to examine any
+position relating to the publick security, a right which we may exert
+with less danger of disgusting them, while they have yet formed no
+determination, and with less danger to the nation, than when their
+opinion, whatever it may be, cannot be controverted without retarding
+the important bill against mutiny.
+
+We are never offended, my lords, at receiving the opinions of the other
+house, which we often adopt without any alteration, and often make use
+of for our own instruction, and now are become so contemptible as that
+no regard should be paid by them to our resolutions.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that this assembly is an essential and
+constituent part of the legislature of this kingdom, and that we
+received from our ancestors a great extent of power, which it ought to
+be our care not to suffer to be contracted by degrees, till this
+assembly shall become merely formal, and sit only to ratify implicitly
+the determinations of the other house.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in the debate, and the president having put
+the previous question, "Whether the question should be then put?" upon a
+division, it passed in the negative. Content, 42. Not content, 59.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 12, 1740.
+
+RESPECTING OFFICERS ON HALF-PAY.
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day moved for an humble address to his majesty, that,
+for the future ease of his majesty's subjects, all officers now
+subsisting upon half-pay, etc. might be employed in the army, and
+supported it to the following effect:
+
+Sir, though I have often known motions opposed without any just
+objections, or at least without any proof of such inconveniencies likely
+to arise from them, as were equivalent to the advantages which they
+would have produced, yet I cannot but confess, that any opposition to
+this will be unexpected and surprising; for it is, in my opinion,
+supported by every law of justice and humanity. If we regard the publick
+in general, it cannot but produce some alleviation of the national
+expense; and if we consider the particular persons to whom it
+immediately relates, they have certainly a just claim to that regard
+which it is the tendency of this motion to procure them.
+
+To burden with superfluous officers, and unnecessary expenses, a people
+already overwhelmed with taxes, and overrun with the dependents on the
+crown, is, surely, to the highest degree cruel and absurd. And to
+condemn those men to contempt and penury, who have served their country
+with bravery and fidelity, to prefer unexperienced striplings to those
+commissions, which would gladly be accepted by men who have already
+tried their courage in the battle, and borne the fatigues of marches,
+and the change of climates, is surely not only to oppress the deserving,
+and scatter promotion without just distinction; but, what is yet more
+enormous, it is to wanton with the publick safety, and expose us to our
+enemies.
+
+Nor does it appear to me sufficient, that the veteran officers be
+restored to the commissions which they formerly enjoyed; they ought,
+upon an augmentation of our troops, to be recompensed by some
+advancement for their services and their sufferings; the ensign ought to
+become a lieutenant, and the lieutenant be exalted to a captain;
+stations which they will surely fill with more dignity and greater
+abilities, than boys newly discharged from school, and intrusted with
+unexpected authority.
+
+If it be reasonable, sir, that expense should be spared in a time of
+general poverty, if it be politick to carry on war in the manner most
+likely to produce success, if it be just, that those who have served
+their country should be preferred to those who have no merit to boast,
+this motion cannot be rejected.
+
+Sir William YONGE answered to this purpose:--Sir, to the motion now
+made, it will not, I believe, be objected, that it is unreasonable, or
+unjust, but that it is unnecessary, and that it is not drawn up with
+sufficient consideration.
+
+It is unnecessary, because his majesty is advised by it to no other
+measures than those which he has already determined to pursue; for he
+has declared to me, sir, his intention of conferring the new commissions
+upon the officers who receive half-pay, before any other officers shall
+be promoted.
+
+The motion appears to me not to be very attentively considered, or drawn
+up with great propriety of expression; for it supposes all the half-pay
+officers fit for the service, which cannot be imagined by any man, who
+considers that there has been peace for almost thirty years; a space of
+time, in which many vigorous constitutions must have declined, and many,
+who were once well qualified for command, must be disabled by the
+infirmities of age. Nor is the promotion of one of these gentlemen
+considered always by him as an act of favour; many of them have, in this
+long interval of peace, engaged in methods of life very little
+consistent with military employments, many of them have families which
+demand their care, and which they would not forsake for any advantages
+which a new commission could afford them, and therefore it would not be
+very consistent with humanity to force them into new dangers and
+fatigues which they are now unable to support.
+
+With regard to these men, compassion and kindness seem to require that
+they should be suffered to spend their few remaining days without
+interruption, and that the dangers and toils of their youth should be
+requited in their age with ease and retirement.
+
+There are others who have less claim to the regard of the publick, and
+who may be passed by in the distribution of new preferments without the
+imputation of neglecting merit. These are they who have voluntarily
+resigned their commissions for the sake of half-pay, and have preferred
+indolence and retreat to the service of their country.
+
+So that it appears, that of those who subsist upon half-pay, some are
+unable to execute a commission, some do not desire, and some do not
+deserve it; and with regard to the remaining part, which can be no great
+number, I have already stated the intention of his majesty, and
+therefore cannot but conclude that the motion is needless.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke as follows:--Sir, I know not by what fatality it is,
+that all the motions made by one party are reasonable and necessary, and
+all that are unhappily offered by the other, are discovered either to be
+needless, or of pernicious tendency. Whenever a question can be clouded
+and perplexed, the opponents of the ministry are always mistaken,
+confuted, and, in consequence of the confutations, defeated by the
+majority of votes. When truth is too notorious to be denied, and too
+obvious to be contested, the administration claim the honour of the
+first discovery, and will never own that they were incited to their duty
+by the remonstrances of their opponents, though they never, before those
+remonstrances, had discovered the least intention of performing it.
+
+But that the motion is allowed to be just and proper, is sufficient; the
+importance of it will be easily discovered. For my part I shall always
+consider that motion as important, which tends to contract the expenses
+of the publick, to rescue merit from neglect, and to hinder the increase
+of the dependents on the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE answered:--Sir, there is no temper more opposite to
+that incessant attention to the welfare of the publick, which is the
+perpetual boast of those who have signalized themselves by opposing the
+measures of the administration, than a lust of contradiction, and a
+disposition to disturb this assembly with superfluous debates.
+
+Whether this disposition is not discovered in the reply made to the
+declaration of his majesty's intentions, and the confession of the
+propriety of the motion, let the house determine. It must surely be
+confessed, that it is not necessary to advise what is already
+determined.
+
+Nor is it less evident, that many of the officers whose interest is now
+so warmly solicited, must be incapacitated by their age for service, and
+unable to receive any benefit from the offer of new commissions. To deny
+this, is to question the flux of time, or to imagine that the
+constitution of a soldier is exempt from its injuries.
+
+Mr. SANDYS explained himself to this effect:--Sir, I am far from
+intending by this motion to fill the army with decrepit officers, or to
+obstruct in any manner the service of the publick; nor have I any other
+intention, than to secure to those whose years permit, and whose
+inclinations incite them to enter once more into the army, that
+preferment to which they have a claim, not only from their past
+services, but from the state of penury and obscurity in which they have
+languished.
+
+I desire to preserve those, whose valour has heretofore made our nation
+the terrour of the world, from the mortification of seeing themselves
+insulted by childhood, and commanded by ignorance; by ignorance exalted
+to authority by the countenance of some rhetorician of the senate, or
+some mayor of a borough.
+
+Whoever has observed the late distribution of military honours, will
+easily discover that they have been attained by qualifications very
+different from bravery, or knowledge of the art of war; he will find
+that regiments and companies are the rewards of a seasonable vote, and
+that no man can preserve his post in the army, whether given him as the
+reward of acknowledged merit, or sold him for the full value, any longer
+than he employs all his influence in favour of the ministry.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then said:--Sir, it has been already admitted, that
+the motion can only be objected to as superfluous, and, therefore, all
+farther debate is mere waste of time, without any prospect of advantage;
+nor is any thing now necessary, but to review the motion, and correct
+such expressions as may be thought inaccurate or improper.
+
+That _all_ the half-pay officers are not able to enter into the service,
+has been already shown, and, therefore, I should imagine, that, instead
+of _all the officers_, we might very justly substitute _officers
+properly qualified_.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, though I cannot discover the necessity
+of any alteration, since it cannot be conceived that the senate can
+advise impossibilities, yet since so much accuracy is affected, it may
+be allowed that the word _all_ shall be left out, as seeming to imply
+more than can be intended.
+
+But the honourable gentleman is not, in my opinion, so happy in his
+amendment, as in his objection; for the words _properly qualified_
+convey to me no distinct idea. He that is qualified is, I suppose,
+_properly qualified_, for I never heard of _improper qualifications_;
+but if the word _properly_ be omitted, I have no objection to the
+amendment.
+
+This motion was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, JAN. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON AN ADDRESS FOR PAPERS RELATING TO ADMIRAL HADDOCK.]
+
+
+Mr. WALLER this day offered the following motion in writing, That an
+humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be graciously
+pleased to give directions that there may be laid before this house
+copies of two particular letters written by his majesty's secretary of
+state to admiral Haddock, which had been addressed for before, and of
+the letters received from admiral Ogle mentioned therein; together with
+all letters written by admiral Haddock to either of his majesty's
+secretaries of state, concerning the said letters, and the execution of
+the orders contained therein.
+
+This motion he supported by arguments to the following effect:--Sir, no
+man who considers the present situation of our foreign affairs, the
+expense and inefficacy of our military preparations, the appearance of
+negligence in our naval expeditions, and the general disappointment of
+the hopes which the nation had conceived of victories, vengeance, and
+reparations, can, in my opinion, doubt the expediency of the motion
+which I have taken the liberty to make.
+
+When the expectations of the nation are deceived, it certainly becomes
+those who are deputed to watch over the prosperity of the publick, to
+inquire whence the disappointment proceeds, and either to inform their
+constituents that their uneasiness arises from their own errour, and
+that their hopes are destroyed because they had no rational foundation;
+or to detect the weak management of those by whom the publick measures
+have been ill-conducted, or the national treasure has been misapplied.
+
+With regard, sir, to the present war, I know not how the nation can be
+charged with having formed unreasonable expectations. If they considered
+the speech from the throne, the most authentick declaration of the
+intentions of the government, they found there the warmest resentments
+of the injuries which they had sustained, and the strongest assurances
+of a vigorous prosecution of all those measures which might produce
+speedy recompense, and inviolable security.
+
+If they reflect, sir, on the preparations for war, on the multitude of
+ships, the demand of materials for naval equipments, and the high prices
+at which workmen were retained, they could not but imagine that either
+some mighty attempt was designed, or some formidable enemy dreaded, and
+as they know not whom they had to fear, they ascribed the vigour of our
+proceedings to a resolution of humbling our enemies by one fatal blow,
+and re-establishing our naval dominion by a single effort.
+
+And justly, sir, might they indulge this pleasing imagination; with
+reason might they anticipate a triumph over an enemy whose strength
+bears no proportion to the force that was fitted out against them, and
+expect that in a few months they should see the ambassadors of Spain
+supplicating for peace.
+
+To raise their expectations yet higher, their trade was suspended by an
+embargo, long continued, and in the strictest manner enforced, and the
+impresses were let loose upon the sailors; they saw nothing omitted,
+however grievous to the nation, that could contribute to make it
+formidable, and bore part of the miseries of war without impatience, in
+hopes of being rewarded by military glory, and repaid by the plunder of
+Spain.
+
+But, sir, when so long a time has elapsed, and no account is brought of
+either a victory or a battle, when they hear nothing but that our fleets
+have visited several neutral ports, and those of the enemy sailed
+unmolested from coast to coast, and when they are every day told of the
+losses of our merchants, are insulted in our own channel by the Spanish
+privateers, and receive no relations of our success upon the shores of
+our enemies, can it be wondered that they suspect the reality of our
+designs, or inquire whence it proceeds that their money has been wasted,
+their trade interrupted, and the liberty of their fellow-subjects
+invaded to no purpose?
+
+But how much more justly, sir, are they inflamed when they hear of the
+lucky stratagems, or daring enterprises of those enemies, which a just
+sense of their own superiority, had induced them to consider as
+vanquished before the battle, and of whom they had no apprehensions but
+that their cowardice would always secure them from vengeance? How
+justly may they murmur when they read, that our fleets leave every part
+of the enemy's coast where their presence is necessary, and have
+afforded the Spaniards an opportunity of changing one port for another,
+as it is most convenient, and at length of joining the French squadrons,
+and sailing to the defence of their American dominions?
+
+May they not justly, sir, require of their representatives some reason
+for such inexplicable conduct? May they not reasonably demand an account
+of the arguments which procured their approbation of measures, which, so
+far as they can be examined by those who have no opportunity of perusing
+the necessary papers, appear either cowardly or treacherous?
+
+And what answer, sir, can we return to such remonstrances, unless this
+motion be agreed to? How can we appease the discontents of our
+constituents, or discharge the trust reposed in us, without a very
+minute and attentive inquiry into questions thus obscure and thus
+important?
+
+Are we to tell our constituents, that we absolutely rely upon the
+prudence and fidelity of the ministry and admirals, and recommend to
+them the same implicit dependence? Are we to confess that we have now
+for two sessions voted in the dark, and approved what we were not
+suffered to examine and understand?
+
+Such answers, sir, to questions so reasonable, will not contribute to
+increase the veneration of the people either for ourselves, or our
+constitution; and yet this answer, and this only, they can receive from
+us, if the papers mentioned in the motion I have made are denied.
+
+Mr. CLUTTERBUCK replied in the following manner:--Sir, this motion,
+though so warmly urged, and so artfully supported, I can consider only
+as a repetition of a former motion which was approved by the assembly,
+so far as it could properly be complied with, nor was any paper then
+concealed which it would not have been an injury to the nation to have
+divulged.
+
+If the design of this motion be to promote the success of the present
+war, and the zeal with which it has been pressed, be incited only by the
+ardour of true patriotism, I doubt not but it will easily be withdrawn
+by those who are now most inclined to support it, when they shall
+reflect that it tends to the discovery of our schemes, and to the
+overthrow of our designs, that it will expose all our consultations to
+our enemies, and instruct them how to annoy us with most success, and
+how to shelter themselves from our intended attacks.
+
+It is the first care, sir, of every administration, that their military
+designs should only be discovered by the execution of them, and that
+their enemies, by being obliged to guard all parts, should be weak in
+all. If, by laying our papers before this house, the Spaniards should
+come to be informed against what part of their dominions our expeditions
+are designed, will they not increase their strength, improve their
+fortifications, and double their vigilance? And if we are thus obliged
+to form new schemes, must we not impute the defeat of the former to our
+own imprudent zeal, or unseasonable curiosity?
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to this effect:--Sir, that we should demand the schemes
+laid for the future conduct of the war with Spain was never proposed,
+nor, as it may reasonably be concluded, ever imagined; for what is
+mentioned in the motion but the papers relating to the transactions of
+the two last years.
+
+That it should be necessary to remind gentlemen of the difference
+between the _future_ and the _past_, would hardly be suspected by any
+man not accustomed to senatorial controversies and artifices of state;
+and yet in the argument which has been offered against the motion,
+nothing has been asserted but that the orders relating to past
+transactions are not to be laid before us, lest the enemy should thereby
+gain intelligence of what we now design against them.
+
+The necessity of secrecy in war needs not be urged, because it will not
+be denied; but when designs have been laid, and miscarried, the reasons
+of that miscarriage may surely be inquired, without danger of betraying
+the councils of our country.
+
+If the negligence of our councils, and the misconduct of our commanders,
+has been such, that no designs have been premeditated; if a war has been
+carried on by chance, and nothing has succeeded, because nothing has
+been attempted; if our commanders have not done ill, and have only done
+nothing; if they have avoided loss by avoiding danger; we may surely
+inquire to whom such proceedings are to be imputed, whether the defeat
+of our designs is to be charged upon the strength of our enemy, or the
+cowardice of our officers; or whether the inactivity and apparent
+neutrality of our forces is occasioned by the negligence of our
+admirals, or the irresolution of our own ministry.
+
+There have been, sir, many incidents in these two last years, of which
+the examination can be of very little advantage to the Spaniards. I do
+not know what pernicious intelligence they can glean from an inquiry
+into the reasons for which Haddock's fleet was divided, and Ogle sent to
+the defence of Minorca, or for which he afterwards returned.
+
+Nor can I conceive that any advantage, except that of merriment and
+diversion, can be thrown into the hands of our enemies, though we should
+seriously inquire into what no man has yet pretended to understand, the
+wonderful escape of the Spanish squadron. A transaction on which we had
+dwelt long enough with that admiration which ignorance produces, and on
+which it may not be improper at length to enable us to reason.
+
+This is an affair, perhaps, much better understood by our enemies than
+by ourselves, and surely we cannot, therefore, be afraid of informing
+them of it; at least since the fleet has long since sailed out, and left
+their coast, we can hardly be restrained in our inquiries by the fear of
+discovering our _future_ designs.
+
+If, therefore, it be the incontestable right of the senate to examine
+the conduct of publick affairs, which I suppose will scarcely be denied,
+this motion cannot be rejected as unseasonable, nor can the papers be
+refused, without increasing those suspicions which are already too
+prevalent throughout the nation.
+
+Nor, indeed, for our own sakes, ought we to delay this inquiry any
+longer, lest by having long acted without being accountable, the
+minister should form a prescription against our privilege, and, in time,
+tell us in plain terms that we are his slaves, and that we are not to
+presume to carry our examinations, however solemn and important they may
+continue to appear, farther than he shall be pleased to permit; and
+that, whatever may be the opinion of the people that deputes us, or,
+whatever ancient claims we may plead to authority, we are now to
+consider ourselves only as the oppressors of the nation, and the
+panegyrists of the court.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE next rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, it cannot be
+denied to be reasonable that all those papers should be laid before the
+senate, which can be communicated without injury to the publick. Of this
+number we may justly imagine the orders sent to the admirals, in which
+the time of their departure is fixed, and many others which may be of
+use to inform the house, but cannot enable the enemy to judge either of
+our force or our designs.
+
+But it is evident, that there must be others included in this motion,
+which our regard for the success of the war, and the prosperity of our
+country, ought to determine us to conceal, and such as are never exposed
+by any administration; it is, therefore, proper to limit the address to
+papers of a certain kind, or a certain date, which may be considered by
+the house without benefit to our enemies, and for the examination of
+which a day or two will be more than sufficient.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I know not what
+number of papers the wisdom of the administration will allow us, but, if
+we judge by the time proposed to be spent in examination, we shall not
+be distracted with a great diversity of subjects; intelligence will be
+very penuriously dealt out, and if we submit to their choice of the
+writings which shall be laid before us, our inquiry will probably end
+without any discoveries made either by our enemies or ourselves.
+
+But I hope, sir, we shall not be so cheaply satisfied, nor exposed by
+the fear of one enemy, to the insolence of another. I hope we shall
+resolutely continue our demands of information, while a single line is
+concealed, from which any light can be expected.
+
+There may, indeed, be circumstances in which our demands, however loud,
+will necessarily be vain. It is not impossible that we may suspect those
+transactions of deep art, and secret contrivance, which have been the
+consequences of mere indolence, and want of consideration. Our great
+ministers have been, perhaps, only doing nothing, while we have imagined
+that they were working out of sight.
+
+Misled, sir, by this notion, we may call for the orders that have been
+despatched in these two last years, when, perhaps, our secretaries of
+state have been fattening on their salaries without employment, and have
+slept without care, and without curiosity, while we have been
+congratulating ourselves upon their vigilance for our preservation.
+
+Or if orders have been given, it is to be considered, that the end of
+inspecting orders is to compare them with the conduct of the admirals to
+whom they were directed: from this comparison, I doubt not but many
+gentlemen expect uncommon discoveries; but to check all unreasonable
+hopes before they have taken possession of their hearts, for
+unreasonable hopes are the parent of disappointment, I think it proper
+to remind them, that to draw any conclusions from the orders, it is
+necessary to understand them.
+
+This consideration alone is sufficient to redress the ardour of inquiry,
+for every man that has had opportunities of knowing the wonderful
+accomplishments of our ministry, the depth of their designs, the
+subtilty of their stratagems, and the closeness of their reasoning, will
+easily conceive it probable that they might send such orders as none but
+themselves could understand; and what then will be the consequence of
+our idle curiosity, but that we be led into a labyrinth of endless
+conjectures? For we have long ago found that no explanations are to be
+expected, and that our ministry are too wise to discover their secrets
+to their enemies.
+
+Let us, therefore, examine the naked facts which have fallen within our
+observation, and endeavour to inform ourselves of the meaning of these
+secret orders by the execution of them.
+
+Admiral Ogle was despatched from Haddock's fleet to protect Minorca,
+and, in his absence, the Spanish squadron sailed away. Perhaps he was
+ordered to watch Ferrol and Minorca at the same time, and not
+understanding how that was to be done, neglected one part of his charge,
+by an attention to the other: as a watchman who should be employed to
+guard at once the bank in London, and the treasury in Westminster.
+
+Admiral NORRIS, sir, sailed lately forth, I suppose, in pursuance of
+orders, with a very formidable fleet, and after having lost sight for
+some days of the British coast, sailed back again with great
+precipitation. Whether his orders were only to sail forth, or whether,
+when he examined them farther, he could not understand them, I pretend
+not to determine; but it may reasonably be imagined that his orders were
+of the same kind with those of our other admirals, because they produced
+the same consequences.
+
+I have been told, that formerly our commanders were ordered to _burn_,
+_sink_, and _destroy_; and that in those times it was not uncommon for a
+British admiral to do much mischief with a strong fleet; but it is
+evident that the style is since changed, for our admirals are now very
+inoffensive, and go out only to come back. I, therefore, think the
+motion highly necessary, and such as ought to be complied with.
+
+Admiral NORRIS here rose up, and spoke thus:--Sir, I am not conscious
+that my conduct in any part of my life has exposed me to be justly
+treated with contempt and ridicule, and what I have not deserved I will
+not bear.
+
+If any gentleman in this house can accuse me of having neglected my
+duty, or deserted it, let him not spare insults or invectives, let him
+now expose my cowardice or my carelessness, let him prove me unworthy of
+trust or of command.
+
+But my own conscience acquits me, and I defy any man to produce and
+support his accusation; nor can you, sir, [Footnote: Addressing himself
+to Mr. PULTENEY.] who have thus contemptuously treated me, allege any
+thing against me that may justify your neglect of decency: that you have
+transgressed the rules of decency is the softest censure that your
+behaviour admits, and I think it may with equal propriety be asserted,
+that you have broken the laws of justice.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY replied in this manner:--Sir, I shall submit to you and all
+who hear me, whether I have treated the honourable gentleman's name with
+any contemptuous freedom of speech. The usual method of mentioning an
+expedition is that of naming the commander, who is not thereby
+necessarily included in the censure of an unsuccessful attempt, and I am
+very far from calling his courage and capacity into question.
+
+Not that I shall ever think it necessary to make an apology for
+expressing my sentiments with freedom as a member of this house, in
+which I shall always speak what I think, and in what manner it shall
+appear to me most proper, nor shall I fear to repeat without doors what
+I say here.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose up, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, as I
+am not acquainted with any measures pursued by the administration, which
+it is their particular interest to conceal, I am desirous that all
+papers should be laid before the house which will not afford our enemies
+any opportunity of obviating our designs.
+
+What necessity there is for this address I cannot, indeed, discover,
+because I know not any foundation for suspicion of either negligence or
+treachery, which have been both insinuated in this debate.
+
+Nor are the ministry, however ludicrously their abilities have been
+treated, afraid of discovering their ignorance, by laying before the
+house the orders which they have given to our admirals; orders of which
+they are far from doubting that they will appear, upon a candid
+examination, rational and proper.
+
+The chief objection to this motion arises from its unreasonableness, and
+the necessity which it will produce of assigning to a fruitless inquiry
+those hours that may be more usefully employed.
+
+Mr. PITT replied in terms to the effect following:--Sir, it is my
+opinion, that our time cannot be more usefully employed during a war,
+than in examining how it has been conducted, and settling the degree of
+confidence that may be reposed in those to whose care are intrusted our
+reputations, our fortunes, and our lives.
+
+There is not any inquiry, sir, of more importance than this; it is not a
+question about an uncertain privilege, or a law, which, if found
+inconvenient, may hereafter be repealed; we are now to examine whether
+it is probable that we shall preserve our commerce and our independence,
+or whether we are sinking into subjection to a foreign power.
+
+But this inquiry, sir, will produce no great information, if those,
+whose conduct is examined, are allowed to select the evidence. For what
+accounts will they exhibit but such as have often already been laid
+before us, and such as they now offer without concern: accounts obscure
+and fallacious, imperfect and confused, from which nothing can be
+learned, and which can never entitle the minister to praise, though they
+may screen him from punishment.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke as follows:--Sir, I am confident that no man engaged in
+the administration desires to be _screened_ from the most rigorous
+inquiry, or would defer to exhibit the papers a moment for any other
+reason than his regard for the publick.
+
+I am confident, that nothing could so much contribute to advance the
+particular and distinct interest of the ministry as the publication of
+all the writings that relate to the present war, by which it would
+incontestably appear that nothing has been omitted that could promote
+our success, that our commanders have been sent out with orders to act
+with the utmost vigour, and that our preparations have been not
+disproportioned to the importance of our design.
+
+It will appear that no former ministry have given greater proofs of
+their zeal for the publick interest, or have more steadily pursued the
+most proper measures by which it might be advanced.
+
+I am not, indeed, certain that those who now call so loudly for
+information would be prevailed on by any degree of evidence to suspend
+their censures. Them, who are now dissatisfied, I shall despair of
+influencing by reason or testimony; for they seem to inquire only to
+condemn; nor is this motion, perhaps, made so much for the sake of
+obtaining information, as of harassing the ministry with delays, and
+suspending affairs of greater importance.
+
+This motion was agreed to, and upon another motion made by Mr. SANDYS,
+it was resolved,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons sent by admiral Cavendish, in pursuance
+of an order from the commissioners of the admiralty, which had retarded
+the sailing of admiral Ogle's squadron, so much beyond expectation."
+
+Likewise,
+
+"That an humble address be presented to his majesty, that he will be
+graciously pleased to give directions, that there may be laid before
+this house a copy of the reasons transmitted by admiral Ogle, that did
+prevent him from sailing, pursuant to his repeated orders for that
+purpose, and particularly to those sent him by the commissioners of the
+admiralty."
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 3, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE REGARDING THE DEPARTURE OF THE FRENCH AND SPANISH SQUADRONS.]
+
+
+Mr. SANDYS this day presented a motion in writing, for petitioning his
+majesty to inform them when the regency received intelligence that the
+French and Spanish squadrons sailed, which was seconded, as follows, by
+Mr. WALLER:--
+
+Sir, the information now moved for, appears to me so necessary in their
+deliberations on the conduct of the war, that without it we can only
+conjecture in the dark, and entangle ourselves in an inextricable
+labyrinth.
+
+It is well known, that in war all motions are, in a great degree, to be
+regulated by those of the enemy, and that, therefore, no vigilance is to
+be spared by which any knowledge can be gained of their designs, nor any
+methods omitted of communicating them to those who have the direction of
+the war.
+
+A ministry may, in conducting military operations, disappoint the
+expectations of their country, either by neglecting to procure
+intelligence, or by failing to make use of those opportunities which
+seasonable information puts into their power, and they may, when their
+designs fail of success, justify themselves, by proving that they were
+deceived by intelligence which it was reasonable to believe, or that
+better intelligence was not attainable, or that they made use, however
+unsuccessfully, of all the forces that could then be employed, and of
+all the advantages that were then in their possession.
+
+But how shall we judge of our administration, how shall we know what
+confidence we ought to repose in their prudence and fidelity, and what
+miscarriages are to be attributed to the chance of war or superiour
+force of our enemies, if we cannot be informed with what diligence they
+endeavour at information, and how early they have notice of the motions
+of the enemy?
+
+The sailing, or rather escape of the Ferrol squadron, and departure of
+the French fleet, are the most important events of the present war;
+events that threaten very dangerous consequences, no less than descents
+upon our American colonies, the conquest of our dominions, the slavery
+of our fellow-subjects, and perhaps the destruction of the brave Vernon,
+who is secure in the imagined vigilance of the other commanders, and
+may, perhaps, in a few days see himself surrounded by formidable
+squadrons of different nations, and exposed to the attack of forces to
+which his little fleet bears no proportion.
+
+Nothing appears more evident, than that we had opportunities of
+observing, at least, all the preparations of the French, and of watching
+the moment of their departure, and that our force on the coast of Spain
+was sufficient to have confined their fleets for ever in their harbours,
+or to have destroyed them at their first entrance into the open seas, of
+which we may justly inquire, why it was not attempted, but shall inquire
+to no purpose till we know when they departed, that we may consider the
+state of our own forces, and whether our enemies escaped by our
+negligence, cowardice, or weakness.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, that we
+cannot deliberate upon subjects which we do not understand, and that,
+therefore, no necessary or useful information ought to be denied to the
+house, I shall readily admit; but must observe, at the same time, that
+the reputation of the house would be very little consulted, in demanding
+information which cannot be given.
+
+To address his majesty to inform us of the time at which the squadrons
+of our enemies sailed, is to inquire of him what it ought to be the
+highest care of those princes to conceal from him, and which he can only
+know by having spies in their privy councils.
+
+And of what importance is it to inquire what intelligence was brought
+him, or when he received it, if it appears that his intelligence must be
+in its own nature uncertain and dubitable?
+
+That they have left their ports is now certain, because they have been
+twice discovered in different parts of the world; but, as we can now
+only form conjectures on their designs and courses, so, before they
+sailed, it was impossible to know when they were fully equipped, or what
+time was fixed for their departure. It is to be remembered, that they
+form their measures, and make their preparations in their own dominions,
+and therefore, have more advantages of concealing their schemes than we
+of discovering them.
+
+Mr. Advocate CAMPBELL then spoke thus:--Sir, this motion, which has been
+represented as unreasonable and absurd, is, in my opinion, not only
+proper, but important.
+
+It is important, because it will enable us to judge, upon sufficient
+foundations, of the conduct of the ministry, who are censured by the
+voice of the nation, for having been either defective in vigilance or in
+activity, for having been either ignorant by their own fault of the
+designs of the enemy, or perfidiously passive in permitting the
+execution of them.
+
+I am far from believing that such intelligence as our ministry is
+expected to procure, requires any uncommon subtilty, or any other agents
+than are always employed by every minister, to transmit to them
+informations from foreign courts. Such, I am afraid, are always hovering
+about our consultations, and I know not why our ministers should be less
+diligent or less successful than those of other princes.
+
+If, therefore, such intelligence might have been obtained, it was
+criminal not to obtain it; and if the departure of the Spanish squadron
+was foreseen, it ought to be inquired, why it was not prevented; and if
+it was only known when it was too late to hinder it from sailing, why it
+was not pursued, or why succours were not immediately despatched to
+admiral Vernon.
+
+All these questions can only be resolved, in consequence of the
+information which his majesty shall give us; and for which it is,
+therefore, in my opinion, necessary to petition.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, how the regency
+could be informed of the intention of the Spaniards to leave their ports
+till it appeared by their departure, or by what means it can be expected
+that his majesty should be now acquainted with their particular course,
+or farther designs, I confess myself unable to conceive.
+
+With regard, sir, to the intelligence transmitted from foreign courts by
+agents and spies, a little consideration will easily discover that it is
+not to be trusted. For what can be generally expected from them, but
+that they should catch flying reports, or by chance intercept uncertain
+whispers, that they should inquire timorously, and, therefore, for the
+greatest part, of those from whom no satisfactory accounts can be
+received, and that they should often endeavour to deserve their salaries
+by such information as is rather pleasing than true.
+
+All the knowledge that can be obtained of an enemy's designs, must arise
+from a diligent comparison of one circumstance with another, and from a
+general view of his force, his interest, and his opportunities. And that
+such conjectures will be often erroneous, needs not be told.
+
+Probability, therefore, is, in such inquiries, all that can be attained,
+and he that sits idle in the time of war, expecting certain
+intelligence, will see his enemies enjoying the advantages of his folly,
+and laying hold on a thousand opportunities which he has neglected to
+improve.
+
+The war in which we are now engaged, has been carried on by the
+administration with the utmost diligence and vigour; nor have any
+measures been omitted that could probably produce success, and the
+success of the wisest measures is only probable.
+
+Should the great admiral, who is now present in the house, have met the
+French and Spaniards in the open seas, by what art could he arrive at a
+certain knowledge of their designs? He might by his acquaintance with
+the situation and state of neighbouring countries, the observation of
+their course, the periods of particular winds, and other hints of
+observation, form probable conjectures, but could never reach to
+certainty or confidence.
+
+It seems to me, therefore, highly improper, to petition his majesty for
+intelligence which he cannot be imagined to have received, and I cannot
+agree to any motion for that purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then made another motion, to address his majesty, that there
+may be laid before the house copies of all letters received from, or
+written to, admiral Vernon since his going to the West Indies. Which
+being seconded,
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, this motion, if the intention of
+it be limited by proper restrictions, is doubtless reasonable and just;
+for the right of this house to examine into the conduct of publick
+affairs, and, consequently, for calling for the papers necessary to
+enlighten their inquiries, is not to be disputed.
+
+But, as the end of all such inquiries is the promotion of the publick
+welfare, so they are not to be made in a manner by which that end may be
+defeated. Papers are not to be demanded, which cannot be produced
+without discovering our own secrets, and acquainting our enemies either
+with that weakness which we ought carefully to conceal, or that force
+which will be most effectually employed if it is not known, and,
+therefore, no preparations are made to oppose it.
+
+It cannot be imagined, but that many of the papers which have passed
+between the admiralty and the commander in America, contain plans for
+the prosecution of the war, observations on the conditions of our own
+colonies, and, perhaps, intelligence of the estate of the Spanish
+fortresses and towns. Many informations of the utmost consequence to our
+enemies may be collected from those papers, but nothing can be expected
+from them, that will enable us to prosecute a senatorial inquiry with
+more success, that will put it in our power to discover frauds,
+negligence, or treachery.
+
+There are, sir, other papers which may, indeed, be laid before us,
+without any benefit to our enemies, and, perhaps, with some advantage to
+ourselves; the papers which contain the accompts of our preparations and
+stores, the lists of our forces, and the calculation of our expenses,
+are the proper subjects of senatorial inquiries; and if the motion be
+restrained to those, I believe it will not be opposed by any gentleman
+engaged in the administration of our affairs. I shall beg leave to
+propose these words may be added, "So far as the same relates to a
+supply of ships, marines, or land forces."
+
+The motion, thus amended, was agreed to.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF LORDS, FEB. 13, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON ADDRESSING HIS MAJESTY FOR REMOVING SIR ROBERT WALPOLE.
+
+
+The opposition which for a long time had been made in the commons, to
+the measures of the administration, was on this day pushed to a crisis,
+and produced a motion in both houses. In the house of lords it
+occasioned the following debate:
+
+Lord CARTERET began in this manner:--My lords, as the motion which I am
+about to make is of the highest importance, and of the most extensive
+consequences; as it cannot but meet with all the opposition which the
+prejudices of some, and the interest of others, can raise against it; as
+it must have the whole force of ministerial influence to encounter,
+without any assistance but from justice and reason; I hope to be excused
+by your lordships for spending some time in endeavouring to show, that
+it wants no other support, that it is not founded upon doubtful
+suspicions, but upon uncontestable facts; that it is not dictated by
+private interest, but by the sincerest regard to publick happiness; not
+abetted by the personal malevolence of particular men, but enforced by
+the voice of the people; a voice which ought always to be attended to,
+and, generally, to be obeyed.
+
+To endeavour, my lords, to remove from places of publick trust all those
+who appear to want either the virtues or abilities necessary for
+executing their offices, is the interest of every member of a community.
+And it is not only the interest but the duty of all those who are,
+either by the choice of the people, or by the right of birth, invested
+with the power of inspecting publick affairs, and intrusted with the
+general happiness of their country. That, therefore, every motive
+combines to make it the duty, and every argument concurs to prove it the
+privilege of your lordships, is too evident to be doubted.
+
+How often this privilege has been exerted by this house, and how often
+it has rescued our country from oppression, insolence, and rapine; how
+often our constitution has been reanimated, and impending ruin been
+averted by it, a superficial acquaintance with history may inform us.
+And we are now called upon by the universal cry of the nation, and urged
+by the perplexed and uncertain state of our foreign affairs, and
+declension of our wealth, and attacks upon our liberties at home, to
+recollect these precedents of magnanimity and justice, and to make
+another effort for the relief of our country.
+
+This house, my lords, has proceeded against ministers, whose conduct
+they disapproved, by methods of greater or less severity, according to
+the necessity of affairs, or the supposed malignity of the crimes
+alleged against them; and, therefore, have sometimes thought it
+necessary to deter posterity from imitating them by rigorous censures,
+and exemplary punishments, and sometimes have thought it sufficient to
+set the nation free from its distresses, without inflicting any
+penalties on those by whose misconduct they imagined them produced.
+
+What were the more violent and vindictive methods of proceeding, it is
+not necessary, with regard to this motion, to examine; since I shall
+only propose, that we should, in imitation of our predecessors, in cases
+of this nature, humbly address his majesty to remove the minister from
+his presence and councils.
+
+Nothing, my lords, can be more moderate or tender than such an address,
+by which no punishment is inflicted, nor any forfeiture exacted. The
+minister, if he be innocent, if his misconduct be only the consequence
+of his ignorance or incapacity, may lay down in peace an office for
+which nature has not designed him, enjoy the vast profits of long
+employment in tranquillity, and escape the resentment of an unhappy
+people; who, when irritated to the highest degree, by a continuation of
+the same miscarriages, may, perhaps, in the heat of a more malevolent
+prosecution, not sufficiently distinguish between inability and guilt.
+
+Those, therefore, among your lordships, that think him honest but
+mistaken, must willingly agree to a motion like this, as the best
+expedient to appease the people without the ruin of the minister. For
+surely no man who has read the history, or is acquainted with the temper
+of this nation, can expect that the people will always bear to see
+honours, favours, and preferments, distributed by the direction of one
+universally suspected of corruption, and arbitrary measures; or will
+look only with silent envy upon the affluence of those whom they believe
+to be made great by fraud and plunder, swelled to insolence by the
+prosperity of guilt, and advanced to wealth and luxury by publick
+miseries.
+
+Such of your lordships who join with the people in ascribing our present
+unhappy state not to the errours, but to the crimes of the minister, and
+who, therefore, think a bare removal not sufficient to satisfy the
+demands of justice, must, doubtless, give their consent to the motion,
+for the sake of obtaining proper evidence of his wickedness, which
+cannot be expected while he stands exalted in prosperity, and
+distributes the riches of the nation, and the gifts of his sovereign at
+his own choice; while he is in possession of every motive that can
+influence the mind, enforce secrecy, and confirm fidelity; while he can
+bribe the avaricious, and intimidate the fearful; while he can increase
+the gratification of luxury, and enlarge the prospects of ambition. For,
+my lords, if it be considered from whom this evidence must be drawn, it
+will soon appear that no very important discoveries can be made, but by
+those whom he has intrusted with his secrets, men whose disregard of
+virtue recommended them to his favour, and who, as they are moved only
+by interest, will continue faithful while they can hope for recompense;
+but may, perhaps, be willing to buy their own security by sacrificing
+their master, when they shall see no farther prospect of advantage from
+serving him, or any other method of escaping punishment.
+
+But, my lords, all must allow this motion to be reasonable, whatever
+they think of the minister's conduct, who are of opinion that a free
+people have a right of complaining when they feel oppression, and of
+addressing the crown to remove a minister that has incurred their
+universal detestation. That such is the condition of the present
+minister, I believe, will scarcely be denied, or may be discovered by
+those who find themselves inclined to doubt it, by asking any man whom
+they shall accidentally meet, what are his sentiments on the situation
+of national affairs, and of the hands by which they are administered.
+What answer he will receive is well known to most of your lordships. Let
+him not be satisfied with a single suffrage, let him repeat the question
+to ten thousand persons, different in their ages, their conditions, and
+religious opinions, in every thing that produces contrariety of
+dispositions and affections, he will yet find them unanimous in
+complaining of publick misconduct, and in censuring one gentleman as the
+author of it.
+
+Let us not imagine, my lords, that these accusations and murmurs are
+confined to the lowest class of the people, to men whose constant
+attention to more immediate distresses, hinder them from making
+excursions beyond their own employments. For though, perhaps, it might
+be made evident from the accounts of past times, that no general
+dissatisfaction, even among men of this rank, was ever groundless;
+though it might be urged that those who see little can only clamour,
+because they feel themselves oppressed; and though it might not
+unseasonably be hinted that they are at least formidable for their
+numbers, and have, sometimes, executed that justice which they had not
+interest to procure, and trampled upon that insolence that has dared to
+defy them; yet I shall not insist upon such motives, because it is
+notorious that discontent is epidemical in all ranks, and that condition
+and observation are far from appeasing it.
+
+Whether the discontent, thus general, is groundless, whether it is
+raised only by the false insinuations of the disappointed, and the
+wicked arts of the envious, whether it is, in exception to all the
+maxims of government, the first dislike of an administration that ever
+overspread a nation without just reasons, deserves to be inquired into.
+
+In this inquiry, my lords, it will be necessary to consider not only the
+state of domestick affairs, increase or diminution of our debts, the
+security or violation of our liberties, the freedom or dependence of our
+senates, and the prosperity or declension of our trade, but to examine
+the state of this nation, with regard to foreign powers; to inquire,
+whether we are equally feared and equally trusted now as in former
+administrations; whether our alliances have contributed to secure us
+from our inveterate and habitual enemies, or to expose us to them;
+whether the balance of Europe be still in our hands; and whether, during
+this long interval of peace, our power has increased in the same
+proportion with that of our neighbours. France, my lords, is the
+constant and hereditary enemy of Britons, so much divided from her in
+religion, government, and interest, that they cannot both be prosperous
+together; as the influence of one rises, that of the other must, by
+consequence, decline. Alliances may form a temporal show of friendship,
+but it cannot continue; for their situation produces a natural
+rivalship, which every accidental circumstance has contributed to
+increase. Long wars, for many reigns after the conquest, established a
+radical and insuperable hatred between us, nor did those wars cease till
+the reformation produced new occasions of jealousy and aversion. France
+was, by these reasons, obliged for many ages to employ all her influence
+and policy in strengthening herself against us, by treaties and
+alliances; and in our times, has given us a new reason for jealousy by
+extending her commerce, and improving her manufactures.
+
+It has been, therefore, my lords, the settled principle of every wise
+administration, of every Briton, whose opinions were not regulated by
+some other motives than those of reason, to attend, with the highest
+degree of vigilance, to all the designs of the French, and oppose, with
+incessant diligence, every attempt to increase their force, or extend
+their influence, and to check their conquests, obstruct their alliances,
+and forestal their trade.
+
+For this great end it has been our constant endeavour to support the
+Austrian family, whose large dominions and numerous forces make a
+counterbalance on the continent to the power of France. For this end we
+entered into a long war, of which we still languish under the
+consequences, squandered the lives of our countrymen, and mortgaged the
+possessions of our posterity. For failing in the prosecution of this
+purpose, for leaving France too formidable, and neglecting the interests
+of the emperour, was the treaty of Utrecht censured, and the authors of
+it prosecuted by the present minister; but how much he has improved the
+errours of his predecessors to his own advantage, how diligent he has
+been to rectify the miscarriages of their conduct, and supply the
+defect, I shall endeavour to explain.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that during the regency of the duke of
+Orleans, we had nothing to apprehend from French machinations; his
+interest, a tie which that nation is seldom found to break, held him
+steady to his engagements with us; nor is it less known how much he
+distrusted Spain, and how little, by consequence, he favoured her. We
+had, at that time, no necessity of anxiously attending to every whisper
+of the French court, which was sufficiently engaged in regulating their
+domestick affairs, and repairing the ruins of a destructive war; but, my
+lords, we ought to observe, that it had been happy for us had our
+minister laboured with equal address at the same employment.
+
+After the death of this duke, the affairs of France were restored to
+their former situation, her old schemes were revived, her ancient
+alliances cultivated, and her general interest pursued. Spain was again
+considered as the power which had the same views with her, and which
+could never rival, but might always assist her.
+
+This alliance, my lords, was intended to have been unalterably confirmed
+by a marriage, but as no human policy can form measures certain of
+success, an irreconcilable hatred was nearly produced by the measure
+intended to confirm a settled and indissoluble friendship. The infanta
+was sent back after her arrival in France, an affront which no nation
+would soon have forgot, but which the general character and habitual
+sentiments of the Spaniards inclined them to resent beyond any other
+people. To any one acquainted with their character in this respect, it
+will readily appear, that no other insult or injury could so sensibly
+affect them, or excite so eager a desire of revenge, This, my lords, the
+sagacity of our minister should have discovered, this opportunity should
+have been improved with the utmost care, by which Spain and France might
+possibly have been disunited for ages, and Britain have gained such
+advantages as would have made her the sole arbitress of Europe.
+
+The Spaniards were not deficient on their side, nor did they neglect to
+court our friendship, but gave us the highest proof of their confidence
+by offering us the sole mediation of their differences with the emperour
+of Germany: but at this time it was, that the gentleman whose conduct I
+am examining, obtained the chief influence in our councils, and by his
+peculiar penetration discovered, that nothing was to be done which might
+give the least offence to the French. We, therefore, refused to mediate,
+unless French ministers might be associated with ours, which the
+Spaniards had too much spirit to consent to.
+
+Thus, my lords, was neglected the first opportunity of forming against
+the French an alliance by which they might have been awed in all their
+designs, and by which the peace of Europe might have been long
+preserved.
+
+The Spaniards, finding that we would not undertake to reconcile their
+differences with the emperour of Germany, and continuing their
+abhorrence of French mediators, concluded, without the intervention of
+any other power, a treaty both of peace and alliance with his imperial
+majesty.
+
+This, my lords, was the famous treaty of Vienna, the source of so many
+projects and expedients, of so much terrour and solicitude, of such
+immense expenses, and perplexed negotiations. This treaty, a paper
+innocent and well-meaning, which related only to the contracting
+parties, kept, for some time, this nation in alarms, in apprehensions of
+conspiracies, and expectations of invasions.
+
+To this treaty, had we singly regarded our own affairs, without applying
+to France for instructions, we ought to have acceded, by which we should
+have divided the interest of the house of Bourbon, broken the
+combination of these pontifical powers, and, by improving one lucky
+incident, obtained what our arms and our politicks had never, hitherto,
+been able to accomplish.
+
+But the French, sensible of their danger, and well acquainted with our
+minister, contrived an expedient which, indeed, would not often have
+succeeded, but which was so well adapted to the intellects of this
+gentleman, that it extricated them from all their difficulties.
+
+They told us, my lords, and, what is yet more wonderful, they prevailed
+upon us to believe, that in this dreadful treaty of Vienna, it was
+stipulated between the German emperour and Spain, that they should
+employ their joint forces against Britain, that they should exalt the
+pretender to the throne, take immediate possession of Gibraltar, and,
+without mercy, debar us for ever from our trade both in Spain and in the
+Western Indies. This his late majesty was advised to assert in his
+speech from the throne, which I desire may be read.
+
+Of which the following clauses were read:
+
+"My lords and gentlemen,
+
+"The distressed condition of some of our religious brethren abroad, and
+the negotiations and engagements entered into by some foreign powers,
+which seem to have laid the foundation of new troubles and disturbances
+in Europe, and to threaten my subjects with the loss of several of the
+most advantageous branches of their trade, obliged me, without any loss
+of time, to concert with other powers such measures as might give a
+check to the ambitious views of those who are endeavouring to render
+themselves formidable, and put a stop to the farther progress of such
+dangerous designs. For these ends I have entered into a defensive
+alliance with the French king, and the king of Prussia, to which several
+other powers, and particularly the Dutch, have been invited to accede,
+and I have not the least reason to doubt of their concurrence. This
+treaty shall, in a short time, be laid before you.
+
+"By these means, and by your support and assistance, I trust in God, I
+shall be able not only to secure to my own subjects the enjoyment of
+many valuable rights and privileges, long since acquired for them by the
+most solemn treaties, but effectually to preserve the peace and balance
+of Europe, the only view and end of all my endeavours.
+
+"It is not to be doubted, but the enemies to my government will conceive
+hopes, that some favourable opportunity for renewing their attempts may
+offer, from the prospect of new troubles and commotions: they are
+already very busy by their instruments and emissaries in those courts
+whose measures seem most to favour their purposes, in soliciting and
+promoting the cause of the pretender; but I persuade myself,
+notwithstanding the countenance and encouragement they may have
+received, or flatter themselves with, the provision you shall make for
+the safety and defence of the empire, will effectually secure me from
+any attempts from abroad, and render all such projects vain and
+abortive.
+
+"When the world shall see that you will not suffer the British crown and
+nation to be menaced and insulted, those who most envy the present
+happiness and tranquillity of this empire, and are endeavouring to make
+us subservient to their ambition, will consider their own interest and
+circumstances before they make any attempt upon so brave a people,
+strengthened and supported by prudent and powerful alliances, and though
+desirous to preserve the peace, able and ready to defend themselves
+against the efforts of all aggressors. Such resolutions and such
+measures, timely taken, I am satisfied, are the most effectual means of
+preventing a war, and continuing to us the blessings of peace and
+prosperity."
+
+Who would not have been terrified, my lords, at a treaty like this? Our
+religion was to be destroyed, our government subverted, and our trade
+reduced to nothing. What could a ministry, thus intimidated, do, but
+resign themselves implicitly to the direction of a kind neighbour, that
+promised to shelter them from the storm?
+
+There have been ministers, my lords, in former times, who, upon hearing
+such a representation, would have considered, that Britain was an
+island, that the pretender could not be forced upon us without an army,
+and that an army could not be transported without ships, that the
+emperour of Germany had neither navies nor ports, that Gibraltar might
+be easily supplied with every thing requisite for its defence, and that
+any attempt made by Spain to injure our trade, might easily be punished
+by intercepting their Plate fleets.
+
+They would then have considered whether attempts so improbable, and
+stipulations so absurd and ridiculous, ought to be credited upon the
+information of an ambassadour's secretary, who, as he proposed to reveal
+his master's secrets for a bribe, might as probably take another reward
+for imposing upon those whom he pretended to inform. Those, therefore,
+who advised his majesty to assert to the senate what they knew from no
+better authority, those whose daring insolence could make their
+sovereign instrumental in alarming the people with false terrours, and
+oppressing them with unnecessary burdens, well deserve to feel a
+senatorial censure.
+
+But our ministers, my lords, were too much frighted to make such
+reflections: they imagined that destruction was hanging over us, and, in
+a dread of arbitrary government, oppression, and persecution, concluded
+at Hanover a treaty with the French.
+
+Thus the French gained our confidence, and raised in us a distrust of
+both the powers with whom it was our interest to be united: but the
+alliance of the emperour of Germany with Spain made them still uneasy;
+and, therefore, they determined, once more, to make our credulity
+instrumental in procuring a reconciliation between them and the
+Spaniards.
+
+To effect this, they kindly gave us intelligence, that when the
+Spaniards should receive their treasures from the Western Indies, they
+designed to employ it in favour of the pretender, and that, therefore,
+it was necessary to intercept it. This advice was thankfully listened
+to, a fleet was fitted out, and thousands were sacrificed without any
+advantage; for the French not only forbore to assist us in the
+expedition, but forbade us to seize the treasure when we had found it.
+
+The Spaniards, apprehending themselves attacked, omitted no opportunity
+of showing their resentment; they seized our ships, and laid siege to
+Gibraltar, while our new allies looked quietly on, and expected the
+event of their own scheme, which was far from being defeated by our
+policy; for the Spaniards, finding the return of their American revenues
+insuperably obstructed, and knowing that the emperour of Germany, that
+emperour who was to invade Britain, had not any power even to assist
+them, were obliged to have recourse to the nation which they then hated,
+and to forgive the past affront, that they might obtain their good
+offices in this exigence.
+
+But, my lords, it was not sufficient for the designs of the French, that
+they had recovered their ancient allies the Spaniards, unless they could
+disunite them from the emperour of Germany: this it was, likewise, our
+interest to prevent, and yet this, likewise, we enabled them to effect;
+for they prevailed upon us to promise, in our stipulations with the
+Spaniards, what they had not the least claim to demand, that Spain,
+instead of neutral troops, should be introduced into Italy, to secure
+certain successions there to a son of the queen of Spain.
+
+With what reluctance the emperour of Germany would consent to see troops
+placed in the provinces bordering upon his dominions, which would
+certainly, on the first occasion, be employed to invade them, it was
+easy to foresee, and with what degree of good-will he would regard those
+by whom they were introduced; yet, my lords, such was the influence of
+France, and so ardent our desire of diverting Spain from setting the
+pretender upon the throne of Britain, that we complied at all events,
+without any prospect or promise of advantage.
+
+Thus were the Spaniards, by being persuaded to make this demand, and we,
+by granting it, brought equally to ill terms with the emperour of
+Germany; and France was, by procuring such agreeable conditions to the
+Spaniards, again considered as their most useful ally.
+
+That nation, my lords, is in a very unhappy state, which is reduced to
+admit such terms as mediators are pleased to prescribe. We durst not
+refuse the introduction of Spanish troops, nor durst we introduce them
+without the emperour of Germany's consent, which, however, he granted at
+an easy rate, for he demanded only that we should become guarantees of
+the Pragmatick sanction. This we gladly agreed to, and thought ourselves
+so happy in purchasing, so cheaply, an opportunity of ingratiating
+ourselves with Spain, that we desired no other recompense.
+
+This treaty with the emperour of Germany, was, however, by no means
+improper, nor could we, after the errours which had been committed, do
+any thing more effectual to preserve the balance of Europe, and
+reestablish our credit.
+
+But, my lords, this only treaty, which it was for our interest to make,
+seems to have been made without any intention of observing it; for about
+this time all the northern powers were alarmed by the approaching
+election of Poland, and every nation that had any thing either to hope
+or fear from the event of it, endeavoured to influence it.
+
+How this election was determined, my lords, and by what means, it is
+unnecessary to relate; but it may not be improper to remark, that
+whatever cause we may have to congratulate ourselves upon the choice, it
+does not appear that we had any part in promoting it. Nay, as it is not
+common for ministers to keep the best part of their conduct secret,
+there is reason for suspecting that they were not altogether without
+foundation reported to have favoured France.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sensible of his own interest, promoted the
+election with vigour and resolution, proportioned to the greatness of
+the danger that might have arisen from neglecting it. By this conduct he
+drew upon himself the resentment of the French, who had now a pretence
+for taking measures which might effectually reunite them to Spain, and,
+as the event showed, alienate us from the emperour, and, therefore, in
+vindication of the claim of Stanislaus, declared war upon Germany, in
+conjunction with Spain.
+
+Now, my lords, the emperour learned to set the true value upon his
+alliance with Britain, and all Europe had an opportunity of remarking
+our spirit, our power, and our vigilance. The troops which we prevailed
+upon his imperial majesty to admit into Italy, were now drawn out of the
+garrisons against him, his dominions were attacked on each side, by
+formidable enemies, and his British allies looked with tranquillity and
+unconcern upon the difficulties into which they had betrayed him. The
+liberties of Europe were endangered by a new combination of the houses
+of Bourbon; and Britain, the great protectress of the rights of mankind,
+the great arbitress of the balance of power, either neglected or feared
+to interpose.
+
+Of the event of the war, my lords, I need only observe, that it added
+new strength to France, and contributed to such an union between her and
+Spain, as the most artful politician cannot hope to dissolve.
+
+Thus, my lords, whether by negligence, ignorance, cowardice, or
+treachery, it is not easy to determine, we were made the instruments of
+the French policy. Thus was that power enabled by our assistance to
+retrieve all that she had lost by the ill success of her arms, and by
+her indecent and contemptuous treatment of Spain. Thus was the German
+emperour dispirited and weakened; thus were we deprived at once of our
+allies and our reputation.
+
+Our loss of reputation, the greatest loss that bad measures can bring
+upon a nation, is made evident beyond controversy, by the insolence with
+which the Spaniards have treated us while we were flattering, enriching,
+and supporting them. While we were fitting out squadrons to convey their
+princes to Italy, and increasing their dominions at our own expense,
+they seem to have considered our good offices, not as the benefits of
+friends, but the drudgery of slaves, and, therefore, could scarcely
+refrain from insults while they employed us, at least when they no
+longer wanted our immediate assistance. They renewed their contempt and
+cruelty, their robberies and oppressions; they prescribed laws to our
+navigation, and laid claim to our colonies.
+
+To these ravages and injuries what did we oppose? What but humble
+intreaties, pacifick negotiations, and idle remonstrances? Instead of
+asserting our just claims, and incontestable possessions, instead of
+preventing war by threatening it, and securing ourselves from a second
+injury by punishing the first, we amused ourselves with inquiries,
+demands, representations, and disputes, till we became the jest of that
+nation which it was in our power to distress, by intercepting their
+treasure, and to reduce to terms almost without bloodshed.
+
+Thus, my lords, did we proceed, new questions ever arose, and the
+controversy became more intricate; commissaries were despatched to
+Spain, who returned without obtaining either restitution or security,
+and in the mean time no opportunity was neglected of plundering our
+merchants, and insulting our flag: accounts of new confiscations and of
+new cruelties daily arrived, the nation was enraged, and the senate
+itself alarmed, and our ministers, at length awakened from their
+tranquillity, sent orders to the envoy at the Spanish court to expedite
+an accommodation; these directions were immediately obeyed, and produced
+the celebrated convention.
+
+What was given up, or what was endangered by this detestable treaty,
+your lordships have often had occasion to observe, and the consequences
+of it were so obvious, that the nation was astonished. Every man saw
+that we were either treacherously betrayed by our own ministry, or that
+the ministers were almost the only men in the kingdom utterly
+unacquainted with our claims, our injuries, and our danger.
+
+A war could now no longer be avoided, it was not in the power of the
+ministry any longer to refuse to send out our fleets, and make an
+appearance of hostile measures; but they had still some expedients
+remaining to shelter the Spaniards from our resentment, and to make
+their country yet more contemptible: they could contrive such orders for
+their admirals as should prevent them from destroying their enemies with
+too little mercy; and if any one was suspected of intentions less
+pacifick, there were methods of equipping his fleet in such a manner as
+would effectually frustrate his schemes of revenge, reprisals, and
+destruction.
+
+These, my lords, are not the murmurs of the disappointed, nor the
+insinuations of the factious; it is well known to our countrymen and to
+our enemies, how ill admiral Vernon was furnished with naval and
+military stores, and how little his importunate demands of a supply were
+regarded. What opportunities were lost, and what advantages neglected,
+may be conjectured from the success of his inconsiderable force. A very
+little reflection on the situation and state of those countries will
+easily satisfy your lordships, how far a small body of land-forces might
+have penetrated, what treasures they might have gained, and what
+consternation they might have spread over the whole Spanish America.
+
+That our squadrons in the Mediterranean have been, at least, useless,
+that they have sailed from point to point, and from one coast to
+another, only to display the bulk of our ships, and to show the opulence
+of our nation, can require no proof: I wish, my lords, there was less
+reason for suspecting that they acted in concert with our enemies, that
+they retired from before their ports only to give them an opportunity of
+escaping, and that they, in reality, connived at some attempts which
+they were, in appearance, sent to prevent.
+
+There are some miscarriages in war, my lords, which every reasonable man
+imputes to chance, or to causes of which the influence could not be
+foreseen; there are others that may justly be termed the consequences of
+misconduct, but of misconduct involuntary and pardonable, of a
+disregard, perhaps, of some circumstances of an affair produced by too
+close an attention to others. But there are miscarriages, too, for which
+candour itself can find no excuses, and of which no other causes can be
+assigned than cowardice or treachery. From the suspicion of one, the
+past actions of the admiral who commands our fleet in those seas will
+secure him, but I know not whether there are now any that will attempt
+to clear the minister's character from the imputation of the other.
+
+All the insolence of the Spaniards, a nation by no means formidable, is
+the consequence of the reunion of the houses of Bourbon; a reunion which
+could not easily have been accomplished, but by the instrumental
+offices of our ministry, whom, therefore, the nation has a right to
+charge with the diminution of its honour, and the decay of its trade.
+
+Nor has our trade, my lords, been only contracted and obstructed by the
+piracies of Spain, but has been suffered to languish and decline at
+home, either by criminal negligence, or by their complaisance for
+France, which has given rise to our other calamities. The state of our
+woollen manufactures is well known, and those whose indolence or love of
+pleasure keeps them strangers to the other misfortunes of their country,
+must yet have been acquainted with this, by the daily accounts of riots
+and insurrections, raised by those who, having been employed in that
+manufacture, can provide for their families by no other business, and
+are made desperate by the want of bread.
+
+We are told, my lords, by all parties, and told with truth, that our
+manufactures decline, because the French have engrossed most of the
+foreign markets; and it is not denied even by those whose interest it
+might be to' deny it, that the cloth which they ruin us by vending, is
+made of our own wool, which they are suffered to procure either by the
+folly of an unskilful, or the connivance of a treacherous
+administration.
+
+If our own manufactures, my lords, had been carefully promoted, if the
+whole influence of our government had been made to cooperate with the
+industry of our traders, there had always been such a demand for our
+wool, that they could not have afforded to purchase it at a price
+equivalent to the danger of exporting it: and if any means were now
+steadily practised to prevent the exportation, our trade must
+consequently revive, because cloth is one of the necessaries of life
+which other nations must have from Britain, when France can no longer
+supply them.
+
+But, my lords, notwithstanding the decay of trade, our expenses have
+never been contracted; we have squandered millions in idle preparations,
+and ostentatious folly; we have equipped fleets which never left the
+harbour, and raised armies which were never to behold any other enemy
+than the honest traders and husbandmen that support them. We have,
+indeed, heard many reasons alleged for oppressing the empire with
+standing troops, which can have little effect upon those who have no
+interest to promote by admitting them: sometimes we are in danger of
+invasions, though it is not easy to imagine for what purpose any prince
+should invade a nation, which he may plunder at pleasure, without the
+least apprehension of resentment, and which will resign any of its
+rights whenever they shall be demanded: sometimes, as we have already
+heard, the pretender is to be set upon the throne by a sudden descent of
+armies from the clouds; and sometimes the licentiousness and
+disobedience of the common people requires the restraint of a standing
+army.
+
+That the people are, to the last degree, exasperated and inflamed, I am
+far from intending to deny, but surely they have yet been guilty of no
+outrage so enormous as to justify so severe a punishment; they have
+generally confined themselves to harmless complaints, or, at least, to
+executions in effigy. The people, my lords, are enraged because they are
+impoverished, and, to prevent the consequences of their anger, their
+poverty is increased by new burdens, and aggravated by the sight of an
+useless, despicable herd, supported by their industry, for no other
+purpose than to insult them.
+
+By these useless armaments and military farces, our taxes, my lords,
+have been continued without diminishing our debts, and the nation seems
+condemned to languish for ever under its present miseries, which, by
+furnishing employment to a boundless number of commissioners, officers,
+and slaves, to the court, under a thousand denominations, by diffusing
+dependence over the whole country, and enlarging the influence of the
+crown, are too evidently of use to the minister for us to entertain any
+hopes of his intention to relieve us.
+
+Let it not be boasted that nine millions are paid, when a new debt of
+seven millions appears to be contracted; nothing is more easy than to
+clear debts by borrowing, or to borrow when a nation is mortgaged for
+the payment.
+
+But the weight of the present taxes, my lords, though heavier than was
+perhaps ever supported by any nation for so long a time, taxes greater
+than ever were paid, to purchase neither conquests nor honours, neither
+to prevent invasions from abroad, nor to quell rebellions at home, is
+not the most flagrant charge of this wonderful administration, which,
+not contented with most exorbitant exactions, contrives to make them yet
+more oppressive by tyrannical methods of collection. With what reason
+the author of the excise scheme dreads the resentment of the nation is
+sufficiently obvious; but surely, in a virtuous and benevolent mind, the
+first sentiments that would have arisen on that occasion, would not have
+been motions of anger, but of gratitude. A whole nation was condemned to
+slavery, their remonstrances were neglected, their petitions ridiculed,
+and their detestation of tyranny treated as disaffection to the
+established government; and yet the author of this horrid scheme riots
+in affluence, and triumphs in authority, and without fear, as without
+shame, lifts up his head with confidence and security.
+
+How much, my lords, is the forbearance of that people to be admired,
+whom such attacks as these have not provoked to transgress the bounds of
+their obedience, who have continued patiently to hope for legal methods
+of redress, at a time when they saw themselves threatened with legal
+slavery, when they saw the legislative power established only for their
+protection, influenced by all possible methods of corruption to betray
+them to the mercy of the ministry?
+
+For, that corruption has found its way into one of the houses of the
+legislature, is universally believed, and, without scruple, maintained
+by every man in the nation, who is not evidently restrained from
+speaking as he thinks; and that any man can even be of a different
+opinion, that any man can even affirm that he thinks otherwise, would
+be, in any other age, the subject of astonishment. That an immense
+revenue is divided among the members of the other house, by known
+salaries and publick employments, is apparent; that large sums are
+privately scattered on pressing exigencies, that some late transactions
+of the ministry were not confirmed but at a high price, the present
+condition of the civil list, a civil list vastly superiour to all the
+known expenses of the crown, makes highly probable. That the commons
+themselves suspect the determinations of their assembly to be influenced
+by some other motives than justice and truth, is evident from the bill
+this day sent hither for our concurrence; and, surely, no aggravation
+can be added to the crimes of that man who has patronised our enemies,
+and given up our navigation, sunk his country into contempt abroad, and
+into poverty at home, plundered the people, and corrupted the
+legislature.
+
+But, my lords, the minister has not only contributed, by his wickedness
+or his ignorance, to the present calamities, but has applied all his art
+and all his interest to remove from posts of honour and trust, to banish
+from the court, and to exclude from the legislature all those whose
+counsels might contribute to restore the publick affairs, without any
+regard to the popularity of their characters, the usefulness of their
+talents, or the importance of their past services to the crown. Had any
+of these considerations prevailed, we had not seen the greatest general
+in Britain dispossessed of all his preferments, dispossessed at a time
+when we are at war with one nation, and in expectation of being attacked
+by another far more powerful, which will, doubtless, be encouraged, by
+his removal, to more daring contempt, and more vigorous measures.
+
+What were the motives of this procedure it is easy to discover. As his
+open defence of the present royal family in the late rebellion, exempts
+him from the imputation of being disaffected to the crown, the only
+crime with which he can be charged is disaffection to the minister.
+
+Perhaps, my lords, the minister may have determined to have no need of
+generals in his transactions with foreign powers; but in proportion as
+he relies less upon the sword, he must depend more upon the arts of
+peaceable negotiation, and, surely, there has been another person
+dismissed from his employments, whose counsels it had been no reproach
+to have asked, and to have followed.
+
+The nature of my motion, my lords, makes it not necessary to produce
+evidence of these facts, it is sufficient that any minister is
+universally suspected; for when did an innocent man, supported by power,
+and furnished with every advantage that could contribute to exalt or
+preserve his character, incur the general hatred of the people? But if
+it could ever happen by a combination of unlucky accidents, what could
+be more for the happiness of himself, his master, and the nation, than
+that he should retire and enjoy the consciousness of his own virtue.
+
+His own interest, in such a retirement, I have already considered, and
+that both of the prince and the people is no less apparent: while a
+hated minister is employed, the king will always be distrusted by the
+nation, and, surely, nothing can so much obstruct the publick happiness,
+as a want of confidence in those who are intrusted with its
+preservation.
+
+That common fame is, in this case, sufficient, will not be questioned,
+when it is considered that common fame is never without a foundation in
+facts, that it may spread disquiet and suspicion over all the kingdom,
+and that the satisfaction of millions is very cheaply purchased by the
+degradation of one man, who was exalted only for their benefit.
+
+The objection, that there is no sole minister, will create no greater
+difficulty; if there be many concerned in these transactions,
+_respondeat superior:_ but it is too apparent that there is, in reality,
+one whose influence is greater than that of any other private man, and
+who is arrived at a height not consistent with the nature of the British
+government; it is uncontested that there is one man to whom the people
+impute their miseries, and by whose removal they will be appeased.
+
+The affairs of Europe, my lords, will probably be so much embarrassed,
+and the struggles between the different designs of its princes be so
+violent, that they will demand all our attention, and employ all our
+address, and it will be to the highest degree dangerous to be distracted
+at the same time with apprehensions of domestick troubles; yet, such is
+the present unhappy state of this nation, and such is the general
+discontent of the people, that tranquillity, adherence to the
+government, and submission to the laws, cannot reasonably be hoped,
+unless the motion I shall now take leave to make your lordships, be
+complied with: and I move, "That an humble address be presented to his
+majesty, most humbly to advise and beseech his majesty, that he will be
+most graciously pleased to remove the right honourable sir Robert
+WALPOLE, knight of the most noble order of the blue riband, first
+commissioner of his majesty's treasury, and chancellor of the exchequer,
+and one of his majesty's most honourable privy council, from his
+majesty's presence and councils for ever."
+
+He was seconded by lord ABINGDON in the following manner:--My lords, the
+copiousness and perspicuity with which the noble lord has laid down the
+reasons of his motion, make it neither easy nor necessary to enlarge
+upon them. I shall, therefore, only offer to your lordships a few
+thoughts upon the authority of common fame, as the evidence upon which
+the motion is in part founded.
+
+That all the miscarriages of our late measures are by common fame
+imputed to one man, I suppose, will not be denied; nor can it, in my
+opinion, be reasonably required, that in the present circumstances of
+things any other proof should be brought against him.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is admitted in courts of law as a kind of
+auxiliary or supplemental evidence, and is allowed to corroborate the
+cause which it appears to favour. The general regard which every wise
+man has for his character, is a proof that in the estimation of all
+mankind, the testimony of common fame is of too great importance to be
+disregarded.
+
+If we consider the nature of popular opinions on publick affairs, it
+will be difficult to imagine by what means a persuasion not founded on
+truth should universally take possession of a people; it will be yet
+more difficult to believe that it should preserve its empire, and that
+in opposition to every art that can be made use of to undeceive them,
+they should pertinaciously adhere to an errour not imbibed in their
+education, nor connected with their interest. And how has any man been
+originally prejudiced against the present minister? Or what passion or
+interest can any man gratify, by imagining or declaring his country on
+the verge of ruin? The multitude, my lords, censure and praise without
+dissimulation, nor were ever accused of disguising their sentiments;
+their voice is, at least, the voice of honesty, and has been termed the
+voice of heaven, by that party of which those affect to be thought whom
+it now condemns.
+
+Let it not be urged, that the people are easily deceived, that they
+think and speak merely by caprice, and applaud or condemn without any
+calm inquiry or settled determination; these censures are applicable
+only to sudden tumults, and gusts of zeal excited by fallacious
+appearances, or by the alarms of a false report industriously
+disseminated, but have no relation to opinions gradually propagated, and
+slowly received.
+
+If the credulity of the people exposes them to so easy an admission of
+every report, why have the writers for the minister found so little
+credit? Why have all the loud declamations, and the laboured arguments,
+the artful insinuations, and positive assertions, which have been for
+many years circulated round the nation, at the expense of the
+government, produced no effect upon the people, nor convinced any man,
+who was not apparently bribed, to resign his private opinion to that of
+his patrons? Whence comes it, my lords, that falsehood is more
+successful than truth, and that the nation is inclined to complain
+rather than to triumph? It is well known that the people have been
+charged in all former ages, with being too much dazzled by the glitter
+of fortune, and the splendour of success, and bestowing their applauses
+not according to the degrees of merit, but prosperity. The minister, my
+lords, has defeated his opponents in almost all their attempts; his
+friends have sounded victory every session, and yet the people declare
+against him; his adversaries have retired into the country with all the
+vexation of disappointment, and have been rewarded for their
+unsuccessful efforts with general acclamations. What is it, my lords,
+but the power of truth, that can preserve the vanquished from ridicule,
+and influence the nation to believe them the only patrons of their
+commerce and liberty, in opposition to all the writers and voters for
+the ministry?
+
+If we consult history, my lords, how seldom do we find an innocent
+minister overwhelmed with infamy? Innocent men have sometimes been
+destroyed by the hasty fury, but scarcely ever by the settled hatred of
+the populace. Even that fury has generally been kindled by real
+grievances, though imputed to those who had no share in producing them;
+but when the tempest of their first rage has subsided, they have seldom
+refused to hear truth, and to distinguish the patriot from the
+oppressor.
+
+But though it should be acknowledged, my lords, that the people have
+been blinded by false representations, and that some causes yet
+undiscovered, some influence which never has been known to operate in
+any state before, hinder them from beholding their own felicity; yet, as
+publick happiness is the end of government, and no man can be happy that
+thinks himself miserable, it is, in my opinion, necessary to the honour
+of his majesty, and to the tranquillity of the nation, that your
+lordships should agree to the present motion.
+
+The duke of NEWCASTLE answered to this effect:--My lords, it is not
+without wonder that I hear a motion so uncommon and important, a motion
+which may be reasonably supposed to have been long premeditated, and of
+which such affecting expectations have been raised, so weakly supported
+by evidence. I cannot think that any other attestation is needful for
+the vindication of the right honourable gentleman, whose conduct is this
+day to be examined, than the declaration of the noble lord, that there
+appears no positive evidence against him.
+
+The pretence that no evidence can be expected while he continues in his
+present station, is too openly fallacious to impose upon your lordships;
+for why should his influence be greater, and his power less resistible
+than that of other ministers, who are well known to have found accusers
+in the height of their authority, and to have been dragged to punishment
+almost from behind the throne?
+
+It is sufficiently known, that during the continuance of this
+administration, many have been dismissed from their employments, who
+appear not altogether unaffected with the loss, and from whose
+resentment a discovery of wicked measures might be reasonably expected,
+as their acquaintance with the secrets of the government must have given
+opportunities of detecting them. If, therefore, no particular crimes are
+charged upon him, if his enemies confine themselves to obscure surmises,
+and general declamations, we may reasonably conclude, that his behaviour
+has been at least blameless. For what can be a higher encomium than the
+silence of those who have made it the business of years to discover
+something that might be alleged against him on the day of trial.
+
+I suppose that no man can question the penetration of those noble lords
+who have opened this debate, and I, my lords, shall be very far from
+insinuating that cowardice suppresses any of their sentiments. As the
+highest reproach that can be thrown upon any man, is to suggest that he
+speaks what he does not think; the next degree of meanness would be to
+think what he dares not speak, when the publick voice of his country
+calls upon him.
+
+When, therefore, popular reports are alleged as the foundation of the
+address, it is probable that it is not founded, in reality, upon known
+crimes or attested facts, and if the sudden blasts of fame may be
+esteemed equivalent to attested accusations, what degree of virtue can
+confer security?
+
+That the clamour is so loud and so general as it is represented, I can
+discover no necessity of admitting; but, however the populace may have
+been exasperated against him, we are surely not to be influenced by
+their complaints, without inquiring into the cause of them, and
+informing ourselves whether they proceed from real hardships,
+unnecessary severities, and calamities too heavy to be borne, or from
+caprice, and inconstancy, idle rumours, and artful representations.
+
+I very readily allow, my lords, that nothing has been left unattempted
+that might fill the people with suspicion and discontent. That
+inevitable calamities have been imputed to misconduct, or to treachery,
+and even the inconstancy of the winds and severity of the weather
+charged upon the right honourable gentleman, the daily libels that are
+in every man's hand, are a standing evidence; and though I should grant
+that the people never complain without cause, and that their burdens are
+always heavy before they endeavour to shake them off, yet it will by no
+means follow, that they do not sometimes mistake the cause of their
+miseries, and impute their burdens to the cruelty of those whose utmost
+application is employed to lighten them.
+
+Common fame is, therefore, my lords, no sufficient ground for such a
+censure as this, a censure that condemns a man long versed in high
+employments, long honoured with the confidence of his sovereign, and
+distinguished by the friendship of the most illustrious persons in the
+nation, to infamy and contempt, unheard, and even unaccused; for he
+against whom nothing is produced but general charges, supported by the
+evidence of common fame, may be justly esteemed to be free from
+accusation.
+
+That other evidence will appear against him when he shall be reduced, in
+consequence of our agreeing to this motion, to the level with his
+fellow-subjects, that all informations are now precluded by the terrours
+of resentment, or the expectations of favour, has been insinuated by the
+noble lord, who made the motion: whether his insinuation be founded only
+upon conjecture, whether it be one of those visions which are raised by
+hope in a warm imagination, or upon any private informations
+communicated to his lordship, I pretend not to determine; but if we may
+judge from the known conduct of the opposition, if we consider their
+frequent triumphs before the battle, and their chimerical schemes of
+discoveries, or prosecutions and punishments, their constant assurance
+of success upon the approach of a new contest, and their daily
+predictions of the ruin of the administration, we cannot but suspect
+that men so long accustomed to impose upon themselves, and flatter one
+another with fallacious hopes, may now, likewise, be dreaming of
+intelligence which they never will receive, and amusing themselves with
+suspicions which they have no reasonable expectation of seeing
+confirmed.
+
+And to confess the truth, my lords, if I may be allowed, in imitation of
+these patrons of their country, to indulge my own imagination, and
+presume to look forward to the future conduct of those who have exerted
+such unwearied industry in their attempts upon the administration, and
+so long pursued the right honourable gentleman with inquiries,
+examinations, rhetorick, and ridicule, I cannot but find myself inclined
+to question whether, after their motion shall have been received in this
+house, and their petition granted by his majesty, they will very
+solicitously inquire after evidence, or be equally diligent in the
+discovery of truth, as in the persecution of the minister.
+
+I am afraid, my lords, that they will be too deeply engaged in the care
+of making a dividend of the plunder in just proportions, to find leisure
+for pursuit of the enemy, and that the sight of vacant posts, large
+salaries, and extensive power, will revive some passions, which the love
+of their country has not yet wholly extinguished, and leave in their
+attention no room for deep reflections, and intricate inquiries. There
+have formerly, my lords, been patriots, who, upon a sudden advancement
+to a place of profit, have been immediately lulled into tranquillity,
+learned to repose an implicit confidence in the ministers, forgotten to
+harangue, threaten, inquire, and protest, and spent the remaining part
+of their lives in the harmless amusement of counting their salaries,
+perquisites, and gratuities.
+
+How great, my lords, would be the disappointment of the people, that
+unhappy people which has been long neglected and oppressed, which so
+justly detests the minister, and calls so loudly for vengeance, when
+they shall see their defenders remit the vigour of the pursuit, when
+once the minister flies before them, and instead of driving him into
+exile, contend about his places!
+
+Unhappy then surely, my lords, would the nation be: the administration,
+we are told, is already universally abhorred, and its hope is only in
+the opposition; but should the zeal of the patriots once grow cold,
+should they discover to the publick, that they have been labouring not
+for general liberty, but for private advantage; that they were enemies
+to power only because it was not in their hands; and disapproved the
+measures of the government only because they were not consulted; how
+inevitably must the people then sink into despair; how certain must they
+then imagine their destruction?
+
+It seems, therefore, my lords, equally prudent and just to reject this
+motion, till better proof shall be brought to support it; lest, by
+complying with it, we should heighten rather than appease the discontent
+of the people; lest we should too soon deprive them of their only
+consolation, and expose the patriots to censure, without vindicating the
+ministry.
+
+In my opinion, my lords, all who have approved the conduct of the
+present ministry, must necessarily join in rejecting the motion, as
+cruel and unequitable, and incline to support a just, and continue a
+wise administration; and all those whom the restless clamours of the
+opposite party have persuaded to regard them as arbitrary, corrupt, and
+perfidious, must, if they are true friends to their country, and steady
+exacters of justice, resolve to defer their compliance, in order to
+bring to light the evidences necessary for a legal conviction, and
+severer punishment.
+
+That these evidences will never be found, and that, therefore, no legal
+punishment will ever be inflicted, we may reasonably collect from the
+injustice of the laboured charge which your lordships have now heard; a
+charge drawn up with all the assistance of senatorial and political
+knowledge, and displayed with all the power of eloquence, a collection
+of every occurrence for many years, of which any circumstance could be
+shown in an unfavourable light, and a recapitulation of all the measures
+which have miscarried by unforeseen events, or which the populace have
+been persuaded to dislike.
+
+In the administration of governments, my lords, many measures reasonable
+and just, planned out in pursuance of a very exact knowledge of the
+state of things then present, and very probable conjectures concerning
+future events, have yet failed to produce the success which was
+expected; they have been sometimes defeated by the inconstancy or
+dishonesty of those who are equally engaged in them, and sometimes
+frustrated by accidents, of which only providence has the disposal. It
+will even be allowed, my lords, that the ministry have been sometimes
+mistaken in their conjectures, and, perhaps, deceived by their
+intelligence, but I will presume to say, it never will be discovered
+that they willingly betrayed, or heedlessly neglected their trust, that
+they ever oppressed their country with unnecessary burdens, or exposed
+it to be insulted by foreign powers. Nor will it, perhaps, be found that
+they ever appeared grossly ignorant of the publick interest, or failed
+to discover any obvious truth, or foresee any probable contingencies.
+
+But, my lords, I am willing to confess that they cannot judge of events
+to come with such unerring and demonstrative knowledge as their
+opponents can obtain of them after they have happened; and they are
+inclined to pay all necessary deference to the great sagacity of those
+wonderful prognosticators, who can so exactly _foresee_ the _past_. They
+only hope, my lords, that you will consider how much harder their task
+is than that of their enemies; they are obliged to determine very often
+upon doubtful intelligence, and an obscure view of the designs and
+inclinations of the neighbouring powers; and as their informers may be
+either treacherous or mistaken, and the interests of other states are
+subject to alterations, they may be sometimes deceived and disappointed.
+But their opponents, my lords, are exempt, by their employment, from the
+laborious task of searching into futurity, and collecting their
+resolutions, from a long comparison of dark hints and minute
+circumstances. Their business is not to lead or show the way, but to
+follow at a distance, and ridicule the perplexity, and aggravate the
+mistakes of their guides. They are only to wait for consequences, which,
+if they are prosperous, they misrepresent as not intended, or pass over
+in silence, and are glad to hide them from the notice of mankind. But if
+any miscarriages arise, their penetration immediately awakes, they see,
+at the first glance, the fatal source of all our miseries, they are
+astonished at such a concatenation of blunders, and alarmed with the
+most distracting apprehensions of the danger of their country.
+
+Accusation of political measures is an easy province; easy, my lords, in
+the same proportion as the administration of affairs is difficult; for
+where there are difficulties there will be some mistakes; and where
+there are mistakes, there will be occasions of triumph, to the factious
+and the disappointed. But the justice of your lordships will certainly
+distinguish between errours and crimes, and between errours of weakness
+and inability, and such as are only discoverable by consequences.
+
+I may add, my lords, that your wisdom will easily find the difference
+between the degree of capacity requisite for recollecting the past, and
+foreknowing the future; and expect that those whose ambition incites
+them to endeavour after a share in the government of their country,
+should give better proofs of their qualifications for that high trust,
+than mere specimens of their memory, their rhetorick, or their malice.
+
+Even the noble lord, who must be confessed to have shown a very
+extensive acquaintance with foreign affairs, and to have very accurately
+considered the interests and dispositions of the princes of Europe, has
+yet failed in the order of time, and by one errour very much invalidated
+his charge of misconduct in foreign affairs.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, was not produced by the rejection of the
+infanta, unless a treaty that was made before it could be the
+consequence of it; so that there was no such opportunity thrown into our
+hands as the noble lord has been pleased to represent. Spain had
+discovered herself our enemy, and our enemy in the highest degree,
+before the French provoked her by that insult; and, therefore, how much
+soever she might be enraged against France, there was no prospect that
+she would favour us, nor could we have courted her alliance without the
+lowest degree of meanness and dishonour.
+
+See then, my lords, this atrocious accusation founded upon false dates,
+upon a preposterous arrangement of occurrences; behold it vanish into
+smoke at the approach of truth, and let this instance convince us how
+easy it is to form chimerical blunders, and impute gross follies to the
+wisest administration; how easy it is to charge others with mistakes and
+how difficult to avoid them.
+
+But we are told, my lords, that the dangers of the confederacy at Vienna
+were merely imaginary, that no contract was made to the disadvantage of
+our dominions, or of our commerce, and that if the weakness of the
+Spaniards and Germans had contrived such a scheme, it would soon have
+been discovered by them to be an airy dream, a plan impossible to be
+reduced to execution.
+
+We have been amused, my lords, on this occasion with great profusion of
+mirth and ridicule, and have received the consolation of hearing that
+Britain is an island, and that an island is not to be invaded without
+ships. We have been informed of the nature of the king's territories,
+and of the natural strength of the fortress of Gibraltar; but the noble
+lord forgot that though Britain has no dominions on the continent, yet
+our sovereign has there a very extensive country, which, though we are
+not to make war for the sake of strengthening or enlarging it, we are,
+surely, to defend when we have drawn an invasion upon it.
+
+The weakness of the Spaniards, my lords, has been also much enlarged
+upon, but the strength of the jacobites at home has been passed over in
+silence, though it is apparent how easily the pretender might have
+landed here, and with what warmth his cause would have been espoused,
+not only by those whose religion avowed and professed makes them the
+enemies of the present royal family, but by many whom prospects of
+interest, the love of novelty, and rage of disappointment, might have
+inclined to a change.
+
+That no such stipulations were made by that treaty, that no injury was
+intended to our commerce, nor any invasion proposed in favour of the
+pretender, are very bold assertions, and though they could be supported
+by all the evidence that negatives admit of, yet will not easily be
+believed by your lordships, in opposition to the solemn assurances of
+his late majesty. It is evident, from this instance, how much prejudice
+prevails over argument; they are ready to condemn the right honourable
+gentleman to whom they give the title of sole minister, upon the
+suffrage of common fame, yet will not acquit him upon the testimony of
+the king himself.
+
+But, my lords, the arguments alleged to prove the improbability of such
+a confederacy, are so weak in themselves, that they require no such
+illustrious evidence to overbalance them. For upon what are they
+founded, but upon the impossibility of executing such designs?
+
+It is well known, my lords, how differently different parties consider
+the same cause, the same designs, and the same state of affairs. Every
+man is partial in favour of his own equity, strength, and sagacity. Who
+can show that the same false opinion of their own power, and of our
+intestine divisions, which now prompts the Spaniards to contend with us,
+might not then incite them to invade us, or at least to countenance the
+attempts of one, whom they are industriously taught to believe the
+greatest part of the nation is ready to receive?
+
+That they might have injured our trade is too evident from our present
+experience, and that they would have supported the Ostend company, which
+they espoused in an open manner, is undeniable. Nor is it in the least
+unlikely, that, elated with the certain power of doing much mischief,
+and with the imaginary prospects of far greater effects, they might
+engage in a confederacy, and farther attempts against us.
+
+I am far from imagining, my lords, that it was in the power of the
+Germans and Spaniards united to force the pretender upon us, though we
+had stood alone against them; but the impossibility of succeeding in
+their design was not then so apparent to them as it is at present to us;
+they had many reasons to wish, and therefore would not be long without
+some to believe it practicable; and it was not the danger but the insult
+that determined his late majesty to enter into an alliance with France.
+
+War, my lords, is always to be avoided, if the possessions and
+reputation of a people can be preserved without it; it was, therefore,
+more eligible to oblige them to lay aside their scheme while it was yet
+only in idea, than to defeat it in its execution. And an alliance with
+France effectually restrained the emperour, as our fleets in America
+reduced the Spaniards to desire peace.
+
+Why we did not seize the cargo of the galleons, has been often asked,
+and as often such answers have been returned as ought to satisfy any
+rational examiner. We did not seize them, my lords, because a larger
+part belonged to other nations than to the Spaniards, and because the
+interests of our trade made it convenient not to exasperate the
+Spaniards, so far as to render a reconciliation very difficult.
+
+In the terms of this reconciliation, my lords, it is charged upon the
+ministry, that they were guilty of contributing to the power of the
+house of Bourbon, by stipulating that Spain, instead of neutral troops,
+should be introduced into Italy. That those troops were less agreeable
+to the emperour cannot be denied, but it has already been shown how
+little reason we had to consult his satisfaction; and with regard to the
+advantages gained by the French and Spaniards in the late war, a very
+small part of them can be ascribed to six thousand troops.
+
+With as little reason, my lords, is the charge advanced of neglecting to
+preserve the balance of Europe, by declining to assist the emperour
+against the French; for the intention of the war seems to have been
+rather revenge than conquest, and the emperour rather exchanged than
+lost his dominions.
+
+That we declined engaging too far in the affairs of the continent,
+proceeded, my lords, from a regard to the trade of the nation, which is
+not only suspended and interrupted during the time of war, but often
+thrown into another channel, out of which it is the business of many
+years to recover it.
+
+Nor have the ministry, my lords, deviated from their regard to trade, in
+their transactions with Spain, which have been the subject of so much
+clamour, and such pathetick declamations; they always knew what the
+nation now feels, that the merchants would suffer much more from a war
+than from piracies and depredations, which, however, they were far from
+submitting to, and for which they constantly made demands of
+satisfaction. To these demands they received such answers, as, if they
+had been sincere, would have left the nation no room to complain; but
+when it was discovered that nothing but verbal satisfaction was to be
+expected, the security of our trade, and the honour of our country,
+demanded that war should be declared.
+
+The conduct of the war, my lords, has been frequently the subject of
+censure; we are told of the inactivity of one fleet, and the imperfect
+equipment of another, the escape of our enemies, and the interception of
+our trading ships. War, my lords, is confessed to be uncertain, and ill
+success is not always the consequence of bad measures: naval wars are by
+the nature of the element on which they are to be conducted, more
+uncertain than any other; so that, though it cannot but be suspected
+that the common people will murmur at any disappointment, call every
+misfortune a crime, and think themselves betrayed by the ministry, if
+Spain is not reduced in a single summer, it might be reasonably hoped,
+that men enlightened by a long familiarity with the accounts of past,
+and instructed by personal experience in national transactions, will
+produce stronger arguments than want of success, when they charge the
+ministry with misconduct in war.
+
+But, my lords, they have not any misfortunes to complain of; nor is the
+accusation, that we have been defeated ourselves, but that we have not
+enough molested our enemies. Of this, my lords, it is not easy to judge,
+at a distance from the scene of action, and without a more accurate
+knowledge of a thousand minute circumstances, which may promote or
+retard a naval expedition. It is undoubtedly true, my lords, that many
+of our merchant ships have been taken by the enemy; but it is not
+certain that they do not murmur equally that they have been obstructed
+in their commerce, and have been so little able to interrupt ours, since
+they have so many advantages from the situation of their coasts. When we
+reckon those that are lost, let us not forget to number those that have
+escaped. If admiral Vernon's fleet was ill provided with arms and
+ammunition, even then, let all censure be suspended till it can be
+proved that it was ill furnished by the fault of the ministry.
+
+Nothing is more common, my lords, in all naval wars, than sudden changes
+of fortune; for on many occasions an accidental gust of wind, or
+unexpected darkness of the weather, may destroy or preserve a fleet from
+destruction, or may make the most formidable armaments absolutely
+useless; and in the present disposition of some people towards the
+ministry, I should not wonder to hear an alteration of wind charged upon
+them.
+
+For what objections may they not expect, my lords, when all the
+disadvantages which the nation suffers from the enemies of his majesty,
+are imputed to them; when daily endeavours are used to make them
+suspected of favouring arbitrary power, for maintaining an army which
+nothing has made necessary but the struggles of those men whose
+principles have no other tendency than to enslave their country. Let not
+our domestick animosities be kept alive and fomented by a constant
+opposition to every design of the administration, nor our foreign
+enemies incited by the observation of our divisions, to treat us with
+insolence, interrupt our trade, prescribe bounds to our dominions, and
+threaten us with invasions--and the army may safely be disbanded.
+
+For the ministry, my lords, are not conscious of having consulted any
+thing but the happiness of the nation, and have, therefore, no
+apprehensions of publick resentment, nor want the protection of an armed
+force. They desire only the support of the laws, and to them they
+willingly appeal from common fame and unequitable charges.
+
+I mention the ministry, my lords, because I am unacquainted with any man
+who either claims or possesses the power or title of sole minister. I
+own, in my province, no superiour but his majesty, and am willing and
+ready to answer any charge which relates to that part of the publick
+business which I have had the honour to transact or direct.
+
+A great part of what I have now offered was, therefore, no otherwise
+necessary on the present occasion, than because silence might have
+appeared like a consciousness of misconduct, and have afforded a new
+subject of airy triumph to the enemies of the administration; for very
+few of the transactions which have been so severely censured, fell under
+the particular inspection of the right honourable gentleman against whom
+the motion is levelled; he was not otherwise concerned in counselling or
+in ratifying, than as one of his majesty's privy council; and,
+therefore, though they should be defective, I do not see how it is
+reasonable or just, that he should be singled out from the rest for
+disgrace or punishment.
+
+The motion, therefore, my lords, appears to me neither founded on facts,
+nor law, nor reason, nor any better grounds than popular caprice, and
+private malevolence.
+
+If it is contrary to law to punish without proof; if it is not agreeable
+to reason that one should be censured for the offences of another; if it
+is necessary that some crime should be proved before any man can suffer
+as a criminal, then, my lords, I am convinced that your lordships will
+be unanimous in rejecting the motion.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke next, as follows:--My lords, if we will
+obstinately shut our eyes against the light of conviction; if we will
+resolutely admit every degree of evidence that contributes to support
+the cause which we are inclined to favour, and to reject the plainest
+proofs when they are produced against it, to reason and debate is to
+little purpose: as no innocence can be safe that has incurred the
+displeasure of partial judges, so no criminal that has the happiness of
+being favoured by them, can ever be in danger.
+
+That any lord has already determined how to vote on the present
+occasion, far be it from me to assert: may it never, my lords, be
+suspected that private interest, blind adherence to a party, personal
+kindness or malevolence, or any other motive than a sincere and
+unmingled regard for the prosperity of our country, influences the
+decisions of this assembly; for it is well known, my lords, that
+authority is founded on opinion; when once we lose the esteem of the
+publick, our votes, while we shall be allowed to give them, will be only
+empty sounds, to which no other regard will be paid than a standing army
+shall enforce.
+
+The veneration of the people, my lords, will not easily be lost: this
+house has a kind of hereditary claim to their confidence and respect;
+the great actions of our ancestors are remembered, and contribute to the
+reputation of their successours; nor do our countrymen willingly suspect
+that they can be betrayed by the descendants of those, by whose bravery
+and counsels they have been rescued from destruction.
+
+But esteem must languish, and confidence decline, unless they are
+renewed and reanimated by new acts of beneficence; and the higher
+expectations the nation may have formed of our penetration to discover
+its real advantages, and of our steadiness to pursue them, the more
+violent will be its resentment, if it shall appear, on this important
+question, that we are either ignorant or timorous, that we are
+unconcerned at the miseries of the people, or content ourselves with
+pitying what our ancestors never failed to redress.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, for our own interest, attend impartially to
+the voice of the people; let us hear their complaints with tenderness,
+and if, at last, we reject them, let it be evident that they were
+impartially heard, and that we only differed from them because we were
+not convinced.
+
+Even then, my lords, we shall suffer, for some time, under the suspicion
+of crimes, from which I hope we shall always be free; the people will
+imagine that we were influenced by those whose interest it appears to
+continue their miseries, and, my lords, all the consolation that will be
+left us, must arise from the consciousness of having done our duty.
+
+But, my lords, this is to suppose what I believe no history can furnish
+an example of; it is to conceive that we may inquire diligently after
+the true state of national affairs, and yet not discover it, or not be
+able to prove it by such evidence as may satisfy the people.
+
+The people, my lords, however they are misrepresented by those who, from
+a long practice of treating them with disregard, have learned to think
+and speak of them with contempt, are far from being easily deceived, and
+yet farther from being easily deceived into an opinion of their own
+unhappiness: we have some instances of general satisfaction, and an
+unshaken affection to the government, in times when the publick good has
+not been very diligently consulted, but scarcely any of perpetual
+murmurs and universal discontent, where there have been plain evidences
+of oppression, negligence, or treachery.
+
+Let us not, therefore, my lords, think of the people as of a herd to be
+led or driven at pleasure, as wretches whose opinions are founded upon
+the authority of seditious scribblers, or upon any other than that of
+reason and experience; let us not suffer them to be at once oppressed
+and ridiculed, nor encourage, by our example, the wretched advocates for
+those whom they consider as their enemies, nor represent them as
+imputing to the misconduct of the ministry the late contrariety of the
+winds, and severity of the winter.
+
+The people, my lords, if they are mistaken in their charge, are mistaken
+with such evidence on their side, as never misled any nation before; not
+only their reason but their senses must have betrayed them; and those
+marks of certainty that have hitherto established truth, must have
+combined in the support of falsehood.
+
+They are persuaded, my lords, too firmly persuaded, to yield up their
+opinions to rhetorick, or to votes, or any proof but demonstration, that
+there is a _first_, or, to speak in the language of the nation, a _sole_
+minister, one that has the possession of his sovereign's confidence, and
+the power of excluding others from his presence, one that exalts and
+degrades at his pleasure, and distributes, for his own purposes, the
+revenues of his master, and the treasure of the nation.
+
+Of this, my lords, can it be maintained that they have no proof? Can
+this be termed a chimerical suspicion, which nothing can be produced to
+support? How can power appear but by the exercise of it? What can prove
+any degree of influence or authority, but universal submission and
+acknowledgment? And surely, my lords, a very transient survey of the
+court and its dependents, must afford sufficient conviction, that this
+man is considered by all that are engaged in the administration, as the
+only disposer of honours, favours, and employments.
+
+Attend to any man, my lords, who has lately been preferred, rewarded, or
+caressed, you will hear no expressions of gratitude but to that _man_;
+no other benefactor is ever heard of, the royal bounty itself is
+forgotten and unmentioned, nor is any return of loyalty, fidelity, or
+adherence professed, but to the minister; the minister! a term which,
+however lately introduced, is now in use in every place in the kingdom,
+except this house.
+
+Preferments, my lords, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or military, are
+either wholly in his hands, or those who make it the business of their
+lives to discover the high road to promotion, are universally deceived,
+and are daily offering their adorations to an empty phantom that has
+nothing to bestow; for, no sooner is any man infected with avarice or
+ambition, no sooner is extravagance reduced to beg new supplies from the
+publick, or wickedness obliged to seek for shelter, than this man is
+applied to, and honour, conscience, and fortune offered at his feet.
+
+Did either those whose studies and station give them a claim to
+advancement in the church, or those whose bravery and long service
+entitle them to more honourable posts in the army; did either those who
+profess to understand the laws of their own country, or they who declare
+themselves versed in the interests and transactions of foreign powers,
+apply to any other man for promotion or employment, he might then,
+indeed, be called the _chief_, but not properly the _sole_ minister.
+
+But it is well known, my lords; many of us know it too well, that
+whatever be the profession or the abilities of any person, there is no
+hope of encouragement or reward by any other method than that of
+application to this man, that he shall certainly be disappointed who
+shall attempt to rise by any other interest, and whoever shall dare to
+depend on his honesty, bravery, diligence, or capacity, or to boast any
+other merit than that of implicit adherence to his measures, shall
+inevitably lie neglected and obscure.
+
+For this reason, my lords, every one whose calmness of temper can enable
+him to support the sight, without starts of indignation and sallies of
+contempt, may daily see at the levee of this great man, what I am
+ashamed to mention, a mixture of men of all ranks and all professions,
+of men whose birth and titles ought to exalt them above the meanness of
+cringing to a mere child of fortune, men whose studies ought to have
+taught them, that true honour is only to be gained by steady virtue, and
+that all other arts, all the low applications of flattery and servility
+will terminate in contempt, disappointment, and remorse.
+
+This scene, my lords, is daily to be viewed, it is ostentatiously
+displayed to the sight of mankind, the minister amuses himself in
+publick with the splendour, and number, and dignity of his slaves; and
+his slaves with no more shame pay their prostrations to their master in
+the face of day, and boast of their resolutions to gratify and support
+him. And yet, my lords, it is inquired why the people assert that there
+is a _sole_ minister?
+
+Those who deny, my lords, that there is a _sole_ minister to whom the
+miscarriages of the government may justly be imputed, may easily
+persuade themselves to believe that there have been no miscarriages,
+that all the measures were necessary, and well formed, that there is
+neither poverty nor oppression felt in the nation, that our compliance
+with France was no weakness, and that our dread of the treaty of Vienna
+was not chimerical.
+
+The treaty of Vienna, my lords, which has been the parent of so many
+terrours, consultations, embassies, and alliances is, I find, not yet to
+be acknowledged, what it certainly was, a mere phantom, an empty
+illusion, sent by the arts of the French to terrify our ministry. His
+late majesty's testimony is cited to prove that stipulations were really
+entered into by the two powers allied by that treaty, to destroy our
+trade, subvert our constitution, and set a new king upon the throne,
+without consent of the nation.
+
+Such improbabilities, my lords, ought, indeed, to be proved by a high
+testimony, by a testimony which no man shall dare to question or
+contradict; for as any man is at liberty to consult his reason, it will
+always remonstrate to him, that it is no less absurd to impute the folly
+of designing impossibilities to any powers not remarkable for weak
+counsels, than unjust to suspect princes of intending injuries, to which
+they have not been incited by any provocation.
+
+But, my lords, nowithstanding the solemnity with which his late majesty
+has been introduced, his testimony can prove nothing more than that he
+believed the treaty to be such as he represents, that he had been
+deceived into false apprehensions and unnecessary cautions by his own
+ministers, as they had been imposed upon by the agents of France.
+
+This is all, my lords, that can be collected from the royal speech, and
+to infer more from it is to suppose that the king was himself a party in
+the designs formed against him; for if he was not himself engaged in
+this treaty, he could only be informed, by another, of the stipulations,
+and could only report what he had been told upon the credit of the
+informer, a man, necessarily of very little credit. Thus, my lords, all
+the evidence of his late majesty vanishes into nothing more than the
+whisper of a spy.
+
+But as great stress ought, doubtless, to be laid upon intelligence which
+the nation is believed to purchase at a very high price, let it be
+inquired, what proofs those have who dare to suspect the sagacity of our
+ministers, to put in the balance against their intelligence, and it will
+be discovered, my lords, that they have a testimony no less than that of
+the German emperour himself, who could not be mistaken with regard to
+the meaning of the treaty concluded at his own court, and to whom it
+will not be very decent to deny such a degree of veracity as may set him
+at least on the level with a traitor and a hireling.
+
+If the treaty of Vienna was an imposture, most of our misfortunes are
+evidently produced by the weakness of the minister; but even supposing
+it real, as it was only a formidable mockery, an idle threat, that could
+never be executed, it was not necessary, that in order to obviate it, we
+should give ourselves implicitly into the hands of France.
+
+It was not necessary, my lords, that we should suffer them first to
+elude the treaty of Utrecht, by making a port at Mardyke, and then
+directly and openly to violate it by repairing Dunkirk. That this latter
+is a port contrary to treaty, the bills of entry at the custom-house
+daily show; and as the customs are particularly under the inspection of
+the commissioners of the treasury, this man cannot plead ignorance of
+this infraction, were no information given him by other means. If it
+should now be asked, my lords, what, in my opinion, ought to be done, I
+cannot advise that we should attempt to demolish it by force, or draw
+upon ourselves the whole power of France by a declaration of war, but
+what it may be difficult now to remedy, it was once easy to obviate.
+
+Had we shown the same contempt of the French power with our ancestors,
+and the same steadiness in our councils, the same firmness in our
+alliances, and the same spirit in our treaties, that court would never
+have ventured to break a known solemn stipulation, to have exasperated a
+brave and determined adversary by flagrant injustice, and to have
+exposed themselves to the hazard of a war, in which it would have been
+the interest of every prince of Europe who regarded justice or posterity
+to wish their defeat.
+
+Now they see us engaged in a war, my lords, they may be animated to a
+more daring contempt of the faith of treaties, and insult us with yet
+greater confidence of success, as they cannot but remark the cowardice
+or the ignorance with which we have hitherto carried on this war. They
+cannot but observe that either our minister means in reality to make war
+rather upon the Britons than the Spaniards, or that he is totally
+unacquainted with military affairs, and too vain to ask the opinion of
+others who have greater knowledge than himself.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more apparent than that the minister was forced,
+by the continual clamours of the nation, to declare war, contrary to his
+own inclination, and that he always affected to charge it upon others,
+and to exempt himself from the imputation of it. It is, therefore,
+probable that he has not acted on this occasion so wisely as even his
+own experience and penetration might, if they were honestly employed,
+enable him to act, and that he has suffered our counsels to be
+embarrassed; that he sees with great tranquillity those suffering by the
+war, at whose request it was begun, and imagines it a proof of the
+excellence of his own scheme, that those who forced him to break it, may
+in time repent of their importunities.
+
+For that in the management of the war, my lords, no regard has been had
+either to the advantages which the course of our trade inevitably gives
+to our enemies, or to the weakness to which the extent of their
+dominions necessarily subjects them, that neither the interest of the
+merchant has been consulted, nor the ease of the nation in general
+regarded, that the treasure of the publick has been squandered, and that
+our military preparations have intimidated no nation but our own, is
+evident beyond contradiction.
+
+It is well known, my lords, to every man but the minister, that we have
+nothing to fear from either the fleets or armies of the Spaniards, that
+they cannot invade us except in America, and that they can only molest
+us by intercepting our traders. This they can only effect by means of
+their privateers, whose vessels, being light and active, may be easily
+fitted out, nimbly seize their prey, and speedily retire.
+
+The experience of the last French war, my lords, might have taught us
+how much we have to fear from the activity of men incited by prospects
+of private gain, and equipped with that care and vigilance, which,
+however omitted in national affairs, the interest of particular men
+never fails to dictate. It is well known, my lords, how much we lost
+amidst our victories and triumphs, and how small security the merchants
+received from our magnificent navies, and celebrated commanders. It was,
+therefore, surely the part of wise men, not to miscarry twice by the
+same omission, when they had an opportunity to supply it.
+
+I need not inform your lordships of what every reader of newspapers can
+tell, and which common sense must easily discover, that privateers are
+only to be suppressed by ships of the same kind with their own, which
+may scour the seas with rapidity, pursue them into shallow water, where
+great ships cannot attack them, seize them as they leave the harbours,
+or destroy them upon their own coasts.
+
+That this is, in its own nature, at once obvious to be contrived, and
+easy to be done, must appear upon the bare mention of it, and yet that
+it has been either treacherously neglected, or ignorantly omitted, the
+accounts of every day have long informed us. Not a week passes in which
+our ships are not seized, and our sailors carried into a state of
+slavery. Nor does this happen only on the wide ocean, which is too
+spacious to be garrisoned, or upon our enemies' coasts, where they may
+have, sometimes, insuperable advantages, but on our own shores, within
+sight of our harbours, and in those seas of which we vainly style our
+nation the sovereign.
+
+Who is there, my lords, whose indignation is not raised at such
+ignominy? Who is there by whom such negligence will not be resented? It
+cannot be alleged that we had not time to make better preparations; we
+had expected war long before we declared it, and if the minister was the
+only man by whom it was not expected, it will make another head of
+accusation.
+
+Nor was his disregard of our dominions less flagrant than that of our
+trade: it was publickly declared by don Geraldino, that his master would
+never give up his claim to part of our American colonies, which yet were
+neither fortified on the frontiers, nor supplied with arms, nor enabled
+to oppose an enemy, nor protected against him.
+
+One man there is, my lords, whose natural generosity, contempt of
+danger, and regard for the publick, prompted him to obviate the designs
+of the Spaniards, and to attack them in their own territories; a man,
+whom by long acquaintance I can confidently affirm to have been equal to
+his undertaking, and to have learned the art of war by a regular
+education, who yet miscarried in his design, only for want of supplies
+necessary to a possibility of success.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, much probability that the forces sent lately to
+Vernon will be more successful; for this is not a war to be carried on
+by boys: the state of the enemy's dominions is such, partly by
+situation, and partly by the neglect of that man whose conduct we are
+examining, that to attack them with any prospect of advantage, will
+require the judgment of an experienced commander; of one who had learned
+his trade, not in Hyde-park, but in the field of battle; of one that has
+been accustomed to sudden exigencies and unsuspected difficulties, and
+has learned cautiously to form, and readily to vary his schemes.
+
+An officer, my lords, an officer qualified to invade kingdoms is not
+formed by blustering in his quarters, by drinking on birth-nights, or
+dancing at assemblies; nor even by the more important services of
+regulating elections, and suppressing those insurrections which are
+produced by the decay of our manufactures. Many gallant colonels have
+led out their forces against women and children, with the exactest
+order, and scattered terrour over numerous bodies of colliers and
+weavers, who would find difficulties not very easily surmountable, were
+they to force a pass, or storm a fortress.
+
+But, my lords, those whom we have destined for the conquest of America,
+have not even flushed their arms with such services, nor have learned,
+what is most necessary to be learned, the habit of obedience; they are
+only such as the late frost hindered from the exercise of their trades,
+and forced to seek for bread in the service; they have scarcely had time
+to learn the common motions of the exercise, or distinguish the words of
+command.
+
+Nor are their officers, my lords, extremely well qualified to supply
+those defects, and establish discipline and order in a body of
+new-raised forces; for they are absolutely strangers to service, and
+taken from school to receive a commission, or if transplanted from other
+regiments, have had time only to learn the art of dress. We have sent
+soldiers undisciplined, and officers unable to instruct them, and sit in
+expectation of conquests to be made by one boy acting under the
+direction of another.
+
+To their commander-in-chief, my lords, I object nothing but his
+inexperience, which is by no means to be imputed to his negligence, but
+his want of opportunities; though of the rest, surely it may be said,
+that they are such a swarm as were never before sent out on military
+designs; and, in my opinion, to the other equipments, the government
+should have added provisions for women to nurse them.
+
+Had my knowledge of war, my lords, been thought sufficient to have
+qualified me for the chief command in this expedition, or had my advice
+been asked with regard to the conduct of it, I should willingly have
+assisted my country with my person or my counsels; but, my lords, this
+man, who engrosses all authority, seems, likewise, to believe that he is
+in possession of all knowledge, and that he is equally capable, as he is
+equally willing, to usurp the supreme and uncontroulable direction both
+of civil and military affairs.
+
+Why new forces were raised, my lords, it is very easy to judge; new
+forces required new commissions, and new commissions produced new
+dependencies, which might be of use to the minister at the approaching
+election; but why the new-raised troops were sent on this expedition
+rather than those which had been longer disciplined, it is very
+difficult to assign a reason, unless it was considered that some who had
+commands in them had likewise seats in the senate; and the minister was
+too grateful to expose his friends to danger, and too prudent to hazard
+the loss of a single vote. Besides the commander-in-chief, there is but
+one senator in the expedition, and, my lords, he is one of too great
+integrity to be corrupted, and, though sensible of the weakness of the
+troops, too brave to quit his post. How much our country may suffer by
+such absurd conduct, I need not explain to your lordships; it may easily
+be conceived how much one defeat may dispirit the nation, and to what
+attempts one victory may excite our enemies; those enemies whom, under a
+steady and wise administration, we should terrify into submission, even
+without an army.
+
+I cannot forbear to remark on this occasion, how much the ignorance of
+this man has exposed a very important part of our foreign dominions to
+the attempts of the Spaniards. Gibraltar, my lords, is well known to be
+so situated, as to be naturally in very little danger of an attack from
+the land, and to command the country to a great distance; but these
+natural advantages are now taken away, or greatly lessened, by new
+fortifications, erected within much less than gunshot of the place,
+erected in the sight of the garrison, and while one of our admirals was
+cruizing upon the coast.
+
+The pretence, my lords, upon which they were erected, was, that though
+Gibraltar was granted to Britain, yet there was no district appendent to
+it, nor did the British authority extend beyond the walls of the town:
+this poor excuse did the chicanery of the Spaniards invent, and with
+this, my lords, was our minister contented, either not knowing or not
+appearing to know what, I hope, the children whom we have despatched to
+America have been taught, and what no man, versed in national affairs,
+can be ignorant of without a crime, that when a fortress is yielded to
+another nation, the treaty always virtually includes, even without
+mentioning it, an extent of land as far as the guns of the fortification
+can reach.
+
+Whether this man, my lords, was so ignorant as to be deceived thus
+grossly, or so abandoned as willingly to deceive his country, he is
+equally unqualified to support the office of first minister, and almost
+equally deserves to be prosecuted by the indignation and justice of this
+assembly, in the severest manner; for how great must be his wickedness
+who undertakes a charge above his abilities, when his country may be
+probably ruined by his errours?
+
+Your lordships cannot but observe, that I make use rather of the term
+minister than that of the administration, which others are so desirous
+to substitute in its place, either to elude all inquiry into the
+management of our affairs, or to cover their own shameful dependence.
+
+Administration, my lords, appears to me a term without a meaning, a wild
+indeterminate word, of which none can tell whom it implies, or how
+widely it may extend: a charge against the administration may be
+imagined a general censure of every officer in the whole subordination
+of government, a general accusation of instruments and agents, of
+masters and slaves: my charge, my lords, is against the minister,
+against that man, who is believed by every one in the nation, and known
+by great numbers, to have the chief, and, whenever he pleases to require
+it, the sole direction of the publick measures; he, to whom all the
+other ministers owe their elevation, and by whose smile they hold their
+power, their salaries, and their dignity.
+
+That this appellation is not without sufficient reason bestowed upon
+that man, I have already proved to your lordships; and as it has already
+been made appear that common fame is a sufficient ground of accusation,
+it will easily be shown that this man has a just claim to the title of
+minister; for if any man be told of an accusation of the minister; he
+will not ask the name of the person accused.
+
+But there is in the motion one title conferred upon him, to which he has
+no pretensions; for there is no law for styling him the first
+commissioner of the treasury. The commissioners, my lords, who
+discharge, in a collective capacity, the office of lord high treasurer,
+are constituted by the same patent, invested with equal power and equal
+dignity, and I know not why this man should be exalted to any
+superiority over his associates.
+
+If we take, my lords, a review of our affairs, and examine the state of
+the nation in all its relations and all its circumstances, we cannot,
+surely, conceive that we are in a state of prosperity, unless discontent
+at home, and scorn abroad, the neglect of our allies, and insolence of
+our enemies, the decay of trade, and multitude of our imposts, are to be
+considered as proofs of a prosperous and nourishing nation.
+
+Will it be alleged, my lords, has this man one friend adventurous enough
+to assert, in open day, that the people are not starving by thousands,
+and murmuring by millions, that universal misery does not overspread the
+nation, and that this horrid series of calamities is not universally,
+among all conditions, imputed to the conduct of this man?
+
+That great evils are felt, my lords, no Briton, I am certain, who
+converses promiscuously with his countrymen, will attempt to dispute,
+and until some other cause more proportioned to the effect shall be
+assigned, I shall join the publick in their opinion, and while I think
+this man the author of our miseries, shall conclude it necessary to
+comply with the motion.
+
+Lord HARDWICK spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, though I
+very readily admit that crimes ought to be punished, that a treacherous
+administration of publick affairs is, in a very high degree, criminal,
+that even ignorance, where it is the consequence of neglect, deserves
+the severest animadversion, and that it is the privilege and duty of
+this house to watch over the state of the nation, and inform his majesty
+of any errours committed by his ministers; yet I am far from being
+convinced either of the justice or necessity of the motion now under
+consideration.
+
+The most flagrant and invidious part of the charge against the right
+honourable gentleman appears to consist in this, that he has engrossed
+an exorbitant degree of power, and usurped an unlimited influence over
+the whole system of government, that he disposes of all honours and
+preferments, and that he is not only _first_ but _sole_ minister.
+
+But of this boundless usurpation, my lords, what proof has been laid
+before you? What beyond loud exaggerations, pompous rhetorick, and
+specious appeals to common fame; common fame, which, at least, may
+sometimes err, and which, though it may afford sufficient ground for
+suspicion and inquiry, was never yet admitted as conclusive evidence,
+where the immediate necessities of the publick did not preclude the
+common forms of examination, where the power of the offender did not
+make it dangerous to attack him by a legal prosecution, or where the
+conduct of the accusers did not plainly discover that they were more
+eager of blood than of justice, and more solicitous to destroy than to
+convict.
+
+I hope none of these circumstances, my lords, can at present obstruct a
+candid and deliberate inquiry: with regard to the publick, I am not able
+to discover any pressing exigencies that demand a more compendious
+method of proceeding, than the established laws of the land, and the
+wisdom of our ancestors have prescribed. I know not any calamity that
+will be aggravated, nor any danger that will become move formidable, by
+suffering this question to be legally tried.
+
+Nor is there, my lords, in the circumstances of the person accused, any
+thing that can incite us to a hasty process; for, if what is alleged by
+the noble lords is not exaggerated beyond the truth, if he is
+universally detested by the whole nation, and loaded with execrations by
+the publick voice; if he is considered as the author of all our
+miseries, and the source of all our corruptions; if he has ruined our
+trade, and depressed our power, impoverished the people, and attempted
+to enslave them, there is, at least, no danger of an insurrection in his
+favour, or any probability that his party will grow stronger by delays.
+For, my lords, to find friends in adversity, and assertors in distress,
+is only the prerogative of innocence and virtue.
+
+The gentleman against whom this formidable charge is drawn up, is, I
+think, not suspected of any intention to have recourse either to force
+or flight; he has always appeared willing to be tried by the laws of his
+country, and to stand an impartial examination; he neither opposes nor
+eludes inquiry, neither flies from justice, nor defies it.
+
+And yet less, my lords, can I suspect, that those by whom he is accused,
+act from any motive that may influence them to desire a sentence not
+supported by evidence, or conformable to truth; or that they can wish
+the ruin of any man whose crimes are not notorious and flagrant, that
+they persecute from private malice, or endeavour to exalt themselves by
+the fall of another.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, inquire before we determine, and suffer
+evidence to precede our sentence. The charge, if it is just, must be, by
+its own nature, easily proved, and that no proof is brought may,
+perhaps, be sufficient to make us suspect that it is not just.
+
+For, my lords, what is the evidence of common fame, which has been so
+much exalted, and so confidently produced? Does not every man see that,
+on such occasions, two questions may be asked, of which, perhaps,
+neither can easily be answered, and which, yet, must both be resolved
+before common fame can be admitted as a proof of facts.
+
+It is first to be inquired, my lords, whether the reports of fame are
+necessarily or even probably true? A question very intricate and
+diffusive, entangled with a thousand, and involving a thousand,
+distinctions; a question of which it may be said, that a man may very
+plausibly maintain either side, and of which, perhaps, after months or
+years wasted in disputation, no other decision can be obtained than what
+is obvious at the first view, that they are often true, and often false,
+and, therefore, can only be grounds of inquiry, not reasons of
+determination.
+
+But if it appear, my lords, that this oracle cannot be deceived, we are
+then to inquire after another difficulty, we are to inquire, _What is
+fame?_
+
+Is fame, my lords, that fame which cannot err? a report that flies, on a
+sudden, through a nation, of which no man can discover the original; a
+sudden blast of rumour, that inflames or intimidates a people, and
+obtains, without authority, a general credit? No man versed in history
+can inquire whether such reports may not deceive. Is fame rather a
+settled opinion, prevailing by degrees, and for some time established?
+How long, then, my lords, and in what degree must it have been
+established, to obtain undoubted credit, and when does it commence
+infallible? If the people are divided in their opinions, as in all
+publick questions it has hitherto happened, fame is, I suppose, the
+voice of the majority; for, if the two parties are equal in their
+numbers, fame will be equal; then how great must be the majority before
+it can lay claim to this powerful auxiliary? and how shall that majority
+be numbered?
+
+These questions, my lords, may be thought, perhaps with justice, too
+ludicrous in this place, but, in my opinion, they contribute to show the
+precarious and uncertain nature of the evidence so much confided in.
+
+Common fame, my lords, is to every man only what he himself commonly
+hears; and it is in the power of any man's acquaintance to vitiate the
+evidence which they report, and to stun him with clamours, and terrify
+him with apprehensions of miseries never felt, and dangers invisible.
+But, without such a combination, we are to remember, that most men
+associate with those of their own opinions, and that the rank of those
+that compose this assembly naturally disposes such as are admitted to
+their company, to relate, or to invent, such reports as may be
+favourably received, so that what appears to one lord the general voice
+of common fame, may, by another, be thought only the murmur of a petty
+faction, despicable, with regard to their numbers, and detestable, if we
+consider their principles.
+
+So difficult is it, my lords, to form any solid judgment concerning the
+extent and prevalence of any particular report, and the degree of credit
+to be given to it. The industry of a party may supply the defect of
+numbers, and some concurrent circumstances may contribute to give credit
+to a false report.
+
+But, my lords, we are ourselves appealed to as witnesses of the truth of
+facts, which prove him to be sole minister, of the number of his
+dependents, the advancement of his friends, the disappointments of his
+opponents, and the declarations made by his followers of adherence and
+fidelity.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that there is nothing in these
+representations exaggerated beyond the truth, and that nothing is
+represented in an improper light, what consequence can we draw, but that
+the followers of this gentleman, make use of those arts which have
+always been practised by the candidates of preferment, that they
+endeavour to gain their patron's smile by flattery and panegyrick, and
+to keep it by assiduity and an appearance of gratitude. And if such
+applications exalted any man to the authority and title of first
+minister, the nation has never, in my memory, been without some man in
+that station, for there is always some one to whom ambition and avarice
+have paid their court, and whose regards have been purchased at the
+expense of truth.
+
+Nor is it to be wondered at, my lords, that posts of honour and profit
+have been bestowed upon the friends of the administration; for who
+enriches or exalts his enemies? who will increase the influence that is
+to be exerted against him, or add strength to the blow that is levelled
+at himself?
+
+That the right honourable gentleman is the only disposer of honours, has
+never yet appeared; it is not pretended, my lords, that he distributes
+them without the consent of his majesty, nor even that his
+recommendation is absolutely necessary to the success of any man's
+applications. If he has gained more of his majesty's confidence and
+esteem than any other of his servants, he has done only what every man
+endeavours, and what, therefore, is not to be imputed to him as a crime.
+
+It is impossible, my lords, that kings, like other men, should not have
+particular motions of inclination or dislike; it is possible that they
+may fix their affection upon objects not in the highest degree worthy of
+their regard, and overlook others that may boast of greater excellencies
+and more shining merit; but this is not to be supposed without proof,
+and the regard of the king, as of any other man, is one argument of
+desert more than he can produce, who has endeavoured after it without
+effect.
+
+This imputed usurpation must be proved upon him either by his own
+confession, or by the evidence of others; and it has not been yet
+pretended that he assumes the title of _prime minister_, or indeed, that
+it is applied to him by any but his enemies; and it may easily be
+conceived how weakly the most uncorrupted innocence would be supported,
+if all the aspersions of its enemies were to be received as proofs
+against it.
+
+Nor does it appear, my lords, that any other evidence can be brought
+against him on this head, or that any man will stand forth and affirm
+that either he has been injured himself by this gentleman, or known any
+injury done by him to another by the exertion of authority with which he
+was not lawfully invested; such evidence, my lords, the laws of our
+country require to be produced before any man can be punished, censured,
+or disgraced. No man is obliged to prove his innocence, but may call
+upon his prosecutors to support their accusation; and why this
+honourable gentleman, whatever may have been his conduct, should be
+treated in a different manner than any other criminal, I am by no means
+able to discover.
+
+Though there has been no evidence offered of his guilt, your lordships
+have heard an attestation of his innocence, from the noble duke who
+spoke first against the motion, of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+would, voluntarily, engage to answer for measures which he pursued in
+blind compliance with the direction of another. The same testimony, my
+lords, can I produce, and affirm with equal truth, that in the
+administration of my province, I am independent, and left entirely to
+the decisions of my own judgment.
+
+In every government, my lords, as in every family, some, either by
+accident or a natural industry, or a superiour capacity, or some other
+cause, will be engaged in more business, and treated with more
+confidence than others; but if every man is willing to answer for the
+conduct of his own province, there is all the security against
+corruption that can possibly be obtained; for if every man's regard to
+his own safety and reputation will prevent him from betraying his trust,
+or abusing his power, much more will it incite him to prevent any
+misconduct in another for which he must himself be accountable. Men are,
+usually, sufficiently tenacious of power, and ready to vindicate their
+separate rights, when nothing but their pride is affected by the
+usurpation, but surely no man will patiently suffer his province to be
+invaded when he may himself be ruined by the conduct of the invader.
+
+Thus, my lords, it appears to me to be not only without proof, but
+without probability, and the first minister can, in my opinion, be
+nothing more than a formidable illusion, which, when one man thinks he
+has seen it, he shows to another, as easily frighted as himself, who
+joins with him in propagating the notion, and in spreading terrour and
+resentment over the nation, till at last the panick becomes general, and
+what was at first only whispered by malice or prejudice in the ears of
+ignorance or credulity, is adopted by common fame, and echoed back from
+the people to the senate.
+
+I have hitherto, my lords, confined myself to the consideration of one
+single article of this complicated charge, because it appears to me to
+be the only part of it necessary to be examined; for if once it be
+acknowledged that the affairs of the nation are transacted not by the
+minister but the administration, by the council in which every man that
+sits there has an equal voice and equal authority, the blame or praise
+of all the measures must be transferred from him to the council, and
+every man that has advised or concurred in them, will deserve the same
+censure or the same applause; as it is unjust to punish one man for the
+crimes of another, it is unjust to choose one man out for punishment
+from among many others equally guilty.
+
+But I doubt not, my lords, when all those measures are equitably
+considered, there will be no punishment to be dreaded, because neither
+negligence nor treachery will be discovered. For, my lords, with regard
+to the treaty of Vienna, let us suppose our ministers deceived by
+ignorant or corrupt intelligence, let us admit that they were cautious
+where there was no danger, and neglected some opportunities, which, if
+they had received better information, they might have improved to the
+advantage and security of the nation. What have they done, even under
+all these disadvantageous suppositions, but followed the lights which
+they judged most clear, and by which they hoped to be conducted to
+honour and to safety?
+
+Policy, my lords, is very different from prescience; the utmost that can
+be attained is probability, and that, for the most part, in a low
+degree. It is observed, that no man is wise but as you take into
+consideration the weakness of another; a maxim more eminently true of
+political wisdom, which consists, very often, only in discovering
+designs which could never be known but by the folly or treachery of
+those to whom they are trusted. If our enemies were wise enough to keep
+their own secrets, neither our ministers nor our patriots would be able
+to know or prevent their designs, nor would it be any reproach to their
+sagacity, that they did not know what nobody would tell them.
+
+If therefore, my lords, the princes, whose interest is contrary to our
+own, have been at any time served by honest and wise men, there was a
+time when our ministers could act only by conjecture, and might be
+mistaken without a crime.
+
+If it was always in our power to penetrate into the intentions of our
+enemies, they must necessarily have the same means of making themselves
+acquainted with our projects, and yet when any of them are discovered we
+think it just to impute it to the negligence of the minister.
+
+Thus, my lords, every man is inclined to judge with prejudice and
+partiality. When we suffer by the prudence of our enemies, we charge our
+ministers with want of vigilance, without considering, that very often
+nothing is necessary to elude the most penetrating sagacity, but
+obstinate silence.
+
+If we inquire into the transactions of past times, shall we find any
+man, however renowned for his abilities, not sometimes imposed upon by
+falsehoods, and sometimes betrayed by his own reasonings into measures
+destructive of the purposes which he endeavoured to promote? There is no
+man of whose penetration higher ideas have been justly formed, or who
+gave more frequent proofs of an uncommon penetration into futurity than
+Cromwell; and yet succeeding times have sufficiently discovered the
+weakness of aggrandizing France by depressing Spain, and we wonder now
+how so much policy could fall into so gross an errour, as not rather to
+suffer power to remain in the distant enemy, than transfer it to another
+equally divided from us by interest, and far more formidable by the
+situation of his dominions.
+
+Cromwell, my lords, suffered himself to be hurried away by the near
+prospect of present advantages, and the apprehension of present dangers;
+and every other man has been, in the same manner, sometimes deluded into
+a preference of a smaller present advantage, to a greater which was more
+remote.
+
+Let it not be urged, my lords, that politicks are advanced since the
+time of Cromwell, and that errours which might then be committed by the
+wisest administration, are now gross and reproachful; we are to remember
+that every part of policy has been equally improved, and that if more
+methods of discovery have been struck out, there have been likewise more
+arts invented of eluding it.
+
+When, therefore, we inquire into the conduct, or examine the abilities
+of a minister, we are not to expect that he should appear never to have
+been deceived, but that he should never be found to have neglected any
+proper means of information, nor ever to have willingly given up the
+interest of his country; but we are not to impute to his weakness what
+is only to be ascribed to the wisdom of those whom he opposed.
+
+If this plea, my lords, is reasonable, it will be necessary for those
+who support the motion, to prove, not only that the treaty of Vienna was
+never made, but that the falsehood of the report either was or might
+have been known by our ministers; otherwise, those who are inclined to
+retain a favourable opinion of their integrity and abilities, may
+conclude, that they were either not mistaken, or were led into errour by
+such delusions as would no less easily have imposed on their accusers,
+and that by exalting their enemies to their stations, they shall not
+much consult the advantage of their country.
+
+This motion, therefore, my lords, founded upon no acknowledged, no
+indisputable facts, nor supported by legal evidence; this motion, which,
+by appealing to common fame, as the ultimate judge of every man's
+actions, may bring every man's life, or fortune, into danger; this
+motion, which condemns without hearing, and decides without examining, I
+cannot but reject, and hope your lordships will concur with me.
+
+Lord CARLISLE spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords, the state
+of the question before us has, in my opinion, not been rightly
+apprehended by the noble lord who spoke last, nor is the innocence or
+guilt of the minister the chief question before us, because a minister
+may possibly mean well, and yet be, in some particular circumstances,
+unqualified for his station.
+
+He may not only want the degree of knowledge and ability requisite to
+make his good intentions effectual, but, my lords, however skilful,
+sagacious, or diligent, he may be so unfortunate, in some parts of his
+conduct, as to want the esteem and confidence of the people.
+
+That a very able and honest minister may be misinformed by his
+intelligence, disappointed by his agents, or baffled by other men of
+equal capacity and integrity with himself, cannot be controverted; but
+it must surely be owned likewise, that when this has happened so often,
+and in cases of such importance, as to deprive him entirely of the
+regard and affection of the people; when he is reduced to intrench
+himself behind his privileges, to employ all the influence of the crown
+for his own security, and make it his daily endeavour to create new
+dependencies, he ought to be pitied and discarded.
+
+That this is the state of the minister whose removal is desired by the
+motion, cannot be denied; the exaltation of his adherents to places and
+preferments, the noble lord has been so far from questioning, that he
+has endeavoured to justify it, and has in plain terms inquired, who
+would have acted otherwise?
+
+Every man, my lords, would have acted otherwise, whose character had not
+been blasted by general detestation; every man would have acted
+otherwise, who preferred the publick good to his own continuance in
+power; and every man has acted otherwise who has distinguished himself
+as a friend to the publick.
+
+It is the interest of the nation, my lords, that every office should be
+filled by that man who is most capable of discharging it, whatever may
+be his sentiments with regard to the minister; and that his attention
+should be confined to his employment, rather than distracted by various
+concerns and opposite relations. It is, therefore, an injury to the
+publick, to thrust a skilful commissioner into the senate, or to
+embarrass an industrious senator with a post or commission.
+
+Yet, my lords, that multitudes have obtained places, who have no
+acquaintance with the duties of their offices, nor any other pretensions
+to them, than that they have seats in the other house, and that by
+distinguishing himself in that assembly, any man may most easily obtain
+the preferments of the crown, is too obvious for controversy.
+
+This practice, my lords, is a sufficient foundation for the motion; a
+practice so injurious to the nation, so long continued, and so openly
+avowed, requires to be vigorously opposed, lest it should become
+established by long custom, and entangle itself with our constitution.
+
+If the minister, my lords, has made it necessary to employ none but his
+adherents and blind followers, this necessity is alone a sufficient
+proof how little he confides in his own prudence or integrity, how
+apprehensive he is of the censure of the senate, and how desirous of
+continuing his authority, by avoiding it. And, surely, my lords, it is
+our duty, as well as our right, to address the throne, that a minister
+should be removed who fears the people, since few men fear without
+hating, and nothing so much contributes to make any man an enemy to his
+country, as the consciousness that he is universally abhorred.
+
+But, my lords, if this is done by him without necessity, if the general
+preference of his friends is only the consequence of mistaken judgment,
+or corrupt gratitude, this address is equally necessary, because the
+effects are equally pernicious.
+
+When a minister, suspected of ill intentions, is continued in
+employment, discontent must naturally spread over the nation; and if the
+end of government be the happiness of the people; if suspicion and
+jealousy be contrary to a state of happiness; and if this suspicion
+which generally prevails, this discontent which fills the whole nation,
+can only be appeased by the removal of the minister; prudence, justice,
+and the examples of our ancestors, ought to influence us to endeavour
+that the affairs of the nation may be transferred to such whose greater
+integrity or wisdom has recommended them to the affection of the people.
+
+In this motion, therefore, we need not be supposed to imply that the
+minister is either ignorant or corrupt, but that he is disliked by the
+people, disliked to such a degree, my lords, that it is not safe for his
+majesty to employ him.
+
+It is, doubtless, our duty, my lords, to guard both the rights of the
+people, and the prerogatives of the throne, and with equal ardour to
+remonstrate to his majesty the distresses of his subjects, and his own
+danger. We are to hold the balance of the constitution, and neither to
+suffer the regal power to be overborne by a torrent of popular fury, nor
+the people to be oppressed by an illegal exertion of authority, or the
+more insupportable hardships of unreasonable laws.
+
+By this motion, my lords, the happiness of the people, and the security
+of his majesty, are at once consulted, nor can we suppress so general a
+clamour without failing equally in our duty to both.
+
+To what, my lords, is the untimely end of so many kings and emperours to
+be imputed, but to the cowardice or treachery of their counsellors, of
+those to whom they trusted that intercourse, which is always to be
+preserved between a monarch and his people? Were kings honestly informed
+of the opinions and dispositions of their subjects, they would never,
+or, at least rarely, persist in such measures, as, by exasperating the
+people, tend necessarily to endanger themselves.
+
+It is the happiness of a British monarch, that he has a standing and
+hereditary council, composed of men who do not owe their advancement to
+the smiles of caprice, or the intrigues of a court; who are, therefore,
+neither under the influence of a false gratitude, nor of a servile
+dependence, and who may convey to the throne the sentiments of the
+people, without danger, and without fear. But, my lords, if we are
+either too negligent, or too timorous to do our duty, how is the
+condition of our sovereign more safe, or more happy than that of an
+emperour of Turkey, who is often ignorant of any complaints made against
+the administration, till he hears the people thundering at the gates of
+his palace.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, whatever may be our opinion of the conduct
+of the minister, inform his majesty of the discontent of his subjects,
+since, whether it is just or not, the danger is the same, and whenever
+any danger threatens the king, we ought either to enable him to oppose,
+or caution him to avoid it.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, to the following effect:--My lords, I
+cannot but observe in this debate an ambition of popularity, in my
+opinion not very consistent with the freedom of debate, and the dignity
+of this assembly, which ought to be influenced by no other motive than
+the force of reason and truth.
+
+It has been a common method of eluding the efficacy of arguments, to
+charge the opponent with blind adherence to interest, or corrupt
+compliance with the directions of a court; nor has it been less frequent
+to prevent inquiries into publick measures, by representing them as the
+clamours of faction, the murmurs of disobedience, and the prelude to
+rebellion.
+
+So necessary, my lords, has it been always thought to be uninfluenced in
+our examinations by dependence or interest, that the most irrefragable
+reasons have lost the power of conviction, by the condition and
+characters of those by whom they were produced; and so much is it
+expected from innocence and justice to despise all foreign assistance,
+and to stand the test of inquiry without asking the support of power,
+that every man has been concluded guilty that has fled for shelter to
+the throne.
+
+And surely, my lords, if that man's suffrage is of little weight, who
+appears determined to subscribe to the dictates of a minister, no
+greater credit can be assigned to another, who professes himself only
+the echo of the clamours of the populace. If it be a proof of a weak
+cause, and consciousness of misconduct, to apply to the crown for
+security and protection, it may be accounted an acknowledgment of the
+insufficiency of arguments, when the people is called in to second them,
+and they are only to expect success from the violence of multitudes.
+
+That all government is instituted for the happiness of the people, that
+their interest ought to be the chief care of the legislature, that their
+complaints ought patiently to be heard, and their grievances speedily
+redressed, are truths well known, generally acknowledged, and, I hope,
+always predominant in the mind of every lord in this assembly. But, that
+the people cannot err, that the voice of fame is to be regarded as an
+oracle, and every murmur of discontent to be pacified by a change of
+measures, I have never before heard, or heard it only to disregard it.
+
+True tenderness for the people, my lords, is to consult their advantage,
+to protect their liberty, and to preserve their virtue; and perhaps
+examples may be found sufficient to inform us that all these effects are
+often to be produced by means not generally agreeable to the publick.
+
+It is possible, my lords, for a very small part of the people to form
+just ideas of the motives of transactions and the tendency of laws. All
+negotiations with foreign powers are necessarily complicated with many
+different interests, and varied by innumerable circumstances, influenced
+by sudden exigencies, and defeated by unavoidable accidents. Laws have
+respect to remote consequences, and involve a multitude of relations
+which it requires long study to discover. And how difficult it is to
+judge of political conduct, or legislative proceedings, may be easily
+discovered by observing how often the most skilful statesmen are
+mistaken, and how frequently the laws require to be amended.
+
+If then, my lords, the people judge for themselves on these subjects,
+they must necessarily determine without knowledge of the questions, and
+their decisions are then of small authority. If they receive,
+implicitly, the dictates of others, and blindly adopt the opinions of
+those who have gained their favour and esteem, their applauses and
+complaints are, with respect to themselves, empty sounds, which they
+utter as the organs of their leaders. Nor are the desires of the people
+gratified when their petitions are granted; nor their grievances
+overlooked when their murmurs are neglected.
+
+As it is no reproach to the people that they cannot be the proper judges
+of the conduct of the government, so neither are they to be censured
+when they complain of injuries not real, and tremble at the apprehension
+of severities unintended. Unjust complaints, my lords, and unreasonable
+apprehensions, are to be imputed to those who court their regard only to
+deceive them, and exalt themselves to reputation by rescuing them from
+grievances that were never felt, and averting dangers that were never
+near.
+
+He only who makes the happiness of the people his endeavour, loves them
+with a true affection and a rational tenderness, and he certainly
+consults their happiness who contributes to still all groundless
+clamours, and appease all useless apprehensions, who employs his care,
+not only to preserve their quiet and their liberty, but to secure them
+from the fear of losing it, who not only promotes the means of
+happiness, but enables them to enjoy it.
+
+Thus, it appears, my lords, that it is possible to be a friend, at the
+same time, to the people and the administration, and that no man can
+more deserve their confidence and applause, than he that dissipates
+their unreasonable terrours, and contributes to reconcile them to a good
+government.
+
+That most of the clamours against the present government arise from
+calumnies and misrepresentations, is apparent from the sanction of the
+senate, which has been given to all the measures that are charged as
+crimes upon the administration.
+
+That the army is supported by the consent of the senate, that the senate
+has approved the convention, and that our taxes are all imposed and
+continued by the senate, cannot be denied. What then is demanded by
+those that censure the conduct of publick affairs, but that their
+opinion should be considered as an overbalance to the wisdom of the
+senate, that no man should be allowed to speak but as they dictate, nor
+to vote but as they shall influence them by their rhetorick or example?
+
+To repeat the particular topicks of accusation, and recapitulate the
+arguments which have been produced to confute it, would be a tedious and
+unnecessary labour; unnecessary, because it is well known that they once
+had the power of convincing this house, and that nothing has since
+happened to lessen their force, and because many of them now have been
+already repeated by the noble lords that have opposed the motion.
+
+To search far backward for past errors, and to take advantage of later
+discoveries in censuring the conduct of any minister, is in a high
+degree disingenuous and cruel; it is an art which may be easily
+practised, of perplexing any question, by connecting distant facts, and
+entangling one period of time with another.
+
+The only candid method of inquiry is to recur back to the state of
+affairs, as it then appeared, to consider what was openly declared, and
+what was kept impenetrably secret, what was discoverable by human
+sagacity, and what was beyond the reach of the most piercing politician.
+
+With regard to the Hanover treaty, it is not, my lords, requisite that
+we should engage ourselves in a very minute examination; for it was not
+only not transacted by the right honourable gentleman whose behaviour is
+the subject of this debate, but cannot be proved to have been known by
+him till it was formally ratified. If he afterwards approved it either
+in the council or the senate, he cannot justly, how destructive or
+ridiculous soever that treaty may be thought, be charged with more than
+his share of the guilt, the bare guilt of a single vote.
+
+But there is one accusation yet more malicious, an accusation not only
+of crimes which this gentleman did not commit, but which have not yet
+been committed, an accusation formed by prying into futurity, and
+exaggerating misfortunes which are yet to come, and which may probably
+be prevented. Well may any man, my lords, think himself in danger, when
+he hears himself charged not with high crimes and misdemeanours, not
+with accumulative treason, but with misconduct of publick affairs, past,
+present, and future.
+
+The only charge against this gentleman, which seems to relate more to
+him than to any other man engaged in the administration, is the
+continuance of the harbour of Dunkirk, which, says the noble duke, he
+must be acquainted with as commissioner of the treasury; but if the
+title of first commissioner be denied, if his authority be but the same
+with that of his associates, whence comes it, my lords, that he is more
+particularly accused than they? Why is his guilt supposed greater if his
+power is only equal?
+
+But, my lords, I believe it will appear, that no guilt has been
+contracted on this account, and that Dunkirk was always intended, even
+by those that demanded the demolition of it, to continue a harbour for
+small trading vessels, and that if larger ever arrived from thence, they
+lay at a distance from the shore, and were loaded by small vessels from
+the town.
+
+With regard to other affairs, my lords, they were all transacted by the
+council, not by his direction, but with his concurrence; and how it is
+consistent with justice to single him out for censure, I must desire the
+noble lords to show who approve the motion.
+
+If the people, my lords, have been, by misrepresentations industriously
+propagated, exasperated against him, if the general voice of the nation
+condemns him, we ought more cautiously to examine his conduct, lest we
+should add strength to prejudice too powerful already, and instead of
+reforming the errours, and regulating the heat of the people, inflame
+their discontent and propagate sedition.
+
+The utmost claim of the people is to be admitted as accusers, and
+sometimes as evidence, but they have no right to sit as judges, and to
+make us the executioners of their sentence; and as this gentleman has
+yet been only condemned by those who have not the opportunities of
+examining his conduct, nor the right of judging him, I cannot agree to
+give him up to punishment.
+
+Lord HALIFAX spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, though I do
+not conceive the people infallible, yet I believe that in questions like
+this they are seldom in the wrong, for this is a question not of
+argument but of fact; of fact discoverable, not by long deductions and
+accurate ratiocinations, but by the common powers of seeing and feeling.
+
+That it is difficult to know the motives of negotiations, and the
+effects of laws, and that it requires long study and intense meditation
+to discover remote consequences, is indubitably true. And, with regard
+to the people in general, it cannot be denied, that neither their
+education qualifies them, nor their employments allow them to be much
+versed in such inquiries.
+
+But, my lords, to refer effects to their proper causes, and to observe,
+when consequences break forth, from whence they proceed, is no such
+arduous task. The people of the lowest class may easily feel that they
+are more miserable this year than the last, and may inquire and discover
+the reason of the aggravation of their misery; they may know that the
+army is increased, or our trade diminished; that the taxes are heavier,
+and penal laws become more grievous.
+
+Nor is it less easy for them to discover that these calamities are not
+brought upon them by the immediate hand of heaven, or the irresistible
+force of natural causes; that their towns are not ruined by an invasion,
+nor their trade confined by a pestilence; they may then easily collect,
+that they are only unhappy by the misconduct of their governours; they
+may assign their infelicity to that cause, as the only remaining cause
+that is adequate to the effect.
+
+If it be granted, my lords, that they may be mistaken in their
+reasoning, it must be owned, that they are not mistaken without
+probabilities on their side: it is probable that the ministry must
+injure the publick interest when it decays without any other visible
+cause; it is still more probable, when it appears that among those whose
+station enables them to enter into national inquiries, every man imputes
+his calamities to the minister, who is not visibly dependent on his
+favour. It becomes more probable, yet, when it appears that it is the
+great business of the minister to multiply dependencies, to list
+accomplices, and to corrupt his judges.
+
+At least, my lords, if it be granted, which, surely, cannot be denied,
+that the people may be sensible of their own miseries, it is their part
+to declare their sufferings, and to apply to this house for relief, and
+it is our business to discover the authors of them, and bring them to
+punishment.
+
+That the people are very loud and importunate in their complaints, is
+daily evident; nor is it less apparent, that their complaints are just;
+if, therefore, their miseries must have an author, let the defenders of
+this gentleman point out the man whom they may more properly accuse.
+
+But, my lords, nothing is more evident, than that the crimes and the
+criminal are equally known, that there is one man predominant in his
+majesty's councils, and that it has long been the practice of that man
+at once to oppress and ridicule the people, to plunder them, and set
+them at defiance.
+
+Nothing is more known than that this man pretends to a superiour
+knowledge, and exerts a superiour power in the management of the publick
+revenues, and that they have been so ill managed for many years, that
+the expenses of peace have been almost equal to those of a most vigorous
+and extensive war.
+
+Nothing is more probable, than that most of the foreign negotiations are
+conducted by his direction, nor more certain, than that they have
+generally tended only to make us contemptible.
+
+That the excise was projected in his own head, that it was recommended
+by him upon his own conviction, and pressed upon the legislature by his
+influence, cannot be questioned; and if this were his only crime, if
+this were the only scheme of oppression that ever he planned out, it is
+such a declaration of war upon the publick liberty, such an attack of
+our natural and constitutional rights, as was never, perhaps, pardoned
+by any nation.
+
+Nor is it less notorious, that the late infamous convention was
+transacted by one of his own dependents, that he palliated or concealed
+the losses of our merchants, that he opposed the declaration of war, and
+has since obstructed its operations.
+
+On this occasion, my lords, it may be useful to remark the apparent
+partiality of this gentleman's vindicators, who declare, that measures
+are not to be censured as imprudent, only because they are unsuccessful,
+and yet when other instances of his conduct fall under our examination,
+think it a sufficient defence to exclaim against the unreasonableness of
+judging before the event.
+
+To deny that, in the conduct both of civil and military affairs, he has
+obtained, I know not by what means, an authority superiour to that of
+any other man, an authority irresistible, uncontroulable, and regal, is
+to oppose not only common fame, but daily experience. If as commissioner
+of the treasury he has no more power than any of his associates, whence
+is it, that to oppose or censure him, to doubt of his infallibility, to
+suspect his integrity, or to obstruct his influence, is a crime punished
+with no lighter penalty than forfeiture of employment, as appears, my
+lords, from the late dismission of a gentleman, against whom nothing can
+be alleged but an obstinate independence and open disregard of this
+arbitrary minister.
+
+But happy would it be, my lords, for this nation, if he endeavoured not
+to extend his authority beyond the treasury or the court; if he would
+content himself with tyrannising over those whose acceptance of salaries
+and preferments has already subjected them to his command, without
+attempting to influence elections, or to direct the members of the other
+house.
+
+How much the influence of the crown has operated upon all publick
+councils since the advancement of this gentleman, how zealously it has
+been supported, and how industriously extended, is unnecessary to
+explain, since what is seen or felt by almost every man in the kingdom
+cannot reasonably be supposed unknown to your lordships.
+
+Nothing can be more contrary to the true notion of the British
+constitution, than to imagine, that by such measures his majesty's real
+interest is advanced. The true interest, my lords, of every monarch, is
+to please the people, and the only way of pleasing Britons, is to
+preserve their liberties, their reputation, and their commerce. Every
+attempt to extend the power of the crown beyond the limits prescribed by
+our laws, must in effect make it weaker, by diverting the only source of
+its strength, the affection of his subjects.
+
+It is, therefore, my opinion, my lords, that we ought to agree to this
+motion, as a standing memorial not only of our regard for the nation,
+but of our adherence to our sovereign; that his councils may be no
+longer influenced by that man whose pernicious advice, and unjustifiable
+conduct, has added new hopes and new strength to his enemies,
+impoverished and exasperated his subjects, inflamed the discontent of
+the seditious, and almost alienated the affection of the loyal.
+
+The bishop of SALISBURY spoke next, to the following purport:--My lords,
+after all the exaggerations of the errours, and all the representations
+of the malconduct of the right honourable gentleman; after the most
+affecting rhetorick, and the most acute inquiries, nothing has appeared
+of weight sufficient to prevail with me to agree to the present motion;
+a motion, if not of an unprecedented, yet of a very extraordinary kind,
+which may extend in its consequences to futurity, and be, perhaps, more
+dangerous to innocence than guilt.
+
+I cannot yet discover any proof sufficient to convict him of having
+usurped the authority of _first_ minister, or any other power than that
+accidental influence which every man has, whose address or services have
+procured him the favour of his sovereign.
+
+The usurpation, my lords, of regal power must be made evident by
+somewhat more than general assertions, must appear from some publick act
+like that of one of the prelates left regent of the kingdom by Richard
+the first, who, as soon as the king was gone too far to return, in the
+first elevations of his heart, began his new authority by imprisoning
+his colleague.
+
+To charge this gentleman with the dismission of any of his colleagues,
+can, after the strongest aggravations, rise no higher than to an
+accusation of having advised his majesty to dismiss him, and even that,
+my lords, stands, at present, unsupported by evidence; nor could it,
+however uncontestably proved, discover either wickedness or weakness, or
+show any other authority than every man would exercise, if he were able
+to attain it.
+
+If he had discharged this gentleman by his own authority, if he had
+transacted singly any great affair to the disadvantage of the publick,
+if he had imposed either upon the king or the senate by false
+representations, if he had set the laws at defiance, and openly trampled
+on our constitution, and if by these practices he had exalted himself
+above the reach of a legal prosecution, it had been worthy of the
+dignity of this house, to have overleaped the common boundaries of
+custom, to have neglected the standing rules of procedure, and to have
+brought so contemptuous and powerful an offender to a level with the
+rest of his fellow-subjects by expeditious and vigorous methods, to have
+repressed his arrogance, broken his power, and overwhelmed him at once
+by the resistless weight of an unanimous censure.
+
+But, my lords, we have in the present case no provocations from crimes
+either openly avowed, or evidently proved; and certainly no incitement
+from necessity to exert the power of the house in any extraordinary
+method of prosecution. We may punish whenever we can convict, and
+convict whenever we can obtain evidence; let us not, therefore, condemn
+any man unheard, nor punish any man uncondemned.
+
+The duke of BEDFORD spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, it
+is easy to charge the most blameless and gentle procedure with injustice
+and severity, but it is not easy to support such an accusation without
+confounding measures widely different, and disguising the nature of
+things with fallacious misrepresentations.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that neither condemnation nor punishment is
+intended by the motion before us, which is only to remove from power a
+man who has no other claim to it than the will of his master, and who,
+as he had not been injured by never obtaining it, cannot justly complain
+that it is taken from him.
+
+The motion, my lords, is so far from inflicting punishment, that it
+confers rewards, it leaves him in the possession of immense wealth,
+however accumulated, and enables him to leave that office in security,
+from which most of his predecessors have been precipitated by national
+resentment, or senatorial prosecution.
+
+There is no censure, my lords, made of his conduct, no charge of
+weakness, or suspicion of dishonesty, nor can any thing be equitably
+inferred from it, than that in the opinion of this house his majesty may
+probably be served by some other person, more to the satisfaction of the
+British nation.
+
+Though it is not just to punish any man without examination, or to
+censure his conduct merely because it has been unpleasing or
+unsuccessful; though it is not reasonable that any man should forfeit
+what he possesses in his own right, without a crime, yet it is just to
+withdraw favours only to confer them on another more deserving; it is
+just in any man to withhold his own, only to preserve his right, or
+obviate an injurious prescription, and it is, therefore, just to advise
+such a conduct whenever it appears necessary to those who have the right
+of offering advice.
+
+To advise his majesty, my lords, is not only our right but our duty; we
+are not only justifiable in practising, but criminal in neglecting it.
+That we should declare our apprehensions of any impending danger, and
+our disapprobation of publick misconduct, is expected both by our
+sovereign and the people, and let us not, by omitting such warnings,
+lull the nation and our sovereign into a dangerous security, and, from
+tenderness to one man, prolong or increase the miseries of our country,
+and endanger or destroy the honour of our sovereign.
+
+Lord HERVEY spoke next, in effect as follows:--My lords, this is surely
+a day destined by the noble lords who defend the motion, for the support
+of paradoxical assertions, for the exercise of their penetration, and
+ostentation of their rhetorick; they have attempted to maintain the
+certainty of common fame in opposition to daily observation; the
+existence of a sole minister in contradiction to the strongest evidence;
+and having by these gradations arrived at the highest degree of
+controversial temerity, are endeavouring to make it appear that the
+publick censure of the house of lords is no punishment.
+
+If we take the liberty, my lords, of using known words in a new sense,
+in a meaning reserved to ourselves only, it will, indeed, be difficult
+to confute, as it will be impossible to understand us; but if punishment
+be now to be understood as implying the same idea which has hitherto
+been conveyed by it, it will not be easy to show that a man thus
+publickly censured is not severely punished, and, if his crimes are not
+clearly proved, punished in opposition to law, to reason, and to
+justice.
+
+It has been hitherto imagined, my lords, that no punishment is heavier
+than that of infamy; and shame has, by generous minds, been avoided at
+the hazard of every other misery. That such a censure as is proposed by
+the motion, must irreparably destroy the reputation of the person
+against whom it is directed, that it must confirm the reports of his
+enemies, impair the esteem of his friends, mark him out to all Europe as
+unworthy of his sovereign's favour, and represent him to latest
+posterity as an enemy to his country, is indisputably certain.
+
+These, my lords, are the evident consequences of the address moved for
+by the noble lord; and, if such consequences are not penal, it will be
+no longer in our power to enforce our laws by sanctions of terrour.
+
+To condemn a man unheard, is an open and flagrant violation of the first
+law of justice, but it is still a wider deviation from it to punish a
+man unaccused; no crime has been charged upon this gentleman
+proportioned to the penalty proposed by the motion, and the charge that
+has been produced is destitute of proof.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, reverence the great laws of reason and
+justice, let us preserve our high character and prerogative of judges,
+without descending to the low province of accusers and executioners; let
+us so far regard our reputation, our liberty, and our posterity, as to
+reject the motion.
+
+[Several other lords spoke in this debate, which lasted eleven hours; at
+length the question was put, and, on a division, carried in the
+negative. Content, 59. Not content, 108.]
+
+After the determination of the foregoing question, the duke of
+MARLBOROUGH rose up, and spoke as follows:--My lords, though your
+patience must undoubtedly be wearied by the unusual length of this day's
+debate, a debate protracted, in my opinion, not by the difficulty of the
+question, but by the obstinacy of prejudice, the ardour of passion, and
+the desire of victory; yet, I doubt not but the regard which this
+assembly has always paid to the safety and happiness of the state, will
+incline you to support the fatigue of attention a little longer, and to
+hear with your usual impartiality another motion.
+
+The proposition which I am about to lay down, my lords, is not such as
+can admit of controversy; it is such a standing principle as was always
+acknowledged, even by those who have deviated from it. Such a known
+truth as never was denied, though it appears sometimes to have been
+forgotten.
+
+But, my lords, as it never can be forgotten, without injury to
+particular persons, and danger to the state in general, it cannot be too
+frequently recollected, or too firmly established; it ought not only to
+be tacitly admitted, but publickly declared, since no man's fortune,
+liberty, or life, can be safe, where his judges shall think themselves
+at liberty to act upon any other principle. I therefore move, "That any
+attempt to inflict any kind of punishment on any person without allowing
+him an opportunity to make his defence, or without any proof of any
+crime or misdemeanour committed by him, is contrary to natural justice,
+the fundamental laws of this realm, and the ancient established usage of
+the senate, and is a high infringement of the liberties of the subject."
+
+He was seconded by the duke of DEVONSHIRE:--My lords, though the motion
+made by the noble duke is of such a kind, that no opposition can be
+expected or feared, yet I rise up to second it, lest it should be
+imagined that what cannot be rejected is yet unwillingly admitted.
+
+That where this maxim is not allowed and adhered to, rights and
+liberties are empty sounds, is uncontestably evident; if this principle
+be forsaken, guilt and innocence are equally secure, all caution is
+vain, and all testimony useless. Caprice will, in our courts, supply the
+place of reason, and all evidence must give way to malice, or to favour.
+
+I hope, therefore, my lords, that your regard to justice, to truth, and
+to your own safety, will influence you to confirm this great and
+self-evident principle by a standing resolution, that may not only
+restrain oppression in the present age, but direct the judiciary
+proceedings of our successors.
+
+Lord LOVEL rose next, and spoke as follows:--My lords, liberty and
+justice must always support each other, they can never long flourish
+apart; every temporary expedient that can be contrived to preserve or
+enlarge liberty by means arbitrary and oppressive, forms a precedent
+which may, in time, be made use of to violate or destroy it. Liberty is
+in effect suspended whenever injustice is practised; for what is
+liberty, my lords, but the power of doing right without fear, without
+control, and without danger.
+
+But, my lords, if any man may be condemned unheard, if judgment may
+precede evidence, what safety or what confidence can integrity afford?
+It is in vain that any man means well, and acts prudently; it is even in
+vain that he can prove the justice and prudence of his conduct.
+
+By liberty, my lords, can never be meant the privilege of doing wrong
+without being accountable, because liberty is always spoken of as
+happiness, or one of the means to happiness, and happiness and virtue
+cannot be separated. The great use of liberty must, therefore, be to
+preserve justice from violation; justice, the great publick virtue, by
+which a kind of equality is diffused over the whole society, by which
+wealth is restrained from oppression, and inferiority preserved from
+servitude.
+
+Liberty, general liberty, must imply general justice; for wherever any
+part of a state can be unjust with impunity, the rest are slaves. That
+to condemn any man unheard is oppressive and unjust, is beyond
+controversy demonstrable, and that no such power is claimed by your
+lordships will, I hope, appear from your resolutions.
+
+Lord GOWER spoke next:--My lords, to the principle laid down by those
+noble lords, I have no objection, and concur with them in hoping that
+all our proceedings will contribute to establish it; but why it should
+be confirmed by a formal resolution, why the house should solemnly
+declare their assent to a maxim which it would be madness to deny, it is
+beyond my penetration to discover.
+
+Though the noble lord's position cannot be controverted, yet his motion,
+if it is designed to imply any censure of the proceedings of this day,
+may reasonably be rejected, and that some censure is intended we may
+conjecture, because no other reason can be given why it was not made at
+some other time.
+
+Lord HALIFAX then rose:--My lords, that a censure is intended, will, I
+suppose, not be denied, and that such a censure is unjust must doubtless
+be the opinion of all those who are supposed to have incurred it, and it
+will, therefore, not be wondered that the motion is opposed by them, as
+indecent and calumnious: late as it is, my lords, I will not, for my
+part, suffer such an indignity without opposition, and shall think my
+conscience and my honour require, that I should not be overborne by
+perseverance or by numbers, but that I should, if I cannot convince the
+noble lords by argument, of the impropriety of the motion, record my
+reasons against it, which may, perhaps, be more candidly received by
+posterity.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke to this effect:--My lords, it is not without
+indignation that I hear a motion so injurious to my own honour, and to
+that of the noble lords who have concurred with me in the last debate,
+nor without contempt that I observed the motion confounded with the
+positions contained in it; the low subtilty of such conduct is no less
+to be despised than the malice to be abhorred.
+
+Fifty-nine lords are here branded as strangers, or enemies to the first
+principle of judicial equity, for doing what will entitle them to the
+general applause of every man in the kingdom that has the full
+possession of his understanding, or the free use of his senses; of every
+man that can distinguish truth, or feel oppression.
+
+They have endeavoured to rescue their country from the rapine of
+pensioners and the tyranny of an army, from perpetual taxes, and useless
+expenses; they have attempted to expose the errours of arrogant
+ignorance, and to depress the power of greatness, founded on corruption,
+and swelling beyond legal restraints.
+
+That for such attempts they are vilified and reproached, is not to be
+observed without indignation and astonishment; astonishment which
+nothing could abate but the recollection of the situation of those lords
+who have united to promote so unjust a censure.
+
+Let us, my lords, consider the circumstances of the three noble lords by
+whom this motion has been made and supported, let us take a view of
+their conduct, and consider the visible motives to which it may be
+ascribed, their places, their dependence--
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next, in substance as follows:--My lords, I rise
+thus abruptly to preserve that order and decency which is essential to
+publick councils, and particularly suitable to the dignity of this
+assembly, which can only become a scene of tumult and confusion by such
+methods of debate, and lose that respect which it has hitherto
+preserved, not only by the justice of its determinations, but by the
+solemn grandeur of its procedure.
+
+The motion, my lords, is allowed to contain nothing but what every man
+avows in speculation, and observes, or ought to observe, in publick
+transactions, and yet those that offer and support it are represented as
+abettors of oppression, and instruments of tyranny.
+
+It is surely wonderful, my lords, that those who are solicitous for the
+preservation of their own honour, and so diligent to obviate the most
+remote reflection that may glance upon it, should not remember, that the
+same delicacy may raise in others the same resentment, when their
+reputation is openly attacked; and that while they are asserting the
+right of the minority to an exemption from censure, they shall not allow
+the greater number at least an equal claim to the same privilege.
+
+Lord TALBOT then resumed:--My lords, whether any thing has escaped from
+me that deserves such severe animadversions, your lordships must decide.
+For what I might intend to say, since by the interruption of that noble
+lord I was hindered from proceeding, I hope I shall not be accountable.
+
+Not that I acknowledge myself to have asserted any thing either contrary
+to law, or to the privileges of the house, or inconsistent with the
+character of an independent lord, a character which I shall always
+endeavour to preserve, and which I will not forfeit for the smiles of a
+court, the dignity of high employment, or the affluence of a pension.
+
+Nor, my lords, whenever the necessities of my country require that I
+should speak my sentiments with freedom, will I be awed into silence and
+submission, but will set any power at defiance that shall dare to
+restrain me.
+
+I pretend not, my lords, to be always in the right, I claim no other
+merit than that of meaning well; and when I am convinced, after proper
+examination, that I am engaged on the side of truth, I will trample on
+that insolence that shall command me to suppress my sentiments.
+
+When I reflect, my lords, on the distresses of my country, when I
+observe the security and arrogance of those whom I consider as the
+authors of the publick miseries, I cannot always contain my resentment;
+I may, perhaps, sometimes start out into unbecoming transports, and
+speak in terms not very ceremonious of such abandoned, such detestable--
+But as this is, perhaps, not the language of the house, I shall
+endeavour to repress it, and hope that the bounds of decency have never
+been so far transgressed by me that I should be exposed to the censure
+of your lordships.
+
+Lord ABINGDON next rose, and said:--My lords, the present motion is
+undoubtedly just, but by no means necessary, or particularly adapted to
+the present time. It contains a general principle, uncontested, and
+established; a principle which this assembly has never denied, and from
+which I know not that it has ever departed.
+
+As there is, therefore, no particular necessity of confirming it by a
+new resolution, and as the present time seems less proper than any
+other, I cannot but declare my opinion, that to resume it at some other
+time will be more prudent, than to give the lords, who think their
+conduct censured, any occasion of resentment or discontent.
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the maxim laid
+down in the present motion, is in itself incontestable, and so far from
+any inconsistency with the former, that as there was no reason for
+making, there is, in my opinion, none for opposing it; as it may at any
+time be made, it may at any time be properly passed. And I hope that our
+unanimity on this occasion will show that truth, however unseasonably
+advanced, will, in this house, be always received.
+
+But, lest the noble lords who have opposed the motion, should think
+their honour engaged in continuing the opposition, I take the liberty,
+my lords, to move that the previous question may be put.
+
+[Other lords spoke on each side; at last the previous question was put
+by the president, who demanded, "Is it your lordships' pleasure, that
+the question be now put? Those lords who are for it, say, Content:
+those who are against it, say, Not content." There was, accordingly, a
+cry of both; after which the president declared, "the contents have it;"
+and some lords replying, "the non-contents have it," his lordship said,
+"the non-contents must go below the bar:" which is the manner of
+dividing the house. Those who remained being told in their seats, and
+those who went out being told at coming in again, there were Content,
+81; Not content, 54: so that the resolution moved for, passed without a
+division.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 24, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON CLEANSING THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.]
+
+
+Lord TYRCONNEL made a motion for bringing in a bill for the better
+cleansing and paving the streets of Westminster, and the liberties
+thereof; in support of which motion he spoke to the following purpose:--
+
+Sir, though the grievance which I am about to lay before the house is
+not of the most formidable or dangerous kind, yet as it is such as grows
+every day greater, and such as every day endangers the lives of
+thousands, I hope it will not be thought useless or improper to propose
+it to the consideration of this assembly, to offer my thoughts on the
+methods by which it may be most easily removed, and to endeavour to
+incite others to the same considerations.
+
+It is impossible, sir, to come to this assembly, or to return from it
+without observations on the present condition of the streets of
+Westminster; observations forced upon every man, however inattentive, or
+however engrossed by reflections of a different kind.
+
+The warmest zeal for publick happiness, the most anxious vigilance
+against general dangers, must, I believe, sometimes give way to objects
+of immediate, though of less importance, nor will the most
+publick-spirited senators deny, that they have often been in the streets
+alarmed with obstructions, or shocked with nuisances.
+
+The filth, sir, of some parts of the town, and the inequality and
+ruggedness of others, cannot but in the eyes of foreigners disgrace our
+nation, and incline them to imagine us a people, not only without
+delicacy, but without government, a herd of barbarians, or a colony of
+hottentots.
+
+The most disgusting part of the character given by travellers, of the
+most savage nations, is their neglect of cleanliness, of which, perhaps,
+no part of the world affords more proofs, than the streets of the
+British capital; a city famous for wealth, and commerce, and plenty, and
+for every other kind of civility and politeness, but which abounds with
+such heaps of filth, as a savage would look on with amazement.
+
+If that be allowed which is generally believed, that putrefaction and
+stench are the causes of pestilential distempers, the removal of this
+grievance may be pressed from motives of far greater weight than those
+of delicacy and pleasure; and I might solicit the timely care of this
+assembly for the preservation of inuumerable multitudes, and intreat
+those, who are watching against slight misfortunes, to unite their
+endeavours with mine, to avert the greatest and most dreadful of
+calamities.
+
+Not to dwell, sir, upon dangers, which may, perhaps, be thought only
+imaginary, I hope that it will be at least considered, how much the
+present neglect of the pavement is detrimental to every carriage,
+whether of trade, or pleasure, or convenience, and that those who have
+allowed so much of their attention to petitions, relating to the roads
+of the kingdom, the repair of some of which is almost every session
+thought of importance sufficient to produce debates in this house, will
+not think the streets of the capital alone unworthy of their regard.
+
+That the present neglect of cleansing and paving the streets is such as
+ought not to be borne, that the passenger is every where either
+surprised and endangered by unexpected chasms, or offended or obstructed
+by mountains of filth, is well known to every one that has passed a
+single day in this great city; and that this grievance is without remedy
+is a sufficient proof that no magistrate has, at present power to remove
+it; for every man's private regard to his own ease and safety, would
+incite him to exert his authority on this occasion.
+
+I humbly propose, therefore, that a bill may be brought into the house,
+to enable his majesty's justices of peace for the liberties of
+Westminster, to inspect the publick ways of this city, and punish the
+neglect of cleansing and paving them; or that a new officer be
+appointed, and vested with full authority for the same purpose.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I believe the grievance, so
+much complained of by the right honourable member, is not difficult to
+be removed without a new act of the legislature, being, perhaps, more
+properly to be imputed to the negligence of the justices, than a defect
+of their authority; for they have already sufficient power to regulate
+this disorder: and I may be allowed to hope, sir, that they do not want
+leisure to observe it, for their number is so great, that if we suppose
+them to be wholly engaged by the common business of their office, a
+foreigner would have occasion of reproaching us with defects more
+important than want of delicacy, and might justly censure us as a people
+corrupt beyond the common rate of human wickedness, a nation divided
+only into two classes, magistrates and criminals.
+
+But they, in reality, abound so much among us, that most of them are
+only nominal magistrates, vested with authority which they never exert,
+or exert to bad purposes, and which it were well if they were obliged to
+employ in the real service of their country, by superintending the
+paviers and the scavengers.
+
+For this reason it is unnecessary to erect a new officer, as an
+inspector of our streets, since every office that is not necessary is
+pernicious. Were the consequences of this grievance such as they have
+been represented, I should, perhaps, willingly erect a new office,
+though I should not be surprised to hear the wisest man declare rather
+for a pestilence than an increase of officers.
+
+As I neither think the grievance insupportable, nor the methods proposed
+for removing it necessary or proper, I declare myself against the
+motion.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, as the grievance cannot
+be denied to be real, and the motion, therefore, may reasonably be
+imagined to have been made without any other intention than of
+benefiting the publick by an useful law, I cannot discover any
+sufficient reason for a rejection so peremptory and contemptuous.
+
+That every man is disgusted, and almost every man daily endangered in
+our streets, has not been denied; nor will any man, I suppose, question
+what, if he has not yet experienced it, he may, perhaps, be fully
+convinced of, in his next visit or excursion.
+
+Those evils, which every man feels, though slight, are worthy of the
+attention of the legislature; and that danger that threatens multitudes,
+though distant, ought to be averted: for a small disorder, like a small
+expense, when it extends to multitudes, becomes a national affair.
+
+But though this motion may, perhaps, be liable to some objections, there
+is, certainly, no such absurdity to be found in it, as may justify us in
+rejecting it without examination; to reject a motion when it is first
+offered, is a proof of prejudice, next to that of rejecting it unheard;
+it is to determine a question, before it is discussed, or can be fully
+understood.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, I cannot but differ
+very widely in opinion from the right honourable member that spoke last,
+with regard to the propriety of opposing a motion when it is first made;
+a practice, which I can by no means think inconsistent with either
+decency or prudence, and which would, perhaps, be of use to the publick,
+if it was more frequent.
+
+When any motion is made, it is subjected to the consideration of this
+assembly, and every member is at full liberty to examine and discuss it.
+If it appears to deserve farther attention, it may be admitted, but if
+the subject be either improper or unseasonable, or the measures proposed
+injudicious or dangerous, it is then to be rejected; and if it is at
+last to be rejected, it is apparent that no time ought to be thrown away
+upon it.
+
+The hours, and days, and weeks, that have been improfitably spent upon
+bills which after all our endeavours could not be passed; the delays of
+real benefits to the publick, which have been produced by long pursuits
+of shadowy advantages, have inclined me to a more expeditious method of
+proceeding, and determined me speedily to reject what I cannot hope to
+amend.
+
+[The question being put, passed in the negative, 142 against 109.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 27, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF A BILL TO PREVENT INCONVENIENCIES
+ARISING FROM INSURANCE OF SHIPS.
+
+
+The bill being read, sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, there cannot be
+brought before this house any questions more difficult in themselves,
+more entangled with a multiplicity of relations, or more perplexed with
+an endless diversity of circumstances, than those which relate to
+commercial affairs; affairs on which the most experienced often
+disagree, and on which the most sagacious may deceive themselves with
+erroneous conjectures.
+
+There are no questions, sir, which require so much personal knowledge of
+the subject to which they relate, nor is there any subject with which so
+few gentlemen in this house have had opportunities of being acquainted.
+There are no questions, sir, which their variety of relations to
+different persons exposes to be so easily misrepresented without
+detection, nor any in which the opposition of particular interests so
+much incites a false representation. In all these cases, deceit is easy,
+and there is a strong temptation to deceive.
+
+Nor are these questions, sir, always perplexed by intentional fraud, or
+false assertions, of which they that utter them are themselves
+conscious.
+
+Those who deceive us, do not always suppress any truth of which they are
+convinced, nor set facts before us in any other light, than that in
+which themselves behold them; they for the most part err with an honest
+intention, and propagate no mistakes but those which they have
+themselves admitted.
+
+Of this kind, sir, are, doubtless, the measures proposed in the bill
+before us, which those by whom they are promoted may easily think to be
+of benefit to the publick, but which, I believe, will appear the result
+of imperfect views, and partial consideration.
+
+The great and fundamental errour, sir, of the patrons of this bill,
+seems to be an opinion that the practice of insuring is not known to
+other nations, nor can be carried on in any other place; and from this
+principle they deduce consequences, which, if they were inevitably
+certain, might easily influence us to an immediate approbation of the
+bill, as necessary to secure our commerce, and distress our enemies.
+
+They conclude, sir, with sufficient justness, that very few merchants
+would hazard their fortunes in long voyages or distant commerce, or
+expose themselves to the dangers of war, without the security which
+insurances afford them; and having persuaded themselves that such
+security is to be obtained from no other nation, they imagine that we
+might, by prohibiting it, confine all the foreign vessels in their
+ports, and destroy, by one resolution, the trade of both our rivals and
+our enemies.
+
+That our East India company may desire the ratification of this bill, I
+cannot deny, because they might, perhaps, receive from it some temporary
+advantage by the short inconveniencies which those whom they consider as
+the enemies of their commerce would feel from it. They may desire it,
+because the experiment, if it fails, as it must, cannot injure them; and
+if it succeeds, may produce great advantages to them: they may wish it,
+because they will feel the immediate benefit, and the detriment will
+fall upon others.
+
+I shall not inquire whether our merchants are inclined to look with
+malevolence on all those who cultivate the same branches of commerce
+with themselves, though they have neither the violation of natural
+rights, nor the infringement of national treaties, to complain of. I
+should be unwilling to suspect a British merchant, whose acquaintance
+with the constitution of his own country ought to show him the value of
+liberty, who ought to be above narrow schemes, by the knowledge which
+his profession enables him to gain, of a desire to encroach upon the
+rights of others, or to engross the general benefits of nature; and
+shall only observe, that several other nations can plead a claim to the
+East India trade, a claim of equal validity with our own; that the Danes
+have their settlement there, and that the Portuguese discovered the way
+to those regions of wealth, from which some, perhaps, are inclined to
+exclude them.
+
+But nothing is more vain than to attempt to exclude them by refusing to
+ensure their ships, because the opinion that they can be insured by no
+other nation is entirely without foundation. There are at this time
+offices of insurance along the whole coasts of the midland sea, among
+the Dutch, and even among the French. Nothing can debar any nation from
+the trade of insurance but the want of money; and that money is not
+wanted by foreigners for this purpose, appears from the great sums which
+they have deposited in our funds.
+
+That this trade is now carried on chiefly by this nation, though not
+solely, is incontestable; but what can be inferred from that, but that
+we ought not to obstruct our own gain; that we ought not to make a law
+to deprive ourselves of that advantage of which either favourable
+accidents or our own sagacity have put us in possession.
+
+For this reason it appears that it would not contribute to the wealth of
+the publick to debar us from insuring the ships even of those with whom
+we are at war, for it is always to be remembered that they will receive
+no detriment from such prohibitions, nor will feel any other consequence
+from them than a necessity of transferring to some other nation the
+profit which we receive from it.
+
+What the profit is which arises to the nation from the trade of
+insurance it is not possible exactly to determine, but that the trade is
+really advantageous may be reasonably conceived, because after many
+years' experience it is diligently followed, and a law was never
+necessary to prohibit the pursuit of a business by which nothing was to
+be gained. But could the gain of the insurer be a doubtful point, there
+is a certain advantage to the nation by the money paid for commission,
+brokerage, stamps, and the credit of the premium deposited here.
+
+I might add, sir, another considerable sum yearly arising to the
+government from the additional letters, occasioned by this trade, which
+increase the revenues of the post-office, without any deduction for
+additional charge.
+
+That the loss of this profit, and the gain of insuring, will ensue upon
+the ratification of this bill, cannot be denied; nor does it appear,
+that this loss will be counterbalanced by any advantage that will be
+gained over our rivals or our enemies.
+
+Whether this bill, sir, would produce to the merchants of that city by
+which it is promoted, the advantages which they expect from it, or
+remove any of the grievances of which they complain, I am not able
+positively to determine; but know, that it is not uncommon for
+merchants, as well as other men, to confound private with publick
+grievances, and to imagine their own interest the interest of the
+nation.
+
+With regard, sir, to the practice of insuring, _interest or no
+interest_, as the term is, when an imaginary value is put upon the ship
+or cargo, often much above its real worth, it cannot be denied, that
+some opportunities may be given by it for wicked practices. But there
+will always be circumstances in which there can be no security against
+frauds, but common faith; nor do I see how we can secure the insurers
+against the possibility of being defrauded.
+
+I cannot, indeed, discover, sir, how this method of insuring can be
+prevented; for how can the value of a cargo be estimated, which is to be
+collected in a long voyage, at different ports, and where the success of
+the adventurers often depends upon lucky accidents, which are, indeed,
+always hoped for, but seldom happen. An imaginary value must, therefore,
+be fixed upon, when the ship leaves the port; because the success of
+that voyage cannot be foreknown, and the contracting parties may be
+safely trusted to set that value, without any law to direct or restrain
+them.
+
+If the merchants are oppressed by any peculiar inconveniencies, and can
+find means of redressing them without injuring the publick commerce, any
+proposal for that purpose ought to be favourably received; but as the
+bill now before us proposes general restraints, and proposes to remove
+grievances which are not felt, by remedies, which those upon whom they
+are to operate, do not approve, I think it ought not to be referred to a
+committee, but rejected.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, when I first
+proposed this bill to the house, I lamented the absence of that
+honourable gentleman, from whose discussions and arguments I expected
+great information; and for whose judgment, in all commercial questions,
+I have the highest esteem, as his penetration not only enables him to
+discover the consequences of methods which have not yet been tried, but
+as his extensive acquaintance with many branches of trade, cannot but
+have informed him of the success of many expedients tried, as well in
+other nations as our own, for the advancement of it.
+
+Trade, sir, is a subject, of which it has been justly observed, that
+very few gentlemen have attained knowledge sufficient to qualify
+themselves to judge of the propriety of any new regulation; and I cannot
+but confess, that I have no uncommon skill in these questions. What I
+have to offer on this occasion, has been suggested to me, not so much by
+my own observations, as by the intelligence which I have very
+industriously sought, and by which, as I endeavoured to inquire of those
+whose opinion was least likely to be perverted by their interest, I hope
+I have not been misled.
+
+The merchants, sir, to whom it has been my fortune to apply, have
+generally concurred in the opinion that the present practice of insuring
+is prejudicial to our commerce, nor have I found any disagreement
+between my constituents and the traders of this great metropolis.
+
+I am unwilling to imagine that there can be any evil for which the
+wisdom of this assembly cannot discover a remedy, and am, therefore, of
+opinion, that if the grievance is real, some expedient may be discovered
+for removing it; and that it is real, I cannot but be convinced by the
+declarations of so many men, who can have no interest in complaining
+when they suffer nothing, and whose known abilities exempt them from the
+suspicion of imputing any part of their uneasiness to a cause which
+cannot produce it.
+
+The bill before us, sir, requires, in my opinion, some amendments, and
+in its present state might, perhaps, produce more detriment than
+advantage; but since it is necessary at least to attempt something for
+the relief of men so useful to this nation, it appears to me necessary
+to form a committee, and to deliberate on this subject with more
+attention.
+
+Mr. LOCKWOOD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, though I am not
+of opinion that the bill in its present state ought to be passed into a
+law, yet I am far from thinking it so imperfect as not easily to be
+amended, and, therefore, am desirous that it should be considered in a
+committee.
+
+I have not, indeed, sir, often observed, that bills injudiciously drawn
+up at first have received great improvements from a second
+consideration, and have found it more easy to form a new bill, than to
+make alterations in one that is laid before us; for some original errour
+will commonly remain, and the sentiments of different men, pursuing
+different views, can seldom be modelled into one consistent scheme. But
+I am far from considering this bill as one of those that cannot be
+amended, for I can discover but few objections to the regulations
+proposed in it, and those not relating to any of the essential parts,
+but slight and circumstantial, such as will easily be removed, or,
+perhaps, answered.
+
+The grievance, sir, for which this bill proposes a remedy, is so
+generally known, and so universally lamented, that, I believe, there is
+not any thing more worthy of the attention of the legislature than an
+inquiry into the cause of it, and the proper method of redressing it.
+
+In our inquiry into the causes of this obstruction of trade, I am of
+opinion, sir, that the practice of insuring, _interest or no interest_,
+will appear to be the foundation of this general uneasiness; it will be
+found a practice of so natural a tendency to fraud, and so easily
+susceptible of dishonest artifices, that I believe every member of this
+house will desire its suppression.
+
+To confirm my assertion, sir, and illustrate the question before us, I
+shall mention some particular instances of fraud to which this custom
+has given occasion; of fraud so evident and so detestable that it cannot
+be related without indignation.
+
+The Royal George was a large ship belonging to the South sea company,
+which, having been a voyage to Vera Cruz, put in at Jamaica in her
+return; and being there refitted to proceed on her voyage homewards, set
+sail, and came within a week's sailing of the port, when, upon a sudden,
+the officers entered into a consultation, and determined to go back a
+month's voyage to Antigua; for what reason, sir, may easily be guessed,
+when it was told that a ship was insured upon a supposed value of sixty
+thousand pounds.
+
+This resolution, sir, was no sooner formed, than orders were given to
+change the course and steer to Antigua, in opposition to all the
+remonstrances of the carpenter, who is the proper judge of the condition
+of a vessel, and who declared, with honesty and resolution, against
+their whole procedure. But they pursued their new scheme without any
+regard to his murmurs or assertions; and when they arrived at Antigua,
+found some method of influencing the officers of that island to declare
+the ship unfit for the prosecution of the voyage.
+
+Their design, sir, was now happily completed. To confirm the
+determination which had been pronounced in their favour, they stranded
+the ship upon a bank of sand, forced out the iron that grapples the
+timber together, and having first taken away the masts and rigging, and
+whatever else could be used or sold, threw the ballast to each end, and
+so broke the vessel in the middle.
+
+By this well-contrived shipwreck, having, as they imagined, raised their
+fortunes, they came home triumphantly from their prosperous voyage, and
+claimed the money for which the ship was insured. The insurers, startled
+at a demand so unexpected, inquired into the affair with all the
+industry which its importance might naturally incite, and, after some
+consultation, determined to try whether the ship might not be refitted
+and brought to Britain.
+
+In pursuance of this resolution, they sent workmen and materials, and,
+without much expense, or any difficulty, brought it hither.
+
+I believe, sir, this relation is sufficient at once to prove the
+practice, and explain the nature of the frauds to which this method of
+insurance gives occasion; but as the frequency of them is such, that
+many instances may be produced, I shall offer another short narrative of
+the same kind.
+
+A ship that belonged to the East India company, insured after this
+method, was run ashore by the captain, in such a manner that he imagined
+none but himself able to recover it, and therefore, though it cost five
+thousand pounds, sold it for five hundred; but the purchaser, no less
+expert than the captain, found means very speedily to disengage it, to
+restore it to a proper condition with little expense, and was much
+enriched by his fortunate bargain.
+
+I cannot but observe, sir, that this kind of fraud is more formidable,
+as it may be practised without a possibility of detection: had the
+captain, instead of stranding, destroyed his vessel, how could his
+wickedness ever have been discovered; or how could the South sea
+company's ship have been brought home, had it been sunk in some distant
+corner of the world.
+
+This practice, sir, and the frauds which it has occasioned, and the
+suspicions which the easy practice of frauds always creates, have
+produced so many trials, and filled the courts of justice with such
+intricate contentions, that the judges, who know, perhaps, nothing of
+this practice but from its effects, have often declared it to be so
+pregnant with contests and cheats, that it ought not to be suffered, and
+that a law for suppressing it would much contribute to the establishment
+of peace, and the security of property.
+
+I am not insensible, sir, of the force of the argument made use of by
+the honourable gentleman who spoke in favour of this practice, and
+cannot but allow it that regard which his reasonings always deserve; it
+is the strongest, and perhaps the only argument that can be produced.
+His assertion of the impossibility of estimating the real value of a
+ship, or of foreknowing the success of a voyage, is incontestable: but
+perhaps it will follow from thence, not that an imaginary value ought to
+be admitted, but that no insurance ought to be allowed, where there is
+no rational method of ascertaining it; or, at least, that all such
+insurance ought to be rather below the probable value than above it.
+
+If the grievance complained of has been proved not to be imaginary, we
+ought, doubtless, to consult how it may be remedied; nor do I believe
+that our consultations will be ineffectual, if we engage in them, not
+with an intention to perplex, but to inform each other. I am of opinion,
+sir, that the importance of the question requires a committee; nor can I
+discover any essential defect in the bill, which should hinder it from
+passing into a law.
+
+Mr. BURRELL spoke to this effect:--Sir, I am convinced by experience, as
+well as reason, that so many inconveniencies arise from this method of
+insurance, that it affords so many opportunities of fraud, and gives
+such encouragement to negligence, that I shall willingly concur in any
+measures that may effectually suppress it.
+
+It is, sir, too well known to require proof, that interest is the parent
+of diligence, and that men attend to the performance of their duty, in
+proportion as they must suffer by the neglect of it; and, therefore,
+every practice that deprives honesty of its reward is injurious to the
+publick.
+
+But that this is the consequence of estimating ships at an imaginary
+value in the offices of insurance, is, to the highest degree, evident.
+When a ship is estimated above its real value, how will the commander
+suffer by a wreck, or what shall restrain him from destroying his
+vessel, when it may be done with security to himself, except that
+integrity, which, indeed, ought to be generally diffused, but which is
+not always to be found, and to which few men think it safe to trust upon
+occasions of far less importance.
+
+To show, sir, that I do not indulge groundless suspicions, or magnify
+the bare possibility of fraud into reality; that I do not blacken human
+nature, or propose laws against wickedness that has not yet existed; it
+may be proper to mention some letters, in which I have been informed, by
+my correspondent at Leghorn, of the state of the ships which have
+arrived there; ships so weakly manned, and so penuriously or negligently
+stored, so much decayed in the bottoms, and so ill fitted with rigging,
+that he declares his astonishment at their arrival.
+
+It may deserve our consideration, sir, whether the success of the
+Spanish privateers may not be, in great part, attributed to this
+pernicious practice; whether captains, when their vessels are insured
+for more than their value, do not rashly venture into known danger?
+whether they do not wilfully miss the security of convoys? whether they
+do not direct their courses where privateers may most securely cruise?
+whether they do not surrender with less resistance than interest would
+excite? and whether they do not raise clamours against the government
+for their ill success, to avoid the suspicion of negligence or fraud?
+
+That other frauds are committed in the practice of insuring, is well
+known to the honourable gentleman: it is a common practice to take money
+upon bottomry, by way of pledge, for the captain's fidelity, and to
+destroy this security by insuring above the real value; so that the
+captain may gain by neglecting the care of his vessel, or, at least,
+secure himself from loss, and indulge his ease or his pleasure without
+any interruption from the fear of diminishing his fortune.
+
+The whole practice of insurance, sir, is, in its present state, I
+believe, so perplexed with frauds, and of such manifest tendency to the
+obstruction of commerce, that it absolutely requires some legal
+regulations.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to this purpose:--Of frauds in the practice
+of insurance, with regard to which the honourable gentleman has appealed
+to me, I can confidently affirm that I am totally ignorant: I know not
+of any fraudulent practices openly carried on, or established by custom,
+which I suppose are meant: for with regard to single acts of fraud,
+committed by particular men, it is not to be supposed but that they have
+been detected in this, as in all other branches of traffick: nor can I
+conceive that any argument can be drawn from them against the practice;
+for if every part of commerce is to be prohibited, which has furnished
+villains with opportunities of deceit, we shall contract trade into a
+narrow compass.
+
+With regard, sir, to the instance of the Royal George, though the
+proceedings of the officers are not wholly to be vindicated, yet part of
+their conduct is less inexplicable than it has been represented. Their
+return to Antigua, when they were bound for Britain, and were within a
+week's sailing of their port, is easily to be defended, if the wind was
+contrary to their intended course; for it is not difficult to conceive
+that they might reach a distant port, with a favourable wind, much
+sooner than one much nearer, with the wind against them.
+
+I have always observed, sir, that the gentlemen engaged in the trade to
+the East Indies, assume an air of superiority, to which I know not what
+claim they can produce, and seem to imagine, that their charter gives
+them more extensive knowledge, and more acute sagacity, than falls to
+the lot of men not combined in their association.
+
+But however these gentlemen may disapprove my arguments, and however
+they may misrepresent them, I shall be satisfied, that they will have,
+with the disinterested and impartial, their just weight, and that this
+affair will not be hastily determined upon an imperfect examination.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to this effect:--Whether the merchants are
+satisfied with the present methods of insuring, or what is the opinion
+of any separate body of men, I think it absolutely unnecessary to
+inquire. We are constituted for the publick advantage, and are engaged
+by our senatorial character to consider, not the private interest of
+particular men, but the general advantage of our country.
+
+In our pursuit, sir, of national interest, we shall be obliged
+frequently to oppose the schemes which private men or separate
+fraternities, have formed for their own advantage, and which they may be
+expected to defend with all their art; both because every man is
+unwilling to imagine that the publick interest and his own are opposite,
+and because it is to be feared, that many may consider the publick only
+in subordination to themselves, and be very little solicitous about the
+general prosperity of their country, provided none of the calamities
+which afflict it extend their influence to themselves.
+
+We are in the discussion of this question, sir, to consider that we are
+engaged in a war against a nation from which insults, depredations,
+oppressions, and cruelties, have been long complained of, and against
+which we are, therefore, to act with a resolution proportioned to the
+injuries which we have suffered, and to our desire of vengeance. We are
+to practice every method of distressing them, and to promote the success
+of our arms even at the expense of present gain, and the interest of
+private men.
+
+It is well known, sir, to all who have either heard or read of the
+Spaniards, that they live in carelessness and indolence, neglect all the
+natural advantages of their own country, despise the gain of foreign
+commerce, and depend wholly on their American settlements, for all the
+conveniences, and, perhaps, for most of the necessaries of life.
+
+This is the particular circumstance that makes a war with Britain so
+much to be dreaded by them. A nation superiour to them by sea holds them
+besieged, like a garrison surrounded by an army, precludes them from
+supplies, intercepts their succours, and if it cannot force their walls
+by attack, can, at least, by a blockade, starve them to a capitulation.
+
+Thus, sir, by a naval war with an enemy of superiour strength, they must
+at length be subdued, and subdued, perhaps, without a battle, and
+without the possibility of resistance; against such an enemy their
+courage or their discipline is of no use; they may form armies, indeed,
+but which can only stand upon the shore, to defend what their enemies
+have no intention of invading, and see those ships seized in which their
+pay is treasured, or their provisions are stored.
+
+Such, sir, is our natural superiority over the Spaniards, a species of
+superiority that must inevitably prevail, if it be not defeated by our
+own folly; and surely a more effectual method of defeating it, the
+Spaniards themselves could not have discovered, than that of insuring,
+their ships among our merchants.
+
+When a ship thus insured is taken, which, notwithstanding all
+precautions, must sometimes happen, we examine the cargo, find it
+extremely valuable, and triumph in our success; we not only count the
+gain to ourselves, but the loss to our enemies, and determine that a
+small number of such captures will reduce them to offer us peace upon
+our own terms.
+
+Such are the conclusions which are made, and made with reason, by men
+unacquainted with the secret practices of our merchants, and who do not
+suspect us to be stupid enough to secure our enemies against ourselves;
+but it is often found, upon a more close examination, that our ships of
+war have only plundered our merchants, and that our privateers may,
+indeed, have enriched themselves, but impoverished their country. It is
+discovered that the loss of the Spaniards is to be repaid, and, perhaps,
+sometimes with interest, by the British insurers.
+
+If it be urged, that we ought not to enact any laws which may obstruct
+the gain of our fellow-subjects, may it not be asked, why all trade with
+Spain is prohibited; may not the trade be equally gainful with the
+insurance, and may not the gain be more generally distributed, and,
+therefore, be more properly national?
+
+But this trade was prohibited, because it was more necessary to our
+enemies than to ourselves; it was prohibited, because the laws of war
+require, that a less evil should be suffered to inflict a greater; it is
+upon this principle that every battle is fought, and that we fire our
+own ships to consume the navies of the enemy.
+
+For this reason, sir, it appears to me evident beyond contradiction,
+that the insurance of Spanish ships ought to be prohibited: we shall,
+indeed, lose the profit of the insurance, but we shall be reimbursed by
+the captures, which is an argument that cannot be produced for the
+prohibition of commerce.
+
+It is urged, sir, that they may insure their ships in other countries;
+an assertion, of which, whether it be true or not, I am not able to
+decide; but it is acknowledged, that the necessity of establishing new
+correspondence will be at least a temporary obstruction of their trade,
+and an obstruction of even a short continuance may lay them at our
+mercy.
+
+But let us, sir, reflect upon the weakness of this argument,--_they
+must be allowed to insure here, because they may insure in other
+places;_ will it not be equally just to urge, that _they must trade with
+us, because they may trade with other nations?_ And may it not be
+answered, that though we cannot wholly suspend their commerce, it is yet
+our business to obstruct it as far as we are able?
+
+May it-not, sir, be farther affirmed, that by insuring in other nations,
+they may injure their allies by falling into our hands, but do not the
+less benefit us? that if they do not grow weaker, we at least are
+strengthened; but that by insuring among us, whatever steps are taken,
+the equilibrium of the war is preserved always the same?
+
+It is asserted, and I suppose with truth, that we insure at a lower rate
+than others, and it will, therefore, follow, that the Spaniards,
+whenever their ships shall escape us, will suffer more by having-insured
+amongst foreigners, than if they had contracted with our merchants.
+
+Thus it appears, sir, that there are stronger reasons for prohibiting
+the insurance of Spanish ships, than for putting a stop to our commerce
+with them; and that whether their ships are taken by us, or escape us,
+it is the general interest of the nation, that they shall be insured by
+foreign merchants.
+
+With respect, sir, to the East India company, I have no regard to their
+interest, considered as distinct from that of the rest of the nation;
+nor have received any solicitations from them to promote this bill, or
+to espouse their interest; but cannot, without concealing my real
+sentiments, deny, that as they have the grant of an exclusive trade to
+the East Indies, to insure the ships that are sent thither without their
+permission, is to invade their rights, and to infringe their charter;
+and that the practice, if the validity of their charter be admitted, is
+illegal, and ought to be discountenanced.
+
+The practice, sir, of insuring, _interest or no interest_, or of
+assigning to ships an imaginary value, is nothing more than a particular
+game, a mere solemn species of _hazard_, and ought, therefore, to be
+prohibited, for every reason that can be urged against games of chance.
+
+With regard to this bill in general, it is, in my opinion, highly
+necessary, nor can I discover any important objection that can be made
+against it. Some law of this kind, and to this purpose, I have long
+intended to offer to the consideration of this assembly, and since it is
+now before us, I think we ought to consider it with the attention which
+may be justly expected from us.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, I know not how properly the practice of
+insuring may be termed a species of hazard, nor do I think any thing
+more is to be considered, than whether the game be gainful to the
+nation, or not, for I cannot discover that there is any absurdity in
+enriching ourselves at the expense of other nations, whether enemies or
+allies. That we ought to prefer the general good to the advantage of
+individuals, is undoubted, but I cannot conceive that in this case there
+can be any opposition between private and publick interest. If our
+insurers gain by securing the ships of our enemies, the nation is
+benefited, for all national gain must circulate through the hands of
+individuals.
+
+No man will assert that we ought to assist our enemies, nor will any man
+imagine that we assist them by impoverishing them, and if our insurers
+gain by their practice, the Spaniards must undoubtedly be losers.
+
+Mr. WILLIMOT spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, I have
+conversed on the question to which this bill relates, with men engaged
+in various kinds of traffick, and who have no common interest but that
+of their country. I have dispersed among the merchants, most eminent for
+their acquaintance with the whole extent of commerce, and for their
+knowledge of the true interest of the nation, copies of this bill, and
+cannot find any of them so sensible of the grievance of which we have so
+loud complaints, as to desire that it should be redressed by the
+measures now proposed.
+
+That frauds are practised on every side, in this, as well as in other
+trades, the general corruption of our age gives us sufficient reason to
+suspect; but what is common to every sort of traffick, cannot be
+produced as an argument for the prohibition of any.
+
+That the practice of insuring an imaginary value may give opportunity
+for greater frauds than can be practised in common dealings, is likewise
+evident, but I cannot discover such frauds to require the interposition
+of the legislature.
+
+If they are practised only by those of our own nation, the publick does
+not suffer; for property is only transferred from one subject to
+another: the fraud ought, indeed, to be severely punished in the courts
+of criminal justice, but the custom which gave the opportunity of
+practising it, ought not to be restrained, any more than any other
+profession not criminal in itself, but liable to accidental abuses.
+
+If our insurers are defrauded by foreigners, the nation is then, indeed,
+more nearly affected, but even in that case, it is to be remembered,
+that the private interest of the insurers, who must be immediately
+ruined, is a sufficient security for the publick. For it cannot, sir, be
+conceived that any man will obstinately carry on a business, by which he
+becomes every day poorer, or, that when he desists he will be succeeded
+by another, who cannot but know that he engages in that traffick to his
+certain ruin.
+
+The true state of this affair is, that frauds are, indeed, often
+committed, and are for that reason always suspected, and that the
+insurers, when they insure the ship and cargo against accidents, reckon,
+among other chances, the probability of being cheated, and proportion
+their demands, not only to the length and danger of the voyage, but to
+the character, likewise, of the man with whom they contract.
+
+This, sir, is always the practice of those whom experience has made
+acquainted with the danger of implicit confidence and unsuspecting
+credulity, nor do any but the young and unskilful suffer themselves to
+be so exposed to frauds, as that their fortunes should be injured, or
+the general gain of their business overbalanced, by a few deceits.
+
+Thus it appears, that notwithstanding the ease and safety with which the
+present methods of insurance admit fraud to be practised, the insurers,
+by a proportionate degree of caution, secure themselves from being
+injured, and, by consequence, the nation.
+
+The insurance of foreign ships is now to be considered, by which great
+profit arises to the nation. We insure, sir, as it has been observed, at
+lower rates than other nations, because we have more business of this
+kind, and the smallness of our profit is compensated by the frequency;
+the cheapness of insurances, and eagerness of foreigners to insure here,
+reciprocally contribute to each other; we are often applied to, because
+we insure at an easy rate, and we can insure at an easy rate, because we
+are often applied to.
+
+Nor is the cheapness of British insurance the only motive to the
+preference which it preserves among foreigners, who are induced to apply
+to this nation, by the reputation which our merchants have deservedly
+gained for probity and punctuality superiour to that of any other
+traders. Our merchants, sir, bargain without artifice, pay without
+subterfuges, and are ready on all occasions to preserve their character
+at the hazard of their profit.
+
+From these two considerations we may draw unanswerable arguments against
+any restraints upon the practice of insuring: if foreigners are once
+disappointed in their applications to us, our business will in a great
+part cease, and as we shall not then be able to insure at lower rates
+than other nations, we shall never recover that branch of our trade. And
+as the character of the British merchants exempts them from any
+suspicion of practices pernicious to the publick, why should they be
+restrained? Why, sir, should they appear to be suspected by the
+legislature of their own country, whom foreigners trust without
+hesitation.
+
+It has been objected to them with great warmth, and urged with much
+rhetorical exaggeration, that they assist the enemies of their country,
+that they prolong the war, and defeat those advantages which our
+situation and commerce have given us; imputations sufficiently
+atrocious, if they were founded upon truth.
+
+But let us, sir, examine the arguments by which this accusation has been
+supported, and inquire whether this triumph of eloquence has been
+occasioned by any real superiority of evidence or reason; it is urged,
+that we have already prohibited commerce with the Spaniards, and that,
+therefore, we ought, likewise, to prohibit the insurance of their ships.
+
+It will not require, sir, an imagination very fertile, or a knowledge
+very extensive, to supply arguments sufficient to refute the supposed
+demonstration; in opposition to which it may be urged, that this kind of
+commerce is of a peculiar nature, that it subsists upon opinion, and is
+preserved by the reputation of our insurers; a reputation that the
+insurers of other nations may obtain by the same means, and from whom we
+shall, therefore, never recover it.
+
+It may be observed, sir, that other commodities are the peculiar product
+of different countries, and that there is no danger of losing our other
+trade by suspending it, because it depends upon the excellence of our
+manufactures; but that insurance may be the commodity of any country,
+where money and common honesty are to be found.
+
+This argument may, perhaps, be yet more effectually invalidated, or,
+perhaps, entirely subverted, by denying the expedience of that
+prohibition which is produced as a precedent for another restraint. Nor,
+indeed, does it appear why we should preclude ourselves from a gainful
+trade, because the money is drawn by it out of the hands of our enemies;
+or why the product of our lands should lie unconsumed, or our
+manufactures stand unemployed, rather than we should sell to our enemies
+what they will purchase at another place, or by the intervention of a
+neutral power.
+
+To sell to an enemy that which may enable him to injure us, that which
+he must necessarily obtain, and which he could buy from no other, would,
+indeed, be to the last degree, absurd; but that may surely be sold them
+without any breach of morality or policy, which they can want with less
+inconvenience than we can keep. If we were besieging a town, I should
+not advise our soldiers to sell to the inhabitants ammunition or
+provisions, but cannot discover the folly of admitting them to purchase
+ornaments for their houses, or brocades for their ladies.
+
+But, without examining with the utmost accuracy, whether the late
+prohibition was rational or not, I have, I hope, suggested objections
+sufficient to make the question doubtful, and to incline us to try the
+success of one experiment, before we venture upon another more
+hazardous.
+
+I am never willing, sir, to load trade with restraints; trade is, in its
+own nature, so fugitive and variable, that no constant course can be
+prescribed to it; and those regulations which were proper when they were
+made, may, in a few months, become difficulties and obstructions. We
+well know, that many of the measures which our ancestors pursued for the
+encouragement of commerce, have been found of pernicious consequence;
+and even in this age, which, perhaps, experience, more than wisdom, has
+enlightened, I have known few attempts of that kind which have not
+defeated the end for which they were made.
+
+It is more prudent to leave the merchants at liberty to pursue those
+measures which experience shall dictate upon every occasion, and suffer
+them to snatch the present opportunity of honest gain, whenever it shall
+happen; they will never injure their own interest by the use of this
+liberty, and by preserving themselves, they will preserve the nation
+from detriment; nor will they need to be restrained by a law proposed
+without their solicitation, and of which they cannot discover any
+beneficial consequences.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, for the bill now
+before us I have no particular fondness, nor desire that it should be
+promoted by any other means than rational arguments, and the
+representation of indubitable facts.
+
+I have no regard, sir, in this inquiry, to any private interest, or any
+other desire than that of securing the interest of my country, which, in
+my opinion, evidently requires that we should give no assistance to our
+enemies, that our merchants should cooperate with our navies, and that
+we should endeavour to withhold every thing that may make the war less
+burdensome to them, and, consequently, of longer continuance.
+
+It was observed, sir, in the beginning of the debate, by a gentleman
+eminently skilled in mercantile affairs, that insurance was practised by
+many nations; but he did not inform us of what one of the clauses makes
+it proper to inquire, whether they allowed the method of insuring
+_interest or no interest_, and rating ships at an imaginary value. This
+is, I know, prohibited by the Dutch, a nation whose authority on
+commercial questions will not be disputed, nor do they allow their East
+Indian ships to be insured at all.
+
+The difficulty of estimating the value of any cargo has been urged in
+defence of this practice, nor is the defence wholly without weight,
+because the cargo in many voyages cannot be ascertained. I shall,
+however, take this opportunity of observing, though I may somewhat
+digress from the present argument, how necessary it is that some of our
+exported cargoes should be exactly specified.
+
+I have been lately informed, sir, that six ships laden with British
+wool, have entered at one time into a port of France; nor do I know how
+this practice, which is justly complained of as pernicious to our trade,
+and threatening the ruin of our country, can be prevented but by a
+constant and regular particularization of every cargo carried to France.
+
+I admit, sir, that some cargoes which are imported cannot be
+particularly registered; such is the gold with which we are daily
+supplied by our commerce with the Portuguese, in opposition to their
+laws, and which our merchants are, therefore, under the necessity of
+concealing.
+
+It is not, indeed, easy to foresee all the inconveniencies that may
+arise from new regulations of commerce; but the difficulty is not so
+great as has been represented, nor can I conceive why all our
+consultations on trade should be without effect. Gentlemen may obtain
+some knowledge of commerce from their own observation, which they may
+enlarge by an unconfined and indifferent conversation with traders of
+various classes, and by inquiries into the different branches of
+commerce; inquiries, sir, which are generally neglected by those whose
+employments confine their attention to particular parts of commerce, or
+whose application to business hinders them from attending to any
+opinions but those which their own personal experience enables them to
+form.
+
+From these informations impartially collected, and diligently compared,
+a man not engaged in the profession of a merchant may form general
+principles, and draw consequences, more certain, and more extensive in
+their relations, than those which are struck out only from the
+observation of one subdivided species of commerce.
+
+A member of this house, sir, thus enlightened by inquiry, and whose
+judgment is not diverted from its natural rectitude by the impulse of
+any private consideration, may judge of any commercial debate with less
+danger of errour or partiality than the merchants, of whom,
+nevertheless, I have the highest esteem, and whose knowledge, or
+probity, I do not intend to depreciate, when I declare my fears that
+they may sometimes confound general maxims of trade with the opinions of
+particular branches, and sometimes mistake their own gain for the
+interest of the publick.
+
+The interest of the merchants ought, indeed, always to be considered in
+this house; but then it ought to be regarded only in subordination to
+that of the whole community, a subordination which the gentleman who
+spoke last seems to have forgotten. He may, perhaps, not intend long to
+retain his senatorial character, and, therefore, delivered his opinion
+only as a merchant.
+
+He has distinguished between the conduct of experienced and unskilful
+insurers, with how much justice I shall not determine. I am afraid that
+a vigorous inquiry would discover, that neither age nor youth has been
+able to resist strong temptations to some practices, which neither law
+nor justice can support, and that those, whose experience has made them
+cautious, have not been always equally honest.
+
+But this is a subject upon which I am not inclined to dwell, and only
+mention as the reason which convinces me of the propriety of the bill
+before us.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, there appears no
+probability that the different opinions which have been formed of this
+bill will be reconciled by this debate; nor, indeed, is there any reason
+for wondering at this contrariety of sentiments.
+
+The several clauses of the bill have relations and consequences so
+different, that scarce any one man can approve them all; and in our
+present deliberation, an objection to a particular clause is considered
+as an argument against the whole bill.
+
+It is, therefore, necessary, to prevent an unprofitable expense of time,
+to resolve the house into a committee, in which the bill may be
+considered by single clauses, and that part which cannot be defended may
+be rejected, and that only retained which deserves our approbation. In
+the committee, when we have considered the first clause, and heard the
+objections against it, we may mend it; or, if it cannot be amended,
+reject or postpone it, and so proceed through the whole bill with much
+greater expedition, and at the same time, with a more diligent view of
+every clause, than while we are obliged to take the whole at once into
+our consideration.
+
+I shall, for my part, approve some clauses, and make objections to
+others; but think it proper to reserve my objections, and the reasons of
+my approbation, for the committee into which we ought to go on this
+occasion.
+
+[The bill was referred to a committee, but not forty members staying in
+the house, it was dropped.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 2, 1740-1.
+
+DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND INCREASE OF SEAMEN.
+
+
+The bill was ordered to be read the second time, and to be printed for
+the use of the members, that it might be thoroughly examined and
+understood.
+
+On the forty-fourth day, the second reading of the bill was postponed to
+the fiftieth; but the grand motion being debated on that day, nothing
+else was heard.
+
+On the fifty-first it was again put off; but
+
+On the fifty-sixth day, being read a second time, it was, after some
+opposition, referred to a committee of the whole house, to sit five days
+after. In the meanwhile,
+
+On the fifty-seventh, it was ordered that the proper officers do lay
+before this house an account of what persons were authorized, by virtue
+of the act in the 4th of queen Anne, for "the encouragement and increase
+of seamen, and for the better and speedier manning her fleet;" to
+conduct seamen or seafaring men taken upon privy searches made by
+applications to justices; and what number of seamen or seafaring men
+were returned; also, the charge attending the same.
+
+On the sixty-first day, moved that the said account should be read;
+which being done, the house resolved itself into a grand committee on
+the present bill; and the first clause being read, proposing the blanks
+to be filled thus: that every volunteer seamen, after five years'
+service, be entitled to six pounds per year, during life.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, as it is our duty to
+provide laws, by which all frauds and oppressions may be punished, when
+they are detected, we are no less obliged to obviate such practices as
+shall make punishments necessary; nor are we only to facilitate the
+detection, but take away, as far as it is possible, the opportunities of
+guilt. It is to no purpose that punishments are threatened, if they can
+be evaded, or that rewards are offered, if they may by any mean
+artifices be withheld.
+
+For this reason, sir, I think it necessary to observe, that the intent
+of this clause, the most favourable and alluring clause in the bill, may
+lose its effect by a practice not uncommon, by which any man, however
+inclined to serve his country, may be defrauded of the right of a
+volunteer.
+
+Many men have voluntarily applied to the officers of ships of war, and
+after having been rejected by them as unfit for the service, have been
+dragged on board within a few days, perhaps within a few hours
+afterwards, to undergo all the hardships, without the merit, of
+volunteers.
+
+When any man, sir, has been rejected by the sea officers, he ought to
+have a certificate given him, which shall be an exemption from an
+impress, that if any other commander shall judge more favourably of his
+qualifications, he may always have the privilege of a volunteer, and be
+entitled to the reward which he deserved, by his readiness to enter the
+service.
+
+If such provisions are not made, this hateful practice, a practice, sir,
+common and notorious, and very discouraging to such as would enter the
+service of the publick, may so far prevail, that no man shall be able to
+denominate himself a volunteer, or claim the reward proposed by the
+bill.
+
+Admiral WAGER spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, it is not
+common for men to receive injuries without applying for redress, when it
+may certainly be obtained. If any proceedings like those which are now
+complained of, had been mentioned at the board of admiralty, they had
+been immediately censured and redressed; but as no such accusations were
+offered, I think it may probably be concluded, that no such crimes have
+been committed.
+
+For what purpose oppressions of this kind should be practised, it is not
+easy to conceive; for the officers are not at all rewarded for
+impressing sailors. As, therefore, it is not probable that any man acts
+wickedly or cruelly without temptation: as I have never heard any such
+injury complained of by those that suffered it, I cannot but imagine,
+that it is one of those reports which arise from mistake, or are forged
+by malice, to injure the officers, and obstruct the service.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--That the
+practice now complained of, sir, is very frequent, and, whatever may be
+the temptation to it, such as every day produces some instances of, I
+have reasons for asserting with great confidence. I have, within these
+few days, as I was accidentally upon the river, informed myself of two
+watermen ignominiously dragged by force into the service to which they
+had voluntarily offered themselves a few days before. The reasons of
+such oppression, it is the business of those gentlemen to inquire, whom
+his majesty intrusts with the care of his fleet; but to interrupt the
+course of wickedness, to hinder it from frustrating the rewards offered
+by the publick, is the province of the representatives of the people.
+And I hope, sir, some proviso will be made in this case.
+
+Admiral NORRIS rose and said:--Sir, if any such practices had been
+frequent, to what can it be imputed, that those who employ their lives
+in maritime business should be strangers to them? Why have no complaints
+been made by those that have been injured? Or why should officers expose
+themselves to the hazard of censure without advantage? I cannot
+discover why these hardships should be inflicted, nor how they could
+have been concealed, and, therefore, think the officers of the navy may
+be cleared from the imputation, without farther inquiry.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke again, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is in
+vain that objections are made, if the facts upon which they are founded
+may be denied at pleasure: nothing is more easy than to deny, because
+proofs are not required of a negative. But as negatives require no
+proof, so they have no authority, nor can any consequence be deduced
+from them. I might, therefore, suffer the facts to remain in their
+present state, asserted on one side by those that have reasons to
+believe them, and doubted on the other without reasons; for surely he
+cannot be said to reason, who questions an assertion only because he
+does not know it to be true.
+
+But as every question, by which the liberty of a Briton may be affected,
+is of importance sufficient to require that no evidence should be
+suppressed by which it may be cleared, I cannot but think it proper that
+a committee should be formed to examine the conduct of the officers in
+this particular; and in confidence of the veracity of those from whom I
+received my information, I here promise to produce such evidence as
+shall put an end to controversy and doubt.
+
+If this is not granted, sir, the fact must stand recorded and allowed;
+for to doubt, and refuse evidence, is a degree of prejudice and
+obstinacy without example. Nor is this the only objection to the clause
+before us, which appears very imperfect, with regard to the
+qualifications specified as a title to the reward. The reward ought not
+to be confined to those who shall hereafter be invited by the promise of
+it to engage in the service, while those who entered into it without any
+such prospect, are condemned to dangers and fatigues without a
+recompense. Where merit is equal, the reward ought to be equal; and,
+surely, where there is greater merit, the reward proposed by the senate,
+as an encouragement to bravery, ought not to be less. To be excluded
+from the advantages which others have obtained, only by avoiding the
+service, cannot but depress the spirit of those whose zeal and courage
+incited them, at the beginning of the war, to enter into the fleet; and
+to deject those from whom we expect defence and honour, is neither
+prudent nor just.
+
+Nor is it, in my opinion, proper to offer the same reward
+indiscriminately to all that shall accept it; rewards ought to be
+proportioned to desert, and no man can justly be paid for what he cannot
+perform; there ought, therefore, to be some distinction made between a
+seaman by profession, one that has learned his art at the expense of
+long experience, labour, and hazard, and a man who only enters the ship
+because he is useless on land, and who can only incommode the sailors
+till he has been instructed by them.
+
+It appears, sir, to me, a considerable defect in our naval regulations,
+that wages are not proportioned to ability; and I think it may not be
+now unseasonably proposed, that sailors should be paid according to the
+skill which they have acquired; a provision by which an emulation would
+be raised among them, and that industry excited, which now languishes
+for want of encouragement, and those capacities awakened which now
+slumber in ignorance and sloth, from the despair of obtaining any
+advantage by superiority of knowledge.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then rose, and spoke as follows:--That this charge,
+sir, however positively urged, is generally unjust, the declarations of
+these honourable gentlemen are sufficient to evince, since it is not
+probable that the injured persons would not have found some friend to
+have represented these hardships to the admiralty, and no such
+representations could have been made without their knowledge.
+
+Yet, sir, I am far from doubting that by accident, or, perhaps, by
+malice, some men have been treated in this manner; for it is not in the
+power of any administration to make all those honest or wise whom they
+are obliged to employ; and when great affairs are depending, minute
+circumstances cannot always be attended to. If the vigilance of those
+who are intrusted with the chief direction of great numbers of
+subordinate officers be such, that corrupt practices are not frequent,
+and their justice such, that they are never unpunished when legally
+detected, the most strict inquirer can expect no more. Power will
+sometimes be abused, and punishment sometimes be escaped.
+
+It is, sir, easy to be conceived that a report may become general,
+though the practice be very rare. The fact is multiplied as often as it
+is related, and every man who hears the same story twice, imagines that
+it is told of different persons, and exclaims against the tyranny of the
+officers of the navy.
+
+But these, in my opinion, sir, are questions, if not remote from the
+present affair, yet by no means essential to it. The question now before
+us is, not what illegalities have been committed in the execution of
+impresses, but how impresses themselves may become less necessary? how
+the nation may be secured without injury to individuals? and how the
+fleet may be manned with less detriment to commerce?
+
+Sir, the reward now proposed is intended to excite men to enter the
+service without compulsion; and if this expedient be not approved,
+another ought to be suggested: for I hope gentlemen are united in their
+endeavours to find out some method of security to the publick, and do
+not obstruct the proceedings of the committee, that when the fleets lie
+inactive and useless, they may have an opportunity to reproach the
+ministry.
+
+Admiral NORRIS spoke next, in substance:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to enter into an accurate examination of the gentleman's
+proposal, yet I cannot but observe, that by making it, he discovers
+himself unacquainted with the disposition of seamen, among whom nothing
+raises so much discontent as the suspicion of partiality. Should one
+man, in the same rank, receive larger wages than another, he who thought
+himself injured, as he who is paid less will always think, would be so
+far from exerting his abilities to attain an equality with his
+associate, that he would probably never be prevailed on to lay his hand
+upon the tackling, but would sit sullen, or work perversely, though the
+ship were labouring in a storm, or sinking in a battle.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke as follows:--Sir, the danger of introducing
+distinctions among men in the same rank, where every man that imagines
+his merit neglected, may have an opportunity of resenting the injury,
+is, doubtless, such as no prudent commander will venture to incur.
+
+Every man, in this case, becomes the judge of his own merit; and as he
+will always discover some reason for the preference of another very
+different from superiority of desert, he will, by consequence, be either
+enraged or dispirited, will either resolve to desert his commander, or
+betray him to the enemies, or not oppose them.
+
+I remember, sir, though imperfectly, a story which I heard in my
+travels, of an army in which some troops received a penny a day less
+than the rest; a parsimony which cost dear in the day of battle; for the
+disgusted troops laid down their arms before the enemy, and suffered
+their general to be cut in pieces.
+
+General WADE then spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but concur with
+the honourable gentleman in his opinion, that those who are already
+engaged in the service, who have borne the fatigues of a long voyage,
+and perhaps are, at this hour, exposing their lives in battle to defend
+the rights of their country, ought to have the same claim to the reward
+proposed, with those who shall hereafter offer themselves. Nor, in my
+opinion, ought those who have hitherto been pressed into our fleets to
+be discouraged from their duty by an exclusion from the same advantage.
+For if they were compelled to serve in the fleet, they were compelled
+when there was not this encouragement for volunteers, which, perhaps,
+they would have accepted if it had been then proposed, Every man, at
+least, will allege, that he would have accepted it, and complain he
+suffers only by the fault of the government; a government which he will
+not be very zealous to defend, while he is considered with less regard
+than others, from whom no greater services are expected.
+
+A prospect of new rewards, sir, will add new alacrity to all the forces,
+and an equal distribution of favour will secure an unshaken and
+inviolable fidelity. Nothing but union can produce success, and nothing
+can secure union but impartiality and justice.
+
+Mr. SANDYS rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the efficacy of rewards,
+and the necessity of an impartial distribution, are no unfruitful
+subjects for rhetorick; but it may, perhaps, be more useful at present
+to consider, with such a degree of attention as the question must be
+acknowledged to deserve, to whom these rewards are to be paid, and from
+what fund they are expected to arise.
+
+With regard to those who are to claim the reward, sir, they seem very
+negligently specified; for they are distinguished only by the character
+of having served five years; a distinction unintelligible, without
+explanation.
+
+It is, I suppose, sir, the intent of the bill, that no man shall miss
+the reward but by his own fault; and, therefore, it may be inquired,
+what is to be the fate of him who shall be disabled in his first
+adventure, whom in the first year, or month, of his service, an unlucky
+shot shall confine for the remaining part of his life to inactivity: as
+the bill is now formed, he must be miserable without a recompense; and
+his wounds, which make him unable to support himself, will, though
+received in defence of his country, entitle him to no support from the
+publick.
+
+Nor is this the only difficulty that may arise from the specifying of so
+long a service; for how can any man that shall enter on board the fleet
+be informed that the war will continue for five years? May we not all
+justly hope, that alacrity, unanimity, and prudence, may, in a much
+shorter time, reduce our enemies to beg for peace? And shall our sailors
+lose the reward of their hazards and their labours, only because they
+have been successful? What will this be less than making their bravery a
+crime or folly, and punishing them for not protracting the war by
+cowardice or treachery?
+
+But let us suppose, sir, those defects supplied by a more explicit and
+determinate specification; there will yet arise an objection far more
+formidable; an objection, which the present state of our revenues will
+not suffer to be answered. The consideration of the greatness of the
+annual payment which this proposal requires, ought to incite every man
+to employ all his sagacity in search of some other method, equally
+efficacious, and less expensive.
+
+We have already, sir, forty thousand seamen in our pay, to whom eight
+thousand more are speedily to be added: when each of these shall demand
+his stipend, a new burden of two hundred and eighty-eight thousand
+pounds must be laid upon the nation; upon a nation, whose lands are
+mortgaged, whose revenues are anticipated, and whose taxes cannot be
+borne without murmurs, nor increased without sedition.
+
+The nation has found, by experience, that taxes once imposed for just
+reasons, and continued upon plausible pretences, till they are become
+familiar, are afterwards continued upon motives less laudable, are too
+productive of influence, and too instrumental towards facilitating the
+measures of the ministry, to be ever willingly remitted.
+
+Mr. BLADEN spoke next, as follows:--Sir, it is obvious, that when the
+balance is unequal, it may be reduced to an equilibrium, as well by
+taking weight out of one scale, as adding it to the other. The wages
+offered by the merchants overbalance, at present, those which are
+proposed by the crown; to raise the allowance in the ships of war, will
+be, to lay new loads upon the publick, and will incommode the merchants,
+whose wages must always bear the same proportion to the king's. The only
+method, then, that remains, is to lighten the opposite scale, by
+restraining the merchants from giving wages, in time of war, beyond a
+certain value; for, as the service of the crown is then more immediately
+necessarv to the general advantage than that of the merchants, it ought
+to be made more gainful. Sailors, sir, are not, generally, men of very
+extensive views; and, therefore, we cannot expect that they should
+prefer the general good of their country before their own present
+interest; a motive of such power, that even in men of curious
+researches, refined sentiments, and generous education, we see, too
+often, that it surmounts every other consideration.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke again:--Sir, to the expedient which the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last has suggested, and which he must be
+confessed to have placed in the strongest light, many objections may be
+raised, which I am afraid will not easily be removed.
+
+The first, sir, which occurs to me on this short reflection is not less
+than the impossibility of putting his scheme in execution. The
+prescription of wages which he proposes, may be eluded by a thousand
+artifices, by advanced money, by gratuitous acknowledgments, the payment
+of money for pretended services, or by secret contracts, which it would
+be the interest of both parties to conceal.
+
+But if this objection could be surmounted by severity and vigilance,
+would not this expedient help to defeat the general intention of the
+bill? A bill not designed as an immediate resource, a mere temporary
+project to supply our fleets for the present year, but as a method for
+removing the only obstruction of the British power, the difficulty of
+manning our ships of war.
+
+It is, I hope, sir, the intention of every man who has offered his
+sentiments on this occasion, to contrive some general encouragement for
+seamen, which shall not only invite them to assist their country at the
+first summons, but shall allure others to qualify themselves for the
+publick service, by engaging in the same profession.
+
+This is only to be done by making the condition of sailors less
+miserable, by entitling them to privileges, and honouring them with
+distinctions. But by limiting the merchant's wages, if such limitations
+are, indeed, possible, though we may palliate the present distress, we
+shall diminish the number of sailors, and thereby not only contract our
+commerce but endanger our country.
+
+Mr. TRACEY spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I know not for
+what reasons the present method of advancing rewards at entrance is
+practised, of which, however specious it might appear, the success by no
+means encourages the continuance. The sailors, though not a generation
+of men much disposed to reflection, or qualified for ratiocination, are
+not yet so void of thought as not easily to perceive that a small
+increase of constant wages is of more value than several pounds to be
+paid only at once, and which are squandered as soon as they are
+received.
+
+Instead, therefore, of restraining the wages of the merchants, it seems
+probable, that by raising those of the king, we may man the fleet with
+most expedition; and one method of raising the wages will be to suppress
+the advanced money.
+
+The ATTORNEY-GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, if the sum of money now paid by
+way of advance can be supposed to have any effect, if it can be imagined
+that any number of seamen, however inconsiderable, are allured by it
+into the fleet, it is more usefully employed than it can be supposed to
+be when sunk into the current wages, and divided into small payments.
+
+The advance money is only paid to those that enter: if no volunteers
+present themselves, no money is paid, and the nation doth not suffer by
+the offer: but if the wages are raised, the expense will be certain,
+without the certainty of advantage; for those that enter voluntarily
+into the fleet, will receive no more than those that are forced into it
+by an impress; and therefore there will be no incitement to enter
+without compulsion. Thus every other inconvenience will remain, with the
+addition of a new burden to the nation; our forces will be maintained at
+a greater expense, and not raised with less difficulty.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE said:--Sir, I cannot but concur in opinion with the
+honourable gentleman who spoke last, from my own acquaintance with the
+sentiments and habits that unalterably prevail among those who have been
+accustomed to the sea, a race of men to the last degree negligent of any
+future events, and careless about any provision against distant evils;
+men who have no thoughts at sea, but how to reach the land; nor at land,
+but how to squander what they have gained at sea. To men like these, it
+may easily be imagined that no encouragement is equal to the temptation
+of present gain, and the opportunity of present pleasure.
+
+Of this any man, sir, may convince himself, who shall talk to a crew but
+half an hour; for he shall find few among them, who will not, for a
+small sum of present money, sell any distant prospect of affluence or
+happiness.
+
+Whether I am mistaken in my opinion, the honourable members who have
+long commanded in the naval service can easily determine, and I doubt
+not but they will agree that no motive can be proposed to a sailor
+equivalent to immediate reward.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next:--Sir, that some distinction ought to be
+made to the advantage of volunteers, if we intend to man our fleet
+without compulsion, is obvious and incontestable; and to avoid the
+necessity of compulsion ought to be the chief end of this bill; for
+nothing can be less to the advantage of the nation, than to continue the
+use of such ungrateful methods, and yet increase the publick expense.
+
+We ought, therefore, in my opinion, to determine upon some peculiar
+reward, either to be advanced upon their entrance into the service, or
+paid at their dismission from it.
+
+But as I see, sir, no reason for hoping that all the encouragement which
+can be offered, will raise volunteers in a sufficient number to secure
+our navigation, and assert our sovereignty, it seems not proper to
+confine our consultations to this part of the bill; for since compulsion
+is on many occasions apparently necessary, some method requires to be
+considered, in which it may be legal.
+
+What new power ought to be placed in the magistrate, for what time, and
+with what restrictions, I am far from assuming the province of
+determining; but that some measures must be taken for compelling those
+who cannot be persuaded, and discovering those that will not offer
+themselves, cannot admit of doubt; and as the magistrate is at present
+without any authority for this purpose, it is evident that his power
+must be extended, for the same reason as it was given in its present
+degree--the general benefit of the whole community.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, if the
+intent of this bill be to enable one part of the nation to enslave the
+other; if the plausible and inviting professions of encouraging and
+increasing seamen, are to terminate in violence, constraint, and
+oppression; it is unnecessary to dwell longer upon particular clauses.
+The intention of the bill is detestable, and deserves not the ceremony
+of debate, or the forms of common regard.
+
+If a man, sir, is liable to be forced from the care of his own private
+affairs, from his favourite schemes of life, from the engagements of
+domestick tenderness, or the prospects of near advantage, and subjected,
+without his consent, to the command of one whom he hates, or dreads, or
+perhaps despises, it requires no long argument to show, that by whatever
+authority he is thus treated, he is reduced to the condition of a slave,
+to that abject, to that hateful state, which every Englishman has been
+taught to avoid at the hazard of his life.
+
+It is therefore evident, that a law which tends to confer such a power,
+subverts our constitution as far as its effects extend; a constitution,
+which was originally formed as a barrier against slavery, and which one
+age after another has endeavoured to strengthen.
+
+Such a power, therefore, in whatever hands it may be lodged, I shall
+always oppose. It is dangerous, sir, to intrust any man with absolute
+dominion, which is seldom known to be impartially exercised, and which
+often makes those corrupt, and insolent, whom it finds benevolent and
+honest.
+
+The bill proposes only encouragement, and encouragement may be given by
+his majesty, without a new law; let us, therefore, draw up an address,
+and cease to debate, where there is no prospect of agreement.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, the payment of an annual salary
+will, in my opinion, be to the last degree inconvenient and dangerous.
+The yearly expense has been already estimated, and arises to a sum very
+formidable in our present state. Nor is the necessity of adding to the
+publick burden, a burden which already is hard to be borne, the only
+objection to this proposal.
+
+Nothing can more contribute to dispirit the nation, than to protract the
+consequences of a war, and to make the calamity felt, when the pleasures
+of victory and triumph have been forgotten; we shall be inclined rather
+to bear oppression and insult than endeavour after redress, if we
+subject ourselves and our posterity to endless exactions.
+
+The expenses of the present provision for superannuated and disabled
+sailors, is no inconsiderable tax upon the publick, which is not less
+burdened by it for the manner of collecting it by a deduction from the
+sailors' wages; for, whoever pays it immediately, it is the ultimate
+gift of the nation, and the utmost that can be allowed for this purpose.
+
+It must be confessed, sir, the persons entitled to the pension are not
+sufficiently distinguished in the bill; by which, as it now stands, any
+of the worthless superfluities of a ship, even the servants of the
+captains, may, after five years, put in their demand, and plunder that
+nation which they never served.
+
+Nor do I think, sir, the efficacy of this method will bear any
+proportion to the expense of it; for I am of opinion, that few of the
+sailors will be much affected by the prospect of a future pension. I am,
+therefore, for dazzling them with five pounds, to be given them at their
+entrance, which will be but a single payment, and probably fill our
+fleets with greater expedition, than methods which appear more refined,
+and the effects of deeper meditation.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke in the following manner:--Sir, nothing is more clear
+than that a yearly pension will burden the nation, without any
+advantage; and as it will give occasion to innumerable frauds, it is a
+method which ought to be rejected.
+
+As to the new power, sir, which is proposed to be placed in the hands of
+the magistrates, it undoubtedly reduces every sailor to a state of
+slavery, and is inconsistent with that natural right to liberty, which
+is confirmed and secured by our constitution. The bill, therefore, is,
+in my opinion, defective in all its parts, of a tendency generally
+pernicious, and cannot be amended but by rejecting it.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, I cannot but think it
+necessary, that on this occasion, at least, gentlemen should remit the
+ardour of disputation, and lay the arts of rhetorick aside; that they
+should reserve their wit and their satire for questions of less
+importance, and unite, for once, their endeavours, that this affair may
+meet with no obstructions but from its natural difficulty.
+
+We are now, sir, engaged in a war with a nation, if not of the first
+rank in power, yet by no means contemptible in itself; and, by its
+alliances, extremely formidable. We are exposed, by the course of our
+trade, and the situation of our enemies, to many inevitable losses, and
+have no means of preventing our merchants from being seized, without any
+danger or expense to the Spaniards, but by covering the sea with our
+squadrons.
+
+Nor are we, sir, to satisfy ourselves with barely defeating the designs
+of the Spaniards; our honour demands that we should force them to peace
+upon advantageous terms; that we should not repulse, but attack them;
+not only preserve our own trade and possessions, but endanger theirs.
+
+It is by no means certain, sir, that in the prosecution of these designs
+we shall not be interrupted by the interest or jealousy of a nation far
+more powerful, whose forces we ought, therefore, to be able to resist.
+
+A vigorous exertion of our strength will probably either intimidate any
+other power that may be inclined to attack us, or enable us to repel the
+injuries that shall be offered: discord and delay can only confirm our
+open enemies in their obstinacy, and animate those that have hitherto
+concealed their malignity to declare against us.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, in no degree prudent to aggravate the
+inconveniencies of the measures proposed for accomplishing what every
+man seems equally to desire; to declaim against the expedients offered
+in the bill as pernicious, unjust, and oppressive, contributes very
+little to the production of better means. That our affairs will not
+admit of long suspense, and that the present methods of raising seamen
+are not effectual, is universally allowed; it, therefore, evidently
+follows, sir, that some other must be speedily struck out.
+
+I think it necessary to propose, that the house be resolved into a
+committee to-morrow morning; and hope all that shall assemble on this
+occasion, will bring with them no other passion than zeal for their
+country.
+
+[The speaker having taken the chair, the chairman of the committee
+reported, that they had made some progress; and desiring leave to sit
+again, it was resolved to go into the committee again on the morrow.]
+
+
+MARCH 4, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-second day the affair was put off; but on the sixty-third,
+the house resolving itself into a committee, a clause was offered, by
+which five pounds were proposed to be advanced to an able seaman, and
+three pounds to every other man that should enter voluntarily into his
+majesty's service, after twenty days, and within sixty.
+
+After which, Mr. WINNINGTON spoke as follows:--Sir, this is a clause in
+which no opposition can be apprehended, as those gentlemen who declared
+their disapprobation of the former, were almost unanimous in proposing
+this expedient, as the least expensive, and the most likely to succeed.
+
+The time for the reception of volunteers upon this condition, is, sir,
+in my opinion, judiciously determined. If it was extended to a greater
+length, or left uncertain, the reward would lose its efficacy, the
+sailors would neglect that which they might accept at any time, and
+would only have recourse to the ships of war when they could find no
+other employment.
+
+Yet I cannot conceal my apprehensions, that this bounty will not alone
+be sufficient to man our fleets with proper expedition; and that as
+allurements may be useful on one hand, force will be found necessary on
+the other; that the sailors may not only be incited to engage in the
+service by the hopes of a reward, but by the fear of having their
+negligence to accept it punished, by being compelled into the same
+service, and forfeiting their claim by staying to be compelled.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, to the reward
+proposed in this clause, I have declared in the former conference on
+this bill, that I have no objection, and, therefore, have no amendment
+to propose, except with regard to the time limited for the payment.
+
+As our need of seamen, sir, is immediate, why should not a law for their
+encouragement immediately operate? What advantage can arise from
+delays? Or why is not that proper to be advanced now, that will be
+proper in twenty days? That all the time between the enaction and
+operation of this law must be lost, is evident; for who will enter for
+two pounds, that may gain five by withholding himself from the service
+twenty days longer?
+
+Nor do I think the time now limited sufficient; many sailors who are now
+in the service of the merchants, may not return soon enough to lay claim
+to the bounty, who would gladly accept it, and who will either not serve
+the crown without it, or will serve with disgust and complaints; as the
+loss of it cannot be imputed to their backwardness, but to an accident
+against which they could not provide.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, though I think the time now fixed by the
+bill sufficient, as I hope that our present exigency will be but of
+short continuance, and that we shall soon be able to raise naval forces
+at a cheaper rate, yet as the reasons alleged for an alteration of the
+time may appear to others of more weight than to me, I shall not oppose
+the amendment.
+
+Sir John BARNARD next rose, and said:--Sir, with regard to the duration
+of the time fixed for the advancement of this bounty, we may have
+leisure to deliberate; but surely it must be readily granted by those
+who have expatiated so copiously upon the present exigencies of our
+affairs, that it ought immediately to commence. And if this be the
+general determination of the house, nothing can be more proper than to
+address his majesty to offer, by proclamation, an advance of five
+pounds, instead of two, which have been hitherto given; that while we
+are concerting other measures for the advantage of our country, those in
+which we have already concurred may be put in execution.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY rose up next, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I take this
+opportunity to lay before the house a grievance which very much retards
+the equipment of our fleets, and which must be redressed before any
+measures for reconciling the sailors to the publick service can be
+pursued with the least probability of success.
+
+Observation, sir, has informed me, that to remove the detestation of the
+king's service, it is not necessary to raise the wages of the seamen; it
+is necessary only to secure them; it is necessary to destroy those
+hateful insects that fatten in idleness and debauchery upon the gains of
+the industrious and honest.
+
+When a sailor, sir, after the fatigues and hazards of a long voyage,
+brings his ticket to the pay-office, and demands his wages, the
+despicable wretch to whom he is obliged to apply, looks upon his ticket
+with an air of importance, acknowledges his right, and demands a reward
+for present payment; with this demand, however exorbitant, the
+necessities of his family oblige him to comply.
+
+In this manner, sir, are the wives of the sailors also treated when they
+come to receive the pay of their husbands; women, distressed,
+friendless, and unsupported; they are obliged to endure every insult,
+and to yield to every oppression. And to such a height do these
+merciless exacters raise their extortions, that sometimes a third part
+of the wages is deducted.
+
+Thus, sir, do the vilest, the meanest of mankind, plunder those who have
+the highest claim to the esteem, the gratitude, and the protection of
+their country. This is the hardship which withholds the sailors from our
+navies, and forces them to seek for kinder treatment in other countries.
+This hardship, sir, both justice and prudence call upon us to remedy;
+and while we neglect it, all our deliberations will be ineffectual.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL then spoke to this effect:--Sir, of the hardships
+mentioned by the honourable gentleman who spoke last, I have myself
+known an instance too remarkable not to be mentioned. A sailor in
+Ireland, after his voyage, met with so much difficulty in obtaining his
+wages, that he was at length reduced to the necessity of submitting to
+the reduction of near a sixth part. Such are the grievances with which
+those are oppressed, upon whom the power, security, and happiness of the
+nation are acknowledged to depend.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE, the prime minister, then rose, and spoke as
+follows:--Sir, it is not without surprise that I hear the disgust of the
+sailors ascribed to any irregularity in the payment of their wages,
+which were never, in any former reign, so punctually discharged. They
+receive, at present, twelve months' pay in eighteen months, without
+deduction; so that there are never more than six months for which any
+demand remains unsatisfied.
+
+But, sir, the punctuality of the payment has produced of late great
+inconveniencies; for there has been frequently a necessity of removing
+men from one ship to another; and it is the stated rule of the
+pay-office, to assign every man so removed his full pay. These men, when
+the government is no longer indebted to them, take the first opportunity
+of deserting the service, and engaging in business to which they are
+more inclined.
+
+This is not a chimerical complaint, founded upon rare instances, and
+produced only to counterbalance an objection; the fact and the
+consequences are well known; so well, that near fourteen hundred sailors
+are computed to have been lost by this practice.
+
+The PRESIDENT of the commons, who always in a committee takes his seat
+as another member, rose here, and spoke to the following effect, his
+honour being paymaster of the navy:--Mr. Chairman, the nature of the
+employment with which I am intrusted makes it my duty to endeavour that
+this question may be clearly understood, and the condition of the
+seamen, with regard to the reception of their pay, justly represented.
+
+I have not been able to discover that any sailor, upon producing his
+ticket, was ever obliged to submit to the deduction of any part of his
+wages, nor should any clerk or officer under my inspection, escape, for
+such oppression, the severest punishment and most publick censure: I
+would give him up to the law without reserve, and mark him as infamous,
+and unworthy of any trust or employment.
+
+But there are extortions, sir, by which those unhappy men, after having
+served their country with honesty and courage, are deprived of their
+lawful gains of diligence and labour. There are men to whom it is usual
+amongst the sailors to mortgage their pay before it becomes due, who
+never advance their money but upon such terms as cannot be mentioned
+without indignation. These men advance the sum which is stipulated, and
+by virtue of a letter of attorney are reimbursed at the pay-office.
+
+This corruption is, I fear, not confined to particular places, but has
+spread even to America, where, as in his own country, the poor sailor is
+seduced, by the temptation of present money, to sell his labour to
+extortioners and usurers.
+
+I appeal to the gentleman, whether the instance which he mentioned was
+not of this kind. I appeal to him without apprehension of receiving an
+answer that can tend to invalidate what I have asserted.
+
+This, sir, is, indeed, a grievance pernicious and oppressive, which no
+endeavours of mine shall be deficient in attempting to remove; for by
+this the sailor is condemned, notwithstanding his industry and success,
+to perpetual poverty, and to labour only for the benefit of his
+plunderer.
+
+[The clauses were then read, "empowering the justices of the peace, etc.
+to issue warrants to the constables, etc. to make general privy
+searches, by day or night, for finding out and securing such seamen and
+seafaring men as lie hid or conceal themselves; and making it lawful for
+the officers appointed to make such searches, to force open the doors of
+any house, where they shall _suspect_ such seamen to be concealed, if
+entrance be not readily admitted; and for punishing those who shall
+harbour or conceal any seaman."]
+
+Sir John BARNARD upon this rose up, and spoke to the following
+effect:--Mr. Chairman, we have been hitherto deliberating upon
+questions, in which diversity of opinions might naturally be expected,
+and in which every man might indulge his own opinion, whatever it might
+be, without any dangerous consequences to the publick. But the clauses
+now before us are of a different kind; clauses which cannot be read
+without astonishment and indignation, nor defended without betraying the
+liberty of the best, the bravest, and most useful of our
+fellow-subjects.
+
+If these clauses, sir, should pass into a law, a sailor and a slave will
+become terms of the same signification. Every man who has devoted
+himself to the most useful profession, and most dangerous service of his
+country, will see himself deprived of every advantage which he has
+laboured to obtain, and made the mere passive property of those who live
+in security by his valour, and owe to his labour that affluence which
+hardens them to insensibility, and that pride that swells them to
+ingratitude.
+
+Why must the sailors alone, sir, be marked out from all the other orders
+of men for ignominy and misery? Why must they be ranked with the enemies
+of society, stopped like vagabonds, and pursued like the thief and the
+murderer by publick officers? How or when have they forfeited the common
+privilege of human nature, or the general protection of the laws of
+their country? If it is a just maxim, sir, that he who contributes most
+to the welfare of the publick, deserves most to be protected in the
+enjoyment of his private right or fortune; a principle which surely will
+not be controverted; where is the man that dares stand forth and assert,
+that he has juster claims than the brave, the honest, the diligent
+sailor?
+
+I am extremely unwilling, sir, to engage in so invidious an undertaking
+as the comparison of the harmless, inoffensive, resolute sailor, with
+those who think themselves entitled to treat him with contempt, to
+overlook his merit, invade his liberty, and laugh at his remonstrances.
+
+Nor is it, sir, necessary to dwell upon the peculiar merit of this body
+of men; it is sufficient that they have the same claims, founded upon
+the same reasons with our own, that they have never forfeited them by
+any crime, and, therefore, that they cannot be taken away without the
+most flagrant violation of the laws of nature, of reason, and of our
+country.
+
+Let us consider the present condition of a sailor, let us reflect a
+little upon the calamities to which custom, though not law, has already
+made him subject, and it will surely not be thought that his unhappiness
+needs any aggravation.
+
+He is already exposed to be forced, upon his return from a tedious
+voyage, into new hardships, without the intermission of a day, and
+without the sight of his family; he is liable, after a contract for a
+pleasing and gainful voyage, to be hurried away from his prospects of
+interest, and condemned amidst oppression and insolence, to labour and
+to danger, almost without the possibility of a recompense. He has
+neither the privilege of choosing his commander, nor of leaving him when
+he is defrauded and oppressed.
+
+These, sir, I say, are the calamities to which he is now subject, but
+there is now a possibility of escaping them. He is not yet deprived of
+the right of resistance, or the power of flight; he may now retire to
+his friend, and be protected by him; he may take shelter in his own
+cottage, and treat any man as a robber, that shall attempt to force his
+doors.
+
+When any crews are returning home in time of war, they are acquainted
+with the dangers of an impress, but they comfort themselves with
+contriving stratagems to elude it, or with the prospect of obtaining an
+exemption from it by the favour of their friends; prospects which are
+often deceitful, and stratagems frequently defeated, but which yet
+support their spirits, and animate their industry.
+
+But if this bill, sir, should become a law, the sailor, instead of
+amusing himself on his return with the prospects of ease, or of
+pleasure, will consider his country as a place of slavery, a residence
+less to be desired than any other part of the world. He will probably
+seek, in the service of some foreign prince, a kinder treatment; and
+will not fail, in any country but his own, to see himself, at least, on
+a level with other men.
+
+Nor will this bill, sir, only give the seamen new reasons of disgust,
+but it will tend, likewise, to aggravate those grievances, which already
+have produced a detestation of the publick service, scarcely to be
+conquered.
+
+The officers of the navy, sir, will hardly be made less insolent by an
+increase of power; they whose tyranny has already alienated their
+fellow-subjects from the king's service, though they could only depend
+upon the character of probity and moderation for the prospect of manning
+their ships in succeeding expeditions, will probably, when they are
+animated by a law like this, and made absolute both by land and sea,
+indulge themselves in the enjoyment of their new authority, contrive new
+hardships and oppressions, and tyrannise without fear and without mercy.
+Thus, sir, will the bill not only be tyrannical in itself, but the
+parent of tyranny; it will give security to the cruel, and confidence to
+the arrogant.
+
+That any man, at least any man bred from his infancy to change his
+residence, and accustomed to different climates and to foreign nations,
+will fix by choice in that country where he finds the worst reception,
+is hardly to be imagined. We see indeed, that men unqualified to support
+themselves in other countries, or who have, by long custom, contracted a
+fondness for particular methods of life, will bear very uncomfortable
+circumstances, without endeavouring to improve their conditions by a
+change of their habitations. But the temper of a sailor, acquainted with
+all parts, and indifferent to all, is of another kind. Such, sir, is his
+love of change, arising either from wantonness, or curiosity, that he is
+hard to be retained by the kindest treatment and most liberal rewards;
+and will, therefore, never struggle with his habitual dispositions, only
+to continue in a state of slavery.
+
+I think it, therefore, sir, very evident that this new method of
+_encouraging_ sailors will be so far from _increasing_ them, that it may
+probably drive them out of the empire, and at once ruin our trade and
+our navy; at once beggar and disarm us.
+
+Let me now suppose, sir, for a moment, the bill less pernicious in its
+consequences, and consider only the difficulties of executing it. Every
+seafaring man is to be seized, at pleasure, by the magistrate; but what
+definition is given of a seafaring man? Or by what characteristick is
+the magistrate to distinguish him? I have never been able to discover
+any peculiarities in the form of a seaman that mark him out from the
+rest of the species. There is, indeed, less servility in his air, and
+less effeminacy in his face, than in those that are commonly to be seen
+in drawing-rooms, in brothels, and at reviews; but I know not that a
+seaman can be distinguished from any other man of equal industry or use,
+who has never enervated himself by vice, nor polished himself into
+corruption. So that this bill, sir, if it shall pass into a law, will
+put it at once in the power of the magistrate to dispose of seamen at
+his pleasure, and to term whom he pleases a seaman.
+
+Another expedient, sir, has been offered on this occasion, not equally
+tyrannical, but equally inadequate to the end in view. It is proposed to
+restrain the merchants from giving wages beyond a certain rate, on the
+supposition that the sailors have no motive but that of larger wages, to
+prefer the service of the merchants to that of the crown.
+
+This, sir, is a mistake which might easily arise from a partial and
+imperfect knowledge of the affair, with which very few gentlemen have
+opportunities of being well acquainted. The wages, sir, are the smallest
+inducements which fix the seamen in their choice. The prospect of kinder
+treatment, the certainty of returning home in a fixed time, and the
+power of choosing what voyages they will undertake, cannot but be
+acknowledged very reasonable motives of preference.
+
+On the contrary, sir, when they are once engaged in a ship of war, they
+know neither whither they are going, what dangers they shall encounter,
+what hardships they shall suffer, nor when they shall be dismissed.
+
+Besides, sir, I do not think it possible by any law to limit the wages
+to be paid by merchants, since they will change the term of wages into
+that of a present, or admit the sailors to a small share in the freight,
+and so all the precaution we can take will become ineffectual.
+
+In the mean time, sir, how much shall we embarrass our own commerce, and
+impair our natural strength--the power of our fleets? We shall terrify
+our sailors on the one hand, and endeavour to starve them on the other;
+we shall not only drive them from us by unheard-of severities, but take
+away every motive that can induce them to expose themselves to the
+danger of suffering them.
+
+If we consider, sir, with what effect methods nearly approaching these
+were practised in the reign of the late queen, we shall find that not
+more than one thousand five hundred seamen were raised, and those at the
+expense of more than four thousand pounds; so that the effects bore no
+proportion to the means; our laws were infringed, and our constitution
+violated to no purpose.
+
+But what reason, sir, can be assigned for which it must be more
+difficult to supply the fleet now with sailors than at any other time?
+This war, sir, was demanded by the publick voice, in pursuance of the
+particular remonstrances of the merchants, and it is not to be supposed
+that the sailors or any other body of men engage in it with a particular
+reluctance.
+
+I am, therefore, inclined to believe that the suspicion of great numbers
+hid in the country, at a distance from the coast, is merely chimerical;
+and that if we should pass this bill, we should do nothing more than
+grant an oppressive and unconstitutional power of search for what, in
+reality, is not to be found.
+
+How oppressive this power may become in the hands of a corrupt or
+insolent magistrate, any man may discover, who remembers that the
+magistrate is made judge without appeal, of his own right to denominate
+any man a sailor, and that he may break open any man's doors at any
+time, without alleging any other reason than his own suspicion; so that
+no man can secure his house from being searched, or, perhaps, his person
+from being seized.
+
+It may, indeed, be alleged, sir, that this will be only a temporary law,
+and is to cease with the exigence that made it necessary: but long
+experience has informed us, that severe laws are enacted more readily
+than they are repealed; and that most men are too fond of power to
+suffer willingly the diminution of it.
+
+But, sir, though this law should not be perpetuated, every precedent of
+an infringement of our constitution, makes way for its dissolution; and
+the very cessation of an oppressive law, may be a plea, hereafter, for
+the revival of it.
+
+This bill, therefore, must be confessed to be at once violent and
+ineffectual; to be a transgression of the laws of justice to particular
+men, without any prospect of real benefit to the community; and,
+therefore, cannot be passed without deviating at once from prudence and
+our constitution.
+
+Captain CORNWALL then rose, and spoke to this effect:--I have observed,
+sir, that every man is apt to think himself ill treated, who is not
+treated according to his own opinion of his deserts, and will endeavour
+to diffuse his own notion of the partiality and tyranny of the naval
+officers; general clamours, therefore, are little to be regarded.
+
+I have had, from my early years, a command in the sea service, and can
+assert, that I never knew more than one instance of injustice, and that
+was punished with the severity which it deserved.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER rose next, and spoke to this effect:--Mr. Chairman,
+it is with uncommon satisfaction that I see every clause of this bill
+regularly debated, without unbecoming impatience, or passionate
+exclamations. I am willing to collect from this conduct, that the
+disposition of every gentleman is, on this occasion, the same with my
+own; and that every expedient here proposed will be diligently examined,
+and either be seriously approved, or be calmly rejected.
+
+Such coolness and impartiality, sir, is certainly required by the
+importance of the present question; a question which cannot but
+influence the prosperity of the nation for many years.
+
+It is not necessary to remind any gentleman of the importance of our
+trade, of the power of the enemy against whom we have declared war in
+defence of it, or of the necessity of showing the world that our
+declarations of war are not empty noises, or farces of resentment. But
+it may be proper, sir, to remark, that this is not the only enemy, nor
+the most powerful, whose attempts we have reason to provide against, and
+who may oblige us to exert our whole power, and practise every expedient
+to increase our forces.
+
+The war has been, hitherto, prosecuted with the utmost vigour, with all
+the attention that its importance requires, and with success not
+disproportioned to our preparations; nor will it ever be suffered to
+languish, if the powers necessary for carrying it on are not denied.
+
+Nothing is more evident, sir, than that the natural power of the nation
+consists in its fleets, which are now, by the care of the government, so
+numerous, that the united power of many nations cannot equal them. But
+what are fleets unfurnished with men? How will they maintain the
+dominion of the sea, by lying unactive in our harbours?
+
+That no methods, hitherto used, have been sufficient to man our navies,
+and that our preparations have, therefore, been little more than an
+expensive show of war, the whole nation is sufficiently informed; it is,
+therefore, not doubtful that some new measures must be taken; whether
+any better can be suggested than are offered in this bill, must be
+inquired.
+
+With regard, sir, to the clause now under our consideration, it is to be
+remembered, that little more is proposed by it, than to add the sanction
+of legality to a power which has long been exercised by the admiralty,
+without any other authority than that of long prescription, the power of
+issuing warrants of impress upon emergent occasions, by which sailors
+are forced into the publick service.
+
+This power, in its present state, must be allowed to have no foundation
+in any law, and, by consequence, to be unlimited, arbitrary, and easily
+abused, and, upon the whole, to be justifiable only by necessity: but
+that necessity is so frequent, that it is often exercised, and,
+therefore, ought to be regulated by the legislature; and by making such
+regulations, we may rather be said to remove than introduce a grievance.
+
+The power of searching for sailors, however it has been represented, is
+far from setting them on a level with felons, murderers, or vagabonds;
+or, indeed, from distinguishing them, to their disadvantage, from the
+rest of the community, of which every individual is obliged to support
+the government.
+
+Those that possess estates, or carry on trades, transfer part of their
+property to the publick; and those ought, by parity of reason, to serve
+the publick in person, that have no property to transfer. Every man is
+secured by the constitution in the enjoyment of his life, his liberty,
+or his fortune; and, therefore, every man ought reciprocally to defend
+the constitution to which he is himself indebted for safety and
+protection.
+
+I am, therefore, sir, unable to discover in what consists the hardship
+of a law by which no new duties are enjoined, nor any thing required,
+which is not already every man's duty. Every man, indeed, who is
+desirous of evading the performance of any of the duties of society,
+will consider every compulsion as a hardship, by which he is obliged to
+contribute to the general happiness; but his murmurs will prove nothing
+but his own folly and ingratitude, and will certainly deserve no regard
+from the legislative power.
+
+There is in the bill before us, sir, encouragement sufficient for
+volunteers, and an offer of greater rewards than some gentlemen think
+consistent with the present state of the national revenues; and what
+remains to be done with respect to those who are deaf to all
+invitations, and blind to all offers of advantage? Are they to sit at
+ease only because they are idle, or to be distinguished with indulgence
+only for want of deserving it?
+
+It seems generally granted, sir, that such drones are the proper objects
+of an impress. Let us then suppose that every man who is willing to
+serve his country, has laid hold of the reward proposed, and entered a
+volunteer. The fleets are not yet sufficiently manned, and more sailors
+must be procured. Warrants are issued out in the common form. The
+negligent, the imprudent, the necessitous, are taken. The vigilant, the
+cunning, and those that have more money, find shelter and escape. Can it
+be said, that those whose circumstances, or good fortune, enable them to
+secure themselves from the officers of the impress, deserve any
+exemption from the publick service, or from the hardships to which their
+companions are exposed? Have they discharged their debt of gratitude to
+the publick so effectually by running away from its service, that no
+search ought to be made after them? It seems evident, that if it was
+right to seize the one, it is likewise right to pursue the other; and if
+it be right to pursue him, it is likewise right to hinder him from
+escaping the pursuers. It is then right to vest some persons with the
+power of apprehending him, and in whom is that power to be lodged, but
+in the civil magistrate?
+
+Every man, sir, is obliged by compulsive methods to serve his country,
+if he can be prevailed upon by no other. If any man shall refuse to pay
+his rates or his taxes, will not his goods be seized by force, and sold
+before his face? If any particular methods are proposed for obliging
+seamen to contribute to the publick safety, it is only because their
+service is necessary upon more pressing occasions than that of others;
+upon occasions which do not admit of delay, without the hazard of the
+whole community.
+
+I must confess, sir, there are instances in which the hardships of the
+seafaring part of the nation are peculiar, and truly calamitous. A
+sailor, after the dangers and toils of a long voyage, when he is now in
+the sight of the port, where he hopes to enjoy that quiet which he has
+deserved by so long a series of fatigues, to repair the injuries which
+his health has suffered, by change of climate, and the diet of the
+ships, and to recover that strength which incessant vigilance has worn
+away; when he is in expectation of being received by his family with
+those caresses, which the succours that he brings them naturally
+produce, and designs to rest awhile from danger and from care; in the
+midst of these pleasing views, he is, on the sudden, seized by an
+impress, and forced into a repetition of all his miseries, without any
+interval of refreshment.
+
+Let no man who can think without compassion on such a scene as this,
+boast his zeal for freedom, his regard for bravery, or his gratitude to
+those who contribute to the wealth and power of their country; let every
+man who declares himself touched with the pity which the slightest
+reflection upon such a disappointment must naturally produce, sincerely
+endeavour to obviate the necessity of such oppressive measures, which
+may, at least in part, be prevented, by assigning to magistrates the
+power of hunting out of their retreats, those who neglect the business
+of their callings, and linger at once in laziness and want.
+
+There are great numbers who retire not from weariness but idleness, or
+an unreasonable prepossession against the publick service; and, surely,
+nothing is more unreasonable, than that bad dispositions should be
+gratified, and that industry should expose any man to penalties.
+
+Upon the whole, sir, I am not able to discover, that any man should be
+exempted from an impress merely because he finds means to escape it, or
+because idleness or disinclination to the publick service prompts him to
+abscond.
+
+If any men deserve indulgence, in opposition to the demands of the
+publick, they are rather those who have already, in some degree,
+discharged their duty to it, by contributing to bring in that wealth
+which is the consequence of a prosperous and well-regulated commerce,
+and without which war cannot be supported.
+
+It is not without grief and regret, that I am obliged to represent, on
+this occasion, the obstructions which the war has suffered from those at
+whose request it was undertaken; and to declare, that the conduct of the
+merchants, has afforded proof that some law of this tendency is
+absolutely necessary.
+
+The merchants, sir, who have so loudly complained of the decline of
+trade, the interruption of navigation, and the insolence, rapacity, and
+cruelty of the Spaniards; the merchants, who filled the nation with
+representations of their hardships, discouragements, and miseries, and
+lamented in the most publick manner, that they were the only body for
+whom the legislature had no regard, who were abandoned to the caprice of
+other nations, were plundered abroad, and neglected at home; the
+merchants, after having at length by their importunities engaged the
+state in a war, of which they have themselves certainly not the least
+pretensions to question either the justice or necessity, now, when by
+the natural consequences of a naval armament, sailors become less
+numerous, and ships more difficult to be equipped, contract in private
+with such sailors as they are inclined to employ, and conceal them in
+garrets, hired for that purpose, till the freight is ready, or the
+danger of an impress is past, and thus secure their own private affairs
+at the hazard of the publick, and hinder the operations of a war, which
+they, and they only, solicited.
+
+The danger of having other enemies than the Spaniards, enemies, sir,
+more active, more powerful, and more ambitious, has already been
+mentioned; a danger so near, and so formidable, that he will not be
+thought very solicitous for his country, whom the bare mention of it
+does not alarm. This danger we are, therefore, to obviate by vigorous
+preparations, and unanimous resolutions; nor do I doubt but both our
+enemies, if they find us united, will repent of attacking us.
+
+Sir, the most efficacious method of manning our fleets, which law or
+custom has yet put into our hands, is that of suspending our commerce by
+an embargo; and yet the whole nation knows how much, and by what means,
+it has been eluded: no sooner was it known that an embargo was laid,
+than the sailors flew away into the country, or hid themselves in
+corners of this great city, as from the most formidable danger; and no
+sooner did the embargo cease, than the banks of the river were again
+crowded with sailors, and all the trading vessels were immediately
+supplied.
+
+As I cannot doubt, sir, that every gentleman is equally zealous for the
+success of the war, and the prosperity of his country; and as the
+insufficiency of the present methods of providing for them is apparent,
+I hope, that either the regulations proposed by this bill, to which I
+see no important objections, or some other of equal use, will be
+established by a general concurrence.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke next:--Though no gentleman in this assembly, sir,
+can more ardently wish the success of the British arms, or shall more
+willingly concur in any measure that may promote it, yet I cannot agree
+to the clause now under our consideration; I disapprove it both from
+moral and political motives; I disapprove it as neither just nor
+prudent.
+
+The injustice of so flagrant an invasion of the liberty of particular
+men has been already exposed; nor is it, in my opinion, less easy to
+discover the imprudence of exhausting all our supplies at once, and
+sweeping away all our sailors, to supply a single exigency.
+
+It has often been remarked, sir, in favour of a standing army, that it
+is requisite to have a number of regular forces, who, though too weak to
+oppose an invasion, might be able to establish discipline in a larger
+body. An observation which may, with much greater justness, be applied
+to the seamen, whose art is much more difficult to be attained, and who
+are equally necessary in war and peace.
+
+If our stock of seamen, sir, be destroyed, if there is not left in our
+trading vessels a sufficient number of experienced artists to initiate
+novices, and propagate the profession, not only our ships of war must
+lie useless, but our commerce sink to nothing.
+
+Nor have I reason to believe the naval power of France so formidable, as
+that we ought to be terrified by the apprehensions of it into any
+extraordinary methods of procedure. I am informed that they have now
+very few ships of force left in their harbours; and that they have
+exerted their whole strength in the American fleet.
+
+I am not, therefore, sir, for providing against present dangers, without
+regard to our future security; and think nothing more worthy of the
+consideration of this assembly, than the means of encouraging and
+increasing our seamen, which will not be effected by the bill before us.
+
+Land forces may be hired upon emergencies; but sailors are our own
+peculiar strength, and the growth of our own soil; we are, therefore,
+above all other regards, to attend, if I may use the term, to the
+preservation of the species.
+
+Mr. VYNER next spoke:--Mr. Chairman, as there can be no stronger
+objection to any law than ambiguity, or indeterminate latitude of
+meaning, I think it necessary to propose, that some word of known and
+limited import, be substituted in the place of _seafaring men_; an
+expression which, if I was asked the meaning of it, I should find it
+difficult to explain.
+
+Are _seafaring_ men those only who navigate in the _sea_? The term is
+then superfluous, for all such are evidently comprised in the word
+_seamen_. Are they bargemen or watermen, who ply on rivers and transport
+provision or commodities from one inland town to another? In that sense
+nobody will affirm that it is a proper word; and impropriety in the
+expression of laws, produces uncertainty in the execution of them.
+
+Captain CORNWALL rose up:--Sir, the term _seafaring men_, of which an
+explication is desired, is intended to include all those who live by
+conveying goods or passengers upon the water, whether the sea or inland
+rivers: nor can we restrain it to a narrower sense, without exempting
+from the publick service great numbers, whose manner of life has
+qualified them for it, and from whom their country may, with equal
+justice, expect assistance, as from those who are engaged in foreign
+traffick.
+
+Mr. VYNER replied:--Sir, I am far from concurring with the honourable
+gentleman in his opinion, that the inland watermen are, by their
+profession, in any degree qualified for sea service, or can properly be
+called _seafaring men_.
+
+All qualifications for the service must consist either in some knowledge
+of the arts of navigation, or in some familiarity with the dangers of
+the sea. With regard to any previous knowledge of naval business, it is
+well known that they have no advantage over any common labourer; for the
+manner of navigating a ship and a barge have, for the most part, nothing
+in common.
+
+Nor are these watermen, sir, more able to stand firm in the terrours of
+the storm, or the noise of a battle, than those who follow any other
+occupation. Many of them never saw the sea, nor have less dread of its
+danger than the other inhabitants of the inland counties. They are,
+therefore, neither _seafaring_ men, nor peculiarly capable of being made
+_seamen_.
+
+But the hardship upon particular men is not the strongest objection to
+this clause, which, by obstructing our inland navigation, may make our
+rivers useless, and set the whole trade of the nation at a stand. For
+who will bring up his son a waterman, who knows him exposed by that
+profession to be impressed for a seaman?
+
+It seems, therefore, necessary, sir, either to omit the term _seafaring
+men_ [Footnote: Agreed to be omitted.], or to explain it in such a
+manner, that inland watermen may not be included.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next:--Sir, so much has been urged against the
+compulsive methods proposed in this clause, and so little produced in
+favour of them, that it may seem superfluous to add any thing, or to
+endeavour, by a multiplicity of arguments, to prove what common reason
+must immediately discover. But there is one consequence of this clause
+which has not yet been observed, and which is yet too important not to
+be obviated by a particular proviso.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many of those to whom this act will extend,
+are freeholders and voters, for electing the representatives of the
+nation; and it is therefore apparent, that elections may be influenced
+by an ill-timed or partial execution of it. How easy will it be, when an
+election approaches, to raise a false alarm, to propose some secret
+expedition, or threaten us with an invasion from some unknown country,
+and to seize on all the seafaring voters whose affections are suspected,
+and confine them at Spithead till the contest is over.
+
+I cannot, therefore, sir, but think it necessary, that if this clause be
+suffered to pass, some part of its hateful consequences should be
+prevented by an exception in favour of freeholders and voters, which,
+surely, is no less than what every man owes to his own security, to the
+welfare of his country, and to those by whom he has been honoured with
+the care of their liberties.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then said, as follows:--Sir, I do not rise in
+opposition to the proposal made by that right honourable member, nor do
+I think this the proper time either for opposing or approving it. Method
+is of the highest importance in inquiries like these; and if the order
+of the debate be interrupted by foreign questions, or incidental
+objections, no man will be able to consider the clauses before us with
+the attention necessary to his own satisfaction, or to the conviction of
+others; the mind will be dissipated by a multiplicity of views, and
+nothing can follow but perplexity and confusion.
+
+The great end, sir, for which we are now assembled, is to strike out
+methods of manning the fleet with expedition and certainty. It is,
+therefore, proper, in the first place, to agree upon some general
+measures, to each of which there may, undoubtedly, be particular
+objections raised, that may be afterwards removed by exceptions or
+provisions; but these provisions should, for the sake of order, be
+inserted in particular clauses, to be separately considered.
+
+Of this kind is the exception now offered, to which I have no objection
+but its present impropriety, and the interruption of the debate which it
+may now occasion; for I see, at present, no reason against admitting it
+in a particular clause.
+
+When it is considered how much the success of the war may depend upon
+the determinations of this day, and how much our future happiness and
+security may depend upon the success of our present undertakings, I hope
+my solicitude for regularity and expedition will be easily excused.
+
+Sir Hind COTTON answered:--I am not able, sir, to discover any imminent
+danger to the nation in suspending our attention to the clause before
+us, for a few moments; nor, indeed, do we cease to attend to it, while
+we are endeavouring to mollify it, and adapt it to our constitution.
+
+The exception proposed is, in the opinion of the honourable gentleman,
+so reasonable, that he declares himself ready to approve it in another
+place; and, to me, no place seems more proper of its making part of this
+bill than this. As a connexion between the clause and exception appears
+necessary and immediate, I cannot see why it should be postponed, unless
+it is hoped that it may be forgotten.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke:--Sir, that this exception should be forgotten
+there is no danger; for how long soever it be delayed, I will never
+agree to the act till I see it inserted. If we suffer the liberty of the
+freeholders to be infringed, what can we expect but to be charged with
+betraying our trust, and giving up to servitude and oppression those who
+deputed us to this assembly, as the guardians of their privileges, and
+the asserters of their birthright; a charge too just to be denied, and
+too atrocious to be borne.
+
+Sir, the right of a freeholder is independent on every other
+circumstance, and is neither made more or less by wealth or poverty: the
+estate, however small, which gives a right of voting, ought to exempt
+the owner from every restraint that may hinder the exertion of his
+right; a right on which our constitution is founded, and which cannot be
+taken away without subverting our whole establishment.
+
+To overlook the distinctions which the fundamental laws of our country
+have made in respect to different orders of men, and to regard only the
+accidents of affluence and necessity, is surely unjust in itself, and
+unworthy of this assembly; an assembly, sir, instituted principally to
+protect the weak against the strong, and deputed to represent those, in
+a collective state, who are not considerable enough to appear singly,
+and claim a voice in the legislature.
+
+To expose an honest, a laborious, and an useful man, to be seized by the
+hands of an insolent officer, and dragged from the enjoyment of his
+right, only because he will not violate his conscience, and add his
+voice to those of sycophants, dependents, and prostitutes, the slaves of
+power, the drudges of a court, and the hirelings of a faction, is the
+highest degree of injustice and cruelty. Let us rather, sir, sweep away,
+with an impress, the drones of large fortunes, the tyrants of villages,
+and the oppressors of the poor; let us oblige those to serve their
+country by force, whose fortunes have had no other effect than to make
+them insolent and worthless; but let such who, by contributing to
+commerce, make every day some addition to the publick wealth, be left in
+the full enjoyment of the rights which they deserve: let those, by whose
+labour the expenses of the war are furnished, be excused from
+contributing to it by personal service.
+
+It is necessary, sir, to have our laws established by the
+representatives of the people; it is necessary that those
+representatives should be freely elected; and, therefore, every law that
+obstructs the liberty of voters, is contrary to the fundamental laws of
+our constitution; and what multitudes may, by this law, be either
+hindered from giving their votes, or be terrified into such a choice as
+by no means corresponds with their judgments or inclinations, it is easy
+to foresee.
+
+I am, indeed, of opinion, sir, that this clause cannot be adapted to our
+constitution, nor modified, by any expedient, into a law, which will not
+lay insupportable hardships upon the nation, and make way for absolute
+power. But as it is necessary that a constant supply of seamen should be
+provided, I think it not improper to observe, that there is one
+expedient yet remaining, by which, though it will not much assist us in
+our present exigence, the fleets of this nation may hereafter be
+constantly supported.
+
+We have, at present, great numbers of charity schools established in
+this nation, where the children of the poor receive an education
+disproportioned to their birth. This has often no other consequences
+than to make them unfit for their stations, by placing them, in their
+own opinion, above the drudgery of daily labour; a notion which is too
+much indulged, as idleness, cooperating with vanity, can hardly fail to
+gain the ascendant, and which sometimes prompts them to support
+themselves by practices not only useless, but pernicious to society.
+This evil, sir, cannot be better obviated than by allotting a reasonable
+proportion out of every school to the service of the sea, in which, by
+entering early, they cannot fail to become proficients; and where their
+attainments, which, at present, too frequently produce laziness and
+dishonesty, might enable them to excel, and entitle them to promotion.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, notwithstanding the confidence with which
+some gentlemen have proposed this amendment, and the easiness with which
+others have consented to it, I declare, without hesitation, that I
+oppose it now, and intend to oppose it whenever it shall be offered,
+because it will defeat all the other provisions which shall be made in
+the bill.
+
+I will venture to say, sir, that if every man, who has, by whatever
+tenure, the right of voting, shall be exempted from the necessity of
+contributing to the publick safety by his personal service, every man
+qualified for the sea will by some means acquire a vote.
+
+Sir, a very small part of those who give their votes in this nation for
+representatives in senate, enjoy that right as the appendage of a
+freehold; to live in some towns, and to be born only in others, gives
+the unalienable privilege of voting. Any gentleman, to secure his own
+interest, or obstruct the publick service, may, by dividing a small
+piece of barren ground among a hundred sailors, exalt them all to
+freeholders, and exempt them from the influence of this law.
+
+However, sir, I am not less a friend to the freeholders than those who
+propose the exception in their favour, but, in my opinion, the great
+interest of the freeholders is the preservation of their freeholds,
+which can only be secured by a vigorous exertion of the power of the
+nation, in the war which is now declared against the Spaniards.
+
+Mr. BARRINGTON spoke next:--Sir, by the observations which I have
+opportunities of making at the place which I have the honour to
+represent, I am convinced of the influence that this law will have upon
+all the boroughs along the coasts. There, most of the voters are, in one
+sense or other, sir, seafaring men, being, almost all of them, owners of
+vessels, and in some degree acquainted with navigation; they may,
+therefore, be hurried away at the choice of an officious or oppressive
+magistrate, who may, by partiality and injustice, obtain a majority,
+contrary to the general inclination of the people, and determine the
+election by his own authority.
+
+Sir William YONGE then said:--Sir, if every freeholder and voter is to
+be exempted from the influence of the law, the bill that we are with so
+much ardour endeavouring to draw up and rectify, and of which the
+necessity is so generally acknowledged, will be no other than an empty
+sound, and a determination without an object; for while we are
+empowering the government to call seamen into the service, we are
+exempting almost all that are able to serve from the denomination of
+seamen: what is this but to dispute without a subject? to raise with one
+hand and demolish with the other?
+
+In the western parts of the nation, sir, where I reside, many who vote
+at elections claim their privilege by no other title than that of
+boiling a pot; a title which he who has it not, may easily obtain, when
+it will either gratify his laziness or his cowardice, and which, though
+not occasionally obtained, seems not sufficient to set any man out of
+the reach of a just and necessary law.
+
+It is, therefore, sir, undoubtedly requisite that the terms of the
+exception should be explicit and definitive, and that only those should
+be exempted who have such possessions or qualifications as this assembly
+shall think a just title to exemption. For on the western coast, from
+whence great supplies may be expected, almost every sailor has a vote,
+to which nothing is there required but to hire a lodging, and boil a
+pot; after which, if this exception be admitted in all its latitude, he
+may sit at ease amidst the distresses of his country, ridicule the law
+which he has eluded, and set the magistrate at open defiance.
+
+The PRIME MINISTER spoke next:--As I think, Sir, some exception may be
+just and proper, so I suppose every gentleman will concur with me in
+rejecting one of such extent as shall leave no object for the operation
+of the law.
+
+It is, in my opinion, proper to restrain the exemption to those
+freeholders who are possessed of such an estate as gives a vote for the
+representative of the county, by which those whose privilege arises from
+their property will be secured; and it seems reasonable that those who
+have privileges without property, should purchase them by their
+services.
+
+Counsellor BROWN spoke next:--Sir, the exception proposed will not only
+defeat the end of the bill, by leaving it few objects, but will obstruct
+the execution of it on proper occasions, and involve the magistrate in
+difficulties which will either intimidate him in the exertion of his
+authority, or, if he persists in discharging his duty with firmness and
+spirit, will perhaps oblige him sometimes to repent of his fidelity.
+
+It is the necessary consequence, sir, of a seaman's profession, that he
+is often at a great distance from the place of his legal settlement, or
+patrimonial possessions; and he may, therefore, assert of his own
+circumstances what is most convenient, without danger of detection.
+Distance is a security that prompts many men to falsehoods, by which
+only vanity is gratified; and few men will tell truth in opposition to
+their interest, when they may lie without apprehension of being
+convicted.
+
+When, therefore, a magistrate receives directions to impress all the
+seamen within his district, how few will he find who will not declare
+themselves freeholders in some distant county, or freemen of some
+obscure borough. It is to no purpose, sir, that the magistrate
+disbelieves what he cannot confute; and if in one instance in a hundred
+he should be mistaken, and, acting in consequence of his errour, force a
+freeman into the service, what reparation may not be demanded?
+
+I, therefore, propose it to the consideration of the committee, whether
+any man ought to claim exemption from this law by a title, that may so
+readily be procured, or so safely usurped.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next:--Sir, the practice of impressing, which
+has been declaimed against with such vehement exaggerations, is not only
+founded on immemorial custom, which makes it part of the common law, but
+is likewise established by our statutes; for I remember to have found it
+in the statutes of queen Mary, and therefore cannot allow that it ought
+to be treated as illegal, and anti-constitutional.
+
+That it is not inconsistent with our constitution may be proved from the
+practice of erecting the royal standard, upon great emergencies, to
+which every man was obliged immediately to repair; this practice is as
+old as our constitution, and as it may be revived at pleasure, may be
+properly mentioned as equivalent to an impress.
+
+Mr. VYNER answered:--This word, sir, which the learned member has by his
+wonderful diligence discovered in the statutes, may perhaps be there,
+but in a signification far different from that which it bears at
+present. The word was, without doubt, originally French, _pret_, and
+implied what is now expressed by the term _ready_; and to impress any
+man was in those days only to make him _ready_, or engage him to hold
+himself in _readiness_, which was brought about not by compulsion,
+pursuit, and violence, but by the allurements of a pecuniary reward, or
+the obligation of some ancient tenure.
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 9, 1740-1.
+
+On the sixty-sixth day, the consideration of the bill for raising seamen
+was resumed, and a clause read, by which every constable, headborough,
+tithingman, or other person, was liable to be examined upon oath by the
+justices of peace, who were empowered to lay a fine upon them for any
+neglect, offence, or connivance.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to the following effect:--Mr.
+Chairman, it is the peculiar happiness of the Britons, that no law can
+be made without the consent of their representatives, and I hope no such
+infatuation can ever fall upon them as may influence them to choose a
+representative capable of concurring in absurdities like this.
+
+The folly, the iniquity, the stupidity of this clause, can only be
+conceived by hearing it repeated; it is too flagrant to be extenuated,
+and too gross to admit exaggerations: to oblige a man to make oath
+against himself, to subject himself by his own voice to penalties and
+hardships, is at once cruel and ridiculous, a wild complication of
+tyranny and folly.
+
+To call upon any man to accuse himself, is only to call upon him to
+commit perjury, and has therefore been always accounted irrational and
+wicked: in those countries where it is practised, the confession is
+extorted by the rack, which indeed is so necessary on such occasions,
+that I should not wonder to hear the promoters of this clause openly
+declaring for the expediency of tortures.
+
+Nothing is more evident than that this bill, however the importance of
+the occasion may be magnified, was drawn up without reflection, and that
+the clauses were never understood by those that offered them: errours
+like these must arise only from precipitation and neglect, for they are
+too gross to be committed either by ignorance or design.
+
+To expose such absurdities is, indeed, easy, but not pleasing; for what
+end is answered by pointing at folly, or how is the publick service
+advanced by showing that the methods proposed are totally to be
+rejected? Where a proposition is of a mixed kind, and only erroneous in
+part, it is an useful and no disagreeable task to separate truth from
+errour, and disentangle from ill consequences such measures as may be
+pursued with advantage to the publick; but mere stupidity can only
+produce compassion, and afford no opportunities for inquiry or dispute.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--Sir, this clause, however contemptuously
+treated, has been already passed into a law by a senate which brought no
+dishonour upon the British nation, by a senate which was courted and
+dreaded by the greatest part of the universe, and was drawn up by a
+ministry that have given their posterity no reason to treat them with
+derision and contumely.
+
+In the reign of the late great queen, this method of proceeding was
+approved and established, and we may judge of the propriety of the
+measures followed in that war by the success which they procured.
+
+Those, therefore, by whom this bill was drawn up have committed no new
+absurdities, nor have proposed any thing which was not enacted by the
+wisest of our predecessors, in one of the most illustrious periods of
+our history.
+
+Mr. GYBBON answered:--Sir, I am far from thinking a proposition
+sufficiently defended by an assertion that it was admitted by our
+predecessors; for though I have no inclination to vilify their memory, I
+may without scruple affirm, that they had no pretensions to
+infallibility, and that there are in many of our statutes instances of
+such ignorance, credulity, weakness, and errour, as cannot be considered
+without astonishment.
+
+In questions of an abstruse and complicated nature, it is certain, sir,
+that experience has taught us what could never have been discovered
+previously by the wisdom of our ancestors; and we have found, by their
+consequences, the impropriety of many practices which they approved, and
+which we should have equally applauded in the same circumstances.
+
+But to what purpose is observation, if we must shut our eyes against it,
+and appeal for ever to the wisdom of our ancestors?--if we must fall
+into errour, merely because they were mistaken, and rush upon rocks out
+of veneration to those who were wrecked against them.
+
+In questions easily to be examined, and determinations which comprised
+no perplexing contrarieties of interest, or multiplicity of
+circumstances, they were equally liable with ourselves to be supine and
+negligent, to sink into security, or be surprised by haste. That the
+clause now before us was enacted by them, must be ascribed merely to the
+hurry of the session in which it was brought before them; a time in
+which so many inquiries of the highest importance were to be made, and
+great diversity of views to be regarded, that it is no wonder that some
+absurdities should escape without detection.
+
+In the fourth of the reign of the queen, this bill was brought in, as
+now, at the latter end of a session, when the attention of the senate
+was fatigued and distracted; and it was hurried through both houses, and
+ratified by the queen, with very little consideration.
+
+But then, as this circumstance may be justly termed an extenuation of
+their errour, it ought to be a lesson of caution to us, that we may not
+be, in the like manner, betrayed into the same weakness.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up:--Sir, the conduct of our predecessors
+seems not to stand in need of any excuse; for it might be easy to
+vindicate it by arguments, but that it is more proper to approve it by
+imitation.
+
+Whenever the bill was passed, or how hastily soever the law was enacted,
+it was, I believe, rather the effect of necessity than of inadvertency;
+of the same necessity which now presses, and which is very ill consulted
+by tedious debates.
+
+They were then involved in a war, and were not so distracted by private
+interests as not to unite in the most vigorous opposition of their
+enemies. They knew that the publick good is often promoted by the
+temporary inconveniencies of individuals; and when affairs of the
+highest importance demanded their attention, when the security of the
+whole nation and the happiness of their posterity were the subject of
+their inquiries, they wisely suffered less considerations to pass,
+without superfluous and unseasonable solicitude.
+
+How justly they reasoned, sir, and what vigour their resolutions gave to
+the military operations, our victories are a sufficient proof: and if
+experience be the surest guide, it cannot be improper to imitate those
+who, in the same circumstances with ourselves, found means to raise the
+honour, and improve the commerce of their country.
+
+That our circumstances are the same with those of the senate by which
+this law was made, is obvious beyond dispute; or where they vary, the
+difference is, perhaps, to our disadvantage. We have, sir, the same
+enemies, or, at least, have reason to apprehend the same; but have
+little hope of the same allies. The present war is to be carried on at a
+greater distance, and in more places at the same instant; we cannot,
+therefore, supply our ships occasionally, but must raise great numbers
+in a short time.
+
+If, therefore, it was then concluded, that the method under our
+examination was useful; if measures, not eligible in themselves, may be
+authorized by necessity, why may not we, in compliance with the same
+exigencies, have recourse to the same expedients?
+
+Sir William YONGE then spoke:--Sir, how much weight is added to the
+determinations of the senate, by the dignity of their procedure, and the
+decency of their disputations, a slight knowledge of mankind is
+sufficient to evince. It is well known that government is supported by
+opinion; and that he who destroys the reputation, destroys the authority
+of the legislative power. Nor is it less apparent, that he who degrades
+debate into scurrility, and destroys the solemnity of consultation,
+endeavours to sink the senate into contempt.
+
+It was, therefore, sir, with indignation and surprise, that I heard the
+clause before us censured with such indecency of language, and the
+authors of it treated with contumelies and reproaches that mere errour
+does not deserve, however apparent, but which were now vented before any
+errour was detected.
+
+I know not, sir, why the gentlemen, who are thus indecently attacked,
+have suffered such reproaches without censure, and without reply. I know
+not why they have omitted to put the honourable gentleman in mind of the
+respect due to this assembly, or to the characters of those whom he
+opposes; gentlemen equally skilled with himself in the subject of our
+inquiries, and whom his own attainments, however large, or his
+abilities, however comprehensive, cannot give him a right to charge with
+ignorance or folly.
+
+To reproach men with incapacity, is a cheap method of answering their
+arguments; but a method which the rules of this house ought to exclude
+from our debates, as the general civility of the world has banished it
+from every other place of concourse or conversation.
+
+I, for my part, sir, shall always endeavour to confine my attention to
+the question before us, without suffering my reason to be biassed, or my
+inquiries diverted by low altercations, or personal animosities; nor
+when any other man deviates into reproachful and contemptuous language,
+shall I be induced to think more highly of either his arguments or
+capacity.
+
+Sir John BARNARD replied:--Sir, I have always heard it represented as an
+instance of integrity, when the tongue and heart move in concert, when
+the words are representations of the sentiments; and have, therefore,
+hitherto, endeavoured to explain my arguments with perspicuity, and
+impress my sentiments with force; I have thought it hypocrisy to treat
+stupidity with reverence, or to honour nonsense with the ceremony of a
+confutation. As knavery, so folly, that is not reclaimable, is to be
+speedily despatched; business is to be freed from obstruction, and
+society from a nuisance.
+
+Nor, sir, when I am censured by those whom I may offend, by the use of
+terms correspondent with my ideas, will I, by a tame and silent
+submission, give reason to suspect that I am conscious of a fault, but
+will treat the accusation with open contempt, and show no greater regard
+to the abettors, than to the authors of absurdity.
+
+That decency is of great use in publick debates, I shall readily allow;
+it may sometimes shelter folly from ridicule, and preserve villany from
+publick detection; nor is it ever more carefully supported, than when
+measures are promoted that nothing can preserve from contempt, but the
+solemnity with which they are established.
+
+Decency is a proper circumstance; but liberty is the essence of
+senatorial disquisitions: liberty is the parent of truth; but truth and
+decency are sometimes at variance: all men and all propositions are to
+be treated here as they deserve; and there are many who have no claim
+either to respect or decency.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON then rose:--Sir, that it is improper in its own nature,
+and inconsistent with our constitution, to lay any man under an
+obligation to accuse himself, cannot be denied; it is, therefore,
+evident, that some amendment is necessary to the clause before us.
+
+I have, for this reason, drawn up an amendment, sir, which, if approved
+by the committee, will, in my opinion, remove all the objections to this
+part of the bill, and, by reconciling it with our natural and legal
+rights, I hope, induce those to approve it, who have hitherto opposed
+it.
+
+I therefore propose, that these words should be substituted instead of
+those which are the subject of the debate; or some other to this
+purpose: _That no person shall be liable to be fined by virtue of this
+act, unless a witness, being examined, shall make oath of the
+misdemeanour or neglect_.
+
+Thus the necessity of examining men upon oath in their own cause will be
+entirely taken away; and, as the clause will then stand, there will
+remain no suspicion of injustice, or oppression, because none can be
+practised without the concurrence of many persons of different
+interests.
+
+[This clause, though agreed to in the committee, was at last rejected.]
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Mr. Chairman, it does
+not yet appear that the gentlemen who have engaged in this debate, have
+sufficiently attended to the exigence of our affairs, and the importance
+of the question. They have lavished their oratory in declaiming upon the
+absurdity of the methods proposed, and discovered their sagacity, by
+showing how future navies may be supplied from charity schools, but have
+substituted no expedients in the place of those which they so warmly
+condemn, nor have condescended to inform us, how we may now guard our
+coasts, or man our fleets for immediate service.
+
+There are some circumstances, sir, of the present war, which make our
+necessity of raising sea forces greater than in those of William, and
+Anne that succeeded him. The chief advantages that we gained over the
+French, in their wars, were the consequences of our victories by land.
+
+At sea, sir, the balance was almost equal, though the Dutch fleet and
+ours were united; nor did they quit the sea because their fleets were
+destroyed, but because they were obliged to recruit their land forces
+with their sailors. Should they now declare war against us, they would
+be under no such necessity of defrauding the sea service, for they have
+now on foot an army of one hundred and sixty thousand men, which are
+maintained at no greater expense than forty thousand, by the British
+government; as they are, therefore, sir, so formidable by land, we have
+no way of opposing them but by our sea forces.
+
+Nor is their navy so contemptible as some have, either by conjecture or
+misinformation, represented it. The fleet which they have despatched to
+America, consists not of fewer than twenty ships, of which the least
+carry sixty guns, and they are fitting out now an equal number in their
+own ports; besides, their East India company is obliged to furnish ten
+ships of the line, at the demand of the government.
+
+Thus it appears that we have neighbours sufficiently powerful to alarm
+us with the sense of immediate danger; danger which is made more
+imminent by the expeditious methods by which the French man their
+fleets, and which we must imitate if we hope to oppose them with
+success.
+
+I need not say how little we can depend upon any professions of
+neutrality, which will be best observed when they cannot be securely
+violated; or upon the pacifick inclination of their minister, which
+interest, persuasion, or caprice, may alter, and to which it is not very
+honourable to trust for safety. How can that nation sink lower, which is
+only free because it is not invaded by its neighbours; and retains its
+possessions, only because no other has leisure or inclination to take
+them away?
+
+If it be asked, what can provoke the French to interrupt us in the
+prosecution of our designs, and in the punishment of those who have
+plundered and insulted us, it is not only easy to urge the strict
+alliance between the two crowns, the ties of blood, the conformity of
+interests, and their equal hatred of the Britons, but another more
+immediate reason may be added. It is suspected, that under pretence of
+vindicating our own rights, we are endeavouring to gain the possession
+of the Spanish dominions, and engross the wealth of the new world; and
+that, therefore, it is the interest of every power, whose subjects
+traffick to those countries, to oppose us.
+
+Thus, whether we succeed or fail in our attempts upon America, we have
+the French power to apprehend. If we make conquests, they may, probably,
+think it necessary to obviate the torrent of our victories, and to
+hinder the increase of our dominions, that they may secure their own
+trade, and maintain their own influence.
+
+If we should be defeated, of which no man, sir, can deny the
+possibility, the inclination of all to insult the depressed, and to push
+down the falling, is well known; nor can it be expected that our
+hereditary enemies would neglect so fair an opportunity of attacking us.
+
+How they might ravage our coasts, and obstruct our trade; how they might
+triumph in the Channel, and block us up in our own ports, bombard our
+towns, and threaten us with invasions, I hope I need but barely mention,
+to incite this assembly to such despatch in manning our fleets, as may
+secure us at once from insults and from terrour.
+
+It is, undoubtedly, sir, in our power to raise a naval force sufficient
+to awe the ocean, and restrain the most daring of our enemies from any
+attempts against us; but this cannot be effected by harangues,
+objections, and disputations.
+
+There is nothing, sir, more frequently the subject of raillery or
+declamation, than the uselessness or danger of a standing army, to which
+I declare myself no otherwise inclined than by my concern for the common
+safety; I willingly allow that not one soldier ought to be supported by
+the publick, whose service is not necessary; but surely none of those
+who declare so warmly for the honour and privileges of their country,
+would expose it to the insults of foreign powers, without defence. If,
+therefore, they think the danger of land forces more than equivalent to
+the benefit, they ought unanimously to concur in the increase of our
+naval strength, by which they may be protected, but cannot be oppressed:
+they ought willingly to give their assistance to any propositions for
+making the fleet, formidable, that their declarations against the army
+may not be thought to proceed from a resolution to obstruct the measures
+of the government, rather than from zeal for the constitution. For he
+that equally opposes the establishment of the army, and the improvement
+of the navy, declares in effect against the security of the nation; and
+though, perhaps, without design, exposes his countrymen to the mercy of
+their enemies.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next:--Sir, I cannot discover for what reason the
+bill before us is so vigorously supported, but must observe, that I have
+seldom known such vehement and continued efforts produced by mere
+publick spirit, and unmingled regard for the happiness of the nation.
+Nothing, sir, that can be urged in favour of the measures now proposed
+has been omitted. When arguments are confuted, precedents are cited;
+when precedents fail, the advocates for the bill have recourse to
+terrour and necessity, and endeavour to frighten those whom they cannot
+convince.
+
+But, perhaps, sir, these formidable phantoms may soon be put to flight,
+and, like the other illusions of cowardice, disappear before the light.
+Perhaps this necessity will be found only chimerical; and these dangers
+appear only the visions of credulity, or the bugbears of imposture.
+
+To arrive at a clear view of our present condition, it will be
+necessary, sir, not to amuse ourselves with general assertions, or
+overwhelm our reason by terrifying exaggerations: let us consider
+distinctly the power and the conduct of our enemies, and inquire whether
+they do not affright us more than they are able to hurt us.
+
+That the force of Spain alone, sir, is much to be dreaded, no man will
+assert; for that empire, it is well known, has long been seized with all
+the symptoms of declining power, and has been supported, not by its own
+strength, but by the interests of its neighbours. The vast dominions of
+the Spaniards are only an empty show; they are lands without
+inhabitants, and, by consequence, without defence; they are rather
+excrescences, than members of the monarchy, and receive support rather
+than communicate. In the distant branches of their empire the government
+languishes, as the vital motion in an expiring body; and the struggles
+which they now make, may be termed rather agonies than efforts.
+
+From Spain, therefore, unassisted, we have nothing to apprehend, and yet
+from thence we have been threatened with insults and invasions.
+
+That the condition of the French is far different, cannot be denied;
+their commerce flourishes, their dominions are connected, their wealth
+increases, and their government operates with full vigour: their
+influence is great, and their name formidable. But I cannot allow, sir,
+that they have yet attained such a height of power as should alarm us
+with constant apprehensions, or that we ought to secure ourselves
+against them by the violation of our liberties. Not to urge that the
+loss of freedom, and the destruction of our constitution, are the worst
+consequences that can be apprehended from a conquest, and that to a
+slave the change of his master is of no great importance, it is evident,
+that the power of the French is of such kind as can only affect us
+remotely, and consequentially. They may fill the continent with alarms,
+and ravage the territories of Germany, by their numerous armies, but can
+only injure us by means of their fleets. We may wait, sir, without a
+panick terrour, though not without some degree of anxiety, the event of
+their attempts upon the neighbouring princes, and cannot be reduced to
+fight for our altars and our houses, but by a second armada, which, even
+then, the winds must favour, and a thousand circumstances concur to
+expedite.
+
+But that no such fleet can be fitted out by the united endeavours of the
+whole world; that our navy, in its present state, is superiour to any
+that can be brought against us, our ministers ought not to be ignorant:
+and, therefore, to dispirit the nation with apprehensions of armies
+hovering in the air, and of conquerors to be wafted over by supernatural
+means, is to destroy that happiness which government was ordained to
+preserve; to sink us to tameness and cowardice; and to betray us to
+insults and to robberies.
+
+If our danger, sir, be such as has been represented, to whom must we
+impute it? Upon whom are our weakness, our poverty, and our miseries to
+be charged? Upon whom, but those who have usurped the direction of
+affairs which they did not understand, or to which their solicitude for
+the preservation of their own power hindered them from attending?
+
+That the Spaniards, sir, are now enabled to make resistance, and,
+perhaps, to insult and depopulate our colonies; that the French have
+despatched a fleet into the American seas, to obstruct, as may be
+conjectured, the progress of our arms, and that we are in danger of
+meeting opposition which we did not expect, is too evident to be
+concealed.
+
+But, sir, is not the spirit of our enemies the consequence rather of our
+cowardice than of their own strength? Does not the opposition to our
+designs, by whatever nation it shall be made, arise from the contempt
+which has been brought upon us by our irresolution, forbearance, and
+delays? Had we resented the first insult, and repaired our earliest
+losses by vigorous reprisals, our merchants had long ago carried on
+their traffick with security, our enemies would have courted us with
+respect, and our allies supported us with confidence.
+
+Our negotiations, treaties, proposals, and concessions, not only
+afforded them leisure to collect their forces, equip their fleets, and
+fortify their coasts; but gave them, likewise, spirit to resist those
+who could not be conquered but by their own cowardice and folly. By our
+ill-timed patience, and lingering preparations, we encouraged those to
+unite against us, who would, otherwise, have only hated us in secret;
+and deterred those from declaring in our favour, whom interest or
+gratitude might have inclined to assist us. For who will support those
+from whom no mutual support can be expected? And who will expect that
+those will defend their allies, who desert themselves?
+
+But, sir, however late our resentment was awakened, had the war been
+prosecuted vigorously after it was declared, we might have been now
+secure from danger, and freed from suspense, nor would any thing have
+remained but to give laws to our enemies.
+
+From the success of Vernon with so inconsiderable forces, we may
+conjecture what would have been performed with an armament proportioned
+to his undertaking; and why he was not better supplied, no reason has
+yet been given; nor can it be easily discovered why we either did not
+begin the war before our enemies had concerted their measures, or delay
+it till we had formed our own.
+
+Notwithstanding some opportunities have been neglected, and all the
+advantages of a sudden attack have been irrecoverably lost;
+notwithstanding our friends, sir, have learned to despise and neglect
+us, and our enemies are animated to confidence and obstinacy, yet our
+real and intrinsick strength continues the same; nor are there yet any
+preparations made against us by the enemy, with views beyond their own
+security and defence. It does not yet appear, sir, that our enemies,
+however insolent, look upon us as the proper objects of a conquest, or
+that they imagine it possible to besiege us in our own ports, or to
+confine us to the defence of our own country. We are not, therefore, to
+have recourse to measures, which, if they are ever to be admitted, can
+be justified by nothing but the utmost distress, and can only become
+proper, as the last and desperate expedient. The enemy, sir, ought to
+appear not only in our seas, but in our ports, before it can be
+necessary that one part of the nation should be enslaved for the
+preservation of the rest.
+
+To destroy any part of the community, while it is in our power to
+preserve the whole, is certainly absurd, and inconsistent with the
+equity and tenderness of a good government: and what is slavery less
+than destruction? What greater calamity has that man to expect, who has
+been already deprived of his liberty, and reduced to a level with
+thieves and murderers? With what spirit, sir, will he draw his sword
+upon his invaders, who has nothing to defend? Or why should he repel the
+injuries which will make no addition to his misery, and will fall only
+on those to whom he is enslaved?
+
+It is well known that gratitude is the foundation of our duty to our
+country, and to our superiours, whom we are obliged to protect upon some
+occasions, because, upon others, we receive protection from them, and
+are maintained in the quiet possession of our fortunes, and the security
+of our lives. But what gratitude is due to his country from a man
+distinguished, without a crime, by the legislature, from the rest of the
+people, and marked out for hardships and oppressions? From a man who is
+condemned to labour and to danger, only that others may fatten with
+indolence, and slumber without anxiety? From a man who is dragged to
+misery without reward, and hunted from his retreat, as the property of
+his master?
+
+Where gratitude, sir, is not the motive of action, which may easily
+happen in minds not accustomed to observe the ends of government, and
+relations of society, interest never fails to preside, which may be
+distinguished from gratitude, as it regards the immediate consequences
+of actions, and confines the view to present advantages. But what
+interest can be gratified by a man who is not master of his own actions,
+nor secure in the enjoyment of his acquisitions? Why should he be
+solicitous to increase his property, who may be torn from the possession
+of it in a moment? Or upon what motive can he act who will not become
+more happy by doing his duty?
+
+Many of those to whom this bill is proposed to extend, have raised
+fortunes at the expense of their ease, and at the hazard of their lives;
+and now sit at rest, enjoying the memory of their past hardships, and
+inciting others to the prosecution of the same adventures. How will it
+be more reasonable to drag these men from their houses, than to seize
+any other gentleman upon his own estate? and how negligently will our
+navigation and our commerce be promoted, when it is discovered that
+either wealth cannot be gained by them, or, if so gained, cannot be
+enjoyed.
+
+But it is still urged, sir, that there is a necessity of manning the
+fleet; a necessity which, indeed, cannot totally be denied, though a
+short delay would produce no frightful consequences, would expose us to
+no invasions, nor disable us from prosecuting the war. Yet, as the
+necessity at least deserves the regard of the legislature, let us
+consider what motives have hitherto gained men over to the publick
+service; let us examine how our land forces are raised, and how our
+merchants equip their ships. How is all this to be effected without
+murmurs, mutinies, or discontent, but by the natural and easy method of
+offering rewards?
+
+It may be objected, sir, that rewards have been already proposed without
+effect; but, not to mention the corrupt arts which have been made use of
+to elude that promise, by rejecting those that came to claim them, we
+can infer from their inefficacy only, that they were too small; that
+they were not sufficient to dazzle the attention, and withdraw it from
+the prospect of the distant advantages which may arise from the service
+of the merchants. Let the reward, therefore, be doubled, and if it be
+not then sufficient, doubled anew. There is nothing but may be bought,
+if an adequate price is offered; and we are, therefore, to raise the
+reward, till it shall be adjudged by the sailors equivalent to the
+inconveniencies of the service.
+
+Let no man urge, that this is profusion; that it is a breach of our
+trust, and a prodigality of the publick money. Sir, the money thus paid
+is the price of liberty; it is disbursed to hinder slavery from
+encroaching, to preserve our natural rights from infraction, and the
+constitution of our country from violation. If we vote away the
+privilege of one class among us, those of another may quickly be
+demanded; and slavery will advance by degrees, till the last remains of
+freedom shall be lost.
+
+But perhaps, sir, it will appear, upon reflection, that even this method
+needs not to be practised. It is well known, that it is not necessary
+for the whole crew of a ship to be expert sailors; there must be some
+novices, and many whose employment has more of labour than of art. We
+have now a numerous army, which burdens our country, without defending
+it, and from whom we may, therefore, draw supplies for the fleet, and
+distribute them amongst the ships in just proportions; they may
+immediately assist the seamen, and will become able, in a short time, to
+train up others.
+
+It will, doubtless, sir, be objected to this proposal, that the
+continent is in confusion, and that we ought to continue such a force as
+may enable us to assist our allies, maintain our influence, and turn the
+scale of affairs in the neighbouring countries. I know not how we are
+indebted to our allies, or by what ties we are obliged to assist those
+who never assisted us; nor can I, upon mature consideration, think it
+necessary to be always gazing on the continent, watching the motions of
+every potentate, and anxiously attentive to every revolution. There is
+no end, sir, of obviating contingencies, of attempting to secure
+ourselves from every possibility of danger. I am, indeed, desirous that
+our friends, if any there be that deserve that name, should succeed in
+their designs, and be protected in their claims; but think it ought
+always to be remembered, that our own affairs affect us immediately,
+theirs only by consequence, and that the nearest danger is to be first
+regarded.
+
+With respect to the amendment offered to this clause, I cannot see that
+it will produce any advantage, nor think any evidence sufficient to
+justify the breach of our constitution, or subject any man to the
+hardship of having his dwelling entered by force.
+
+And, sir, I am not entirely satisfied of the impartiality and equity
+with which it is promised that this law will be put in execution, or
+what new influence is to cooperate with this law, by which corruption
+and oppression will be prevented.
+
+It is well known, sir, that many other laws are made ineffectual by
+partiality or negligence, which remarkably appears by the immense
+quantities of corn that are daily carried into foreign countries, by
+illegal exportations, by which traffick I am informed that we obtain
+most of our foreign gold, which, in reality, is paid us for corn by the
+Dutch; though it is studiously represented to the nation as gained by
+our traffick with Portugal. Who can assure us that this law will not be
+perverted, after the example of others? and that there will not be
+wretches found that may employ it to the extortion of money, or the
+gratification of revenge?
+
+Thus, sir, I have shown by what means our fleet may now be equipped, and
+how a supply of sailors may be perpetuated; for I cannot think how the
+boys which are educated in charity schools can be more properly
+employed. A proportion may be easily selected for the service, who will
+benefit the publick much more than by serving sharpers and attorneys,
+and pilfering either at low gaming houses, or in the inns of court.
+
+Since, therefore, it is not pretended, sir, that this bill can be
+justified otherwise than by necessity, and it appears that supplies may
+be raised by other means; since, instead of increasing and encouraging
+seamen, nothing is proposed that does not manifestly tend, by depressing
+and harassing them, to diminish their numbers, I think it reasonable to
+declare that I shall continue to oppose it, and hope that every friend
+of liberty, or commerce, will concur in the opposition.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, I have
+considered the bill before us with the utmost impartiality, and I can
+see no reason to apprehend that it will produce such universal
+discontent, and give occasion to so many abuses, as the honourable
+gentlemen by whom it is opposed, appear to suspect. It is not uncommon,
+sir, in judging of future events, and tracing effects from causes, for
+the most sagacious to be mistaken.
+
+The safest method of conjecturing upon the future, is to consider the
+past, for it is always probable, that from like causes like consequences
+will arise. Let us, therefore, sir, examine what injustice or oppression
+has been hitherto produced by laws of the same kind.
+
+The power of searching, however it is now become the subject of loud
+exclamation and pathetick harangues, is no new invasion of the rights of
+the people, but has been already granted in its utmost extent, for an
+end of no greater importance than the preservation of the game. This
+formidable authority has been already trusted to the magistrate, and the
+nation has been already subjected to this insupportable tyranny, only
+lest the hares and partridges should be destroyed, and gentlemen be
+obliged to disband their hounds and dismiss their setting dogs. Yet,
+sir, even with regard to this power, thus exorbitant, and thus lightly
+granted, I have heard no general complaints, nor believe that it is
+looked upon as a grievance by any, but those whom it restrains from
+living upon the game, and condemns to maintain themselves by a more
+honest and useful industry.
+
+I hope, sir, those that think this law for the preservation of their
+amusement, rational and just, will have at least the same regard to the
+defence of their country, and will not think their venison deserves
+greater solicitude than their fortunes and their liberties.
+
+Nor is it difficult, sir, to produce instances of the exercise of this
+power, for the end which is now proposed, without any consequences that
+should discourage us from repeating the experiment. I have now in my
+hand a letter, by which the mayor and aldermen of Bristol are empowered
+to seize all the sailors within the bounds of their jurisdiction, which
+order was executed without any outcries of oppression, or apprehensions
+of the approach of slavery.
+
+That this law, sir, will be always executed with the strictest
+impartiality, and without the least regard to any private purposes,
+cannot, indeed, be demonstratively proved; every law may possibly be
+abused by a combination of profligates; but it must, I think, be
+granted, that it is drawn up with all the caution that reason, or
+justice, or the corruption of the present age requires. I know not what
+can be contrived better than an association of men, unlikely to concur
+in their views and interests--a justice of the peace, a lieutenant of a
+ship, and a commissioner of the navy--three men, probably unknown to
+each other, and of which no one will be at all solicitous to desire the
+rest to unite to commit a crime, to which no temptation can be readily
+imagined.
+
+This caution, sir, which cannot but be approved, and which surely is
+some proof of judgment and consideration, ought, in my opinion, to have
+exempted the bill, and those by whose assistance it was drawn up, from
+the reproachful and indecent charge of absurdity, ignorance, and
+incapacity; terms which the dignity of this assembly does not admit,
+even when they are incontestably just, and which surely ought not to be
+made use of when the question is of a doubtful nature.
+
+The gentlemen, sir, who are now intrusted with publick employments, have
+never yet discovered that they are inferiour to their predecessors in
+knowledge or integrity; nor do their characters suffer any diminution by
+a comparison with those who vilify and traduce them.
+
+Those, sir, that treat others with such licentious contempt, ought
+surely to give some illustrious proof of their own abilities; and yet if
+we examine what has been produced on this question, we shall find no
+reason to admire their sagacity or their knowledge.
+
+We have been told, sir, that the fleet might properly be manned by a
+detachment from the army; but it has not been proved that we have any
+superfluous forces in the kingdom, nor, indeed, will our army be found
+sufficiently numerous, if, by neglecting to equip our fleet, we give our
+enemies an opportunity of entering our country.
+
+If it be inquired what necessity there is for our present forces? What
+expeditions are designed? Or what dangers are feared? I shall not think
+it my duty to return any answer. It is, sir, the great unhappiness of
+our constitution, that our determinations cannot be kept secret, and
+that our enemies may always form conjectures of our designs, by knowing
+our preparations; but surely more is not to be published than necessity
+extorts, and the government has a right to conceal what it would injure
+the nation to discover.
+
+Nor can I, sir, approve the method of levying sailors by the incitement
+of an exorbitant reward, a reward to be augmented at the pleasure of
+those who are to receive it. For what can be the consequence of such
+prodigality, but that those to whom the largest sum is offered, will yet
+refuse their service in expectation of a greater. The reward already
+proposed is, in my opinion, the utmost stretch of liberality; and all
+beyond may be censured as profusion.
+
+It is not to be imagined, sir, that all these objections were not made,
+and answered, in the reign of the late queen, when a bill of the same
+nature was proposed; they were answered, at least, by the necessity of
+those times, which necessity has now returned upon us.
+
+We do not find that it produced any consequences so formidable and
+destructive, that they should for ever discourage us from attempting to
+raise forces by the same means; it was then readily enacted, and
+executed without opposition, and without complaints; nor do I believe
+that any measures can be proposed of equal efficacy, and less severity.
+
+Mr. SANDYS replied, in substance as follows:--Sir, whether the
+precedents produced in defence of this bill, will have more weight than
+the arguments, must be shown by a careful examination, which will
+perhaps discover that the order sent to the magistrates of Bristol
+conveyed no new power, nor such as is, in any respect, parallel to that
+which this bill is intended to confer.
+
+They were only enjoined to inquire with more than usual strictness,
+after strollers and vagabonds, such as the law has always subjected to
+punishment, and send them to the fleet, instead of any other place of
+correction; a method which may now be pursued without danger,
+opposition, or complaint.
+
+But for my part, I am not able, upon the closest attention to the
+present scene of affairs, to find out the necessity of extraordinary
+methods of any kind. The fears of an invasion from France, are, in my
+opinion, sir, merely chimerical; from their fleet in America the coasts
+of Britain have nothing to fear, and after the numerous levies of seamen
+by which it was fitted out, it is not yet probable that they can
+speedily send out another. We know, sir, that the number of seamen
+depends upon the extent of commerce, and surely there is as yet no such
+disproportion between their trade and ours, as that they should be able
+to furnish out a naval armament with much greater expedition than
+ourselves.
+
+In America our forces are at least equal to theirs, so that it is not
+very probable, that after the total destruction of our fleet by them,
+they should be so little injured, as to be able immediately to set sail
+for the channel, and insult us in our own ports; to effect this, sir,
+they must not only conquer us, but conquer us without resistance.
+
+If they do not interrupt us in our attempts, nor expose themselves to an
+engagement, they may, indeed, return without suffering great damages,
+but I know not how they can leave the shores of America unobserved, or
+pour an unexpected invasion upon us. If they continue there, sir, they
+cannot hurt as, and when they return, we may prepare for their
+reception.
+
+There are men, I know, sir, who have reason to think highly of the
+French policy, and whose ideas may be exalted to a belief that they can
+perform impossibilities; but I have not yet prevailed upon myself to
+conceive that they can act invisibly, or that they can equip a fleet by
+sorcery, collect an army in a moment, and defy us on our own coast,
+without any perceptible preparations.
+
+Then admiral WAGER spoke thus:--The calamities produced by discord and
+contention, need not to be pointed out; but it may be proper to reflect
+upon the consequences of a house divided against itself, that we may
+endeavour to avoid them.
+
+Unanimity is produced by nothing more powerfully than by impending
+danger, and, therefore, it may be useful to show those who seem at
+present in profound security, that the power of France is more
+formidable than they are willing to allow.
+
+My age, sir, enables me to remember many transactions of the wars in the
+late reigns, to which many gentlemen are strangers, or of which they
+have only imperfect ideas from history and tradition.
+
+In the second year of the reign of William, the French gained a victory
+over the united fleets of the maritime powers, which gave them, for the
+summer following, the dominion of the Channel, enabled them to shut up
+our merchants in their ports, and produced a total suspension of our
+commerce.
+
+Those, sir, to whom the importance of trade is so well known, will
+easily apprehend the weight of this calamity, and will, I hope, reject
+no measures that have a manifest tendency to prevent it.
+
+Our ships, sir, do not lie useless because there is any want of seamen
+in the nation, but because any service is preferred to that of the
+publick.
+
+There are now, to my knowledge, in one town on the west coast, no fewer
+than twelve hundred sailors, of which surely a third part may be justly
+claimed by the publick interest; nor do I know why they who obstinately
+refuse to serve their country, should be treated with so much
+tenderness. It is more reasonable that they should suffer by their
+refusal, than that the general happiness should be endangered.
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL spoke next, to the following purpose:--Sir, when any
+authority shall be lodged in my hands, to be exercised for the publick
+benefit, I shall always endeavour to exert it with honesty and
+diligence; but will never be made the instrument of oppression, nor
+execute any commission of tyranny or injustice.
+
+As, therefore, the power of searching is to be placed in the hands of
+justices of the peace, I think it necessary to declare, that I will
+never perform so hateful a part of the office, and that if this bill
+becomes a law, I will retire from the place to which my authority is
+limited, rather than contribute to the miseries of my fellow-subjects.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, all the arguments which have been
+offered in support of this bill, are reduced at last to one constant
+assertion of the necessity of passing it.
+
+We have been told, sir, with great acuteness, that a war cannot be
+carried on without men, and that ships are useless without sailors; and
+from thence it is inferred that the bill is necessary.
+
+That forces are by some means necessary to be raised, the warmest
+opponents of the bill will not deny, but they cannot, therefore, allow
+the inference, that the methods now proposed are necessary.
+
+They are of opinion, sir, that cruel and oppressive measures can never
+be justified, till all others have been tried without effect; they think
+that the law, when it was formerly passed, was unjust, and are
+convinced, by observing that it never was revived, and that it was by
+experience discovered to be useless.
+
+Necessity, absolute necessity, is a formidable sound, and may terrify
+the weak and timorous into silence and compliance; but it will be found,
+upon reflection, to be often nothing but an idle feint, to amuse and to
+delude us, and that what is represented as necessary to the publick, is
+only something convenient to men in power.
+
+Necessity, sir, has, heretofore, been produced as a plea for that which
+could be no otherwise defended. In the days of Charles the first,
+ship-money was declared to be legal, because it was necessary. Such was
+the reasoning of the lawyers, and the determination of the judges; but
+the senate, a senate of patriots! without fear, and without corruption,
+and influenced only by a sincere regard for the publick, were of a
+different opinion, and neither admitted the lawfulness nor necessity.
+
+It will become us, on this occasion, to act with equal vigour, and
+convince our countrymen, that we proceed upon the same principles, and
+that the liberties of the people are our chief care.
+
+I hope we shall unite in defeating any attempts that may impair the
+rights which every Briton boasts as his birthright, and reject a law
+which will be equally dreaded and detested with the inquisition of
+Spain.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, though many
+particular clauses of this bill have been disapproved and opposed, some
+with more, and some with less reason, yet the committee has hitherto
+agreed that a bill for this purpose is necessary in the present state of
+our affairs; upon this principle we have proceeded thus far, several
+gentlemen have proposed their opinions, contributed their observations,
+and laboured as in an affair universally admitted to be of high
+importance to the general prosperity.
+
+But now, sir, when some of the difficulties are surmounted, some
+expedients luckily struck out, some objections removed, and the great
+design brought nearer to execution, we are on a sudden informed, that
+all our labour is superfluous, that we are amusing ourselves with
+useless consultations, providing against calamities that can never
+happen, and raising bulwarks without an enemy; that, therefore, the
+question before us is of no importance, and the bill ought, without
+farther examination, to be totally rejected.
+
+I suppose, sir, I shall be readily believed, when I declare that I shall
+willingly admit any arguments that may evince our safety; but, in
+proportion as real freedom from danger is to be desired, a supine and
+indolent neglect of it is to be dreaded and avoided; and I cannot but
+fear that our enemies are more formidable, and more malicious, than the
+gentlemen that oppose this bill have represented them.
+
+This bill can only be opposed upon the supposition that it gives a
+sanction to severities, more rigorous than our present circumstances
+require; for nothing can be more fallacious or invidious than a
+comparison of this law with the demand of ship-money, a demand contrary
+to all law, and enforced by the manifest exertion of arbitrary power.
+
+How has the conduct of his present majesty any resemblance with that of
+Charles the first? Is any money levied by order of the council? Are the
+determinations of the judges set in opposition to the decrees of the
+senate? Is any man injured in his property by an unlimited extension of
+the prerogative? or any tribunal established superiour to the laws of
+the nation?
+
+To draw parallels, sir, where there is no resemblance; and to accuse, by
+insinuations, where there is no shadow of a crime; to raise outcries
+when no injury is attempted; and to deny a real necessity because it was
+once pretended for a bad purpose; is surely not to advance the publick
+service, which can be promoted only by just reasonings, and calm
+reflections, not by sophistry and satire, by insinuations without
+ground, and by instances beside the purpose.
+
+Mr. LITTLETON answered:--Sir, true zeal for the service of the publick
+is never discovered by collusive subterfuges and malicious
+representations; a mind, attentive to the common good, would hardly, on
+an occasion like this, have been at leisure to pervert an harmless
+illustration, and extract disaffection from a casual remark.
+
+It is, indeed, not impossible, sir, that I might express myself
+obscurely; and it may be, therefore, necessary to declare that I
+intended no disrespectful reflection on the conduct of his majesty; but
+must observe, at the same time, that obscure or inaccurate expressions
+ought always to be interpreted in the most inoffensive meaning, and that
+to be too sagacious in discovering concealed insinuations, is no great
+proof of superiour integrity.
+
+Wisdom, sir, is seldom captious, and honesty seldom suspicious; a man
+capable of comprehending the whole extent of a question, disdains to
+divert his attention by trifling observations; and he that is above the
+practice of little arts, or the motions of petty malice, does not easily
+imagine them incident to another.
+
+That in the question of ship-money necessity was pretended, cannot be
+denied; and, therefore, all that I asserted, which was only that the
+nation had been once terrified without reason, by the formidable sound
+of necessity, is evident and uncontested.
+
+When a fraud has once been practised, it is of use to remember it, that
+we may not twice be deceived by the same artifice; and, therefore, I
+mentioned the plea of necessity, that it may be inquired whether it is
+now more true than before.
+
+That the senate, sir, and not the judges, is now applied to, is no proof
+of the validity of the arguments which have been produced; for in the
+days of ship-money, the consent of the senate had been asked, had there
+been any prospect of obtaining it; but the court had been convinced, by
+frequent experiments, of the inflexibility of the senate, and despaired
+of influencing them by prospects of advantage, or intimidating them by
+frowns or menaces.
+
+May this and every future senate imitate their conduct, and, like them,
+distinguish between real and pretended necessity; and let not us be
+terrified, by idle clamours, into the establishment of a law at once
+useless and oppressive.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied:--Sir, that I did not intend to misrepresent
+the meaning of the honourable gentleman, I hope it is not necessary to
+declare; and that I have, in reality, been guilty of any
+misrepresentation, I am not yet convinced. If he did not intend a
+parallel between ship-money and the present bill, to what purpose was
+his observation? and if he did intend it, was it not proper to show
+there was no resemblance, and that all which could be inferred from it
+was, therefore, fallacious and inconclusive?
+
+Nor do I only differ, sir, in opinion with the honourable gentleman with
+relation to his comparison of measures, which have nothing in common
+with each other; but will venture to declare, that he is not more
+accurate in his citations from history. The king did not apply to the
+judges, because the senate would not have granted him the money that he
+demanded, but because his chief ambition was to govern the nation by the
+prerogative alone, and to free himself and his descendants from
+senatorial inquiries.
+
+That this account, sir, is just, I am confident the histories of those
+times will discover; and, therefore, any invidious comparison between
+that senate and any other, is without foundation in reason or in truth.
+
+Mr. BATHURST spoke as follows:--Sir, that this law will easily admit, in
+the execution of it, such abuses as will overbalance the benefits, may
+readily be proved; and it will not be consistent with that regard to the
+publick, expected from us by those whom we represent, to enact a law
+which may probably become an instrument of oppression.
+
+The servant by whom I am now attended, may be termed, according to the
+determination of the vindicators of this bill, a seafaring man, having
+been once in the West Indies; and he may, therefore, be forced from my
+service, and dragged into a ship, by the authority of a justice of the
+peace, perhaps of some abandoned prostitute, dignified with a commission
+only to influence elections, and awe those whom excises and riot-acts
+cannot subdue.
+
+I think it, sir, not improper to declare, that I would by force oppose
+the execution of a law like this; that I would bar my doors and defend
+them; that I would call my neighbours to my assistance; and treat those
+who should attempt to enter without my consent, as thieves, ruffians,
+and murderers.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is well known that by the laws
+of this nation, poverty is, in some degree, considered as a crime, and
+that the debtor has only this advantage over the felon, that he cannot
+be pursued into his dwelling, nor be forced from the shelter of his own
+house.
+
+I think it is universally agreed, that the condition of a man in debt is
+already sufficiently miserable, and that it would be more worthy of the
+legislative power to contrive alleviations of his hardships, than
+additions to them; and it seems, therefore, no inconsiderable objection
+to this bill, that, by conferring the power of entering houses by force,
+it may give the harpies of the law an opportunity of entering, in the
+tumult of an impress, and of dragging a debtor to a noisome prison,
+under pretence of forcing sailors into the service of the crown.
+
+Mr. TRACEY then said:--Sir, that some law for the ends proposed by the
+bill before us, is necessary, I do not see how we can doubt, after the
+declarations of the admirals, who are fully acquainted with the service
+for which provision is to be made; and of the ministry, whose knowledge
+of the present state of our own strength, and the designs of our
+enemies, is, doubtless, more exact than they can acquire who are not
+engaged in publick employments.
+
+If, therefore, the measures now proposed are necessary, though they may
+not be agreeable to the present dispositions of the people, for whose
+preservation they are intended, I shall think it my duty to concur in
+them, that the publick service may not be retarded, nor the safety of a
+whole nation hazarded, by a scrupulous attention to minute objections.
+
+Mr. CAMPBELL spoke as follows:--Sir, I have often, amidst my elogies on
+British liberty, and my declarations of the excellence of our
+constitution, the impartiality of our government, and the efficacy of
+our laws, been reproached by foreigners with the practice of impresses,
+as a hardship which would raise a rebellion in absolute monarchies, and
+kindle those nations into madness, that have, for many ages, known no
+other law than the will of their princes. A hardship which includes
+imprisonment and slavery, and to which, therefore, no aggravations ought
+to be added.
+
+But if justice and reason, sir, are to be overborne by necessity; if
+necessity is to stop our ears against the complaints of the oppressed,
+and harden our hearts at the sight of their misery, let it, at least,
+not destroy our memories, nor deprive us of the advantages of
+experience.
+
+Let us inquire, sir, what were the effects of this hateful authority
+when it was formerly consigned to the magistrates. Were our fleets
+manned in an instant? were our harbours immediately crowded with
+sailors? did we surprise our enemies by our expedition, and make
+conquests before an invasion could be suspected? I have heard, sir, of
+no such consequences, nor of any advantages which deserved to be
+purchased by tyranny and oppression. We have found that very few were
+procured by the magistrates, and the charge of seizing and conveying was
+very considerable; and, therefore, cannot but conclude that illegal
+measures, which have been once tried without success, should, for a
+double reason, never be revived.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke to this effect:--Sir, it is not without regret
+that I rise so often on this occasion: for to dispute with those whose
+determinations are not influenced by reason, is a ridiculous task, a
+tiresome labour, without prospect of reward.
+
+But, as an honourable gentleman has lately remarked, that by denying the
+necessity of the bill, instead of making objections to particular
+clauses, the whole design of finding expedients to supply the sea
+service is at once defeated; I think it necessary to remind him, that I
+have made many objections to this bill, and supported them by reasons
+which have not yet been answered. But I shall now no longer confine my
+remarks to single errours, but observe that there is one general defect,
+by which the whole bill is made absurd and useless.
+
+For the foundation of a law like this, sir, the description of a seaman
+ought to be accurately laid down, it ought to be declared what acts
+shall subject him to that denomination, and by what means, after having
+once enlisted himself in this unhappy class of men, he may withdraw into
+a more secure and happy state of life.
+
+Is a man, who has once only lost sight of the shore, to be for ever
+hunted as a seaman? Is a man, who, by traffick, has enriched a family,
+to be forced from his possessions by the authority of an impress? Is a
+man, who has purchased an estate, and built a seat, to solicit the
+admiralty for a protection from the neighbouring constable? Such
+questions as these, sir, may be asked, which the bill before us will
+enable no man to answer.
+
+If a bill for this purpose be truly necessary, let it, at least, be
+freed from such offensive absurdities; let it be drawn up in a form as
+different as is possible from that of the bill before us; and, at last,
+I am far from imagining that a law will be contrived not injurious to
+individuals, nor detrimental to the publick; not contrary to the first
+principles of our establishment, and not loaded with folly and
+absurdities.
+
+Mr. VYNER then spoke:--Sir, a definition of a seaman is so necessary in
+a bill for this purpose, that the omission of it will defeat all the
+methods that can be suggested. How shall a law be executed, or a penalty
+inflicted, when the magistrate has no certain marks whereby he may
+distinguish a criminal? and when even the man that is prosecuted may not
+be conscious of guilt, or know that the law extended to him, which he is
+charged with having offended.
+
+If, in defining a seaman on the present occasion, it be thought proper
+to have any regard to the example of our predecessors, whose wisdom has,
+in this debate, been so much magnified; it may be observed, that a
+seaman has been formerly defined, a man who haunts the seas; a
+definition which seems to imply habit and continuance, and not to
+comprehend a man who has, perhaps, never gone more than a single voyage.
+
+But though this definition, sir, should be added to the amendments
+already proposed, and the bill thereby be brought somewhat nearer to the
+constitutional principles of our government; I cannot yet think it so
+much rectified, as that the hardships will not outweigh the benefits,
+and, therefore, shall continue to oppose the bill, though to some
+particular clauses I have no objection.
+
+[The term _seafaring man_ was left out, and the several amendments were
+admitted in the committee, but the clauses themselves, to the number of
+eleven, were given up on the report.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 10, 1740-1.
+
+The commons resolved their house into a committee, to consider the bill
+for the encouragement of sailors, when admiral WAGER offered a clause,
+by which it was to be enacted, "That no merchants, or bodies corporate
+or politick, shall hire sailors at higher wages than thirty-five
+shillings for the month, on pain of forfeiting the treble value of the
+sum so agreed for;" which law was to commence after fifteen days, and
+continue for a time to be agreed on by the house: and then spoke to the
+following purpose:--
+
+Sir, the necessity of this clause must be so apparent to every gentleman
+acquainted with naval and commercial affairs, that as no opposition can
+be apprehended, very few arguments will be requisite to introduce it.
+
+How much the publick calamities of war are improved by the sailors to
+their own private advantage; how generally they shun the publick
+service, in hopes of receiving exorbitant wages from the merchants; and
+how much they extort from the merchants, by threatening to leave their
+service for that of the crown, is universally known to every officer of
+the navy, and every commander of a trading vessel.
+
+A law, therefore, sir, to restrain them in time of war from such
+exorbitant demands; to deprive them of those prospects which have often
+no other effect than to lull them in idleness, while they skulk about in
+expectation of higher wages; and to hinder them from deceiving
+themselves, embarrassing the merchants, and neglecting the general
+interest of their country, is undoubtedly just. It is just, sir, because
+in regard to the publick it is necessary to prevent the greatest
+calamity that can fall upon a people, to preserve us from receiving laws
+from the most implacable of our enemies; and it is just, because with
+respect to particular men it has no tendency but to suppress idleness,
+fraud, and extortion.
+
+Mr. Henby FOX spoke next:--Sir, I have no objection to any part of this
+clause, except the day proposed for the commencement: to make a law
+against any pernicious practice, to which there are strong temptations,
+and to give those whose interest may incite them to it, time to effect
+their schemes, before the law shall begin to operate, seems not very
+consistent with wisdom or vigilance.
+
+It is not denied, sir, that the merchants are betrayed by that regard to
+private interest which prevails too frequently over nobler views, to
+bribe away from the service of the crown, by large rewards, those
+sailors whose assistance is now so necessary to the publick; and,
+therefore, it is not to be imagined that they will not employ their
+utmost diligence to improve the interval which the bill allows in making
+contracts for the ensuing, year, and that the sailors will not eagerly
+engage themselves before this law shall preclude their prospects of
+advantage.
+
+As, therefore, to make no law, and to make a law that will not be
+observed, is in consequence the same; and the time allowed by the
+clause, as it now stands, may make the whole provision ineffectual; it
+is my opinion, that either it ought to begin to operate to-morrow, or
+that we ought to leave the whole affair in its present state.
+
+Then sir Robert WALPOLE spoke as follows:--Sir, nothing has a greater
+appearance of injustice, than to punish men by virtue of laws, with
+which they were not acquainted; the law, therefore, is always supposed
+to be known by those who have offended it, because it is the duty of
+every man to know it; and certainly it ought to be the care of the
+legislature, that those whom a law will affect, may have a possibility
+of knowing it, and that those may not be punished for failing in their
+duty, whom nothing but inevitable ignorance has betrayed into offence.
+
+But if the operation of this law should commence to-morrow, what numbers
+may break it, and suffer by the breach of it involuntarily, and without
+design; and how shall we vindicate ourselves from having been accessory
+to the crime which we censure and punish?
+
+Mr. FOX replied:--Sir, I shall not urge in defence of my motion what is
+generally known, and has been frequently inculcated in all debates upon
+this bill, that private considerations ought always to give way to the
+necessities of the publick; for I think it sufficient to observe, that
+there is a distinction to be made between punishments and restraints,
+and that we never can be too early in the prevention of pernicious
+practices, though we may sometimes delay to punish them.
+
+The law will be known to-morrow, to far the greatest number of those who
+may be tempted to defeat it; and if there be others that break it
+ignorantly, how will they find themselves injured by being only obliged
+to pay less than they promised, which is all that I should propose
+without longer warning. The debate upon this particular, will be at
+length reduced to a question, whether a law for this purpose is just and
+expedient? If a law be necessary, it is necessary that it should be
+executed; and it can be executed only by commencing to-morrow.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke thus:--Sir, it appears to me of no great importance
+how soon the operation of the law commences, or how long it is delayed,
+because I see no reason for imagining that it will at any time produce
+the effects proposed by it.
+
+It has been the amusement, sir, of a great part of my life, to converse
+with men whose inclinations or employments have made them well
+acquainted with maritime affairs, and amidst innumerable other schemes
+for the promotion of trade, have heard some for the regulation of wages
+in trading ships; schemes, at the first appearance plausible and likely
+to succeed, but, upon a nearer inquiry, evidently entangled with
+insuperable difficulties, and never to be executed without danger of
+injuring the commerce of the nation.
+
+The clause, sir, now before us contains, in my opinion, one of those
+visionary provisions, which, however infallible they may appear, will be
+easily defeated, and will have no other effect than to promote cunning
+and fraud, and to teach men those acts of collusion, with which they
+would otherwise never have been acquainted.
+
+Mr. LODWICK spoke to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman by whom this clause has been offered, that the end for which
+it is proposed, is worthy of the closest attention of the legislative
+power, and that the evils of which the prevention is now endeavoured,
+may in some measure not only obstruct our traffick, but endanger our
+country; and shall therefore very readily concur in any measures for
+this purpose, that shall not appear either unjust or ineffectual.
+
+Whether this clause will be sufficient to restrain all elusive
+contracts, and whether all the little artifices of interest are
+sufficiently obviated, I am yet unable to determine; but by a reflection
+upon the multiplicity of relations to be considered, and the variety of
+circumstances to be adjusted in a provision of this kind, I am inclined
+to think that, it is not the business of a transient inquiry, or of a
+single clause, but that it will demand a separate law, and engage the
+deliberation and regard of this whole assembly.
+
+Sir John BARNARD said:--Sir, notwithstanding the impatience and
+resentment with which some men see their mistakes and ignorance
+detected; notwithstanding the reverence which negligence and haste are
+said to be entitled to from this assembly, I shall declare once more,
+without the apprehension of being confuted, that this bill was drawn up
+without consideration, and is defended without being understood; that
+after all the amendments which have been admitted, and all the additions
+proposed, it will be oppressive and ineffectual, a chaos of absurdities,
+and a monument of ignorance.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied:--Sir, the present business of this assembly
+is to examine the clause before us; but to deviate from so necessary an
+inquiry into loud exclamations against the whole bill, is to obstruct
+the course of the debate, to perplex our attention, and interrupt the
+senate in its deliberation upon questions, in the determination of which
+the security of the publick is nearly concerned.
+
+The war, sir, in which we are now engaged, and, I may add, engaged by
+the general request of the whole nation, can be prosecuted only by the
+assistance of the seamen, from whom it is not to be expected that they
+will sacrifice their immediate advantage to the security of their
+country. Publick spirit, where it is to be found, is the result of
+reflection, refined by study and exalted by education, and is not to be
+hoped for among those whom low fortune has condemned to perpetual
+drudgery. It must be, therefore, necessary to supply the defects of
+education, and to produce, by salutary coercions, those effects which it
+is vain to expect from other causes.
+
+That the service of the sailors will be set up to sale by auction, and
+that the merchants will bid against the government, is incontestable;
+nor is there any doubt that they will be able to offer the highest
+price, because they will take care to repay themselves by raising the
+value of their goods. Thus, without some restraint upon the merchants,
+our enemies, who are not debarred by their form of government from any
+method which policy can invent, or absolute power put in execution, will
+preclude all our designs, and set at defiance a nation superiour to
+themselves.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then said:--Sir, I think myself obliged by my duty to
+my country, and by my gratitude to those by whose industry we are
+enriched, and by whose courage we are defended, to make, once more, a
+declaration, not against particular clauses, not against single
+circumstances, but against the whole bill; a bill unjust and oppressive,
+absurd and ridiculous; a bill to harass the industrious and distress the
+honest, to puzzle the wise and add power to the cruel; a bill which
+cannot be read without astonishment, nor passed without the violation of
+our constitution, and an equal disregard of policy and humanity.
+
+All these assertions will need to be proved only by a bare perusal of
+this hateful bill, by which the meanest, the most worthless reptile,
+exalted to a petty office by serving a wretch only superiour to him in
+fortune, is enabled to flush his authority by tyrannising over those who
+every hour deserve the publick acknowledgments of the community; to
+intrude upon the retreats of brave men, fatigued and exhausted by honest
+industry, to drag them out with all the wantonness of grovelling
+authority, and chain them to the oar without a moment's respite, or
+perhaps oblige them to purchase, with the gains of a dangerous voyage,
+or the plunder of an enemy lately conquered, a short interval to settle
+their affairs, or bid their children farewell.
+
+Let any gentleman in this house, let those, sir, who now sit at ease,
+projecting laws of oppression, and conferring upon their own slaves such
+licentious authority, pause a few moments, and imagine themselves
+exposed to the same hardships by a power superiour to their own; let
+them conceive themselves torn from the tenderness and caresses of their
+families by midnight irruptions, dragged in triumph through the streets
+by a despicable officer, and placed under the command of those by whom
+they have, perhaps, been already oppressed and insulted. Why should we
+imagine that the race of men for whom those cruelties are preparing,
+have less sensibility than ourselves? Why should we believe that they
+will suffer without complaint, and be injured without resentment? Why
+should we conceive that they will not at once deliver themselves, and
+punish their oppressors, by deserting that country where they are
+considered as felons, and laying hold on those rewards and privileges
+which no other government will deny them?
+
+This is, indeed, the only tendency, whatever may have been the intention
+of the bill before us; for I know not whether the most refined sagacity
+can discover any other method of discouraging navigation than those
+which are drawn together in the bill before us. We first give our
+constables an authority to hunt the sailors like thieves, and drive
+them, by incessant pursuit, out of the nation; but lest any man should
+by friendship, good fortune, or the power of money, find means of
+staying behind, we have with equal wisdom condemned him to poverty and
+misery; and lest the natural courage of his profession should incite him
+to assist his country in the war, have contrived a method of precluding
+him from any advantage that he might have the weakness to hope from his
+fortitude and diligence. What more can be done, unless we at once
+prohibit to seamen the use of the common elements, or doom them to a
+general proscription.
+
+It is just that advantage, sir, should be proportioned to the hazard by
+which it is to be obtained, and, therefore, a sailor has an honest claim
+to an advance of wages in time of war; it is necessary to excite
+expectation, and to fire ambition by the prospect of great acquisitions,
+and by this prospect it is that such numbers are daily allured to naval
+business, and that our privateers are filled with adventurers. The large
+wages which war makes necessary, are more powerful incentives to those
+whom impatience of poverty determines to change their state of life,
+than the secure gains of peaceful commerce; for the danger is overlooked
+by a mind intent upon the profit.
+
+War is the harvest of a sailor, in which he is to store provisions for
+the winter of old age, and if we blast this hope, he will inevitably
+sink into indolence and cowardice.
+
+Many of the sailors are bred up to trades, or capable of any laborious
+employment upon land; nor is there any reason for which they expose
+themselves to the dangers of a seafaring life, but the hope of sudden
+wealth, and some lucky season in which they may improve their fortunes
+by a single effort. Is it reasonable to believe that all these will not
+rather have recourse to their former callings, and live in security,
+though not in plenty, than encounter danger and poverty at once, and
+face an enemy without any prospect of recompense?
+
+Let any man recollect the ideas that arose in his mind upon hearing of a
+bill for encouraging and increasing sailors, and examine whether he had
+any expectation of expedients like these. I suppose it was never known
+before, that men were to be encouraged by subjecting them to peculiar
+penalties, or that to take away the gains of a profession, was a method
+of recommending it more generally to the people.
+
+But it is not of very great importance to dwell longer upon the
+impropriety of this clause, which there is no possibility of putting in
+execution. That the merchants will try every method of eluding a law so
+prejudicial to their interest, may be easily imagined, and a mind not
+very fruitful of evasions, will discover that this law may be eluded by
+a thousand artifices. If the merchants are restrained from allowing men
+their wages beyond a certain sum, they will make contracts for the
+voyage, of which the time may very easily be computed, they may offer a
+reward for expedition and fidelity, they may pay a large sum by way of
+advance, they may allow the sailors part of the profits, or may offer
+money by a third hand. To fix the price of any commodity, of which the
+quantity and the use may vary their proportions, is the most excessive
+degree of ignorance. No man can determine the price of corn, unless he
+can regulate the harvest, and keep the number of the people for ever at
+a stand.
+
+But let us suppose these methods as efficacious as their most sanguine
+vindicators are desirous of representing them, it does not yet appear
+that they are necessary, and to inflict hardships without necessity, is
+by no means the practice of either wisdom or benevolence. To tyrannise
+and compel is the low pleasure of petty capacities, of narrow minds,
+swelled with the pride of uncontroulable authority, the wantonness of
+wretches who are insensible of the consequences of their own actions,
+and of whom candour may, perhaps, determine, that they are only cruel
+because they are stupid. Let us not exalt into a precedent the most
+unjust and rigorous law of our predecessors, of which they themselves
+declared their repentance, or confessed the inefficacy, by never
+reviving it; let us rather endeavour to gain the sailors by lenity and
+moderation, and reconcile them to the service of the crown by real
+encouragements; for it is rational to imagine, that in proportion as men
+are disgusted by injuries, they will be won by kindness.
+
+There is one expedient, sir, which deserves to be tried, and from which,
+at least, more success may be hoped than from cruelty, hunger, and
+persecution. The ships that are now to be fitted out for service, are
+those of the first magnitude, which it is usual to bring back into the
+ports in winter. Let us, therefore, promise to all seamen that shall
+voluntarily engage in them, besides the reward already proposed, a
+discharge from the service at the end of six or seven months. By this
+they will be released from their present dread of perpetual slavery, and
+be certain, as they are when in the service of the merchants, of a
+respite from their fatigues. The trade of the nation will be only
+interrupted for a time, and may be carried on in the winter months, and
+large sums will be saved by dismissing the seamen when they cannot be
+employed.
+
+By adding this to the other methods of encouragement, and throwing aside
+all rigorous and oppressive schemes, the navy may easily be manned, our
+country protected, our commerce reestablished, and our enemies subdued;
+but to pass the bill as it now stands, is to determine that trade shall
+cease, and that no ship shall sail out of the river.
+
+Mr. PITT spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is common for those to
+have the greatest regard to their own interest who discover the least
+for that of others. I do not, therefore, despair of recalling the
+advocates of this bill from the prosecution of their favourite measures,
+by arguments of greater efficacy than those which are founded on reason
+and justice.
+
+Nothing, sir, is more evident, than that some degree of reputation is
+absolutely necessary to men who have any concern in the administration
+of a government like ours; they must either secure the fidelity of their
+adherents by the assistance of wisdom, or of virtue; their enemies must
+either be awed by their honesty, or terrified by their cunning. Mere
+artless bribery will never gain a sufficient majority to set them
+entirely free from apprehensions of censure. To different tempers
+different motives must be applied: some, who place their felicity in
+being accounted wise, are in very little care to preserve the character
+of honesty; others may be persuaded to join in measures which they
+easily discover to be weak and ill-concerted, because they are convinced
+that the authors of them are not corrupt but mistaken, and are unwilling
+that any man should be punished for natural defects or casual ignorance.
+
+I cannot say, sir, which of these motives influences the advocates for
+the bill before us; a bill in which such cruelties are proposed as are
+yet unknown among the most savage nations, such as slavery has not yet
+borne, or tyranny invented, such as cannot be heard without resentment,
+nor thought of without horrour.
+
+It is, sir, perhaps, not unfortunate, that one more expedient has been
+added, rather ridiculous than shocking, and that these tyrants of the
+administration, who amuse themselves with oppressing their
+fellow-subjects, who add without reluctance one hardship to another,
+invade the liberty of those whom they have already overborne with taxes,
+first plunder and then imprison, who take all opportunities of
+heightening the publick distresses, and make the miseries of war the
+instruments of new oppressions, are too ignorant to be formidable, and
+owe their power not to their abilities, but to casual prosperity, or to
+the influence of money.
+
+The other clauses of this bill, complicated at once with cruelty and
+folly, have been treated with becoming indignation; but this may be
+considered with less ardour of resentment, and fewer emotions of zeal,
+because, though, perhaps, equally iniquitous, it will do no harm; for a
+law that can never be executed can never be felt.
+
+That it will consume the manufacture of paper, and swell the books of
+statutes, is all the good or hurt that can be hoped or feared from a law
+like this; a law which fixes what is in its own nature mutable, which
+prescribes rules to the seasons and limits to the wind. I am too well
+acquainted, sir, with the disposition of its two chief supporters, to
+mention the contempt with which this law will be treated by posterity,
+for they have already shown abundantly their disregard of succeeding
+generations; but I will remind them, that they are now venturing their
+whole interest at once, and hope they will recollect, before it is too
+late, that those who believe them to intend the happiness of their
+country, will never be confirmed in their opinion by open cruelty and
+notorious oppression; and that those who have only their own interest in
+view, will be afraid of adhering to those leaders, however old and
+practised in expedients, however strengthened by corruption, or elated
+with power, who have no reason to hope for success from either their
+virtue or abilities.
+
+Mr. BATHURST next spoke to this effect:--Sir, the clause now under our
+consideration is so inconsiderately drawn up, that it is impossible to
+read it in the most cursory manner, without discovering the necessity of
+numerous amendments; no malicious subtilties or artful deductions are
+required in raising objections to this part of the bill, they crowd upon
+us without being sought, and, instead of exercising our sagacity, weary
+our attention.
+
+The first errour, or rather one part of a general and complicated
+errour, is the computation of time, not by days, but by calendar months,
+which, as they are not equal one to another, may embarrass the account
+between the sailors and those that employ them. In all contracts of a
+short duration, the time is to be reckoned by weeks and days, by certain
+and regular periods, which has been so constantly the practice of the
+seafaring men, that, perhaps, many of them do not know the meaning of a
+calendar month: this, indeed, is a neglect of no great importance,
+because no man can be deprived by it of more than the wages due for the
+labour of a few days; but the other part of this clause is more
+seriously to be considered, as it threatens the sailors with greater
+injuries: for it is to be enacted, that all contracts made for more
+wages than are here allowed shall be totally void.
+
+It cannot be denied to be possible, and in my opinion it is very likely,
+that many contracts will be made without the knowledge of this law, and
+consequently without any design of violating it; but ignorance,
+inevitable ignorance, though it is a valid excuse for every other man,
+is no plea for the unhappy sailor; he must suffer, though innocent, the
+penalty of a crime; must undergo danger, hardships, and labour, without
+a recompense, and at the end of a successful voyage, after having
+enriched his country by his industry, return home to a necessitous
+family, without being able to relieve them.
+
+It is scarcely necessary, sir, to raise any more objections to a clause
+in which nothing is right; but, to show how its imperfections multiply
+upon the slightest consideration, I take the opportunity to observe,
+that there is no provision made for regulating the voyages performed in
+less time than a month, so that the greatest part of the abuses, which
+have been represented as the occasion of this clause, are yet without
+remedy, and only those sailors who venture far, and are exposed to the
+greatest dangers, are restrained from receiving an adequate reward.
+
+Thus much, sir, I have said upon the supposition that a regulation of
+the sailors' wages is either necessary or just; a supposition of which I
+am very far from discovering the truth. That it is just to oppress the
+most useful of our fellow-subjects, to load those men with peculiar
+hardships to whom we owe the plenty that we enjoy, the power that yet
+remains in the nation, and which neither the folly nor the cowardice of
+ministers have yet been able to destroy, and the security in which we
+now sit and hold our consultations; that it is just to lessen our
+payments at a time when we increase the labour of those who are hired,
+and to expose men to danger without recompense, will not easily be
+proved, even by those who are most accustomed to paradoxes, and are
+ready to undertake the proof of any position which it is their interest
+to find true.
+
+Nor is it much more easy to show the necessity of this expedient in our
+present state, in which it appears from the title of the bill, that our
+chief endeavour should be the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+and, I suppose, it has not often been discovered, that by taking away
+the profits of a profession greater numbers have been allured to it.
+
+The high wages, sir, paid by merchants are the chief incitements that
+prevail upon the ambitious, the necessitous, or the avaricious, to
+forsake the ease and security of the land, to leave easy trades, and
+healthful employments, and expose themselves to an element where they
+are not certain of an hour's safety. The service of the merchants is the
+nursery in which seamen are trained up for his majesty's navies, and
+from thence we must, in time of danger, expect those forces by which
+alone we can be protected.
+
+If, therefore, it is necessary to encourage sailors, it is necessary to
+reject all measures that may terrify or disgust them; and as their
+numbers must depend upon our trade, let us not embarrass the merchants
+with any other difficulties than those which are inseparable from war,
+and which very little care has been hitherto taken to alleviate.
+
+Mr. HAY replied:--Sir, the objections which have been urged with so much
+ardour, and displayed with such power of eloquence, are not, in my
+opinion, formidable enough to discourage us from prosecuting our
+measures; some of them may be, perhaps, readily answered, and the rest
+easily removed.
+
+The computation of time, as it now stands, is allowed not to produce any
+formidable evil, and therefore did not require so rhetorical a censure:
+the inconveniency of calendar months may easily be removed by a little
+candour in the contracting parties, or, that the objection may not be
+repeated to the interruption of the debate, weeks or days may be
+substituted, and the usual reckoning of the sailors be still continued.
+
+That some contracts may be annulled, and inconveniencies or delays of
+payment arise, is too evident to be questioned; but in that case the
+sailor may have his remedy provided, and be enabled to obtain, by an
+easy process, what he shall be judged to _have deserved_; for it must be
+allowed reasonable, that every man who labours in honest and useful
+employments, should receive the reward of his diligence and fidelity.
+
+Thus, sir, may the clause, however loudly censured and violently
+opposed, be made useful and equitable, and the publick service advanced
+without injury to individuals.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE next rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, every law
+which extends its influence to great numbers in various relations and
+circumstances, must produce some consequences that were never foreseen
+or intended, and is to be censured or applauded as the general
+advantages or inconveniencies are found to preponderate. Of this kind is
+the law before us, a law enforced by the necessity of our affairs, and
+drawn up with no other intention than to secure the publick happiness,
+and produce that success which every man's interest must prompt him to
+desire.
+
+If in the execution of this law, sir, some inconveniencies should arise,
+they are to be remedied as fast as they are discovered, or if not
+capable of a remedy, to be patiently borne, in consideration of the
+general advantage.
+
+That some temporary disturbances may be produced is not improbable; the
+discontent of the sailors may, for a short time, rise high, and our
+trade be suspended by their obstinacy; but obstinacy, however
+determined, must yield to hunger, and when no higher wages can be
+obtained, they will cheerfully accept of those which are here allowed
+them. Short voyages, indeed, are not comprehended in the clause, and
+therefore the sailors will engage in them upon their own terms, but this
+objection can be of no weight with those that oppose the clause,
+because, if it is unjust to limit the wages of the sailors, it is just
+to leave those voyages without restriction; and those that think the
+expedient here proposed equitable and rational, may, perhaps, be willing
+to make some concessions to those who are of a different opinion.
+
+That the bill will not remove every obstacle to success, nor add weight
+to one part of the balance without making the other lighter; that it
+will not supply the navy without incommoding the merchants in some
+degree; that it may be sometimes evaded by cunning, and sometimes abused
+by malice; and that at last it will be less efficacious than is desired,
+may, perhaps, be proved; but it has not yet been proved that any other
+measures are more eligible, or that we are not to promote the publick
+service as far as we are able, though our endeavours may not produce
+effects equal to our wishes.
+
+Sir John BARNARD then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+fatality it is that nothing can be urged in defence of the clause before
+us which does not tend to discover its weakness and inefficacy. The
+warmest patrons of this expedient are impelled, by the mere force of
+conviction, to such concessions as invalidate all their arguments, and
+leave their opponents no necessity of replying.
+
+If short voyages are not comprehended in this provision, what are we now
+controverting? What but the expedience of a law that will never be
+executed? The sailors, however they are contemned by those who think
+them only worthy to be treated like beasts of burden, are not yet so
+stupid but that they can easily find out, that to serve a fortnight for
+greater wages is more eligible than to toil a month for less; and as the
+numerous equipments that have been lately made have not left many more
+sailors in the service of the merchants than may be employed in the
+coasting trade, those who traffick to remoter parts, must shut up their
+books and wait till the expiration of this act, for an opportunity of
+renewing their commerce.
+
+To regulate the wages for one voyage, and to leave another without
+limitation, in time of scarcity of seamen, is absolutely to prohibit
+that trade which is so restrained, and is, doubtless, a more effectual
+embargo than has been yet invented.
+
+Let any man but suppose that the East India company were obliged to give
+only half the wages that other traders allow, and consider how that part
+of our commerce could be carried on; would not their goods rot in their
+warehouses, and their ships lie for ever in the harbour? Would not the
+sailors refuse to contract with them? or desert them after a contract,
+upon the first prospect of more advantageous employment?
+
+But it is not requisite to multiply arguments in a question which may
+not only be decided without long examination, but in which we may
+determine our conclusions by the experience of our ancestors. Scarcely
+any right or wrong measures are without a precedent, and, amongst
+others, this expedient has been tried by the wisdom of former times; a
+law was once made for limiting the wages of tailors, and that it is
+totally ineffectual we are all convinced. Experience is a very safe
+guide in political inquiries, and often discovers what the most
+enlightened reason failed to foresee.
+
+Let us, therefore, improve the errours of our ancestors to our own
+advantage, and whilst we neglect to imitate their virtues, let us, at
+least, forbear to repeat their follies.
+
+Mr. PERRY spoke to this purpose:--Sir, there is one objection more which
+my acquaintance with foreign trade impresses too strongly upon my mind
+to suffer me to conceal it.
+
+It is well known that the condition of a seaman subjects him to the
+necessity of spending a great part of his life at a distance from his
+native country, in places where he can neither hear of our designs, nor
+be instructed in our laws, and, therefore, it is evident that no law
+ought to affect him before a certain period of time, in which he may
+reasonably be supposed to have been informed of it. For every man ought
+to have it in his power to avoid punishment, and to suffer only for
+negligence or obstinacy.
+
+It is quite unnecessary, sir, to observe to this assembly, that there
+are now, as at all times, great numbers of sailors in every part of the
+world, and that they, at least, equally deserve our regard with those
+who are under the more immediate influence of the government.
+
+These seamen have already contracted for the price of their labour, and
+the recompense of their hazards, nor can we, in my opinion, without
+manifest injustice, dissolve a contract founded upon equity, and
+confirmed by law.
+
+It is, sir, an undisputed principle of government, that no person should
+be punished without a crime; but is it no punishment to deprive a man of
+what is due to him by a legal stipulation, the condition of which is, on
+his part, honestly fulfilled?
+
+Nothing, sir, can be imagined more calamitous than the disappointment to
+which this law subjects the unhappy men who are now promoting the
+interest of their country in distant places, amidst dangers and
+hardships, in unhealthy climates, and barbarous nations, where they
+comfort themselves, under the fatigues of labour and the miseries of
+sickness, with the prospect of the sum which they shall gain for the
+relief of their families, and the respite which their wages will enable
+them to enjoy; but, upon their return, they find their hopes blasted,
+and their contracts dissolved by a law made in their absence.
+
+No human being, I think, can coolly and deliberately inflict a hardship
+like this, and, therefore, I doubt not but those who have, by
+inadvertency, given room for this objection, will either remove it by an
+amendment, or what is, in my opinion, more eligible, reject the clause
+as inexpedient, useless, and unjust.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next to this effect:--Sir, this debate has been
+protracted, not by any difficulties arising from the nature of the
+questions which have been the subject of it, but by a neglect with which
+almost all the opponents of the bill may be justly charged, the neglect
+of distinguishing between measures eligible in themselves, and measures
+preferable to consequences which are apprehended from particular
+conjunctures; between laws made only to advance the publick happiness,
+and expedients of which the benefit is merely occasional, and of which
+the sole intention is to avert some national calamity, and which are to
+cease with the necessity that produced them.
+
+Such are the measures, sir, which are now intended; measures, which, in
+days of ease, security, and prosperity, it would be the highest degree
+of weakness to propose, but of which I cannot see the absurdity in times
+of danger and distress. Such laws are the medicines of a state, useless
+and nauseous in health, but preferable to a lingering disease, or to a
+miserable death.
+
+Even those measures, sir, which have been mentioned as most grossly
+absurd, and represented as parallel to the provision made in this clause
+only to expose it to contempt and ridicule, may, in particular
+circumstances, be rational and just. To settle the price of corn in the
+time of a famine, may become the wisest state, and multitudes might, in
+time of publick misery, by the benefit of temporary laws, be preserved
+from destruction. Even those masts, to which, with a prosperous gale,
+the ship owes its usefulness and its speed, are often cut down by the
+sailors in the fury of a storm.
+
+With regard to the ships which are now in distant places, whither no
+knowledge of this law can possibly be conveyed, it cannot be denied that
+their crews ought to be secured from injury by some particular
+exception; for though it is evident in competitions between publick and
+private interest, which ought to be preferred, yet we ought to remember
+that no unnecessary injury is to be done to individuals, even while we
+are providing for the safety of the nation.
+
+Mr. FAZAKERLY spoke to this effect:--Sir, though I cannot be supposed to
+have much acquaintance with naval affairs, and, therefore, may not,
+perhaps, discover the full force of the arguments that have been urged
+in favour of the clause now under consideration, yet I cannot but think
+myself under an indispensable obligation to examine it as far as I am
+able, and to make use of the knowledge which I have acquired, however
+inferiour to that of others.
+
+The argument, sir, the only real argument, which has been produced in
+favour of the restraint of wages now proposed, appears to me by no means
+conclusive; nor can I believe that the meanest and most ignorant seaman
+would, if it were proposed to him, hesitate a moment for an answer to
+it. Let me suppose, sir, a merchant urging it as a charge against a
+seaman, that he raises his demand of wages in time of war, would not the
+sailor readily reply, that harder labour required larger pay? Would he
+not ask, why the general practice of mankind is charged as a crime upon
+him only? Inquire, says he, of the workmen in the docks, have they not
+double wages for double labour? and is not their lot safe and easy in
+comparison with mine, who at once encounter danger and support fatigue,
+carry on war and commerce at the same time, conduct the ship and oppose
+the enemy, and am equally exposed to captivity and shipwreck?
+
+That this is, in reality, the state of a sailor in time of war, I think,
+sir, too evident to require proof; nor do I see what reply can be made
+to the sailor's artless expostulation.
+
+I know not why the sailors alone should serve their country to their
+disadvantage, and be expected to encounter danger without the incitement
+of a reward.
+
+Nor will any part of the hardships of this clause be alleviated by the
+expedient suggested by an honourable member, who spoke, some time ago,
+of granting, or allowing, to a sailor, whose contract shall be void,
+what our courts of law should adjudge him to deserve, a _quantum
+meruit_: for, according to the general interpretation of our statutes,
+it will be determined that he has forfeited his whole claim by illegal
+contract. To instance, sir, the statute of usury. He that stipulates for
+higher interest than is allowed, is not able to recover his legal
+demand, but irrecoverably forfeits the whole.
+
+Thus, sir, an unhappy sailor who shall innocently transgress this law,
+must lose all the profit of his voyage, and have nothing to relieve him
+after his fatigues; but when he has by his courage repelled the enemy,
+and, by his skill, escaped storms and rocks, must suffer yet severer
+hardships, in being subject to a forfeiture where he expected applause,
+comfort, and recompense.
+
+The ATTORNEY GENERAL spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, the clause
+before us cannot, in my opinion, produce any such dreadful consequences
+as the learned gentleman appears to imagine: however, to remove all
+difficulties, I have drawn up an amendment, which I shall beg leave to
+propose, that the contracts which may be affected as the clause now
+stands, _shall be void only as to so much of the wages as shall exceed
+the sum to which the house shall agree to reduce the seamen's pay;_ and,
+as to the forfeitures, they are not to be levied upon the sailors, but
+upon the merchants, or trading companies, who employ them, and who are
+able to pay greater sums without being involved in poverty and distress.
+
+With regard, sir, to the reasons for introducing this clause, they are,
+in my judgment, valid and equitable. We have found it necessary to fix
+the rate of money at interest, and the rate of labour in several cases,
+and if we do not in this case, what will be the consequence?--a second
+embargo on commerce, and, perhaps, a total stop to all military
+preparations. Is it reasonable that any man should rate his labour
+according to the immediate necessities of those that employ him? or that
+he should raise his own fortune by the publick calamities? If this has
+hitherto been a practice, it is a practice contrary to the general
+happiness of society, and ought to prevail no longer.
+
+If the sailor, sir, is exposed to greater dangers in time of war, is not
+the merchant's trade carried on, likewise, at greater hazard? Is not the
+freight, equally with the sailors, threatened at once by the ocean and
+the enemy? And is not the owner's fortune equally impaired, whether the
+ship is dashed upon a rock, or seized by a privateer?
+
+The merchant, therefore, has as much reason for paying less wages in
+time of war, as the sailor for demanding more, and nothing remains but
+that the legislative power determine a medium between their different
+interests, with justice, if possible, at least with impartiality.
+
+Mr. Horace WALPOLE, who had stood up several times, but was prevented by
+other members, spoke next, to this purport:--Sir, I was unwilling to
+interrupt the course of this debate while it was carried on with
+calmness and decency, by men, who do not suffer the ardour of opposition
+to cloud their reason, or transport them to such expressions as the
+dignity of this assembly does not admit. I have hitherto deferred to
+answer the gentleman who declaimed against the bill with such fluency of
+rhetorick, and such vehemence of gesture; who charged the advocates for
+the expedients now proposed, with having no regard to any interest but
+their own, and with making laws only to consume paper, and threatened
+them with the defection of their adherence, and the loss of their
+influence, upon this new discovery of their folly and their ignorance.
+
+Nor, sir, do I now answer him for any other purpose than to remind him
+how little the clamours of rage and petulancy of invectives contribute
+to the purposes for which this assembly is called together; how little
+the discovery of truth is promoted, and the security of the nation
+established by pompous diction and theatrical emotions.
+
+Formidable sounds, and furious declamations, confident assertions, and
+lofty periods, may affect the young and unexperienced; and, perhaps, the
+gentleman may have contracted his habits of oratory by conversing more
+with those of his own age, than with such as have had more opportunities
+of acquiring knowledge, and more successful methods of communicating
+their sentiments.
+
+If the heat of his temper, sir, would suffer him to attend to those
+whose age and long acquaintance with business give them an indisputable
+right to deference and superiority, he would learn, in time, to reason
+rather than declaim, and to prefer justness of argument, and an accurate
+knowledge of facts, to sounding epithets and splendid superlatives,
+which may disturb the imagination for a moment, but leave no lasting
+impression on the mind.
+
+He will learn, sir, that to accuse and prove are very different, and
+that reproaches, unsupported by evidence, affect only the character of
+him that utters them. Excursions of fancy, and flights of oratory, are,
+indeed, pardonable in young men, but in no other; and it would surely
+contribute more, even to the purpose for which some gentlemen appear to
+speak, that of depreciating the conduct of the administration, to prove
+the inconveniencies and injustice of this bill, than barely to assert
+them, with whatever magnificence of language, or appearance of zeal,
+honesty, or compassion.
+
+Mr. PITT replied:--Sir, the atrocious crime of being a young man, which
+the honourable gentleman has with such spirit and decency charged upon
+me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny, but content myself
+with wishing that I may be one of those whose follies may cease with
+their youth, and not of that number, who are ignorant in spite of
+experience.
+
+Whether youth can be imputed to any man as a reproach, I will not, sir,
+assume the province of determining; but surely age may become justly
+contemptible, if the opportunities which it brings have passed away
+without improvement, and vice appears to prevail when the passions have
+subsided. The wretch that, after having seen the consequences of a
+thousand errours, continues still to blunder, and whose age has only
+added obstinacy to stupidity, is surely the object of either abhorrence
+or contempt, and deserves not that his grey head should secure him from
+insults.
+
+Much more, sir, is he to be abhorred, who, as he has advanced in age,
+has receded from virtue, and becomes more wicked with less temptation;
+who prostitutes himself for money which he cannot enjoy, and spends the
+remains of his life in the ruin of his country.
+
+But youth, sir, is not my only crime; I have been accused of acting a
+theatrical part--a theatrical part may either imply some peculiarities
+of gesture, or a dissimulation of my real sentiments, and an adoption of
+the opinions and language of another man.
+
+In the first sense, sir, the charge is too trifling to be confuted, and
+deserves only to be mentioned, that it may be despised. I am at liberty,
+like every other man, to use my own language; and though I may, perhaps,
+have some ambition to please this gentleman, I shall not lay myself
+under any restraint, nor very solicitously copy his diction, or his
+mien, however matured by age, or modelled by experience.
+
+If any man shall, by charging me with theatrical behaviour, imply that I
+utter any sentiments but my own, I shall treat him as a calumniator and
+a villain; nor shall any protection shelter him from the treatment which
+he deserves. I shall, on such an occasion, without scruple, trample upon
+all those forms, with which wealth and dignity intrench themselves, nor
+shall any thing but age restrain my resentment: age, which always brings
+one privilege, that of being insolent and supercilious without
+punishment.
+
+But, with regard, sir, to those whom I have offended, I am of opinion,
+that if I had acted a borrowed part, I should have avoided their
+censure; the heat that offended them is the ardour of conviction, and
+that zeal for the service of my country, which neither hope nor fear
+shall influence me to suppress. I will not sit unconcerned while my
+liberty is invaded, nor look in silence upon publick robbery. I will
+exert my endeavours, at whatever hazard, to repel the aggressor, and
+drag the thief to justice, whoever may protect them in their villany,
+and whoever may partake of their plunder. And if the honourable
+gentleman--
+
+Here Mr. WINNINGTON called to order, and Mr. PITT sitting down, he spoke
+thus:--It is necessary, sir, that the order of this assembly be
+observed, and the debate resumed without personal altercations. Such
+expressions as have been vented on this occasion, become not an assembly
+intrusted with the liberty and welfare of their country. To interrupt
+the debate on a subject so important as that before us, is, in some
+measure, to obstruct the publick happiness, and violate our trust: but
+much more heinous is the crime of exposing our determinations to
+contempt, and inciting the people to suspicion or mutiny, by indecent
+reflections, or unjust insinuations.
+
+I do not, sir, undertake to decide the controversy between the two
+gentlemen, but must be allowed to observe, that no diversity of opinion
+can justify the violation of decency, and the use of rude and virulent
+expressions; expressions dictated only by resentment, and uttered
+without regard to--
+
+Mr. PITT called to order, and said:--Sir, if this be to preserve order,
+there is no danger of indecency from the most licentious tongue: for
+what calumny can be more atrocious, or what reproach more severe, than
+that of speaking with regard to any thing but truth. Order may sometimes
+be broken by passion, or inadvertency, but will hardly be reestablished
+by monitors like this, who cannot govern his own passion, whilst he is
+restraining the impetuosity of others.
+
+Happy, sir, would it be for mankind, if every one knew his own province;
+we should not then see the same man at once a criminal and a judge. Nor
+would this gentleman assume the right of dictating to others what he has
+not learned himself.
+
+That I may return, in some degree, the favour which he intends me, I
+will advise him never hereafter to exert himself on the subject of
+order; but, whenever he finds himself inclined to speak on such
+occasions, to remember how he has now succeeded, and condemn, in
+silence, what his censures will never reform.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON replied:--Sir, as I was hindered by the gentleman's
+ardour and impetuosity from concluding my sentence, none but myself can
+know the equity or partiality of my intentions, and, therefore, as I
+cannot justly be condemned, I ought to be supposed innocent; nor ought
+he to censure a fault of which he cannot be certain that it would ever
+have been committed.
+
+He has, indeed, exalted himself to a degree of authority never yet
+assumed by any member of this house, that of condemning others to
+silence. I am henceforward, by his inviolable decree, to sit and hear
+his harangues without daring to oppose him. How wide he may extend his
+authority, or whom he will proceed to include in the same sentence, I
+shall not determine; having not yet arrived at the same degree of
+sagacity with himself, nor being able to foreknow what another is going
+to pronounce.
+
+If I had given offence by any improper sallies of passion, I ought to
+have been censured by the concurrent voice of the assembly, or have
+received a reprimand, sir, from you, to which I should have submitted
+without opposition; but I will not be doomed to silence by one who has
+no pretensions to authority, and whose arbitrary decisions can only tend
+to introduce uproar, discord, and confusion.
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM next rose up, and spoke to this effect:--Sir, when, in
+the ardour of controversy upon interesting questions, the zeal of the
+disputants hinders them from a nice observation of decency and
+regularity, there is some indulgence due to the common weakness of our
+nature; nor ought any gentleman to affix to a negligent expression a
+more offensive sense than is necessarily implied by it.
+
+To search deep, sir, for calumnies and reproaches is no laudable nor
+beneficial curiosity; it must always be troublesome to ourselves by
+alarming us with imaginary injuries, and may often be unjust to others
+by charging them with invectives which they never intended. General
+candour and mutual tenderness will best preserve our own quiet, and
+support that dignity which has always been accounted essential to
+national debates, and seldom infringed without dangerous consequences.
+
+Mr. LYTTLETON spoke as follows:--Sir, no man can be more zealous for
+decency than myself, or more convinced of the necessity of a methodical
+prosecution of the question before us. I am well convinced how near
+indecency and faction are to one another, and how inevitably confusion
+produces obscurity; but I hope it will always be remembered, that he who
+first infringes decency, or deviates from method, is to answer for all
+the consequences that may arise from the neglect of senatorial customs:
+for it is not to be expected that any man will bear reproaches without
+reply, or that he who wanders from the question will not be followed in
+his digressions, and hunted through his labyrinths.
+
+It cannot, sir, be denied, that some insinuations were uttered injurious
+to those whose zeal may sometimes happen to prompt them to warm
+declarations, or incite them to passionate emotions. Whether I am of
+importance enough to be included in the censure, I despise it too much
+to inquire or consider, but cannot forbear to observe, that zeal for the
+right can never become reproachful, and that no man can fall into
+contempt but those who deserve it.
+
+[The clause was amended, and agreed to.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+The seventieth day of the session being appointed for the report from
+the committee on the bill for the increase and encouragement of sailors,
+sir John BARNARD presented a petition from the merchants of London, and
+spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, this petition I am directed to lay before this house by many of the
+principal merchants of that great city which I have the honour to
+represent; men too wise to be terrified with imaginary dangers, and too
+honest to endeavour the obstruction of any measures that may probably
+advance the publick good, merely because they do not concur with their
+private interest; men, whose knowledge and capacity enable them to judge
+rightly, and whose acknowledged integrity and spirit set them above the
+suspicion of concealing their sentiments.
+
+I therefore present this petition in the name of the merchants of
+London, in full confidence that it will be found to deserve the regard
+of this assembly, though I am, equally with the other members, a
+stranger to what it contains; for it is my opinion that a representative
+is to lay before the house the sentiments of his constituents, whether
+they agree with his own or not, and that, therefore, it would have been
+superfluous to examine the petition, which, though I might not wholly
+have approved it, I had no right to alter.
+
+The petition was read, and is as follows:
+
+"The humble petition of the merchants and traders of the city of
+London--showeth, that your petitioners are informed a bill is depending
+in this honourable house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, in which
+are clauses, that, should the bill pass into a law, your petitioners
+apprehend will be highly detrimental to the trade and navigation of this
+kingdom, by discouraging persons from entering into or being bred to the
+sea service, and entirely prevent the better and speedier manning his
+majesty's fleet, by giving the seamen of Great Britain, and of all other
+his majesty's dominions, a distaste of serving on board the royal navy.
+
+"That your petitioners conceive nothing can be of so bad consequence to
+the welfare and defence of this nation, as the treating so useful and
+valuable a body of men, who are its natural strength and security, like
+criminals of the highest nature, and so differently from all other his
+majesty's subjects; and at the same time are persuaded, that the only
+effectual and speedy method of procuring, for the service of his
+majesty's fleet, a proportionable number of the sailors in this kingdom,
+is to distinguish that body of men by bounties and encouragements, both
+present and future, and by abolishing all methods of severity and ill
+usage, particularly that practice whereby they are deprived, after long
+and hazardous voyages, of enjoying, for a short space of time, the
+comforts of their families, and equal liberty with other their
+fellow-subjects in their native country.
+
+"That your petitioners believe it will not be difficult to have such
+methods pointed out as will tend to supply the present necessities, and
+at the same time effectually promote the increase of seamen, when this
+honourable house shall think fit to inquire into a matter of such high
+importance to the naval power, trade, and riches of this kingdom.
+
+"That your petitioners are convinced this bill will not only be
+ineffectual to answer the ends proposed by it, but will be destructive
+of the liberties of all his majesty's subjects, as it empowers any
+parish officer, accompanied with an unlimited number of persons, at any
+hour, by day or by night, to force open the dwelling-houses, warehouses,
+or other places, provided for the security and defence of their lives
+and fortunes, contrary to the undoubted liberties of the people of Great
+Britain, and the laws of this land.
+
+"In consideration, therefore, of the premises, and of the particular
+prejudices, hardships, and dangers, which must inevitably attend your
+petitioners, and all others the merchants and traders of this kingdom,
+should this bill pass into a law, your petitioners most humbly pray this
+honourable house, that they may be heard by their counsel against the
+said clauses in the said bill."
+
+Mr. BATHURST then presented a petition, and spoke as follows:--Sir, the
+alarm which the bill, now depending, has raised, is not confined to the
+city of London, or to any particular province of the king's dominions;
+the whole nation is thrown into commotions, and the effects of the law
+now proposed, are dreaded, far and wide, as a general calamity. Every
+town which owes its trade and its provisions to navigation, apprehends
+the approach of poverty and scarcity, and those which are less
+immediately affected, consider the infraction of our liberties as a
+prelude to their destruction. Happy would it be, if we, who are
+intrusted with their interest, could find any arguments to convince them
+that their terrour was merely panick.
+
+That these fears have already extended their influence to the county
+which I represent, the petition which I now beg leave to lay before the
+house, will sufficiently evince; and I hope their remonstrances will
+prevail with this assembly to remove the cause of their disquiet, by
+rejecting the bill.
+
+This was entitled "a petition of several gentlemen, freeholders, and
+other inhabitants of the county of Gloucester, in behalf of themselves,
+and all other, the freeholders of the said county," setting forth, in
+substance, "That the petitioners being informed that a bill was
+depending in this house, for the encouragement and increase of seamen,
+and for the better and speedier manning his majesty's fleet, containing
+several clauses which, should the bill pass into a law, would, as the
+petitioners apprehend, impose hardships upon the people too heavy to be
+borne, and create discontents in the minds of his majesty's subjects;
+would subvert all the rights and privileges of a Briton; and overturn
+Magna Charta itself, the basis on which they are built; and, by these
+means, destroy that very liberty, for the preservation of which the
+present royal family was established upon the throne of Britain; for
+which reasons, such a law could never be obeyed, or much blood would be
+shed in consequence of it."
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM then spoke, to this purport:--Sir, I have attended to
+this petition with the utmost impartiality, and have endeavoured to
+affix, to every period, the most innocent sense; but cannot forbear to
+declare it as my opinion, that it is far distant from the style of
+submission and request: instead of persuading, they attempt to
+intimidate us, and menace us with no less than bloodshed and rebellion.
+They make themselves the judges of our proceedings, and appeal, from our
+determinations, to their own opinion, and declare that they will obey no
+longer than they approve.
+
+If such petitions as these, sir, are admitted; if the legislature shall
+submit to receive laws, and subjects resume, at pleasure, the power with
+which the government is vested, what is this assembly but a convention
+of empty phantoms, whose determinations are nothing more than a mockery
+of state?
+
+Every insult upon this house is a violation of our constitution; and the
+constitution, like every other fabrick, by being often battered, must
+fall at last. It is, indeed, already destroyed, if there be, in the
+nation, any body of men who shall, with impunity, refuse to comply with
+the laws, plead the great charter of liberty against those powers that
+made it, and fix the limits of their own obedience.
+
+I cannot, sir, pass over, in silence, the mention of the king, whose
+title to the throne, and the reasons for which he was exalted to it, are
+set forth with uncommon art and spirit of diction; but spirit, which, in
+my opinion, appears not raised by zeal, but by sedition; and which,
+therefore, it is our province to repress.
+
+That his majesty reigns for the preservation of liberty, will be readily
+confessed; but how shall we be able to preserve it, if his laws are not
+obeyed?
+
+Let us, therefore, in regard to the dignity of the assembly, to the
+efficacy of our determinations, and the security of our constitution,
+discourage all those who shall address us for the future, on this or any
+other occasion, from speaking in the style of governours and dictators,
+by refusing that this petition should be laid on the table.
+
+[The question was put, and it was agreed, by the whole house, that it
+should not lie on the table.]
+
+Mr. Henry PELHAM rose up again, and spoke thus:--Sir, I cannot but
+congratulate the house upon the unanimity with which this petition, a
+petition of which I speak in the softest language, when I call it
+irreverent and disrespectful, has been refused the regard commonly paid
+to the remonstrances of our constituents, whose rights I am far from
+desiring to infringe, when I endeavour to regulate their conduct, and
+recall them to their duty.
+
+This is an occasion, on which it is, in my opinion, necessary to exert
+our authority with confidence and vigour, as the spirit of opposition
+must always be proportioned to that of the attack. Let us, therefore,
+not only refuse to this petition the usual place on our table, but
+reject it as unworthy of this house.
+
+[The question was put, and the petition rejected, with scarcely any
+opposition.]
+
+The house then entered upon the consideration of the bill, and when the
+report was made from the committee, and the blanks filled up, sir
+William YONGE spoke, in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, the bill has been brought, by steady perseverance and diligent
+attention, to such perfection, that much more important effects may be
+expected from it than from any former law for the same purpose, if it be
+executed with the same calmness and resolution, the same contempt of
+popular clamour, and the same invariable and intrepid adherence to the
+publick good, that has been shown in forming and defending it.
+
+But what can we hope from this, or any other law, if particular men, who
+cannot be convinced of its expedience, shall not only refuse to obey it,
+but declare their design of obstructing the execution of it? shall
+determine to retire from the sphere of their authority, rather than
+exercise it in compliance with the decree of the senate, and threaten,
+in plain terms, to call the country in to their assistance, and to pour
+the rabble by thousands upon those who shall dare to do their duty, and
+obey their governours?
+
+Such declarations as these, sir, are little less than sallies of
+rebellion; and, if they pass without censure, will, perhaps, produce
+such commotions as may require to be suppressed by other means than
+forms of law and senatorial censures.
+
+Nor do I think that, by rejecting the petition, we have sufficiently
+established our authority; for, in my opinion, we yielded too much in
+receiving it. The bill before us whatever may be its title, is, in
+reality, a money bill; a bill, by which aids are granted to the crown;
+and we have, therefore, no necessity of rejecting petitions on this
+occasion, because the standing orders of the house forbid us to admit
+them.
+
+They then proceeded to the amendments, and when the clause for limiting
+the wages of seamen was read, sir John BARNARD rose up, and spoke to
+this effect:--
+
+Sir, we are now to consider the clause to which the petition relates,
+which I have now presented, a petition on a subject of so general
+importance, and offered by men so well acquainted with every argument
+that can be offered, and every objection which can be raised, that their
+request of being heard by their council cannot be denied, without
+exposing us to the censure of adhering obstinately to our own opinions,
+of shutting our ears against information, of preferring expedition to
+security, and disregarding the welfare of our country.
+
+It will not be necessary to defer our determinations on this clause for
+more than three days, though we should gratify this just and common
+request. And will not this loss be amply compensated by the satisfaction
+of the people, for whose safety we are debating, and by the
+consciousness that we have neglected nothing which might contribute to
+the efficacy of our measures?
+
+The merchants, sir, do not come before us with loud remonstrances and
+harassing complaints, they do not apply to our passions, but our
+understandings, and offer such informations as will very much facilitate
+the publick service. It has been frequent, in the course of this debate,
+to hear loud demands for better expedients, and more efficacious, than
+those which have been proposed; and is it to be conceived that those who
+called thus eagerly for new proposals, intended not to inform
+themselves, but to silence their opponents?
+
+From whom, sir, are the best methods for the prosecution of naval
+affairs to be expected, but from those whose lives are spent in the
+study of commerce, whose fortunes depend upon the knowledge of the sea,
+and who will, most probably, exert their abilities in contriving
+expedients to promote the success of the war, than they whom the
+miscarriage of our fleets must irreparably ruin?
+
+The merchants, sir, are enabled by their profession to inform us--are
+deterred by their interest from deceiving us; they have, like all other
+subjects, a right to be heard on any question; and a better right than
+any other when their interest is more immediately affected; and,
+therefore, to refuse to hear them, will be, at once, impolitick and
+cruel; it will discover, at the same time, a contempt of the most
+valuable part of our fellow-subjects, and an inflexible adherence to our
+own opinions.
+
+The expedient of asserting this to be a money bill, by which the just
+remonstrances of the merchants are intended to be eluded, is too trivial
+and gross to be adopted by this assembly: if this bill can be termed a
+money bill, and no petitions are, therefore, to be admitted against it,
+I know not any bill relating to the general affairs of the nation which
+may not plead the same title to an exemption from petitions.
+
+I therefore desire that the consideration of this clause may be deferred
+for two days, that the arguments of the merchants may be examined, and
+that this affair may not be determined without the clearest knowledge
+and exactest information.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE spoke next, to this effect:--Sir, the petition,
+whether justifiable or not, with regard to the occasion on which it is
+presented, or the language in which it is expressed, is certainly
+offered at an improper time, and, therefore, can lay no claim to the
+regard of this assembly.
+
+The time prescribed, by the rules of this house, for the reception of
+petitions, is that at which the bill is first introduced, not at which
+it is to be finally determined.
+
+The petition before us is said not to regard the bill in general, but a
+particular clause; and it is, therefore, asserted, that it may now
+properly be heard: but this plea will immediately vanish, when it shall
+be made appear that the clause is not mentioned in it, and that there is
+no particular relation between that and the petition, which I shall
+attempt--
+
+Here sir John BARNARD, remarking that sir Robert WALPOLE had the
+petition in his hand, rose, and said:--Sir, I rise thus abruptly to
+preserve the order of this assembly, and to prevent any gentleman from
+having, in this debate, any other advantage, above the rest, than that
+of superiour abilities, or more extensive knowledge.
+
+The petition was not ordered, by the house, to be placed in the right
+honourable gentleman's hand, but on the table; nor has he a right to
+make use of any other means for his information, than are in the power
+of any other member: if he is in doubt upon any particulars contained in
+it, he may move that the clerk should read it to the house.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE laid down the paper; Mr. PELHAM rose, and said:--Sir,
+I am so far from thinking the rules of the house asserted, that, in my
+opinion, the right of the members is infringed by this peremptory
+demand. Is it not, in the highest degree, requisite, that he who is
+about to reason upon the petition should acquaint himself with the
+subject on which he is to speak.
+
+What inconveniencies can ensue from such liberties as this, I am not
+able to discover; and, as all the orders of the house are, doubtless,
+made for more easy and expeditious despatch, if an order be contrary to
+this end, it ought to be abrogated for the reasons for which others are
+observed.
+
+The confidence with which this petition was presented, will not suffer
+us to imagine that the person who offered it fears that it can suffer by
+a close examination; and I suppose, though he has spoken so warmly in
+favour of it, without perusing, he does not expect that others should
+with equal confidence admit--
+
+Sir John BARNARD observing that sir Robert WALPOLE leaned forward
+towards the table, to read the petition as it lay, rose, and said:--Sir,
+I rise once more to demand the observation of the orders of the house,
+and to hinder the right honourable gentleman from doing by stratagem,
+what he did more openly and honestly before.
+
+It was to little purpose that he laid down the petition, if he placed it
+within reach of his inspection? for I was only desirous, sir, to hinder
+him from reading, and was far from suspecting that he would take it
+away. I insist, that henceforward, he obey the rules of this assembly,
+with his eyes as well as with his hands, and take no advantage of his
+seat, which may enable him to perplex the question in debate.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT spoke thus:--Sir, it is, undoubtedly, required by the
+orders of the house, that the petitions should lie upon the table; and
+that any member, who is desirous of any farther satisfaction, should
+move that they be read by the clerk, that every member may have the same
+opportunity of understanding and considering them; and that no one may
+be excluded from information, by the curiosity or delays of another. But
+the importance of this affair seems not to be so very great as to
+require a rigorous observance of the rules; and it were to be wished,
+for the ease and expedition of our deliberations, that gentlemen would
+rather yield points of indifference to one another, than insist so
+warmly on circumstances of a trivial nature.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the petition,
+which being immediately done, he proceeded in the following manner:--
+
+Sir, having sat above forty years in this assembly, and never been
+called to order before, I was somewhat disconcerted by a censure so new
+and unexpected, and, in my opinion, undeserved. So that I am somewhat at
+a loss, with regard to the train of arguments which I had formed, and
+which I will now endeavour to recover. Yet I cannot but remark, that
+those gentlemen who are so solicitous for order in others, ought,
+themselves, invariably to observe it; and that if I have once given an
+unhappy precedent of violating the rules of this house, I have, in some
+measure, atoned for my inadvertence, by a patient attention to reproof,
+and a ready submission to authority.
+
+I hope, sir, I may claim some indulgence from the motive of my offence,
+which was only a desire of accuracy, and an apprehension that I might,
+by mistaking or forgetting some passages in the petition, lose my own
+time, and interrupt the proceedings of the house to no purpose.
+
+But having now, according to order, heard the petition, and found no
+reason to alter my opinion, I shall endeavour to convince the house that
+it ought not to be granted.
+
+The petition, sir, is so far from bearing any particular relation to the
+clause now before us, that it does not, in any part, mention the
+expedient proposed in it, but contains a general declaration of
+discontent, suspicion, apprehensions of dangerous proceedings, and
+dislike of our proceedings; insinuations, sir, by no means consistent
+with the reverence due to this assembly, and which the nature of civil
+government requires always to be paid to the legislative power.
+
+To suspect any man, sir, in common life, is in some degree to detract
+from his reputation, which must suffer in proportion to the supposed
+wisdom and integrity of him who declares his suspicion. To suspect the
+conduct of this senate, is to invalidate their decisions, and subject
+them to contempt and opposition.
+
+Such, and such only, appears to be the tendency of the petition which
+has now been read; a petition, sir, very unskilfully drawn, if it was
+intended against the clause under our consideration, for it has not a
+single period or expression that does not equally regard all the other
+clauses.
+
+If any particular objection is made, or any single grievance more
+distinctly pointed at, it is the practice of impresses, a hardship, I
+own, peculiar to the sailors; but it must be observed that it is a
+practice established by immemorial custom, and a train of precedents not
+to be numbered; and it is well known that the whole common law of this
+nation is nothing more than custom, of which the beginning cannot be
+traced.
+
+Impresses, sir, have in all ages been issued out by virtue of the
+imperial prerogative, and have in all ages been obeyed; and if this
+exertion of the authority had been considered as a method of severity
+not compensated by the benefits which it produces, we cannot imagine but
+former senates, amidst all their ardour for liberty, all their
+tenderness for the people, and all their abhorrence of the power of the
+crown, would have obviated it by some law, at those times when nothing
+could have been refused them.
+
+The proper time for new schemes and long deliberations, for amending our
+constitution, and removing inveterate grievances, are the days of
+prosperity and safety, when no immediate danger presses upon us, nor any
+publick calamity appears to threaten us; but when war is declared, when
+we are engaged in open hostilities against one nation, and expect to be
+speedily attacked by another, we are not to try experiments, but apply
+to dangerous evils those remedies, which, though disagreeable, we know
+to be efficacious.
+
+And though, sir, the petitioners have been more particular, I cannot
+discover the reasonableness of hearing them by their council; for to
+what purpose are the lawyers to be introduced? Not to instruct us by
+their learning, for their employment is to understand the laws that have
+been already made, and support the practices which they find
+established. But the question before us relates not to the past but the
+future, nor are we now to examine what has been done in former ages, but
+what it will become us to establish on the present occasion; a subject
+of inquiry on which this house can expect very little information from
+the professors of the law?
+
+Perhaps the petitioners expect from their counsel, that they should
+display the fecundity of their imagination, and the elegance of their
+language; that they should amuse us with the illusions of oratory,
+dazzle us with bright ideas, affect us with strong representations, and
+lull us with harmonious periods; but if it be only intended that just
+facts and valid arguments should be laid before us, they will be
+received without the decorations of the bar. For this end, sir, it would
+have been sufficient had the merchants informed their representatives of
+the methods which they have to propose; for the abilities of the
+gentlemen whom the city has deputed to this assembly, are well known to
+be such as stand in need of no assistance from occasional orators. Nor
+can it be expected that any men will be found more capable of
+understanding the arguments of the merchants, or better qualified to lay
+them before the senate.
+
+That every petitioner has, except on money bills, a right to be heard,
+is undoubtedly true; but it is no less evident that this right is
+limited to a certain time, and that on this occasion the proper time is
+elapsed. Justice is due both to individuals and to the nation; if
+petitions may at any time be offered, and are, whenever offered, to be
+heard, a small body of men might, by unseasonable and importunate
+petitions, retard any occasional law, till it should become unnecessary.
+
+Petitions, sir, are to be offered when a new bill is brought into the
+house, that all useful information may be obtained; but when it has
+passed through the examination of the committees, has been approved by
+the collective wisdom of the senate, and requires only a formal
+ratification to give it the force of a law, it is neither usual nor
+decent to offer petitions, or declare any dislike of what the senate has
+admitted.
+
+We are not, when we have proceeded thus far, to suffer pleaders to
+examine our conduct, or vary our determinations, according to the
+opinions of those whom we ought to believe less acquainted with the
+question than ourselves. Should we once be reduced to ask advice, and
+submit to dictators, what would be the reputation of this assembly in
+foreign courts, or in our own country? What could be expected, but that
+our enemies of every kind would endeavour to regulate our determinations
+by bribing our instructers.
+
+Nor can I think it necessary that lawyers should be employed in laying
+before us any scheme which the merchants may propose, for supplying the
+defects, and redressing the inconveniencies, of the laws by which
+sailors are at present levied for the royal navy; for how should lawyers
+be more qualified than other men, to explain the particular advantages
+of such expedients, or to answer any objections which may happen to
+rise?
+
+It is well known that it is not easy for the most happy speaker to
+impress his notions with the strength with which he conceives them, and
+yet harder is the task of transmitting imparted knowledge, of conveying
+to others those sentiments which we have not struck out by our own
+reflection, nor collected from our own experience, but received merely
+from the dictates of another.
+
+Yet such must be the information that lawyers can give us, who can only
+relate what they have implicitly received, and weaken the arguments
+which they have heard, by an imperfect recital.
+
+Nor do I only oppose the admission of lawyers to our bar, but think the
+right of the merchants themselves, in the present case, very
+questionable; for though in general it must be allowed, that every
+petitioner has a claim to our attention, yet it is to be inquired
+whether it is likely that the publick happiness is his chief concern,
+and whether his private interest is not too much affected to suffer him
+to give impartial evidence, or honest information. Scarcely any law can
+be made by which some man is not either impoverished, or hindered from
+growing rich; and we are not to listen to complaints, of which the
+foundation is so easily discovered, or imagine a law less useful,
+because those who suffer some immediate inconvenience from it, do not
+approve it.
+
+The question before us is required, by the present exigence of our
+affairs, to be speedily decided; and though the merchants have, with
+great tenderness, compassion, and modesty, condescended to offer us
+their advice, I think expedition preferable to any information that can
+reasonably be expected from them, and that as they will suffer, in the
+first place, by any misconduct of our naval affairs, we shall show more
+regard to their interest by manning our fleet immediately, than by
+waiting three or four days for farther instructions.
+
+Mr. SANDYS answered to this effect:--Sir, the merchants of London
+whether we consider their numbers, their property, their integrity, or
+their wisdom, are a body of too much importance to be thus
+contemptuously rejected; rejected when they ask nothing that can be
+justly denied to the meanest subject of the empire, when they propose to
+speak on nothing but what their profession enables them to understand.
+
+To no purpose is it urged, that the bill is far advanced, for if we have
+not proceeded in the right way, we ought to be in more haste to return,
+in proportion as we have gone farther; nor can I discover why we should
+expedite, with so much assiduity, measures which are judged ineffectual,
+by those who know their consequences best, and for whose advantage they
+are particularly designed.
+
+That we have already spent so much time in considering methods for
+manning the fleet, is surely one reason why we should endeavour at last
+to establish such as may be effectual; nor can we hope to succeed
+without a patient attention to their opinion, who must necessarily be
+well experienced in naval affairs.
+
+It is surely, therefore, neither prudent nor just to shut out
+intelligence from our assemblies, and ridicule the good intention of
+those that offer it, to consult upon the best expedients for encouraging
+and increasing sailors, and when the merchants offer their scheme, to
+treat them as saucy, impertinent, idle meddlers, that assume--
+
+Here the ATTORNEY GENERAL called him to order, and spoke after this
+manner:--Sir, it is not very consistent to press the despatch of
+business, and to retard it, at the same time, by invidious insinuations,
+or unjust representations of arguments or expressions: whenever any
+expression is censured, it ought to be repeated in the same words; for
+otherwise, does not the animadverter raise the phantom that he
+encounters? Does he not make the stain, which he endeavours, with so
+much officious zeal, to wipe away.
+
+That no epithets of contempt or ridicule have, in this debate, been
+applied to the merchants, nor any violation of decency attempted, it is
+unnecessary to prove, and, therefore, it is neither regular nor candid
+to represent any man as aggravating the refusal of their petition with
+reproaches and insults. But not to dwell longer on this incident, I will
+take the liberty of reminding the gentleman, that personal invectives
+are always, at least superfluous, and that the business of the day
+requires rather arguments than satire.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then spoke as follows:--Sir, I am by no means convinced that
+the learned gentleman who charges me with irregularity, is better
+acquainted than myself with the rules and customs of this house, which I
+have studied with great application, assisted by long experience. I
+hope, therefore, it will be no inexcusable presumption, if, instead of a
+tacit submission to his censure, I assert, in my own vindication, that I
+have not deviated from the established rules of the senate, that I have
+spoken only in defence of merit insulted, and that I have condemned only
+such injurious insinuations. I did not, sir, attempt to repeat
+expressions, as ought not to be heard without reply.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT said:--I believe the gentleman either heard
+imperfectly, or misunderstood these expressions, which he so warmly
+condemns, for nothing has been uttered that could justly excite his
+indignation. My office obliges me on this occasion to remark, that the
+regard due to the dignity of the house ought to restrain every member
+from digressions into private satire; for in proportion as we proceed
+with less decency, our determinations will have less influence.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, the reputation
+which the honourable gentleman has acquired by his uncommon knowledge of
+the usages of the senate, is too well founded to be shaken, nor was any
+attack upon his character intended, when he was interrupted in the
+prosecution of his design. To censure any indecent expression, by
+whomsoever uttered, is, doubtless, consistent with the strictest
+regularity; nor is it less proper to obviate any misrepresentation which
+inattention or mistake may produce.
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking that the gentleman's indignation was
+excited rather by malice than mistake; but mistakes of this kind may
+produce consequences which cannot be too cautiously avoided. How
+unwillingly would that gentleman propagate through the nation an opinion
+that the merchants were insulted in this house, their interest
+neglected, and their intelligence despised, at a time when no aspersion
+was thrown upon them, nor any thing intended but tenderness and regard?
+And yet such had been the representation of this day's debate, which
+this numerous audience would have conveyed to the populace, had not the
+mistake been immediately rectified, and the rumour crushed in the birth.
+
+Nothing, sir, can be more injurious to the character of this assembly,
+by which the people are represented, than to accuse them of treating any
+class of men with insolence and contempt; and too much diligence cannot
+be used in obviating a report which cannot be spread in the nation,
+without giving rise to discontent, clamours, and sedition.
+
+Those who shall be inclined to reject the petition, may, perhaps, act
+with no less regard to the merchants, and may promote their interest and
+their security with no less ardour than those who most solicitously
+labour for its reception: for, if they are not allowed to be heard, it
+is only because the publick interest requires expedition, and because
+every delay of our preparations is an injury to trade.
+
+That this is not a proper time for petitions against the bill to be
+heard, is universally known; and I can discover nothing in the petition
+that restrains it to this particular clause, which is so far from being
+specified, that it appears to be the only part of the bill of which they
+have had no intelligence.
+
+Let the warmest advocates for the petition point out any part of it that
+relates to this single clause, and I will retract my assertion; but as
+it appears that there are only general declarations of the inexpediency
+of the measures proposed, and the pernicious tendency of the methods now
+in use, what is the petition, but a complaint against the bill, and a
+request that it should be laid aside.
+
+The practice of impresses, sir, is particularly censured, as severe and
+oppressive; a charge which, however true, has no relation to this
+clause, which is intended to promote the voluntary engagement of sailors
+in the service of the crown; yet it may not be improper to observe, that
+as the practice of impressing is, in itself, very efficacious, and well
+adapted to sudden emergencies; as it has been established by a long
+succession of ages, and is, therefore, become almost a part of our
+constitution; and as it is at this time necessary to supply the navy
+with the utmost expedition, it is neither decent nor prudent to complain
+too loudly against, or to heighten the discontent of the people at a
+necessary evil.
+
+We have, sir, examined every part of this bill with the attention which
+the defence of the nation requires; we have softened the rigour of the
+methods first proposed, and admitted no violence or hardship that is not
+absolutely necessary, to make the law effectual, which, like every other
+law, must be executed by force, if it be obstructed or opposed. We have
+inserted a great number of amendments, proposed by those who are
+represented as the most anxious guardians of the privileges of the
+people; and it is not, surely, to no purpose that the great council of
+the nation has so long and so studiously laboured.
+
+Those who are chosen by the people to represent them, have undoubtedly,
+sir, some claim as individuals to their confidence and respect; for to
+imagine that they have committed the great charge of senatorial
+employments, that they have trusted their liberties and their happiness
+to those whose integrity they suspect, or whose understandings they
+despise, is to imagine them much more stupid than they have been
+represented by those who are censured as their enemies.
+
+But far different is the regard due to the determinations formed by the
+collective wisdom of the senate; a regard which ought to border upon
+reverence, and which is scarcely consistent with the least murmur of
+dissatisfaction.
+
+If we are to hear the present petitioners, is it not probable, that
+before we have despatched them, we shall be solicited by others, who
+will then plead the same right, supported by a new precedent? And is it
+not possible that by one interruption upon another, our measures may be
+delayed, till they shall be ineffectual?
+
+It seems to me to be of much more importance to defend the merchants
+than to hear them; and I shall, therefore, think no concessions at this
+time expedient, which may obstruct the great end of our endeavours, the
+equipment of the fleet.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY then spoke as follows:--Sir, notwithstanding the art and
+eloquence with which this grant of the merchants' petition has been
+opposed, I am not yet able to discover that any thing is asked
+unreasonable, unprecedented, or inconvenient; and I am confident, that
+no real objection can have been overlooked by the gentlemen who have
+spoken against it.
+
+I have spent, sir, thirty-five years of my life in the senate, and know
+that information has always, upon important questions, been willingly
+received; and it cannot surely be doubted that the petitioners are best
+able to inform us of naval business, and to judge what will be the right
+method of reconciling the sailors to the publick service, and of
+supplying our fleets without injuring our trade.
+
+Their abilities and importance have been hitherto so generally
+acknowledged, that no senate has yet refused to attend to their opinion;
+and surely we ought not to be ambitious of being the first assembly of
+the representatives of the people, that has refused an audience to the
+merchants.
+
+With regard to the expedience of delaying the bill at the present
+conjuncture, he must think very contemptuously of the petitioners, who
+imagines that they have nothing to offer that will counterbalance a
+delay of two days, and must entertain an elevated idea of the vigilance
+and activity of our enemies, enemies never before eminent for
+expedition, if he believes that they can gain great advantages in so
+short a time.
+
+The chief reason of the opposition appears, indeed, not to be either the
+irregularity or inexpediency of hearing them, but the offence which some
+have received from an irreverent mention of the power of impressing, a
+power which never can be mentioned without complaint or detestation.
+
+It is not, indeed, impossible that they may intend to represent to the
+house, how much the sailors are oppressed, how much our commerce is
+impeded, and how much the power of the nation is exhausted, by this
+cruel method. They may propose to show that sailors, not having the
+choice of their voyages, are often hurried through a sudden change of
+climates, from one extreme to another, and that nothing can be expected
+from such vicissitudes, but sickness, lameness, and death. They may
+propose, that to have just arrived from the south may be pleaded as an
+exemption from an immediate voyage to the north, and that the seaman may
+have some time to prepare himself for so great an alteration, by a
+residence of a few months in a temperate climate.
+
+If this should be their intention, it cannot, in my opinion, sir, be
+called either unreasonable or disrespectful, nor will their allegations
+be easily disproved.
+
+But it is insinuated, that their grievances are probably such as affect
+them only as distinct from the rest of the community, and that they have
+nothing to complain of but a temporary interruption of their private
+advantage.
+
+I have, indeed, no idea of the _private advantage_ of a legal trader:
+for unless, sir, we neglect our duty of providing that no commerce shall
+be carried on to the detriment of the publick, the merchant's profit
+must be the profit of the nation, and their interests inseparably
+combined.
+
+It may, however, be possible, that the merchants may, like other men,
+prefer their immediate to their greater advantage, and may be impatient
+of a painful remedy, though necessary to prevent a more grievous evil.
+But let us not censure them by suspicion, and punish them for a crime
+which it is only possible they may commit; let us, sir, at least have
+all the certainty that can be obtained, and allow them an audience; let
+us neither be so positive as not to receive information, nor so rigorous
+as not to listen to entreaties.
+
+If the merchants have nothing to offer, nothing but complaints, and can
+propose no better measures than those which they lament, if their
+arguments should be found to regard only their present interest, and to
+be formed upon narrow views and private purposes, it will be easy to
+detect the imposture, and reject it with the indignation it shall
+deserve; nor will our proceedings be then censured by the nation, which
+requires not that the merchants should be implicitly believed, though it
+expects that they should be heard. Let us at least have a _convention_,
+though we should not be able to conclude a treaty.
+
+I know not, sir, why we have not taken care to obviate all these
+difficulties, and to remove the necessity of petitions, debates,
+searches, and impresses, by the plain and easy method of a voluntary
+register; by retaining such a number of seamen as may probably be
+requisite upon sudden emergencies. Would not the nation with more
+cheerfulness contribute half-pay to those who are daily labouring for
+the publick good, than to the caterpillars of the land service, that
+grow old in laziness, and are disabled only by vice?
+
+Let ten thousand men receive daily a small salary, upon condition that
+they shall be ready, whenever called upon, to engage in the service of
+the crown, and the difficulty of our naval preparations will be at an
+end.
+
+That it is necessary to exert ourselves on this occasion, and to strike
+out some measures for securing the dominion of the ocean, cannot be
+denied by any one who considers that we have now no other pretensions to
+maintain; that all our influence on the continent, at whatever expense
+gained and supported, is now in a manner lost, and only the reputation
+of our naval strength remains to preserve us from being trampled on and
+insulted by every power, and from finding Spaniards in every climate.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance, as follows:--Sir, the violence
+and severity of impresses, so often and so pathetically complained of,
+appears to be now nothing more than a punishment inflicted upon those
+who neglect or refuse to receive the encouragement offered, with the
+utmost liberality, by the government, and decline the service of their
+country from a spirit of avarice, obstinacy, or resentment.
+
+That such men deserve some severities, cannot be doubted, and therefore
+a law by which no penalty should be enacted, would be imperfect and
+ineffectual. The observation, sir, of all laws is to be enforced by
+rewards on one side, and punishments on the other, that every passion
+may be influenced, and even our weakness made instrumental to the
+performance of our duty.
+
+In the bill before us no punishment is, indeed, expressly decreed,
+because the sailors who shall disregard it, are only left to their
+former hardships, from which those who engage voluntarily in the service
+of the navy are exempted.
+
+Why so many rewards and so much violence should be necessary to allure
+or force the sailors into the publick service, I am unable to
+comprehend: for, excepting the sudden change of climates, which may,
+doubtless, sometimes bring on distempers, the service of the king has no
+disadvantages which are not common to that of the merchants.
+
+The wages in the navy are, indeed, less: but then it is to be
+remembered, that they are certainly paid, and that the sailor is in less
+danger of losing, by a tempest or a wreck, the whole profits of his
+voyage; because, if he can preserve his life, he receives his pay. But
+in trading voyages, the seamen mortgage their wages, as a security for
+their care, which, if the ship is lost, they are condemned to forfeit.
+
+Thus, sir, the hardships of the navy appear not so great when compared
+with those of the merchants' service, as they have been hitherto
+represented; and I doubt not, that if counsellors were to be heard on
+both sides, the measures taken for supplying the fleet would be found to
+be reasonable and just.
+
+Sir John BARNARD rose to speak, when Mr. FOX called to order, and
+proceeded:
+
+Sir, it is well known to be one of the standing and unvariable orders of
+this house, that no member shall speak twice in a debate on the same
+question, except when for greater freedom we resolve ourselves into a
+committee. Upon this question the honourable gentleman has already
+spoken, and cannot, therefore, be heard again without such a
+transgression of our orders as must inevitably produce confusion.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke thus:--Sir, I know not for what reason the
+honourable gentleman apprehends any violation of the order of the house;
+for, as I have not yet spoken upon the present question, I have an
+undoubted right to be heard, a right which that gentleman cannot take
+away.
+
+Sir William YONGE next spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I know not by what
+secret distinction the gentleman supports in his own mind this
+declaration, which, to the whole house, must appear very difficult to be
+defended; for we must, before we can admit it, allow our memories to
+have forsaken us, and our eyes and ears to have been deceived.
+
+Did he not, as soon as the clause before us was read, rise and assert
+the characters of the petitioners, and their right to the attention of
+the house? Did he not dwell upon their importance, their abilities, and
+their integrity; and enforce, with his usual eloquence, every motive to
+the reception of the petition? How then can he assert that he has not
+spoken in the present debate, and how can he expect to be heard a second
+time, since, however his eloquence may please, and his arguments
+convince, that pleasure and conviction cannot now be obtained, without
+infringing the standing orders of the house.
+
+Then the PRESIDENT rose, and spoke to this purport: It is not without
+uneasiness that I see the time of the house, and of the publick, wasted
+in fruitless cavils and unnecessary controversies. Every gentleman ought
+now to consider that we are consulting upon no trivial question, and
+that expedition is not less necessary than accuracy. It cannot be
+denied, sir, [to sir John BARNARD] that you have already spoken on this
+question, and that the rules of the house do not allow you to speak a
+second time.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE said:--Sir, I am far from thinking the order of the
+house so sacred, as that it may not be neglected on some important
+occasions; and if the gentleman has any thing to urge so momentous,
+that, in his own opinion, it outweighs the regard due to our rules, I
+shall willingly consent that he shall be heard.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke as follows:--Sir, I am far from being inclined to
+receive as a favour, what, in my own opinion, I may claim as a right,
+and desire not to owe the liberty of speaking to the condescension of
+the right honourable gentleman.
+
+What I have to urge is no less against the bill in general, than the
+particular clause now immediately under our consideration, and though
+the petition should relate likewise to the whole bill, I cannot discover
+why we should refuse to hear it.
+
+Petitions from men of much inferiour rank, and whose interest is much
+less closely connected with that of the publick, have been thought
+necessary to be heard, nor is the meanest individual to be injured or
+restrained, without being admitted to offer his arguments in his own
+favour. Even the journeymen shoemakers, one of the lowest classes of the
+community, have been permitted to bring their counsel to our bar, and
+remonstrate against the inconveniencies to which they were afraid of
+being subjected.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke thus:--Sir, I am always willing to hear petitions,
+when respectfully drawn up, and regularly subscribed, but can by no
+means discover that this is a real petition, for I have heard of no
+names affixed to it; it is, therefore, a request from nobody, and by
+rejecting it no man is refused. It may, so far as can be discovered, be
+drawn up by the gentleman who offered it, and, perhaps, no other person
+may be acquainted with it.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke to the following purport:--Sir, it is, in my opinion,
+necessary that a petition in the name of the merchants of London should
+be subscribed by the whole number, for if only a few should put their
+names to it, how does it appear that it is any thing more than an
+apprehension of danger to their own particular interest, which, perhaps,
+the other part, their rivals in trade, may consider as an advantage, or
+at least regard with indifference. This suspicion is much more
+reasonable, when a petition is subscribed by a smaller number, who may
+easily be imagined to have partial views, and designs not wholly
+consistent with the interest of the publick.
+
+Admiral WAGER then spoke thus:--Sir, if I am rightly informed, another
+petition is preparing by several eminent merchants, that this clause may
+stand part of the bill; and, certainly, they ought to be heard as well
+as the present petitioners, which will occasion great and unnecessary
+delays, and, therefore, I am against the motion.
+
+Advocate CAMPBELL answered to this effect:--Sir, I agree with that
+honourable gentleman, that if the merchants are divided in opinion upon
+this point, one side ought to be heard as well as the other, and hope
+the house will come to a resolution for that purpose: for I shall
+invariably promote every proposal which tends to procure the fullest
+information in all affairs that shall come before us.
+
+[Then the question was put, that the farther consideration of the report
+be adjourned for two days, in order to hear the merchants, and it passed
+in the negative, ayes, 142; noes, 192.]
+
+[On the report this day, the eleven clauses of severity were given up
+without any division, and a clause was added, viz. "Provided that
+nothing in this bill shall be construed to extend to any contracts or
+agreements for the hire of seamen (or persons employed as such) in
+voyages from parts beyond the seas, to any other parts beyond the seas,
+or to Great Britain."]
+
+The engrossed bill "for the increase and encouragement of seamen," was
+read, according to order, when Mr. DIGBY rose, and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, I have a clause to be offered to the house, as necessary to be
+inserted in the bill before us, which was put into my hands by a member,
+whom a sudden misfortune has made unable to attend his duty, and which,
+in his opinion, and mine, is of great importance, and I shall,
+therefore, take the liberty of reading it.
+
+"Be it enacted, that every seaman offering himself to serve his majesty,
+shall, upon being refused, receive from such captain, lieutenant, or
+justice of the peace, a certificate, setting forth the reasons for which
+he is refused, which certificate may be produced by him, as an exemption
+from being seized by a warrant of impress."
+
+I hope the reasonableness and equity of this clause is so incontestably
+apparent, that it will find no opposition; for what can be more cruel,
+unjust, or oppressive, than to punish men for neglect of a law which
+they have endeavoured to obey. To what purpose are rewards offered, if
+they are denied to those who come to claim them? What is it less than
+theft, and fraud, to force a man into the service, who would willingly
+have entered, and subject him to hardships, without the recompense which
+he may justly demand from the solemn promise of the legislature.
+
+Admiral WAGER next spoke to this effect:--Sir, to this clause, which the
+gentleman has represented as so reasonable and just, objections may, in
+my opinion, be easily made, of which he will himself acknowledge the
+force. The great obstruction of publick measures is partiality, whether
+from friendship, bribery, or any other motive; against partiality alone
+the clause which is now offered, is levelled; and, indeed, it is so
+dangerous an evil, that it cannot be obviated with too much caution.
+
+But this clause, instead of preventing private correspondence, and
+illegal combinations, has an evident tendency to produce them, by
+inciting men to apply with pretended offers of service to those who are
+before suborned to refuse them, then make a merit of their readiness,
+and demand a certificate.
+
+By such artifices multitudes may exempt themselves from the impress, who
+may be known to be able sailors, even by those that conduct it; and may,
+under the protection of a certificate, fallaciously obtained, laugh at
+all endeavours to engage them in the publick service.
+
+Mr. DIGBY spoke thus:--Sir, if this authority, lodged in the hands of
+those who are proposed in the clause to be intrusted with it, be in
+danger of being executed, without due regard to the end for which it is
+granted, let it be placed where there is neither temptation nor
+opportunity to abuse it. Let the admiralty alone have the power of
+granting such certificates, the officers of which will be able to judge
+whether the sailor is really unfit for the service, and deliver those
+whom age or accidents have disabled from the terrour of impresses; for
+surely, he that is fit to serve, when taken by violence, is no less
+qualified when he enters voluntarily, and he who could not be admitted
+when he tendered himself, ought not to be dragged away, when, perhaps,
+he has contracted for another voyage.
+
+Mr. WAGER replied:--Sir, it is, doubtless, more proper to place such
+authority in the officers of the admiralty, than in any other; but it
+does not appear that the benefit which the sailors may receive from it,
+to whatever hands it is intrusted, will not be overbalanced by the
+injury which the publick will probably suffer.
+
+Sailors are frequently levied in remote parts of the kingdom; in ports
+where the admiralty cannot speedily be informed of the reasons for which
+those that may petition for certificates have been refused, and
+therefore cannot grant them without danger of being deceived by
+fraudulent accounts.
+
+The grievance for which the remedy is proposed cannot frequently occur;
+for it is not probable that in a time of naval preparations, any man
+qualified for the service should be rejected, since the officers gain
+nothing by their refusal.
+
+Mr. HAY spoke as follows:--Sir, it is very possible that those instances
+which may be produced of men, who have been impressed by one officer,
+after they have been rejected by another, may be only the consequences
+of the high value which every man is ready to set upon his own
+abilities: for he that offers himself, no doubt, demands the highest
+premium, though he be not an able sailor; and, if rejected, and
+afterwards impressed as a novice, thinks himself at liberty to complain,
+with the most importunate vehemence, of fraud, partiality, and
+oppression.
+
+[The question being put was resolved in the negative, almost
+unanimously.]
+
+Mr. SOUTHWELL offered a clause, importing, "That all sailors who should
+take advance-money of the merchants, should be obliged to perform their
+agreements, or be liable to be taken up by any magistrate or justice of
+the peace, and deemed deserters, except they were in his majesty's ships
+of war."
+
+He was seconded by lord GAGE:--Sir, as this clause has no other tendency
+than to promote the interest of the merchants, without obstructing the
+publick preparations; as it tends only to confirm legal contracts, and
+facilitate that commerce from whence the wealth and power of this nation
+arises, I hope it will readily be admitted; as we may, by adding this
+sanction to the contracts made between the merchants and sailors, in
+some degree balance the obstructions wherewith we have embarrassed trade
+by the other clauses.
+
+Admiral WAGER replied:--This clause is unquestionably reasonable, but
+not necessary; for it is to be found already in an act made for the
+encouragement of the merchants, which is still in force, and ought,
+whenever any such frauds are committed, to be rigorously observed.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE then desired that the clerk might read the act, in
+which the clause was accordingly found, and Mr. SOUTHWELL withdrew his
+motion.
+
+[Then the question was put, whether the bill "for the increase and
+encouragement of sailors" do pass, which was resolved in the
+affirmative, 153 against 79.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 13, 1740-1.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE BILL FOR THE PUNISHMENT OF MUTINY AND DESERTION.]
+
+
+The house being resolved into a committee for the consideration of the
+bill for the punishment of mutiny and desertion, and for the better
+payment of the army and their quarters, etc. sir William YONGE desired
+that the twentieth and twenty-sixth clauses of the late act might be
+read, which were read as follows:
+
+XX. It is hereby enacted, that the officers and soldiers, so quartered
+and billeted, shall be received by the owners of the inns,
+livery-stables, ale-houses, victualling-houses, and other houses in
+which they are allowed to be quartered and billeted by this act; and
+shall pay such reasonable prices as shall be appointed, from time to
+time, by the justices of the peace, in their general and
+quarter-sessions of each county, city, or division, within their
+respective jurisdictions: and the justices of the peace aforesaid, are
+hereby empowered and required to set and appoint, in their general or
+quarter-sessions aforesaid, such reasonable rates, for all necessary
+provisions for such officers and soldiers, for one or more nights, in
+the several cities, towns, villages and other places, which they shall
+come to in their march, or which shall be appointed for their residence
+and quarters.
+
+XXVI. That the quarters, both of officers and soldiers in Great Britain,
+may be duly paid and satisfied, be it enacted, that every officer, to
+whom it belongs to receive the pay or subsistence-money, either for a
+whole regiment, or particular troops and companies, shall immediately,
+upon each receipt of every particular sum, on account of pay or
+subsistence, give publick notice thereof to all persons keeping inns, or
+other places where officers or soldiers are quartered by virtue of this
+act: also appoint them and others to repair to their quarters, within
+four days at the farthest, after the receipt of the same, to declare the
+accounts or debts (if any shall be) between them and the officers and
+soldiers quartered in their respective houses: which accounts the said
+officer or officers are hereby required immediately to discharge, before
+any part of the said pay or subsistence be distributed to the officers
+or soldiers: provided the said accounts exceed not for a commission
+officer of horse, under a captain, for _one day's diet and small beer_,
+two shillings; for one commission officer of dragoons, under a captain,
+one shilling; for one commission officer of foot, under a captain one
+shilling; and for hay and straw, for one horse, sixpence; for one
+dragoon or light horseman's diet and small beer, each day sixpence, and
+hay and straw for his horse, sixpence; and also not to exceed
+_fourpence_ a-day, for one _foot soldier's diet and small beer_.
+
+He then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, whether there is any real
+difficulty in the clauses which you have now heard read, or whether
+there are such passages as may be easily understood by those who have no
+interest to mistake them, and which are only clouded by an artificial
+obscurity, whether they are in themselves capable of different meanings,
+or whether avarice or poverty have produced unreasonable
+interpretations, and found ambiguities only because they were determined
+not to be disappointed in their search; whether this law is disobeyed
+because it is misunderstood, or only misunderstood by those who have
+resolved to disobey it, the committee must determine.
+
+It has been for many years understood that innholders and keepers of
+publick-houses were obliged by this law to supply soldiers quartered
+upon them with diet and small beer, and hay and straw for their horses,
+at such rates as are mentioned in the act; nor can I discover that these
+clauses admit of any other interpretation, or that any other could be
+intended by the senate by which it was enacted. The pay of the soldiers,
+sir, was well known to those who gave their consent to this law, it was
+intended by them that the soldiers should be supplied with necessaries,
+and it could not be meant that they should pay for them more than they
+received; they, therefore, established the rate at which they were to be
+furnished, and fixed the highest rate which the wages of a soldier allow
+him to pay.
+
+This interpretation was, as I suppose, from its apparent consonance to
+reason, universally allowed, till the inhabitants of Ledbury, whither
+soldiers had been sent to suppress a riot and enforce the laws, found
+their apprehensions so sharpened by their malice, that they discovered
+in the act an ambiguity, which had, till that time, escaped the
+penetration of the most sagacious, and, upon comparison of one
+circumstance with another, found themselves under no obligation to give
+any assistance to the soldiers.
+
+They therefore, sir, not only refused to afford them victuals at the
+accustomed rates, but proceeding from one latitude of interpretation to
+another, at length denied them not only the privilege of diet, but the
+use of kitchen utensils, to dress the provisions which they bought for
+themselves, and at last denied their claim to the fire itself.
+
+The soldiers, exasperated not only at the breach of their established
+and uncontested privileges, but at the privation of the necessaries of
+life, began to think of methods more speedy and efficacious than those
+of arguments and remonstrances, and to form resolutions of procuring by
+force, what, in their opinions, was only by force withheld from them.
+
+What might have been the event of this controversy, to what extremities
+a contest about things so necessary might have been carried, how wide
+the contest might have spread, or how long it might have lasted, we may
+imagine, but cannot determine; had not a speedy decision been procured,
+its consequences might have been fatal to multitudes, and a great part
+of the nation been thrown into confusion.
+
+Having received an account of the affair from the officers who commanded
+at that place, I consulted the attorney-general what was the design of
+the law, and the extent of the obligation enforced by it, and was
+answered by him, that the sums which were to be paid for the diet of the
+men, and the hay and straw for the horses, being specified, it must
+necessarily be intended, by the legislature, that no higher rates should
+be demanded;--that the power granted to the justices of peace was wholly
+in favour of the soldier, and that they might lessen the payment at
+discretion in places of uncommon cheapness, or years of extraordinary
+plenty, but could not increase it on any occasion.
+
+Another dispute, sir, of the like nature was occasioned by the late
+scarcity at Wakefield, where the justices, upon the application of the
+innkeepers, made use of the authority which they supposed to have been
+reposed in them by the act, and raised the price of hay and straw to
+eight-pence, which the soldiers were not able to pay, without suffering
+for want of victuals.
+
+On this occasion, likewise, I was applied to, and upon consulting the
+present attorney-general, received the same answer as before; and
+transmitting his opinion to the place from whence I received the
+complaint, it had so much regard paid to it, that the additional demand
+was thence-forward remitted.
+
+The letters which those two learned lawyers sent to me on this subject I
+have now in my hand; and hope their opinion will be thought sufficient
+authority for the interpretation of an act of the senate.
+
+Nor is their authority, sir, however great, so strong a proof of the
+justness of this interpretation, as the reasonableness, or rather
+necessity of admitting it. The only argument that can be produced
+against it, is the hardship imposed by it on the innholder, who, as it
+is objected, must be obliged by the law, so understood, to furnish the
+soldiers with provisions for a price at which he cannot afford them.
+
+But let it be considered, how much more easily the landlord can furnish
+them at this price, than they can provide for themselves, and the
+difficulty will immediately vanish. If soldiers are necessary, they must
+necessarily be supported, and it appears, upon reflection, that their
+pay will not support them by any other method. If they are obliged to
+buy their victuals, they must likewise buy fire and implements to dress
+them; and what is still a greater hardship, they must sell them, and buy
+new, at every change of their quarters; if this is impossible, it will
+be allowed not to be the meaning of the senate, upon whose wisdom it
+would be a censure too severe to suppose them capable of enacting
+impossibilities.
+
+But to the innholder, sir, whose utensils are always in use, and whose
+fire is always burning, the diet of a soldier costs only the original
+price paid to the butcher; and, in years of common plenty, may be
+afforded, without loss, at the price mentioned in the act. It cannot,
+indeed, be denied, that, at present, every soldier is a burden to the
+family on which he is quartered, in many parts of the kingdom; but, it
+may be reasonably hoped, that the present scarcity will quickly cease,
+and that provisions will fall back to their former value; and even,
+amidst all the complaints with which the severity and irregularity of
+the late seasons have filled the nation, there are many places where
+soldiers may be maintained at the stated rates, with very little
+hardship to their landlords.
+
+However, sir, as this interpretation of the act, though thus supported,
+both by authority and reason, has been disputed and denied; as some
+lawyers may be of a different opinion from those whom I have consulted;
+and as it is not likely that the practice, thus interrupted, will now be
+complied with as a prescription; I think it necessary to propose, that
+the price of a soldier's diet be more explicitly ascertained, that no
+room may remain for future controversies.
+
+Mr. SANDYS then rose, and spoke as follows:--Sir, I am very far from
+thinking the authority of these learned gentlemen, whose letters are
+produced, incontrovertible proof of the justness of an interpretation of
+an act of the senate, where that interpretation is not in itself
+warranted by reason, nor consistent with the preservation or enjoyment
+of property. Much less shall I agree to support their interpretation by
+a new law; or establish, by an act of the legislature, a kind of
+oppression, for which, however tacitly submitted to, nothing could be
+pleaded hitherto but custom.
+
+The burden, sir, of a standing army, is already too heavy to be much
+longer supported, nor ought we to add weight to it by new impositions;
+it surely much better becomes the representatives of the nation to
+attend to the complaints of their constituents; and where they are found
+to arise from real grievances, to contrive some expedient for
+alleviating their calamities.
+
+A heavy and dreadful calamity, sir, lies now, in a particular manner,
+upon the people; the calamity of famine, one of the severest scourges of
+providence, has filled the whole land with misery and lamentation; and,
+surely, nothing can be more inhuman than to choose out this season of
+horrour for new encroachments on their privileges, and new invasions of
+the rights of nature, the dominion of their own houses, and the
+regulation of their own tables.
+
+The honourable gentleman, sir, has mentioned places where provisions, as
+he says, are still to be bought at easy rates. For my part, I am fixed
+in no such happy corner of the kingdom; I see nothing but scarcity, and
+hear nothing but complaints; and shall, therefore, be very far from
+admitting now such methods of supporting the army, as were thought too
+burdensome in times of plenty; nor will combine in laying a new tax upon
+any class of my countrymen, when they are sinking under an enormous load
+of imposts, and in want of the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE replied, in the manner following:--Sir, nothing is
+more easy than outcry and exaggeration; nor any thing less useful for
+the discovery of truth, or the establishment of right. The most
+necessary measures may often admit of very florid exclamations against
+them, and may furnish very fruitful topicks of invective.
+
+When our liberties, sir, are endangered, or our country invaded, it may
+be very easy, when it is proposed that we should have recourse to our
+swords for security, to bewail, in pathetick language, the miseries of
+war, to describe the desolation of cities, the waste of kingdoms, the
+insolence of victory, and the cruelty of power inflamed by hostilities.
+Yet to what will those representations contribute, but to make that
+difficult which yet cannot be avoided, and embarrass measures which
+must, however, be pursued.
+
+Such, sir, appear to me to be the objections made to the methods now
+proposed of providing necessaries for the soldiers; methods not eligible
+for their own sake, but which ought not to be too loudly condemned, till
+some better can be substituted; for why should the publick be alarmed
+with groundless apprehensions? or why should we make those laws which
+our affairs oblige us to enact, less agreeable to the people by partial
+representations?
+
+In the discussion of this question, sir, is to be considered whether
+soldiers are to be supported, and whether it will be more proper to
+maintain them by the method of ascertaining the rates at which they are
+to be supplied, or by increasing their pay.
+
+One of these two ways it is necessary to take; the provisions are
+already fixed at as high a price as their pay will allow; if, therefore,
+they are expected to pay more, their wages must be increased.
+
+For my part, I shall comply with either method; though I cannot but
+think it my duty to declare, that, in my opinion, it is safer to fix the
+price of provisions, which must sink in their value, than to raise the
+pay of the army, which may never afterwards be reduced.
+
+Mr. GYBBON then spoke, to this effect:--Sir, I agree with the honourable
+gentleman, that if soldiers are necessary, we must make provision for
+their support. This is indisputably certain; but it is no less certain,
+that where soldiers are necessary, restraints and regulations are
+necessary likewise, to preserve those from being insulted and plundered
+by them, who maintain them for the sake of protection.
+
+The usefulness, sir, of this caution seems not to be known, or not
+regarded, by the gentleman whose proposal gave occasion to this debate;
+for, by enacting laws in general terms, as he seems to advise, we should
+leave the unhappy innkeeper wholly at the mercy of his guests, who might
+plunder and insult him under the protection of the legislature, might
+riot, as in a conquered country, and say, "To this treatment you are
+subjected by the determination of the senate."
+
+The unhappy man, sir, could have no prospect, either of quiet or safety,
+but by gratifying all the expectations of his masters; returning
+civilities for insolence, and receiving their commands with the same
+submission that is paid in capitulating towns to the new garrison.
+
+If it be necessary to ascertain the price, is it not necessary, at the
+same time, to ascertain the species and quantity of provisions to be
+allowed for it? Is a soldier to fatten on delicacies, and to revel in
+superfluities, for fourpence a-day? Ought not some limits to be set to
+his expectations, and some restraints prescribed to his appetite? Is he
+to change his fare, with all the capriciousness of luxury, and relieve,
+by variety, the squeamishness of excess?
+
+Such demands as these, sir, may be thought ludicrous and trifling, by
+those who do not reflect on the insolence of slaves in authority, who do
+not consider that the license of a military life is the chief inducement
+that brings volunteers into the army; an inducement which would, indeed,
+make all impresses superfluous, were this proposal to be adopted: for
+how readily would all the lazy and voluptuous engage in a state of life
+which would qualify them to live upon the labour of others, and to be
+profuse without expense?
+
+Our army may, by this method, be increased; but the number of those by
+whom they are to be maintained, must quickly diminish: for, by exaction
+and oppression, the poorer innkeepers must quickly become bankrupts; and
+the soldiers that lose their quarters, must be added to the dividend
+allotted to the more wealthy, who, by this additional burden will soon
+be reduced to the same state, and then our army must subsist upon their
+pay, because they will no longer have it in their power to increase it
+by plunder.
+
+It will then be inevitably necessary to divide the army from the rest of
+the community, and to build barracks for their reception; an expedient
+which, though it may afford present ease to the nation, cannot be put in
+practice without danger to our liberties.
+
+The reason, for which so many nations have been enslaved by standing
+armies, is nothing more than the difference of a soldier's condition
+from that of other men. Soldiers are governed by particular laws, and
+subject to particular authority; authority which, in the manner of its
+operation, has scarcely any resemblance of the civil power. Thus, they
+soon learn to think themselves exempt from all other laws; of which they
+either do not discover the use, and, therefore, easily consent to
+abolish them; or envy the happiness of those who are protected by them,
+and so prevail upon themselves to destroy those privileges which have no
+other effect, with regard to them, but to aggravate their own
+dependence.
+
+These, sir, are the natural consequences of a military subjection; and
+if these consequences are not always speedily produced by it, they must
+be retarded by that tenderness which constant intercourse with the rest
+of the nation produces, by the exchange of reciprocal acts of kindness,
+and by the frequent inculcation of the wickedness of contributing to the
+propagation of slavery, and the subversion of the rights of nature;
+inculcations which cannot be avoided by men who live in constant
+fellowship with their countrymen.
+
+But soldiers, shut up in a barrack, excluded from all conversation with
+such as are wiser and honester than themselves, and taught that nothing
+is a virtue but implicit obedience to the commands of their officer,
+will soon become foreigners in their own country, and march against the
+defenders of their constitution, with the same alacrity as against an
+army of invaders ravaging the coasts; they will lose all sense of social
+duty, and of social happiness, and think nothing illustrious but to
+enslave and destroy.
+
+So fatal, sir, will be the effects of an establishment of barracks, or
+petty garrisons, in this kingdom; and, therefore, as barracks must be
+built when innkeepers are ruined, and our concurrence with this proposal
+must produce their ruin, I hope it-will not be necessary to prove by any
+other argument, that the motion ought to be rejected.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next, in terms to this purpose:--Sir, though I am not
+inclined, by loud exaggerations and affected expressions of tenderness,
+to depress the courage or inflame the suspicions of the people, to teach
+them to complain of miseries which they do not feel, or ward against ill
+designs, which were never formed, yet no man is more really solicitous
+for their happiness, or more desirous of removing every real cause of
+fear and occasion of hardships.
+
+This affection to the people, an affection steady, regular, and
+unshaken, has always prompted me to prefer their real to their seeming
+interest, and rather to consult the security of their privileges than
+the gratification of their passions; it has hitherto determined me to
+vote for such a body of troops, as may defend us against sudden inroads
+and wanton insults, and now incites me to propose that some efficacious
+method may be struck out for their support, without exasperating either
+the soldiers or their landlords by perpetual wrangles, or adding to the
+burden of a military establishment the necessity of contentions in
+courts of law.
+
+I know not with what view those have spoken, by whom the proposal first
+made has been opposed; they have, indeed, produced objections, some of
+which are such as may be easily removed, and others such as arise from
+the nature of things, and ought not, therefore, to be mentioned, because
+they have no other tendency than to inflame the minds of those that hear
+them against an army, at a time when it is allowed to be necessary, and
+prove only what was never denied, that no human measures are absolutely
+perfect, and that it is often impossible to avoid a greater evil, but by
+suffering a less.
+
+The question before us, sir, is in its own nature so simple, so little
+connected with circumstances that may distract our attention, or induce
+different men to different considerations, that when I reflect upon it,
+I cannot easily conceive by what art it can be made the subject of long
+harangues, or how the most fruitful imagination can expatiate upon it.
+
+It is already admitted that an army is necessary; the pay of that army
+is already established; the accidental scarcity of forage and victuals
+is such, that the pay is not sufficient to maintain them; how then must
+the deficiency be supplied? It has been proposed, either to fix the
+price of provisions with respect to them, or to advance their wages in
+some proportion to the price of provisions. Both these methods seem to
+meet with disapprobation, and yet the army is to be supported.
+
+Those who reason thus, do surely not expect to be answered, or at least
+expect from a reply no other satisfaction than that of seeing the time
+of the session wasted, and the administration harassed with trivial
+delays; for what can be urged with any hope of success to him who will
+openly deny contradictory propositions, who will neither move nor stand
+still, who will neither disband an army nor support it?
+
+Whether these gentlemen conceive that an army may subsist without
+victuals till the time of scarcity is over, or whether they have raised
+those forces only to starve them, I am not sagacious enough to
+conjecture, but shall venture to observe, that if they have such a
+confidence in the moderation and regularity of the soldiers, as to
+imagine that they will starve with weapons in their hands, that they
+will live within the sight of full tables, and languish with hunger, and
+perish for want of necessaries, rather than diminish the superfluities
+of others, they ought for ever to cease their outcries about the
+licentiousness, insolence, and danger of a standing army.
+
+But, not to sink into levity unworthy of this assembly, may I be
+permitted to hint that these arts of protracting our debates, are by no
+means consistent with the reasons for which we are assembled, and that
+it is a much better proof, both of ability and integrity, to remove
+objections, than to raise them, and to facilitate, than to retard, the
+business of the publick.
+
+The proposal made at first was only to elucidate a law which had been
+regularly observed for fifty years, and to remove such ambiguities as
+tended only to embarrass the innholders, not to relieve them.
+
+To this many objections have been made, and much declamation has been
+employed to display the hardships of maintaining soldiers, but no better
+method has been yet discovered, nor do I expect that any will be started
+not attended with greater difficulties.
+
+In all political questions, questions too extensive to be fully
+comprehended by speculative reason, experience is the guide which a wise
+man will follow with the least distrust, and it is no trivial
+recommendation of the present method, that it has been so long pursued
+without any formidable inconvenience or loud complaints.
+
+Hardships, even when real, are alleviated by long custom; we bear any
+present uneasiness with less regret, as we less remember the time in
+which we were more happy: at least, by long acquaintance with any
+grievance we gain this advantage, that we know it in its whole extent,
+that it cannot be aggravated by our imagination, and that there is no
+room for suspecting that any misery is yet behind more heavy than that
+which we have already borne.
+
+Such is the present state of the practice now recommended to this
+assembly, a practice to which the innkeepers have long submitted, and
+found it at least tolerable, to which they knew themselves exposed when
+they took out a license for the exercise of that profession, and which
+they consider as a tax upon them, to be balanced against the advantages
+which they expect from their employment.
+
+This tax cannot be denied at present to be burdensome in a very uncommon
+degree, but this weight has not been of long continuance, and it may be
+reasonably hoped that it will now be made every day lighter. It is,
+indeed, true, that no unnecessary impositions ought to be laid upon the
+nation even for a day; and if any gentleman can propose a method by
+which this may be taken off or alleviated, I shall readily comply with
+his proposal, and concur in the establishment of new regulations.
+
+With regard to barracks, I cannot deny that they are justly names of
+terrour to a free nation, that they tend to make an army seem part of
+our constitution, and may contribute to infuse into the soldiers a
+disregard of their fellow-subjects, and an indifference about the
+liberties of their country; but I cannot discover any connexion between
+a provision for the support of soldiers in publick-houses, in a state of
+constant familiarity with their countrymen, and the erection of
+barracks, by which they will be, perhaps for ever, separated from them,
+nor can discover any thing in the method of supporting them now
+recommended that does not tend rather to the promotion of mutual good
+offices, and the confirmation of friendship and benevolence.
+
+The advocate CAMPBELL next spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, whence
+the impropriety of raising objections to any measures that are proposed
+is imagined to arise I am unable to discover, having hitherto admitted
+as an incontrovertible opinion, that it is the duty of every member of
+this assembly to deliver, without reserve, his sentiments upon any
+question which is brought before him, and to approve or censure,
+according to his conviction.
+
+If it be his duty, sir, to condemn what he thinks dangerous or
+inconvenient, it seems by no means contrary to his duty, to show the
+reason of his censure, or to lay before the house those objections which
+he cannot surmount by his own reflection. It certainly is not necessary
+to admit implicitly all that is asserted; and to deny, or disapprove
+without reason, can he no proof of duty, or of wisdom; and how shall it
+be known, that he who produces no objections, acts from any other
+motives, than private malevolence, discontent, or caprice?
+
+Nor is it, sir, to be imputed as a just reason for censure to those who
+have opposed the motion, that no other measures have been offered by
+them to the consideration of the committee. It is necessary to demolish
+a useless or shattered edifice, before a firm and habitable building can
+be erected in its place: the first step to the amendment of a law is to
+show its defects; for why should any alteration be made where no
+inconveniency is discovered?
+
+To the chief objection that was offered, no answer has yet been made,
+nor has the assembly been informed how the innkeeper shall be able to
+discover when he has paid the tax which this law lays upon him. This is,
+indeed, a tax of a very particular kind, a tax without limits, and to be
+levied at the discretion of him for whose benefit it is paid. Soldiers
+quartered upon these terms, are more properly raising contributions in
+an enemy's country, than receiving wages in their own.
+
+Is it intended, by this motion, that the innkeepers shall judge what
+ought to be allowed the soldier for his money? I do not see, then, that
+any alteration is proposed in the present condition of our army; for who
+has ever refused to sell them food for their money at the common price,
+or what necessity is there for a law to enforce a practice equally to
+the advantage of all parties? If it be proposed that the soldier shall
+judge for himself, that he shall set what value he shall think fit on
+his own money, and that he shall be at once the interpreter and
+executioner of this new law, the condition of the innkeeper will then be
+such as no slave in the mines of America can envy, and such as he will
+gladly quit for better treatment under the most arbitrary and oppressive
+government.
+
+Nor will the insolence of the soldier, thus invested with unlimited
+authority, thus entitled to implicit obedience, and exalted above the
+rest of mankind, by seeing his claim only bounded by his own moderation,
+be confined to his unhappy landlord. Every guest will become subject to
+his intrusion, and the passenger must be content to want his dinner,
+whenever the lord of the inn shall like it better than his own.
+
+That these apprehensions, sir, are not groundless, may be proved from
+the conduct of these men, even when the law was not so favourable to
+their designs; some of them have already claimed the sole dominion of
+the houses in which they have been quartered, and insulted persons of
+very high rank, and whom our ancient laws had intended to set above the
+insults of a turbulent soldier. They have seen the provisions which they
+had ordered taken away by force, partly, perhaps, to please the appetite
+of the invader, and partly to gratify his insolence, and give him an
+opportunity of boasting among his comrades, how successfully he
+blustered.
+
+If it be necessary, sir, to insert a new clause in the act to prevent
+lawsuits, which, however advantageous they may sometimes be to me, I
+shall always be ready to obviate, it is surely proper to limit the claim
+of one party as well as that of the other, for how else is the ambiguity
+taken away? The difficulty may be, indeed, transferred, but is by no
+means removed, and the innkeeper must wholly repose himself upon the
+lenity and justice of the soldier, or apply to the courts of law for the
+interpretation of the act.
+
+The question before us is said to be so free from perplexity, that it
+can scarcely give occasion for harangues or disputations; and, indeed,
+it cannot but be allowed, that the controversy may soon be brought to a
+single point, and I think nothing more is necessary than to inquire, if
+innholders shall be obliged to provide victuals for soldiers at a stated
+price, what, and how much the soldier shall demand.
+
+The power of raising money at pleasure, has been hitherto denied to our
+kings, and surely we ought not to place that confidence in the lowest,
+that has been refused to the most exalted of mankind, or invest our
+soldiers with power, which neither the most warlike of our monarchs
+could constrain us, nor the most popular allure us to grant.
+
+The power now proposed to be granted, is nothing less than the power of
+levying money, or what is exactly equivalent, the power of raising the
+money in their own hands, to any imaginary value. A soldier may, if this
+motion be complied with, demand for a penny, what another man must
+purchase at forty times that price. While this is the state of our
+property, it is surely not very necessary to raise armies for the
+defence of it; for why should we preserve it from one enemy only to
+throw it into the hands of another, equally rapacious, equally
+merciless, and only distinguished from foreign invaders by this
+circumstance, that he received from our own hands the authority by which
+he plunders us.
+
+Having thus evinced the necessity of determining the soldier's
+privileges, and the innkeeper's rights, I think it necessary to
+recommend to this assembly an uncommon degree of attention to the
+regulation of our military establishment, which is become not only more
+burdensome to our fellow-subjects by the present famine, but by the
+increase of our forces; an increase which the nation will not behold
+without impatience, unless they be enabled to discern for what end they
+have been raised.
+
+The people of this nation are, for very just reasons, displeased, even
+with the appearance of a standing army, and surely it is not prudent to
+exasperate them, by augmenting the troops in a year of famine, and
+giving them, at the same time, new powers of extortion and oppression.
+
+Mr. WINNINGTON spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have heard nothing in this
+debate, but doubts and objections, which afford no real information, nor
+tend to the alleviation of those grievances, which are so loudly
+lamented.
+
+It is not sufficient to point out inconveniencies, or to give striking
+representations of the hardships to which the people are exposed; for
+unless some better expedient can be proposed, or some method discovered
+by which we may receive the benefits, without suffering the
+disadvantages of the present practice, how does it appear that these
+hardships, however severe, are not inseparable from our present
+condition, and such as can only be removed by exposing ourselves to more
+formidable evils?
+
+As no remedy, sir, has been proposed by those who appear dissatisfied
+with the present custom, it is reasonable to imagine that none will be
+easily discovered; and, therefore, I cannot but think it reasonable that
+the motion should be complied with. By it no new imposition is intended,
+nor any thing more than the establishment of a practice which has
+continued for more than fifty years, and never, except on two occasions,
+been denied to be legal. It is only proposed that the senate should
+confirm that interpretation of the act which has been almost universally
+received; that they should do what can produce no disturbance, because
+it will make no alterations; but may prevent them, because it may
+prevent any attempts of innovation, or diversity of opinions.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the following effect:--Sir, whether the
+interpretation of the act which is now contended for, has been
+universally admitted, it is impossible to know; but it is at least
+certain, that the practice which is founded upon it, has in many places
+never been followed, nor, indeed, can it be made general without great
+impropriety.
+
+Many of those, sir, who are styled keepers of publick-houses, and on
+whom soldiers are quartered under that denomination, have no conveniency
+of furnishing provisions, because they never sell them; such are many of
+the keepers of livery stables, among whom it is the common method to pay
+soldiers a small weekly allowance, instead of lodging them in their
+houses, a lodging being all which they conceive themselves obliged to
+provide, and all that the soldiers have hitherto required; nor can we
+make any alteration in this method without introducing the license and
+insolence of soldiers into private houses; into houses hitherto
+unacquainted with any degree of riot, incivility, or uproar.
+
+The reason for which publick-houses are assigned for the quarters of
+soldiers, is partly the greater conveniency of accommodating them in
+families that subsist, by the entertainment of strangers, and partly the
+nature of their profession, which, by exposing them to frequent
+encounters with the rude and the debauched, enables them either to bear
+or repress the insolence of a soldier.
+
+But with regard, sir, to the persons whom I have mentioned, neither of
+these reasons have any place; they have not, from their daily
+employment, any opportunities of furnishing soldiery with beds or
+victuals, nor, by their manner of life, are adapted to support intrusion
+or struggle with perverseness. Nor can I discover why any man should
+force soldiers into their houses, who would not willingly admit them
+into his own.
+
+Mr. COCKS spoke to this effect:--Sir, the practice mentioned by the
+honourable gentleman, I know to be generally followed by all those that
+keep alehouses in the suburbs of this metropolis, who pay the soldiers
+billeted on them a composition for their lodging, nor ever see them but
+when they come to receive it; so far are they from imagining that they
+can claim their whole subsistence at any stated price.
+
+It is apparent, therefore, that by admitting this motion, we should not
+confirm a law already received, but establish a new regulation unknown
+to the people; that we should lay a tax upon the nation, and send our
+soldiers to collect it.
+
+General WADE rose, and spoke to this purpose:--Sir, I have been long
+conversant with military affairs; and, therefore, may perhaps be able to
+give a more exact account, from my own knowledge, of the antiquity and
+extent of this practice, than other gentlemen have had, from their way
+of life; an opportunity of obtaining.
+
+It was, sir, in the reign of king William, the constant method by which
+the army was supported, as may be easily imagined by those who reflect,
+that it was common for the soldiers to remain for eight or ten months
+unpaid, and that they had, therefore, no possibility of providing for
+themselves the necessaries of life. Their pay never was received in
+those times by themselves, but issued in exchequer bills for large sums,
+which the innkeepers procured to be exchanged and divided among
+themselves, in proportion to their debts.
+
+Such was the practice, sir, in that reign, which has been generally
+followed to this time, and the rates then fixed have not since been
+changed; and as no inconveniency has arisen from this method, I can
+discover no reason against confirming and continuing it.
+
+Mr. PULTKNEY spoke next, in the manner following:--Sir, those that have
+spoken in defence of the motion, have accused their opponents, with
+great confidence, of declaiming without arguments, and of wasting the
+time of the session in a useless repetition of objections. I do not,
+indeed, wonder that the objections which have been raised should have
+given some disgust, for who can be pleased with hearing his opponent
+produce arguments which he cannot answer? But surely the repetitions may
+be excused; for an objection is to be urged in every debate till it is
+answered, or is discovered to be unanswerable.
+
+But what, sir, have those urged in defence of their own opinions, who so
+freely animadvert upon the reasonings of others? What proofs, sir, have
+they given of the superiority of their own abilities, of the depth of
+their researches, or the acuteness of their penetration?
+
+They have not produced one argument in favour of their motion, but that
+it is founded on custom; they have not discovered, however wise and
+sagacious, that it is always necessary to inquire whether a custom be
+good or bad; for surely without such inquiry no custom ought to be
+confirmed. The motion which they would support, is, indeed, useless in
+either case, for a good custom will continue of itself, and one that is
+bad ought not to be continued. It is the business of the legislature to
+reform abuses, and eradicate corruptions, not to give them new strength
+by the sanction of a law.
+
+It has been urged, sir, that the law in reality exists already in that
+the act has been interpreted in this sense by the attorney general; and
+that his interpretation is generally received. This is then the state of
+the question: if the practice, founded upon this sense of the act,
+generally prevails, there is no need of a new clause to enforce what is
+already complied with; if it does not prevail, all that has been urged
+in defence of the motion falls to the ground.
+
+I do not doubt, sir, that this custom has been received without many
+exceptions, and therefore think it ought still to remain a custom,
+rather than be changed into a law; because it will be complied with as a
+custom, where there are no obstacles to the observation of it; and it
+ought not to be enforced by law, where it is inconvenient and
+oppressive.
+
+While the soldier, sir, is moderate in his demands, and peaceable and
+modest in his behaviour, the innkeeper will cheerfully furnish him even
+more than he can afford at the stated price; and certainly, rudeness,
+insolence, and unreasonable expectations, may justly be punished by the
+forfeiture of some conveniencies. Thus, sir, the innkeeper will preserve
+some degree of authority in his own house, a place where the laws of
+nature give every man dominion, and the soldier will continue a regular
+and inoffensive member of civil society.
+
+The absurdity of leaving the soldier at large in his demands, and
+limiting the price which the innkeeper is to require, has been already
+exposed beyond the possibility of reply; nor, indeed, has the least
+attempt been made to invalidate this objection; for it has been passed
+in silence by those who have most zealously espoused the motion. The
+account given by the honourable gentleman of the reason for which this
+regulation was first introduced in the reign of king William, is
+undoubtedly just; but it proves, sir, that there is no necessity of
+continuing it; for the soldiers are now constantly paid, and therefore
+need not that assistance from the innkeeper, which was absolutely
+requisite when they were sometimes six months without money.
+
+It has been urged, sir, with great importunity and vehemence, that some
+expedient should be proposed in the place of this, which so many
+gentlemen who have spoken on this occasion seem inclined to reject, and
+which, indeed, cannot be mentioned without contempt or abhorrence. That
+the soldiers should know, as well as their landlord, their own rights,
+is undoubtedly just, as well as that they should have some certain means
+of procuring the necessaries of life; it may, therefore, be proper to
+enact, that the innkeeper shall either furnish them with diet at the
+established rates, or permit them to dress the victuals which they shall
+buy for themselves, with his fire and utensils, and allow them candles,
+salt, vinegar, and pepper. By this method the soldiers can never be much
+injured by the incivility of their landlord, nor can the innkeeper be
+subjected to arbitrary demands. The soldier will still gain, by decency
+and humanity, greater conveniencies than he can procure for himself by
+his pay alone, and all opportunities of oppression on either side will,
+in a great measure, be taken away.
+
+I cannot but express my hopes that this method will be generally
+approved. Those that have opposed the establishment of an army will be
+pleased to see it made less grievous to the people; and those that have
+declared in its favour, ought surely to adopt, without opposition, any
+measures, by the pursuit of which it may be borne with fewer complaints,
+and less reluctance.
+
+[The consideration of this question was deferred, and the chairman
+having moved for leave to sit again, it was resolved to proceed on this
+business upon the next day but one, in a committee of the whole house.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 15, 1740-1.
+
+The order of the day being read for the house to resolve itself into a
+committee of the whole house, to consider the bill for punishing mutiny
+and desertion, and the better paying the army and their quarters,
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke, in substance as follows:--Sir, the last day
+which was assigned to the consideration of this bill, was spent in long
+altercations, in vague and unnecessary disquisitions, in retrospective
+reflections upon events long past, and in aggravating of grievances that
+may never happen; much sagacity was exerted, and much eloquence
+displayed, but no determination was attained, nor even that expedient
+examined, by which those objections might be removed which appeared so
+important, or those dangers obviated which were represented so
+formidable and so near.
+
+I hope, sir, part of the time which has intervened between that debate
+and the present day, has been employed by the gentlemen, whose scruples
+were so numerous, and whose caution is so vigilant, in contriving some
+methods of maintaining the army without oppressing the victuallers, and
+of providing for our defence against foreign enemies without subjecting
+us to the evils of discontent and disaffection, which they impute to the
+present state of the military establishment.
+
+To object for ever, and to advance nothing, is an easy method of
+disputation upon any question, but contributes very little to the
+increase of knowledge: an artful and acute objector may confound, and
+darken, and disturb, but never assists inquiry, or illustrates truth.
+
+In political questions, sir, it is still more easy and less ingenuous;
+for all political measures are in some degree right and wrong at the
+same time: to benefit some they very frequently bear hard upon others,
+and are, therefore, only to be approved or rejected as advantages appear
+to overbalance the inconveniencies, or the inconveniencies to outweigh
+the advantages.
+
+It is, sir, the proper province of a senator to promote, not to obstruct
+the publick counsels; and when he declares his disapprobation of any
+expedient, to endeavour to substitute a better: for how can he be said
+to sustain his part of the general burden of publick affairs, who lays
+others under the necessity of forming every plan, and inventing every
+expedient, and contents himself with only censuring what he never
+endeavours to amend?
+
+That every man, who is called forth by his country to sit here as the
+guardian of the publick happiness, is obliged, by the nature of his
+office, to propose, in this assembly, whatever his penetration or
+experience may suggest to him as advantageous to the nation, I doubt not
+but all that hear me are sufficiently convinced; and, therefore, cannot
+but suppose that they have so far attended to their duty, as to be able
+to inform us how the present inconveniencies of this bill may be
+remedied, and its defects supplied.
+
+To show, sir, at least my inclination to expedite an affair so
+important, I shall lay before the house an amendment that I have made to
+the clause, pursuant to a hint offered the last day by an honourable
+member, "That all innholders, victuallers, etc. shall be obliged to
+furnish soldiers with salt, vinegar, small beer, candles, fire, and
+utensils to dress their victuals, and so doing shall not be obliged to
+supply the troops with provisions, except on a march."
+
+I am far, sir, from thinking the clause, as it will stand after this
+amendment, complete and unexceptionable, being conscious that some
+articles in it may require explanation. The quantity of small beer to be
+allowed to each soldier must necessarily be ascertained, in order to
+prevent endless and indeterminable disputes; for one man, sir, may
+demand a greater quantity than another, and a man may be prompted by
+malice or wantonness to demand more than health requires; it will,
+therefore, be proper to limit the quantity which must be furnished, that
+neither the soldier may suffer by the avarice of his landlord, nor the
+landlord be oppressed by the gluttony of the soldier.
+
+With regard to this question, sir, I expect to find different opinions
+in this assembly, which every man is at liberty to offer and to
+vindicate; and I shall take this opportunity of proposing on my part,
+that every man may have a daily allowance of three quarts. One quart to
+each meal may be allowed in my opinion to be sufficient, and sure no
+gentleman can imagine that by this limitation much superfluity is
+indulged.
+
+There are some parts, sir, of this kingdom, in which cider is more
+plentiful, and cheaper than small beer; consequently, it may be for the
+ease of the victualler to have the choice allowed him of furnishing one
+or the other; it will, therefore, be a very proper addition to this
+clause, that the innkeepers shall allow the soldier, every day, three
+quarts of either small beer or cider.
+
+That penal sanctions, sir, are essential to laws, and that no man will
+submit to any regulations inconvenient to himself, but that he may avoid
+some heavier evil, requires not to be proved; and, therefore, to
+complete this clause, I propose that the victualler who shall neglect or
+refuse to observe it, shall be subject to some fine for his
+non-compliance.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke to this effect:--Sir, I cannot omit this opportunity of
+observing how much the burden of the army is diminished by the judicious
+regulations invariably observed in the late reigns, and how little the
+assignment of troops is to be dreaded by the victualler.
+
+In the reign of king William, sir, before funds were established, while
+the credit of the government was low, the measures of the court were
+often obviated or defeated by the superiority of the discontented party,
+and the supplies denied which were necessary to support them, and in
+expectation of which they had been undertaken, it was not uncommon for
+the towns in which the troops were stationed, to murmur at their guests;
+nor could they be charged with complaining without just reasons: for to
+quarter soldiers upon a house, was in those days little less than to
+send troops to live at discretion.
+
+As all supplies, sir, were then occasional and temporary, and nothing
+was granted but for the present exigence, the prevalence of the
+opposition, for a single session, embarrassed all the measures of the
+court in the highest degree; their designs were at a stand, the forces
+were unpaid, and they were obliged to wait till another session for an
+opportunity of prosecuting their schemes.
+
+Thus, sir, the soldiers were sometimes five months without their pay,
+and were necessarily supported by the innkeeper at his own expense, with
+how much reluctance and discontent I need not mention. It cannot but be
+immediately considered, upon hearing this account of the soldier's
+condition, with how many reproaches he would receive his victuals, how
+roughly he would be treated, how often he would be insulted as an idler,
+and frowned upon as an intruder. Nor can it be imagined that such
+affronts, however they might be provoked, would be borne without return,
+by those who knew themselves not the authors of the provocation, and who
+thought themselves equal suf-ferers with those who complained. When the
+innkeeper growled at the soldier, the soldier, it may be supposed,
+seldom failed to threaten or to plunder the innkeeper, and to rise in
+his demands as his allowance was retrenched.
+
+Thus, sir, the landlord and his guest were the constant enemies of each
+other, and spent their lives in mutual complaints, injuries, and
+insults.
+
+But by the present regularity of our military establishment, this great
+evil is taken away; as the soldier requires no credit of the victualler,
+he is considered as no great incumbrance on his trade; and being treated
+without indignities, like any other member of the community, he
+inhabits his quarters without violence, insolence, or rapacity, and
+endeavours to recommend himself by officiousness and civility.
+
+In the present method of payment, sir, the troops have always one
+month's pay advanced, and receive their regular allowance on the stated
+day; so that every man has it in his power to pay his landlord every
+night for what he has had in the day; or if he imagines himself able to
+procure his own provisions at more advantage, he can now go to market
+with his own money.
+
+It appears, therefore, to me, sir, that the amendment now proposed is
+the proper mean between the different interests of the innkeeper and
+soldier; by which neither is made the slave of the other, and by which
+we shall leave, to both, opportunities of kindness, but take from them
+the power of oppression.
+
+Mr. CAREW next spoke as follows:--Sir, the amendment now offered is not,
+in my opinion, so unreasonable or unequitable as to demand a warm and
+strenuous opposition, nor so complete as not to be subject to some
+objections; objections which, however, may be easily removed, and which
+would, perhaps, have been obviated, had they been foreseen by the
+gentleman who proposed it.
+
+The allowance, sir, of small liquors proposed, I cannot but think more
+than sufficient; three quarts a-day are surely more than the demands of
+nature make necessary, and I know not why the legislature should
+promote, or confirm in the soldiery, a vice to which they are already
+too much inclined, the habit of tippling.
+
+The innkeeper, sir, will be heavily burdened by the obligation to supply
+the soldier with so many of the necessaries of life without payment;
+and, therefore, it may be justly expected by him, that no superfluities
+should be enjoyed at his expense.
+
+But there remains another objection, sir, of far more importance, and
+which must be removed before this clause can be reasonably passed into a
+law. It is not declared, or not with sufficient perspicuity, that it is
+to be left to the choice of the innkeeper, whether he will furnish the
+soldier with provisions at fourpence a-day, or with the necessaries
+enumerated in the clause for nothing. If it is to be left to the choice
+of the soldier, the victualler receives no relief from the amendment, to
+whose option, since he must suffer in either case, it ought to be
+referred, because he only can tell by which method he shall suffer
+least.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL spoke in the manner following:--Sir, it is not without the
+greatest diffidence that I rise to oppose the gentleman who offered the
+amendment; for his abilities are so far superiour to mine, that I
+object without hope of being able to support my objection, and contend
+with an absolute certainty of being overcome. I know not whether it may
+be allowed me to observe, that the difference between our faculties is,
+with regard to strength and quickness, the same as between the cider of
+his county and that of mine, except that in one part of the parallel the
+advantage is on our side, and in the other on his.
+
+The cider, sir, of our county is one of our most valuable commodities;
+so much esteemed in distant places, that our merchants often sell it by
+the bottle, for more than the soldier has to give for the provision of a
+day; and of such strength, that I, who am accustomed to the use of it,
+never was able to drink three quarts in any single day.
+
+If, therefore, sir, the soldier is to have three quarts of this cider,
+when small beer is not easily to be procured, not only the innkeeper,
+but the army will be injured; for what greater harm can be done to any
+man, than to initiate him in a habit of intemperance? and what outrages
+and insolencies may not be expected from men trusted with swords, and
+kept, from day to day, and from month to month, in habitual drunkenness
+by a decree of the senate?
+
+Sir William YONGE replied to this purpose:--Sir, I know not why the
+gentleman has thought this a proper opportunity for displaying his
+eloquence in the praise of his own cider. That he loves his own county
+cannot be wondered, for no passion is more universal, and few less to be
+censured;-but he is not to imagine that the produce of his native soil
+will be generally allowed to excel that of other counties, because early
+habits have endeared it to him, and familiarized it to his particular
+palate.
+
+The natives of every place prefer their own fruits and their own liquor,
+and, therefore, no inference can be drawn from approbation so apparently
+partial. From this prejudice I am far from suspecting myself free, nor
+am desirous or industrious to overcome it: neither am I afraid of
+exposing myself to all the censure that so innocent a prepossession may
+bring upon me, by declaring that, in my opinion, the cider of my native
+county is of equal excellence with that which this gentleman has so
+liberally extolled.
+
+Mr. CORNWALL answered to the following effect:--Sir, how little I expect
+victory in this controversy I have already declared, and I need not
+observe of how small importance it is what soil produces cider of the
+greatest excellence and value; since, if there be other places where the
+cider is equally esteemed, and purchased at the same rate, it is yet
+more necessary to provide, by some exception, that the soldier shall not
+be entitled to demand, of the victualler, liquor to more than thrice the
+value of his pay, nor be allowed to revel in continual drunkenness, and
+to corrupt his morals, and enervate his limbs by incessant debauchery.
+
+But since, sir, the preference due to the cider of my county has been
+denied, in my opinion, with great partiality and injustice, I think
+myself obliged, by all the laws of honour and gratitude, to stand up
+once more to vindicate its superiority, and assert its value.
+
+The laws of honour, sir, require this from me, as they oblige every man
+to stand forth a vindicator of merit slighted and oppressed; and
+gratitude calls loudly upon me to exert myself in the protection of that
+to which I have been often indebted for a pleasing suspense of care, and
+a welcome flow of spirit and gaiety.
+
+The cider, sir, which I am now rescuing from contemptuous comparisons,
+has often exhilarated my social hours, enlivened the freedom of
+conversation, and improved the tenderness of friendship, and shall not,
+therefore, now want a panegyrist. It is one of those few subjects on
+which an encomiast may expatiate without deviating from the truth.
+
+Would the honourable gentleman, sir, who has thus vilified this
+wonder-working nectar, but honour my table with his company, he would
+quickly be forced to retract his censures; and, as many of his
+countrymen have done, confess that nothing equal to it is produced in
+any other part of the globe; nor will this confession be the effect of
+his regard to politeness, but of his adherence to truth.
+
+Of liquor like this, sir, two quarts is, undoubtedly, sufficient for a
+daily allowance, in the lieu of small beer; nor ought even that to be
+determined by the choice of the soldier, but of the innkeeper, for whose
+benefit this clause is said to be inserted, and from whose grievances I
+hope we shall not suffer our attention to be diverted by any incidental
+questions, or ludicrous disputes.
+
+Mr. GORE then spoke to the following effect:--Sir, that the allowance of
+two quarts a-day is sufficient, and that to demand more is a wanton
+indulgence of appetite, is experimentally known, and, therefore, no more
+ought to be imposed upon the innkeeper.
+
+Nor is this, sir, the only part of the clause that requires our
+consideration; for some of the other particulars to be provided by the
+victualler, may easily furnish perverse tempers with an opportunity of
+wrangling: vinegar is not to be had in every part, of the kingdom, and,
+where it cannot be procured, ought not to be required; for neither
+reason nor experience will inform us that vinegar ought to be ranked
+among the necessaries of life.
+
+Sir William YONGE made the following reply:--Sir, by the alteration now
+made in the clause, the innkeepers are effectually relieved from a great
+part of the burden which, in my opinion, this act has hitherto laid upon
+them; the necessity of furnishing the soldiers quartered upon them, with
+provisions at the stated price, whatever might be the scarcity of the
+season or of the country. That this was the intention of the act, is
+asserted by those whose reputation and promotion are sufficient
+evidences of their ability in the interpretation of our laws.
+
+The innkeeper may now either accept or refuse the limited price, as it
+shall appear to him most consistent with his interest; nor will there
+be, for the future, any room for murmuring at unreasonable demands,
+since he may oblige that soldier whom he cannot satisfy, to please
+himself better at his own expense.
+
+The choice of the liquor is, likewise, wholly referred to the innkeeper;
+for the words in the clause requiring that he shall furnish three quarts
+of small beer or cider, he complies, indisputably, with the law by
+supplying either; and, therefore, the value of cider in any particular
+county is not of much importance in the question before us; if cider be
+more valuable than small beer, it may be withheld; if it be cheaper, it
+may be substituted in its place; so that the innkeeper has nothing to
+consult but his own interest.
+
+That this is the meaning of the clause, is, I suppose, obvious to every
+man that hears it read; and, therefore, I see no reason for any
+alterations, because I know not any effect which they can possibly have,
+except that of obscuring the sense which is now too clear to be
+mistaken.
+
+Sir John BARNARD spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, though it
+should be granted, that the clause before us is intelligible to every
+member of this assembly, it will not certainly follow, that there is no
+necessity of farther elucidations; for a law very easily understood by
+those who make it, may be obscure to others who are less acquainted with
+our general intention, less skilled in the niceties of language, or less
+accustomed to the style of laws.
+
+It is to be considered, that this law will chiefly affect a class of men
+very little instructed in literature, and very unable to draw
+inferences; men to whom we often find it necessary, in common cases, to
+use long explanations, and familiar illustrations, and of whom it maybe
+not unreasonably suspected, that the same want of education, which makes
+them ignorant, may make them petulant, and at once incline them to
+wrangle, and deprive them of the means of deciding their controversies.
+
+That both innholders and soldiers are, for the greatest part, of this
+rank and temper, I suppose, sir, every gentleman knows, from daily
+observation; and, therefore, it will, I hope, be thought necessary to
+descend to their understandings, and to give them laws in terms of which
+they will know the meaning; we shall, otherwise, more consult the
+interest of the lawyers than the innholders, and only, by one
+alteration, produce a necessity of another.
+
+I am therefore desirous, sir, that all the difficulties which have been
+mentioned by every gentleman on this occasion, should be removed by
+clear, familiar, and determinate expressions; for what they have found
+difficult, may easily be, to an innholder or soldier, absolutely
+inexplicable.
+
+I cannot but declare, while I am speaking on this subject, that in my
+opinion, two quarts of liquor will be a sufficient allowance. If we
+consider the demands of nature, more cannot be required; if we examine
+the expense of the innholder, he ought not to supply soldiers with a
+greater quantity for nothing. It is to be remembered, that small beer,
+like other liquors, is charged with an excise in publick-houses; and
+that two quarts will probably cost the landlord a penny, and as we
+cannot suppose that fire, candles, vinegar, salt, pepper, and the use of
+utensils, and lodging, can be furnished for less than threepence a-day,
+every soldier that is quartered upon a publick-house, may be considered
+as a tax of six pounds a-year--a heavy burden, which surely ought not to
+be aggravated by unnecessary impositions.
+
+[The committee having gone through the bill, and settled the amendments,
+the chairman was ordered to make his report the next day.]
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, MARCH 16, 1740-1.
+
+The report was read, and the amendments to the clauses in debate, which
+then ran thus:--
+
+That the officers and soldiers to be quartered and billeted as
+aforesaid, shall be received, and furnished with diet and small beer by
+the owners of the inns, livery stables, alehouses, victualling-houses,
+etc. paying and allowing for the same the several rates mentioned.
+
+Provided, that in case the innholder on whom any non-commission officers
+or soldiers shall be quartered, by virtue of this act, (except on a
+march,) shall be desirous to furnish such officers or soldiers with
+candles, vinegar, and salt, and with either small beer or cider, not
+ex-ceeding three quarts for each man _a-day gratis_, and to allow them
+the use of fire, and the necessary utensils for dressing and eating
+their meat, and shall give notice of such his desire to the commanding
+officers, and shall furnish and allow them the same accordingly; then,
+and in such case, the non-commission officers and soldiers so quartered
+shall provide their own victuals; and the officer to whom it belongs to
+receive, or that does actually receive the pay and subsistence of such
+non-commission officers and soldiers, shall pay the several sums,
+payable out of the subsistence-money for diet and small beer, to the
+non-commission officers and soldiers aforesaid, and not to the innholder
+or other person on whom such non-commission officers or soldiers are
+quartered.
+
+The question being put whether this clause should stand thus,
+
+Mr. CAREW spoke to this effect:--Sir, though it may, perhaps, be
+allowed, that the circumstances of our present situation oblige us to
+support a more numerous army than in former years, surely no argument
+can be drawn from them that can show the necessity of a profuse
+allowance to our soldiers, or of gratifying their desires by the
+oppression of the innholders.
+
+If, sir, the designs of our enemies are so malicious, and their power so
+formidable, as to demand augmentations of our troops, and additions to
+our natural securities, they ought, surely, to impress upon us the
+necessity of frugal measures, that no useless burdens may be imposed
+upon the people.
+
+To furnish two quarts of beer, sir, every day for nothing, is,
+undoubtedly, an imposition sufficiently grievous; and I can, therefore,
+discover no reason for which an allowance of three should be
+established; a proposal injurious to the victualler, because it exacts
+more than he can afford to allow, and of no benefit to the soldier,
+because it offers him more than he can want.
+
+Sir William YONGE spoke next, to this purpose:--Sir, if it is an
+instance of misconduct to spend upon any affair more time than the
+importance of it deserves, I am afraid that the clause, to which our
+attention is now recalled, may expose us to censure, and that we may be
+charged with neglecting weighty controversies, and national questions,
+to debate upon trifles; of wasting our spirits upon subjects unworthy of
+contention; of defeating the expectations of the publick, and diverting
+our enemies rather than opposing them.
+
+But, sir, as nothing has a more immediate tendency to the security of
+the nation than a proper establishment of our forces, and the regulation
+of their quarters is one of the most necessary and difficult parts of
+the establishment; it is requisite that we think no question of this
+kind too trivial for our consideration, since very dangerous
+disturbances have often been produced by petty disputes.
+
+The quantity, sir, of small beer to be allowed by the victualler to
+those soldiers who shall provide their own victuals, was disputed
+yesterday, and, as I thought, agreed upon; but since this question is
+revived, I must take the opportunity to declare, that we ought not to
+assign less than three quarts a-day to each man; for it is to be
+remembered by those who estimate the demands by their own, how much
+their way of life is different from that of a common soldier, and how
+little he can be charged with wantonness and superfluity, for drinking
+more small liquor than themselves.
+
+There are few members of this house, who do not, more than once a-day,
+drink tea, coffee, chocolate, or some other cooling and diluting
+infusion; delicacies which the soldier cannot purchase; to which he is
+entirely a stranger, and of which the place must be supplied by some
+other cheap and wholesome liquors.
+
+If, sir, those gentlemen whose close attention to the interest of the
+innholder has, perhaps, abstracted them, in some degree, from any regard
+to the necessities of a soldier, will consent to allow him five pints
+a-day, I shall contend no longer; for though I cannot agree that it is a
+sufficient provision, yet, as other gentlemen, equally able to judge in
+this subject with myself, are of a different opinion, I shall show my
+regard for their sentiments by desisting from opposition.
+
+Lord BALTIMORE spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am not able to
+discover any necessity of compromising this debate, by taking the mean
+between the two different opinions, or for denying to the soldiers what
+every labourer or serving-man would murmur to be refused for a single
+day.
+
+I believe, sir, every gentleman, who examines the expense of his family,
+will find that each of his servants consumes daily at least three quarts
+of small beer, and surely it is not to be required that a soldier should
+live in a perpetual state of war with his constitution, and a constant
+inability to comply with the calls of nature.
+
+General HANDASYD spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, the inclination
+shown by several gentlemen for a penurious and scanty provision for the
+soldiers, must, in my opinion, proceed from an inattentive consideration
+of their pay, and will, therefore, be removed, by laying before them an
+account of his condition, and comparing his daily pay with his daily
+expenses.
+
+The whole pay of a foot soldier, sir, is sixpence a-day, of which he is
+to pay fourpence to his landlord for his diet, or, what is very nearly
+the same, to carry fourpence daily to the market, for which how small a
+supply of provisions he can bring to his quarters, especially in time of
+scarcity, I need not mention.
+
+There remain then only twopence, sir, to be disbursed for things not
+immediately necessary for the preservation of life, but which no man can
+want without being despicable to others and burdensome to himself.
+Twopence a-day is all that a soldier has to lay out upon cleanliness and
+decency, and with which he is likewise to keep his arms in order, and to
+supply himself with some part of his clothing. If, sir, after these
+deductions, he can, from twopence a-day, procure himself the means of
+enjoying a few happy moments in the year with his companions over a cup
+of ale, is not his economy much more to be envied than his luxury? Or
+can it be charged upon him that he enjoys more than his share of the
+felicities of life? Is he to be burdened with new expenses lest he
+should hoard up the publick money, stop the circulation of coin, and
+turn broker or usurer with twopence a-day?
+
+I have been so long acquainted, sir, with the soldier's character, that
+I will adventure to secure him from the charge of avarice, and to
+promise that whatever he shall possess not necessary to life, he will
+enjoy to the advantage of his landlord.
+
+Then the advocate CAMPBELL spoke in substance as follows:--Sir, I am far
+from intending to oppose this proposal of five pints, though, upon a
+rigorous examination, it might appear more than the mere wants of nature
+require; for I cannot but declare that this question has too long
+engaged the attention of the house, and that the representatives of a
+mighty nation beset with enemies, and encumbered with difficulties, seem
+to forget their importance and their dignity, by wrangling from day to
+day upon a pint of small beer.
+
+I conceive the bill, which we are now considering, sir, not as a
+perpetual and standing law, to be interwoven with our constitution, or
+added to the principles of our government, but as a temporary
+establishment for the present year; an expedient to be laid aside when
+our affairs cease to require it; an experimental essay of a new
+practice, which may be changed or continued according to its success.
+
+To allow, sir, five pints of small beer a-day to our soldiers, for a
+single year, can produce no formidable inconveniency, and may, though it
+should not be entirely approved, be of less disadvantage to the publick,
+than the waste of another day.
+
+[An alteration was made to five pints, instead of three quarts; and the
+bill, thus amended, was ordered to be engrossed, and a few days
+afterwards, being read a third time, was passed, and ordered to the
+lords, where it occasioned no debate.]
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 12, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON ADDRESSING THE KING.]
+
+
+A copy of his majesty's speech being read, Mr. CLUTTERBUCK-BUCK rose,
+and spoke as follows:--
+
+Sir, the present confusion in Europe, the known designs of the French,
+the numerous claims to the Austrian dominions, the armies which are
+levied to support them, and the present inability of the queen of
+Hungary to maintain those rights which descend to her from her
+ancestors, and have been confirmed by all the solemnities of treaties,
+evidently require an uncommon degree of attention in our consultations,
+and of vigour in our proceedings.
+
+Whatever may be the professions of the French, their real designs are
+easily discovered, designs which they have carried on, either openly, or
+in private, for near a century, and which it cannot be expected that
+they will lay aside, when they are so near to success. Their view, sir,
+in all their wars and treaties, alliances and intrigues, has been the
+attainment of universal dominion, the destruction of the rights of
+nature, and the subjection of all the rest of mankind; nor have we any
+reason to imagine that they are not equally zealous for the promotion of
+this pernicious scheme, while they pour troops into Germany, for the
+assistance of their ally, as when they wasted kingdoms, laid cities in
+ashes, and plunged millions into misery and want, without any other
+motive than the glory of their king.
+
+But the French are not the only nation at this time labouring for the
+subversion of our common liberties. Our liberties, sir, are endangered
+by those equally interested with ourselves in their preservation; for in
+what degree soever any of the princes who are now endeavouring to divide
+among themselves the dominions of Austria, may be pleased with the
+acquisition of new territories, and an imaginary increase of influence
+and power, it must be evident to all who are not dazzled by immediate
+interest, that they are only fighting for France, and that by the
+destruction of the Austrian family, they must in a short time fall
+themselves.
+
+It is well known, sir, though it is not always remembered, that
+political as well as natural greatness is merely comparative, and that
+he only is a powerful prince, who is more powerful than those with whom
+he can have any cause of contention. That prince, therefore, who
+imagines his power enlarged by a partition of territories, which gives
+him some additional provinces, may be at last disappointed in his
+expectations: for, if this partition gives to another prince already
+greater than himself, an opportunity of increasing his strength in a
+degree proportionate to his present superiority, the former will soon
+find, that he has been labouring for nothing, and that his danger is
+still the same.
+
+Such, sir, is the case of the king of Prussia, who, when he has overrun
+that part of Germany, to which he now lays claim, will only have
+weakened the house of Austria, without strengthening himself.
+
+He is at present secure in the possession of his dominions, because
+neither the Austrians would suffer the French, nor the French permit the
+Austrians to increase-their power by subduing him. Thus, while the
+present equipoise of power is maintained, jealousy and caution would
+always procure him an ally whenever he should be attacked; but when, by
+his assistance, the Austrian family shall be ruined, who shall defend
+him against the ambition of France?
+
+While the liberties of mankind are thus equally endangered by folly and
+ambition, attacked on one side, and neglected on the other, it is
+necessary for those who foresee the calamity that threatens them, to
+exert themselves in endeavours to avert it, and to retard the fatal
+blow, till those who are now lulled by the contemplation of private
+advantage, can be awakened into a just concern for the general happiness
+of Europe, and be convinced that they themselves can only be secure by
+uniting in the cause of liberty and justice.
+
+For this reason, sir, our sovereign has asserted the Pragmatick
+sanction, and promised to assist the queen of Hungary with the forces
+which former treaties have entitled her to demand from him; for this
+reason he has endeavoured to rouse the Dutch from their supineness, and
+excite them to arm once more for the common safety, to intimidate, by
+new augmentations, those powers whose ardour, perhaps, only subsists
+upon the confidence that they shall not be resisted, and to animate, by
+open declarations in favour of the house of Austria, those who probably
+are only hindered from offering their assistance, by the fear of
+standing alone against the armies of France.
+
+That by this conduct he may expose his dominions on the continent to
+invasions, ravages, and the other miseries of war, every one who knows
+their situation must readily allow; nor can it be doubted by any man who
+has heard of the power of the Prussians and French, that they may commit
+great devastations with very little opposition, the forces of the
+electorate not being sufficient to give them battle; for though the
+fortified towns might hold out against them, that consideration will
+very little alleviate the concern of those who consider the miseries of
+a nation, whose enemies are in possession of all the open country, and
+who from their ramparts see their harvest laid waste, and their villages
+in flames. The fortifications contain the strength, but the field and
+the trading towns comprise the riches of a people, and the country may
+be ruined which is not subdued.
+
+As, therefore, sir, the electoral dominions of his majesty are now
+endangered, not by any private dispute with the neighbouring princes,
+but by his firmness in asserting the general rights of Europe; as the
+consequences of his conduct, on this occasion, will be chiefly
+beneficial to Britain, we ought surely to support him in the prosecution
+of this design; a design which we cannot but approve, since our
+ancestors have always carried it on without regard either to the danger
+or the expense.
+
+In conformity to this maxim of politicks, so clearly founded in equity,
+and so often justified by the votes of the senate, has his majesty been
+pleased to declare to us his resolution to adhere to his engagements,
+and oppose all attempts that may be forming in favour of any unjust
+pretensions to the prejudice of the house of Austria. 'Tis for this end
+he desires the concurrence of his senate. I hope every gentleman in this
+house will agree with me that we ought to declare our approbation of
+these measures, in such terms as may show the world, that those who
+shall dare to obstruct them, must resolve to incur the resentment of
+this nation, and expose themselves to all the opposition which the
+senate of Britain can send forth against them. We ought to pronounce
+that the territories of Hanover will be considered, on this occasion, as
+the dominions of Britain, and that any attack on one or the other will
+be equally resented. I, therefore, move, that an humble address be
+presented by this house to his majesty,
+
+To return our thanks for his speech; to express our dutiful sense of his
+majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen of Hungary, and for
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; to declare our concurrence in the
+prudent measures which his majesty is pursuing for the preservation of
+the liberties and balance of power in Europe; to acknowledge his
+majesty's wisdom and resolution, in not suffering himself to be diverted
+from steadily persevering in his just purposes of fulfilling his
+engagements with the house of Austria; also, further to assure his
+majesty, that, in justice to and vindication of the honour and dignity
+of the British crown, we will effectually stand by and support his
+majesty against all insults and attacks, which any prince or power, in
+resentment of the just measures which he has so wisely taken, shall make
+upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not belonging to the crown
+of Great Britain. And that in any future events, which might make it
+necessary for him to enter into still larger expenses, this house will
+enable him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, to the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the
+Pragmatick sanction and the liberties and balance of Europe.
+
+Mr. FOX seconded the motion in this manner:--Sir, the expediency, if not
+the necessity of the address now moved for, will, I believe, be readily
+allowed by those who consider the just measures which are pursued by his
+majesty, the end which is intended by them, and the powers by which they
+are opposed.
+
+How much it is our duty to support the house of Austria it is not
+necessary to explain to any man who has heard the debates of this
+assembly, or read the history of the last war. How much it is our duty
+to support it, is evident, as soon as it is known by whom it is
+attacked; by the ancient enemy of these nations, by the general
+disturber of the universe, by the formidable oppressors of liberty,
+exulting in new acquisitions, inflamed with the madness of universal
+monarchy, and elated with an opportunity of subjecting Germany, by
+exalting to the supreme power a prince who shall hold his authority only
+by their permission.
+
+The house of Austria, which has so often stood forth in defence of our
+common rights, which has poured armies into the field, in confederacy
+with Britain, to suppress the insolence of that family which nothing
+could satisfy but boundless power, now demands the assistance which it
+has so often afforded; that assistance is demanded from us by every
+claim which the laws of society can enact, or the dictates of nature can
+suggest, by treaties maturely considered, and solemnly confirmed, by the
+ties of ancient friendship, and the obligations of common interest.
+
+To violate the publick faith, and to neglect the observation of
+treaties, is to sink ourselves below barbarity, to destroy that
+confidence which unites mankind in society. To deny or evade our
+stipulations, sir, is to commit a crime which every honest mind must
+consider with abhorrence, and to establish a precedent which may be used
+hereafter to our own destruction.
+
+To forsake an ancient ally only because we can receive no immediate
+advantage from his friendship, or because it may be in some degree
+dangerous to adhere to him; to forsake him when he most wants our good
+offices, when he is distressed by his enemies, and deserted by others
+from whom he had reason to hope for kinder treatment, is the most
+despicable, the most hateful degree of cowardice and treachery.
+
+The obligations of interest, sir, it is not often needful to enforce,
+but it may be observed on this occasion, that a single year of neglect
+may never be retrieved. We may, sir, now be able to support those whom,
+when once dispossessed, it will not be in our power to restore; and that
+if we suffer the house of Austria to be overborne, our posterity,
+through every generation, may have reason to curse our injudicious
+parsimony, our fatal inactivity, and our perfidious cowardice.
+
+With what views the king of Prussia concurs in the French measures, or
+upon what principles of policy he promises to himself any security in
+the enjoyment of his new dominions, it is not easy to conjecture; but as
+it is easy to discover, that whatever he may propose to himself, his
+conduct evidently tends to the ruin of Europe, so he may, in my opinion,
+justly be opposed, if he cannot be diverted or made easy.
+
+Nor can we, sir, if this opposition should incite him, or any other
+power, to an invasion of his majesty's foreign dominions, refuse them
+our protection and assistance: for as they suffer for the cause which we
+are engaged to support, and suffer only by our measures, we are at
+least, as allies, obliged by the laws of equity and the general compacts
+of mankind, to arm in their defence; and what may be claimed by the
+common right of allies, we shall surely not deny them, only because they
+are more closely united to us, because they own the same monarch with
+ourselves.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke to the following purpose:--Sir, with what eagerness
+the French snatch every opportunity of increasing their influence,
+extending their dominions, and oppressing their neighbours, the
+experience of many years has convinced all Europe; and it is evident
+that unless some power be preserved in a degree of strength nearly equal
+to theirs, their schemes, pernicious as they are, cannot be defeated.
+
+That the only power from which this opposition can be hoped, is the
+house of Austria, a very superficial view of this part of the globe,
+will sufficiently demonstrate; of this we were long since so strongly
+convinced, that we employed all our forces and all our politicks to
+aggrandize this house. We endeavoured not only to support it in all its
+hereditary rights, but to invest it with new sovereignties, and extend
+its authority over new dominions.
+
+Why we afterwards varied in our councils and our measures, I have long
+inquired without any satisfaction, having never, sir, with the utmost
+application, been able to discover the motives to the memorable treaty
+of Hanover, by which we stipulated to destroy the fabrick that we had
+been so long and so laboriously endeavouring to erect; by which we
+abandoned that alliance which we had so diligently cultivated, which we
+had preferred to peace, plenty, and riches, and for which we had
+cheerfully supported a tedious, a bloody, and an expensive war.
+
+This conduct, sir, raises a greater degree of admiration, as the authors
+of it had exhausted all their eloquence in censuring the treaty of
+Utrecht, and had endeavoured to expose those who transacted it to the
+general hatred of the nation; as they always expressed in the strongest
+terms their dread and detestation of the French; as they animated all
+their harangues, and stunned their opponents with declarations of their
+zeal for the liberties of Europe.
+
+By what impulse or what infatuation, these asserters of liberty, these
+enemies of France, these guardians of the balance of power, were on the
+sudden prevailed on to declare in favour of the power whom they had so
+long thought it their chief interest and highest honour to oppose, must
+be discovered by sagacity superiour to mine. But after such perplexity
+of councils and such fluctuation of conduct, it is necessary to inquire
+more particularly what are the present intentions of the ministry, what
+alliances have been formed, and what conditions are required to be
+fulfilled.
+
+If we are obliged only to supply the queen of Hungary with twelve
+thousand men, we have already performed our engagements; if we have
+promised any pecuniary assistance, the sum which we have stipulated to
+furnish ought to be declared; for I suppose, at least, our engagements
+have some limits, and that we are not to exert all the force of the
+nation, to fight as if fire and sword were at our gates, or an invader
+were landing armies upon our coasts.
+
+I have, sir, from my earliest years been zealous for the defence and
+exaltation of the house of Austria, and shall be very far from proposing
+that any danger or distress should influence us to desert it; but I do
+not easily discover by what means we shall be able to afford any
+efficacious assistance: for the power of Britain consists chiefly in
+naval armaments, which can be of very little use to the queen of
+Hungary, and I know not any state that will easily consent to unite with
+us on this occasion.
+
+If there be, sir, any states remaining in Europe which the French can
+neither intimidate nor bribe, we ought studiously to solicit and
+diligently to cultivate their friendship; but whether any, except the
+Moscovites, are now independent, or sufficiently confident of their own
+strength to engage in such a hazardous alliance, may be justly doubted.
+
+The late grand alliance, sir, was supported at the expense of this
+nation alone; nor was it required from the other confederates to exhaust
+the treasure of their country in the common cause. I hope the debt which
+that war has entailed upon us will instruct us to be more frugal in our
+future engagements, and to stipulate only what we may perform without
+involving the nation in misery, which victories and triumphs cannot
+compensate.
+
+The necessity, sir, of publick economy obliges me to insist, that before
+any money shall be granted, an account be laid before the senate, in
+particular terms, of the uses to which it is to be applied. To ask for
+supplies in general terms, is to demand the power of squandering the
+publick money at pleasure, and to claim, in softer language, nothing
+less than despotick authority.
+
+It has not been uncommon for money, granted by the senate, to be spent
+without producing any of those effects which were expected from it,
+without assisting our allies, or humbling our enemies; and, therefore,
+there is reason for suspecting that money has sometimes been asked for
+one use and applied to another.
+
+If our concurrence, sir, is necessary to increase his majesty's
+influence on the continent, to animate the friends of the house of
+Austria, or to repress the disturbers of the publick tranquillity, I
+shall willingly unite with the most zealous advocates for the
+administration in any vote of approbation or assistance, not contrary to
+the act of settlement, that important and well-concerted act, by which
+the present family was advanced to the throne, and by which it is
+provided, that Britain shall never be involved in war for the
+enlargement or protection of the dominions of Hanover, dominions from
+which we never expected nor received any benefit, and for which,
+therefore, nothing ought to be either suffered or hazarded.
+
+If it should be again necessary to form a confederacy, and to unite the
+powers of Europe against the house of Bourbon, that ambitious, that
+restless family, by which the repose of the world is almost every day
+interrupted, which is incessantly labouring against the happiness of
+human nature, and seeking every hour an opportunity of new
+encroachments, I declare, sir, that I shall not only, with the greatest
+cheerfulness, bear my share of the publick expense, but endeavour to
+reconcile others to their part of the calamities of war. This, sir, I
+have advanced in confidence, that sufficient care shall be taken, that
+in any new alliance we shall be parties, not principals; that the
+expense of war, as the advantage of victory, shall be common; and that
+those who shall unite with us will be our allies, not our mercenaries.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE then spoke, to the following purpose:--Sir, it is not
+without reason that the honourable gentleman desires to be informed of
+the stipulations contained in the treaty by which we have engaged to
+support the Pragmatick sanction; for I find that he either never knew
+them or has forgotten them; and, therefore, those reasonings which he
+has formed upon them fall to the ground.
+
+We are obliged, sir, by this treaty, to supply the house of Austria with
+twelve thousand men, and the Dutch, who were engaged in it by our
+example, have promised a supply of five thousand. This force, joined to
+those armies which the large dominions of that family enable them to
+raise, were conceived sufficient to repel any enemy by whom their rights
+should be invaded.
+
+But because in affairs of such importance nothing is to be left to
+hazard, because the preservation of the equipoise of power, on which the
+liberties of almost all mankind, who can call themselves free, must be
+acknowledged to depend, ought to be rather certain, than barely
+probable; it is stipulated farther, both by the French and ourselves,
+that if the supplies, specified in the first article, shall appear
+insufficient, we shall unite our whole force in the defence of our ally,
+and struggle, once more, for independence, with ardour proportioned to
+the importance of our cause.
+
+By these stipulations, sir, no engagements have been formed that can be
+imagined to have been prohibited by the act of settlement, by which it
+is provided, that the house of Hanover shall not plunge this nation into
+a war, for the sake of their foreign dominions, without the consent of
+the senate; for this war is by no means entered upon for the particular
+security of Hanover, but for the general advantage of Europe, to repress
+the ambition of the French, and to preserve ourselves and our posterity
+from the most abject dependence upon a nation exasperated against us by
+long opposition, and hereditary hatred.
+
+Nor is the act of settlement only preserved unviolated by the reasons of
+the present alliance, but by the regular concurrence of the senate which
+his majesty has desired, notwithstanding his indubitable right of making
+peace and war by his own authority. I cannot, therefore, imagine upon
+what pretence it can be urged, that the law, which requires that no war
+shall be made on account of the Hanoverian dominions without the consent
+of the senate, is violated, when it is evident that the war is made upon
+other motives, and the concurrence of the senate is solemnly desired.
+
+But such is the malevolence with which the conduct of the administration
+is examined, that no degree of integrity or vigilance can secure it from
+censure. When, in the present question, truth and reason are evidently
+on their side, past transactions are recalled to memory, and those
+measures are treated with the utmost degree of contempt and ridicule, of
+which the greatest part of the audience have probably forgotten the
+reasons, and of which the authors of them do not always stand up in the
+defence, because they are weary of repeating arguments to those who
+listen with a resolution never to be convinced.
+
+How well, sir, those by whom the ministry is opposed, have succeeded in
+hardening their minds against the force of reason, is evident from their
+constant custom of appealing from the senate to the people, and
+publishing, in pamphlets, those arguments which they have found
+themselves, in this assembly, unable to support; a practice which
+discovers rather an obstinate resolution to obstruct the government,
+than zeal for the prosperity of their country, and which, to speak of it
+in the softest terms, seems to be suggested more by the desire of
+popularity than the love of truth.
+
+Mr. SANDYS spoke to the effect following:--Sir, notwithstanding the
+confidence with which this motion has been offered and defended,
+notwithstanding the specious appearance of respect to his majesty, by
+which it is recommended, I am not ashamed to declare, that it appears to
+me inconsistent with the trust reposed in us by our constituents, who
+owe their allegiance to the king of Britain, and not to the elector of
+Hanover.
+
+It will be urged, sir, by the people, whom we sit here to represent,
+that they are already embarrassed with debts, contracted in a late war,
+from which, after the expense of many millions, and the destruction of
+prodigious multitudes, they receive no advantage; and that they are now
+loaded with taxes for the support of another, of which they perceive no
+prospect of a very happy or honourable conclusion, of either security or
+profit, either conquests or reprisals; and that they are, therefore, by
+no means willing to see themselves involved in any new confederacy, by
+which they may entail on their posterity the same calamities, and oblige
+themselves to hazard their fortunes and their happiness in defence of
+distant countries, of which many of them have scarcely heard, and from
+which no return of assistance is expected.
+
+Mr. WALPOLE spoke again, to this purpose:--Sir, though it is not
+necessary to refute every calumny that malice may invent, or credulity
+admit, or to answer those of whom it may reasonably be conceived that
+they do not credit their own accusations, I will yet rise, once more, in
+vindication of the treaty of Hanover, to show with how little reason it
+is censured, to repress the levity of insult, and the pride of
+unreasonable triumph.
+
+The treaty of Hanover, sir, how long soever it has been ridiculed, and
+with whatever contempt those by whom it was negotiated have been
+treated, was wise and just. It was just, because no injury was intended
+to any power, no invasion was planned, no partition of dominions
+stipulated, nothing but our own security desired. It was wise, because
+it produced the end proposed by it, and established that security which
+the Austrians and Spaniards were endeavouring to destroy.
+
+The emperour of Germany, sir, had then entered into a secret treaty of
+alliance with Spain, by which nothing less was designed than the total
+destruction of our liberties, the diminution of our commerce, the
+alienation of our dominions, and the subversion of our constitution. We
+were to have been expelled from Gibraltar, and totally excluded from the
+Mediterranean, the pretender was to have been exalted to the throne, and
+a new religion, with the slavery that always accompanies it, to have
+been introduced amongst us, and Ostend was to have been made a port, and
+to have shared the poor remains of our commerce to foreign nations.
+
+This unjust, this malicious confederacy, was then opposed with the
+utmost vehemence by the imperial general, whose courage and military
+capacity are celebrated throughout the world, and whose political
+abilities and knowledge of the affairs of Europe, were equal to his
+knowledge of war. He urged, with great force, that such a confederacy
+would disunite the empire for ever from the maritime powers, by which it
+had been supported, and which were engaged by one common interest in the
+promotion of its prosperity: but his remonstrances availed nothing, and
+the alliance was concluded.
+
+When our ancient allies, who had been so often succoured with our
+treasure, and defended by our arms, had entered into such engagements;
+when it was stipulated not only to impoverish but enslave us; not only
+to weaken us abroad, but to deprive us of every domestick comfort; when
+a scheme was formed that would have spread misery over the whole nation,
+and have extended its consequences to the lowest orders of the
+community, it was surely necessary to frustrate it by some alliance, and
+with whom could we then unite, but with France?
+
+This is not the only fact on which gentlemen have ventured to speak with
+great freedom without sufficient information; the conduct of our allies
+in the late war has been no less misrepresented than that of our
+ministers in their negotiations. They have been charged with imposing
+upon us the whole expense of the confederacy, when it may be proved,
+beyond controversy, that the annual charge of the Dutch was five
+millions.
+
+Nor did they, sir, only contribute annually thus largely to the common
+cause, but when we forsook the alliance, and shamefully abandoned the
+advantages we had gained, they received our mercenaries into their own
+pay, and expended nine millions in a single year.
+
+Of the truth of these assertions it is easy to produce incontestable
+evidence, which, however, cannot be necessary to any man who reflects,
+that from one of the most wealthy nations in the world, the Dutch, with
+all their commerce, and all their parsimony, are reduced to penury and
+distress; for who can tell by what means they have sunk into their
+present low condition, if they suffered nothing by the late war?
+
+How this gentleman, sir, has been deceived, and to whose insinuations
+his errours are to be imputed, I am at no loss to discover. I hope he
+will, by this confutation, be warned against implicit credulity, and
+remember with what caution that man is to be trusted, whose pernicious
+counsels have endangered his country.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke thus:--Sir, it is, in my opinion, an incontestable
+maxim, that no measures are eligible, which are unjust; and that,
+therefore, before any resolutions are formed, we ought to examine not
+what motives may be suggested by expedience, but what arguments may be
+advanced by equity on one part or the other.
+
+If I do not mistake the true intent of the address now proposed, we are
+invited to declare that we will oppose the king of Prussia in his
+attempts upon Silesia, a declaration in which I know not how any man can
+concur, who knows not the nature of his claim, and the laws of the
+empire. It ought, therefore, sir, to have been the first endeavour of
+those by whom this address has been so zealously promoted, to show that
+his claim, so publickly explained, so firmly urged, and so strongly
+supported, is without foundation in justice or in reason, and is only
+one of those imaginary titles, which ambition may always find to the
+dominions of another.
+
+But no attempt has been yet made towards the discussion of this
+important question, and, therefore, I know not how any man can call upon
+us to oppose the king of Prussia, when his claim may probably be just,
+and, by consequence, such as, if it were necessary for us to engage in
+the affairs of those distant countries, we ought to join with him in
+asserting.
+
+Lord GAGE spoke next, in substance as follows:--Sir, as no member of
+this assembly can feel a greater degree of zeal for his majesty's honour
+than myself; none shall more readily concur in any expression of duty or
+adherence to him.
+
+But I have been always taught that allegiance to my prince is consistent
+with fidelity to my country, that the interest of the king and the
+people of great Britain is the same; and that he only is a true subject
+of the crown, who is a steady promoter of the happiness of the nation:
+
+For this reason I think it necessary to declare, that Hanover is always
+to be considered as a sovereignty separate from that of Britain, and as
+a country with laws and interests distinct from ours; and that it is the
+duty of the representatives of this nation, to take care that interests
+so different may never be confounded, and that Britain may incur no
+expense of which Hanover alone can enjoy the advantage.
+
+If the elector of Hanover should be engaged in war with any of the
+neighbouring sovereigns, who should be enabled, by a victory, to enter
+into the country, and carry the terrours of war through all his
+territories, it would by no means be necessary for this nation to
+interpose; for the elector of Hanover might lose his dominions without
+any disadvantage or dishonour to the king or people of Britain.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, APRIL 16, 1741.
+
+DEBATE ON A MOTION FOR SUPPORTING THE QUEEN OF HUNGARY.
+
+
+His majesty went this day to the house of lords, and after his assent to
+several bills, he, in a speech from the throne to both houses of the
+senate, acquainted them, that the war raised against the queen of
+Hungary, and the various claims on the late German emperour's
+succession, might expose the dominions of such princes as should incline
+to support the Pragmatick sanction to imminent danger. That the queen of
+Hungary required the twelve thousand men stipulated by treaty, and
+thereupon he had demanded of the king of Denmark, and of the king of
+Sweden, as sovereign of Hesse Cassel, their respective bodies of troops,
+of six thousand men each, to be in readiness to march to her assistance.
+That he was concerting such farther measures as may disappoint all
+dangerous designs forming to the prejudice of the house of Austria,
+which might make it necessary for him to enter into still larger
+expenses for maintaining the Pragmatick sanction. He, therefore, in a
+conjuncture so critical, desired the concurrence of his senate, in
+enabling him to contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support
+of the queen of Hungary, the preventing, by all reasonable means, the
+subversion of the house of Austria, and to the maintaining the liberties
+and balance of power in Europe.
+
+The house of commons, in their address upon this occasion, expressed a
+dutiful sense of his majesty's just regard for the rights of the queen
+of Hungary, and for the maintaining the Pragmatick sanction; they
+declared their concurrence in the prudent measures which his majesty was
+pursuing for the preservation of the liberties and balance of power in
+Europe; they assured his majesty, that, in justice to, and vindication
+of the honour and dignity of the British crown, they would effectually
+stand by and support his majesty against all insults and attacks, which
+any power, in resentment of the just measures which he had so wisely
+taken, should make upon any of his majesty's dominions, though not
+belonging to the crown of Great Britain. They farther assured his
+majesty, that in any future events which might make it necessary for him
+to enter into still larger expenses, they would enable him to
+contribute, in the most effectual manner, to the support of the designs
+he proposed.
+
+His majesty, in his answer to this address, observed their readiness in
+enabling him to make good his engagements with the queen of Hungary, and
+the assurances given him not to suffer his foreign dominions to be
+insulted on account of the measures he was pursuing for the support of
+the Pragmatick sanction, etc.
+
+In consequence of this procedure, the house, pursuant to order, resolved
+itself into a committee, to consider of the supplies granted to his
+majesty.
+
+Upon this occasion, a motion was made by sir Robert WALPOLE for a grant
+of three hundred thousand pounds, for the support of the queen of
+Hungary, on which arose the following debate:
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE supported his motion by a speech, in substance as
+follows:--Sir, the necessity of this grant appears so plainly from the
+bare mention of the purposes for which it is asked, that I can scarcely
+conceive that its reasonableness will be disputed. I can discover no
+principles upon which an objection to this motion can be founded, nor
+the least arguments by which such objection can be supported.
+
+The indispensable obligations of publick faith, the great ties by which
+nations are united, and confederacies formed, I cannot suppose any man
+inclined to invalidate. An exact performance of national promises, and
+inviolable adherence to treaties, is enforced at once by policy and
+justice, and all laws both of heaven and earth.
+
+Publick perfidy, sir, like private dishonesty, whatever temporary
+advantages it may promise or produce, is always, upon the whole, the
+parent of misery. Every man, however prosperous, must sometimes wish for
+a friend; and every nation, however potent, stand in need of an ally;
+but all alliances subsist upon mutual confidence, and confidence can be
+produced only by unlimited integrity, by known firmness, and approved
+veracity.
+
+The use of alliances, sir, has, in the last age, been too much
+experienced to be contested; it is by leagues well concerted, and
+strictly observed, that the weak are defended against the strong, that
+bounds are set to the turbulence of ambition, that the torrent of power
+is restrained, and empires preserved from those inundations of war,
+that, in former times, laid the world in ruins. By alliances, sir, the
+equipoise of power is maintained, and those alarms and apprehensions
+avoided, which must arise from daily vicissitudes of empire, and the
+fluctuations of perpetual contest.
+
+That it is the interest of this nation to cultivate the friendship of
+the house of Austria, to protect its rights, and secure its succession,
+to inform it when mistaken, and to assist it when attacked, is allowed
+by every party. Every man, sir, knows that the only power that can
+sensibly injure us, by obstructing our commerce, or invading our
+dominions, is France, against which no confederacy can be formed, except
+with the house of Austria, that can afford us any efficacious support.
+
+The firmest bond of alliances is mutual interest. Men easily unite
+against him whom they have all equal reason to fear and to hate; by whom
+they have been equally injured, and by whom they suspect that no
+opportunity will be lost of renewing his encroachments. Such is the
+state of this nation, and of the Austrians. We are equally endangered by
+the French greatness, and equally animated against it by hereditary
+animosities, and contests continued from one age to another; we are
+convinced that, however either may be flattered or caressed, while the
+other is invaded, every blow is aimed at both, and that we are divided
+only that we may be more easily destroyed.
+
+For this reason we engaged in the support of the Pragmatick sanction,
+and stipulated to secure the imperial crown to the daughters of Austria;
+which was nothing more than to promise, that we would endeavour to
+prevent our own destruction, by opposing the exaltation of a prince who
+should owe his dignity to the French, and, in consequence of so close an
+alliance, second all their schemes, admit all their claims, and
+sacrifice to their ambition the happiness of a great part of mankind.
+
+Such would probably be the consequence, if the French should gain the
+power of conferring the imperial crown. They would hold the emperour in
+perpetual dependence, would, perhaps, take possession of his hereditary
+dominions, as a mortgage for their expenses; would awe him with the
+troops which they sent under a pretence of assisting him, and leave him
+only the titles of dominion, and the shadows of empire.
+
+In this state would he remain, whilst his formidable allies were
+extending their dominions on every side. He would see one power subdued
+after another, and himself weakened by degrees, and only not deprived of
+his throne, because it would be unnecessary to dethrone him; or he would
+be obliged to solicit our assistance to break from his slavery, and we
+should be obliged, at the utmost hazard, and at an expense not to be
+calculated, to remedy what it is, perhaps, now in our power to prevent
+with very little difficulty.
+
+That this danger is too near to be merely chimerical, that the queen of
+Hungary is invaded, and her right to the imperial dignity contested, is
+well known; it is, therefore, the time for fulfilling our engagements;
+engagements of the utmost importance to ourselves and our posterity; and
+I hope the government will not be accused of profusion, if, for three
+hundred thousand pounds, the liberties of Europe shall be preserved.
+
+We cannot deny this grant without acting in opposition to our late
+professions of supporting his majesty in his endeavours to maintain the
+Pragmatick sanction, and of assisting him to defend his foreign
+dominions from any injuries to which those endeavours should expose
+them; for how can he without forces defend his dominions, or assist his
+ally? or how can he maintain forces without supplies?
+
+Mr. SHIPPEN next rose, and spoke thus:--Sir, as I have always
+endeavoured to act upon conviction of my duty, to examine opinions
+before I admit them, and to speak what I have thought the truth, I do
+not easily change my conduct, or retract my assertions; nor am I
+deterred from repeating my arguments when I have a right to speak, by
+the remembrance that they have formerly been unsuccessful.
+
+Every man, when he is confident himself, conceives himself able to
+persuade others, and imagines that their obstinacy proceeds from other
+motives than reason; and that, if he fails at one time to gain over his
+audience, he may yet succeed in some happier moment, when their
+prejudices shall be dissipated, or their interest varied.
+
+For this reason, though it cannot be suspected that I have forgotten the
+resentment which I have formerly drawn upon myself, by an open
+declaration of my sentiments with regard to Hanover, I stand up again,
+with equal confidence, to make my protestations against any
+interposition in the affairs of that country, and to avow my dislike of
+the promise lately made to defend it: a promise, inconsistent, in my
+opinion, with that important and inviolable law, the _act of
+settlement!_--a promise, which, if it could have been foreknown, would,
+perhaps, have for ever precluded from the succession that illustrious
+family, to which we owe such numberless blessings, such continued
+felicity!
+
+Far be it from me to insinuate that we can be too grateful to his
+majesty, or too zealous in our adherence to him; only let us remember,
+that true gratitude consists in real benefits, in promoting the true
+interest of him to whom we are indebted; and surely, by hazarding the
+welfare of Britain in defence of Hanover, we shall very little consult
+the advantage, or promote the greatness of our sovereign.
+
+It is well known how inconsiderable, in the sight of those by whom the
+succession was established, Hanover appeared, in comparison with
+Britain. Those men, to whom even their enemies have seldom denied praise
+for knowledge and capacity, and who have been so loudly celebrated by
+many, who have joined in the last address, for their honest zeal, and
+the love of their country, enacted, that the king of Britain should
+never visit those important territories, which we have so solemnly
+promised to defend, at the hazard of our happiness. It was evidently
+their design that our sovereign, engrossed by the care of his new
+subjects, a care which, as they reasonably imagined, would arise from
+gratitude for dignity and power so liberally conferred, should in time
+forget that corner of the earth on which his ancestors had resided, and
+act, not as elector of Hanover, but as king of Britain, as the governour
+of a mighty nation, and the lord of large dominions.
+
+It was expressly determined, that, this nation should never be involved
+in war for the defence of the dominions on the continent, and,
+doubtless, the same policy that has restrained us from extending our
+conquests in countries from which some advantages might be received,
+ought to forbid all expensive and hazardous measures, for the sake of
+territories from whence no benefit can be reaped.
+
+Nor are the purposes, sir, for which this supply is demanded, the only
+objections that may be urged against it, for the manner in which it is
+asked, makes it necessary at least to delay it. The ministers have been
+so little accustomed to refusals that they have forgot when to ask with
+decency, and expect the treasure of the nation to be poured upon them,
+whenever they shall think it proper to hint that they have discovered
+some new opportunity of expense.
+
+It is necessary, that when a supply is desired, the house should be
+informed, some time before, of the sum that is required, and of the ends
+to which it is to be applied, that every member may consider, at
+leisure, the expediency of the measures proposed, and the proportion of
+the sum to the occasion on which it is demanded; that he may examine
+what are the most proper methods of raising it, and, perhaps, inquire
+with what willingness his constituents will advance it.
+
+Whether any man is enabled by his acuteness and experience, to determine
+all these questions upon momentaneous reflection, I cannot decide. For
+my part, I confess myself one of those on whom nature has bestowed no
+such faculties, and therefore move that the consideration of this supply
+may be deferred for a few days; for if it be now pressed upon us, I
+shall vote against it, because I do not yet fully discover all the
+reasons for it, nor all the consequences which it may produce, and I
+think myself obliged to know for what purpose I give away the money
+which is not my own.
+
+Mr. VYNER spoke as follows:--Sir, whatever may be the necessity of
+maintaining the Pragmatick sanction, or whatever the obligations of
+national pacts, of which I hope no man is desirous of countenancing the
+neglect, yet they cannot oblige us to arm without an enemy, to embarrass
+ourselves with watching every possibility of danger, to garrison
+dominions which are not threatened, or assert rights which are not
+invaded.
+
+The expediency of maintaining the house of Austria on the imperial
+throne, it is not at present necessary to assert, because it does not
+appear that any other family is aspiring to it. There may, indeed, be
+whispers of secret designs and artful machinations, whispers, perhaps,
+spread only to affright the court into treaties, or the senate into
+grants; or designs, which, like a thousand others that every day
+produces, innumerable accidents may defeat; which may be discovered, not
+only before they are executed, but before they are fully formed, and
+which, therefore, are not worthy to engross much of our attention, or to
+exhaust the wealth of the people.
+
+The Pragmatick sanction is nothing more than a settlement of the
+imperial dignity upon the eldest daughter of the late German emperour
+and her son; and if she has no son, upon the son of the second daughter;
+nor has the crown of Britain, by engaging to support that sanction,
+promised any thing more than to preserve this order of succession, which
+no power, at present, is endeavouring to interrupt; and which,
+therefore, at present, requires no defence.
+
+The dispute, sir, between the king of Prussia and the queen of Hungary,
+is of a different kind; nor is it our duty to engage in it, either as
+parties or judges. He lays claim to certain territories usurped, as he
+alleges, from his ancestors by the Austrian family, and asserts, by
+force, this claim, which is equally valid, whether the queen be emperess
+or not. We have no right to limit his dominions, or obligation to
+examine the justice of his demands. If he is only endeavouring to gain
+what has been forcibly withheld from him, what right have we to obstruct
+his undertaking? And if the queen can show a better title, she is, like
+all other sovereigns, at liberty to maintain it; nor are we necessarily
+to erect ourselves into judges between sovereigns, or distributors of
+dominions.
+
+The contest seems to have very little relation to the Pragmatick
+sanction: if the king of Prussia succeeds, he will contribute to support
+it; and if the queen is able to frustrate his designs, she will be too
+powerful to need our assistance.
+
+But though, sir, the Pragmatick sanction were in danger of violation,
+are we to stand up alone in defence of it, while other nations, equally
+engaged with ourselves by interest and by treaties, sit still to look
+upon the contest, and gather those advantages of peace which we
+indiscreetly throw away? Are we able to maintain it without assistance,
+or are we to exhaust our country, and ruin our posterity in prosecution
+of a hopeless project, to spend what can never be repaid, and to fight
+with certainty of a defeat?
+
+The Dutch, whose engagements and whose interests are the same as our
+own, have not yet made any addition to their expenses, nor augmentation
+of their troops; nor does a single potentate of Europe, however united
+by long alliances to the house of Austria, or however endangered by
+revolutions in the empire, appear to rouse at the approach of alarm, or
+think himself obliged to provoke enemies by whom he is not yet injured.
+
+I cannot, therefore, persuade myself that we are to stand up single in
+the defence of the Pragmatick sanction, to fight the quarrel of others,
+or live in perpetual war, that our neighbours may be at peace.
+
+I shall always think it my duty to disburse the publick money with the
+utmost parsimony, nor ever intend, but on the most pressing necessity,
+to load with new exactions a nation already overwhelmed with debts,
+harassed with taxes, and plundered by a standing army.
+
+For what purpose these numerous forces are maintained, who are now
+preying on the publick; why we increase our armies by land when we only
+fight by sea; why we aggravate the burden of the war, and add domestick
+oppressions to foreign injuries, I am at a loss to determine. Surely
+some regard should be had to the satisfaction of the people, who ought
+not, during the present scarcity of provisions, to be starved by the
+increase of an army, which seems supported only to consume them.
+
+As, therefore, part of our present expense is, in my opinion,
+unnecessary, I shall not contribute to aggravate it by a new grant, for
+purposes of which I cannot discover that they will promote the advantage
+of the publick.
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied to the following effect:--Sir, the Pragmatick
+sanction, which we are engaged to support, is not confined to the
+preservation of the order of succession, but extends to all the rights
+of the house of Austria, which is now attacked, and by a very formidable
+enemy, at a time of weakness and distraction, and therefore requires our
+assistance.
+
+That others, equally obliged by treaty and by interest to lend their
+help on this occasion, sit reluctive, either through cowardice or
+negligence, or some prospect of temporary advantage, may, perhaps, be
+true; but is it any excuse of a crime, that he who commits it is not the
+only criminal? Will the breach of faith in others excuse it in us?
+Ought we not rather to animate them by our activity, instruct them by
+our example, and awaken them by our representations?
+
+Perhaps the other powers say to themselves, and to one another, Why
+should we keep that treaty which Britain is violating? Why should we
+expose ourselves to danger, of which that mighty nation, so celebrated
+for courage, is afraid? Why should we rush into war, in which our most
+powerful ally seems unwilling to support us?
+
+Thus the same argument, an argument evidently false, and made specious
+only by interest, may be used by all, till some one, more bold and
+honest than the rest, shall dare to rise in vindication of those rights
+which all have promised to maintain; and why should not the greatest
+nation be the first that shall avow her solemn engagements? Why should
+not they be most diligent in the prosecution of an affair who have most
+to lose by its miscarriage?
+
+I am always willing to believe, that no member of this assembly makes
+use, in any solemn debate, of arguments which do not appear rational to
+himself, and yet it is difficult to conceive that any man can imagine
+himself released from a promise, because the same promise is broken by
+another, or that he is at liberty to desert his friend in distress,
+because others desert him, whose good offices he has equal reason to
+expect, and that the more his assistance is needed, the more right he
+has to deny it.
+
+Surely such arguments as these deserve not, need not a confutation.
+Before we regulate our conduct by that of others, we must either prove
+that they have done right, which proof will be a sufficient defence
+without the precedent, or own that they are more capable of judging than
+we, and that, therefore, we pay an implicit submission to their dictates
+and example; a sacrifice which we shall not willingly make to the vanity
+of our neighbours.
+
+In the present case it is evident that if other nations neglect the
+performance of their contracts, they are guilty of the breach of publick
+faith; of a crime, that, if it should generally be imitated, would
+dissolve society, and throw human nature into confusion, that would
+change the most happy region into deserts, in which one savage would be
+preying on another.
+
+Nor are they only propagating an example, which in some distant times
+may be pleaded against themselves, but they are exposing themselves to
+more immediate dangers; they are forwarding designs that have no
+tendency but to their ruin, they are adding strength to their inveterate
+enemies, and beckoning invasion to their own frontiers.
+
+Let us, therefore, instead of hardening ourselves in perfidy, or lulling
+ourselves in security by their example, exert all our influence to unite
+them, and all our power to assist them. Let us show them what they ought
+to determine by our resolutions, and teach them to act by our vigour;
+that, if the house of Austria be preserved, our alliance may be
+strengthened by new motives of gratitude; and that, if it must be that
+the liberties of this part of the world be lost, we may not reproach
+ourselves with having neglected to defend them.
+
+Mr. PELHAM spoke next to this purpose:--Sir, it is not to be supposed
+that such members of this assembly as are not engaged in publick
+affairs, should receive very exact intelligence of the dispositions of
+foreign powers, and, therefore, I do not wonder that the conduct of the
+Dutch has been misrepresented, and that they are suspected of neglecting
+their engagements at a time when they are endeavouring to perform them.
+
+The Dutch have now under consideration the most proper methods of
+assisting the queen of Hungary, and maintaining the Pragmatick sanction;
+it may be, indeed, justly suspected, from the nature of their
+constitution, that their motions will be slow, but it cannot be
+asserted, that they break their engagements, or desert their
+confederates.
+
+Nor is there any reason for imagining that the other princes, who have
+incurred the same obligations, will not endeavour to perform their
+promises; it may be easily conceived that some of them are not able at a
+sudden summons to afford great assistance, and that others may wait the
+result of our deliberations, and regulate their conduct by our example.
+
+Not that we ought to neglect our engagements, or endanger our country,
+because other powers are either perfidious, or insensible; for I am not
+afraid to declare, that if that should happen, which there is no reason
+to suspect, if all the other powers should desert the defence of the
+Austrian line, should consent to annul the Pragmatick sanction, and
+leave the queen of Hungary to the mercy of her enemies, I would advise
+that Britain alone should pour her armies into the continent, that she
+should defend her ally against the most formidable confederacy, and show
+mankind an example of constancy not to be shaken, and of faith not to be
+violated.
+
+If it be, therefore, our duty to support the Pragmatick sanction, it is
+now the time for declaring our resolutions, when the imperial crown is
+claimed by a multitude of competitors, among whom the elector of
+Bavaria, a very powerful prince, has, by his minister, notified his
+pretensions to the court of Britain.
+
+The ancient alliance between this prince and the French is well known,
+nor can we doubt that he will now implore their assistance for the
+attainment of the throne to which he aspires; and I need not say what
+may be expected from an emperour, whose elevation was procured by the
+forces of France.
+
+Nor is this the only prince that claims the imperial crown upon
+plausible pretences, or whose claims other powers may combine to
+support; it is well known, that even the Spanish monarch believes
+himself entitled to it, nor can we, who have no communication with him,
+know whether he has not declared to all the other princes of Europe, his
+resolution to assert his claim.
+
+It is far from being impossible that the pretensions of the house of
+Bourbon may be revived, and that though no single prince of that family
+should attempt to mount the imperial throne, they may all conspire to
+dismember the empire into petty kingdoms, and free themselves from the
+dread of a formidable neighbour, by erecting a number of diminutive
+sovereigns, who may be always courting the assistance of their
+protectors, for the sake of harassing each other.
+
+Thus will the house by which Europe has been hitherto protected, sink
+into an empty name, and we shall be left to stand alone against all the
+powers that profess a different religion, and whose interest is opposite
+to that of Britain.
+
+We ought, indeed, to act with the utmost vigour, when we see one of the
+most powerful of the reformed princes so far forgetful of the interest
+of our religion, as to cooperate with the designs of France, and so
+intent upon improving the opportunity of distressing the house of
+Austria, as to neglect the common cause, and expose himself or his
+posterity to the danger of becoming a dependant on the house of Bourbon.
+
+For this reason, I cannot agree that our army, though numerous and
+burdensome, is greater than the necessity of affairs requires: if we
+cast our eyes on the continent, nothing is to be seen but general
+confusion, powerful armies in motion, the dominions of one prince
+invaded, of another threatened; the tumults of ambition in one place,
+and a panick stillness in another.
+
+What will be the event of these commotions who can discover? And how can
+we know what may determine the course of that flood of power, which is
+now in a state of uncertain fluctuation, or seems driven to different
+points by different impulses? How soon may the Dutch see their barrier
+attacked, and call upon us for the ten thousand men which we are obliged
+to send them? How soon may the house of Austria be so distressed, as to
+require all our power for its preservation?
+
+That we are to leave nothing unattempted for the security of our own
+religion and liberty, will easily be granted, and, therefore, unless it
+can be proved that we may be equally secure, though the house of Austria
+be ruined, it will necessarily follow that we are, with all our power,
+to enforce the observation of the Pragmatick sanction.
+
+This is not an act of romantick generosity, but such as the closest
+attention to our own interest shows to be necessary; in defending the
+queen of Hungary we defend ourselves, and only extinguish that flame, by
+which, if it be suffered to spread, we shall ourselves be consumed. The
+empire may be considered as the bulwark of Britain, which, if it be
+thrown down, leaves us naked and defenceless.
+
+Let us, therefore, consider our own danger, and remember, that while we
+are considering this supply, we are deliberating upon nothing less than
+the fate of our country.
+
+Mr. PULTENEY spoke next, to the effect following:--Sir, I am on this
+occasion of an opinion different from that of the honourable member who
+spoke the second in this debate, though on most questions our judgment
+has been the same. I am so far from seconding his proposal for delaying
+the consideration of this supply, that I think it may justly be
+inquired, why it was not sooner proposed.
+
+For the support of the house of Austria, and the assertion of the
+Pragmatick sanction, no man can be more zealous than myself; I am
+convinced how closely the interest of this nation and that of the
+Austrian family are united, and how much either must be endangered by
+the ruin of the other, and, therefore, I shall not delay, for a single
+moment, my consent to any measures that may reestablish our interest on
+the continent, and rescue Germany once more from the jaws of France.
+
+I am afraid that we have lost part of our influence in the neighbouring
+countries, and that the name of Britain is less formidable than
+heretofore; but if reputation is lost, it is time to recover it, and I
+doubt not but it may be recovered by the same means that it was at first
+obtained. Our armies may be yet equally destructive, and our money
+equally persuasive.
+
+We have not yet suffered, amidst all our misconduct, our naval force to
+be diminished; our sailors yet retain their ancient courage, and our
+fleets are sufficient to keep the dominion of the ocean, and prescribe
+limits to the commerce of every nation. While this power remains
+unimpaired, while Britain retains her natural superiority, and asserts
+the honour of her flag in every climate, we cannot become despicable,
+nor can any nation ridicule our menaces or scorn our alliance. We may
+still extend our influence to the inland countries, and awe those
+nations which we cannot invade.
+
+To preserve this power let us watch over the disposal of our money;
+money is the source of dominion; those nations may be formidable for
+their affluence which are not considerable for their numbers; and by a
+negligent profusion of their wealth, the most powerful people may
+languish into imbecility, and sink into contempt.
+
+If the grant which is now demanded will be sufficient to produce the
+ends to which it is proposed to be applied, if we are assured of the
+proper application of it, I shall agree to it without hesitation. But
+though it cannot be affirmed that the sum now demanded is too high a
+price for the liberties of Europe, it is at least more than ought to be
+squandered without effect, and we ought at least to know before we grant
+it, what advantages may be expected from it.
+
+May not the sum demanded for the support of the queen of Hungary be
+employed to promote very different interests? May it not be lavished to
+support that power, to which our grants have too long contributed? that
+power by which ourselves have been awed, and the administration has
+tyrannised without control?
+
+If this sum is really intended to support the queen of Hungary, may we
+not inquire how it is to be employed for her service? Is it to be sent
+her for the payment of her armies, and the support of her court? Should
+we not more effectually secure her dominions by purchasing with it the
+friendship and assistance of the king of Prussia, a prince, whose extent
+of dominions and numerous forces, make him not more formidable than his
+personal qualities.
+
+What may be hoped, sir, from a prince of wisdom and courage, at the head
+of a hundred and ten thousand regular troops, with eight millions in his
+treasury? How much he must necessarily add to the strength of any party
+in which he shall engage, is unnecessary to mention; it is evident,
+without proof, that nothing could so much contribute to the
+reestablishment of the house of Austria, as a reconciliation with this
+mighty prince, and that, to bring it to pass, would be the most
+effectual method of serving the unfortunate queen that requires our
+assistance.
+
+Why we should despair, sir, of such a reconciliation I cannot perceive;
+a reconciliation equally conducive to the real interest of both parties.
+It may be proved, with very little difficulty, to the king of Prussia,
+that he is now assisting those with whom interests incompatible and
+religions irreconcilable have set him at variance, whom he can never see
+prosperous but by the diminution of his own greatness, and who will
+always project his ruin while they are enjoying the advantages of his
+victories. We may easily convince him that their power will soon become,
+by his assistance, such as he cannot hope to withstand, and show, from
+the examples of other princes, how dangerous it is to add to the
+strength of an ambitious neighbour. We may show him how much the fate of
+the empire is now in his hands, and how much more glorious and more
+advantageous it will be to preserve it from ruin, than to contribute to
+its destruction.
+
+If by such arguments, sir, this potent monarch can be induced to act
+steadily in defence of the common cause, we may once more stand at the
+head of a protestant confederacy; of a confederacy that may contract the
+views and repress the ambition of the house of Bourbon, and alter their
+schemes of universal monarchy into expedients for the defence of their
+dominions.
+
+But in transacting these affairs, let us not engage in any intricate
+treaties, nor amuse ourselves with displaying our abilities for
+negotiation; negotiation, that fatal art which we have learned as yet
+very imperfectly, and which we have never attempted to practise but to
+our own loss. While we have been entangled in tedious disquisitions, and
+retarded by artful delays, while our commissaries have been debating
+about what was only denied to produce controversies, and inquiring after
+that which has been hid from them only to divert their attention from
+other questions, how many opportunities have been lost, and how often
+might we have secured by war, what was, at a much greater expense, lost
+by treaties.
+
+Treaties, sir, are the artillery of our enemies, to which we have
+nothing to oppose; they are weapons of which we know not the use, and
+which we can only escape by not coming within their reach. I know not by
+what fatality it is, that to treat and to be cheated, are, with regard
+to Britons, words of the same signification; nor do I intend, by this
+observation, to asperse the characters of particular persons, for
+treaties, by whomsoever carried on, have ended always with the same
+success.
+
+It is time, therefore, to know, at length, our weakness and our
+strength, and to resolve no longer to put ourselves voluntarily into the
+power of our enemies: our troops have been always our ablest
+negotiators, and to them it has been, for the most part, necessary at
+last to refer our cause.
+
+Let us, then, always preserve our martial character, and neglect the
+praise of political cunning; a quality which, I believe, we shall never
+attain, and which, if we could obtain, would add nothing to our honour.
+Let it be the practice of the Britons to declare their resolutions
+without reserve, and adhere to them in opposition to danger; let them be
+ambitious of no other elogies than those which may be gained by honesty
+and courage, nor will they then ever find their allies diffident, or
+their enemies contemptuous.
+
+By recovering and asserting this character, we may become once more the
+arbiters of Europe, and be courted by all the protestant powers as their
+protectors: we may once more subdue the ambition of the aspiring French,
+and once more deliver the house of Austria from the incessant pursuit of
+those restless enemies.
+
+The defence of that illustrious family, sir, has always appeared to me,
+since I studied the state of Europe, the unvariable interest of the
+British nation, and our obligations to support it on this particular
+occasion have already been sufficiently explained.
+
+Whence it proceeded, sir, that those who now so zealously espouse the
+Austrian interest, have been so plainly forgetful of it on other
+occasions, I cannot determine. That treaties have been made very little
+to the advantage of that family, and that its enemies have been suffered
+to insult it without opposition, is well known; nor was it long ago that
+it was debated in this house, whether any money should be lent to the
+late emperour.
+
+No publick or private character can be supported, no enemy, sir, can be
+intimidated, nor any friend confirmed in his adherence, but by a steady
+and consistent conduct, by proposing, in all our actions, such ends as
+may be openly avowed, and by pursuing them without regard to temporary
+inconveniencies, or petty obstacles.
+
+Such conduct, sir, I would gladly recommend on the present occasion, on
+which I should be far from advising a faint, an irresolute, or momentary
+assistance, such supplies as declare diffidence in our own strength, or
+a mean inclination to please contrary parties at the same time, to
+perform our engagements with the queen, and continue our friendship with
+France. It is, in my opinion, proper to espouse our ally with the spirit
+of a nation that expects her decisions to be ratified, that holds the
+balance of the world in her hand, and can bestow conquest and empire at
+her pleasure.
+
+Yet, sir, it cannot be denied that many powerful reasons may be brought
+against any new occasions of expense, nor is it without horrour and
+astonishment that any man, conversant in political calculations, can
+consider the enormous profusion of the national treasure. In the late
+dreadful confusion of the world, when the ambition of France had set
+half the nations of the earth on flame, when we sent our armies to the
+continent, and fought the general quarrel of mankind, we paid, during
+the reigns of king William and his great successour, reigns of which
+every summer was distinguished by some important action, but four
+millions yearly.
+
+But our preparations for the present war, in which scarcely a single
+ship of war has been taken, or a single fortress laid in ruins, have
+brought upon the nation an expense of five millions. So much more are we
+now obliged to pay to amuse the weakest, than formerly to subdue the
+most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Frugality, which is always prudent, is, at this time, sir,
+indispensable, when war, dreadful as it is, may be termed the lightest
+of our calamities; when the seasons have disappointed us of bread, and
+an universal scarcity afflicts the nation. Every day brings us accounts
+from different parts of the country, and every account is a new evidence
+of the general calamity, of the want of employment for the poor, and its
+necessary consequence, the want of food.
+
+He that is scarce able to preserve himself, cannot be expected to assist
+others; nor is that money to be granted to foreign powers, which is
+wanted for the support of our fellow-subjects, who are now languishing
+with diseases, which unaccustomed hardships and unwholesome provisions
+have brought upon them, while we are providing against distant dangers,
+and bewailing the distresses of the house of Austria.
+
+Let us not add to the miseries of famine the mortifications of insult
+and neglect; let our countrymen, at least, divide our care with our
+allies, and while we form schemes for succouring the queen of Hungary,
+let us endeavour to alleviate nearer distresses, and prevent or pacify
+domestick discontents.
+
+If there be any man whom the sight of misery cannot move to compassion,
+who can hear the complaints of want without sympathy, and see the
+general calamity of his country without employing one hour on schemes
+for its relief; let not that man dare to boast of integrity, fidelity,
+or honour; let him not presume to recommend the preservation of our
+faith, or adherence to our confederates: that wretch can have no real
+regard to any moral obligation, who has forgotten those first duties
+which nature impresses; nor can he that neglects the happiness of his
+country, recommend any good action for a good reason.
+
+It should be considered, sir, that we can only be useful to our allies,
+and formidable to our enemies, by being unanimous and mutually confident
+of the good intentions of each other, and that nothing but a steady
+attention to the publick welfare, a constant readiness to remove
+grievances, and an apparent unwillingness to impose new burdens, can
+produce that unanimity.
+
+As the cause is, therefore, necessarily to precede the effect, as
+foreign influence is the consequence of happiness at home, let us first
+endeavour to establish that alacrity and security that may animate the
+people to assert their ancient superiority to other nations, and restore
+that plenty which may raise them above any temptation to repine at
+assistance given to our allies.
+
+No man, sir, can very solicitously watch over the welfare of his
+neighbour whose mind is depressed by poverty, or distracted by terrour;
+and when the nation shall see us anxious for the preservation of the
+queen of Hungary, and unconcerned about the wants of our
+fellow-subjects, what can be imagined, but that we have some method of
+exempting ourselves from the common distress, and that we regard not the
+publick misery when we do not feel it?
+
+Sir Robert WALPOLE replied, to the following effect:--Sir, it is always
+proper for every man to lay down some principles upon which he proposes
+to act, whether in publick or private; that he may not be always
+wavering, uncertain, and irresolute; that his adherents may know what
+they are to expect, and his adversaries be able to tell why they are
+opposed.
+
+It is necessary, sir, even for his own sake, that he may not be always
+struggling with himself; that he may know his own determinations, and
+enforce them by the reasons which have prevailed upon him to form them;
+that he may not argue in the same speech to contrary purposes, and weary
+the attention of his hearers with contrasts and antitheses.
+
+When a man admits the necessity of granting a supply, expatiates upon
+the danger that may be produced by retarding it, declares against the
+least delay, however speciously proposed, and enforces the arguments
+which have been already offered to show how much it is our duty and
+interest to allow it; may it not reasonably be imagined, that he intends
+to promote it, and is endeavouring to convince them of that necessity of
+which he seems himself convinced?
+
+But when the same man proceeds to display, with equal eloquence, the
+present calamities of the nation, and tells to how much better purposes
+the sum thus demanded may be applied; when he dwells upon the
+possibility that an impolitick use may be made of the national treasure,
+and hints that it may be asked for one purpose and employed to another,
+what can be collected from his harangue, however elegant, entertaining,
+and pathetick? How can his true opinion be discovered? Or how shall we
+fix such fugitive reasonings, such variable rhetorick?
+
+I am not able, sir, to discern, why truth should be obscured; or why any
+man should take pleasure in heaping together all the arguments that his
+knowledge may supply, or his imagination suggest, against a proposition
+which he cannot deny. Nor can I assign any good purpose that can be
+promoted by perpetual renewals of debate, and by a repetition of
+objections, which have in former conferences, on the same occasion, been
+found of little force.
+
+When the system of affairs is not fully laid open, and the schemes of
+the administration are in part unknown, it is easy to raise objections
+formidable in appearance, which, perhaps, cannot be answered till the
+necessity of secrecy is taken away. When any general calamity has fallen
+upon a nation, it is a very fruitful topick of rhetorick, and may be
+very pathetically exaggerated, upon a thousand occasions to which it has
+no necessary relation.
+
+Such, In my opinion, sir, is the use now made of the present scarcity, a
+misfortune inflicted upon us by the hand of providence alone; not upon
+us only, but upon all the nations on this side of the globe, many of
+which suffer more, but none less than ourselves.
+
+If at such a time it is more burdensome to the nation to raise supplies,
+it must be remembered, that it is in proportion difficult to other
+nations to oppose those measures for which the supplies are granted; and
+that the same sum is of greater efficacy in times of scarcity than of
+plenty.
+
+Our present distress will, I hope, soon be at an end; and, perhaps, a
+few days may produce at least some alteration. It is not without reason,
+that I expect the news of some successful attempts in America, which
+will convince the nation, that the preparations for war have not been
+idle shows, contrived to produce unnecessary expenses.
+
+In the mean time it is necessary that we support that power which may be
+able to assist us against France, the only nation from which any danger
+can threaten us, even though our fleets in America should be
+unsuccessful.
+
+If we defeat the Spaniards, we may assist the house of Austria without
+difficulty, and if we fail in our attempts, their alliance will be more
+necessary. The sum demanded for this important purpose cannot be
+censured as exorbitant, yet will, I hope, be sufficient: if more should
+hereafter appear necessary, I doubt not but it will be granted.
+
+The question passed without opposition.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSE OF COMMONS, DECEMBER 1, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON CHOOSING A SPEAKER.]
+
+
+The new house of commons being met, the usher came from the house of
+lords, with his majesty's commands for their immediate attendance, when
+they were ordered to choose a speaker; and being returned, Mr. PELHAM
+addressed himself in the following manner to the clerk of the house:
+
+Mr. HARDINGE,
+
+As we are here assembled, in pursuance of the imperial summons, it is
+necessary, in obedience to his majesty's commands, and the established
+custom of this house, that we proceed immediately to the choice of a
+person qualified for the chair.--Gentlemen, it is with no common degree
+of satisfaction, that I observe this assembly so numerous on the first
+day; because whatever is transacted by us, must necessarily be
+considered by the nation with more regard, as it is approved by a
+greater number of their representatives; and because the present affair,
+which relates particularly to this house, must be more satisfactorily
+conducted, as our number is greater; since every man must willingly
+abide by his own choice, and cheerfully submit to that authority, of
+which he has himself concurred to the establishment.
+
+The qualifications required in the person who shall fill the chair, to
+his own reputation, and the advantage of the house, it is not necessary
+minutely to recount; it being obvious to every gentleman who hears me,
+that he must possess such an equality of temper, as may enable him
+always to preserve a steady and impartial attention, neither discomposed
+by the irregularities into which some gentlemen, unacquainted with the
+forms of this assembly, may easily fall, nor disconcerted by the heat
+and turbulence to which, in former parliaments, some of those whose
+experience might have taught them the necessity of decency, have been
+too often hurried by the eagerness of controversy. That he must add to
+his perpetual serenity, such a firmness of mind, as may enable him to
+repress petulance and subdue contumacy, and support the orders of the
+house, in whatever contrariety of counsels, or commotion of debate,
+against all attempts of infraction or deviation. That to give efficacy
+to his interpositions, and procure veneration to his decisions, he must,
+from his general character and personal qualities, derive such dignity
+and authority, as may naturally dispose the minds of others to
+obedience, as may suppress the murmurs of envy, and prevent the
+struggles of competition.
+
+These qualifications were eminently conspicuous in the gentleman who
+filled the chair in the earlier part of my life, and who is now one of
+the ornaments of the other house. Such were his abilities, and such his
+conduct, that it would be presumptuous in any man, however endowed by
+nature, or accomplished by study, to aspire to surpass him; nor can a
+higher encomium be easily conceived, than this house bestowed upon that
+person, who was thought worthy to succeed him.
+
+The office which we have now to confer, is not only arduous with regard
+to the abilities necessary to the execution of it, but extremely
+burdensome and laborious, such as requires continual attendance, and
+incessant application; nor can it be expected that any man would engage
+in it, who is not ready to devote his time and his health to the service
+of the publick, and to struggle with fatigue and restraint for the
+advantage of his country.
+
+Such is the gentleman whom I shall propose to your choice; one whose
+zeal for the present imperial house, and the prosperity of the nation,
+has been always acknowledged, and of whom it cannot be suspected that he
+will be deterred by any difficulties from a province which will afford
+him so frequent opportunities of promoting the common interest of the
+emperour and the people.
+
+What success may be expected from his endeavours, we can only judge from
+his present influence; influence produced only by his private virtues;
+but so extensive in that part of the nation which lies within the reach
+of his beneficence, and the observation of his merit, that it sets him
+not only above the danger, but above the fear of opposition, and secures
+him a seat in this assembly without contest.
+
+Thus deputed by his country to many successive senates, he has acquired
+an unrivalled degree of knowledge in the methods of our proceedings, and
+an eminent dexterity in digesting them with that order and perspicuity
+by which only the transaction of great affairs can be made expeditious,
+and the discussion of difficult questions be disentangled from
+perplexity; qualities which are now made particularly necessary by the
+importance of the subjects to be considered in this senate: so that I
+doubt not but you will unanimously concur with me in desiring that the
+chair may be filled by a person eminently distinguished by his
+knowledge, his integrity, his diligence, and his reputation; and
+therefore I move, without scruple, that the right honourable Arthur
+ONSLOW, esquire, be called to the chair.
+
+Then Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion in this manner:--That I am not
+able to add any thing to the encomium of the right honourable gentleman
+nominated to the president's chair, gives me no concern, because I am
+confident, that in the opinion of this assembly, his name alone includes
+all panegyrick, and that he who recommends Arthur ONSLOW, esquire, will
+never be required to give the reason of his choice. I therefore rise now
+only to continue the common methods of the house, and to second a motion
+which I do not expect that any will oppose.
+
+[Here the whole assembly cried out, with a general acclamation, ONSLOW,
+ONSLOW.]
+
+Mr. ONSLOW then rose up and said:--Though I might allege many reasons
+against this choice, of which the strongest is my inability to discharge
+the trust conferred upon me in a manner suitable to its importance, yet
+I have too high an idea of the wisdom of this assembly, to imagine that
+they form any resolution without just motives; and therefore shall think
+it my duty to comply with their determination, however opposite to my
+own opinion.
+
+Mr. PELHAM and Mr. CLUTTERBUCK then led him to the chair, where, before
+he went up to it, he desired, That the house would consider how little
+he was qualified for the office which they were about to confer upon
+him, and fix their choice upon some other person, who might be capable
+of discharging so important a trust.
+
+The members calling out, The chair, chair, chair, he ascended the step,
+and then addressed himself thus to the house:--Gentlemen, since it is
+your resolution, that I should once more receive the honour of being
+exalted to this important office, for which it is not necessary to
+mention how little I am qualified, since I may hope that those defects
+which have hitherto been excused, will still find the same indulgence;
+my gratitude for a distinction so little deserved, will always incite me
+to consult the honour of the house, and enable me to supply, by duty and
+diligence, what is wanting in my knowledge and capacity.
+
+
+
+
+DECEMBER 4, 1741.
+
+[DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS.]
+
+
+The king came again to the house of lords, and the commons being sent
+for, his majesty approved their choice of a president, and made a speech
+to both houses, in which he represented to them, That their counsel was
+in a particular manner necessary, as they were engaged in a war with
+Spain, as the affairs of all Europe were in confusion, by the
+confederacy of many formidable powers for the destruction of the house
+of Austria; that both houses of the preceding session had come to the
+strongest resolutions in favour of the queen of Hungary, but that the
+other powers who were equally engaged to support her, had not yet acted
+according to their stipulations; that he had endeavoured to assist her
+ever since the death of the emperour Charles, and hoped that a just
+sense of common danger would induce other nations to unite with him; but
+that in this uncertain situation, it was necessary that Britain should
+be in a condition of supporting itself and its allies, as any exigency
+might require. He therefore ordered the estimates for the ensuing year
+to be laid before the commons.--This speech being under the consideration
+of the house of lords, lord MILTON spoke in the following manner:
+
+My lords, though the present perplexity of our affairs, the contrariety
+of opinions produced by it, and the warmth with which each opinion will
+probably be supported, might justly discourage me from proposing any of
+my sentiments to this great assembly, yet I cannot repress my
+inclination to offer a motion, in my opinion, regular and seasonable,
+and which, if it should appear otherwise to your lordships, will, I
+hope, though it should not be received, at least be forgiven, because I
+have never before wearied your patience, or interrupted or retarded your
+consultations.
+
+But I am very far from imagining that by this motion I can give any
+occasion to debate or opposition, because I shall propose no innovation
+in the principles, or alteration of the practice of this assembly, nor
+intend any thing more than to lay before your lordships my opinion of
+the manner in which it may be proper to address his majesty.
+
+To return him our humble thanks for his most gracious speech from the
+throne, and, at the same time, to present unto his majesty our sincere
+and joyful congratulations on his safe and happy return into this
+empire.
+
+To observe with the utmost thankfulness the great concern which his
+majesty has been pleased to express for carrying on the just and
+necessary war against Spain, which we hope, by the divine blessing upon
+his majesty's arms, will be attended with success equal to the justice
+of his cause, and the ardent wishes of his people. That,
+
+His majesty has so truly represented the impending dangers to which
+Europe is exposed, in the present critical conjuncture, as must awaken,
+in every one, an attention suitable to the occasion: and we cannot but
+be fully sensible of the evil consequences arising from the designs and
+enterprises, formed and carrying on for the subversion or reduction of
+the house of Austria, which threaten such apparent mischiefs to the
+common cause.
+
+To acknowledge his imperial goodness in expressing so earnest a desire
+to receive, and so high a regard for, the advice of his parliament: his
+majesty, secure of the loyalty and affections of his people, may rely
+upon that, with the best-grounded confidence; and to assure his majesty,
+that we will not fail to take the important points, which he has been
+pleased to mention to us, into our most serious consideration; and, in
+the most dutiful manner, to offer to his majesty such advice as shall
+appear to us to be most conducive to the honour and true interest of his
+crown and kingdoms. To assure his majesty that we have a due sense, how
+much the present posture of affairs calls upon us for that unanimity,
+vigour, and despatch, which his majesty has so wisely recommended to us;
+and to give his majesty the strongest assurances, that we will
+vigorously and heartily concur in all just and necessary measures for
+the defence and support of his majesty, the maintenance of the balance
+and liberties of Europe, and the assistance of our allies.
+
+That as duty and affection to his majesty are, in us, fixed and
+unalterable principles, so we feel the impressions of them, at this
+time, so strong and lively in our breasts, that we cannot omit to lay
+hold on this opportunity of approaching his imperial presence, to renew
+the most sincere professions of our constant and inviolable fidelity:
+and to promise his majesty, that we will, at the hazard of all that is
+dear to us, exert ourselves for the defence and preservation of his
+sacred person and government, and the maintenance of the protestant
+succession in his imperial house, on which the continuance of the
+protestant religion, and the liberties of Britain, do, under God,
+depend.
+
+My lords, as this address will not obstruct any future inquiries, by any
+approbation of past measures, either positive or implied, I doubt not
+but your lordships will readily concur in it, and am persuaded, that it
+will confirm his majesty's regard for our councils, and confidence in
+our loyalty.
+
+Lord LOVEL spoke next, to this effect:--My lords, the dangers which have
+been justly represented by his majesty, ought to remind us of the
+importance of unusual circumspection in our conduct, and deter us from
+any innovations, of which we may not foresee the consequences, at a time
+when there may be no opportunity of repairing any miscarriage, or
+correcting any mistake.
+
+There appears, my lords, not to be at this time any particular reason
+for changing the form of our addresses, no privileges of our house have
+been invaded, nor any designs formed against the publick. His majesty
+has evidently not deviated from the practice of the wisest and most
+beloved of our British monarchs; he has, upon this emergence of
+unexpected difficulties, summoned the senate to counsel and assist him;
+and surely it will not be consistent with the wisdom of this house to
+increase the present perplexity of our affairs, by new embarrassments,
+which may be easily imagined likely to arise from an address different
+from those which custom has established.
+
+The prospect which now lies before us, a prospect which presents us only
+with dangers, distraction, invasions, and revolutions, ought to engage
+our attentions, without leaving us at leisure for disputations upon
+ceremonies or forms. It ought to be the care of every lord in this
+house, not how to address, but how to advise his majesty; how to assist
+the councils of the publick, and contribute to such determinations, as
+may avert the calamities that impend over mankind, and stop the wild
+excursions of power and ambition.
+
+We ought to reflect, my lords, that the expectations of all Europe are
+raised by the convocation of this assembly; and that from our
+resolutions, whole nations are waiting for their sentence. And how will
+mankind be disappointed when they shall hear, that instead of declaring
+war upon usurpers, or imposing peace on the disturbers of mankind,
+instead of equipping navies to direct the course of commerce, or raising
+armies to regulate the state of the continent, we met here in a full
+assembly, and disagreed upon the form of an address.
+
+Let us, therefore, my lords, lay aside, at least for this time, all
+petty debates and minute inquiries, and engage all in the great attempt
+of reestablishing quiet in the world, and settling the limits of the
+kingdoms of Europe.
+
+Then lord CARTERET spoke, in substance as follows:--My lords, there is,
+I find, at least one point upon which it is probable that those will now
+agree whose sentiments have hitherto been, on almost every occasion,
+widely different. The danger of our present situation is generally
+allowed; but the consequences deduced from it are so contrary to each
+other, as give little hopes of that unanimity which times of danger
+particularly require.
+
+It is alleged by the noble lord who spoke last, that since we are now
+involved in difficulties, we ought only to inquire how to extricate
+ourselves, and, therefore, ought not to leave ourselves the right of
+inquiring how we were entangled in them, lest the perplexity of
+different considerations should dissipate our attention, and disable us
+from forming any useful determinations, or exerting any vigorous efforts
+for our deliverance.
+
+But, in my opinion, my lords, the most probable way of removing
+difficulties, is to examine how they were produced, and, by consequence,
+to whom they are to be imputed; for certainly, my lords, it is not to be
+hoped that we shall regain what we have lost, but by measures different
+from those which have reduced us to our present state, and by the
+assistance of other counsellors than those who have sunk us into the
+contempt, and exposed us to the ravages of every nation throughout the
+world.
+
+That this inquiry, my lords, may be free and unobstructed, it is
+necessary to address the throne, after the manner of our ancestors, in
+general terms, without descending to particular facts, which, as we have
+not yet examined them, we can neither censure nor approve.
+
+It has been objected by the noble lord, that foreign nations will be
+disappointed by hearing, that instead of menaces of vengeance, and
+declarations of unalterable adherence to the liberties of Europe, we
+have wasted our time at this important juncture in settling the form of
+an address.
+
+That little time may be wasted on this occasion, I hope your lordships
+will very speedily agree to an address suitable to the dignity of those
+who make it, and to the occasion upon which it is made; for I cannot but
+allow, that the present state of affairs calls upon us for despatch: but
+though business ought, at this time, undoubtedly to be expedited, I hope
+it will not be precipitated; and if it be demanded that the most
+important questions be first determined, I know not any thing of greater
+moment than that before us.
+
+How we shall gratify the expectations of foreign powers, ought not, my
+lords, to be our first or chief consideration; we ought, certainly,
+first to inquire how the people may be set free from those suspicions,
+which a long train of measures, evidently tending to impair their
+privileges, has raised; and how they may be confirmed in their fidelity
+to the government, of which they have for many years found no other
+effects than taxes and exactions, for which they have received neither
+protection abroad, nor encouragement at home.
+
+But, my lords, if it be necessary to consult the inclinations, and
+cultivate the esteem of foreign powers, I believe nothing will raise
+more confidence in our allies, if there be any who are not now ashamed
+of that name, or more intimidate those whose designs it is our interest
+to defeat, than an open testimony of our resolution no longer to approve
+that conduct by which the liberty of half Europe has been endangered;
+and not to lavish praises on those men, who have in twenty years never
+transacted any thing to the real benefit of their country, and of whom
+it is highly probable that they have in the present war stipulated for
+the defeat of all our attempts, and agreed, by some execrable compact,
+to facilitate the exaltation of the house of Bourbon.
+
+Upon what facts I ground accusations so atrocious may justly be inquired
+by your lordships; nor shall I find any difficulty in answering your
+demand. For, if we extend our view over the whole world, and inquire
+into the state of all our affairs, we shall find nothing but defeats,
+miscarriages, and impotence, with their usual consequences, contempt and
+distrust. We shall discover neither any tokens of that fear among our
+enemies, which the power of the nation, and the reputation of our former
+victories, might naturally produce; nor any proofs of that confidence
+among those whom we still continue to term our allies, which the vigour
+with which we have formerly supported our confederacies, give us a right
+to expect. Those whom we once trampled, insult us; and those whom we
+once protected, give us no credit.
+
+How reasonably, my lords, all nations have withdrawn from us their
+reverence and esteem, will appear by a transient examination of our late
+conduct, whether it regarded Europe in general, or influenced only the
+particular affairs of the British nation; for it will appear beyond
+possibility of doubt, that whoever has trusted the administration,
+whether their own country, or any foreign powers, has trusted only to be
+betrayed.
+
+There is among our allies none whom we are more obliged to support than
+the queen of Hungary, whose rights we are engaged, by all the
+solemnities of treaties, to defend, and in whose cause every motive
+operates that can warm the bosom of a man of virtue. Justice and
+compassion plead equally on her side, and we are called upon to assist
+her by our own interest, as well as the general duty of society, by
+which every man is required to prevent oppression.
+
+What has been the effect of all these considerations may easily be
+discovered from the present state of the continent, which is ravaged
+without mercy by the armies of Spain and France. Why all succours have
+been denied the queen of Hungary, and why the inveterate and hereditary
+enemies of our nation, are suffered to enlarge their dominions without
+resistance; why the rivals of our trade are left at full liberty to
+equip their squadrons, and the persecutors of our religion suffered to
+overrun those countries from whence only we can hope for assistance,
+when the hatred which the difference of opinions produces, shall
+threaten us with invasions and slavery, the whole world has long asked
+to no purpose, and, therefore, it is without prospect of receiving
+satisfaction that I engage in the same inquiry.
+
+Yet, since it is our duty to judge of the state of the publick, and a
+true judgment can be the result only of accurate examination, I shall
+proceed, without being discouraged by the ill success of former
+attempts, to discover the motives of our late measures, and the ends
+intended to be produced by them.
+
+Why the queen of Hungary was not assisted with land-forces, I shall, at
+present, forbear to ask; that she expected them is, indeed, evident from
+her solicitations; and, I suppose, it is no less apparent from treaties,
+that she had a right to expect them; nor am I able to conceive, why
+subsidies have been paid for troops which are never to be employed, or
+why foreign princes should be enriched with the plunder of a nation
+which they cannot injure, and do not defend.
+
+But I know, my lords, how easily it may be replied, that the expenses of
+a land war are certain, and the event hazardous, and that it is always
+prudent to act with evident advantage on our side, and that the
+superiority of Britain consists wholly in naval armaments.
+
+That the fleets of Britain are equal in force and number of ships to the
+united navies of the greatest part of the world; that our admirals are
+men of known bravery, and long experience, and, therefore, formidable
+not only for their real abilities and natural courage, but for the
+confidence which their presence necessarily excites in their followers,
+and the terrour which must always accompany success, and enervate those
+who are accustomed to defeats; that our sailors are a race of men
+distinguished by their ardour for war, and their intrepidity in danger,
+from the rest of the human species; that they seem beings superiour to
+fear, and delighted with those objects which cannot be named without
+filling every other breast with horrour; that they are capable of
+rushing upon apparent destruction without reluctance, and of standing
+without concern amidst the complicated terrours of a naval war, is
+universally known, and confessed, my lords, even by those whose interest
+it is to doubt or deny it.
+
+Upon the ocean, therefore, we are allowed to be irresistible; to be able
+to shut up the ports of the continent, imprison the nations of Europe
+within the limits of their own territories, deprive them of all foreign
+assistance, and put a stop to the commerce of the world. It is allowed
+that we are placed the sentinels at the barriers of nature, and the
+arbiters of the intercourse of mankind.
+
+These are appellations, my lords, which, however splendid and
+ostentatious, our ancestors obtained and preserved with less advantages
+than we possess, by whom I am afraid they are about to be forfeited. The
+dominion of the ocean was asserted in former times in opposition to
+powers far more able to contest it, than those which we have so long
+submissively courted, and of which we are now evidently afraid.
+
+For that we fear them, my lords, they are sufficiently convinced; and it
+must be confessed, with whatsoever shame, that their opinion is well
+founded; for to what motive but fear can it be imputed, that we have so
+long supported their insolence without resentment, and their ravages
+without reprisals; that we have fitted out fleets without any design of
+dismissing them from our harbours, or sent them to the sea only to be
+gazed at from the shores, by those whose menaces or artifice had given
+occasion to their equipment, and in whom they raised no other emotions
+than contempt of our cowardice, or pity of our folly?
+
+To what, my lords, can it be attributed, that the queen of Hungary has
+yet received no assistance from allies thus powerful; from allies whose
+fleets cover the sea, whose commerce extends to the remotest part of the
+world, and whose wealth may be justly expected to be proportionate to
+their commerce. To what can we ascribe the confidence with which the
+house of Bourbon threatens the ruin of a princess, who numbers among her
+allies the emperour of Britain?
+
+Nothing is more evident, my lords, than that the queen of Hungary has
+been disappointed of the advantages which she expected from her
+friendship with this nation, only by a degree of cowardice too
+despicable to be mentioned without such terms, as the importance of this
+debate, and the dignity of this assembly, do not admit; nor is it less
+certain, from the conduct of her enemies, that they knew what would be
+our measures, and confided for security in that cowardice which has
+never yet deceived them.
+
+It cannot, my lords, be asserted, that our ally, however distressed, has
+yet received the least assistance from our arms; neither the justice of
+our cause has yet been able to awaken our virtue, nor the inseparable
+union of her interest with our own, to excite our vigilance.
+
+But, perhaps, my lords, we have had no opportunity of exerting our
+force; perhaps the situation both of our enemies and ally was such, that
+neither the one could be protected, nor the other opposed, by a naval
+power; and, therefore, our inactivity was the effect not of want of
+courage, but want of opportunity.
+
+Though our ministers, my lords, have hitherto given no eminent proofs of
+geographical knowledge, or of very accurate acquaintance with the state
+of foreign countries, yet there is reason to believe that they must at
+some time have heard or read, that the house of Austria had territories
+in Italy; they must have been informed, unless their disbursements for
+secret service are bestowed with very little judgment, that against
+these dominions an army has been raised by the Spaniards; and they must
+have discovered, partly by the information of their correspondents,
+partly by the inspection of a map, and partly by the sagacity which
+distinguishes them from all past and present ministers, that this army
+was to be transported by sea from the coast of Spain to that of Italy.
+
+This knowledge, my lords, however attained, might have furnished minds,
+which have always been found so fruitful of expedients, with a method of
+hindering the descent of the Spanish troops, for which nothing more was
+necessary than that they should have ordered admiral Haddock, instead of
+retiring before the Spanish fleet of war, and watching them only that
+they might escape, to lie still before Barcelona, where the transports
+were stationed, with a convoy of only three men of war, and hinder their
+departure.
+
+I hope it will be observed by your lordships, that though the road of
+Barcelona is open and indefensible, though the fleet was unprotected by
+ships of force, and though they lay, as I am informed, beyond the reach
+of the guns on the fortifications upon the shore, I do not require that
+Haddock should have destroyed the army and the ships.
+
+I am too well acquainted, my lords, with the lenity of our ministers to
+the enemies of their country, and am too well convinced of the prudence
+and tenderness of the restrictions by which the power of our admirals is
+limited, to expect that our guns should be ever used but in salutations
+of respect, or exultations on the conclusion of a peace. I am convinced,
+that our ministers would shudder at the name of bloodshed and
+destruction, and that they had rather hear that a thousand merchants
+were made bankrupts by privateers, or all our allies deprived of their
+dominions, than that one Spanish ship was sunk or burnt by the navies of
+Britain.
+
+But, my lords, though they are willing to spare the blood of their
+enemies, yet surely they might have obstructed their enterprises; they
+might have withheld those whom they were unwilling to strike, and have
+endeavoured to fright those whom they determined never to hurt.
+
+To speak in terms more adapted to the subject before us: that the fleet
+of Spain, a fleet of transports with such a convoy, should lie three
+weeks in an open road, professedly fitted out against an ally united to
+us by every tie of nature, and of policy, by the solemnity of treaties,
+and conformity of interest; that it should lie undisturbed almost within
+sight of a British navy; that it should lie there not only without
+danger, but without apprehension of danger, has raised the astonishment
+of every nation in Europe, has blasted the reputation of our arms,
+impaired the influence of our counsels, and weakened the credit of our
+publick faith.
+
+There may be some, my lords, that will impute this absurdity of our
+conduct, this disregard of our interest, this desertion of our
+alliances, and this neglect of the most apparent opportunities of
+success, not to cowardice, but treachery; a cause more detestable, as
+more atrociously criminal.
+
+This opinion, my lords, I think it not necessary to oppose, both because
+it cannot be charged with improbability, and because I think it may be
+easily reconciled with my own assertions; for cowardice abroad produces
+treachery at home, and they become traitors to their country who are
+hindered by cowardice from the prosecution of her interest, and the
+opposition of her enemies.
+
+It may however be proper to declare, my lords, that I do not impute this
+fatal cowardice to those who are intrusted with the command of our
+navies, but to those from whom they are obliged to receive their
+instructions, and upon whom they unhappily depend for the advancement of
+their fortunes.
+
+It is at least reasonable to impute miscarriages rather to those, who
+are known to have given, formerly, such orders as a brave admiral
+perished under the ignominious necessity of observing, than to those of
+whom it cannot be said that any former part of their lives has been
+stained with the reproach of cowardice; at least it is necessary to
+suspend our judgment, till the truth shall be made apparent by a rigid
+inquiry; and it is, therefore, proper to offer an address in general
+terms, by which neither the actions or counsels of any man shall be
+condemned nor approved.
+
+It would be more unreasonable to charge our soldiers or our sailors with
+cowardice, because they have shown, even in those actions which have
+failed of success, that they miscarried rather through temerity than
+fear; and that whenever they are suffered to attack their enemies, they
+are ready to march forward even where there is no possibility of
+returning, and that they are only to be withheld from conquest by
+obstacles which human prowess cannot surmount.
+
+Such, my lords, was the state of those heroes who died under the walls
+of Carthagena; that died in an enterprise so ill concerted, that I
+ventured, with no great skill in war, and without the least pretence to
+prescience, to foretell in this house that it would miscarry.
+
+That it would, that it must miscarry; that it was even intended only to
+amuse the nation with the appearance of an expedition, without any
+design of weakening our enemies, was easily discovered; for why else, my
+lords, was the army composed of men newly drawn from the shop, and from
+the plough, unacquainted with the use of arms, and ignorant of the very
+terms of military discipline, when we had among us large bodies of
+troops long kept up under the appearance of a regular establishment;
+troops of whom we have long felt the expense, but of which the time is
+not, it seems, yet come, that we are to know the use.
+
+These men, my lords, who have so long practised the motions of battle,
+and who have given in the park so many proofs of their dexterity and
+activity, who have at least learned to distinguish the different sounds
+of the drum, and know the faces and voices of the subaltern officers, at
+least, might have been imagined better qualified for an attempt upon a
+foreign kingdom, than those who were necessarily strangers to every part
+of the military operations, and might have been sent upon our first
+declaration of war, while the new-raised forces acquired at home the
+same arts under the same inspection.
+
+But, my lords, whether it was imagined that new forces would be long
+before they learned the implicit obedience necessary to a soldier;
+whether it was imagined that it would not be easy on a sudden to collect
+troops of men so tall and well proportioned, or so well skilled in the
+martial arts of curling and powdering their hair; or whether it would
+have been dangerous to have deprived the other house of the counsels and
+votes of many worthy members, who had at the same time a seat in the
+senate, and a commission in the army, it was thought necessary to send
+out raw forces to attack our enemies, and to keep our disciplined troops
+at home to awe the nation.
+
+Nor did the minister, my lords, think it sufficient to obstruct the
+expedition to America by employing new-raised troops, unless they were
+likewise placed under the command of a man, who, though of undoubted
+courage, was, with respect to the conduct of an army, as ignorant as
+themselves. It was therefore determined, my lords, that all those
+officers who had gained experience in former wars, and purchased
+military knowledge by personal danger, should be disappointed and
+rejected for the sake of advancing a man, who, as he had less skill, was
+less likely to be successful, and was, therefore, more proper to direct
+an expedition proposed only to intimidate the British nation.
+
+That the event was such as might be expected from the means, your
+lordships need not to be informed, nor can it be questioned with what
+intentions these means were contrived.
+
+I am very far, my lords, from charging our ministers with ignorance, or
+upbraiding them with mistakes on this occasion, for their whole conduct
+has been uniform, and all their schemes consistent with each other: nor
+do I doubt their knowledge of the consequence of their measures, so far
+as it was to be foreseen by human prudence.
+
+Whether they have carried on negotiations, or made war; whether they
+have conducted our own affairs, or those of our ally the queen of
+Hungary, they have still discovered the same intention, and promoted it
+by the same means. They have suffered the Spanish fleets to sail first
+for supplies from one port to another, and then from the coasts of Spain
+to those of America. They have permitted the Spaniards, without
+opposition, to land in Italy, when it was not necessary even to withhold
+them from it by any actual violence; for had the fleet, my lords, been
+under my command, I would have only sent the Spanish admiral a
+prohibition to sail, and am sure it would have been observed.
+
+They have neglected to purchase the friendship of the king of Prussia,
+which might, perhaps, have been obtained upon easy terms, but which they
+ought to have gained at whatever rate; and, to conclude, we have been
+lately informed that the neutrality is signed.
+
+Such, my lords, is the conduct of the ministry, by which it cannot be
+denied that we are involved in many difficulties, and exposed to great
+contempt; but from this contempt we may recover, and disentangle
+ourselves from these difficulties, by a vigorous prosecution of measures
+opposite to those by which we have been reduced to our present state.
+
+If we consider, without that confusion which fear naturally produces,
+the circumstances of our affairs, it will appear that we have
+opportunities in our hands of recovering our losses, and reestablishing
+our reputation; those losses which have been suffered while we had two
+hundred ships of war at sea, which have permitted three hundred
+merchant-ships to be taken; and that reputation which has been destroyed
+when there was no temptation either to a compliance with our enemies, or
+to a desertion of our friends.
+
+It is well known, my lords, that we make war at present rather with the
+queen than the people of Spain; and it is reasonable to conclude, that a
+war carried on contrary to the general good, and against the general
+opinion, cannot be lasting.
+
+It is certain that the Spaniards, whenever they have been attacked by
+men acquainted with the science of war, and furnished with necessary
+stores for hostile attempts, have discovered either ignorance or
+cowardice, and have either fled meanly, or resisted unskilfully.
+
+It is, therefore, probable, my lords, that either our enemies will
+desist from the prosecution of a war, which few of them approve; or that
+we shall, by vigorous descents upon their coasts, and their colonies,
+the interruption of their trade, and the diminution of their forces,
+soon compel them to receive peace upon our own terms.
+
+But these advantages, my lords, are only to be expected from a change of
+conduct, which change can never be produced by a seeming approbation of
+the past measures. I am therefore of opinion, that we ought to address
+the throne in general terms, according to the ancient practice of this
+house.
+
+In considering the address proposed, I cannot but conclude that it is
+too much diffused, and that it would be more forcible if it was more
+concise: to shorten it will be no difficult task, by the omission of all
+the clauses that correspond with particular parts of his majesty's
+speech, which I cannot discover the necessity of repeating.
+
+In the congratulation to his majesty upon his return to his once
+glorious dominions, no lord shall concur more readily or more zealously
+than myself; nor shall I even deny to extend my compliments to the
+ministry, when it shall appear that they deserve them; but I am never
+willing to be lavish of praise, because it becomes less valuable by
+being prodigally bestowed; and on occasions so important as this, I can
+never consent to praise before I have examined, because inquiry comes
+too late after approbation.
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY rose next, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if the
+dangers that threaten our happiness and our safety be such as they have
+been represented; if ambition has extended her power almost beyond a
+possibility of resistance, and oppression, elated with success, begins
+to design no less than the universal slavery of mankind; if the powers
+of Europe stand aghast at the calamities which hang over them, and
+listen with helpless confusion to that storm which they can neither
+avoid nor resist, how ought our conduct to be influenced by this
+uncommon state of affairs? Ought we not to catch the alarm while it is
+possible to make preparation against the danger? Ought we not to
+improve, with the utmost diligence, the important interval? to unite our
+counsels for the protection of liberty, and exert all our influence
+against the common enemies of society, the unwearied disturbers of the
+tranquillity of mankind?
+
+To what purpose, my lords, are the miseries that the present
+distractions of Europe may bring upon us, so pathetically described, and
+so accurately enumerated, if they are to produce no effect upon our
+counsels? And what effect can be wished from them, but unanimity, with
+that vigour and despatch which are its natural consequences, and that
+success with which steadiness and expedition are generally rewarded?
+
+It might be hoped, my lords, that those who have so clear a view of our
+present embarrassments, and whose sagacity and acuteness expose them to
+a sensibility of future miseries, perhaps more painful than would be
+excited by any present and real calamities, should not be thus tortured
+to no purpose. Every passion, my lords, has its proper object by which
+it may be laudably gratified, and every disposition of mind may be
+directed to useful ends. The true use of that foresight of future
+events, with which some great capacities are so eminently endowed, is
+that of producing caution and suggesting expedients. What advantage, my
+lords, would it be to navigators, that their pilot could, by any
+preternatural power, discover sands or rocks, if he was too negligent or
+too stubborn to turn the vessel out of the danger?
+
+Or how, my lords, to pursue the comparison, would that pilot be treated
+by the crew, who, after having informed them of their approach to a
+shoal or whirlpool, and set before them, with all his rhetorick, the
+horrours of a shipwreck, should, instead of directing them to avoid
+destruction, and assisting their endeavours for their common safety,
+amuse them with the miscarriages of past voyages, and the blunders and
+stupidity of their former pilot?
+
+Whether any parallel can be formed between such ill-timed satire, and
+wild misconduct, and the manner in which your lordships have been
+treated on this occasion, it is not my province to determine. Nor have I
+any other design than to show that the only proper conduct in time of
+real danger, is preparation against it; and that wit and eloquence
+themselves, if employed to any other purpose, lose their excellence,
+because they lose their propriety.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that the address now proposed includes any
+approbation of past measures, and therefore it is needless to inquire,
+on this occasion, whether the conduct of our ministers or admirals
+deserves praise or censure.
+
+It does not appear, my lords, that by censuring any part of our late
+conduct, however detrimental to the publick it may at present be
+imagined, any of our losses will be repaired, or any part of our
+reputation retrieved; and, therefore, such proceedings would only retard
+our counsels, and divert our thoughts from more important
+considerations; considerations which his majesty has recommended to us,
+and which cannot be more strongly pressed upon us than by the noble lord
+who opposed the motion; for he most powerfully incites to unanimity and
+attention, who most strongly represents the danger of our situation.
+
+Of the good effects of publick consultations, I need not observe, my
+lords, that they arise from the joint endeavour of many understandings
+cooperating to the same end; from the reasonings and observations of
+many individuals of different studies, inclinations, and experience, all
+directed to the illustration of the same question, which is, therefore,
+so accurately discussed, so variously illustrated, and so amply
+displayed, that a more comprehensive view is obtained of its relations
+and consequences, than can be hoped from the wisdom or knowledge of any
+single man.
+
+But this advantage, my lords, can only be expected from union and
+concurrence; for when the different members of a national council enter
+with different designs, and exert their abilities not so much to promote
+any general purposes, as to obviate the measures, and confute the
+arguments of each other, the publick is deprived of all the benefit that
+might be expected from the collective wisdom of assemblies, whatever may
+be the capacity of those who compose them. The senate thus divided and
+disturbed, will, perhaps, conclude with less prudence than any single
+member, as any man may more easily discover truth without assistance,
+than when others of equal abilities are employed in perplexing his
+inquiries, and interrupting the operations of his mind.
+
+Thus, my lords, it might be safer for a nation, even in time of terrour
+and disorder, to be deprived of the counsels of this house, than to
+confide in the determinations of an assembly not uniform in its views,
+nor connected in its interests; an assembly from which little can be
+hoped by those who observe that it cannot, without a tedious debate,
+prolonged with all the heat of opposition, despatch the first and most
+cursory part of publick business,--an address to his majesty.
+
+It has been for a long time a practice too frequent, to confound past
+with present questions, to perplex every debate by an endless
+multiplication of objects, and to obstruct our determinations by
+substituting one inquiry in the place of another.
+
+The only question, my lords, now before us is, whether the address which
+the noble lord proposed, implies any commendation of past measures, not
+whether those measures deserve to be commended; which is an inquiry not
+at present to be pursued, because we have not now before us the means of
+attaining satisfaction in it, and which ought, therefore, to be delayed
+till it shall be your lordships' pleasure to appoint a day for examining
+the state of the nation, and to demand those letters, instructions, and
+memorials, which are necessary to an accurate and senatorial
+disquisition.
+
+In the mean time, since it is at least as expedient for me to vindicate,
+as for others to accuse those of whose conduct neither they nor I have
+yet any regular cognizance, and I may justly expect from the candour of
+your lordships, that you will be no less willing to hear an apologist
+than a censurer, I will venture to suspend the true question a few
+moments, to justify that conduct which has been so wantonly and so
+contemptuously derided.
+
+That the preservation of the house of Austria, my lords, ought to engage
+the closest attention of the British nation, is freely confessed. It is
+evident that by no other means our commerce, our liberty, or our
+religion can be secured, or the house of Bourbon restrained from
+overwhelming the universe. It is allowed that the queen of Hungary has a
+claim to our assistance by other ties than those of interest; that it
+was promised upon the faith of treaties, and it is demanded by the
+loudest calls of honour, justice and compassion. And did it not appear
+too juvenile and romantick, I might add, that her personal excellencies
+are such as might call armies to her assistance from the remotest
+corners of the earth; that her constancy in the assertion of her rights
+might animate every generous mind with equal firmness; and her
+intrepidity in the midst of danger and distress, when every day brings
+accounts of new encroachments, and every new encroachment discourages
+those from whom she may claim assistance from declaring in her favour,
+might inspire with ardour for her preservation all those in whom virtue
+can excite reverence, or whom calamities unjustly inflicted can touch
+with indignation.
+
+Nor am I afraid to affirm, my lords, that the condition of this
+illustrious princess raised all these emotions in the court of Britain,
+and that the vigour of our proceedings will appear proportioned to our
+ardour for her success. No sooner was the true state of affairs
+incontestably known, than twelve thousand auxiliary troops were hired,
+and commanded to march to her assistance, but her affairs making it more
+eligible for her to employ her own subjects in her defence, and the want
+of money being the only obstacle that hindered her from raising armies
+proportioned to those of her enemies, she required, that instead of
+troops, a supply of money might be sent her, with which his majesty
+willingly complied.
+
+The British ministers in the mean time endeavoured, by the strongest
+arguments and most importunate solicitations, to animate her allies to
+equal vigour, or to procure her assistance from other powers whose
+interest was more remotely affected by her distress: if the effects of
+their endeavours are not yet manifest, it cannot be imputed to the want
+either of sincerity or diligence; and if any other powers should be
+persuaded to arm in the common cause, it ought to be ascribed to the
+influence of the British counsels.
+
+In the prosecution of the war with Spain, it does not appear, my lords,
+that any measures have been neglected, which prudence, or bravery, or
+experience, could be expected to dictate. If we have suffered greater
+losses than we expected, if our enemies have been sometimes favoured by
+the winds, or sometimes have been so happy as to conceal their designs,
+and elude the diligence of our commanders, who is to be censured? or
+what is to be concluded, but that which never was denied, that the
+chance of war is uncertain, that men are inclined to make fallacious
+calculations of the probabilities of future events, and that our enemies
+may sometimes be as artful, as diligent, and as sagacious as ourselves?
+
+It was the general opinion of the British people, my lords, if the
+general opinion may be collected from the clamours and expectations
+which every man has had opportunities of observing, that in declaring
+war upon Spain, we only engaged to chastise the insolence of a nation of
+helpless savages, who might, indeed, rob and murder a defenceless
+trader, but who could only hold up their hands and cry out for mercy, or
+sculk in secret creeks and unfrequented coasts, when ships of war should
+be fitted out against them. They imagined that the fortifications of the
+Spanish citadels would be abandoned at the first sound of cannon, and
+that their armies would turn their backs at the sight of the standard of
+Britain.
+
+It was not remembered, my lords, that the greatest part of our trade was
+carried on in sight of the Spanish coasts, and that our merchants must
+be consequently exposed to incessant molestation from light vessels,
+which our ships of war could not pursue over rocks and shallows. It was
+not sufficiently considered, that a trading nation must always make war
+with a nation that has fewer merchants, under the disadvantage of being
+more exposed to the rapacity of private adventurers. How much we had to
+fear on this account was shown us by the late war with France, in which
+the privateers of a few petty ports, injured the commerce of this
+nation, more than their mighty navies and celebrated admirals.
+
+My lords, it would very little become this august assembly, this
+assembly so renowned for wisdom, and for justice, to confound want of
+prudence with want of success; since on many occasions the wisest
+measures may be defeated by accidents which could not be foreseen; since
+they may sometimes be discovered by deserters, or spies, and sometimes
+eluded by an enemy equally skilful with ourselves in the science of war.
+
+That any of these apologies are necessary to the administration, I am
+far from intending to insinuate, for I know not that we have failed of
+success in any of our designs, except the attack of Carthagena, of which
+the miscarriage cannot, at least, be imputed to the ministry; nor is it
+evident that any other causes of it are to be assigned than the
+difficulty of the enterprise; and when, my lords, did any nation make
+war, without experiencing some disappointments?
+
+These considerations, my lords, I have thought myself obliged, by my
+regard to truth and justice, to lay before you, to dissipate those
+suspicions and that anxiety which might have arisen from a different
+representation of our late measures; for I cannot but once more observe,
+that a vindication of the conduct of the ministry is by no means a
+necessary preparative to the address proposed.
+
+The address which was so modestly offered to your lordships, cannot be
+said to contain any more than a general answer to his majesty's speech,
+and such declarations of our duty and affection, as are always due to
+our sovereign, and always expected by him on such occasions.
+
+If our allies have been neglected or betrayed, my lords, we shall be
+still at liberty to discover and to punish negligence so detrimental,
+and treachery so reproachful to the British nation. If in the war
+against Spain we have failed of success, we shall still reserve in our
+own hands the right of inquiring whether we were unsuccessful by the
+superiority of our enemies, or by our own fault; whether our commanders
+wanted orders, or neglected to obey them; for what clause can be
+produced in the address by which any of these inquiries can be supposed
+to be predetermined?
+
+Let us, therefore, remember, my lords, the danger of our present state,
+and the necessity of steadiness, vigour, and wisdom, for our own
+preservation and that of Europe; let us consider that publick wisdom is
+the result of united counsels, and steadiness and vigour, of united
+influence; let us remember that our example may be of equal use with our
+assistance, and that both the allies and the subjects of Great Britain
+will be conjoined by our union, and distracted by our divisions; and let
+us, therefore, endeavour to promote the general interest of the world,
+by an unanimous address to his majesty, in the terms proposed by the
+noble lord.
+
+Lord TALBOT spoke in the following manner:--My lords, after the display
+of the present state of Europe, and the account of the measures of the
+British ministers, which the noble lord who spoke against the motion has
+laid before you, there is little necessity for another attempt to
+convince you that our liberty and the liberty of Europe are in danger,
+or of disturbing your reflections by another enumeration of follies and
+misfortunes.
+
+To mention the folly of our measures is superfluous likewise, for
+another reason. They who do not already acknowledge it, may be justly
+suspected of suppressing their conviction; for how can it be possible,
+that they who cannot produce a single instance of wisdom or fortitude,
+who cannot point out one enterprise wisely concerted and successfully
+executed, can yet sincerely declare, that nothing has been omitted which
+our interest required?
+
+The measures, my lords, which are now pursued, are the same which for
+twenty months have kept the whole nation in continual disturbance, and
+have raised the indignation of every man, whose private interest was not
+promoted by them. These measures cannot be said to be rashly censured,
+or condemned before they are seen in their full extent, or expanded into
+all their consequences; for they have been prosecuted, my lords, with
+all the confidence of authority and all the perseverance of obstinacy,
+without any other opposition than fruitless clamours, or petitions
+unregarded. And what consequences have they produced? What but poverty
+and distractions at home, and the contempt and insults of foreign
+powers? What but the necessity of retrieving by war the losses sustained
+by timorous and dilatory negotiations; and the miscarriages of a war, in
+which only folly and cowardice have involved us?
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more astonishing, than that it should be asserted
+in this assembly that we have no ill success to complain of. Might we
+not hope for success, if we have calculated the events of war, and made
+a suitable preparation? And how is this to be done, but by comparing our
+forces with that of our enemy, who must, undoubtedly, be more or less
+formidable according to the proportion which his treasures and his
+troops bear to our own?
+
+Upon the assurance of the certainty of this practice, upon the evidence,
+my lords, of arithmetical demonstration, we were inclined to believe,
+that the power of Britain was not to be resisted by Spain, and therefore
+demanded that our merchants should be no longer plundered, insulted,
+imprisoned, and tortured by so despicable an enemy.
+
+That we did not foresee all the consequences of this demand, we are now
+ready to confess; we did not conjecture that new troops would be raised
+for the invasion of the Spanish dominions, only that we might be reduced
+to the level with our enemies. We did not imagine that the superiority
+of our naval force would produce no other consequence than an inequality
+of expense, and that the royal navies of Britain would be equipped only
+for show, only to harass the sailors with the hateful molestation of an
+impress, and to weaken the crews of our mercantile vessels, that they
+might be more easily taken by the privateers of Spain.
+
+We did not expect, my lords, that our navies would sail out under the
+command of admirals renowned for bravery, knowledge, and vigilance, and
+float upon the ocean without design, or enter ports and leave them,
+equally inoffensive as a packet-boat, or petty trader.
+
+But not to speak any longer, my lords, in terms so little suited to the
+importance of the question which I am endeavouring to clear, or to the
+enormity of the conduct which I attempt to expose; the success of war is
+only to be estimated by the advantages which are gained, in proportion
+to the loss which is suffered; of which loss the expenses occasioned by
+the war are always the chief part, and of which it is, therefore, usual,
+at the conclusion of a peace, for the conquered power to promise the
+payment.
+
+Let us examine, my lords, in consequence of this position, the success
+of our present war against Spain; let us consider what each nation has
+suffered, and it will easily appear how justly we boast of our wisdom
+and vigour.
+
+It is not on this occasion necessary to form minute calculations, or to
+compute the expense of every company of soldiers and squadron of ships;
+it is only necessary to assert, what will, I hope, not be very readily
+denied, even by those whom daily practice of absurd apologies has
+rendered impregnable by the force of truth, that such expenses as have
+neither contributed to our own defence, nor to the disadvantage of the
+Spaniards, have been thrown away.
+
+If this be granted, my lords, it will appear, that no nation ever beheld
+its treasures so profusely squandered, ever paid taxes so willingly, and
+so patiently saw them perverted; for it cannot, my lords, be proved,
+that any part of our preparations has produced a proportionate effect;
+but it may be readily shown how many fleets have been equipped only that
+the merchants might want sailors, and that the public stores might be
+consumed.
+
+As to our ill success in America, which has been imputed only to the
+chance of war, it will be reasonable, my lords, to ascribe to other
+causes, so much of it as might have been prevented by a more speedy
+reinforcement of Vernon, or may be supposed to have arisen from the
+inexperience of our troops, and the escape of the Spaniards from Ferrol.
+
+If our fleets had been sent more early into that part of the world, the
+Spaniards would have had no time to strengthen their garrisons; had our
+troops been acquainted with discipline, the attack would have been made
+with greater judgment; and had not the Spaniards escaped from Ferrol, we
+should have had no enemy in America to encounter. Had all our ministers
+and all our admirals done their duty, it is evident that not only
+Carthagena had been taken, but that half the dominions of Spain might
+now have owned the sovereignty of the crown of Britain.
+
+This, my lords, may be observed of the only enterprise, which it is
+reasonable to believe was in reality intended against the Spaniards, if
+even of this our ministers had not before contrived the defeat. But of
+all the rest of our armaments it does not appear that any effect has
+been felt but by ourselves, it cannot be discovered that they even
+raised any alarms or anxiety either in our enemies or their allies, by
+whom perhaps it was known that they were only designed as punishments
+for the merchants of Britain.
+
+That our merchants have already been severely chastised for their
+insolence in complaining of their losses, and their temerity in raising
+in the nation a regard for its commerce, its honour, and its rights, is
+evident from a dreadful list of three hundred ships taken by the
+Spaniards, some of which were abandoned by their convoys, and others
+seized within sight of the coasts of Britain.
+
+It may be urged, my lords, that the Spaniards have likewise lost a great
+number of vessels; but what else could they expect when they engaged in
+a war against the greatest naval power of the universe? And it is to be
+remembered, that the Spaniards have this consolation in their
+misfortunes, that of their ships none have been deserted by their
+convoys, or wilfully exposed to capture by being robbed of their crews,
+to supply ships of war with idle hands.
+
+The Spaniards will likewise consider, that they have not harassed their
+subjects for the protection of their trade; that they have not fitted
+out fleets only to amuse the populace. They comfort themselves with the
+hope, that the Britons will soon be reduced to a state of weakness below
+themselves, and wait patiently for the time in which the masters of the
+sea shall receive from them the regulation of their commerce and the
+limits of their navigation.
+
+Nor can it be doubted, my lords, but that by adhering to these measures,
+our ministers will in a short time gratify their hopes; for whatsoever
+be the difference between the power of two contending nations, if the
+richer spends its treasures without effect, and exposes its troops to
+unhealthy climates and impracticable expeditions, while the weaker is
+parsimonious and prudent, they must soon be brought to an equality; and
+by continuing the same conduct, the weaker power must at length prevail.
+
+That this has been hitherto the state of the war between Britain and
+Spain, it is not necessary to prove to your lordships; it is apparent,
+that the expenses of the Spaniards have been far less than those of
+Britain; and, therefore, if we should suppose the actual losses of war
+equal, we are only wearing out our force in useless efforts, and our
+enemies grow every day comparatively stronger.
+
+But, my lords, let us not flatter ourselves that our actual losses have
+been equal; let us, before we determine this question, accurately
+compare the number and the value of our ships and cargoes with those of
+the Spaniards, and see on which side the loss will fall.
+
+And let us not forget, what in all the calculations which I have yet
+seen on either part has been totally overlooked, the number of men
+killed, or captives in the British and Spanish dominions. Men, my lords,
+are at once strength and riches; and, therefore, it is to be considered,
+that the most irreparable loss which any nation can sustain is the
+diminution of its people: money may be repaid, and commerce may be
+recovered; even liberty may be regained, but the loss of people can
+never be retrieved. Even the twentieth generation may have reason to
+exclaim, How much more numerous and more powerful would this nation have
+been, had our ancestors not been betrayed in the expedition to
+Carthagena!
+
+What loss, my lords, have the Spaniards sustained which can be put in
+balance with that of our army in America, an army given up to the
+vultures of an unhealthy climate, and of which those who perished by the
+sword, were in reality rescued from more lingering torments?
+
+What equivalent can be mentioned for the liberty of multitudes of
+Britons, now languishing in the prisons of Spain, or obliged by
+hardships and desperation to assist the enemies of their country? What
+have the Spaniards suffered that can be opposed to the detriment which
+the commerce of this nation feels from the detention of our sailors?
+
+These, my lords, are losses not to be paralleled by the destruction of
+Porto Bello, even though that expedition should be ascribed to the
+ministry. These are losses which may extend their consequences to many
+ages, which may long impede our commerce, and diminish our shipping.
+
+It is not to be imagined, my lords, that in this time of peculiar
+danger, parents will destine their children to maritime employments, or
+that any man will engage in naval business who can exercise any other
+profession; and therefore the death or captivity of a sailor leaves a
+vacuity in our commerce, since no other will be ready to supply his
+place. Thus, by degrees, the continuance of the war will contract our
+trade, and those parts of it which we cannot occupy, will be snatched by
+the French or Dutch, from whom it is not probable that they will ever be
+recovered.
+
+This, my lords, is another circumstance of disadvantage to which the
+Spaniards are not exposed; for their traffick being only from one part
+of their dominions to another, cannot be destroyed, but will, after the
+short interruption of a war, be again equally certain and equally
+profitable.
+
+It appears, therefore, my lords, that we have hitherto suffered more
+than the Spaniards, more than the nation which we have so much reason to
+despise; it appears that our fleets have been useless, and that our
+troops have been only sent out to be destroyed; and it will, therefore,
+surely be allowed me to assert, that the war has not been hitherto
+successful.
+
+I am, therefore, of opinion, my lords, that as the address now proposed,
+cannot but be understood both by his majesty and the nation, to imply,
+in some degree, a commendation of that conduct which cannot be
+commended, which ought never to be mentioned but with detestation and
+contempt, it will be unworthy of this house, offensive to the whole
+nation, and unjust to his majesty.
+
+His majesty, my lords, has summoned us to advise him in this important
+juncture, and the nation expects from our determinations its relief or
+its destruction: nor will either have much to hope from our counsels,
+if, in our first publick act, we endeavour to deceive them.
+
+It seems, therefore, proper to change the common form of our addresses
+to the throne, to do once, at least, what his majesty demands and the
+people expect, and to remember that no characters are more inconsistent,
+than those of a counsellor of the king, and a flatterer of the ministry.
+
+Then lord ABINGDON spoke to this effect:--My lords, I have always
+observed that debates are prolonged, and inquiries perplexed, by the
+neglect of method; and therefore think it necessary to move, That the
+question may be read, that the noble lords who shall be inclined to
+explain their sentiments upon it, may have always the chief point in
+view, and not deviate into foreign considerations.
+
+[It was read accordingly.]
+
+Lord CARTERET spoke next, to the purpose following:--My lords, I am
+convinced of the propriety of the last motion by the advantage which it
+has afforded me of viewing more deliberately and distinctly the question
+before us; the consideration of which has confirmed me in my own
+opinion, that the address now proposed is only a flattering repetition
+of the speech, and that the speech was drawn up only to betray us into
+an encomium on the ministry; who, as they certainly have not deserved
+any commendations, will, I hope, not receive them from your lordships.
+For what has been the result of all their measures, but a general
+confusion, the depression of our own nation and our allies, and the
+exaltation of the house of Bourbon?
+
+It is universally allowed, my lords, and therefore it would be
+superfluous to prove, that the liberties of Europe are now in the utmost
+danger; that the house of Bourbon has arrived almost at that exalted
+pinnacle of authority, from whence it will look down with contempt upon
+all other powers, to which it will henceforward prescribe laws at
+pleasure, whose dominions will be limited by its direction, and whose
+armies will march at its command.
+
+That Britain will be long exempted from the general servitude, that we
+shall be able to stand alone against the whole power of Europe, which
+the French may then bring down upon us, and preserve ourselves
+independent, while every other nation acknowledges the authority of an
+arbitrary conqueror, is by no means likely, and might be, perhaps,
+demonstrated to be not possible.
+
+How long we might be able to retain our liberty, it is beyond the reach
+of policy to determine, but as it is evident, that when the empire is
+subdued, the Dutch will quickly fall under the same dominion, and that
+all their ports and all their commerce will then be in the hands of the
+French, it cannot be denied that our commerce will quickly be at an end.
+We shall then lose the dominion of the sea, and all our distant colonies
+and settlements, and be shut up in our own island, where the continuance
+of our liberties can be determined only by the resolution with which we
+shall defend them.
+
+That this, my lords, must probably, in a few years, be our state, if the
+schemes of the house of Bourbon should succeed, is certain beyond all
+controversy; and therefore it is evident, that no man to whom such a
+condition does not appear eligible, can look unconcerned at the
+confusion of the continent, or consider the destruction of the house of
+Austria, without endeavouring to prevent it.
+
+But, my lords, though such endeavours are the duty of all who are
+engaged in the transaction of publick affairs, though the importance of
+the cause of the queen of Hungary be acknowledged in the speech to which
+we are to return an address, it does not appear that the ministers of
+Britain have once attempted to assist her, or have even forborne any
+thing which might aggravate her distress.
+
+The only effectual methods by which any efficacious relief could have
+been procured, were that of reconciling her with the king of Prussia, or
+that of prevailing upon the Muscovites to succour her.
+
+A reconciliation with the king of Prussia would have been my first care,
+if the honour of advising on this occasion had fallen to my lot. To have
+mediated successfully between them could surely have been no difficult
+task, because each party could not but know how much it was their common
+interest to exclude the French from the empire, and how certainly this
+untimely discord must expose them both to their ancient enemy.
+
+As in private life, my lords, when two friends carry any dispute between
+them to improper degrees of anger or resentment, it is the province of a
+third to moderate the passion of each, and to restore that benevolence
+which a difference of interest or opinion had impaired; so in alliances,
+or the friendships of nations, whenever it unhappily falls out that two
+of them forget the general good, and lay themselves open to those evils
+from which a strict union only can preserve them, it is necessary that
+some other power should interpose, and prevent the dangers of a
+perpetual discord.
+
+Whether this was attempted, my lords, I know not; but if any such design
+was in appearance prosecuted, it may be reasonably imagined from the
+event, that the negotiators were defective either in skill or in
+diligence; for how can it be conceived that any man should act contrary
+to his own interest, to whom the state of his affairs is truly
+represented?
+
+But not to suppress what I cannot doubt, I am convinced, my lords, that
+there is in reality no design of assisting the queen of Hungary; either
+our ministers have not yet recovered from their apprehensions of the
+exorbitant power of the house of Austria, by which they were frighted
+some years ago into the bosom of France for shelter, and which left them
+no expedient but the treaty of Hanover; or they are now equally afraid
+of France, and expect the _pretender_ to be forced upon them by the
+power whom they so lately solicited to secure them from him.
+
+Whatever is the motive of their conduct, it is evident, my lords, that
+they are at present to the unfortunate queen of Hungary, either
+professed enemies, or treacherous allies; for they have permitted the
+invasion of her Italian dominions, when they might have prevented it
+without a blow, only by commanding the Spaniards not to transport their
+troops.
+
+To argue that our fleet in the Mediterranean was not of strength
+sufficient to oppose their passage, is a subterfuge to which they can
+only be driven by the necessity of making some apology, and an absolute
+inability to produce any which will not immediately be discovered to be
+groundless.
+
+It is known, my lords, to all Europe, that Haddock had then under his
+command thirteen ships of the line, and nine frigates, and that the
+Spanish convoy consisted only of three ships; and yet they sailed before
+his eyes with a degree of security which nothing could have produced but
+a passport from the court of Britain, and an assured exemption from the
+danger of an attack.
+
+It may be urged, that they were protected by the French squadron, and
+that Haddock durst not attack them, because he was unable to contend
+with the united fleets; but my lords, even this is known to be false: it
+is known that they bore no proportion to the strength of the British
+squadron, that they could not have made even the appearance of a battle,
+and that our commanders could have been only employed in pursuit and
+captures.
+
+This, my lords, was well known to our ministers, who were afraid only of
+destroying the French squadron, and were very far from apprehending any
+danger from it; but being determined to purchase, on any terms, the
+continuance of the friendship of their old protectors, consented to the
+invasion of Italy, and procured a squadron to sail out, under pretence
+of defending the Spanish transports, that their compliance might not be
+discovered.
+
+All this, my lords, may reasonably be suspected at the first view of
+their proceedings; for how could an inferiour force venture into the way
+of an enemy, unless upon security that they should not be attacked? But
+the late treaty of neutrality has changed suspicion into certainty, has
+discovered the source of all their measures, and shown that the invasion
+of Italy is permitted to preserve Hanover from the like calamity.
+
+There is great danger, my lords, lest this last treaty of Hanover should
+give the decisive blow to the liberties of Europe. How much it
+embarrasses the queen of Hungary, by making it necessary for her to
+divide her forces, is obvious at the first view; but this is not, in my
+opinion, its most fatal consequence. The other powers will be incited,
+by the example of our ministry, to conclude treaties of neutrality in
+the same manner. They will distrust every appearance of our zeal for the
+house of Austria, and imagine that we intend only an hypocritical
+assistance, and that our generals, our ambassadors, and our admirals,
+have, in reality, the same orders.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more dangerous than to weaken the publick faith.
+When a nation can be no longer trusted, it loses all its influence,
+because none can fear its menaces, or depend on its alliance. A nation
+no longer trusted, must stand alone and unsupported; and it is certain
+that the nation which is justly suspected of holding with its open
+enemies a secret intercourse to the prejudice of its allies, can be no
+longer trusted.
+
+This suspicion, my lords, this hateful, this reproachful character, is
+now fixed upon the court of Britain; nor does it take its rise only from
+the forbearance of our admiral, but has received new confirmation from
+the behaviour of our ambassador, who denied the treaty of neutrality,
+when the French minister declared it to the Dutch. Such now, my lords,
+is the reputation of the British court, a reputation produced by the
+most flagrant and notorious instances of cowardice and falsehood, which
+cannot but make all our endeavours ineffectual, and discourage all those
+powers whose conjunction we might have promoted, from entering into any
+other engagements than such as we may purchase for stated subsidies. For
+who, upon any other motive than immediate interest, would form an
+alliance with a power which, upon the first appearance of danger, gives
+up a confederate, to purchase, not a large extent of territory, not a
+new field of commerce, not a port or a citadel, but an abject
+neutrality!
+
+But however mean may be a supplication for peace, or however infamous
+the desertion of an ally, I wish, my lords, that the liberty of invading
+the queen of Hungary's dominions without opposition, had been the most
+culpable concession of our illustrious ministers, of whom it is
+reasonable to believe, that they have stipulated with the Spaniards,
+that they shall be repaid the expense of the war by the plunder of our
+merchants.
+
+That our commerce has been unnecessarily exposed to the ravages of
+privateers, from which a very small degree of caution might have
+preserved it; that three hundred trading ships have been taken, and that
+three thousand British sailors are now in captivity, is a consideration
+too melancholy to be long dwelt upon, and a truth too certain to be
+suppressed or denied.
+
+How such havock could have been made, had not our ships of war concluded
+a treaty of neutrality with the Spaniards, and left the war to be
+carried on only by the merchants, it is not easy to conceive; for surely
+it will not be pretended, that all these losses were the necessary
+consequence of our situation with regard to Spain, which, if it exposed
+the Portugal traders to hazard, did not hinder us from guarding our own
+coasts.
+
+And yet on our own coasts, my lords, have multitudes of our ships been
+taken by the Spaniards; they have been seized by petty vessels as they
+were entering our ports, and congratulating themselves upon their escape
+from danger.
+
+In the late war with France, an enemy much more formidable both for
+power and situation, methods were discovered by which our trade was more
+efficaciously protected: by stationing a squadron at the mouth of the
+Channel, of which two or three ships at a time cruized at a proper
+distance on the neighbouring seas, the privateers were kept in awe, and
+confined to their own harbours, or seized if they ventured to leave
+them.
+
+But of such useful regulations in the present war there is little hope;
+for if the publick papers are of any credit, the king of Spain considers
+the captures of our merchants as a standing revenue, and has laid an
+indulto upon them as upon other parts of the Spanish trade.
+
+It is, therefore, to little purpose that measures are proposed in this
+house, or schemes presented by the merchants for the preservation of our
+commerce; for the merchants are considered as the determined enemies of
+our minister, who therefore resolved that they should repent of the war
+into which he was forced by them, contrary to those favourite schemes
+and established maxims, which he has pursued till the liberties of
+mankind are almost extinguished.
+
+There are, indeed, some hopes, my lords, that new measures, resolutely
+pursued, might yet repair the mischiefs of this absurd and cowardly
+conduct, and that by resolution and dexterity, the ambition of France
+might once more be disappointed. The king of Prussia appears, at length,
+convinced that he has not altogether pursued his real interest, and that
+his own family must fall in the ruin of the house of Austria. The king
+of Sardinia appears firm in his determination to adhere to the queen of
+Hungary, and has therefore refused a passage through his dominions to
+the Spanish troops. The States of Holland seem to have taken the alarm,
+and nothing but their distrust of our sincerity can hinder them from
+uniting against the house of Bourbon.
+
+This distrust, my lords, we may probably remove, by reviving, on this
+occasion, our ancient forms of address, and declaring at once to his
+majesty, and to all the powers of Europe, that we are far from approving
+the late measures.
+
+There is another reason why the short addresses of our ancestors may be
+preferred to the modern forms, in which a great number of particular
+facts are often comprehended. It is evident, that the addresses are
+presented, before there can be time to examine whether the facts
+contained in them are justly stated; and they must, therefore, lose
+their efficacy with the people, who are sufficiently sagacious to
+distinguish servile compliance from real approbation, and who will not
+easily mistake the incense of flattery for the tribute of gratitude.
+
+With regard to the propriety of the address proposed to your lordships,
+which is, like others, only a repetition of the speech, there is, at
+least, one objection to it too important to be suppressed.
+
+It is affirmed in the speech, in what particular words I cannot exactly
+remember, that since the death of the late German emperour, the interest
+of the queen of Hungary has been diligently and invariably promoted; an
+assertion which his majesty is too wise, too equitable, and too generous
+to have uttered, but at the persuasion of his ministers.
+
+His majesty well knows, that no important assistance has been hitherto
+given to that unhappy princess; he knows that the twelve thousand men,
+who are said to have been raised for the defence of the empire, those
+mighty troops, by whose assistance the enemies of Austria were to be
+scattered, never marched beyond the territory of Hanover, nor left that
+blissful country for a single day. And is it probable that the queen
+would have preferred money for troops, had she not been informed that it
+would be more easily obtained?
+
+Nor was even this pecuniary assistance, though compatible with the
+security of Hanover, granted her without reluctance and difficulty; of
+which no other proof is necessary, than the distance between the promise
+and the performance of it. The money, my lords, is not yet all paid,
+though the last payment was very lately fixed. Such is the assistance
+which the united influence of justice and compassion has yet procured
+from the court of Britain.
+
+Our ministers have been, therefore, hitherto, my lords, so far from
+acting with vigour in favour of the house of Austria, that they have
+never solicited the court of Muscovy, almost the only court now
+independent on France, to engage in her defence. How wisely that mighty
+power distinguishes her real interest, and how ardently she pursues it,
+the whole world was convinced in her alliance with the late emperour;
+nor is it unlikely, that she might have been easily persuaded to have
+protected his daughter with equal zeal. But we never asked her alliance
+lest we should obtain it, and yet we boast of our good offices.
+
+Our governours thought it more nearly concerned them to humble our
+merchants than to succour our allies, and therefore admitted the
+Spaniards into Italy; by which prudent conduct they dexterously at once
+gratified the house of Bourbon, embarrassed the queen of Hungary, and
+endangered the effects of the British merchants, lying at Leghorn;
+effects which were lately valued at six hundred thousand pounds, but
+which, by the seasonable arrival of the Spaniards, are happily reduced
+to half their price.
+
+I hope, therefore, I need not urge to your lordships the necessity of
+confining our address to thanks and congratulations, because it is not
+necessary to say how inconsistent it must be thought with the dignity of
+this house to echo falsehood, and to countenance perfidy.
+
+Then the duke of NEWCASTLE spoke to the following effect:--My lords, the
+manner in which the noble lord who spoke last expresses his sentiments,
+never fails to give pleasure, even where his arguments produce no
+conviction; and his eloquence always receives its praise, though it may
+sometimes be disappointed of its more important effects.
+
+In the present debate, my lords, I have heard no argument, by which I am
+inclined to change the usual forms of address, or to reject the motion
+which has been made to us.
+
+The address which has been proposed, is not, in my opinion, justly
+chargeable either with flattery to the ministers, or with disingenuity
+with respect to the people; nor can I discover in it any of those
+positions which have been represented so fallacious and dangerous. It
+contains only a general declaration of our gratitude, and an assertion
+of our zeal; a declaration and assertion to which I hope no lord in this
+assembly will be unwilling to subscribe.
+
+As an inquiry into the propriety of this address has produced, whether
+necessarily or not, many observations on the present state of Europe,
+and many animadversions upon the late conduct, it cannot be improper for
+me to offer to your lordships my opinion of the measures which have been
+pursued by us, as well in the war with Spain, as with regard to the
+queen of Hungary, and to propose my conjectures concerning the events
+which may probably be produced by the distractions on the continent.
+
+This deviation from the question before us, will at least be as easily
+pardoned in me as in the noble lords who have exhibited so gloomy a
+representation of our approaching condition, who have lamented the
+slavery with which they imagine all the states of Europe about to be
+harassed, and described the insolence and ravages of those oppressors to
+whom their apprehensions have already given the empire of the world. For
+surely, my lords, it is an endeavour no less laudable to dispel terrour,
+than to excite it; and he who brings us such accounts as we desire to
+receive, is generally listened to with indulgence, however unelegant may
+be his expressions, or however irregular his narration.
+
+That the power of the family of Bourbon is arrived at a very dangerous
+and formidable extent; that it never was hitherto employed but to
+disturb the happiness of the universe; that the same schemes which our
+ancestors laboured so ardently and so successfully to destroy, are now
+formed afresh, and intended to be put in immediate execution; that the
+empire is designed to be held henceforward in dependence on France; and
+that the house of Austria, by which the common rights of mankind have
+been so long supported, is now marked out for destruction, is too
+evident to be contested.
+
+It is allowed, my lords, that the power of the house of Austria, which
+there was once reason to dread, lest it might have been employed against
+us, is now almost extinguished; and that name, which has for so many
+ages filled the histories of Europe, is in danger of being forgotten. It
+is allowed, that the house of Austria cannot fall without exposing all
+those who have hitherto been supported by its alliance, to the utmost
+danger; and I need not add, that they ought, therefore, to assist it
+with the utmost expedition, and the most vigorous measures.
+
+It may be suggested, my lords, that this assistance has been already
+delayed till it is become useless, that the utmost expedition will be
+too slow, and the most vigorous measures too weak to stop the torrent of
+the conquests of France: that the fatal blow will be struck, before we
+shall have an opportunity to ward it off, and that our regard for the
+house of Austria will be only compassion for the dead.
+
+But these, my lords, I hope, are only the apprehensions of a mind
+overborne with sudden terrours, and perplexed by a confused survey of
+complicated danger; for if we consider more distinctly the powers which
+may be brought in opposition to France, we shall find no reason for
+despairing that we may once more stand up with success in defence of our
+religion and the liberty of mankind, and once more reduce those
+troublers of the world to the necessity of abandoning their destructive
+designs.
+
+The noble lord has already mentioned the present disposition of three
+powerful states, as a motive for vigorous resolutions, and a
+consideration that may, at least, preserve us from despair; and it is no
+small satisfaction to me to observe, that his penetration and experience
+incline him to hope upon the prospect of affairs as they now appear;
+because I doubt not but that hope will be improved into confidence, by
+the account which I can now give your lordships of the intention of
+another power, yet more formidable, to engage with us in the great
+design of repressing the insolence of France.
+
+A treaty of alliance, my lords, has been for some time concerted with
+the emperour of Muscovy, and has been negotiated with such diligence,
+that it is now completed, and I doubt not but the last ratifications
+will arrive at this court in a few days; by which it will appear to your
+lordships, that the interest of this nation has been vigilantly
+regarded, and to our allies, that the faith of Britain has never yet
+been shaken. It will appear to the French, that they have precipitated
+their triumphs, that they have imagined themselves masters of nations by
+whom they will be in a short time driven back to their own confines, and
+that, perhaps, they have parcelled out kingdoms which they are never
+likely to possess.
+
+It was affirmed, and with just discernment, that applications ought to
+be made to this powerful court, as the professed adversary of France;
+and if it was not hitherto known that their assistance had been
+assiduously solicited, our endeavours were kept secret only that their
+success might be more certain, and that they might surprise more
+powerfully by their effects.
+
+Nor have the two other princes, which were mentioned by the noble lord,
+been forgotten, whose concurrence is at this time so necessary to us:
+and I doubt not but that the representations which have been made with
+all the force of truth, and all the zeal that is awakened by interest
+and by danger, will in time produce the effects for which they were
+intended; by convincing those princes that they endanger themselves by
+flattering the French ambition, that they are divesting themselves of
+that defence of which they will quickly regret the loss, and that they
+are only not attacked at present, that they may be destroyed more easily
+hereafter.
+
+But it is always to be remembered, my lords, that in publick
+transactions, as in private life, interest acts with less force as it is
+at greater distance, and that the immediate motive will generally
+prevail. Futurity impairs the influence of the most important objects of
+consideration, even when it does not lessen their certainty; and with
+regard to events only probable, events which a thousand accidents may
+obviate, they are almost annihilated, with regard to the human mind, by
+being placed at a distance from us. Wherever imagination can exert its
+power, we easily dwell upon the most pleasing views, and flatter
+ourselves with those consequences, which though perhaps least to be
+expected, are most desired. Wherever different events may arise, which
+is the state of all human transactions, we naturally promote our hopes,
+and repress our fears; and in time so far deceive ourselves, as to quiet
+all our suspicions, lay all our terrours asleep, and believe what at
+first we only wished.
+
+This, my lords, must be the delusion by which some states are induced to
+favour, and others to neglect the encroachments of France. Men are
+impolitick, as they are wicked; because they prefer the gratification of
+the present hour to the assurance of solid and permanent, but distant
+happiness. The French take advantage of this general weakness of the
+human mind, and by magnificent promises to one prince, and petty grants
+to another, reconcile them to their designs. Each finds that he shall
+gain more by contracting an alliance with them, than with another state
+which has no view besides that of preserving to every sovereign his just
+rights, and which, therefore, as it plunders none, will have nothing to
+bestow.
+
+This, my lords, is the disadvantage under which our negotiators labour
+against those of France; we have no kingdoms to parcel out among those
+whose confederacy we solicit; we can promise them no superiority above
+the neighbouring princes which they do not now possess; we assume not
+the province of adjusting the boundaries of dominion, or of deciding
+contested titles: we promise only the preservation of quiet, and the
+establishment of safety.
+
+But the French, my lords, oppose us with other arguments, arguments
+which, indeed, receive their force from folly and credulity; but what
+more powerful assistance can be desired? They promise not mere negative
+advantages, not an exemption from remote oppression, or an escape from
+slavery, which, as it was yet never felt, is very little dreaded; they
+offer an immediate augmentation of dominion, and an extension of power;
+they propose new tracts of commerce, and open new sources of wealth;
+they invite confederacies, not for defence, but for conquests; for
+conquests to be divided among the powers by whose union they shall be
+made.
+
+Let it not, therefore, be objected, my lords, to our ministers, or our
+negotiators, that the French obtain more influence than they; that they
+are more easily listened to, or more readily believed: for while such is
+the condition of mankind, that what is desired is easily credited, while
+profit is more powerful than reason, the French eloquence will
+frequently prevail.
+
+Whether, my lords, our seeming want of success in the war with Spain
+admits of as easy a solution, my degree of knowledge in military
+affairs, does not enable me to determine. An account of this part of our
+conduct is to be expected from the commissioners of the admiralty, by
+whom, I doubt not, but such reasons will be assigned for all the
+operations of our naval forces, and such vindications offered of all
+those measures, which have been hitherto imputed too precipitately to
+negligence, cowardice, or treachery, as will satisfy those who have been
+most vehement in their censures.
+
+But because it does not seem to me very difficult to apologize for those
+miscarriages which have occasioned the loudest complaints, I will lay
+before your lordships what I have been able to collect from inquiry, or
+to conjecture from observation; and doubt not but it will easily appear,
+that nothing has been omitted from any apparent design of betraying our
+country, and that our ministers and commanders will deserve, at least,
+to be heard before they are condemned.
+
+That great numbers of our trading vessels have been seized by the
+Spaniards, and that our commerce has, therefore, been very much
+embarrassed and interrupted, is sufficiently manifest; but to me, my
+lords, this appears one of the certain and necessary consequences of
+war, which are always to be expected, and to be set in our consultations
+against the advantages which we propose to obtain. It is as rational to
+expect, that of an army sent against our enemies, every man should
+return unhurt to his acquaintances, as that every merchant should see
+his ship and cargo sail safely into port.
+
+If we examine, my lords, the late war, of which the conduct has been so
+lavishly applauded, in which the victories which we obtained have been
+so loudly celebrated, and which has been proposed to the imitation of
+all future ministers, it will appear, that our losses of the same kind
+were then very frequent, and, perhaps, not less complained of, though
+the murmurs are now forgotten, and the acclamations transmitted to
+posterity, because we naturally relate what has given us satisfaction,
+and suppress what we cannot recollect without uneasiness.
+
+If we look farther backward, my lords, and inquire into the event of any
+other war in which we engaged since commerce has constituted so large a
+part of the interest of this nation, I doubt not but in proportion to
+our trade will be found our losses; and in all future wars, as in the
+present, I shall expect the same calamities and the same complaints. For
+the escape of any number of ships raises no transport, nor produces any
+gratitude; but the loss of a few will always give occasion to clamours
+and discontent. For vigilance, however diligent, can never produce more
+safety than will be naturally expected from our incontestable
+superiority at sea, by which a great part of the nation is so far
+deceived as to imagine, that because we cannot be conquered, we cannot
+be molested.
+
+Nor do I see how it is possible to employ our power more effectually for
+the protection of our trade than by the method now pursued of covering
+the ocean with our fleets, and stationing our ships of war in every
+place where danger can be apprehended. If it be urged, that the
+inefficacy of our measures is a sufficient proof of their impropriety,
+it will be proper to substitute another plan of operation, of which the
+success may be more probable. To me, my lords, the loss of some of our
+mercantile vessels shows only the disproportion between the number of
+our ships of war, and the extent of the sea, which is a region too vast
+to be completely garrisoned, and of which the frequenters must
+inevitably be subject to the sudden incursions of subtle rovers.
+
+The disposition of our squadrons has been such, as was doubtless
+dictated by the most acute sagacity, and the most enlightened
+experience. The squadron which was appointed to guard our coasts has
+been ridiculed as an useless expense; and its frequent excursions and
+returns, without any memorable attempt, have given occasion to endless
+raillery, and incessant exclamations of wonder and contempt. But it is
+to be considered, my lords, that the enemies of this nation, either
+secret or declared, had powerful squadrons in many ports of the
+Mediterranean, which, had they known that our coasts were without
+defence, might have issued out on a sudden, and have appeared
+unexpectedly in our Channel, from whence they might have laid our towns
+in ruin, entered our docks, burnt up all our preparations for future
+expeditions, carried into slavery the inhabitants of our villages, and
+left the maritime provinces of this kingdom in a state of general
+desolation.
+
+Out of this squadron, however necessary, there was yet a reinforcement
+of five ships ordered to assist Haddock, that he might be enabled to
+oppose the designs of the Spaniards, though assisted by their French
+confederates, whom it is known that he was so far from favouring, that
+he was stationed before Barcelona to block them up. Why he departed from
+that port, and upon what motives of policy, or maxims of war, he
+suffered the Spaniards to prosecute their scheme, he only is able to
+inform us.
+
+That the Spaniards have not at least been spared by design, is evident
+from their sufferings in this war, which have been much greater than
+ours. Many of our ships have, indeed, been snatched up by the rapacity
+of private adventurers, whom the ardour of interest had made vigilant,
+and whose celerity of pursuit as well as flight, enables them to take
+the advantage of the situation of their own ports, and those of their
+friends. But as none of our ships have been denied convoys, I know not
+how the loss of them can be imputed to the ministry; and if any of those
+who sailed under the protection of ships of war have been lost, the
+commanders may be required to vindicate themselves from the charge of
+negligence or treachery.
+
+But this inquiry, my lords, must be, in my opinion, reserved for another
+day, when it may become the immediate subject of our consultations, with
+which it has at present no coherence, or to which, at least, it is very
+remotely related. For I am not able, upon the most impartial and the
+most attentive consideration of the address now proposed to your
+lordships, to perceive any necessity of a previous inquiry into the
+conduct of the war, the transaction of our negotiations, or the state of
+the kingdom, in order to our compliance with this motion, by which we
+shall be far from sheltering any crime from punishment, or any doubtful
+conduct from inquiry; shall be far from obstructing the course of
+national justice, or approving what we do not understand.
+
+The chief tendency of his majesty's speech is to ask our advice on this
+extraordinary conjuncture of affairs; a conduct undoubtedly worthy of a
+British monarch, and which we ought not to requite with disrespect; but
+what less can be inferred from an alteration of our established forms of
+address, by an omission of any part of the speech? For what will be
+imagined by his majesty, by the nation, and by the whole world, but that
+we did not approve what we did not answer?
+
+The duke of ARGYLE spoke to the following purpose:--My lords, it is with
+great reason that the present time has been represented to us from the
+throne as a time of uncommon danger and disturbance, a time in which the
+barriers of kingdoms are broken down, in contempt of every law of heaven
+and of earth, and in which ambition, rapine, and oppression, seem to be
+let loose upon mankind; a time in which some nations send out armies and
+invade the territories of their neighbours, in opposition to the most
+solemn treaties, of which others, with equal perfidy, silently suffer,
+or secretly favour the violation.
+
+At a time like this, when treaties are considered only as momentary
+expedients, and alliances confer no security, it is evident that the
+preservation of our rights, our interest, and our commerce, must depend
+only on our natural strength; and that instead of cultivating the
+friendship of foreign powers, which we must purchase upon
+disadvantageous conditions, and which will be withdrawn from us whenever
+we shall need it; we ought, therefore, to collect our own force, and
+show the world how little we stand in need of assistance, and how little
+we have to fear from the most powerful of our enemies.
+
+Our country, my lords, seems designed by nature to subsist without any
+dependence on other nations, and by a steady and resolute improvement of
+these advantages with which providence has blessed it, may bid defiance
+to mankind; it might become, by the extension of our commerce, the
+general centre at which the wealth of the whole earth might be collected
+together, and from whence it might be issued upon proper occasions, for
+the diffusion of liberty, the repression of insolence, and the
+preservation of peace.
+
+But this glory, and this influence, my lords, must arise from domestick
+felicity; and domestick felicity can only be produced by a mutual
+confidence between the government and the people. Where the governours
+distrust the affections of their subjects, they will not be very
+solicitous to advance their happiness; for who will endeavour to
+increase that wealth which will, as he believes, be employed against
+him? Nor will the subjects cheerfully concur even with the necessary
+measures of their governours, whose general designs they conceive to be
+contrary to the publick interest; because any temporary success or
+accidental reputation, will only dazzle the eyes of the multitude, while
+their liberties are stolen away.
+
+This confidence, my lords, must be promoted where it exists, and
+regained where it is lost, by the open administration of justice, by
+impartial inquiries into publick transactions, by the exaltation of
+those whose wisdom and bravery has advanced the publick reputation, or
+increased the happiness of the nation, and the censure of those, however
+elate with dignities, or surrounded with dependants, who by their
+unskilfulness or dishonesty, have either embarrassed their country or
+betrayed it.
+
+For this reason, my lords, it is, in my opinion, necessary to gratify
+the nation, at the present juncture, with the prospect of those
+measures, without which no people can reasonably be satisfied; and to
+pacify their resentment of past injuries, and quiet their apprehensions
+of future miseries, by a possibility, at least, that they may see the
+authors of all our miscarriages called to a trial in open day, and the
+merit of those men acknowledged and rewarded, by whose resolution and
+integrity they imagine that the final ruin of themselves and posterity
+has been hitherto prevented.
+
+That the present discontent of the British nation is almost universal,
+that suspicion has infused itself into every rank and denomination of
+men, that complaints of the neglect of our commerce, the misapplication
+of our treasure, and the unsuccessfulness of our arms, are to be heard
+from every mouth, and in every place, where men dare utter their
+sentiments, I suppose, my lords, no man will deny; for whoever should
+stand up in opposition to the truth of a fact so generally known, would
+distinguish himself, even in this age of effrontery and corruption, by a
+contempt of reputation, not yet known amongst mankind.
+
+And indeed, my lords, it must be confessed that these discontents and
+clamours are produced by such an appearance of folly, or of treachery,
+as few ages or nations have ever known; by such an obstinate
+perseverance in bad measures, as shame has hitherto prevented in those
+upon whom nobler motives, fidelity to their trust, and love of their
+country, had lost their influence.
+
+Other ministers, when they have formed designs of sacrificing the
+publick interest to their own, have been compelled to better measures by
+timely discoveries, and just representations; they have been criminal
+only because they hoped for secrecy, and have vindicated their conduct
+no longer than while they had hopes that their apologies might deceive.
+
+But our heroick ministers, my lords, have set themselves free from the
+shackles of circumspection, they have disburdened themselves of the
+embarrassments of caution, and claim an exemption from the necessity of
+supporting their measures by laborious deductions and artful reasonings;
+they defy the publick when they can no longer delude it, and prosecute,
+in the face of the sun, those measures which they have not been able to
+support, and of which the fatal consequences are foreseen by the whole
+nation.
+
+When they have been detected in one absurdity, they take shelter in
+another; when experience has shown that one of their attempts was
+designed only to injure their country, they propose a second of the same
+kind with equal confidence, boast again of their integrity, and again
+require the concurrence of the legislature, and the support of the
+people.
+
+When they had for a long time suffered our trading vessels to be seized
+in sight of our own ports, when they had despatched fleets into the
+Mediterranean, only to lie exposed to the injuries of the weather, and
+to sail from one coast to another, only to show that they had no hostile
+intentions, and that they were fitted out by the friends of the
+Spaniards, only to amuse and exhaust the nation, they at length thought
+it necessary to lull the impatience of the people, who began to discover
+that they had hitherto been harassed with taxes and impresses to no
+purpose, by the appearance of a new effort for the subjection of the
+enemy, and to divert, by the expectations which an army and a fleet
+naturally raise, any clamours at their past conduct'.
+
+For this end, having entered into their usual consultations, they
+projected an expedition into America, for which they raised forces and
+procured transports, with all the pomp of preparation for the conquest
+of half the continent, not so much to alarm the Spaniards, which I
+conceive but a secondary view, as to fill the people of Britain with
+amusing prospects of great achievements, of the addition of new
+dominions to this empire, and an ample reparation for all their damages.
+
+Thus provided with forces sufficient, in appearance, for this mighty
+enterprise, they embarked them after many delays, and dismissed them to
+their fate, having first disposed their regulations in such a manner,
+that it was impossible that they should meet with success.
+
+I can call your lordships to witness, that this impossibility was not
+discovered by me after the event, for I foretold in this house, that
+their designs, so conducted, must evidently miscarry.
+
+Nor was this prediction, my lords, the effect of any uncommon sagacity,
+or any accidental conjecture on future consequences which happened to be
+right; for to any man who has had opportunities of observing that
+knowledge in war is necessary to success, and experience is the
+foundation of knowledge, it was sufficiently plain that our forces must
+be repulsed.
+
+The forces sent into America, my lords, were newly raised, placed under
+the direction of officers not less ignorant than themselves, and
+commanded by a man who never had commanded any troops before; and who,
+however laudable he might have discharged the duty of a captain, was
+wholly unacquainted with the province of a general.
+
+Yet was this man, my lords, preferred, not only to a multitude of other
+officers, to whom experience must have been of small advantage, if it
+did not furnish them with knowledge far superiour to his, but to five
+and forty generals, of whom I hope the nation has no reason to suspect
+that any of them would not gladly have served it on an occasion of so
+great importance, and willingly have conducted an expedition intended to
+retrieve the honour of the British name, the terrour of our arms, and
+the security of our commerce.
+
+When raw troops, my lords, with young officers, are to act under the
+command of an unskilful general, what is it reasonable to expect, but
+what has happened--overthrow, slaughter, and ignominy? What but that
+cheap victories should heighten the insolence, and harden the obstinacy
+of our enemies; and that we should not only be weakened by our loss, but
+dispirited by our disgrace; by the disgrace of being overthrown by those
+whom we have despised, and with whom nothing but our own folly could
+have reduced us to a level.
+
+The other conjecture which I ventured to propose to your lordships, with
+regard to the queen of Hungary, was not founded on facts equally evident
+with the former, though experience has discovered that it was equally
+true. It was then asserted, both by other lords and myself, that money
+would be chosen by that princess as an assistance more useful than
+forces; an opinion, which the lords who are engaged in the
+administration vigorously opposed. In consequence of their
+determination, forces were hired, for what purpose--let them now
+declare, since none but themselves have yet known.
+
+That at least they were not taken into our pay for the service for which
+they were required, the succour of the house of Austria, is most
+evident, unless the name of armies is imagined sufficient to intimidate
+the French, as the Spaniards are to be subdued by the sight of fleets.
+They never marched towards her frontiers, never opposed her enemies, or
+afforded her the least assistance, but stood idle and unconcerned in the
+territories of Hanover; nor was it known that they existed by any other
+proof than that remittances were made for their pay.
+
+Such, my lords, was the assistance, asked with so much solicitude, and
+levied with so much expedition, for the queen of Hungary; such were the
+effects of the zeal of our illustrious ministers for the preservation of
+that august house, to whose alliance we are perhaps indebted for the
+preservation of our religion and our liberties, and to which all Europe
+must have recourse for shelter from the oppression of France.
+
+When this formidable body of men was assembled, my lords, and reviewed,
+they were perhaps found too graceful and too well sorted to be exposed
+to the dangers of a battle; and the same tenderness that has so long
+preserved our own forces from any other field than the park, might
+rescue them from the fatigues of accompanying the active hussars in
+their incursions, or the steady Austrians in their conflicts.
+
+Whatever was the reason, my lords, it is certain that they have been
+reserved for other opportunities of signalizing their courage; and they
+slept in quiet, and fattened upon the wealth of Britain, while the
+enemies of our illustrious, magnanimous, and unfortunate ally, entered
+her territories without opposition, marched through them uninterrupted,
+and rather took possession than made conquests.
+
+That in this condition of her affairs, the queen would refuse an offer
+of twelve thousand men; that when she was driven from one country to
+another, attended by an army scarcely sufficient to form a flying camp,
+she would not gladly have accepted a reinforcement so powerful, let
+those believe, my lords, who have yet never been deceived by ministerial
+faith.
+
+The real designs of the ministry, my lords, are sufficiently obvious,
+nor is any thing more certain, than that they had, in requiring this
+mock assistance for the queen of Hungary, no other design than that of
+raising her expectations only to deceive them; and to divert her, by
+confidence in their preparations, from having recourse to more
+efficacious expedients, that she might become, without resistance, the
+slave of France.
+
+For this purpose they determined to succour her with forces rather than
+with money, because many reasons might be pretended, by which the march
+of the forces might be retarded; but the money, my lords, when granted,
+must have been more speedily remitted.
+
+At last the queen, weary with delays, and undoubtedly sufficiently
+informed of those designs, which are now, however generally discovered,
+confidently denied, desired a supply of money, which might be granted
+without leaving Hanover exposed to an invasion. With this demand, which
+they had no pretence to deny, they have yet found expedients to delay
+their compliance. For it does not appear that the whole sum granted has
+yet been paid; and it would well become those noble lords, whose offices
+give them an opportunity of observing the distribution of the publick
+money, to justify themselves from the suspicions of the nation, by
+declaring openly what has been remitted, and what yet remains to be
+disbursed for some other purpose.
+
+Is it not, therefore, evident, my lords, that by promising assistance to
+this unhappy princess, the ministry intended to deceive her? That when
+they flattered her with the approach of auxiliary forces, they designed
+only to station them where they might garrison the frontiers of Hanover?
+And that when they forced her to solicit for pecuniary aid, they delayed
+the payment of the subsidy, that it might not be received till it could
+produce no effect?
+
+This, my lords, is not only evident from the manifest absurdity of their
+conduct upon any other supposition, but from the general scheme which
+has always been pursued by the man whose dictatorial instructions
+regulate the opinions of all those that constitute the ministry, and of
+whom it is well known, that it has been the great purpose of his life to
+aggrandize France, by applying to her for assistance in imaginary
+distresses from fictitious confederacies, and by sacrificing to her in
+return the house of Austria, and the commerce of Britain.
+
+How then, my lords, can it be asserted by us, that the house of Austria
+has been vigilantly supported? How can we approve measures, of which we
+discover no effect but the expense of the nation? A double expense,
+produced first by raising troops, which though granted for the
+assistance of the Austrians, have been made use of only for the
+protection of Hanover, and by the grant of money in the place of these
+troops, which were thus fallaciously obtained, and thus unprofitably
+employed!
+
+For what purpose these forces were in reality raised, I suppose no man
+can be ignorant, and no man to whom it is known can possibly approve it.
+How then, my lords, can we concur in an address by which the people must
+be persuaded, that we either are deceived ourselves, or endeavour to
+impose upon them; that we either dare not condemn any measures, however
+destructive, or that, at least, we are in haste to approve them, lest
+inquiry should discover their tendency too plainly to leave us the power
+of applauding them, without an open declaration of our own impotence, or
+disregard for the welfare of the publick.
+
+The complaints of the people are already clamorous, and their discontent
+open and universal; and surely the voice of the people ought, at least,
+to awake us to an examination of their condition. And though we should
+not immediately condemn those whom they censure and detest, as the
+authors of their miseries, we ought, at least, to pay so much regard to
+the accusation of the whole community, as not to reject it without
+inquiry, as a suspicion merely chimerical.
+
+Whether these complaints and suspicions, my lords, proceed from real
+injuries and imminent dangers, or from false accusations and groundless
+terrours, they equally deserve the attention of this house, whose great
+care is the happiness of the people: people equally worthy of your
+tenderness and regard, whether they are betrayed by one party or
+another; whether they are plundered by the advocates of the
+administration, under pretence of supporting the government, or
+affrighted with unreasonable clamours by the opponents of the court,
+under the specious appearance of protecting liberty. The people, my
+lords, are in either case equally miserable, and deserve equally to be
+rescued from distress.
+
+By what method, my lords, can this be effected, but by some publick
+assurance from this house, that the transactions of the nation shall no
+longer be concealed in impenetrable secrecy; that measures shall be no
+longer approved without examination; that publick evils shall be traced
+to their causes; and that disgrace, which they have hitherto brought
+upon the publick, shall fall for the future only upon the authors of
+them.
+
+Of giving this assurance, and of quieting by it the clamours of the
+people; clamours which, whether just or not, are too formidable to be
+slighted, and too loud not to be heard, we have now the most proper
+opportunity before us. The address which the practice of our ancestors
+requires us to make to his majesty, may give us occasion of expressing
+at once our loyalty to the crown, and our fidelity to our country; our
+zeal for the honour of our sovereign, and our regard for the happiness
+of the people.
+
+For this purpose it is necessary that, as we preserve the practice of
+our ancestors in one respect, we revive it in another; that we imitate
+those in just freedom of language whom we follow in the decent forms of
+ceremony; and show that as we preserve, like them, a due sense of the
+regal dignity, so, like them, we know likewise how to preserve our own,
+and despise flattery on one side, as we decline rudeness on the other.
+
+A practice, my lords, has prevailed of late, which cannot but be allowed
+pernicious to the publick, and derogatory from the honour of this
+assembly; a practice of retaining in our address the words of the
+speech, and of following it servilely from period to period, as if it
+were expected that we should always adopt the sentiments of the court;
+as if we were not summoned to advise, but to approve, and approve
+without examination.
+
+By such addresses, my lords, all inquiries may be easily precluded; for
+the minister by whom the speech is compiled, may easily introduce the
+most criminal transactions in such a manner, as that they may obtain the
+approbation of this house; which he may plead afterwards at our bar,
+when he shall be called before it, and either involve us in the disgrace
+of inconsistency, and expose us to general contempt, or be acquitted by
+our former suffrages, which it would be reproachful to retract, and yet
+criminal to confirm.
+
+It is not necessary, my lords, on this occasion to observe, what all
+parties have long since acknowledged, when it did not promote their
+interest to deny it, that every speech from the throne is to be
+considered as the work of the minister, because it is generally written
+by him; or if composed by the king himself, must be drawn up in
+pursuance of the information and counsel of the ministry, to whom it is,
+therefore, ultimately to be referred, and may consequently be examined
+without any failure of respect to the person of the prince.
+
+This ought, however, to be observed, my lords, that it may appear more
+plainly how certainly this practice may be imputed to the artifices of
+ministers, since it does not promote the honour of the prince, and
+manifestly obstructs the interest of the people; since it is a practice
+irrational in itself, because it is inconsistent with the great purpose
+of this assembly, and can, therefore, serve no other purpose than that
+of procuring indemnity to the ministers, by placing them out of the
+reach of future animadversion.
+
+Let not, my lords, the uninterrupted continuance of this practice for
+some reigns be pleaded in its defence; for nothing is more worthy of the
+dignity of this house, than to prevent the multiplication of dangerous
+precedents. That a custom manifestly injurious to the publick has
+continued long, is the strongest reason for breaking it, because it
+acquires every year new authority and greater veneration: if when a
+nation is alarmed and distracted, a custom of twenty years is not to be
+infringed, it may in twenty years more be so firmly established, that
+many may think it necessary to be supported, even when those calamities
+are incontestably felt, which, perhaps, now are only feared.
+
+I shall, therefore, my lords, propose, that of the address moved for,
+all be left out but the first paragraph; it will then be more consistent
+with the honour of your lordships, with our regard for the people, and
+with our duty to the crown, and hope no lord will refuse his
+concurrence.
+
+Lord HARDWICKE rose next, and spoke to the following effect:--My lords,
+upon an attentive consideration of the address now proposed, I am not
+able to discover any objections which can justly hinder the unanimous
+concurrence of this assembly, since there is not any proposition
+contained in it either dangerous or uncertain.
+
+The noble lords who have opposed this motion with the most ardent
+vehemence, are very far from denying what is asserted in it; they
+readily grant that designs are concerted by many formidable powers
+against the house of Austria, and that the consequences of the ruin of
+that family must extend to the utmost parts of Europe, and endanger the
+liberties of Britain itself; that the power of France will then be
+without a rival, and that she may afterwards gratify her ambition
+without fear and without danger.
+
+Nor is it, my lords, less obvious in itself, or less generally allowed,
+that this is a time which demands the most active vigour, the most
+invariable unanimity, and the most diligent despatch; that nothing can
+interrupt the course of our common enemies but the wisest counsels, and
+the most resolute opposition; and that upon our conduct at this great
+conjuncture may probably depend the happiness and liberty of ourselves,
+our allies, and our posterity.
+
+All this, my lords, is allowed to be apparently and indisputably true; I
+am, therefore, at a loss to conceive what can be the occasion of the
+debate in which some of your lordships have engaged. As the causes of
+the calamities which are said to threaten us are not assigned in the
+address, we shall leave ourselves at full liberty to charge them upon
+those who shall appear from future inquiries to deserve so heavy an
+accusation.
+
+If the ministers of the court have, by any inconstancy in their
+measures, or folly in their negotiations, given an opportunity to the
+enemies of Europe to extend their influence, or endangered either our
+own interest, or that of our allies; if they have by oppression or
+negligence alienated from his majesty the affections of his people, or
+the confidence of his confederates, nothing that is contained in the
+address now before us can be produced by them in justification of their
+conduct, or secure them from accusation, censure, and punishment.
+
+If the war, my lords, has been hitherto carried on with clandestine
+stipulations, or treacherous compacts; if our admirals have received
+orders to retire from the coast of Spain, only to give our enemies an
+opportunity of invading the dominions of the queen of Hungary, or have,
+without directions, deserted their stations, and abandoned the
+protection of our commerce and our colonies; we shall, notwithstanding
+this address, retain in our hands the privilege of inquiring into their
+conduct, and the power, if it be found criminal, of inflicting such
+penalties as justice shall require.
+
+I know not, therefore, my lords, upon what motives the debate is
+continued, nor what objections they are which hinder our unanimity, at a
+time when all petty controversies ought to be forgot, and all nominal
+distinctions laid aside; at a time when general danger may justly claim
+general attention, and we ought to suspend the assertion of our
+particular opinions, and the prosecution of our separate interests, and
+regard only the opposition of France, the support of our allies, and the
+preservation of our country.
+
+The noble lords who have offered their sentiments on this occasion, have
+very diffusely expatiated on the miseries that impend over us, and have
+shown uncommon dexterity and acuteness in tracing them all to one
+source, the weakness or dishonesty of the British ministry.
+
+For my part, my lords, though, perhaps, I believe that many
+circumstances of the present distress are to be imputed to accidents
+which could not be foreseen, and that the conduct of the ministry,
+however sometimes disappointed of the effects intended by it, was yet
+prudent and sincere, I shall at present forbear to engage in their
+defence, because the discussion of a question so complicated must
+necessarily require much time, and because I think it not so useful to
+inquire how we were involved in our present difficulties, as by what
+means we may be extricated from them.
+
+The method by which weak states are made strong, and by which those that
+are already powerful, are enabled to exert their strength with efficacy,
+is the promotion of union, and the abolition of all suspicions by which
+the people may be incited to a distrust of their sovereign, or the
+sovereign provoked to a disregard of his people. With this view, my
+lords, all addresses ought to be drawn up, and this consideration will
+be sufficient to restrain us from any innovations at a time like this.
+
+If it should be granted, my lords, that the ancient method were better
+adapted to the general intention of addresses, more correspondent to the
+dignity of this house, and liable to fewer inconveniencies than that
+which later times have introduced, yet it will not follow that we can
+now safely change it.
+
+Nothing in the whole doctrine of politicks is better known, than that
+there are times when the redress of grievances, inveterate and
+customary, is not to be attempted; times when the utmost care is barely
+sufficient to avert extreme calamities, and prevent a total dissolution;
+and in which the consideration of lighter evils must not be suffered to
+interrupt more important counsels, or divert that attention which the
+preservation of the state necessarily demands.
+
+Such, my lords, is the present time, even by the confession of those who
+have opposed the motion, and of whom, therefore, it may be reasonably
+demanded, why they waste these important hours in debates upon forms and
+words?
+
+For that only forms and words have produced the debate, must be
+apparent, even to themselves, when the fervour of controversy shall have
+slackened; when that vehemence, with which the most moderate are
+sometimes transported, and that acrimony, which candour itself cannot
+always forbear, shall give way to reflection and to reason. That the
+danger is pressing, and that pressing dangers require expedition and
+unanimity, they willingly grant; and what more is asserted in the
+address?
+
+That any lord should be unwilling to concur in the customary expressions
+of thankfulness and duty to his majesty, or in acknowledgments of that
+regard for this assembly with which he asks our assistance and advice, I
+am unwilling to suspect; nor can I imagine that any part of the
+opposition to this proposal can be produced by unwillingness to comply
+with his majesty's demands, and to promise that advice and assistance,
+which it is our duty, both to our sovereign, our country, and ourselves,
+to offer.
+
+That those, my lords, who have expressed in terms so full of indignation
+their resentment of the imaginary neglect of the queen of Hungary's
+interest, have declared the house of Austria the only bulwark of Europe,
+and expressed their dread of the encroachments of France with emotions
+which nothing but real passion can produce, should be unwilling to
+assert their resolution of adhering to the Pragmatick sanction, and of
+defending the liberties of the empire, cannot be supposed.
+
+And yet, my lords, what other reasons of their conduct can be assigned
+either by the emperour, or the people, or the allies of Britain; those
+allies whose claim they so warmly assert, and whose merits they so
+loudly extol? Will it not be imagined in foreign courts, that the
+measures now recommended by the emperour, are thought not consistent
+with the interest of the nation? Will it not be readily believed, that
+we propose to abandon those designs of which we cannot be persuaded to
+declare our approbation?
+
+What will be the consequence of such an opinion artfully propagated by
+France, and confirmed by appearances so likely to deceive, may easily be
+foreseen, and safely predicted. The French will prosecute their schemes
+with fresh ardour, when they dread no longer any interruption from the
+only nation able to resist them; and it is well known, my lords, how
+often confidence, by exciting courage, produces success.
+
+Nor, indeed, can the success of their endeavours, thus animated and
+quickened, be easily doubted, since the same appearances that encourage
+them will intimidate their enemies. Our allies will then think no longer
+of union against the general enemy; they must imagine their united force
+insufficient, and the only emulation amongst them will quickly be, which
+shall first offer his liberty to sale, who shall first pay his court to
+the masters of the world, and merit mercy by a speedy submission.
+
+Thus, my lords, will the house of Austria, that house so faithful to
+Britain, and so steady in its opposition to the designs of the French
+ambition, be finally sunk in irrecoverable ruin, by those who appear to
+please themselves with declamations in its praise, and resolutions for
+its defence; and who never speak of the French without rage and
+detestation.
+
+If on this occasion, my lords, we should give any suspicion of unusual
+discontent, what could be concluded but that we are unwilling any longer
+to embarrass ourselves with remote considerations, to load this nation
+with taxes for the preservation of the rights of other sovereigns, and
+to hazard armies in the defence of the continent? What can our allies
+think, but that we are at present weary of the burdensome and expensive
+honour of holding the balance of power in our hands, are content to
+resign the unquiet province of the arbiters of Europe, and propose to
+confine our care henceforward to our immediate interest, and shut up
+ourselves in our own island?
+
+That this is the real design of any of those noble lords who have
+opposed the motion, I do not intend to insinuate; for I doubt not but
+they believe the general interest both of this nation and its allies,
+most likely to be promoted by the method of address which they
+recommend, since they declare that they do not think our state
+desperate, and confess the importance of the affairs on which we are
+required by his majesty to deliberate, to be such, that nothing ought to
+repress our endeavours but impossibility of success.
+
+Such is the knowledge and experience of those noble lords, that the
+hopes which I had formed of seeing the destructive attempts of the
+French once more defeated, and power restored again to that equipoise
+which is necessary to the continuance of tranquillity and happiness,
+have received new strength from their concurrence, and I shall now hear
+with less solicitude the threats of France.
+
+That the French, my lords, are not invincible, the noble duke who spoke
+last has often experienced; nor is there any reason for imagining that
+they are now more formidable than when we encountered them in the fields
+of Blenheim and Ramillies. Nothing is requisite but a firm union among
+those princes who are immediately in danger from their encroachments, to
+reduce them to withdraw their forces from the countries of their
+neighbours, and quit, for the defence of their own territories, their
+schemes of bestowing empires, and dividing dominions.
+
+That such an union is now cultivated, we have been informed by his
+majesty, whose endeavours will probably be successful, however they may
+at first be thwarted and obstructed; because the near approach of danger
+will rouse those whom avarice has stupified, or negligence intoxicated;
+thus truth and reason will become every day more powerful, and sophistry
+and artifice be in time certainly detected.
+
+When, therefore, my lords, we are engaged in consultations which may
+affect the liberties of a great part of mankind, and by which our
+posterity to many ages may be made happy or miserable; when the daily
+progress of the enemies of justice and of freedom ought to awaken us to
+vigilance and expedition, and there are yet just hopes that diligence
+and firmness may preserve us from ruin, let us not waste our time in
+unnecessary debates, and keep the nations of Europe in suspense by the
+discussion of a question, the decision of which may be delayed for
+years, without any manifest inconvenience. Let us not embarrass his
+majesty by an unusual form of address, at a time when he his negotiating
+alliances, and forming plans for the rescue of the empire.
+
+Nothing, my lords, is more remote from the real end of addresses, than a
+representation of them as made only to the minister; for if there be any
+commerce between a prince and his subjects, in which he is the immediate
+agent, if his personal dignity be interested in any act of government, I
+think it is not to be denied, that in receiving the addresses of the two
+houses, he assumes a peculiar and distinct character, which cannot be
+confounded with his council or ministry.
+
+The duke of ARGYLE rose again, and spoke to this effect:--My lords, if
+there was now any contest amongst us for superiority of regard to his
+majesty, of zeal for his honour, or reverence of his person, I should
+not doubt of proving that no lord in this house can boast of more
+ardour, fidelity, or respect than myself; and if the chief question now
+amongst us related to the terms in which he deserves to be addressed by
+us, I should be unwilling that any man should propose language more
+submissive and reverend, or more forcible and comprehensive than myself.
+
+But addresses, however they may for present purposes be represented as
+regarding the personal character of the king, are in reality nothing
+more than replies to a speech composed by the minister, whose measures,
+if we should appear to commend, our panegyrick may, in some future
+proceeding, be cited against us. Every address, therefore, ought to be
+considered as a publick record, and to be drawn up, to inform the
+nation, not to mislead our sovereign.
+
+The address now proposed, is, indeed, equally indefensible to whomsoever
+it may be supposed to relate. If it respects the people, it can only
+drive them to despair; if it be confined to the sovereign, our advice,
+not our panegyrick, is now required, and Europe is to be preserved from
+ruin, not by our eloquence, but our sincerity. Respect to his majesty,
+my lords, will be best shown by preserving his influence in other
+nations, and his authority in his own empire. This can only be done by
+showing him how the one has been impaired, and how the other may be in
+time endangered.
+
+By addresses like this which is now proposed, my lords, has his majesty
+been betrayed into an inadvertent appro bation of measures pernicious to
+the nation, and dishonourable to himself, and will now be kept ignorant
+of the despicable conduct of the war, the treacherous connivance at the
+descent of the Spaniards upon the dominions of the queen of Hungary, and
+the contempt with which every nation of the continent has heard of the
+neutrality lately concluded. By addresses like this, my lords, have the
+rights of the nation been silently given up, and the invaders of
+liberty, and violators of our laws, preserved from prosecution; by such
+addresses have our monarchs been ruined at one time, and our country
+enslaved at another.
+
+Lord HARRINGTON spoke next, in the following manner:--My lords, it is
+necessary to explain that treaty of neutrality which has been mentioned
+by some lords as an act to the last degree shameful, an act by which the
+nation has been dishonoured, and the general liberties of Europe have
+been betrayed; a representation so distant from the truth, that it can
+only be imputed to want of information.
+
+This treaty of neutrality, my lords, is so far from being reproachful to
+this nation, that it has no relation to it, being made by his majesty
+not in the character of emperour of Britain, but elector of Hanover, nor
+is any thing stipulated by it but security of the dominions of Hanover,
+from the invasion of the French for a single year.
+
+What part of this transaction, my lords, can be supposed to fall under
+the cognizance of this assembly? Or with what propriety can it be
+mentioned in our debates, or produce an argument on either side? That
+the dominions of Britain and Hanover are distinct, and independent on
+each other, has often been asserted, and asserted with truth; and I hope
+those who so studiously separate their interest on all other occasions,
+will not now unite them only to reflect maliciously on the conduct of
+his majesty.
+
+I do not, indeed, charge any lord with a design so malignant and unjust;
+having already asserted it as my opinion, that these reproaches were
+produced only by ignorance of the true state of the affair, but cannot
+with equal readiness allow that ignorance to be wholly blameless.
+
+It is necessary, my lords, in common life, to every man who would avoid
+contempt and ridicule, to refrain from speaking, at least from speaking
+with confidence, on subjects with which he has not made himself
+sufficiently acquainted. This caution, my lords, is more necessary when
+his discourse tends to the accusation or reproach of another, because he
+can then only escape contempt himself by bringing it, perhaps unjustly,
+on him whom he condemns. It is more necessary still, to him who speaks
+in the publick council of the nation, and who may, by false reflections,
+injure the publick interest; and is yet more indispensably required in
+him who assumes the province of examining the conduct of his sovereign.
+
+Lord ISLAY spoke in substance as follows:--'My lords, it appears that
+all those who have spoke on either side of the present question, however
+they may generally differ in their opinions, agree at least in one
+assertion, that the time which is spent in this debate might be far more
+usefully employed, and that we, in some degree, desert the great cause
+of liberty, by giving way to trifling altercations. This, indeed, is an
+argument of equal force for a concession on either side; but, as in
+affairs of such importance, no man ought to act in a manner contrary to
+the convictions of his own reason, it cannot be expected that we should
+be unanimous in our opinions, or that the dispute should be determined
+otherwise than by the vote.
+
+I have, indeed, heard no arguments against the motion, which require
+long consideration; for little of what has been urged, has, in my
+opinion, been very nearly connected with the question before us, which
+is not whether the ministers have pursued or neglected the interest of
+the nation, whether the laws have been violated or observed, the war
+timorously or magnanimously conducted, or our negotiations managed with
+dexterity or weakness, but whether we shall offer to his majesty the
+address proposed.
+
+In this address, my lords, it has never yet been proved that any
+assertions are contained either false or uncertain in themselves, or
+contrary to the dignity of this assembly; that any act of cowardice or
+treachery, any crime, or any errour, will be secured by it from
+detection and from punishment.
+
+That this, my lords, may appear more plainly, I move that the motion may
+be read; nor do I doubt but that the question will, by a closer
+examination, be speedily decided.
+
+[The motion being again read, in order to put the question.]
+
+Lord BATHURST spoke to the effect following:--My lords, I know not why
+the noble lord should expect, that by reading the motion, a more speedy
+determination of the question would be produced; for if the repeated
+consideration of it operates upon the minds of the lords that have
+opposed it, in the same manner as upon mine, it will only confirm their
+opinion, and strengthen their resolution.
+
+We are required, my lords, to join in an address of thanks to his
+majesty for his endeavours to _maintain_ the balance of power; in an
+address, that implies a falsehood open and indisputable, and which will,
+therefore, only make us contemptible to our fellow-subjects, our allies,
+and our enemies.
+
+What is meant, my lords, by the balance of power, but such a
+distribution of dominion, as may keep the sovereign powers in mutual
+dread of each other, and, by consequence, preserve peace; such an
+equality of strength between one prince, or one confederacy and another,
+that the hazard of war shall be nearly equal on each side? But which of
+your lordships will affirm, that this is now the state of Europe?
+
+It is evident, my lords, that the French are far from imagining that
+there is now any power which can be put in the balance against their
+own, and therefore distribute kingdoms by caprice, and exalt emperours
+upon their own terms.
+
+It is evident, that the continuance of the balance of power is not now
+to be perceived by its natural consequences, tranquillity and liberty;
+the whole continent is now in confusion, laid waste by the ravages of
+armies, subject to one sovereign to-day, and to-morrow to another: there
+is scarcely any place where the calamities of war are not felt or
+expected, and where property, by consequence, is not uncertain, and life
+itself in continual danger.
+
+One happy corner of the world, indeed, is to be found, my lords, secured
+from rapine and massacre, for one year at least, by a well-timed
+neutrality, of which, on what terms it was obtained, I would gladly
+hear, and whether it was purchased at the expense of the honour of
+Britain, though the advantages of it are confined to Hanover.
+
+But as I am not of opinion, my lords, that the balance of power is
+preserved by the security of Hanover; or that those territories, however
+important, will be able to furnish forces equivalent to the power of
+France, I cannot agree to promise, in an address of this house, to
+assist his majesty in _maintaining_ the balance of power, though I shall
+cheerfully give my concurrence in every just and vigorous effort to
+_restore_ it.
+
+But, as it may be urged, that any direct expressions of discontent may
+be too wide a deviation from the common forms, which for a long time
+have admitted nothing but submission and adulation, I shall only venture
+to propose that we may, at least, contract our address, that if we do
+not in plain language declare all our sentiments, we may, however,
+affirm nothing that we do not think; and I am confident, that all the
+praises which can be justly bestowed on the late measures, may be
+comprised in a very few words.
+
+It has been insinuated, that this change of our style may, perhaps,
+surprise his majesty, and raise in him some suspicions of discontent and
+disapprobation; that it may incline him to believe his measures, either
+not understood by us, or not applauded, and divert him from his present
+schemes, by the necessity of an inquiry into the reasons of our dislike.
+
+And for what other purpose, my lords, should such a change of our style
+be proposed? Why should we deny on this occasion the encomiastick
+language which has been of late so profusely bestowed, but to show that
+we think this time too dangerous for flattery, and the measures now
+pursued, such as none but the most abject flatterers can commend?
+
+I should hope, that if it be asked by his majesty to what cause it is to
+be imputed, that the address of this house is so much contracted, there
+would be found some amongst us honest enough to answer, that all which
+can be said with truth is contained in it, and that flattery and
+falsehood were not consistent with the dignity of the lords of Britain.
+
+I hope, my lords, some one amongst us would explain to his majesty the
+decency as well as the integrity of our conduct, and inform him that we
+have hinted our discontent in the most respectful manner; and where
+there was sufficient room for the loudest censure, have satisfied
+ourselves with modest silence, with a mere negation of applause.
+
+Should we, my lords, in opposition to the complaints of our countrymen,
+to the representations of our allies, and all the conviction which our
+reason can admit, or our senses produce, continue to act this farce of
+approbation, what can his majesty conceive, but that those measures
+which we applaud, ought to be prosecuted as the most effectual and safe?
+And what consequence but total ruin can arise from the prosecution of
+measures, by which we are already reduced to penury and contempt?
+
+Lord CHOLMONDELEY spoke next to the following purpose:--My lords, it is
+never without grief and wonder that I hear any suspicion insinuated of
+injustice or impropriety in his majesty's measures, of whose wisdom and
+goodness I have so much knowledge, as to affirm, with the utmost
+confidence, that he is better acquainted than any lord in this assembly
+with the present state of Europe; so that he is more able to judge by
+what methods tranquillity may be reestablished; and that he pursues the
+best methods with the utmost purity of intention, and the most incessant
+diligence and application.
+
+That the justest intentions may be sometimes defeated, and the wisest
+endeavours fail of success, I shall readily grant; but it will not
+follow, that we ought not to acknowledge that wisdom and integrity which
+is exerted in the prosecution of our interest, or that we ought not to
+be grateful for the benefits which were sincerely intended, though not
+actually received.
+
+The wisdom of his majesty's counsels, my lords, is not sufficiently
+admired, because the difficulties which he has to encounter are not
+known, or not observed. Upon his majesty, my lords, lies the task of
+teaching the powers of the continent to prefer their real to their
+seeming interest, and to disregard, for the sake of distant happiness,
+immediate acquisitions and certain advantages. His majesty is
+endeavouring to unite in the support of the Pragmatick sanction those
+powers whose dominions will be enlarged by the violation of it, and whom
+France bribes to her interest with the spoils of Austria; and who can
+wonder that success is not easy in attempts like this?
+
+In such measures we ought, doubtless, to endeavour to animate his
+majesty, by an address, at least not less expressive of duty and respect
+than those which he has been accustomed to receive; and, therefore, I
+shall concur with the noble lords who made and supported the motion.
+
+[The question, on a division, passed in the affirmative, Content, 89.
+Not Content, 43.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Works of Samuel Johnson, Vol. 10.
+by Samuel Johnson
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